Two References on Coca-Leaf Chewing

A. Barnett, R. Hawks, and R. Resnick. "Cocaine Pharmacokinetics in Humans."

The Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 3 (1981) 353-366.

"Therefore, on the basis of this new information that has come as a result of technological development we can conclude with a pratical observation. The size of the quid of coca leaves that can be comfortably accomodated by a person is such that it is unlikely that coca chewing, as practiced for centuries in places like Macchu Piccu, presents the dangers that may result from the modern forms of recreational use."

Particularly interesting about this article is that the report came out of the Division of Research of the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

A. Weil. "The Therapeutic Value of Coca in Contemporary Medicine."

The Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 3 (1981) 367-376.

"I have lived among coca-using Indians of the Andes and the Amazon basin in Columbia and Peru and have not seen any signs of physical deterioration attributable to the leaf. I have never seen an instance of coca toxicity. Nor have I observed physiological or psychological dependence on coca. Even life-long chewers seem able to get the effect they want from the same dose over time; there is no development of tolerance and certainly no withdrawal syndrome upon sudden discontinuance of use."

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