Khat 56324 225716695 2008-07-15T01:35:51Z Bunnyhop11 7345738 /* History */ {{Disputed|date=March 2008}} {{Taxobox | colour = lightgreen | name = Khat | status = LR/lc | image = Catha edulis.jpg | image_caption = ''Catha edulis'' | regnum = [[Plant]]ae | divisio = [[flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]] | classis = [[Dicotyledon|Magnoliopsida]] | ordo = [[Celastrales]] | familia = [[Celastraceae]] | genus = ''[[Catha (genus)|Catha]]'' | species = '''''C. edulis''''' | binomial = ''Catha edulis'' | binomial_authority = ([[Martin Vahl (botanist)|Vahl]]) [[Peter Forsskål|Forssk.]] ex [[Stephan Ladislaus Endlicher|Endl.]] }} '''Khat''' (''Catha edulis'', family [[Celastraceae]]; [[Arabic alphabet|Arabic]]: قات; [[Somali Language|Somali]]: ''Jaad''; {{pronounced|ˈkæt}}; [[Ge'ez alphabet|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]]. Khat contains the [[alkaloid]] called [[cathinone]], an [[amphetamine]]-like [[stimulant]] which causes excitement, [[Anorectic|loss of appetite]]<ref>[http://members.aol.com/yalnet/KHAT.html Khat as appetite repressant]</ref>, and [[Euphoria (emotion)|euphoria]]. 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 [[Drug Enforcement Administration|DEA]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dea.gov/slideshow/july2006.htm|title="2006 in Pictures"|author=DEA}}</ref> It is a controlled/illegal substance in many countries. ==Description== Believed to have originated in [[Oromia, Ethiopia]], khat is a slow-growing [[shrub]] or small [[tree]] that grows to between 1.5 metres and 20 metres tall, depending on region and rainfall, with [[evergreen]] [[leaf|leaves]] 5&ndash;10 cm long and 1&ndash;4 cm broad. The [[flower]]s are produced on short axillary [[cyme]]s 4&ndash;8 cm long, each flower small, with five white petals. The [[fruit]] is an oblong three-valved capsule containing 1&ndash;3 [[seed]]s. ==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]]. Others believe that khat originated in Yemen before spreading to Ethiopia and nearby countries. [[Richard Francis Burton|Sir Richard Burton]] explains that khat was introduced to the Yemen from Ethiopia in the 15th century.<ref>[[Richard Francis Burton|Burton, Richard]]. ''First Footsteps in East Africa'', 1856</ref> 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.<ref> [https://bora.uib.no/bitstream/1956/858/6/paper+1.pdf] </ref> From Ethiopia and Yemen the trees spread to [[Somalia]], [[Arabia]], [[Kenya]], [[Uganda]], [[Tanzania]], [[Republic of the Congo|the Congo]], [[Malawi]], [[Zimbabwe]], [[Zambia]], and [[South Africa]].<ref>[http://www.a1b2c3.com/drugs/khat1.htm "Khat Information"]</ref> The earliest recorded use of khat medically is believed to be within the [[New Testament]].<ref>http://apt.rcpsych.org/cgi/content/full/9/6/456 "Adverse effects of Khat: A review" [[1 December]] [[2006]] </ref> The [[ancient Egypt]]ians considered the khat plant a "divine food" which was capable of releasing humanity's [[Deity|divinity]]. 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.<ref>[http://psychonaut.com Psychonaut<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> <ref>Giannini AJ, Burge H, Price WA,Shaheen JA. "Khat: another drug of abuse?" Journal of Psychoactive Drugs. 1986. 18:155-159</ref> 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 [[Islamic science|Persian scientist]] and [[Islamic medicine|biologist]]. Unaware of its origins, al-Bīrūnī wrote that khat is:<ref>{{citation|first1=Kenneth F.|last1=Kiple|first2=Kriemhild Coneè|last2=Ornelas|year=2001|title=The Cambridge World History of Food|pages=672-3|publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]|isbn=0521402166}}</ref> {{quote|"a commodity from [[Turkestan]]. 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 [[Bile|biliousness]], and is a [[refrigerant]] for the [[stomach]] and the [[liver]]."}} In 1854, the [[Malaysia|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]]. 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. Thus when people gathered around, the remnants from these leaves would pile up in front of them. When they spat, their [[saliva]] was green. 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. The leaves are known as ''Kad''."<ref>Ché-Ross, Raimy. MUNSHI ABDULLAH'S VOGAGE TO MECCA: A PRELIMINARY INTRODUCTION AND ANNOTATED TRANSLATION. Indonesia & the Malay World; Jul2000, Vol. 28 Issue 81, p196</ref> ==Cultivation and uses== [[Image:Deakhat.jpg|thumb|300px|Bundles of khat, captured by the [[Drug Enforcement Administration|DEA]] in July, 2006]] 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]]. There, chewing khat predates the use of [[coffee]] and is used in a similar social context. 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. Its use is generally not limited by religion, though the [[Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church]] (along with its [[Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church|Eritrean counterpart]]) has forbidden Christians from using it due to its stimulating effects. Due to the availability of rapid, inexpensive air transportation, the drug has been reported in [[England]], [[Wales]], [[Rome]], [[Amsterdam]], [[Canada]], [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]]<ref>[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10415187&ref=rss [[New Zealand Herald]]: ''Concerns over African methamphetamine-like drug in Hamilton'' - [[13 December]] [[2006]]]</ref> and the [[United States]]. 