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Free the Leaf

Erythroxylum coca — policy, science, culture & trade

Latest news

Nº 017

Coca Leaf Stories

WHO Coca Leaf Decision Keeps the Plant in Schedule I

The WHO’s expert committee recommended on December 2 that coca leaf stay in Schedule I of the UN drug treaties, despite its own review finding no significant harm from traditional use.

5 September 2026

Nº 015

Coca Leaf News

WHO Coca Leaf Review Leaves the Leaf Beside Cocaine

The WHO’s Expert Committee on Drug Dependence declined to recommend separating the coca leaf’s international classification from cocaine’s, rejecting a request initiated by Bolivia in 2023 and backed by Colombia.

5 September 2026

Nº 008

Reference

Traditional Medicinal Uses of Coca Leaf

Altitude sickness, fatigue and pain: the uses Andean tradition assigns to the leaf, as described by a Peruvian doctor and a market trader.

25 September 2020