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Prevailing use of Khat in UK and its impact on lives of consumers or people associated with
them
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Prevailing use of Khat in UK and its impact on lives of consumers or people associated with
them

Abstract

Khat” is an herbal product which has leaves and shoots. This is obtained from a shrub named as

Catha Edulis. It is chewed to get a stimulant effect by the people but this herbal product is less

potent stimulant than other commonly used drugs, such as amphetamine or cocaine. Khat

dependence is associated with high morbidity, societal and economical costs in the societies. khat

is an adaptogen which means an herb which increases the body's ability to adapt to stress and

changing situations in the real situations. This is named as nervous stimulant as it has its work in

the CNS where its Central stimulation is manifested by euphoria, increased alertness,

hyperactivity, excitement, aggressiveness, anxiety, elevated blood pressure, and manic behavior

in the people who are using this. It is studied that about Twenty million people use khat (Catha

edulis) around the globe and the method of use is oral means by chewing the fresh leaves of this

shrub. Thus the entry of the khat in UK is legal and it is also considered that its use is a fashion,

social and legal among UK citizens. The phenomena of Khat use is still under debate, either it’s

legal or not legal or it is socially acceptable or not. It is still a social and ethical dilemma in UK

and there might be more deaths in previous years than now.

Key Words: Khat, Euphoria, Adaptogene, Dilemma, Nervous stimulant

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Prevailing use of Khat in UK and its impact on lives of consumers or people associated with
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Introduction

“Khat” is an herbal product which has leaves and shoots. This is obtained from a shrub named as

Catha Edulis. It is chewed to get a stimulant effect by the people but this herbal product is less

potent stimulant than other commonly used drugs, such as amphetamine or cocaine. This is also

considered as a drug as this has stimulant effects on the body. According to Advisory Council on

the Misuse of Drugs (2013) Report, Khat is not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971

and is currently imported and used legally in the UK and Khat contains natural ingredients

which are already controlled drugs both in the UK and internationally because they are harmful

(p. 6). The same report states that it is imported from the Khat growing regions like Yemen,

Kenya and Ethiopia. Generally, this herbal product is considered as chewable thing at social

event which takes place within family homes, community parties and at Khat cafes. Traditionally

Khat has been used as a medicine and was widely perceived to be a food, not a drug. According

to Wedegaertner et al. (2010) the leaves of the Khat shrub or tree contain stimulating alkaloids,

mainly cathinone (ß-ketoamphetamine), cathine (+)-norpseudoephedrine), these are controlled

substances in all western countries (p. 1). It has been found that the psychoactive substances in

Khat act on two main neurochemical pathways which are dopamine and noradrenalin (Corkery et

al. 2011). This is named as nervous stimulant as it has its work in the CNS where its Central

stimulation is manifested by euphoria, increased alertness, hyperactivity, excitement,

aggressiveness, anxiety, elevated blood pressure, and manic behavior in the people who are using

this. These effects are almost closely related to the effects which are produced by the use of other

drugs. According to Corkery et al. (2011) these effects lasts for at least three hours and then a

phase of depression is followed which includes insomnia, malaise, and a lack of concentration
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Prevailing use of Khat in UK and its impact on lives of consumers or people associated with
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(p.446). Gebiresilus, Gebresilus, Yizengaw& Sewasew (2014) states that this drug highly affects

mental health (anxiety, depression) and social skills of many young lives who become addicted

to this (p. 235). Some people believe that it enhance social interaction, thus it is used by by the

individuals to improve their working capacity. Additionally students, drivers, female sex

workers, military personnel, pastoralists, farmers, etc use this drug to get euphoric effects by

using this herbal product in routine. Some of the researches tell that people become dependent

on this drug and this adds many psychological and social problems among students and all the

Khat users. On the other hand, it is an important fact that the youth has some positive views

about chewing the Khat and they use it in different settings like colleges and universities.

