Khat, Chat, Qat

SOURCE: Chat is a plant Catha Edulis. It is imported into the UK, and sold here or may be exported to other countries including the United States. The plant is openly sold in the UK, from street markets in London and other city centres.

APPEARANCE: Bundles of twigs, with leaves attached.

COST: £3-5 per bunch

QUALITY: Variable: Chat varies in strength, and its strength also deteriorates after the plant is picked.

METHODS OF USE: Chat is usually chewed. The leaves and soft pulp are placed in the mouth and masticated for a long period of time. Chat chewing is frequently treated as a social activity, taking place in small groups and lasting for several hours at a time.

EFFECTS: The active constituents of Chat are stimulants and the effects are similar to those of amphetamines, albeit less strong. They increase energy, reduce appetite, and cause users to become talkative and animated, followed by drowsiness, sleep or depression.

HEALTH IMPLICATIONS: Excessive use can cause a range of symptoms including irritability, paranoia, insomnia and weight loss. Unless discontinued, it can, in extreme case, lead to psychosis.

LEGAL STATUS: Possession or use of Chat is not presently restricted in the UK. However, it is illegal in some other countries, and people are arrested and prosecuted for carrying the drug into other countries.

OTHER INFORMATION: Chat use is common in certain cultural settings, and has been practised for many centuries in certain areas of East Africa and the Arab Peninsula.