Khat
Catha edulis
Conservation status
Least Concern
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Celastrales Family: Celastraceae Genus: Catha Species: C. The conservation status of a Species is an indicator of the likelihood of that species remaining extant either in the present day or the near future Least Concern ( LC) is an IUCN category assigned to extant species or lower taxa which have been evaluated but do not qualify for any other category Plants are living Organisms belonging to the kingdom Plantae. The flowering plants or angiosperms ( Angiospermae or Magnoliophyta) are the most widespread group Dicotyledons, or "dicots", is a name for a group of Flowering plants whose Seed typically has two embryonic leaves or Cotyledons There The Celastrales are an order of Flowering plants included within the rosid subgroup of Dicotyledons Newer classifications include the following three families The Celastraceae (or Staff vine or bittersweet family syn Canotiaceae Chingithamnaceae Euonymaceae Goupiaceae Lophopyxidaceae edulis
Binomial name
Catha edulis (Vahl) Forssk. ex Endl.

Khat (Catha edulis, family Celastraceae; Arabic: قات; Somali: Jaad; pronounced [ˈkæt]; Ge'ez ጫት č̣āt), also known as qat, qaat, quat, gat, chat, chad, chaad and miraa, is a flowering plant native to tropical East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Martin Vahl (born October 10, 1749 in Bergen - died December 24, 1804 in Copenhagen) was a Danish - Peter Forsskål, sometimes spelled Pehr Forsskål, Peter Forskaol, Petrus Forskål or Pehr Forsskåhl, ( 11 January, 1732 Stephan Ladislaus Endlicher ( June 24 1804 &ndash March 28 1849) was an Austrian Botanist, numismatist and Sinologist The Celastraceae (or Staff vine or bittersweet family syn Canotiaceae Chingithamnaceae Euonymaceae Goupiaceae Lophopyxidaceae The Arabic alphabet is the script used for writing several languages of Asia and Africa such as Arabic, Persian, and Urdu. Somali ( Af Soomaali, الصوماليه is a member of the East Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic language family spoken by ethnic Somalis Ge'ez (gez ግዕዝ) also called Ethiopic, is an Abugida script that was originally developed to write Ge'ez, a Semitic language The flowering plants or angiosperms ( Angiospermae or Magnoliophyta) are the most widespread group East Africa is the Easternmost Region of the African Continent. The Arabian Peninsula (in Arabic: شبه الجزيرة العربية šibh al-jazīra al-ʻarabīya or جزيرة العرب jazīrat al-ʻarab)

Khat contains the alkaloid called cathinone, an amphetamine-like stimulant which causes excitement and euphoria. This article is about the chemical compounds alkaloids For the Pharmaceutical company in the Republic of Macedonia see Alkaloid (company. Cathinone ( β - keto[[amphetamine]] is a Monoamine Alkaloid found in the Shrub Catha edulis ( Khat Amphetamine, and related drugs such as Methamphetamine are a group of drugs that act by increasing levels of Norepinephrine, Serotonin, and Dopamine Stimulant drugs are Drugs that temporarily increase alertness and awareness Euphoria is a medically recognized emotional state related to Pleasure and Happiness. In 1980 the World Health Organization classified khat as a drug of abuse that can produce mild to moderate psychological dependence, and the plant has been targeted by anti-drug organizations like the DEA. Year 1980 ( MCMLXXX) was a Leap year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1980 Gregorian calendar) Drug abuse has a wide range of definitions related to taking a Psychoactive drug or Performance enhancing drug for a non-therapeutic or non-medical effect The term " addiction " is used in many contexts to describe an obsession compulsion or excessive Physical dependence or psychological dependence such as The Drug Enforcement Administration ( DEA) is a United States Department of Justice Law enforcement agency tasked with combating drug smuggling and ^[1] It is a controlled/illegal substance in many countries.

Contents 1 Description 2 History 3 Cultivation and uses 4 Chemistry and pharmacology 5 Effects 6 Demographics 7 regulation 7.1 World 7.2 Australia 7.3 Canada 7.4 Denmark 7.5 Finland 7.6 France 7.7 The Netherlands 7.8 Germany 7.9 Hong Kong 7.10 Israel 7.11 New Zealand 7.12 Norway 7.13 Somalia 7.14 Sweden 7.15 Switzerland 7.16 United Kingdom 7.17 United States 8 References 9 Notes 10 External links

Description

Believed to have originated in Oromia, Ethiopia, khat is a slow-growing shrub or small tree that grows to between 1. A shrub or Bush is a horticultural rather than strictly botanical category of Woody plant, distinguished from a Tree A tree is a perennial Woody plant. It is most often defined as a woody plant that has many secondary branches supported clear of the ground on a single main stem or 5 metres and 20 metres tall, depending on region and rainfall, with evergreen leaves 5–10 cm long and 1–4 cm broad. In Botany, an Evergreen plant is a plant having leaves all year round In Botany, a leaf is an above-ground Plant organ specialized for Photosynthesis. The flowers are produced on short axillary cymes 4–8 cm long, each flower small, with five white petals. A flower, also known as a bloom or Blossom, is the reproductive structure found in Flowering plants (plants of the division Magnoliophyta, also The fruit is an oblong three-valved capsule containing 1–3 seeds. The term fruit has different meanings dependent on context and the term is not synonymous in Food preparation and Biology. A seed (in some plants referred to as a kernel) is a small embryonic Plant enclosed in a covering called the seed coat usually with some stored

