The violence is the fault of prohibition itself. We went through this with alcohol, a much worse drug by many metrics to cocaine free of cuts with all sorts of profit-boosting adulterants. Global cocaine legalization would have no worse effects on society than the legalization of alcohol. But don't take my word for it; just ask the Colombian president himself:
This was a very interesting read. I’m planning to live in Medellin for a few months. I didn’t realize more expats meant increasing coco prices. Thanks for sharing.
I really enjoyed reading this. I've recently been in Medellin and thought a lot about what wealthy migrants and the tourism industry is doing to the economy in the city and Colombia more widely. Great writing that connects a lot of the major strands here.
However, just to note that 'pink cocaine' that goes by the street name of tusi is not the same as 2-CB. 2-CB is a synthetic psychedelic, where as tusi is a completely unreliable mix of drugs and pink dye. In the current market, it rarely contains cocaine or 2-CB. The street name came as this used to be a primary component in the mixture, but as the market and supply has changed, this is rarely the case anymore. :)
I did notice that it was a little older. I’d be interested to try to find out when the shift actually happened, and to what degree it actually ever really contained 2-CB. I noticed it a lot in Colombia that because of the name, especially when it’s spoken, people thought they were taking something they weren’t. Really enjoying reading though some of your work :))
The violence is the fault of prohibition itself. We went through this with alcohol, a much worse drug by many metrics to cocaine free of cuts with all sorts of profit-boosting adulterants. Global cocaine legalization would have no worse effects on society than the legalization of alcohol. But don't take my word for it; just ask the Colombian president himself:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/cocaine-is-no-worse-than-whisky-colombian-president-says/ar-AA1yzxxq.
And "90's" should be "'90s".
Otherwise, an elucidating and useful article!
I agree with Petro about this
This was a very interesting read. I’m planning to live in Medellin for a few months. I didn’t realize more expats meant increasing coco prices. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for reading Trey. I hope you enjoy Med. The weather sure is nice
I really enjoyed reading this. I've recently been in Medellin and thought a lot about what wealthy migrants and the tourism industry is doing to the economy in the city and Colombia more widely. Great writing that connects a lot of the major strands here.
However, just to note that 'pink cocaine' that goes by the street name of tusi is not the same as 2-CB. 2-CB is a synthetic psychedelic, where as tusi is a completely unreliable mix of drugs and pink dye. In the current market, it rarely contains cocaine or 2-CB. The street name came as this used to be a primary component in the mixture, but as the market and supply has changed, this is rarely the case anymore. :)
Thanks Lil! Yes, the article is a little dated now. Substack pins it to our front page tho because its one of our top 10 most read ever.
I see why, it was a really great read!
I did notice that it was a little older. I’d be interested to try to find out when the shift actually happened, and to what degree it actually ever really contained 2-CB. I noticed it a lot in Colombia that because of the name, especially when it’s spoken, people thought they were taking something they weren’t. Really enjoying reading though some of your work :))
Perhaps its time for a follow-up!
Fascinating!
Thanks for reading, Mike