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KHAT/QU'AT |
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Names
Description
- Khat is a green-leafed plant sold as a bunch
Use
- The fresh leaves and small stems are chewed to a pulp and then spat out
- It can be brewed in tea
- It is not illegal in the UK
- For some older members of Somali, Ethiopian, Kenyan and Yemeni communities khat chewing sessions are an important social function
Effects
- Users feel alert, relaxed and more talkative
- It reduces appetite
- Considerable chewing is needed to get an effect
- Effects vary as a result of the freshness of the khat
Risks
- Regular users may feel they cannot do without it
- Khat chewing can lead to a sore mouth which may lead to infections
- Excessive khat chewing may increase the risk of heart disease and cancer in the mouth
- The most common risk with Khat / Qu'at use is that people can experience what is called Khat / Qu'at induced psyhosis after a long period of use. It includes depression and paranoia (feeling unsafe) and could mean the user needs to be asmitted to a hospital psychiatric unit for a few days
Law
- It is currently legal to use posses and sell khat in the UK. However in other countries including Ireland, America, Norway and Sweden it is illegal to posses, use and supply. If you go to these countries with Khat, you would break the law
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