How can you tell the difference between different coca plants?
One of the ways to identify the variety is to look at the leaves. Both varieties of E. Coca (E. Coca, variety coca and E. Coca, variety ipadu) have broadly elliptical shaped leaves. The leaf of variety ipadu has a rounded apex whereas the apex of variety coca is more pointed.
What type of plant is coca plant?
Coca, (Erythroxylum coca), tropical shrub, of the family Erythroxylaceae, the leaves of which are the source of the drug cocaine. The plant, cultivated in Africa, northern South America, Southeast Asia, and Taiwan, grows about 2.4 metres (8 feet) tall.
Is it normal for coca leaves to turn yellow?
Periodically, the whole coca bush turns yellow and drops its leaves, every one. Most people freak out when this happens, but if it is otherwise a healthy, vigorous plant, then this is normal. After dropping, new flushes soon appear to renew the foliage.
How do you pick coca leaves?
All picking of coca leaf is done by hand. Harvesters have to be very quick in their work yet careful not to damage the leaf buds on the bush while stripping off the leaves. Leaves are said to be ready for harvest when they take on a yellowish tint and have a tendency to crack when bent.
What does a coca plant look like?
Description. The coca plant resembles a blackthorn bush, and grows to a height of 2 to 3 metres (7 to 10 feet). The branches are straight, and the leaves are thin, opaque, oval, and taper at the extremities.
Can you legally own a coca plant?
Cultivation of coca plants is legal, and coca leaves are sold openly on markets. Similarly to Bolivia, chewing leaves and drinking coca tea are cultural practices.
Where can coca plants be found?
The plant grows almost exclusively in northern and western South America. Colombia is now the main producer of illegal cocaine with Peru, Bolivia, and Chile providing significant amounts of the drug. The coca plant grows best in the mountain and jungle areas of these countries.
How big does a coca plant get?
The coca plant is a shrub, growing to about 15 ft (5 m). Cultivated plants are pruned to about 6 ft (2 m). The leaves are oval, smooth-edged, dark green, and 1.6-3.1 in (4-8 cm) long, 1-1.6 in (2.5-4 cm) wide.
What happens when you smoke coca leaves?
The smoking of coca paste causes four distinct successive phases of mental disorder: euphoria, dysphoria, hallucinosis and paranoid psychosis. It can produce severe intoxication, prolonged or relapsing psychosis and, in some cases, death.
Can coca leaves get u high?
As well as warding off altitude sickness, chewing coca leaves (which are held in the cheek) or drinking a brew, just like the pope, provides physical and mental stimulation but nothing like the cocaine high.
Can you eat coca berries?
3:094:59COCA PLANT : Where Cocaine Comes From - Weird Fruit ExplorerYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt is I believe edible. And yeah I'm not feeling any effects or anything you would need to eatMoreIt is I believe edible. And yeah I'm not feeling any effects or anything you would need to eat probably all the berries on this entire plant to get even like a little bit of a high.
Can you eat coca leaf?
How are Coca Leaves Used? Aside from the production of cocaine, South Americans enjoy chewing the leaves and using them for tea. The green stuff, when mixed with saliva or steeped in hot water, releases an invigorating quality similar to a caffeine jolt.
Is coca leaf toxic?
In leaf form, coca does not produce toxicity or dependence. Its effects are distinct from those of cocaine, which is but one of a number of active compounds in the leaf. Coca can be administered as a chewing gum containing a whole extract of the leaf, including alkaloids, natural flavors, and several nutrients.
Are coca leaves illegal?
Can I bring coca leaves into the United States? It is illegal to bring coca leaves into the United States for any purpose, including for use for brewing tea or for chewing. Cocaine is a Schedule II narcotic and is derived from coca leaves and grown in Bolivia, Peru and Colombia.
How do you take care of a coca plant?
Only water when the first 2 cm of the soil surface is dry. Coca is a tropical plant, that means it prefers a daylength of at least 12 hours. In wintertime artificial light is required for young plants, use LED growing light. In summer the plant can be placed outdoors.
Can you buy coca leaves in the United States?
Coca tea is legal in Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and Ecuador. Its use is being discouraged in part by the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. Coca tea is illegal in the United States unless it is decocainized.
