Coca leaves in coat of arms of Bolivia as symbol of persistence and national economy

Bolivia, the third largest manufacturer of cocaine in the world, may “enrich” its national coat of arms with the coca leaves. That is the suggestion of the group of representatives who work on the introduction of changes in the constitution.

Outside the Ands, coca is known as the main ingredient in the production of cocaine, but it is also esteemed as a medicinal and stimulating herb in Bolivia. It is used in the traditional medicine and religious rituals.

The task force that wants to enlarge the rights of the poor and the Indian majority with the changes in the constitution wrote the following in the suggestion: "The laurel and olive leaves in the coat of arms should be replaced with the coca leaves as a symbol of persistence and national economy".

The task force points out that the olive and laurel branches are symbols of Europe. If this proposal is accepted, coca will be placed in the coat of arms together with condor and llama, the endemic animals.