History

The origins of khat are disputed. Some believe that it is Ethiopian in origin, from where it spread to the hillsides of East Africa and Yemen. NOTE This intro is the result of careful NPOV work Please do not make potentially controversial edits to it without first discussing on the talk page East Africa is the Easternmost Region of the African Continent. Yemen ( Arabic: اليَمَن al-Yaman officially the Republic of Yemen ( Arabic: الجمهورية اليمنية al-Jumhuuriyya Others believe that khat originated in Yemen before spreading to Ethiopia and nearby countries. Sir Richard Burton explains that khat was introduced to the Yemen from Ethiopia in the 15th century. Captain Sir Richard Francis Burton KCMG FRGS (19 March 1821 &ndash 20 October 1890 was an English Explorer, Translator, writer ^[2] There is also evidence to suggest this may have occurred as early as the 13th century. Through botanical analysis, Revri (1983) supports Yemen origins of the plant. ^[3] From Ethiopia and Yemen the trees spread to Somalia, Arabia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Congo, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and South Africa. Somalia ( Soomaaliya; الصومال) officially the Somali Republic ( Jamhuuriyadda Soomaaliya, جمهورية الصومال) and formerly known The Arabian Peninsula (in Arabic: شبه الجزيرة العربية šibh al-jazīra al-ʻarabīya or جزيرة العرب jazīrat al-ʻarab) The Republic of Kenya is a country in East Africa. It is bordered by Ethiopia to the north Somalia to the northeast Tanzania to the south The Republic of Uganda is a Landlocked country in East Africa. Tanzania ˌtænzəˈniːə officially the United Republic of Tanzania (Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania is a country in East Africa bordered by Kenya The Republic of Malawi (məˈlɑːwi or; formerly Nyasaland) is in southern Africa. See also Great Zimbabwe National Monument. For information about the March and June 2008 presidential elections see Zimbabwean presidential election The Republic of Zambia (ˈzæmbɪə is a Landlocked country in Southern Africa. The Republic of South Africa (also known by other official names) is a country located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa ^[4] The earliest recorded use of khat medically is believed to be within the New Testament. ^[5] The ancient Egyptians considered the khat plant a "divine food" which was capable of releasing humanity's divinity. Ancient Egypt was an Ancient Civilization in eastern North Africa, concentrated along the lower reaches of the Nile River in what is now See also List of deities A deity is a Postulated Preternatural or Supernatural Being, who is always The Egyptians used the plant for more than its stimulating effects; they used it as a metamorphic process and transcended into "apotheosis", intending to make the user god-like. ^{[6] [7]} }

The earliest documented description of khat dates back to the Kitab al-Saidana fi al-Tibb, an 11th century work on pharmacy and materia medica written by Abū Rayhān al-Bīrūnī, a Persian scientist and biologist. Pharmacy (from the Greek φάρμακον 'pharmakon' = drug is the Health profession that links the Health sciences with the chemical sciences Materia medica is a Latin medical term for the body of collected knowledge about the therapeutic properties of any substance used for healing Unaware of its origins, al-Bīrūnī wrote that khat is:^[8]

"a commodity from Turkestan. Turkestan (literally meaning "Land of the Turks" is a region in Central Asia, which today is largely inhabited by Turkic peoples. It is sour to taste and slenderly made in the manner of batan-alu. But qat is reddish with a slight blackish tinge. It is believed that batan-alu is red, coolant, relieves biliousness, and is a refrigerant for the stomach and the liver. A coolant is a fluid which flows through a device in order to prevent its overheating transferring the heat produced by the device to other devices that utilize or dissipate it Bile or gall is a bitter yellow or green Alkaline fluid secreted by Hepatocytes from the Liver of most Vertebrates In many species A refrigerant is a compound used in a heat cycle that undergoes a Phase change from a Gas to a Liquid and back In Human anatomy, the stomach is a J-shaped hollow muscular organ of the Gastrointestinal tract involved in the second phase of Digestion, following The liver is a vital organ in the human body and is present in Vertebrates and some other animals "

