'It's no worse than whisky': Colombian President shocks the world with his latest statement!

The world has been actively combating illegal drugs for decades.

Several countries have taken measures to prevent these harmful items from entering their shores and destroying lives.

Yet, a recent proposal from a high-ranking government official puzzled the international community.


Colombia's President, Gustavo Petro, made a bold and controversial call for the legalisation of cocaine globally.

This statement came from a leader whose country is known as the world's largest producer and exporter of the substance.

During a live broadcast of a government meeting, President Petro stated that the criminalisation of cocaine came from geopolitical bias rather than objective harm assessment.


compressed-Gustavo Petro.jpeg
Gustavo Petro became the first left-wing President for Colombia. Image Credit: Instagram/Gustavo Petro


'The illicit drug "is illegal because it is made in Latin America, not because it is worse than whisky"', Petro argued.

Colombia has long been embroiled in a relentless battle against drug trafficking, with countless lives lost and resources spent in fighting illicit trade.

President Petro also stated that the global cocaine industry could die down if the drug were to be legalised and regulated worldwide, similar to alcohol.

'If you want peace, you have to dismantle the business of drug trafficking,' the President stated.


The Colombian President also highlighted the issue of fentanyl—a cause of over 75,000 deaths in the United States every year.

President Petro pointed out that the drug was not of Colombian origin.

Instead, fentanyl was developed by North American pharmaceutical companies, leading to widespread addiction.

Since his election in 2022, President Petro has been on a mission to broker peace with the various armed groups within Colombia that are sustained by the drug trade.

He aimed to put an end to over six decades of conflict.

Despite these efforts, cocaine production in Colombia hit a record high in 2023.


According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Colombia saw a 53 per cent increase in production, equivalent to 2,600 tonnes.

President Petro's comments sparked a global debate on drug policy.

Many questioned the feasibility and potential consequences of the proposed shift.

Critics also argued that the comparison between cocaine and whisky was overly simplistic.

The comparison failed to account for the complex social, health, and legal implications of cocaine use and trafficking.

On the other hand, proponents of drug reform see President Petro's stance as a potential catalyst for change.

The idea of legalising a substance like cocaine may seem far-fetched, but it's crucial to engage in these discussions and consider its impact on future generations.
Key Takeaways

  • Colombian President Gustavo Petro made a controversial proposal to legalise cocaine globally.
  • He argued that the drug's illegal status was a result of it being produced in Latin America and is no worse than alcohol.
  • The President claimed that legalising cocaine could dismantle the drug trafficking industry and help bring peace.
  • Colombia is the world's leading producer and exporter of cocaine, with production reaching a record high in 2023.
We invite our readers to share their thoughts on this contentious issue. Do you believe that cocaine should be legalised and regulated like alcohol? Do you think that this move would lead to more harm than good? Join the conversation in the comments below and let us know where you stand on this global debate.
 

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Cocaine is one of the worst drugs ever. It's very addictive and in a very short time of use.

I'm thinking President Petro is probably a coke head and is why he is trying to legalise it.

Yes it will kick out the drug lords but then the government will become the new Drug Lord and more people will start using it.
It was known as a party drug for the rich but not anymore. Wide variety of people are now using it, including lawyers, doctors and high profile people
 
Tobacco is the most addictive drug. Many people advocate that decriminalising drugs would eliminate all the problems associated with illegal drugs ie high cost of prohibited substances and black market dealings Making them illegal has not stopped people using them and had led to a whole multitude of illegal practices which drives a whole illegal industry’
 
This president may have some valid points as far as decrininalizing it, but nothing will take away the harm caused by legalizing any drug, alcohol or tobacco & I daresay that is not the point of decriminilizing/legalizing these substances- but will it work to combat many the crimes associated with any of these things??
We still have domestic violence, etc associated with alcohol
 
While the world needs to do something about illicit drugs. I am concerned legalizing these drugs like cocaine which as far as I know is highly addictive, creating further drug dependency. Not to mention legalizing these drugs and the further potential of infants and children gaining access to these drugs. My understanding of the potential for abuse both by the user and of those who would take advantage of anyone under the influence of these drugs (robbery, fraud, sexual abuse murder). Overdoses can lead to serious harm and even death. I am not sure if legalizing these drugs is the right move, even if it means ongoing war with the drug cartels.
 
NO NO NO NO We do not need it. The harm already caused by misuse of drugs is incalculable never mind the actual cost value. Keep the garbage in Colombia and get them to find something useful to do with it. Send some to Trump!
 
Tobacco is the most addictive drug. Many people advocate that decriminalising drugs would eliminate all the problems associated with illegal drugs ie high cost of prohibited substances and black market dealings Making them illegal has not stopped people using them and had led to a whole multitude of illegal practices which drives a whole illegal industry’
If only people could take a stand against people who rob and injure others. We are the ones who would go to jail if we take matters into our own hands. Druggies etc are thought to be unable to help themselves, and take up space in hospitals. We are too soft with our laws as it is. The average person is the victim every time.
 
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This president may have some valid points as far as decrininalizing it, but nothing will take away the harm caused by legalizing any drug, alcohol or tobacco & I daresay that is not the point of decriminilizing/legalizing these substances- but will it work to combat many the crimes associated with any of these things??
We still have domestic violence, etc associated with alcohol
I think that there is a big difference between the caliber of drugs like nicotine, alcohol and that of drugs like cocaine.
 
I think that there is a big difference between the caliber of drugs like nicotine, alcohol and that of drugs like cocaine.
Too much of a subjective statement based on what is legal is what is not. Just because it is legal doesn't mean it is OK.

There are numerous addictions that aren't related to substances as well. Try gambling addiction. People will rip off individuals, employers and businesses to feed their gambling addiction in the same fashion that the heroin addict will conduct home invasions, holdups and assaults to get funds to enable their addiction.

Different methods....same outcome.
 
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Too much of a subjective statement based on what is legal is what is not. Just because it is legal doesn't mean it is OK.

There are numerous addictions that aren't related to substances as well. Try gambling addiction. People will rip off individuals, employers and businesses to feed their gambling addiction in the same fashion that the heroin addict will conduct home invasions, holdups and assaults to get funds to enable their addiction.

Different methods....same outcome.
You are talking substance abuse/ addiction, not mental health issues related to gambling, theft or any other non-substance abuse related issues. I will reiterate what I said. I think that there is a big difference between nicotine, alcohol and substances such as heroin. Not everyone who smokes cigarettes (Nicotine addiction), or who drink alcohol, abuse others, steal, gamble etc.
 
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You are talking substance abuse/ addiction, not mental health issues related to gambling, theft or any other non-substance abuse related issues. I will reiterate what I said. I think that there is a big difference between nicotine, alcohol and substances such as heroin. Not everyone who smokes cigarettes (Nicotine addiction), or who drink alcohol, abuse others, steal, gamble etc.
Apparently your knowledge of the psychology of addiction is very limited.
 

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