Coca #
| Binomial / Botanical Name | Coca |
| Street Names | Coca de Java |
| Major Active Compound | Cocaine |
| Indigenous Source | South America (High Altitude) |
| Form | Leaves |
| RoA | Oral |
| Personal Rating On Shulgin Scale | + |
SUBJECTIVE EXPERIENCE #
I tested coca in its native Peru, whilst on my ayahuasca mission. It was always my intention to sample this, although perhaps not as intensively as I was compelled to when I actually arrived.
Whilst in Cusco, at 11,000 feet, I quickly succumbed to what seemed to be altitude sickness. The local remedy for such a condition, as proffered by hotel staff, shop keepers and other tourists, was to chew coca leaves, and drink coca tea. I did both, in great abundance.
It did appear to induce a mild but clean feeling of stimulation. I am slightly hesitant in stating this categorically because my condition was poor and deteriorating: a general malaise and severe headache made it a difficult reaction to measure. All I really wanted was for the leaves to make me feel a little better. They didn’t.
Of course, I cannot state with any certainty that they didn’t stop me feeling even worse, but the stimulation was quite minor, considering what is often derived from it (cocaine). I should add that, regardless, it was quite pleasant to drink.