Khat is a flowering evergreen shrub native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

Khat that is sold and abused is usually just the leaves, twigs, and shoots of the Khat shrub.

How is Khat used?^iv

Khat is typically chewed like tobacco.

The fresh leaves, twigs, and shoots of the Khat shrub are chewed, and then retained in the cheek and chewed intermittently to release the active drug.

Dried plant material can be made into tea or a chewable paste.

Khat can also be smoked and even sprinkled on food.

What are some consequences of Khat use? ^v

Common side effects include anorexia, tahycardia, hypertension, insomnia, and gastric disorders.

Chronic Khat abuse can result in symptoms such as physical exhaustion, violence, and suicidal depression.

Widespread frequent use of Khat impacts productivity because it tends to reduce worker motivation.

Khat can induce manic behaviors, hyperactivity, and hallucinations.^vi

There are reports of Khat-induced psychosis.^vii

Who uses Khat? ^viii

The use of Khat is an established cultural tradition for many social situations in the areas of primary cultivation: East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

Several million people may currently be using Khat worldwide.

The largest concentrations of users are in the regions surrounding the Middle East.

How does Khat get to the United States?^ix

Khat, while illegal in the United States, is legal in much of Europe, East Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula.

Individuals of East African and Middle Eastern descent are mot often responsible for the importation, distribution, possession, and use of Khat in the United States.

Khat is usually shipped already packaged in bundles, and wrapped in plastic bags or banana leaves to retain moisture and freshness.

Khat is generally smuggled in passenger luggage, overnight express mail, or shipped as air cargo and falsely labeled as "vegetables."

How much does Khat cost?

Exactly prices are not known, but Khat is a relatively costly drug.