Category

Stimulant

Also known as

Quat, Qat, Qaadka, Chat.

What it looks like and how it's taken

Khat is a leaf which is chewed over a number of hours.

Immediate effects

Acts as a stimulant and can increase feelings of alertness and make users feel more talkative. It also acts as an appetite suppressant.

Risks

Short term: It can increase feelings of anxiety and aggression. Some users find it makes them very irritable, in some cases extremely angry and even violent. Anyone suffering from pre-existing mental health problems should avoid using Khat.

Long term: Frequent users may develop insomnia, heart problems and sexual problems like impotence.

Legal status

Although not illegal in the United Kingdom, Khat is illegal in many other countries including the United States. Khat contains the substances Cathine and Cathinone, which become Class C drugs when prepared for use.

Learn more about drugs and the law.