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People must understand the it is very difficult to sell khat online!

We thank all those who buy with us and hope to continue to succeed in our work.

We stopped to work with PayPal because of their policy, although khat is legal in uk and israel but because in usa it is illegal our paypal account has been closed.

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Prevalence of khat in UK

Khat is an essential part of the cultural and social traditions of people in the Eastern Africa and Yemen. It is also widely used in the UK, especially by the immigrants from Middle East and Africa. But in countries like Yemen and those in Eastern Africa, qat is consumed by people of all backgrounds and professions. For them, qat acts as a stimulant that gives energy and sharpens their thinking. Khat is very frequently used by peasants to increase their stamina with this leafy narcotic. But in the UK, according to a study, around 83% of the surveyed samples were unemployed.

Khat use in UK

People in UK roll up khat leaves into balls and stuff it into the mouth that makes the cheeks bulge out. The qat leaves are kept in the user’s mouth for longer period of time as the active ingredients of khat- cathine and cathinone are released slowly and mixes with the person’s saliva which is then swallowed. Several meeting places in UK known as ‘Mafresh’ have come up all over the country. These are legal meeting places for khat chewing and socializing.

Cost and distribution of khat

Khat bundles come for much cheaper rates per bundle in UK. The price is almost same for a pack of cigarettes but more satisfying for the users. qat is also available on the internet in the country. In UK, qat is not only consumed but also exported.

Prevalence of khat in the UK

Khat usage mostly prevails among the specific East African, Ethnic and Yemeni communities. There are some 90000 Somali people in the country of which around 78% of the people have tested positive and have used qat in their lifetime. About 6% of Somali people in UK use khat on a daily basis. It is also reported that around 76% of the people used khat more frequently in London than they did in Somalia.

Soon we will open our new online shop

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E-khat Team

The benefits of using khat

Khat is a plant that acts as a stimulant and people who chew it become more attentive and talkative. It can even produce a feeling of ecstasy. According to casual users, khat has the ability to lift spirits and can even sharpen thinking. Khat is also believed to suppress the feeling of appetite. This is why khat is widely used during the month of Ramadan in some Muslim countries.

There is no sign of physical tolerance associated with the use of qat. There are also no reports of any kind of physical symptoms associated with withdrawal.

People who use khat on a daily basis claim that khat relieves the symptoms of asthma, diabetes and intestinal or stomach tract disorders. While khat critics opposes with reasons that khat can damage health, prevent sleep and curbs the feeling of appetite.

Benefits of khat in reproduction

According to researchers from the Centre for Reproduction, Endocrinology and Diabetes at King’s College, the substance cathine, which is one of the chief ingredients of khat, can accelerate the development of sperm and help it reach a stage where it becomes more fertile.

Under the influence of cathine, sperm can remain in the fertile stage for a longer period of time. The amount of khat required for this purpose is not that high. Therefore, there is no question of high doses leading to over-stimulation. Khat based products can thus, be advised to couples who have problems conceiving naturally and as additives to sperm that are used for artificial insemination or IVF.

These days we working on  our new online khat shop

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Ekhat Team

The lucrative Khat trade in Ethiopia

Khat in Ethiopia comes in different types and brands and prices vary based on these types and brands. Price variations of the product also reflect the many aspects of the substance including taste, source, quality, freshness and strength. In Ethiopian market, the brand name by which khat is marketed also changes often, particularly when the producer shifts to some other market or if an agent loses a contract.

Types of khat in Ethiopia

There are different khat varieties available in the Ethiopian market, each demanding different prices. The usual varieties are:

• Chirra (a short stemmed khat)
• Umerkule (a strong type)
• Karabule (these are freshly cut leaves that are delivered overnight)
• Kerti (these leaves are freshly wrapped with false banana)
• Kuda (a red color khat plant with very few leaves)
• Abba Chebsi (a type named after a famous local dealer of the region)

If you are looking for the best type of khat then focus particularly on ‘dima’ which consists of medium sized reddish leaves believed to have longer and stronger effect. This makes it the best option for exporting to different markets. Another favorite of the farmers is the ‘dalotta’ which are the pale-yellowish, smaller leaves with greater effect and lesser acidic taste.

Khat markets in Ethiopia

Khat taxonomy in Ethiopia is not under any legislation or regulation. The state is no way involved with the khat markets in the country. It is the retailers, traders, wholesalers and exporters who are the decision makers of the market. In fact, it is they who decide on the availability of the varieties of khat. They know how to estimate the price of the material depending on the freshness of it. Even high esteemed brands tend to lose the effect with time.