In 1854, the Malay writer Abdullah bin Abdul Kadir noted that the custom of chewing Khat was prevalent in Al Hudaydah in Yemen: "I observed a new peculiarity in this city — everyone chewed leaves as goats chew the cud. For the biogeographical region see Malesia Malaysia (məˈleɪʒə or /məˈleɪziə/ is a country that consists of thirteen states and Abdullah bin Abdul Kadir (1796&ndash1854 also known as Munshi Abdullah, was a Malayan writer Al Hudaydah (also written as Hodeidah) (الحديدة is the fourth largest city in Yemen with a population 400000 people and the centre of Al Hudaydah Governorate CUD is an acronym sometimes used to describe the genetic disorder Primary carnitine deficiency. There is a type of leaf, rather wide and about two fingers in length, which is widely sold, as people would consume these leaves just as they are; unlike betel leaves, which need certain condiments to go with them, these leaves were just stuffed fully into the mouth and munched. The Betel ( Piper betle) is the leaf of a vine belonging to the Piperaceae family which includes pepper and Kava) Thus when people gathered around, the remnants from these leaves would pile up in front of them. When they spat, their saliva was green. For the band see Saliva (band; for the village in Azerbaijan see Səliva. I then queried them on this matter: ‘What benefits are there to be gained from eating these leaves?’ To which they replied, ‘None whatsoever, it’s just another expense for us as we’ve grown accustomed to it’. Those who consume these leaves have to eat lots of ghee and honey, for they would fall ill otherwise. Ghee ( Hindi घी ghī, Urdu گھی ghī, Punjabi ਘਿਉ/گھیو ghiu, Kashmiri ग्याव/گیاو Honey is a sweet and Viscous fluid produced by Honey bees (and some other species and derived from the nectar of Flowers According to the The leaves are known as Kad. "^[9]

Cultivation and uses

The khat plant is known by a variety of names, such as qat and ghat in Yemen, qaat and jaad in Somalia, chat in Oromia and Ethiopia and miraa in Kenya and Tanzania. Khat has been grown for use as a stimulant for centuries in the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The Horn of Africa (alternatively Northeast Africa, and sometimes Somali Peninsula; shortened to HOA) is a Peninsula in East Africa The Arabian Peninsula (in Arabic: شبه الجزيرة العربية šibh al-jazīra al-ʻarabīya or جزيرة العرب jazīrat al-ʻarab) There, chewing khat predates the use of coffee and is used in a similar social context. CoFFEE is an Open source Software for computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL in a digital classroom Its fresh leaves and tops are chewed or, less frequently, dried and consumed as tea, in order to achieve a state of euphoria and stimulation; it also has anorectic side-effects. Note "Anorectic" is also a term for an anorexic person a person suffering from Anorexia nervosa Anorectics, anorexigenics Its use is generally not limited by religion, though the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (along with its Eritrean counterpart) has forbidden Christians from using it due to its stimulating effects. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (in transliterated Amharic: Yäityop'ya ortodoks täwahedo bétäkrestyan) is an Oriental The Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church is an Oriental Orthodox church. Due to the availability of rapid, inexpensive air transportation, the drug has been reported in England, Wales, Rome, Amsterdam, Canada, Australia, New Zealand^[10] and the United States. England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland Rome ( Roma ˈroma Roma is the capital city of Italy and Lazio, and is Italy's largest and most populous city with more than 2 Amsterdam (pronounced) is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands, located in the province of North Holland in the west Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. New Zealand is an Island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island The United States of America —commonly referred to as the The public has become more aware of this drug through media reports pertaining to the United Nations mission in Somalia, where khat use is widespread, and its role in the Persian Gulf. The United Nations ( UN) is an International organization whose stated aims are to facilitate cooperation in International law, International security Somalia ( Soomaaliya; الصومال) officially the Somali Republic ( Jamhuuriyadda Soomaaliya, جمهورية الصومال) and formerly known The Persian Gulf, in the Southwest Asian region is an extension of the

Khat use has traditionally been confined to the regions where khat is grown, because only the fresh leaves have the desired stimulating effects. In recent years improved roads, off-road motor vehicles and air transport have increased the global distribution of this perishable commodity. Traditionally, khat has been used as a socializing drug, and this is still very much the case in Yemen where khat-chewing is predominantly, although not exclusively, a male habit. ^[11] In other countries, khat is consumed largely by single individuals and at parties. It is mainly a recreational drug in the countries which grow khat, though it may also be used by farmers and laborers for reducing physical fatigue and by drivers and students for improving attention. Within the counter-culture segments of the Kenyan elite population, Khat (referred to as veve) is used to counter the effects of a hangover or binge drinking, similar to the use of the coca leaf in South America. Counterculture (also " counter-culture " is a sociological term used to describe the values and norms of behavior of a Cultural group, or The Republic of Kenya is a country in East Africa. It is bordered by Ethiopia to the north Somalia to the northeast Tanzania to the south Elite (also spelled Élite) is taken originally from the Latin, eligere, "to elect" A hangover ( veisalgia) describes the sum of unpleasant physiological effects following heavy consumption of drugs particularly Alcoholic beverages The most commonly Binge drinking is drinking certain beverages with the intention of becoming intoxicated Not to be confused with Cocoa. Coca is a Plant in the family Erythroxylaceae, native to north-western South America South America is a Continent of the Americas, situated entirely in the Western Hemisphere and mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a In Yemen some women have their own saloons for the occasion, and participate in chewing Khat with their husbands on weekends. In many places where grown, Khat has become mainstream enough for many children to start chewing the plant before puberty.

