Bolivia Seeks End to International Ban on Coca Leaf Chewing; Promotes New Coca-Based Soft Drink

Bolivia may seek an international conference on coca leaf chewing because the United States, Britain and Sweden continue to support a ban on the practice.

This is part of a new effort by Bolivian President Evo Morales to gain international legitimacy for coca-leaf chewing. The practice is a Bolivian passion.Bolivia proposed an amendment to the United Nations' 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drug that banned coca. The amendment was to remove a ban on coca leaf chewing. Initially, six nations opposed removing the ban, but three withdrew their opposition.

Maria Larsson, Sweden's Minister for Children and the Elderly, said that the Bolivian proposal "poses a serious risk of becoming a political precedent that contravenes the international regulations for the fight against drugs."

Once again, modern mores met ancient traditions head on.

Chewing coca leaves is supposed to be a mild stimulant, somewhat like Khat leaves are to Yemen. The chewing of both leaves has met opposition from other, mainly Western, countries. Fortunately, Western countries have not yet intervened to stop the use of another mild stimulant - a beer at the pub.

Much of the opposition to the coca leaf stems from the fact that it can be manufactured into cocaine. Bolivia wants the world to separate the coca leaf from the far more potent cocaine.

The coca leaf has religious and cultural significance to Bolivians, but they are not asking that coca be removed from the list of banned substances. Bolivia maintains that it will continue to crack down on illegal cocaine manufacturing.

"Coca leaf chewing is a tradition and cultural practice that should be respected," Pablo Solón, Bolivia's U.N. ambassador said.

Again, this points to the failed drug war, not just in the U.S. but internationally, that costs billions upon billions of dollars and leads to violence and social disruptions as in Mexico.

Instead of focusing on property crimes and violence, the world seems bent on using its resources to prevent people from getting high, even a little high as in coca leaf chewing.

As with marijuana, the coca leaf's medicinal properties are cast aside because it makes people feel good. For example, coca leaves have been used to suppress hunger, aid in gastrointestinal distress and combat fatigue.

Bolivia's action is such a small step that it is stunning that Sweden, Britain and the U.S. think that it is a threat to the entire war on drugs.

Whatever happens, Bolivia is not backing down. Just last month, the government promoted the creation of a private company's "Coca Brynco." It is a coca-based soft drink. Probably along the line of a mild intoxicant like a beer, it does have a less than appetizing green color to it.

For more on foolishness in government, see Foolocracy.com.