Therefore, for them this is not harmful but a source of excitement, energy, alertness and helps in

increasing the concentration. Although this is used as social product it is banned in UK because

it has many aftereffects that can be seen after its stimulant effects. These after effects include

sluggishness, insomnia and lack of concentration among its users (Gebiresilus, Gebresilus,

Yizengaw& Sewasew, 2014).

Analysis

EMCDDA (European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction) is an organization

which works for the control of the drugs in Europe. According to Manghi et al. 2009 as cited by

Dessie 2013, Khat dependence is associated with high morbidity, societal and economical costs

in the societies. Furthermore, it is stated by Hirst that khat is an adaptogene which means an

herb which increases the body's ability to adapt to stress and changing situations in the real

situations. On the other hand, it is stated by the Dessie 2013 that khat is being used as a

scapegoat that means due to its use many social and economic ills are being produced across the

world. Additionally, (Beckerleg 2008). Others (e.g. Pennings et al. 2008) reports that though
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Prevailing use of Khat in UK and its impact on lives of consumers or people associated with
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khat’s low addictive potential are there, Yet we can see that its chronic use is linked with

undesirable effects. These include hypertension, heart rhythm problems, insomnia and loss of

appetite in young and old people (Dessie 2013). Corkery reports that the use of this drug in UK

is for the sake of fashion and the users don’t produce effects of Drug dependence. Whereas it is

also written in the same report that they feel hot than the usual people especially in the lower

extremities and they become lethargic after its use cessation and thus they show the signs of the

this drug dependence which is like the other drugs (2011, p. 446). Griffiths et al. (2010) tells that

Somali community in the UK is probably the most studied group in respect to the use of Khat in

Europe according to these reports, current users ranging between 34% and 67% (p. 581). In the

same study it is written that the khat use is most common in the males. Contrary to this is written

that it may be due to less reporting system and females may be equally involved in this

addiction.Though, a Khat user feels the symptoms like euphoria, friendliness, and increased flow

of ideas while chewing for approximately 5 hrs. (Nakajima et al., 2013) yet they also and report

the negative symptoms like depression, anxiety (Balint, Falkay, & Balint, 2009; Cox & Rampes,

2003). Additionally, it also effects the users physically and their cognitive thinking is also

effected. In the same study it is added that the users use it along with the tobacco and it is started

as a fashion then this is adopted as a habit (Nakajima, Hoffman & Absi 2013). In the same report

it is told that this drug is used to decrease appetite, sleep and sexual desires whereas this

increases alertness and aggression among the users.

Discussion

It is studied that about Twenty million people use khat (Catha edulis) around the globe and the

method of use is oral means by chewing the fresh leaves of this shrub. Its other common name

are Khat , qut , chaat , chat , kaht , tchat , qaad , jaad , miraa , Kus es Salahin , Tchaad , Tschut ,
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Prevailing use of Khat in UK and its impact on lives of consumers or people associated with
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Tohat , Tohai , Gat , Qat. This is commonly used in the UK region where it is brought from other

regions where this is cultivated. When a person uses these leaves chemicals are released from the

body named as cathinone and cathine. Nakajima et al. stated that this is widely accepted and used

socially and religiously in East African and Middle Eastern countries from where it is transported

to the other countries and regions like UK (2013,p.279). According to the 2009/10 British Crime

Survey, proximately 0.2% of adults with age of 16–59 years reported the use of Khat in the past

year, or this can be roughly estimated that 50,000 people (Singleton 2011). According to some

reports this substance is not so much fatal. On the other hand, some studies show that this is fatal

and may cause death and complications to the users. These complications effects the families and

friends of the persons which are suffering from these conditions around the Globe and in UK

particularly. It is told that the drugs may be present in the body at the time of the death but it is

not important that this drug may have played a role in the death. According to Singleton (2011),

13 deaths over a six-year period that was considered to be associated with khat use and the

individuals who died were known to have used khat at some time in their life (p.428). ACMD

(2013) reports that Khat is legally imported and liable to VAT (value-added tax) before being

distributed around the UK and khat had an import value of £13.8 million yielding taxation

income of £2.8 million in UK. Therefor it is legally imported and data can be collected from Her

