KHAT

Khat is a stimulant with similar effects to amphetamine. It comes from a leafy green plant of the same name. Used mostly in Africa, Khat is getting more common in Europe particularly in immigrant communities.

ID: Khat, quat, qat, qaadka, chat, Catha edulis

Appearance and use

Khat is a leaf which is chewed over a number of hours.

Cost

A 'hit' which is a small bunch of leaves costs around £4.

Purity

Because Khat comes in recognisable leaf form, it can't be cut with anything.

The effects

• Khat is a stimulant and chewing it can make people feel more alert and talkative.
• It can also suppress the appetite.
• Although it's a stimulant, many users report a feeling of calm if it's chewed over a few hours. Some describe it as being 'blissed out'.

Chances of getting hooked

Khat can make a user psychologically dependent so when they stop using it they feel depressed.

The risks

• If you use it a lot, you may develop insomnia, heart problems and sexual problems like impotence
• It can give you feelings of anxiety and aggression.
• Some people find it makes them irritable, in some cases very angry and even violent.
• It can make pre-existing mental health problems worse.
• Those with other problems such as unemployment may be more prone to excessive use.

The law

Khat is not an illegal drug in the UK. It can be used or traded without penalty. Khat is an illegal substance in many other countries like the US. Taking khat into the US could attract a heavy prison sentence.