Word: cocas
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...Coca-Cola refuses to discuss any aspect of its secret formula, while Stepan did not respond to requests to discuss its relationship with Coca-Cola. This coca without the cocaine element is the only exemption allowed by the U.N. for the plant's usage outside of the Andes and it is not clear whether patent law would allow Bolivia to use the same process as Stepan does to remove the cocaine alkaloid...
...Bolivians deem such steps unnecessary because if not chemically transformed into cocaine, coca itself is harmless. On the contrary, studies point to nutritional benefits from a leaf packed with vitamins, minerals and protein. "It's like banning corn because you don't want people to drink alcohol," says Rolando Vargas, a coca grower union leader...
...government has twice declined opportunities to formally request that the U.N. remove the plant from its blacklist - a longtime demand of coca growers and a Morales campaign promise, but an idea the U.S. has criticized. This week, Morales is sending in soldiers to help coca growers decrease their cultivation. And despite touting mass coca industrialization, the three tea factories are the only project under way, and even these still await full legal approval...
...Morales' reticence is not surprising. In December, the U.S. cut military aid by 25% - from $45 million to $33 million - just days after he announced his desire to increase the legal quote of coca grown in Bolivia. It was a clear warning that divergence from set eradication goals jeopardizes tens of millions of dollars in aid and trade preferences the U.S. gives Bolivia...
...claims that there's been an increase in Bolivia's cocaine-base manufacturing, drug trafficking and coca cultivation since Morales took office, and has issued words of caution. Coca growers voice frustration over Morales' hesitation, but are also holding off on drastic measures...