Colombia’s current peace process is facing numerous challenges. In a country that has suffered the worst impacts of the international drug war, one main dilemma is this: what to do with rural regions which have specialised in producing coca leaf, the main ingredient in one of the world’s most lucrative products?
Move over Coca-Cola: here comes Bolivia.
The Andean nation’s indigenous people have long resented the U.S. beverage company for usurping the name of their sacred coca leaf. Now, they are aiming to take back their heritage. Recently, the government of Evo Morales announced that it would support a plan to produce a coca-based soft drink which would rival its fizzy American counterpart.
History has been unjust to the
coca leaf, denying it distribution on a global scale despite
its proven value as an energy
enhancer, and limiting its potential for widespread use as a healthy alternative to all sorts of chemical stimulants
currently available on the world market.
Coca Sek is a Columbian energy drink made from coca leaves and is experiencing significant growth.
Acreage under coca cultivation set to surpass levels before a U.S.-sponsored eradication program began.
Why is Bolivia so concerned with the coca leaf? Because it is an important symbol of the history and identity of the indigenous cultures of the Andes.
Increased value and acceptance of the coca leaf as a tea could reduce producers' involvement with the drug trade and help bring producing countries such as Bolivia out of the Slump.
The coca leaf’s documented ancient uses and those discovered by modern science span a large area of health conditions.
Yes, the coca leaf is a raw ingredient necessary to make cocaine but the two are about as related as a piece of plywood and a house.
When most people hear the word ‘coca’, they associate it with the dangerous street drug, cocaine. In reality, this multipurpose medicinal plant was used by indigenous South Americans for thousands of years before the idea of extracting it into an illegal drug was even conceived. When chewed or consumed in tea, the coca leaf provides an impressive number of tangible health benefits.
The world's most famous seed.