Coca leafs

ColombianoX says on Jun 9, 2004, 11:24:

Just say no to drugs!

ColombianoX 'Defensor de la Colombianidad'

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vicshere says on Jun 9, 2004, 11:58:

unbelievable bringing coca leave back into the US.
if they don't arrest your a$$ they should
these kind of questions is what gives Colombia a bad name
same as last poster "just say no to drugs"

listo

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CuriosJoe says on Jun 9, 2004, 13:03:

but leafs? Never tried coke and never intend to. But heard the leafs are popular to chew and give a sort of mild high... and that they are popular in Colombia. Can anyone comment on this - is this true?

For those who think marijuana is a drug and will never travel to Holland due to moral issues, I respect that you have a point of view (but I am not interested in hearing it).

Thank you.

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Mr. Hollywood says on Jun 9, 2004, 14:09:

Don't jump all over the poor guy Coca leaves are legal in most of S. America and are a very mild stimulant along the lines of a cup of green tea (not even like coffee). Comparing coca leaves to cocaine is like comparing poppy seeds to heroin. They sell coca tea in the grocery stores in Colombia. I don't know if you can buy leaves whole but they're everywhere in Equador and Peru.

Don't try to bring them back to the states because the DEA doesn't make a distinction either.

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bjorn says on Jun 9, 2004, 14:30:

One coca tree per household That is what I was told is legal in Colombia when I were there last year, every household can grow one coca tree.

And coca tea is sold everywhere

Bjorn

Bjorn

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Lomax says on Jun 9, 2004, 15:02:

The Fruit Palace If I remember correctly, importing coca leaves was also discussed in 'The Fruit Palace', written by Nicholl but unfortunately out of print. Great stuff to read and in the meantime very informative as we see at this stage: do not try to import coca leaves.

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locolombia says on Jun 11, 2004, 07:57:

I have had Coca leaf tea on several airline flights throughout Peru and Colombia. I have bought it several times at the "Vivero" and it is used just like Lipton tea bags.

Keep in mind that taking home Coca Leaves in any form is considered the same as cocaine to some of the more anal Customs people. Don't try it .....don't try it......probably just a slap on the wrist but you never know.

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CuriosJoe says on Jun 11, 2004, 11:09:

what about pot? Thanks to everyone who replied. I agree that drugs are evil in any shape or form except for pot. And I wouldn't bring anything like drugs or even leaves back to US especially returning from Colombia.

On related subject, is pot smoking popular in Cartagena? Is legal to buy for personal use, where?

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asmith says on Jun 12, 2004, 17:08:

I have had---- Dear Locolombia: Just a slap? How about 10-20 thousand dollars for legal representation. A criminal attorney would love to represent you, mabey he could squeeze a bit more out of your family and friends. Like you stated. DO NOT TRY IT.

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asmith says on Jun 12, 2004, 17:57:

but leafs? Dear Curiosjoe:Most drugs are abused, every drug has its benefits and pitfalls,especially prescription drugs, example,antidepressive drugs are over prescribed and the pitfalls are skimmed over by the doctors dismissing the downside. Fact:Without taking a sample of spinal fluid before the patient was diagnosed with depression and then after there is no real way of knowing. But, these drugs represent obscene profits for the drug companies.Please be advised that synthetic marijuana is a cruel hoax compaired to natural high quality marijuana however, the U.S. Government will refuse to acknowledge the real benefits of marijuana due to the financial attraction of alcohol distillers.This has become a matter of States Rights vs Federal Law.

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ColombianGringo says on Jun 13, 2004, 21:33:

My Latest trip last week I got the full search at Customs in Houston.After 11 trips and never searched I suppose I was due.They took all my cuban cigars away but let me keep my coca tea. It was packaged from the store and unopened. They didn't search my person and find all the emeralds in my pocket :) I will get some cuban cigars through next trip. The tea though, hardly worth the luggage space. Even though coca leaves are readily available I wouldn't risk bringing back coca leaf.
Patrick
Colombia, Mi otro pais que amo

Feel free to write me with questions to kd7hsm@yahoo.com

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ColombianGringo says on Jun 13, 2004, 21:41:

Side Comment A quick answer to your question on pot in Cartagena or any city. Not that I have done any lol just ask the hippies selling necklaces..etc..they will hook you up. as far as Cocaine goes I have never met,seen anyone doing any or know anyone there that does it. Kinda strange how many people I know there and thats a fact.
Patrick
Colombia, Mi otro pais que amo

Feel free to write me with questions to kd7hsm@yahoo.com

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Gringopaisa says on Jun 14, 2004, 22:36:

Cocaine: an Unauthorized Biography Drink Coca Cola? Well, guess what? Even to this day part of its "secret" formula are "trujillo" Coca leaves, known for their strong taste. Of course the cocaine is elimanted but it speaks a lot of the long and critical history of the coca leave in South America and the world. I am reading the book "Cocaine: an Unauthorized Biography" and would recommend it highly to anyone interested in this fascinating plant. It holds almost Godly status amongst South American Indians, and for good reason. Not only does the very minute percentage of cocaine in a leave provide energy for arduous labor, it has been determined to be a supreme source of nutrition. Sadly, the coca leaf is viewed as evil, even though it has been a part of South American Indian culture for many thousands of years. This book delves deeply into the subject, as well as the role the leaf played in enslaving indians who worked the silver mines for the Spanish crown. It also provides a clear history of cocaine's role in laying the foundations for some of today's mega-corporations like Japan's Mitsubishi, Germany's Merck and of course Coca Cola amongst others. One forgets today that the forebearers of the existing cocaine black market were such nations as Japan, England, the Netherlands and the U.S. At over 500 pages "Cocaine: an Unauthorized Biography" dispells of many myths about coca and reveals the role this magical plant has played in international finance and nation-building. Compelling.

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santiago says on Jun 15, 2004, 09:26:

Coca in Valledupar, Colombia I may not properly describe the native Indians correctly and do not mean any disrespect in this short comment. When I visited Valledupar I asked and was told by residents of Valledupar that the small container and grinder around the necks of the Indians was for grinding coco leafs to maintain energy during their long walks ect.
I could have purchased the bowl and grinder at several stands from the Indians. At that time (1999)they said it was only legal for the Indians.
Anyone know the Spanish word for the container and grinder?
santiago

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ShazCas says on Jun 15, 2004, 13:59:

Poporo I know that the container is traditionally called the poporo, but I don't know what the grinder is called. If you go to the Gold Musuem you see lots of gold poporos, they seem to have been quite a sacred thing.

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ShazCas says on Jun 16, 2004, 12:36:

Poporo My husband says the whole thing is called a poporo. You use the stick to mix into the coca leaves, which is lime.

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