Khat is so popular in Yemen that its cultivation consumes much of the country's agricultural resources. Yemen ( Arabic: اليَمَن al-Yaman officially the Republic of Yemen ( Arabic: الجمهورية اليمنية al-Jumhuuriyya It is estimated that 40% of the country's water supply goes towards irrigating it, with production increasing by about 10% to 15% every year. Water consumption is so high that groundwater levels in the Sanaa basin are being diminished; because of this, government officials have proposed relocating large portions of the population of Sanaa to the coast of the Red Sea. Groundwater is Water located beneath the Ground surface in Soil pore spaces and in the Fractures of lithologic formations The Red Sea is a Salt water Inlet of the Indian Ocean between Africa and Asia. ^[11] One reason for cultivating khat in Yemen so widely is the high income it provides for farmers. Some studies done in 2001 estimated that the income from cultivating khat was about 2. 5 million Yemeni rials per hectare, while it was only 0. The rial or riyal is the currency of Yemen. It is technically divided into 100 fils, although coins denominated in fils have not been issued since Explanation The hectare is commonly used in most countries around the world especially in domains concerned with land planning and management such as Agriculture, 57 million rials per hectare if fruits were cultivated. This is a strong reason for farmers to prefer to cultivate khat over coffee and fruits. ^[12] For this reason, between 1970 and 2000, the area on which khat was cultivated grew from 8,000 hectares to 103,000 hectares. Explanation The hectare is commonly used in most countries around the world especially in domains concerned with land planning and management such as Agriculture, However, these numbers are estimates and the real numbers may be higher. ^[12]

In Somalia, the Supreme Islamic Courts Council, which took control of much of the country in 2006, banned khat during Ramadan, sparking street protests in Kismayo. Somalia ( Soomaaliya; الصومال) officially the Somali Republic ( Jamhuuriyadda Soomaaliya, جمهورية الصومال) and formerly known The Islamic Courts Union ( ICU, Somali: Midowga Maxkamadaha Islaamiga Arabic: اتحاد المحاكم الإسلامية Ittihād al-mahākim Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Ramadan or Ramazan ( Arabic: رمضان Ramaḍān) is a Muslim religious observance that takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic Kismayo or Kismayu (Kismaayo كيسمايو; Chisimaio is a Port In November 2006, Kenya banned all flights to Somalia, citing security concerns, prompting protests by Kenyan khat growers. The Kenyan Member of Parliament from Ntonyiri, Meru North District stated that local land had been specialized in khat cultivation, that 20 tons worth $800,000 were shipped to Somalia daily and that a flight ban could devastate the local economy. A Member of Parliament, or MP, is a representative elected by the voters to a Parliament. Meru North District is one of the seventy-one Districts of Kenya, located in that country's Eastern Province. ^[13] With the victory of the Provisional Government backed by Ethiopian forces in the end of December 2006, khat has returned to the streets of Mogadishu, though Kenyan traders have noted demand has not yet returned to pre-ban levels. ^[14]

Chemistry and pharmacology

The stimulant effect of the plant was originally attributed to "katin", cathine, a phenethylamine-type substance isolated from the plant. Cathine (D- norpseudoephedrine) is a Monoamine Alkaloid found in the Shrub Catha edulis (khat Phenethylamine, or β -phenylethylamine or 2-phenylethylamine is an Alkaloid and Monoamine. However, the attribution was disputed by reports showing the plant extracts from fresh leaves contained another substance more behaviorally active than cathine. In 1975, the related alkaloid cathinone was isolated, and its absolute configuration was established in 1978. Cathinone ( β - keto[[amphetamine]] is a Monoamine Alkaloid found in the Shrub Catha edulis ( Khat An absolute configuration in Stereochemistry is the spatial arrangement of the Atoms of a chiral Molecular entity (or group and its stereochemical Year 1978 ( MCMLXXVIII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1978 Gregorian calendar) Cathinone is not very stable and breaks down to produce cathine and norephedrine. Phenylpropanolamine (PPA is a drug ingredient of the Phenethylamine family used as a Decongestant in prescription and nonprescription (over the counter These chemicals belong to the PPA (phenylpropanolamine) family, a subset of the phenethylamines related to amphetamines and the catecholamines epinephrine and norepinephrine. Phenylpropanolamine (PPA is a drug ingredient of the Phenethylamine family used as a Decongestant in prescription and nonprescription (over the counter Phenethylamine, or β -phenylethylamine or 2-phenylethylamine is an Alkaloid and Monoamine. Amphetamine, and related drugs such as Methamphetamine are a group of drugs that act by increasing levels of Norepinephrine, Serotonin, and Dopamine Norepinephrine ( INN) (abbreviated norepi or NE) or noradrenaline ( BAN) (abbreviated NA or NAd) is a ^[15]

Both of khat's major active ingredients - cathine and cathinone - are phenylalkylamines, meaning they are in the same class of chemicals as amphetamines. In fact, cathinone and cathine have a very similar molecular structure to amphetamine. ^[16]

