Khat has been a subject of growing curiosity and debate in recent years. This flowering evergreen shrub is native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, where it is deeply ingrained in cultural and social traditions. Known for its stimulant-like effects, khat is used in various forms, often sparking questions about its impact on the mind, body, and legality.

This post covers all you need to know about khat, including its origins, appearance, effects, and legal status, and dives into why there’s so much discussion surrounding this plant.

What Is Khat?

Khat is a flowering evergreen shrub scientifically known as Catha edulis. Its leaves, twigs, and shoots are commonly consumed for their stimulant properties, thanks to two active ingredients—cathine and cathinone. Cathine is a mild stimulant, while cathinone is more potent and produces an effect similar to amphetamines.

Traditionally, khat is chewed to release its active compounds, but it can also be dried, brewed into tea, smoked, or even used as a paste. Regardless of preparation, its stimulating effects make it a substance of interest and concern.

The Origins of Khat

The use of khat is strongly rooted in the cultures of East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, including countries like Ethiopia, Somalia, and Yemen. Historically, it has been a staple in social gatherings, chewed during conversations to foster a sense of community and focus.

Khat remains a part of daily life in many regions. However, beyond these areas, its legal and social acceptance varies widely, setting the stage for ongoing discussions of its uses and risks.

Common Street Names

Khat is known by a variety of names depending on the region or culture. Some common street names include:

• Abyssinian Tea
• African Salad
• Catha
• Chat
• Kat
• Oat

Each name might carry cultural nuances, but they all refer to the same plant and its stimulating effects.

How to Identify it

Khat is often sold in its simplest form—bundles of fresh or dried leaves, twigs, and shoots from the khat shrub. When examining fresh khat, the leaves are green and glossy, resembling many traditional herbs. The fresh plant is typically more potent than dried leaves, as cathinone degrades quickly after harvest.

How Is Khat Used?

The most common method of consuming khat is chewing the fresh leaves, similar to how one might chew tobacco. Users typically retain the chewed material in their cheek, releasing the active compounds slowly into their system. Alternatively, dried khat leaves can be:

• Brewed into tea
• Smoked like tobacco products
• Ground into a paste
• Sprinkled onto food

Each method releases the plant’s stimulant properties, producing similar effects on the user.

Effects on the Mind

Khat impacts both psychological and physical states. On the mental level, it can create a range of effects, including:

• Euphoria and increased alertness
• Hyperactivity and excessive energy
• Manic behaviour such as grandiose delusions or paranoia
• Nightmares and hallucinations

Chronic use, however, may lead to more severe conditions such as suicidal depression or violent behaviour. While occasional use may not result in these long-term mental effects, consistent and excessive use increases the risks significantly.

Effects on the Body

Physiologically, khat stimulates the body in several ways, some of which can have severe consequences over time. Some immediate effects include:

• An increase in blood pressure and heart rate
• Insomnia
• Gastric disorders
• Brown staining of teeth due to prolonged chewing

For long-term users, the physical strain can lead to symptoms such as extreme fatigue and, in some cases, liver toxicity or cardiac complications like heart attacks.

Overdose Effects

The threshold for a khat overdose is not well-documented. However, toxicity is most commonly associated with habitual, long-term users. Symptoms of overdose may include:

• Delusions
• Difficulty breathing
• Significant increases in both blood pressure and heart rate

There are also documented cases of chemical hepatitis and myocardial infarctions resulting from excessive or prolonged use. This underscores the importance of moderation and a clear understanding of risks.

Drugs With Similar Effects

The effects of khat are often compared to other well-known stimulants, including:

• Cocaine
• Amphetamine
• Methamphetamine

While khat’s stimulating properties may be milder than some synthetic drugs, its potential for psychological and physical harm mirrors that of its chemical counterparts.

Legal Status of Khat in the United States

Within the United States, khat falls under the Controlled Substances Act due to its active chemicals, cathine and cathinone. The legal status is as follows:

• Cathine is classified as a Schedule IV stimulant, indicating mild potential for dependence.
• Cathinone is a Schedule I stimulant, signifying a high potential for abuse with no accepted medical use.

This strict regulation reflects concerns over misuse and potential harm, even for those with cultural ties to its traditional use.

Should Khat Use Be a Concern?

Khat’s stimulating effects, combined with its cultural significance, make it a substance that balances between traditional acceptance and modern scrutiny. Its ability to mimic the effects of other stimulants highlights the potential risks associated with habitual use. However, its significance lies beyond just its physiological effects—it is a case study in how cultural practices evolve in the face of globalisation and legal control.

Source: Campus Drug Prevention