The Mild Stimulant Effect of Chewing Coca
When you chew on coca leaves, the experience is profoundly different from using refined cocaine. The amount of cocaine alkaloid in the raw leaf is very low, typically ranging from 0.23% to 0.96% by dry weight. The absorption rate of these alkaloids is also much slower when ingested orally than when snorted or injected. This results in a gentle, prolonged energizing effect that many compare to drinking a strong cup of coffee or tea. To enhance the process, traditional users often chew the leaves with an alkaline substance, such as burnt quinoa ashes or baking soda, which helps to activate and increase the extraction of the alkaloids. This creates a numbing sensation in the mouth, a key indicator of the alkaloids' release.
The Cultural and Traditional Context
For thousands of years, chewing coca leaves has been a central part of Andean indigenous culture. It is not a recreational drug but an integrated part of daily life, work, and spiritual practice. The Incas considered the plant sacred, a gift from the gods used in religious rituals, as offerings to the earth goddess Pachamama, and as a form of divination. Today, the practice continues to serve as a social ritual, much like sharing coffee, symbolizing respect and community. Miners and farmers use it to endure strenuous physical labor at high altitudes, warding off hunger and fatigue.
Medicinal Uses and Nutritional Benefits
The leaves offer more than just a mild stimulant effect. They are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, acting as a dietary supplement for those in resource-scarce regions.
Key benefits of chewing coca leaves include:
- Relief from altitude sickness (soroche): Coca leaves are a well-known traditional remedy for the symptoms of altitude sickness, including headaches, nausea, and fatigue. The alkaloids help improve oxygen absorption and circulation at high altitudes.
- Increased endurance and reduced fatigue: The stimulant properties combat weariness, helping workers and travelers maintain stamina over long periods.
- Appetite and thirst suppression: Chewing the leaves can naturally curb feelings of hunger and thirst, a useful trait for those performing prolonged physical work.
- Digestive aid: Coca tea, or mate de coca, is often used to soothe stomach pain, indigestion, and other gastrointestinal issues.
- Nutrient source: The leaves contain significant amounts of calcium, iron, and vitamins A, B1, B2, C, and E.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
While traditional use in low doses is not associated with the severe addiction of purified cocaine, habitual chewing does carry some risks.
- Oral health problems: The combination of acidic leaves and alkaline activators can lead to significant dental damage over time. This includes periodontal damage, cervical-root caries, and the eventual loss of molar teeth.
- Cardiovascular strain: Similar to other stimulants, coca can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which could be risky for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding concerns: Due to its alkaloid content, coca use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is considered unsafe, with potential links to birth defects and SIDS.
Comparison Table: Coca Leaf vs. Cocaine
| Feature | Coca Leaf (Chewing) | Refined Cocaine (Snorting/Injecting) |
|---|---|---|
| Effect | Mild, slow-release, coffee-like stimulation. | Intense, rapid, and powerful high with euphoric effects. |
| Absorption | Slow oral absorption over 2–12 hours. | Rapid absorption within minutes, leading to an immediate rush. |
| Toxicity | Low toxicity in traditional use, not associated with severe addiction risks. | High toxicity and high risk of severe addiction and overdose. |
| Concentration | Low percentage of cocaine alkaloid (0.23–0.96%). | Highly concentrated, purified form of the alkaloid. |
| Legal Status | Permitted for traditional use in Andean countries, illegal internationally. | Illegal substance with severe penalties in most countries. |
The Legality and International Controversy
Despite its cultural importance, the coca leaf is listed as a Schedule I substance under the 1961 United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, placing it alongside drugs like heroin. This has led to international pressure and legal restrictions. However, countries like Bolivia and Peru have challenged this classification, defending the traditional use of the leaf and recognizing it as a cultural heritage. For travelers, possessing coca leaves is illegal outside of countries where its use is protected, and attempting to take them across international borders can result in severe legal consequences. It is a crucial distinction that the leaf in its natural state is not equivalent to the illicit drug derived from it.
Conclusion
What happens if you chew on coca leaves is a journey into a rich and complex cultural practice, far removed from the potent and dangerous world of refined cocaine. It offers a mild, sustained stimulant effect, traditionally used for energy, stamina, and to combat the effects of high altitude. While it provides nutritional benefits, long-term use can cause dental problems. The profound difference in effect, absorption, and potential for abuse stems from the leaves' low concentration of alkaloids compared to the refined substance. Understanding the context—its thousands of years of tradition and distinction from the illicit drug trade—is key to appreciating its place in Andean culture and respecting the communities who rely on it.
An extensive review by Novák et al. details the previously studied biological activity of several of the alkaloids found in coca, noting that all compounds were found to be considerably less toxic than cocaine.