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]]. 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.<ref name="Sanaa">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/6530453.stm Yemen's khat habit soaks up water] by Alex Kirby. Written [[2007]]-[[April 7|4-7]]. Accessed [[2007]]-[[April 8|4-8]].</ref> 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 or [[hunger]] and by drivers and students for improving attention. Within the [[counter-culture]] segments of the [[Kenya]]n [[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]]. 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. 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]].<ref name="Sanaa">a</ref> 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 rial]]s per [[hectare]], while it was only 0.57 million rials per hectare if fruits were cultivated. This is a strong reason for farmers to prefer to cultivate khat over coffee and fruits.<ref name="encyemen">''Encyclopedia of Yemen (2nd ed)'', Alafif Cultural Foundation, pages 2309&ndash;2314, 2003.</ref> For this reason, between 1970 and 2000, the area on which khat was cultivated grew from 8,000 [[hectare]]s to 103,000 hectares. However, these numbers are estimates and the real numbers may be higher.<ref name="encyemen" /> 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]]. 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.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6142688.stm "Kenya bans all flights to Somalia"], ''[[BBC News]]'', [[13 November]] [[2006]]</ref> 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.<ref>[http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070102/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_somalia_conflict_khat "Somali Islamists are gone -- so "khat" is back!"], ''[[Reuters]]'', [[2 January]] [[2007]]</ref> == Chemistry and pharmacology == [[Image:Cathinone-3d-CPK.png|thumb|right|Cathinone structure]] The stimulant effect of the plant was originally attributed to "katin", [[cathine]], a [[phenethylamine]]-type substance isolated from the plant. 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 is not very stable and breaks down to produce cathine and [[phenylpropanolamine|norephedrine]]. These chemicals belong to the [[phenylpropanolamine|PPA (phenylpropanolamine)]] family, a subset of the [[phenethylamine]]s related to [[amfetamine|amphetamines]] and the [[catecholamine]]s [[epinephrine]] and [[norepinephrine]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.drugs.com/npp/khat.html|title=Complete Khat Info|author=Drugs.com|date= 2007-01-01}}</ref> Both of khat's major active ingredients - cathine and cathinone - are [[phenylalkylamine]]s, meaning they are in the same class of chemicals as amphetamines. In fact, cathinone and cathine have a very similar molecular structure to amphetamine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://apt.rcpsych.org/cgi/content/full/9/6/456|title=Adverse Effects of Khat: A Review}}</ref> 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. It is also common for them to sprinkle the plant with water frequently or use [[refrigeration]] during transportation. 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 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez|title=Biochemical Effects of Catha edulis, Cathine and Cathinone on Adrenocortical Functions}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez|title=Behavioral Effects of Cathinone}}</ref> The effects of cathinone peak after 15 to 30 minutes with nearly 98% of the substance metabolized into norephedrine by the liver.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://apt.rcpsych.org/cgi/content/full/9/6/456|title=Adverse Effects of Khat: A Review}}</ref> Cathine is somewhat less understood, being believed to act upon the [[adrenergic receptors]] causing the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/content/abstract/del454v1|title=Cathin, an Amphetamine Related Compound, Acts on Mammalian Spermatozoa via Adrenergic Receptors in a Capacitation State-Dependent Manner}}</ref> It has a [[half-life]] of about 3 hours in humans. Because the receptor effect are similar to those of cocaine medication, treatment of the occasional addiction is similar to that of cocaine. The medication, bromocriptine can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms within twenty-four hours. <ref>Giannini Aj, Martin DM, Turner CE (1992) Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment.19929:379-382</ref> ==Effects== Khat consumption induces mild [[Euphoria (emotion)|euphoria]] and excitement. Individuals become very talkative under the influence of the drug and may appear to be unrealistic and emotionally unstable. Khat can induce [[mania|manic]] behaviors and [[hyperactivity]]. Khat is an effective [[anorectic]] and its use also results