Can you buy coca leaves in the United States?
Coca tea is legal in Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and Ecuador. Its use is being discouraged in part by the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. Coca tea is illegal in the United States unless it is decocainized.
Why is coca illegal in the US?
In 1961, the United Nations Convention on Narcotic Drugs listed coca leaf as a Schedule 1 substance, making its use illegal.
How much does a coca plant yield?
Field research in 2017 revealed a higher fresh coca leaf yield for 2017 and before8, and -based on this research- a new average yield figure of 5.6 mt/ha/year was defined to 2017 and retroactively to 2016, and therefore there was no change in yield between 2016 and 2017.
Is coca candy legal in the US?
Coca Candy, Peru That phrase may take on a whole new meaning once you sample Peru's coca candy. It comes from the coca leaf (also the source of "nose candy," a.k.a. cocaine), so it's actually illegal in the United States.
How to tell if a coca plant is a coca plant?
The easiest way to identify a coca plant is to chew the dried leaves with an alkaline substance, such as baking soda. If the mouth becomes numb, the plant is one of the two species that contain cocaine, E. coca and E. novogranatense, or a variety thereof.
What is a coca plant?
Erythroxylum coca is a bush (or a tree, if left to grow wild), with elliptical leaves that are arranged spirally. The bark of younger plants is reddish, and scaly leaves appear at the base of young branches. The flowers are tiny and grow from the axes of the leaves.
What is the meaning of coca leaves?
According to Buhler and Buess, coca was seen as a gift of the sun gods, and the leaves were burned as incense, worn as ritual adornments, and smoked for divination. One could only approach the gods with a quid of coca in the mouth (Buhler and Buess 1958).
What is the name of the plant with elliptical leaves?
Erthroxylum coca – Coca Bush. Erythroxylum coca is a bush (or a tree, if left to grow wild), with elliptical leaves that are arranged spirally. The bark of younger plants is reddish, and scaly leaves appear at the base of young branches. The flowers are tiny and grow from the axes of the leaves.
How long does it take for a coca plant to produce?
It takes about eighteen months from the time of planting before the first leaves can be harvested. A coca bush will produce for twenty to thirty years, and leaves may be harvested every fifty to sixty days during the rainy season and every three or four months during the dry season.
How tall do coca bushes grow?
The small oval fruits start out yellow, and turn a bright red when they ripen. E. coca bushes usually grow between 10 to 16 meters in height, and have very long and thin branches.
Why do people chew coca leaves?
Coca leaves are used as a method of social exchange in the Andes. When people come together they often exchange and chew coca leaves as a way of beginning a social interaction. Before the leaves are eaten, three are placed together in a fan shape and held in front of the third eye.
What is the name of the plant that produces cocaine?
Alternative Titles: Erythroxylum coca, Huanuco cocaine. Coca, ( Erythroxylum coca ), tropical shrub, of the family Erythroxylaceae, the leaves of which are the source of the drug cocaine. Coca ( Erythroxylum coca ). W.H. Hodge.
How many petals does a corolla have?
The flowers are small and disposed in little clusters on short stalks; the corolla is composed of five yellowish white petals, the anthers are heart-shaped, and the pistil consists of three carpels united to form a three-chambered ovary. The flowers are succeeded by red berries.
Coca Plant Requirements
The Coca plant is hard to grow as it is very sensitive to any environmental change. It needs:
Coca Plant Growth
Its growth process has many phases. Seedlings are first grown in cups or small pots. Then, when they grow a little, they are then shifted to bigger pots and then to the garden. This shifting from cups or smaller pots happens in the summertime.
Coca Seeds Legal Status
Coca plant seeds are legal in almost every country in the world. But Cocoa leaves are not! And definitely making cocaine from coca leaves is illegal. If you break the law, then there is punishment for you in the form of jail time. And if you do it again, then the second offense punishment is even strict.
What are Environmental Requirements which make them so Hard to Grow Indoors?
Like we have mentioned it before, Coca plant needs higher humidity, a stable temperature of 28 Degree Celsius and low atmospheric pressure. Creating a hydroponic environment in the home for humidity is very expensive.
