Cultural Inclusion or Clash: Chewing Coca Leaves

I don't blame the UN for necessarily trying to ban the chewing of cocoa leaves, i believe they're just looking out for the best interest of the civilians. I will say that it seems a little over the top and drastic. From what the article state the chewing of cocoa leaves actually helps the civilians get through the day because it's somewhat a source of energy. I don't think that they should ban it because the people are so accustomed to chewing the plant. It's been a traditional practices for years. What i fail to understand is why exactly they want to ban it, i mean technically it's not a narcotic. I think it would've made better sense or had a better purpose if they banned the chewing of tobacco or smoking of cigarettes because they are potentially a great threat to one's self. It would be pointless, if the ban is passed it would probably cause an increase in the chewing of cocoa leaves. It would just be another example of the Prohibition Act where they banned the consumption and selling of alcohol and the results were worst then before. When a person if told not to do something it just provokes that person to go against what they're told. I don't think that the government should make the decisions of what traditions can be carried on and which can not. The people should have to be willing to go through with the changes.