in [[constipation]]. Dilated [[pupil]]s ([[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. A state of drowsy [[hallucination]]s ([[hypnagogia|hypnagogic hallucination]]s) may result coming down from khat use as well. [[Withdrawal]] [[symptom]]s that may follow prolonged khat use include [[lethargy]], mild [[clinical depression|depression]], [[nightmare]]s, and slight [[tremor]]. Long term use can precipitate the following effects: negative impact on [[liver]] function, permanent [[tooth]] darkening (of a greenish tinge), susceptibility to [[ulcer]]s, and diminished [[sex drive]]. Khat is usually not an [[Addiction|addictive]] drug, although those who are addicted generally cannot stay without it for more than 4-5 days, feeling tired and having difficulty concentrating.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.drugs.com/npp/khat.html|title=Complete Khat Info|author=Drugs.com|date= 2007-01-01}}</ref> Occasionally a psychosis can result. It resembles a hypermanic state in presentation.<ref>Giannini AJ, Catellani S. A manic-like psychosis due to khat. Journal of Toxicology: Clinical Toxicology,1982; 19:455-458</ref> == 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]]. 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 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.{{Fact|date=February 2007}} 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-hour]]s 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.)<ref name="encyemen" /> == 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".<ref> [http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/bulletin/bulletin_1965-01-01_4_page007.html UNODC]</ref> For this reason, khat was not Scheduled under the [[Single Convention on Narcotic 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. 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. {{quotation|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.|{{Fact|date=April 2007}}}} There are limited reports that Khat is now a controlled substance in Queensland.<ref>[http://www.herbalistics.com.au/shop/product_info.php?cPath=1_22&products_id=370&osCsid=b5dc107da686137408f36ef56a199fc6 Catha edulis - Khat - Green (plant) - Herbalistics<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> ===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]]. 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.<ref>[http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/showdoc/cs/C-38.8/bo-ga:s_1::bo-ga:s_2?page=2 Controlled Drugs and Substances Act<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/showdoc/cs/C-38.8/bo-ga:s_1::bo-ga:s_2?page=2 Controlled Drugs and Substances Act<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> ===Denmark=== Khat has been an illegal and controlled substance since 1993. ===Finland=== Khat is classified as an illegal drug and its import, sale and use are punishable in [[Finland]]. ===France=== Khat is prohibited in [[France]] as a stimulant.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.drugs.com/npp/khat.html|title=Complete Khat Info|author=Drugs.com|date= 2007-01-01}}</ref> ===The Netherlands=== In the [[Netherlands]], Khat enjoys a legal status and is sold in several cities, such as [[Uithoorn]] and [[Tilburg]]. ===Germany=== In [[Germany]], Cathine is a controlled substance, and ownership and sale of the plant is illegal. 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''. 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 dollar]]s. 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 Jew|Yemeni]] origins. Traditionally, it is chewed on [[Shabbat|Saturday]] afternoons while reading the [[Zohar]]. The [[Leaf|leaves]] are legal, but the cathonine extract [[pill]] called ''Hagigat'' (a compound of the [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] word ''Hagiga'', "party", and ''Gat'', "khat"), is currently illegal. 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]]. ===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. 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. Most users are [[Somali]] immigrants and khat is smuggled from the [[Netherlands]] and [[England]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nova.no/index.gan?objid=11648&subid=0&language=1|title=NOVA paper 1/06|date=16.03.07}}</ref> Norwegian Customs seized 3400 kilograms of khat in 2007, an increase from the 1900 kilograms in 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=139097|title=Article from the Norwegian newspaper VG 20/02/07|date=11.02.08}}</ref> ===Somalia=== On [[November 17]], [[2006]] the usage and distribution of khat was made illegal in [[Somalia]].<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6157216.stm BBC NEWS | Africa | Somali Islamists ban popular drug<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> 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]]. 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.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6142688.stm "Kenya bans all flights to Somalia"], ''[[BBC News]]'', [[13 November]] [[2006]]</ref> 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.