Majesty‘s revenue (p. 24). Thus the entry of the khat in UK is legal and it is also considered that

its use is a fashion, social and legal among UK citizens.In the same report it is revealed that the

khat use in North and Mid Wales has no evidences of Khat use where as in the areas like Cardiff,

South Wales and Newport has data that shows the use of the Khat and it is increasing day by day

from 2009. Nutt et al. (2007) states in their study khat is least harmful as alcohol, tobacco and

other harmful drugs which are being used among the users of the UK regions and UK
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Prevailing use of Khat in UK and its impact on lives of consumers or people associated with
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communities (Dessie, 2013). Khat consumption has many severe bad health problems including

myocardial infarction, liver failure, depression, psychoses and drug dependence (Corkery et al.

2011).The same study also revealed that it is harmful and even can cause death but the data

related to deaths shows that there was a single death with the use of Khat but the deaths do occur

with the use of the Khat and this is still under debate that either it is due to Khat or there is

another mechanism which is related to the Khat. According to Corkery et al. (2011), thirteen (13)

deaths in the UK occurred in 2004–2009 which were associated with khat consumption are

described by the reports and these included the mean age of 35 years (p.428). There are other

bad consequences that can be seen in UK among the Khat users were carcinoma of the mouth

and many dependence problems. In the above mentioned data there were following causes which

were seen to be the cause of the death among the people of the UK. Out of 13, four deaths were

resulted from the physiopathological consequences of long-term khat use; 3 persons with liver

failure, 1 died with left ventricular failure and 1death occurred due to pulmonary edema. In

addition, the deceased died of a cardiovascular event precipitated by khat use causing either an

infarction or electrical instability (arrhythmia) leading to death. On the other hand, three persons

were confirmed that they had suicide whereas one possible suicide occurred of individuals with

psychoses caused and/ or exacerbated by long-term khat consumption. Thus, it can be seen that

the Khat consumption is Lethal and it can cause serious damages to the persons, families and the

friends. Its consumption is affecting directly or indirectly to the UK people. If a person is

suffering from cancer it can lead towards the death as well as economic burden to the nation and

Govt. as well. The treatment pf Cancer is chemotherapy and surgery that costs high and it will

affect the financial condition of the people. In the same way if we talk about the psychosis then it

has many effects like lack of concentration confusion and many other symptoms which are given
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Prevailing use of Khat in UK and its impact on lives of consumers or people associated with
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by the APA. Additionally the in case of Psychosis the symptoms can be reversed if the stimulus

(khat) is withdrawn, if the usage is continuous then the symptoms can get worse and the persons

can lead towards social isolation and suicide as mentioned above. So, the death and the effects of

the mental diseases can be seen on the families and friends. In UK the students more often are

the users of the Khat. According to Gebiresilus et al. (2014), the main reasons given by students

for their khat use were: to keep themselves alert, to increase concentration and to promote

imaginative ability while reading and studying and in this way they become more alert and they

can easily learn and read. On the other hand, these minimize sleep time, for relaxation with

friends, and to get relief from stress (Yeshigeta & Abraham, 2004; Yigzaw,

2002). These also caused social problems among the users but these are not so much significant.

The people who uses Khat are more likely to have some social problems but these are not so

much prominent and they don’t feel discrimination and social isolation, they are fully involved in

the social activities but the after effects may lead towards depressive and anxiety symptoms

(Gebiresilus et al. 2014, p. 250). Sykes et al. (2009/10) in British crime report states that the

khat use in UK affects the people in different ways, it effects individually, families and friends as

well as job workers (p.7). In the report it is mentioned that people who use this are more often

late and show absenteeism from the work place. Additionally the women who are using this has

great impact on their families: having frictions with family members. On the other hand they

become antisocial, aggressive and are involved in the criminal activities as well (p.6-7). Knife

theft and gang fights are considered to be caused by the users of the Khat in UK communities

and this also causes problems among the communities (p.7).

