Intoxication with Qăat, Catha edulis L.
The increasing use of Qăat, Catha edulis L. in immigrants from the Horn of Africa to the UK is a matter of concern and may yet become a problem in the UK diaspora. Although it is not illegal in the UK to import sell, buy transport or consume, Qăat is a drug of addiction and demotivation. It is legal, in the unprepared plant form, in the UK and the Netherlands, but is a controlled substance and illegal in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Norway, and France. As long ago as 1980 the World Health Organization classified khat as a drug of abuse that can produce mild to moderate psychological dependence. This view continues to be born out and would suggest a re-evaluation of the legal classification of Qăat in the UK and placing it into class C under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
Bruce-Chwatt
Robert Michael
RM
robert@bruce-chwatt.fsnet.co.uk
D000328:Adult; D029754:Catha / Q000009:adverse effects; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects; D003132:Commerce / Q000191:economics; D003415:Crime / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants