Khat is a plant that grows mainly in the eastern part of Africa and some parts of the Arabian Peninsula. The leaves of the plant contain psycho-active chemicals known as cathinone and cathine; cathinone is significantly more potent as compared to cathine and is known for its effects which are somewhat similar to amphetamines and cocaine.
The leaves of the plant are chewed especially at social gatherings in countries where it is consumed like for example in Somalia and in Yemen. Cathinone has a short shelf life and slowly converts in to cathine within a period of 48 hours. Hence khat is not classified as an illegal substance in the UK as most of the stimulating properties of the leaves are lost if stored for long periods.
Khat is also not popular as a street drug as it is difficult to procure as compared to drugs like cocaine and heroin. Khat is rich in Vitamin C which counteracts most of the harmful effects associated with the chewing of the leaves.
The leaves of the plant are chewed especially at social gatherings in countries where it is consumed like for example in Somalia and in Yemen. Cathinone has a short shelf life and slowly converts in to cathine within a period of 48 hours. Hence khat is not classified as an illegal substance in the UK as most of the stimulating properties of the leaves are lost if stored for long periods.
Khat is also not popular as a street drug as it is difficult to procure as compared to drugs like cocaine and heroin. Khat is rich in Vitamin C which counteracts most of the harmful effects associated with the chewing of the leaves.