Peruvian Coca Plant
Like the name is suggesting, it is grown pe-dominantly in the Peru region. Peruvian Coca Plant seeds are the second most potent seeds of the Coca family. These give the high-quality leaves along with the desirable plant height. Peruvian Coca Plant is almost 2–2.5 m tall. Thus, their outdoor inspection is also easy.
Uses of Coca Plant
The Coca plant has many uses, mostly these are related to medicine. One main important role it played in history was it was used as “Anesthesia.” Nowadays, it is used in tea for medicinal effects. Coca tea is legal in many southern American countries like Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, etc. However, in the USA, Coca tea is illegal.
Countries and Their Coca Plants Policies
Different countries have a different set of punishments for growing coca plants, and cocaine. Some have allowed its growth, some have prohibited it and some have legalized their seeds only.
How to make cocaine from coca leaves?
Step 1. The coca leaves are put into an above ground container or in a plastic lined pit. An alkaline material (sodium carbonate) and water are added to the leaves. Here the alkaline material enables the cocaine alkaloid present in the leaf to be extracted into the kerosene. Step 2.
Where is the most coca grown in Colombia?
There is substantial expansion of the coca crop in the Bolivar department in the north-central area of Colombia as well as areas of cultivation in the south and southwest part of the country.
How many hectares of coca are there in Bolivia?
The law also established legal, transitional and illegal zones of cultivation and declared that 12,000 hectare s of coca would be the amount grown to meet the traditional demand for coca. There are roughly three main growing areas in Bolivia. The three areas are the Yungas de La Paz, the Chapare and the Apolo.
How many stages of coca processing are there?
Coca processing can be broken down into three stages. The first is the conversion of the coca leaf into paste; this is almost always done very close to the coca field to cut down on the transport of the coca leaves. The second phase is the conversion of coca paste into cocaine base.
How many species of cocaine are there?
The Coca Plant. It has been estimated that there are over 200 Erythroxylum species growing in the Western Hemisphere. Only 17 species can be utilised for producing cocaine. Fifteen of the 17 species contain relatively low levels of cocaine alkaloid and subsequently are not cultivated.
How long does it take for coca leaves to ferment?
This tends to cause breakdown of the cocaine alkaloids. After the drying phase is completed, the coca leaves are swept into large piles and left for about three days before being taken to market and/or processing facilities.
Where is cocaine HCl cultivated?
While the coca plant can be found throughout most of Latin America, varieties containing the cocaine alkaloid (the basis for cocaine HCl) are cultivated and converted primarily in Peru, Bolivia and Colombia. There are two different species and several different varieties of coca plants which contain the cocaine alkaloid and these varieties prosper under quite different climatic conditions. At the same time, the methods used to cultivate and harvest coca leaf differ depending on climate, tradition and other factors. The conversion of coca leaf into coca paste, cocaine base and cocaine hydrochloride are also varied processes with many steps and many chemicals necessary.
How old are coca leaves?
Some varieties also produce large quantities of active alkaloids in such conditions ( Amazonian coca) The leaves are harvested from plants of various ages, from 1/2 year old to plants over forty year old, but only the new fresh leaf growth is harvested.
Why are my coca leaves yellow?
Most yellowed or bleached out leaves are caused by iron deficiency, but this also occurs when plants go deciduous. Periodically, the whole coca bush turns yellow and drops its leaves, every one. Most people freak out when this happens, but if it is otherwise a healthy, vigorous plant, then this is normal.
What is the best medium for coca seeds?
Vermiculite seems to be the best medium for coca germination, fine grade if possible. Styrofoam cups are OK, but I prefer small plastic pots, 2"diameter, with holes in the bottom. Seeds should be planted no deeper than one inch. Pots should be raised so as not to saturate the medium.
Which is better, E. novogranatense or E. coca?
Likewise, sudden changes in air humidity or soil moisture. E. novogranatense tolerates extremes, especially droughts, better than E. coca, which is a much more delicate plant, but the one which produces the most alkaloid.
When is the best time to harvest coca?
There are two or three coca harvests a year, depending on the area, the first and most abundant harvest being in March, after the rains ( which tends to weaken alkaloid production), the second usually at the end of June, and a third potential harvest in October or November.
