Let Me Chew My Coca Leaves

Bolivian president Evo Morales Ayma defends traditional use of the coca plant -- a custom present "since at least 3000 B.C." He notes that the UN simply ignores biochemistry, reminding us of what alkaloids are, such as caffeine and nicotine. The UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs has labeled the coca leaf as a narcotic, not just the cocaine extract. Coca leaves are a strong part of indigenous culture in South America and Morales see the UN's actions as an attack on indigenous culture. He also notes that Quinine, another alkaloid, was discovered by the Quechua Indians of Peru -- the first know treatment for malaria.