Khat: Morphine and National Drug Intelligence
Khat/Qat Drug Catha edulis or Khat (Qat) is a natural drug derived from the Celastrus edulis plant which is a shrub that can grow to the size of a tree and could reach a height of about 10 to 20 feet with leaves resembling those of basil leaves. Its content makes it a compound similar to that of Amphetamines that produce excitation, banish sleep and promote communication. According to streetdrugs.org (2003), when used in moderation, khat is used as away to alleviate fatigue and to reduce appetite. This is perhaps one of the reasons why Khat was able to reach the American society through the immigrants, who in their countries have used khat for medical purposes. However, as it turned out, the potential abuse of khat has led other people to use it in excess of the normal dosage. Khat, also known in 40 other street names including Chat, Ku-es-Salahin., Mirra, Tohai, Tschat, Catha, Quat, African Tea, and African salad is also used to chase away hunger and exhaustion (Khat, n.d.).
A Bundle of Khat Source: http://www.a1b2c3.com/drugs/khat1.htm According to Lewin, Khat originated in Ethiopia until its sue spread to Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania, the Congo, Zimbabwe and Zambia and the rest of South Africa. The earliest use of Khat has been recorded in Yemen wherein Khat is mainly used before coffee became popular (Khat, n.d.). In the United States, the use of Khat has also become prevalent but majority of the users are persons coming for the areas of Somalia, Yemen and in other countries whether Khat originated and its use widely accepted (Khat Fast Facts, n.d.). This si why the Drug Enforcement Administration reported a sizable increase in khat abuse in cities where there are known increase in immigrant population from Somalia, Yemen, and Ethiopia. These cities include Boston, Dallas, Detroit, Kansas, New York, and Washington. What is more alarming that there have also been found evidence that even non-immigrants has started using and abusing the
A Bundle of Khat Source: http://www.a1b2c3.com/drugs/khat1.htm According to Lewin, Khat originated in Ethiopia until its sue spread to Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania, the Congo, Zimbabwe and Zambia and the rest of South Africa. The earliest use of Khat has been recorded in Yemen wherein Khat is mainly used before coffee became popular (Khat, n.d.). In the United States, the use of Khat has also become prevalent but majority of the users are persons coming for the areas of Somalia, Yemen and in other countries whether Khat originated and its use widely accepted (Khat Fast Facts, n.d.). This si why the Drug Enforcement Administration reported a sizable increase in khat abuse in cities where there are known increase in immigrant population from Somalia, Yemen, and Ethiopia. These cities include Boston, Dallas, Detroit, Kansas, New York, and Washington. What is more alarming that there have also been found evidence that even non-immigrants has started using and abusing the
References: Center for Substance Abuse Research (2005). Khat. Retrieved April 24, 2008, from http://www.cesar.umd.edu/cesar/drugs/khat.asp Jenkins, C. (2005). Health Fears Over Khat Drug Use. Retrieved April 24, 2008, from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/south_east/4497059.stm Khat (Catha edulis). (n.d.). Retrieved April 24, 2008, from http://www.a1b2c3.com/drugs/khat1.htm National Drug Intelligence Center (n.d.). Khat Fast Facts. Retrieved April 24, 2008, from http://www.usdoj.gov/ndic/pubs5/5116/5116p.pdf Streetdrugs.org. (2003). Khat. Retrieved April 24, 2008, from http://www.streetdrugs.org/khat.htm U. S. Drug Enforcement Administration (n.d.). Khat. Retrieved April 24, 2008, from http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/concern/khat.html