Hidden Deep
Demystifying the Coca-Plant for Science and Beyond

Organized by

Vernonica Akle
Senior Fellow 2023–2024

Informations

This is a public event. Participation is free of charge and registration is not required.

The coca plant has a unique position as an ancient medicinal plant. Its healing properties have been passed down orally for generations among the indigenous cultures of the Andes. Regrettably, for the past five decades, it has also become inextricably linked to illegal drug trafficking. The misuse of one of its alkaloids, cocaine, has cast a shadow over the way this specimen is viewed when it comes to research and has hindered the study of its beneficial medicinal applications. This workshop wants to open up a discussion on the coca plant’s potentials, linking up with a growing interest in reevaluating the benefits of psychoactive substances through controlled scientific research and careful analysis.In this colloquium, participants from various disciplines will discuss the possibilities and implications of using and researching the coca plant to gain insights on psychoactive substances and help navigate their stigma.

Program