The Khat Drug: Is This The New Designer Drug like Cocaine, Ecstasy or Crystal Meth?
Posted: Saturday, November 21, 2009
by Edward Rhymes
Khat also known as kat , qat , qaat , quat , gat ,
jaad , chat , chad , chaad and miraa , is a flowering plant native to tropical East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Khat contains the alkaloid called cathinone, an amphetamine-like stimulant which is said to cause excitement, loss of appetite and euphoria.
In 1980 the World Health Organization classified khat as a drug of abuse that can produce mild to moderate psychological dependence. The plant has been targeted by anti-drug organizations like the DEA. It is a controlled/illegal substance in many countries, but is legal for sale and production in many others.
What is the significance of this drug? A couple, in Thornlie, Australia, was recently charged with possessing the prohibited drug with the intent to sell or supply and attempting to possess the drug to sell or supply. While it's not illegal to grow the trees, it is illegal to possess the leaves for use as a drug.
Australian anti-drug authorities are concerned that the use of the drug, being promoted through communities and groups on social networking sites like Facebook, can rapidly spread among students --- the rise in the use of this drug may also be attributed to a new Khat derivative, also known as MM-Cat. According to Austrailian authorities, it's a deadly cocktail of drugs which, when expanded, becomes Mephedrone. The new hybrid version is being referred to as "a cross between cocaine and ecstasy."
The drug is officially banned in Norway, Finland, Denmark, Israel and Sweden.
But in Britain, which is the main exporter of the drug, it is still legal. The drug is priced at $6300 for 1000g and is available at 40 different international websites, most of which are based in the UK.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's website lists some of the consequences of khat use:
In 1980 the World Health Organization classified khat as a drug of abuse that can produce mild to moderate psychological dependence. The plant has been targeted by anti-drug organizations like the DEA. It is a controlled/illegal substance in many countries, but is legal for sale and production in many others.
What is the significance of this drug? A couple, in Thornlie, Australia, was recently charged with possessing the prohibited drug with the intent to sell or supply and attempting to possess the drug to sell or supply. While it's not illegal to grow the trees, it is illegal to possess the leaves for use as a drug.
Australian anti-drug authorities are concerned that the use of the drug, being promoted through communities and groups on social networking sites like Facebook, can rapidly spread among students --- the rise in the use of this drug may also be attributed to a new Khat derivative, also known as MM-Cat. According to Austrailian authorities, it's a deadly cocktail of drugs which, when expanded, becomes Mephedrone. The new hybrid version is being referred to as "a cross between cocaine and ecstasy."
The drug is officially banned in Norway, Finland, Denmark, Israel and Sweden.
But in Britain, which is the main exporter of the drug, it is still legal. The drug is priced at $6300 for 1000g and is available at 40 different international websites, most of which are based in the UK.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's website lists some of the consequences of khat use:
- Common side effects include anorexia, tachycardia, hypertension, insomnia, and gastric disorders.
- Chronic Khat abuse can result in symptoms such as physical exhaustion, violence, and suicidal depression.
- Widespread frequent use of Khat impacts productivity because it tends to reduce worker motivation.
- Can induce manic behaviors, hyperactivity, and hallucinations.
- There are reports of Khat-induced psychosis
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Top-level comments on this article: (6 total)Narcotic or not, it sounds like another "goose chase" to me. I don't understand why marijuana is illegal but liquor is readily available.Still, your writings always teach me something, brother, and I am grateful!Thanks for commenting Bro.This was strictly for information purposes only. It was something that the Australian authorities seemed to think had some news value.Additionally, I have said the same thing about marijuana and alcohol (even though I'm not a consumer of either).I'm glad that you found this article informative Ken. Thanks again for reading and commenting.
It will be interesting to see if this drug winds up on American streets. I guess we have to wait for the cartels to see if they'll stock it. Nicely done.Thanks for reading and commenting Michael.They seem to think it depends on how much of the khat plant is actually converted into the MM-Cat derivative --- for the time being, that seems to be the greatest concern that the Australian authorities have.Thanks for stopping by Michael.
hi edward,this is scary. my kids ar 18, 22, and 24, and the fear of the use of drugs has been with me for quite some time.i believe we need better services in our schools to teach our kids why to stay away from all drugs and alcohol. not teachers or "professionals", who've never experienced a high, but normal people maybe from a 12 step program, helping them by sharing their own true stories to these kids. young adults they can relate to. i've been trying for years to get the high school to see this, but they turn a blind eye.it's not the drug, it's the reason WHY the kids want to do them. 12 step programs deal with this. i think they should be in every school.worked for me-almost 16 years sober. it wasn't books i read or documentaries or family and friends, but the 12 steps, shared by people like myself, that has kept me sober through the loss of my father, my son going into the air force, my daughter going into the army, and a bitter divorce, so, there's got to be something to it.thanks for sharing,my best regards,sueThanks for stopping by Sue.I don't know if this merits our full-blown concern at this time. It was something that I ran across and decided to pose it as a question --- a question I haven't answered as yet myself.In regard to the principles contained in 12 step programs, I think they could be beneficial in a school setting IF adapted and made age-appropriate.Thanks again for reading and commenting Sue (and sharing a part of your personal story and journey), I appreciate it.
appetitie supressing would be great, but i still think exdosy got to be the best! No reason to try anything else, LMAO
When Used in Moderation it is a MIld stimulant.I have done this drug a couple times and found it to be HARMLESS.
I did however have a tea with a small amount in the tea.IT was very mild and I slept just fine.
IF the Khat is Extracted using a solvent extraction process that is when the potency and composition changes.Then it is as dangerous as STREET CRANK
The US Government spends way too much money going after substances instead of diversion.
Herbs in the natural state are not dangerous unless you are DEAD SET on concentrating and overdosing like a damn fool.
That is why the Plant is legal and Having LEAVES and Flowers to Process and make tea is illegal.
It is complicated.
Really Stupid actually.
THe US Goverment is a HUGE HERB NANNY.
Cannabis ,Khat,Coca, Salvia,Pscilocybin,Bella Donna and Peyote
Then it is no different than a fool who DRINKS way too much and Gets Deathly sick and dehydrated.
I learned a valuable lesson in The Army in Europe when I did stimulants and DRANK WAY TOO MUCH.I hope some youngsters don't have to learn a hard lesson.It doesn't always work out.
Death by Stupidity is EASY ON BOOZE and Stimulants..
DogEatDogma.blogspot.com
This thing is a drug don't get it confused. It can cause all the symptoms described in a very short time. But i think those who have mastered its use should be respected and allow them to carry on their tradition. If we see them use it responsibly then maybe the rest of the world can learn from them and use less artificial substances like coke. These substances obviously have a positive aspect along with the negative otherwise people wouldn't be doing them.
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