Khat: The Horn's
drug of choice

Catha edulis is the scientific name for Khat,
the small plant that is grown on the Eastern coast of Africa.

Article written by: Laila Ali Egge

Khat is also known by many other names including, jaat, miraa, mirungi. The principal active constituents of khat are cathinone and cathine. Cathinone is amphetamine-like stimulant which is released when the plant is chewed, causing excitement and euphoria. In the UK khat is not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, but its two constituent’s cathinone and cathine are classified as Class C drugs under the Act when isolated from the plants. In the US, khat is illegal, and cathinone is a schedule 1 drug, alongside heroin and cocaine.

History

Khat is believed to have originated in Ethiopia where the uses of it in the social context predate that of coffee. In many communities in East Africa and in the Arabian Peninsula the chewing of khat is a socially acceptable pastime: although increased migration means that the plant has come to be known in other parts of the world. Due to the short term feelings of happiness that it produces khat has come to play a central role in several celebrations such as marriages and other forms of social celebrations. At the time of chewing khat the user usually experiences excessively high energy levels, be extremely talkative and active. This period of euphoria generally lasts for about 3 hours.