Khat Power: The Latest War On Drugs

[Jazzy]

Khat is a chewable herbal stimulant, popular among the UK's Somali and Yemeni communities. Despite there being little or no evidence that the drug causes harm to its users, the British government is working to outlaw khat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JntqpqDTvjs

Ever hear of Khat?

If it's a herbal stimulant, do you think it should be outlawed?

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

Despite there being little or no evidence that the drug causes harm to its users, the British government is working to outlaw khat.

No fun allowed!

What are the side effects?

 

[Sinon]

Khat can induce manic behaviours and hyperactivity similar in effects to those produced by amphetamine.

The use of khat results in constipation. Dilated pupils (mydriasis) are prominent during khat consumption, reflecting the sympathomimetic effects of the drug, which are also reflected in increased heart rate and blood pressure.

Withdrawal symptoms that may follow occasional use include mild depression and irritability. Withdrawal symptoms that may follow prolonged khat use include lethargy, mild depression, nightmares, and slight tremor. Khat is an effective anorectic (causes loss of appetite). Long-term use can precipitate: negative impact on liver function, permanent tooth darkening (of a greenish tinge), susceptibility to ulcers, and diminished sex drive.

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

Khat can induce manic behaviours and hyperactivity similar in effects to those produced by amphetamine.

The use of khat results in constipation. Dilated pupils (mydriasis) are prominent during khat consumption, reflecting the sympathomimetic effects of the drug, which are also reflected in increased heart rate and blood pressure.

Withdrawal symptoms that may follow occasional use include mild depression and irritability. Withdrawal symptoms that may follow prolonged khat use include lethargy, mild depression, nightmares, and slight tremor. Khat is an effective anorectic (causes loss of appetite). Long-term use can precipitate: negative impact on liver function, permanent tooth darkening (of a greenish tinge), susceptibility to ulcers, and diminished sex drive.

Oh, people are hyper enough. They don't need to be constipated too.