Coca is not Cocaine
2005-2008 #photography #audio #exhibition #press
Bolivia is the third world producer of coca ( Erythroxylum coca), an original plant from the Amazonic Andes. This plant, which has been considered sacred by the aboriginal people long time before the Spaniards arrived in America, has stimulant, anaesthetic and healing properties. It also disminish hunger, thirst and fatigue.
Among different chemical elements that can be found in a coca leaf, alkaloids are the most controversial, since they serve as a raw material to produce drugs like cocaine or crack.
CRACK ADDICTS
Cocaine is an addictive stimulant which increases dopamine, a neurotransmitter of some parts of the brain. The pure chemical substance, the cocaine clorhidrate, has been used since more than a hundred years in Western countries. The cocaine base paste is the mixture that hasn’t been yet neutralized by an acid to produce the salt. It is cheaper than cocaine clorhidrate, more addictive and causes fast and irreversible damage to consumers. It is the most popular way of consumption among middle to low and lower classes. Cocaine base is usually smoked and produces to the consumer mixed feelings of euphoria, panic and insomnia. Often, the addict has paranoid thoughts that result in panic attacks.
TRADITIONAL CHEWING
("ACULLICO" IN QUECHUA)
Bolivia is the third world producer of coca ( Erythroxylum coca), an original plant from the Amazonic Andes. This plant, which has been considered sacred by the aboriginal people long time before the Spaniards arrived in America, has stimulant, anaesthetic and healing properties. It also disminish hunger, thirst and fatigue.
The government of Evo Morales is launching an campaign to change the international view of this plant. Bolivia is trying to remove the coca from a category that considers this plant a drug like cocaine or heroin since the international convention, approved by the UNO, that took place in 1961.
