A Local Drink Too Dangerous For Export
A Bolivian beer and liquor made from coca is growing in popularity within the country, but other markets remain hesitant. Bolivia’s efforts to convince the world that coca leaves are beneficial isn’t an easy task. While coca leaves are a traditional part of Bolivian culture, often used in religious ceremonies, and are chewed like people have a cup of coffee. Jessica Reyes, Patricia Wu, and Dr. Dan Bober break down the story.
Struggles for the International Market
The Bolivian government hopes to export coca products worldwide while the United Nations is studying the coca leaf to see if it can be removed from the drug blacklist. The United States and much of the international community continue to oppose coca legalization for the global market due to its association with illicit drugs.