<ref>[http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070102/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_somalia_conflict_khat "Somali Islamists are gone -- so "khat" is back!"], ''[[Reuters]]'', [[2 January]] [[2007]]</ref> ===Sweden=== As in Norway, khat is classified as a narcotic drug in [[Sweden]] and is illegal to use, sell and possess. According to the police, most users are Somali immigrants and most khat is smuggled in from [[the Netherlands]] and England.<ref>[http://www.polisen.se/inter/nodeid=35071&pageversion=1.jsp Swedish police website on khat] '''(Swedish)'''</ref> ===Switzerland=== Khat is prohibited in [[Switzerland]] as a stimulant.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.drugs.com/npp/khat.html|title=Complete Khat Info|author=Drugs.com|date= 2007-01-01}}</ref> ===United Kingdom=== Khat is not a controlled substance in the [[United Kingdom]], and recent attempts to reclassify it were rejected.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/pdfs/31_07_06_drugsreport.pdf|title=Drug classification: making a hash of it?|author=House of Commons}}</ref> 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.<ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2007/01/26/tor-khat.html CBC: "Toronto khat bust part of a growing trend, police say"]</ref> Khat is used by members of the Somali and Yemeni community (mainly men). 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 [[Misuse of Drugs Act 1971#Class C drugs|Class C 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.S. [[Controlled Substance Act]]. The 1993 [[Drug Enforcement Administration|DEA]] rule placing cathinone in Schedule I noted that it was effectively also banning khat. {{quotation|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. The khat was recovered after being shipped to Philadelphia in containers.<ref>[http://www.philly.com/inquirer/front_page/20070929_Exotic_shrub_a_choice_of_cabbies_.html ''The Philadelphia Enquire: "Exotic shrub a choice of cabbies".]</ref> [[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.S. for 16 years.<ref>[http://www.homelandsecurityus.com/KHAT050306 Northeast Intelligence Network]</ref> 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]]. 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 [[spice]]s for personal use; If convicted, they could face up to 20 years. On [[January 31]], [[2008]], [[police]] in [[Fargo, North Dakota]] seized 600 pounds of khat at the [[Hector International Airport]]. The shipment of khat was allegedly to be transported for distribution in [[Minneapolis]], [[Minnesota]]. 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. ==References== * {{IUCN2006|assessors=Hilton-Taylor|year=1998|id=34617|title=Catha edulis|downloaded=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. == Notes == <!-- This article uses [[Wikipedia:Footnotes]]. Please use this format when adding references to material in the article. External links added directly to this section will be swiftly deleted without notice. --> {{reflist|2}} ==External links== *[http://www.freshgat.com/servlet/the-38/how-to-chew-khat/Detail How to chew qat] *[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/picture_gallery/07/africa_growing_khat/html/1.stm BBC News: In pictures... growing khat] *[http://www.drugs.com/npp/khat.html Drugs.com, Complete Khat Information] *[http://www.esquire.com/features/articles/2006/060807_mfe_September_06_Quest__1.html Esquire "High in Hell"] *[http://www.erowid.org/plants/khat/khat.shtml Erowid: Khat Vault] *[http://www.freshgat.com/servlet/the-template/faq/Page Growing Catha Edulis (Khat)] *[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4145400.stm BBC News: Getting to grips with khat in Somaliland] *[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4615415.stm BBC News: Harmless habit or dangerous drug?] *[http://www.tga.gov.au/docs/html/khatapp.htm Australian Government: Therapeutic Goods Administration Khat Importation Kit] *[http://www.startribune.com/484/story/577963.html Star Tribune: Dozens Arrested Nationwide in Drug Case] *[http://historyofalcoholanddrugs.typepad.com/alcohol_and_drugs_history/qat/index.html Qat news page] - [[Alcohol and Drugs History Society]] (ADHS) **[http://historyofalcoholanddrugs.typepad.com/alcohol_and_drugs_history/khat/index.html Khat news page] (ADHS) *[http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003199353_khat15m.html [[Seattle Times]]: Seattle arrest - Khat and the Somalian community] *[http://villagevoice.com/news/0647,gardiner,75103,2.html Village Voice article on khat] *[http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=75184 Qat cultivation threatening water resources] [[Category:Amphetamines]] [[Category:Anorectics]] [[Category:Celastraceae]] [[Category:Flora of Somalia]] [[Category:Trees of Africa]] [[Category:Herbal and fungal stimulants]] [[Category:Yemeni culture]] [[ar:قات]] [[ca:Catha edulis]] [[da:Khat]] [[de:Kathstrauch]] [[es:Catha edulis]] [[eo:Ĥato]] [[fr:Khat (botanique)]] [[gl:Qat]] [[it:Catha edulis]] [[he:קאת (צמח)]] [[nl:Qat]] [[no:Khat]] [[nn:Khat]] [[pl:Czuwaliczka jadalna]] [[pt:Khat]] [[ru:Кат]] [[fi:Kati]] [[sv:Kat]] [[tr:Gat (bitki)]] [[zh:恰特草]]