Effects and Uses of Little Known Drugs DRUG #3 KHAT

Khat is a perennial shrub with a stimulating effect that is used in some African countries in homes, meetings and in cafes. The plant is originally from Ethiopia and began to spread through sub-Saharan Africa around the 15th century. In Yemen it was used as a precedent for coffee.

Until a few days ago at Heathrow airport in London groups of Somalis traded with leaves quietly. It is assumed that in the United Kingdom about 90,000 people use it. The authorities of the country have just considered the illegal plant, its possession will carry a fine of about 75 € and its sale jail terms of up to 14 years. Most of the countries of the European Union, the United States and Canada have banned the substance.
Eight out of ten Somali men are addicted to Khat, the drug is one of the main pillars of the economy of Somalia, generating an annual benefit of more than 50 million dollars and is the element on which the warlords have consolidated Position over the last few years.

Its effects are stimulating, producing a feeling of joy, liberation, loquacity, laughter, until it reaches a state of semicoma. Its continued use can reach delirium tremens. As side effects oral and gastric cancer, cerebral hemorrhage, hypertension and degeneration of the genitals.

Who uses khat

Khat is a shrub with evergreen leaves, which has a slight stimulating effect, which in the United Kingdom is usually used in homes, community events and cafes khat.
According to a British parliamentary committee, in the United Kingdom about 90,000 people use it, mainly of the Somali communities, although it is also consumed between the Yemenite and Ethiopian communities.
Those who consume it tend to use between one and two bunches per session, which lasts between four and six hours.
In the main areas where it is produced, in Kenya, Yemen and Ethiopia, chewing khat is seen as an aid to religious contemplation and medicine.

effects
The plant was already banned in many European countries, USA. And Canada.
The two main stimulants found in the khat plant have a somewhat less strong effect than amphetamines.
May cause insomnia and temporary confusion.
After chewing their leaves for a few hours users say they feel relaxed.

Between February 1998 and its ban in the United Kingdom this month, the khat plant was classified as a "stimulant drug" by the British tax authorities, so it paid a 20% value-added tax.
In 2011/2011, 2,560 tonnes of khat were imported into the United Kingdom, valued at US $ 23.5 million, for which they paid US $ 4.75 million in taxes.
According to figures from the tax authorities, imports of khat have been falling since 2005.
Most khat arriving in the UK comes from Kenya. Although the informal nature of their production makes it difficult to obtain precise data, a report in the British parliament indicates that about 500,000 Kenyans depend on their cultivation and that the plant, which is distributed in 24 countries, accounts for 1% Kenya.
So far the main importers of khat of Kenya were United Kingdom, Somalia, New Zealand and Japan ..