When khat leaves dry, the more potent chemical, cathinone, evaporates within 48 hours leaving behind the milder Schedule IV chemical, cathine. Thus, harvesters transport khat by packaging the leaves and stems in plastic bags or wrapping them in banana leaves to preserve their moisture and keep the cathinone potent. For the fruit see Banana. For other meanings see Banana (disambiguation. It is also common for them to sprinkle the plant with water frequently or use refrigeration during transportation. Refrigeration is the process of removing Heat from an enclosed space or from a substance and moving it to a place where it is unobjectionable

When the khat leaves are chewed, cathine and cathinone are released and absorbed through the mucous membranes of the mouth and the lining of the stomach. The mouth, buccal cavity, or oral cavity is the first portion of the Alimentary canal that receives food and begins digestion by mechanically breaking up In Human anatomy, the stomach is a J-shaped hollow muscular organ of the Gastrointestinal tract involved in the second phase of Digestion, following The action of cathine and cathinone on the reuptake of epinephrine and norepinephrine has been demonstrated in lab animals, showing that one or both of these chemicals cause the body to recycle these neurotransmitters more slowly, resulting in the wakefulness and insomnia associated with khat use. Reuptake, or re-uptake, is the reabsorption of a Neurotransmitter by the Neurotransmitter transporter of a pre-synaptic Neuron after ^[17]

Receptors for serotonin show a high affinity for cathinone suggesting that this chemical is responsible for feelings of euphoria associated with chewing khat. In mice, cathinone produces the same types of nervous pacing or repetitive scratching behaviors associated with amphetamines. ^[18] The effects of cathinone peak after 15 to 30 minutes with nearly 98% of the substance metabolized into norephedrine by the liver. ^[19]

Cathine is somewhat less understood, being believed to act upon the adrenergic receptors causing the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine. The adrenergic receptors (or adrenoceptors) are a class of G protein-coupled receptors that are targets of the Catecholamines Adrenergic receptors ^[20] It has a half-life of about 3 hours in humans. Half-Life (computer-game page here It's already listed in the disambiguation page Because the receptor effect are similar to those of cocaine medication treatment iof the occasional addiction is similar to that of cocaine. The medication, bromocriptine can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms within twenty-four hours. ^[21]

Effects

Khat consumption induces mild euphoria and excitement. Euphoria is a medically recognized emotional state related to Pleasure and Happiness. Individuals become very talkative under the influence of the drug and may appear to be unrealistic and emotionally unstable. Khat can induce manic behaviors and hyperactivity. Mania (from Greek μανία and that from μαίνομαι - mainomai, "to rage to be furious" is a severe medical condition Hyperactivity can be described as a physical state in which a person is abnormally and easily excitable or exuberant Khat is an effective anorectic and its use also results in constipation. Note "Anorectic" is also a term for an anorexic person a person suffering from Anorexia nervosa Anorectics, anorexigenics Constipation, costiveness, or irregularity, is a condition of the Digestive system in which a person (or animal experiences hard Feces that Dilated pupils (mydriasis), which are prominent during khat consumption, reflect the sympathomimetic effects of the drug, which are also reflected in increased heart rate and blood pressure. The pupil is the hole that is located in the center of the iris of the eye and that controls the amount of light that enters the Eye. "Dilated pupil" redirects here An Eye examination sometimes requires the dilation of the pupil Sympathomimetic drugs are substances that mimic the effects of the Catecholamines Epinephrine (adrenaline Norepinephrine (noradrenaline and/or A state of drowsy hallucinations (hypnagogic hallucinations) may result coming down from khat use as well. A hallucination, in the broadest sense is a Perception in the absence of a stimulus. Hypnagogia ( Greek ὕπνος húpnos "sleep" + the root found in ἄγω ágō "to lead away conduct convey" ἀγωγεύς Withdrawal symptoms that may follow prolonged khat use include lethargy, mild depression, nightmares, and slight tremor. Withdrawal, also known as withdrawal/abstinence syndrome, refers to the characteristic signs and symptoms that appear when a drug that causes Physical dependence is A symptom' (from Greek σύμπτωμα, "accident misfortune that which befalls" from συμπίπτω, "I befall" from Major depressive disorder, also known as major depression, unipolar depression, unipolar disorder, clinical depression, or simply depression A nightmare is a Dream which causes a strong unpleasant emotional response from the sleeper typically fear or horror being in situations of extreme danger or the sensations Tremor is an unintentional somewhat rhythmic muscle movement involving to-and-from movements (oscillations of one or more parts of the body Long term use can precipitate the following effects: negative impact on liver function, permanent tooth darkening (of a greenish tinge), susceptibility to ulcers, and diminished sex drive. The liver is a vital organ in the human body and is present in Vertebrates and some other animals Ulcers are healing wounds that develop on the skin mucous membranes or eye Libido in its common usage means Sexual desire however more technical definitions such as those found in the work of Carl Jung, are more general referring to libido Khat is usually not an addictive drug, although those who are addicted generally cannot stay without it for more than 4-5 days, feeling tired and having difficulty concentrating. The term " addiction " is used in many contexts to describe an obsession compulsion or excessive Physical dependence or psychological dependence such as ^[22] Occasionally a psychosis can result. It resembles a hypermanic state in presentation. ^[23]