When do you plant coca seeds?
In traditional Andean cultivation contexts, coca seeds are sown from December to January in small growing plots (almacigas in Quechua), where the plants are sheltered from direct sunlight.
Where is coca grown?
Coca is traditionally cultivated in the Andes, in the highlands, but also in lower altitudes, on the easter slopes of the Andes, where it is an important trade commodity. Species vary according to location, climate and altitude. There are also quite a few varieties of wild or feral coca plantes near traditional growing areas, ...
How tall do coca seeds get?
Transplanting coca seedlings. When your seedlings reach around 2 inches tall it is time to replant them into plastic pots. Clay pots are not good at this stage as they can dry out completely even within 1 day. The shock of your seedlings drying out can kill them.
How to feed coca plants?
Feeding your plants. Soluble organic plant food is the best option for coca plants. They require a good nutritious drink at least every three weeks. As the plants mature you need to add iron chelate to the soil every six months. Make sure you follow the directions when adding to the soil.
How to grow coca seeds indoors?
Grow coca seeds indoors in warmth. Coca plants grow best in warm sunny conditions when grown inside. Full sun coming through a window can damage seedling under 3 inches high, so avoid it until they can cope with the light. Do not put them into full sun outside until they are 3 feet high.
What is the best material to germinate coca seeds?
The best material for germinating coca seeds is fine grade vermiculite. You can use Styrofoam cups, but 2-inch plastic pots with holes in the bottom also work well. Plant seeds no deeper than 1 inch into the potting mix. Raise the pots to prevent them sitting in water, and so there is good drainage.
Why are my coca plants turning yellow?
A plant covered in yellow or bleached looking leaves is a sign of iron deficiency. You must also know that the coca plant does turn yellow and drop all its leaves every now and then. Do not worry about it. This is normal for the coca plant if it is a healthy plant in all other ways.
How to know if a plant needs repotting?
The best way to gauge whether your plants need repotting is to check the holes on the bottom of the pot. If you can see the roots, it is time to transplant it into a new pot. Carefully remove the plant from the pot and plant into a pot a couple of inches larger. You should always only increase the size of the pot gradually to get the best results. ...
How to get seeds from a bush?
The best way to get the seeds is straight from the bush when they fall to the ground. You can keep them damp, in a dark place, for up to 2 weeks before planting. Store them in damp sphagnum. But, check them regularly as you do not want them to rot or sprout prematurely. They are not a seed that can be dried out before planting.
How to extract coca leaves?
Coca Leaves. Growers crush and stir raw coca leaves with water, lime, and kerosene and extract the coca leaf. The kerosene mixture that remains after extracting the leaf contains coca alkaloids and wax from the coca leaves. The wax is separated by heating and cooling the kerosene mixture. Then, sulfuric acid is added to ...
Where is cocaine distributed?
Cocaine Distribution. Illegal drug distribution begins in South America, specifically Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, and Chile. Colombian traffickers likely transport cocaine into Mexico, which is then smuggled into the United States. Cocaine is sold in multiple kilogram bricks to wholesale distributors, who sell the product to upper-level distributors.
What is the chemical that dissolves cocaine?
Sulfuric acid is added again, which dissolves the cocaine paste. Next, potassium permanganate is added to filter out cinnamoylcocaine and other impurities. Potassium permanganate also oxidizes the cocaine paste, which gives cocaine its white appearance.
How is crack made?
Crack is produced by dissolving cocaine powder in water and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) or ammonia. The mixture is boiled until it forms a hard substance that can be broken into rocks of varying shapes and sizes.
How much purity can cocaine be reduced?
Before cocaine is sold to smaller dealers, the following adulterants may be added: According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, these adulterants can reduce the purity of cocaine from 80-90 percent to about 30 percent.
What is long term cocaine use?
Long-term cocaine use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction. Cocaine addiction is characterized by compulsive use despite negative consequences. Addiction often affects many areas of life and requires comprehensive treatment.
Is cocaine pure or mixed?
Cocaine sold on the street is rarely pure cocaine and street dealers often mix even more additives, in an attempt to increase their profits. These may include talcum powder, cornstarch, or flour, which are difficult to distinguish when mixed with cocaine.
