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Bolivia is has the third largest exports of coca to the world, and is beginning to gain a little heat on the issue. Who would have an issue with simple coca leave? I sure don't have a problem with them, but the rest of the world does, and Bolivia is resisting the global pressure to get rid of coca crops.
But what is the big fuss and why ask for the growing of these plants? It all has to do with the never ending international war on drugs. Because of the close proximity to the Amazon, Bolivia is a perfect place to make and smuggle cocaine. For the Bolivian people and non-drug users, coca is used to quench hunger and give strength for work throughout the day. To drug users unfortunately, the coca leaf is high in alkaliods that is used in the production of crack cocaine. This issue has become global because of the devastating effects cocaine has had throughout the world. This issue affects even me here in the United States where the war on drugs is just as evident as in Bolivia.
But what is the big fuss and why ask for the growing of these plants? It all has to do with the never ending international war on drugs. Because of the close proximity to the Amazon, Bolivia is a perfect place to make and smuggle cocaine. For the Bolivian people and non-drug users, coca is used to quench hunger and give strength for work throughout the day. To drug users unfortunately, the coca leaf is high in alkaliods that is used in the production of crack cocaine. This issue has become global because of the devastating effects cocaine has had throughout the world. This issue affects even me here in the United States where the war on drugs is just as evident as in Bolivia.
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Evo Morales, the Bolivian President, has long been a strong defender of the cocoa crop against the world plea for a "no cocoa" policy that would destroy the plant indefinitely. He himself grew up in a home where they grew and enjoyed cocoa plants. Since he was raised to office, Morales has led a campaign to fight against the incorrect uses of cocoa and has gained Bolivia many rights in the sector. He was able to allow for the chewing of cocoa leaves to be legal in the land belonging to Bolivia and for the growing of cocoa to be done in specific, monitored locations within the country to avoid using up farmland.
I believe that Bolivia has the right to produce natural goods such as cocoa. Cocoa is one of the most profitable crops and the people have the right to grow and trade their goods. Cocoa may be used for the production of illegal cocaine, but to some living in Bolivia it is necessary for survival.
I believe that Bolivia has the right to produce natural goods such as cocoa. Cocoa is one of the most profitable crops and the people have the right to grow and trade their goods. Cocoa may be used for the production of illegal cocaine, but to some living in Bolivia it is necessary for survival.