Demographics

It is estimated that several million people are frequent users of khat. Many of the users originate from countries between Sudan and Madagascar and in the southwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula, especially Yemen. Sudan (officially the Republic of Sudan) ( السودان al-Sūdān is a country in northeastern Africa. Madagascar, or Republic of Madagascar (older name Malagasy Republic) is an Island nation in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern The Arabian Peninsula (in Arabic: شبه الجزيرة العربية šibh al-jazīra al-ʻarabīya or جزيرة العرب jazīrat al-ʻarab) Yemen ( Arabic: اليَمَن al-Yaman officially the Republic of Yemen ( Arabic: الجمهورية اليمنية al-Jumhuuriyya In Yemen, 80% of the males and 45% of the females were found to be khat users who had chewed daily for long periods of their life. The traditional form of khat chewing in Yemen involves only male users; khat chewing by females is less formal and less frequent. In Saudi Arabia, the cultivation and consumption of khat are forbidden, and the ban is strictly enforced. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, KSA ( المملكة العربية السعودية, al-Mamlaka al-ʻArabiyya as-Suʻūdiyya) or Suudi The ban on khat is further supported by the clergy on the grounds that the Qur'an forbids anything that is harmful to the body. In Somalia, 61% of the population reported that they do use khat, 18% report habitual use, and 21% are occasional users.

Researchers estimate that about 70-80% of Yemenis between 16 and 50 years old chew khat, at least on occasion, and it has been estimated that Yemenis spend about 14. 6 million person-hours per day chewing khat. The local researcher Ali Al-Zubaidi has estimated that the amount of money spent on khat has increased from 14. 6 billion rials in 1990 to 41. 2 billion rials in 1995. Researchers have also estimated that families spend about 17% of their income on khat (the real number may be more. )^[12]

regulation

World

In 1965, the World Health Organization Expert Committee on Dependence-producing Drugs' Fourteenth Report noted, "The Committee was pleased to note the resolution of the Economic and Social Council with respect to khat, confirming the view that the abuse of this substance is a regional problem and may best be controlled at that level". The Economic and Social Council ( ECOSOC) of the United Nations assists the General Assembly in promoting international economic and social cooperation ^[24] For this reason, khat was not Scheduled under the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. The Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs is an international Treaty to prohibit production and supply of specific (nominally Narcotic) Drugs and of drugs In 1980 the World Health Organization classified khat as a drug of abuse that can produce mild to moderate psychological dependence.

Australia

In Australia, the importation of khat is controlled under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. Individual users may apply for several required licenses to import up to 5 kg per month for personal use (primarily immigrants from the Horn of Africa). In 2003, the total number of khat annual permits was 294 and the total number of individual khat permits was 202.

There are two types of import permits. The single use Permit to Import can be used only once and you must request a new permit for each time you wish to import khat. Annual Permits are labeled as such and consist of two pages. Annual Permits allow you to import up to 5 kg once a month for up to twelve months.

–

There are limited reports that Khat is now a controlled substance in Queensland. ^[25]

Canada

In Canada, cathinone is a controlled substance under Schedule III of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), meaning it is illegal to possess or obtain unless approved by a medical practitioner. Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page The Controlled Drugs and Substances Act is Canada 's federal drug control statute A physician, medical practitioner or medical doctor who practices Medicine, and is concerned with maintaining or restoring human Health Punishment for the possession of khat could lead to a maximum sentence of three years in prison. The maximum punishment for possession with the purpose of trafficking, or just trafficking, is ten years in prison. ^[26][27]

Denmark

Khat is an illegal and controlled substance from 1993.

Finland

Khat is classified as an illegal drug and its import, sale and use are punishable in Finland. Finland, officially the Republic of Finland ( is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of northern Europe.

France

Khat is prohibited in France as a stimulant. This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. ^[28]

The Netherlands

In the Netherlands, Khat enjoys a legal status and is sold in several cities, such as Uithoorn and Tilburg. The Netherlands ( Dutch:, ˈnedərlɑnt is the European part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which consists of the Netherlands the Netherlands Uithoorn ( is a municipality and a town in the Netherlands, in the province of North Holland. Tilburg ( is a Municipality and a City in the Netherlands, located in the southern province of Noord-Brabant.

Germany

In Germany, Cathine is a controlled substance, and ownership and sale of the plant is illegal. Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. Similar levels of control exist throughout most other European countries.

Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, both Cathine and Cathinone are regulated under Schedule 1 of Hong Kong's Chapter 134 Dangerous Drugs Ordinance. Hong Kong ( officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, is a territory located on China 's south coast on the Pearl River Delta, and borders It can only be used legally by health professionals and for university research purposes. The substance can be given by pharmacists under a prescription. Anyone who supplies the substance without prescription can be fined 10,000 Hong Kong dollars. The penalty for trafficking or manufacturing the substance is a 5,000,000 Hong Kong dollars fine and life imprisonment. Possession of the substance for consumption without license from the Department of Health is illegal with a 1,000,000 Hong Kong dollars fine and/or 7 years of jail time.

