International traffic in coca through the early 20th century.

Abstract

This paper compiles records of coca exported by the major producing sites, Peru, Bolivia, Java and Formosa, from the late 19th century through the first third of the 20th century. During most of this era coca was legally produced and responsive to market demands. World coca exports did not peak [corrected] until around 1920, followed by a steady decline over the next decade. This export pattern (if not the exact figures) suggests a period of rising cocaine consumption, peaking regionally first in North America, then in Europe and other parts of the world, followed [corrected] by a marked decrease in the drug's popularity and acceptance.