Bolivia’s Coca Leaf Tradition Masks a Dangerous Overreach of Drug Normalization

In Bolivia’s lush Yungas region, coca leaves are more than just a crop—they are woven into the very fabric of local identity, faith, and survival. Farmers like Tomas Zavala invoke ancient rituals before each harvest, honoring “Mother Earth” and safeguarding their livelihood. This deep cultural reverence, however, stands at odds with the stark reality that coca is also the raw material fueling a global narcotics trade that threatens American communities and sovereignty. The Bolivian government proudly touts coca as a symbol of national identity and social cohesion. It even officially recognizes traditional practices like "boleo," where locals chew coca leaves...