De Maras a Los Zetas

One of the most widely used illegal drugs in the United States is cocaine, and like many other drugs, it comes from a plant that has been used for thousands of years in other parts of the world.Cocaine comes from the coca leaf, a plant that has a long history in spiritual rituals.

Coca and Andean Indians

It used to be that in the Andean Indian culture, the coca plant was linked to asacred goddess. These cultures believed that they had to please the coca goddess in order to have a successful harvest. The leaves of the coca plant were chewed or smoked to help these natives connectwith spiritual beings, as well as provide magical protection and powers.

Traditionally, coca leaves were chewed only by the leaders or royalty. Over time, however, even lower classes were encouragedto chew the leaves to experience the benefits. When the Spanish invaded the Incas land, they tried to outlaw the chewing of coca leaves. But it soon became apparent that the Incas worked betterwhen they were given leaves to chew. Coca leaves give the user a boost of energy, as well as prevents hunger. Mood stabilizes and stamina also increases in those that chew coca leaves.

First use ofcocaine

Cocaine was first extracted from the coca plant in the 1860s. At first it seemed to be a miracle drug that was useful in treating depression and morphine addiction, and it was prescribedby many physicians for various reasons. However, it became evident that there were some serious problems with using cocaine, and it decreased naturally in popularity by the 1920s.

It was stillbeing produced heavily in South America and other areas though, and cocaine made a comeback to the United States in the 1970s and 1980s. At that time, it was illegal, yet in great demand. The cost forcocaine was high, and violence became connected to the use and selling of cocaine. Areas of cities that had many drug dealers became dangerous because of the guns and violence they brought with...