Drugs & Alcohol Information

Khat

Street Names

Quat, Chat, Qat, Quaadka

Description

Khat is a green leafy plant

Routes of Use

The leaves are chewed over a number of hours

History

Khat has been chewed or drunk as tea in the Muslim cultures of Somalia and Yemen for centuries.  It was mentioned in an Arab manuscript in 1333.

Effects People Seek

Khat is a stimulant, the active ingredient being cathinone.  A typical khat chewing session is equivalent to ingesting approximately 5mg dose of amphetamine.  Following mild euphoria and talkativeness, users report a calming effect, described as “blissed out”.

Other effects

Because it is chewed, khat can cause inflammation and cancers of the mouth.  Prolonged and excessive use can bring on problems such as depression, anxiety, aggression, insomnia, heat problems, impotence.

Dependence & Tolerance

As with most stimulants, dependence is psychological and the user can become depressed once use has stopped.

Law

Khat is not illegal in the UK and can be used or traded without penalty.