Israel

In Israel, Khat is still used by some people of Yemeni origins. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Israel topics. Yemenite Jews ( Hebrew: תֵּימָנִים, Standard   Temanim Tiberian   Têmānîm Traditionally, it is chewed on Saturday afternoons while reading the Zohar. Shabbat or Shabbos ( Hebrew: שַׁבָּת, shabbāt, shabbes, "rest/inactivity" is the Weekly Sabbath For the village in southern Israel see Tzohar The Zohar (זהר lit Splendor or Radiance) is widely considered the most important The leaves are legal, but the cathonine extract pill called Hagigat (a compound of the Hebrew word Hagiga, "party", and Gat, "khat"), is currently illegal. In Botany, a leaf is an above-ground Plant organ specialized for Photosynthesis. Khat is also grown in the backyards of many Yemenites, but is becoming more popular with other ethnic groups in Israel. The more potent strain from Ethiopia is flown in daily and is available for purchasing. Khat can be purchased at some grocery stores in the Yemenite area of Bnei Brak. Bnei Brak (or Bene Beraq) (בְּנֵי בְּרַק Bəne Bəraq) is a city located on Israel 's central Mediterranean coastal plain

New Zealand

Khat plant is a Schedule 3 (Class C) drug in New Zealand, but is rarely encountered although occasional seizures at airports have been reported. New Zealand is an Island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island Mature khat trees which were established before the plant became scheduled in 1998 do not have to be destroyed, but it is illegal to gather the leaves or otherwise prepare the plant for consumption.

Norway

In Norway Khat is classified as a narcotic drug and is illegal to use, sell and possess. Norway ( Norwegian: Norge ( Bokmål) or Noreg ( Nynorsk) officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Constitutional The term narcotic (ναρκωτικός is believed to have been coined by the Greek physician Galen to refer to agents that benumb or deaden causing loss Most users are Somali immigrants and khat is smuggled from the Netherlands and England. The Netherlands ( Dutch:, ˈnedərlɑnt is the European part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which consists of the Netherlands the Netherlands England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland ^[29] Norwegian Customs seized 3400 kilograms of khat in 2007, an increase from the 1900 kilograms in 2006. ^[30]

Somalia

On November 17, 2006 the usage and distribution of khat was made illegal in Somalia. Events 284 - Diocletian is proclaimed emperor by his soldiers Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Somalia ( Soomaaliya; الصومال) officially the Somali Republic ( Jamhuuriyadda Soomaaliya, جمهورية الصومال) and formerly known ^[31] The Supreme Islamic Courts Council, which took control of much of the country in that year, banned khat during Ramadan, sparking street protests in Kismayo. The Islamic Courts Union ( ICU, Somali: Midowga Maxkamadaha Islaamiga Arabic: اتحاد المحاكم الإسلامية Ittihād al-mahākim Ramadan or Ramazan ( Arabic: رمضان Ramaḍān) is a Muslim religious observance that takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic Kismayo or Kismayu (Kismaayo كيسمايو; Chisimaio is a Port In November 2006, Kenya banned all flights to Somalia, citing security concerns, prompting protests by Kenyan khat growers. The Kenyan MP from Ntonyiri, Meru North District stated that local land had been specialized in khat cultivation, that 20 tons worth US$800,000 were shipped to Somalia daily and that a flight ban could devastate the local economy. Meru North District is one of the seventy-one Districts of Kenya, located in that country's Eastern Province. ^[32] With the surprise victory of the Provisional Government backed by Ethiopian forces in the end of December 2006, khat has returned to the streets of Mogadishu, though Kenyan traders have noted demand has not yet returned to pre-ban levels. ^[33]

Sweden

As in Norway, khat is classified as a narcotic drug in Sweden and is illegal to use, sell and possess. "Sverige" redirects here For other uses see Sweden (disambiguation and Sverige (disambiguation. According to the police, most users are Somali immigrants and most khat is smuggled in from the Netherlands and England. The Netherlands ( Dutch:, ˈnedərlɑnt is the European part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which consists of the Netherlands the Netherlands ^[34]

Switzerland

Khat is prohibited in Switzerland as a stimulant. Switzerland (English pronunciation; Schweiz Swiss German: Schwyz or Schwiiz Suisse Svizzera Svizra officially the Swiss Confederation ^[35]

United Kingdom

Khat is not a controlled substance in the United Kingdom, and recent attempts to reclassify it were rejected. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located ^[36] Because of this, and because of khat's short shelf life, the UK serves as a main gateway for khat being sent by air to North America. Shelf life is that length of time that Food, drink Medicine and other perishable items are given before they are considered unsuitable for sale or ^[37]

Khat is used by members of the Somali and Yemeni community (mainly men), which is concentrated in London, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Manchester and Sheffield. London ( ˈlʌndən is the capital and largest urban area in the United Kingdom. Birmingham ( ˈbɜːmɪŋəm Ber -ming-um Bristol ( ˈbrɪstəl is a city, Unitary authority and ceremonial county in South West England, west of London Cardiff ( 'kɑːdɪf) is the Capital and the largest city and county in Wales. Sheffield ( is a city and Metropolitan borough in South Yorkshire, England It is currently legal, although there are calls from some sections of the Somali community for it to be banned. In the UK, cathine and cathinone are Class C drugs. The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (c38 is an Act of Parliament, by which the United Kingdom aims to control the possession and supply of numerous drugs The plant Catha edulis is uncontrolled.