Conclusion
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Prevailing use of Khat in UK and its impact on lives of consumers or people associated with
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The above data shows that Khat is an herbal drug that has stimulant effect on the body and

effects on the CNS. Although it has many good effects yet the bad effects on the body are

renowned and prominent. This drug is used everywhere in the world but its use in UK is

widespread and people consider its use as legal drug. It has been utilized in the cafes and in

social gatherings. Both male and female users are in equal ration still the data about the female

consumers is not enough to generalize the situation. Its effects on the physical and mental health

are seen in variety of situations like deaths, suicides and physical ailments. Contrary to these

effects the young people consider it as a source of alertness, to relief anxiety and to have a good

relationship. Whereas, the studies and the pharmacological effects have shown that these effects

lasts for only few hours and after that persons who are using this tends to get slow, insomnia is

there and they loss concentration. In this way they can’t give proper time to their families’

friends and get themselves involved in the criminal activities. The deaths are also occurring in

UK due to its use. Heart failure, liver failure and depression are the main symptoms which can

be seen. This drug holds a legal position in UK. According to Khat Fact sheet in England and

Wales 2014, this drug has been considered as illegal Class C drug in England and Wales and this

is banned there from June 2014 and this drug will become and illegal drug in all the UK and

wide(p. 2). This decision is taken by the Government and they have decided to take strict actions

among its users particularly in young users. The reason for that this drug has been banned is, this

drug contains natural ingredients which are already controlled drugs both in the UK and

internationally because they are harmful for the users and communities and are showing

continues bad impacts on all the persons and communities. Another point that should be kept in

mind about this is about the trade point of view, as this drug is now considered as c category

drug so its trade is banned and according to UK law the person who keeps this or trades in it will
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Prevailing use of Khat in UK and its impact on lives of consumers or people associated with
them
be caught by the police and have to go for imprisonment for 14 years and will be charged a fine

of big amount. The phenomena of Khat use is still under debate, either it’s legal or not legal or it

is socially acceptable or not. It is still a social and ethical dilemma in UK and there might be

more deaths in previous years than now. But these remain under the cover. Some

recommendations which can be used in the reduction of the Khat use in UK may include that the

knowledge gape should be filled so more data and prevalence should be found among Khat

users, death rates and its social, physical and mental impacts. More researches should be done to

find out the reliable data. Funding should be given to investigate in more detail. Experimental

researches can reveal Khat’s impact on all the users in detail and its link between the CNS

disturbances and physical health problems in much detail. The studies should include the

families so the impact on them can also be seen by the people. Social and mass media should

play there role in giving and promoting awareness among the common citizen about Khat and its

uses. At Govt. level it is banned still proper follow up is needed and its trade should be stopped

promptly.
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Prevailing use of Khat in UK and its impact on lives of consumers or people associated with
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References

Corkery, J. M., Schifano, F., Oyefeso., Ghodse, A. H., Tonia, T., Naidoo, N., & Button, J.

(2011). ‘Bundle of fun’ or ‘bunch of problems’? Case series of khat-related deaths in the

UK. Informa Health, 18(6), 408–425. Retrieved from DOI:

10.3109/09687637.2010.504200

Dessie, G. (2013). Is khat a social ill? Ethical arguments about a ‘stimulant’ among the learned

Ethiopians. Retrieved from https://www.google.com.pk/url?sa

Gebiresilus, A. G., Gebresilus, B. G., Yizengaw, S. S., & Sewasew, D. T. (2014). KHAT USE

PREVALENCE, CAUSES AND ITS EFFECT ON MENTAL HEALTH, BAHIR-DAR,

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Prevailing use of Khat in UK and its impact on lives of consumers or people associated with
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Nakajima, M., Hoffman, R., & Al’Absi, M. (2014). Poor Working Memory and Reduced Blood

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Sykes, W., Coleman, N., Desai, P., Groom, C., Gure, M., & Howarth, R. (2010).Perceptions of

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Prevailing use of Khat in UK and its impact on lives of consumers or people associated with
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