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While most of the world sees the coca plant solely as the source of cocaine, Bolivian indigenous people have a relationship with coca that preceded cocaine by thousands of years. A 1961 U.N. treaty began the international criminalization of indigenous coca use despite its spiritual and cultural significance.
That same treaty authorized an exemption for one almighty consumer: Coca-Cola. While laws prohibiting traditional use remain, Coca-Cola continues to use the coca leaf in its product and is incidentally liable for the output of more than just soda.
Shot in La Paz, Bolivia — 2016
Director: Emily Simpkins
Producer: Emily Simpkins
Director of Photography: Nicolás López
Editor: Emily Simpkins
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