Legalization of Coca

**stratesx** · November 04, 2005, 03:49 AM

I am really convinced that with this would really help out many countries in Latin America. Please do not confuse coca with cocaine. The legalization of coca may become a reality really soon.

"LA PAZ, Bolivia - Presidential candidate and Indian leader Evo Morales said that if he is elected president, he will reject the U.S. government's policy on eradicating much of the country's coca leaf crop, which is the primary ingredient of cocaine. Morales also pledged to launch an international campaign to legalize the coca leaf.

During a campaign stop in the city of Sucre on Tuesday night, Morales said that U.S. government policies have the sole objective of ''eliminating coca'' and ''tormenting the cocaleros,'' the people who grow coca.

The U.S. Embassy in Bolivia would not immediately comment on Morales' position.

Bolivians, who have grown the coca leaf for thousands of years, drink it as tea, chew the leaf to stave off hunger while working and use it in Indian religious ceremonies. Morales rose to power 10 years ago as the leader of the cocaleros of the Chapare region, where the government has focused its eradication efforts.

U.S. and Bolivian government officials say the coca that is produced above the legal limit of 29,600 acres is destined for cocaine production, while Morales and his supporters argue that the government is underestimating the demand for legal domestic consumption. Along with the legalization of the coca leaf, Morales said he also wants to industrialize the coca leaf so it can be made into food and medicinal products.

The Bolivian government has proposed to fund an independent study on the amount of legal domestic coca consumption, but Morales rejected the idea Tuesday, saying that it will be used only to help the U.S. government, which ``wants to put an end to coca.''

Morales is one of three front-runners in the presidential election, which is set for Dec. 4. The early election was called by President Eduardo Rodríguez, who is serving as a caretaker president after the resignation of President Carlos Mesa in June."

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald...printstory.jsp

**MadBurgerMaker** · November 04, 2005, 03:51 AM

Moved to the mudpit.

**TheKwas** · November 04, 2005, 05:01 PM

Word. I support the legalization of Coca-tea (and other soft coca products) if just to help the situation in Columbia and other Coca growing countries.

**Erik** · November 04, 2005, 05:48 PM

If coca is legal, wouldn't it be too easy to convert legal coca into illegal cocaine?

**leeho730** · November 04, 2005, 10:06 PM

Legal coca is cheaper than illegal coca, and eliminates the need of black market.

Cocaine is actually used in medical field, primarily for anaesthesia of nose for surgeries, and heroine as well (I do have access to both of them.... but I don't bother) and they're not illegal, but CONTROLLED.

What I think people should do is to legalize the cocaine for broader medical purpose, ie. to treat withdrawal symptoms.

**Francisco Montana** · November 04, 2005, 10:14 PM

Originally Posted by leeho730

Legal coca is cheaper than illegal coca, and eliminates the need of black market.

Cocaine is actually used in medical field, primarily for anaesthesia of nose for surgeries, and heroine as well (I do have access to both of them.... but I don't bother) and they're not illegal, but CONTROLLED.

What I think people should do is to legalize the cocaine for broader medical purpose, ie. to treat withdrawal symptoms.

They gave me some sort of medical cocain right before I had surgery on my arm (bone graff and steal-plate implant). USB cocainsomethingsomething. The nurse showed me the veil as I was curious what they were putting in me, for obvious reasons.

I haven't commented on this because I just don't know enough about it. I'm willing to come to the table to talk about the legalization of pot, but cocaine and crack cocain can and will destroy your life in a heartbeat (punn intended!!!) and scares me to death. (I'm not brainwashed by neocons, I've seen it's horror 1st hand)

**~~Ummon~~** · November 05, 2005, 01:15 AM

Cocaine-derivates can be used for pharmacological purposes as a local analgesic/anesthetic.

I would suggest that you consider it thrice before supporting legalization of cocaine for other uses. Cacaine is slowly but seriously damaging. The use of drugs is, infact, always damaging, even cannabis, can cause impotence (erectile disfunction) in the long term.

**Francisco Montana** · November 05, 2005, 01:22 AM

EDIT: Ooops

I misread a post and responded accordingly.

Poof. Gone.. As you were. :original:

**~~Ummon~~** · November 05, 2005, 01:23 AM

Originally Posted by Lord Alameda

EDIT: Ooops

I misread a post and responded accordingly.

Poof. Gone.. As you were. :original:

No problem. :wink:

**the_mango55** · November 05, 2005, 02:00 AM

Oh yeah, they should legalize coca growth so they can grow way more legal coca plants in colombia...

While we are at it, we should give the Afghans expensive irrigation systems, Imagine how much better off the country could be if they could grow more opium poppies over there. who cares how devestating heroin is.... It has medical uses!!

**Francisco Montana** · November 05, 2005, 02:03 AM

Originally Posted by the_mango55

Oh yeah, they should legalize coca growth so they can grow way more legal coca plants in colombia...

While we are at it, we should give the Afghans expensive irrigation systems, Imagine how much better off the country could be if they could grow more opium poppies over there. who cares how devestating heroin is.... It has medical uses!!

I would tend to agree with both your point and your sense of sarcasim.

**leeho730** · November 05, 2005, 05:13 AM

What we need is a PROPER education regarding cocaine and other drugs, like tobacco.

Cocaine and other drugs is a 'poor choice' for recreation purpose (I would rather go to gym then take some heroin ampules or Speed in the cupboard), but what's actually the problem is the presence of black market. What we need to get rid of first is a "cool" factor or lucrativeness.

**Anakarsis** · December 20, 2009, 11:22 AM

Coca leaf is completely legal in my country, Argentina. I have had it a lot of times as tea, is a quietly energyzers, much like cofee but no so irritant. Legalizing it would help to cut out the prime material of cocaine manufacturers. to give the producers an alternative market. Coca itself is harmless, i asure you.