Khat

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

Khat is a green-leaf shrub that has been chewed for centuries by people who live in the horn of Africa and Arabian peninsula.

Ingestion

Khat is a stimulant drug with effects described as being somewhere betweeen caffeine and amphetamine. Chewing it make some people feel more alert, talkative and suppresses the appetitie, though users describe an ensuing calming effect when used over a few hours.

In some cases it may maken people feel more irritable and angry and possibly violent. Regular use may lead to insomnia (inability to sleep), anorexia and anxiety.

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

Khat is not illegal to use or trade in the UK. It is controlled by law in countries such as America, Canada, Norway and Sweden.