Economist Podcasts Redrawing the lines: cocaine policy in Latin America
Oct 20, 2022
Emma Hogan, an editor at The Economist known for her insights on drug policy, and Tom Wainwright, the publication's technology and media editor, delve into the evolving landscape of cocaine policy in Latin America. They discuss Colombia's President Gustavo Petro's innovative approaches to drug policy, advocating for decriminalization and new strategies. The conversation shifts to Meta's ambitious yet struggling metaverse project, facing overwhelming losses and competition from platforms like TikTok, revealing the precarious future of social media.
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War on Drugs Ineffective
- The war on drugs has been ineffective, as cocaine production reached record highs in 2020.
- Leaders are now considering radical policy changes, including decriminalization and legalization.
Petro's Drug Policy Reform
- Colombia's President Gustavo Petro, a former M19 guerrilla member, advocates for new drug policies.
- He suggests decriminalizing coca leaf production and supervised cocaine consumption areas.
Coca Legalization's Limited Impact
- Legalizing coca leaf production, as in Peru and Bolivia, does not significantly impact illegal cocaine production.
- Colombia's cooperation with the US on drug policies makes radical change difficult.