Colombia has officially called on the United Nations to de-list the coca leaf from its list of harmful substances. Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who is also a critic of the US war on drugs, is in support of this as part of his government's realignment towards new drug policies.
Coca Leaf's Traditional and Practical Uses
The coca leaf, commonly referred to as the raw material for cocaine, is used traditionally in a number of South American nations such as Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. Locals chew the leaf as a stimulant or make tea out of it to cure altitude sickness.
Colombia's Appeal to the UN
On Monday, Colombian Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia spoke at the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna. Sarabia maintained that the coca leaf itself is not harmful to human health. She urged that it be dropped from the 1961 UN list of dangerous narcotics, where it is today listed alongside drugs like cocaine and heroin.
Sarabia stressed that recategorizing the coca leaf would make it available for industrial purposes, such as fertilizers and drinks.
The Struggle for Legalization and Economic Effects
Sarabia argued that legalization of the coca leaf might minimize criminal use of the crop. She claimed that illegal drug traffickers presently have a monopoly on coca farming, which compels rural people to produce the crop on their behalf. The practice has also led to forest destruction in areas where coca is grown.
Billions of dollars invested in worldwide drug enforcement by Sarabia have not stemmed the use of cocaine, as well as production and distribution, of cocaine. She indicated that the number of people using cocaine recreationally increased by more than 50 million over the last decade.
Cocaine Production Trends in Colombia
Colombia is the world's biggest producer of cocaine, with cartels and armed groups dominating much of its production. The nation saw a large rise in coca leaf cultivation and cocaine production in 2023. Production levels jumped by 53% — from 1,738 tonnes (1,915 US tons) to 2,600 tonnes — according to the UN.
Colombia's Evolving Drug Policy
Since assuming office in August 2022, President Petro has adopted a new strategy against drug trafficking. His government has moved away from punitive action towards prevention programs for would-be drug users and encouraging alternative livelihoods for coca growers.
In a controversial comment last month, Petro likened cocaine to whisky, saying that its criminalization is politically motivated. "If you want peace, you must break the business [of drug trafficking]," Petro said at a government meeting. "It would easily be broken if they legalise cocaine in the world. It would be sold like wine."
Law Enforcement Efforts Under Petro's Government
In spite of the rhetorical change, Colombian officials have continued robust enforcement measures against illicit drug operations. Sarabia said that since August 2022 until January 2024, authorities have confiscated more than 1,900 tonnes of cocaine and raided 454 clandestine labs.
Sarabia explained that supporting a humanitarian strategy does not equate to tolerating or accepting drug trafficking. Rather, the approach is designed to diminish violence and secure vulnerable groups.
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