United States

In the United States, Cathine is in Schedule IV and cathinone is in Schedule I of the U. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the S. Controlled Substance Act. The Controlled Substances Act ( CSA) was enacted into law by the Congress of the United States as Title II of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control The 1993 DEA rule placing cathinone in Schedule I noted that it was effectively also banning khat. The Drug Enforcement Administration ( DEA) is a United States Department of Justice Law enforcement agency tasked with combating drug smuggling and

Cathinone is the major psychoactive component of the plant Catha edulis (khat). The young leaves of khat are chewed for a stimulant effect. Enactment of this rule results in the placement of any material which contains cathinone into Schedule I.

Over 700 pounds of khat was seized by Philadelphia police officers in September 2007. Philadelphia (ˌfɪləˈdɛlfiə The khat was recovered after being shipped to Philadelphia in containers. ^[38] KYW-TV reported that the seizure is the first of its kind in Pennsylvania, although in December 2004, 52 pounds of khat was seized by Pennsylvania State Police in Sugarloaf Township in Luzerne County with an Ethiopian immigrant who had been in the U. KYW-TV, channel 3 is a television station in Philadelphia Pennsylvania, owned by the CBS Corporation and affiliated with the CBS Television Network. Luzerne County is a County located in the US state of Pennsylvania. S. for 16 years. ^[39] Because the drug is cheaper than cocaine, sources said it has an economic appeal.

On December 19, 2007, federal authorities seized more than 400 pounds of khat at the Salt Lake City airport, in Utah. Events 324 - Licinius abdicates his position as Roman Emperor. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Salt Lake City is the Capital and the most populous city of the U The State of Utah (ˈjuːtɔː or) is a western state of the United States. Deputies arrested two men for attempting to import a combined 450 pounds from Ethiopia. Officials say the two tried to pass the khat off as various spices for personal use; If convicted, they could face up to 20 years. A spice is a dried Seed, Fruit, Root, Bark or vegetative substance used in Nutritionally insignificant quantities as a Food additive

On January 31, 2008, police in Fargo, North Dakota seized 600 pounds of khat at the Hector International Airport. Events 1504 - France cedes Naples to Aragon. 1606 - Gunpowder Plot: Guy Fawkes 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Police are agents or agencies usually of the executive, empowered to enforce the law and to effect public and social order through the legitimatized use of force Fargo is a city in Cass County, North Dakota in the United States. Hector International Airport is a public Airport located three miles (5 km) northwest of the Central business district of Fargo, a city The shipment of khat was allegedly to be transported for distribution in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Minnesota ( Native Americans demonstrated the name to early settlers The drug bust was not announced until June 4, 2008, as the Hennepin County (MN) Sherrif's Office was investigating the case until that time. Events 781 BC - The first historic Solar eclipse is recorded in China. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Hennepin County is the most populous County in the US state of Minnesota. SHERIFF is a telecom fraud detection and management system originally developed by BT and MCI.

References

• Hilton-Taylor (1998). Catha edulis. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (also known as the IUCN Red List or Red Data List) created in 1963 is the world's most comprehensive inventory of the global IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 12 May 2006.
• "Somali Islamists are gone -- so "khat" is back!", Reuters, January 2, 2007
• Dale Pendell, Pharmakodynamis: Stimulating Plants, Potions and Herbcraft: Excitantia and Empathogenica, San Francisco: Mercury House, 2002. Events 366 - The Alamanni cross the frozen Rhine River in large numbers invading the Roman Empire. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Dale Pendell is a contemporary author who combines Science and Poetry in his explications of the relationship between psychoactive compounds and human beings

Notes

External links

• How to chew qat
• BBC News: In pictures... growing khat
• Drugs.com, Complete Khat Information
• Esquire "High in Hell"
• Erowid: Khat Vault
• Growing Catha Edulis (Khat)
• BBC News: Getting to grips with khat in Somaliland
• BBC News: Harmless habit or dangerous drug?
• Australian Government: Therapeutic Goods Administration Khat Importation Kit
• Star Tribune: Dozens Arrested Nationwide in Drug Case
• Qat news page - Alcohol and Drugs History Society (ADHS)
  • Khat news page (ADHS)
• Seattle Times: Seattle arrest - Khat and the Somalian community
• Village Voice article on khat
• Qat cultivation threatening water resources

The Alcohol and Drugs History Society is a scholarly organization whose members study the history of a variety of illegal regulated and unregulated Drugs such as Opium The Seattle Times, one of two daily Newspapers serving Seattle Washington, United States, is the largest daily newspaper in the state of

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