Khat is a stimulant drug, which means it speeds up the messages between the brain and the body. The buds and leaves of the khat plant Catha edulis are chewed for stimulant and euphoric effects, and traditionally have been used for medicinal purposes as well as recreationally. The leaves and buds of the khat plant, either fresh or dried. They have a mild aroma and an astringent, faintly sweet taste.
Khat leaves and buds can be chewed fresh, but may also be preserved by wrapping freshly picked khat in banana leaves, and then used dried.
Use of any drug can have risks. The effects of khat start approximately 1 hour after chewing and last for around 3 and a half hours. Using khat is associated with mental health conditions such as psychosis which is similar to amphetamine psychosis.
It has also been associated with depression, mood swings and violent behaviour. People who regularly use khat can become psychologically dependent on the drug. They may feel they need khat to go about their normal activities like working, studying and socialising, or just to get through the day.
Khat appears to pose a relatively low risk for dependence, but withdrawal symptoms may be experienced if someone stops using khat after they have been using it regularly.
