I guess I don’t see the problem if Morales is legally farming the stuff. As has been pointed out its used for more than cocaine after all…its the key ingrediant in several (legal) drug derivatives IIRC as well as used in such things as Coca Cola. Whats the issue? (unless he’s an illegal farmer of the stuff…then I suppose that could be a problem).
-XT
Update: According to exit polls, Morales is leading Quiroga by an even wider margin than expected. http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=1419000
The timing could be significant. The US’ foreign policy is coming under increasing criticism, the world is settling into a new (terrorism-wary) reality and there is an increasingly strong anti-US movement in South America – maybe if a united south stands up for itself (Argentina & Brazil are fairly bolshy at the moment, too), the US and the world’s governing bodies the US holds sway over may have to start acting in a civil, respectful way towards everyone else again. It could be very good … or …
But, according to some, Brazil might actually serve as a moderating influence on Bolivia. (See post #5 above.)
Well, I read that as having a moderating effect on Morales’ desire not to sell to foreigners rather than having any effect on relations with the US.
The point was that Lula, although nominally a socialist, has clung to free-market policies, and might encourage Morales to do the same.
Update: Morales got 50%+ of the vote total (unexpected, in a multi-candidate race) and his opponents have conceded the election. http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=1419749
I’ve read that it’s used in teas, too. I’d be interested to know if the drug is nearly as addictive and dangerous when used in such a low-grade form? Perhaps one of our resident doctors or pharmacologists will step in. For Bolivians it seems to be a folk tradition which their government seems in no hurry to stamp out, nor do I think they should.
I would think not; according to this site, it take 150 lbs of coca leaf to make 1 pound of cocaine powder. I would be surprised if chewing a small amount of coca was much more stimulating than a cup or two or coffee.
I have three coca leaves at home that I brought back with me from my trip to south america. It isn’t enough cocaine to get a gnat buzzed.
What do they smell/taste like? IYO, could they be used as a flavoring or spice or something? (As noted above, if Coca-Cola is made using “spent” coca leaves, then they must be using them for flavor, or what’s the point?)
Yes, Coca-Cola uses them mainly for flavor. I’m told that the leaves have a slightly astringent and rather pungent flavor, and some of the alkaloids in there act as an enhancer of other flavors.
And in some other foodstuff too (can’t remember which, I’d have to ask a friend). To my surprise these are sold in France, apparently legally. The peruvian shop where I buy my Pisco sell these teas, for instance. The friend I was refering told me it doesn’t give any high, and that she just like the taste. Though I’m curious, I’ve been reluctant to try them, so I couldn’t tell.
I’ll have to re-read my trip diary to see what I said about the taste. But, what would you say is the taste of bay leaves?
[ralph wiggum]
Bay leaves taste like bay.
[/rw]
Aren’t coca leaves used to alleviate altitude sickness?
Update: Morales has publicly repeated his campaign promise to nationalize Bolivia’s oil and gas; he says he will void at least some contracts held by foreign companies, but will not confiscate refineries or infrastructure owned by them. http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/1310AP_Bolivia_Oil_Companies.html
BrainGlutton, I expect that you would enjoy reading Wade Davis’ “One River” http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0684834960/ref=sib_rdr_dp/002-4921082-7314414?_encoding=UTF8&me=ATVPDKIKX0DER&no=283155&st=books&n=283155 , which is an ethno-botanist’s look at the relationship between traditional cultures in parts of South America and coca and rubber.
Coca and rubber always go together well! 