How to Solve the Cocaine Problem

Peter Zeihan 3 min

Domesticating cocaine production is geographically impossible and economically disastrous. The simplest answer is just not do cocaine.

Chapters

  1. 0:00

    Why Cocaine Cannot Be Domesticated

    Cocaine requires specific tropical conditions that the United States cannot provide. Successful cultivation needs constant water, acidic soil, and no frost. Only the Andes or specific Southeast Asian zones meet these strict criteria. The US lacks the necessary climate and drainage for year-round growth.

  2. 1:54

    The Economic Case Against Legalization

    Healthcare costs and absenteeism would erase any potential tax revenue gains. There is no environmental benefit to growing the plant domestically. Domestic fentanyl production is easier and more dangerous than cocaine. Neither cocaine nor fentanyl should be produced domestically in the US.

Key points

  • 0:00

    Cocaine demands subtropical to tropical temperatures year-round.

  • 0:00

    A light frost kills the entire plant completely.

  • 0:00

    The plant requires at least two meters of water annually.

  • 0:00

    Cocaine cannot survive in regions with a dry season.

  • 0:00

    The soil must be acidic and very well drained.

  • 0:00

    The United States has no suitable climate for growth.

  • 1:54

    Legalization would increase healthcare costs and worker absenteeism.

  • 1:54

    Fentanyl can be made in a garage using common chemicals.

  • 1:54

    The simplest answer is to not do cocaine.

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