Mar 13 2009
It’s Also Just a Plant
Bolivian President Evo Morales has called to end the criminalization of the coca leaf. Coca is one of the main components for the manufacturing of cocaine, and is primarily the reason why the United States continues the massive eradication program of the crop as part of the war on drugs. However, in Bolivia, and other Latin American countries, the coca leaf is revered by millions of farmers as a plant that suppresses hunger, thirst, pain and fatigue.
The leaf’s medical properties should not be ignored, while other industries, such as cosmetics and food, can potentially profit by utilizing this diversified plant. Many in the region who grow this vital plant are probably not even familiar with cocaine, yet the eradication continues. Turns out that the indigenous farmer chewing on a leaf has ambitions to become the next Tony Montana.
