Tackling difficult issues like poverty, crime, and drug abuse is never easy, and if I’ve learned one thing it’s this- even the best laid plans can have unintended hiccups and consequences.

That was certainly the case last week. On Thursday, Colombia’s government ordered an immediate stop of the use of a herbicide intended to wipe out coca plants (which are responsible for the production of cocaine). The herbicide was an integral part of the US’ plan to halt the creation of cocaine in the country, so you can bet the Yanks are ticked.

Colombia’s health ministry has cited concerns that the herbicide could cause cancer after the World Health Organization (WHO) reclassified the weed-killer glyphosate as a carcinogen. Interestingly, the US disagrees with the WHO, as a 2012 study conducted by the US Environmental Protection Agency found that there wasn’t sufficient evidence to prove it was dangerous.

Glyphosate is used in the world’s most widely used herbicide, Roundup.  But it’s typically used to kill weeds- not to demolish crops through airplane spraying. Is the US really comfortable taking that kind of a gamble with human lives? In addition to damaging the environment, critics point out that spraying is harmful to rural residents who might have nothing to do with the crop (not to say their involvement would warrant its use).

There are other issues worth considering too. Coca has played a significant role in Andean culture possibly as far back as 6000 BC. It is widely consumed by Andean people in Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Bolivia, for whom it has a historical, spiritual, and practical significance. When chewed, coca numbs sensory nerves, suppresses hunger and fatigue, increases energy, and even provides a small dose of vitamins. When unprocessed, coca is considered legal in several South American countries (while coca cultivation often remains restricted in an effort to eliminate the production of cocaine).

Apart from its cultural and spiritual significance, many farmers continue to rely on its production to make ends meet. It is my view that a humane and successful plan to end the illegal drug trade must take these factors into consideration as well. If the US wants to curb drug use in the states, it should focus on reducing demand within its borders. Then we should focus on ensuring coca farmers have reliable, legal sources of income- even if that means legalizing coca cultivation.