Part 12/15:
He also notes that cocaine, in adult recreational contexts, does not inherently cause addiction if used responsibly. It’s the illegal environment, coupled with the illegality and adulteration of drugs, that amplifies risks and harmful outcomes.
The Deep Roots of Drug Culture in Latin America and Its Legacy
English highlights that many drug-producing and smuggling nations have long-standing histories of contraband and illicit economic activity. Colombia’s geographic position, with access to both Atlantic and Pacific coasts, made it ideal for smuggling long before cocaine existed as a commodity. Mexico’s own criminal traditions involving marijuana smuggling laid the groundwork for later cocaine trafficking, leading to the current prominence of Mexican cartels.