Khat is a
naturally occuring
stimulant
from the Catha Edulis plant, which is a flowering
evergreen tree or large
shrub which grows in East
Africa
and Southern
Arabia. It can reach heights from
10 feet to 20 feet and its
scrawny leaves resemble
withered basil.
Khat leaves contain psychoactive
ingredients known as cathinone, which is
structurally and chemically similar to
amphetamine, and cathine, a milder form
of cathinone. Fresh leaves contain both
ingredients, but if leaves were left unrefrigerated
for more than 48 hours, all active substances but
cathine would decompose, which is why
fresh leaves are preferred. The leaves are chewed
and produce a mild euphoria.
Traditionally Khat has been used as a recreational drug
and religious drug by natives of Eastern Africa,
Arabian Peninsula and throughout the Middle East.
Khat is also known by a
number of names, including:
Qat, Kat, Chat,
Kus-es-Salahin, Mirra, Tohai, Tschat,
Catha, Quat, Abyssinian Tea, African Tea,
and African Salad.