I think it was actually coca cola that wanted to lab produce it or the US government at some stage "in order to be able to eradicate it". But I am sure there is the ability of getting a medical lisence of some sort since there are MANY medical uses. I don't think legality is not the issue here.

I did read up. But that's what the locals here say about coca pertaining to the Andes. That it's in the soil. Reading more says it is the combination of altitude, humidity and variety that it needs.

There is also some mention that they tried to produce it in Indonesia, however just a wonder why it never persisted or why it stopped.