While it is not part of their GDP reports of course, the raw materials for the production of cocaine is Bolivia's largest export according to every person I have spoken with. In most countries, the coca leaf is treated as a controlled substance. But here they are sacred in the indigenous culture. They are used for anything from traditional ceremonies, curbing hunger pains, to making tea to treat altitude sickness. The coca leaf will not get you high. The effects are more like a cup of coffee. Just like wine comes from grapes, cocaine comes from coca leaves. Countries like America have ongoing programs to reduce the imports of drugs, but the export of raw materials from a country like Bolivia is more complex. It can bring money to this very poor country, but it also
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