The International Narcotics Control Board released an annual report on Wednesday that reminded the two governments that use and possession of coca leaves, the main ingredient in cocaine, were limited to medical and scientific purposes.
The two countries should "abolish or prohibit activities... such as coca leaf chewing and the manufacture of coca tea", the report said.
People in the Andes use coca leaves to alleviate hunger and tiredness, for medicinal purposes and in religious rituals.
I understand both sides, but having gone to Peru and having drank coca tea to alleviate elevation sickness, I think the Peruvians do have a legitimate cultural reason for their position. Caryl even bought coca tea to take home (remember? At that crazy grocery store where the women were serving samples of vodka and tang? I was so excited about the tang! It was incredible to find new flavors!)
No comments:
Post a Comment