The Awedaay market in Ethiopia

The market or ‘mercato’ in Addis Ababa is the largest place for khat trading with a whole lot of traders, retailers, wholesalers and exporters dealing in khat.

The Awedaay market in Eastern Ethiopia is another busy market of khat dealing. In 1994, it was estimated that around 350 traders took part in the market every day. Presently, around 700 kilograms of khat are traded daily in the Awedaay market. It is the second most important and busiest market after the ‘mercato’ in Addis Ababa. Khat from the Awedaay market is also exported to other regions including Somaliland and Djibouti.

Khat markets like the Awedaay market are main centers of rural entrepreneurial activities.

Khat is being cultivated for years as a drug by the people living in parts of Africa mainly Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The leaves of the plant are chewed to achieve a state of euphoria. This euphoric effect in the leaves was earlier attributed to the presence of Cathine, a Phenethylamine-type substance. But, in 1975, Cathinone, a Monoamine Alkaloid was also found in the leaves of the plant.

Cathinone is often termed as a ‘natural Amphetamine’ because it produces Amphetamine-like effects. It is an alkaloid found in the leaves of a plant named Catha Edulis, popularly known as Khat. Cathinone is considered to be the most active ingredient of Khat and it produces a similar effect like that of Amphetamine, though with a lower potency. Cathinone is believed to be 7 to 10 times more potent than Cathine – the other ingredient found in Khat.

The two substances present in Khat – Cathinone and Cathine uses their effect on two main Neurochemical pathways – Dopamine and Noradrenalin. Cathinone releases serotonin in the central nervous system of the human body. It forces the release of dopamine from central nervous system and increase the activity of the Dopaminergic pathways. The substance also releases its effect on Noradrenalin storage sites that supports Noradrenalin transmission.

Metabolism of Cathinone in human body

The feeling of euphoria initiates after one starts chewing the leaves. The effect is maximum after 15 to 30 minutes of chewing. The metabolism rate of the substance is fast that takes place right after the first passage of the substance through the liver. Only some 2% remains unchanged in the urine. Most of Cathinone is metabolized to Norephedrine and is generally excreted.

Adverse effects of Cathinone

The presence of Cathinone in Khat may produce dependency on Khat. It can also react adversely with therapeutic drugs. People addicted to Khat can suffer from some adverse health conditions like insomnia, anorexia, hyperthermia (lowering of the body temperature), increased rate of respiration, constipation, Mydriasis (dilation of the pupils) and may even lead to death. Some Khat addicts have also been suffering from Psychosis.

Legality of Cathinone

Cathinone is a Schedule I drug under the U.S. Controlled Substance Act and Cathine is a Schedule IV controlled drug. Cathinone is illegal in the United States as well as in many European countries. But in the UK, Cathine and Cathinone are Class C drugs and Khat is legal in the country.

Khat in the world

Khat, is a religious and recreational drug for people of many countries around the Arabian Peninsula, East Africa and some parts of Europe. Khat has varied legal status throughout the world – in some countries it has been declared illegal while in others it is completely legal and enjoyed by everyone. Before consuming qat, you should check out whether it is legal in your country or not. Khat can mostly be found in social environments, especially in celebrations like Ramadan. qat is often used by people of the above regions as a relief drug to reduce appetite and exhaustion. This leafy narcotic is also used by farmers as a stimulant for working long hours.

In countries where the plant is grown in abundant, the drug also forms an important part of the country’s economy. Like, in Ethiopia, qat  is the fourth largest export. In these countries, the khat plant is grown up to a height of 10 to 20 feet tall. The leaves are then cut and wrapped around by plastic or banana leaves to retain the freshness. These bundles are then exported to other countries.

International status of khat

At present, khat does not come under international control. But the two substances that it contains, cathinone and cathine are internationally controlled substances. qat is regulated in different countries in different ways. It is an illegal substance in countries like Sweden, Finland, Jordan, France, USA and Switzerland. But, there are other countries like Yemen, Ethiopia and UK where it is legal to use khat.

Status of khat in different countries

Belgium: Khat has been labeled as a controlled substance in Belgium from October, 2006.

Kenya: According to a recent study named “What Harm: Kenyan and Ugandan Perspectives on Khat” by Beckerleg, 2006, there is actually no reason for a ban on khat in East Africa.

Norway: Khat along with its parts is illegal in Norway.

Israel: According to Israel’s Dangerous Drugs Act, the psychoactive elements of khat are banned but that does not apply to khat leaves in their natural state for chewing.

Somalia: According to a BBC report of 2006, the Islamic group currently in control of most of southern Somalia has banned Khat.

Canada: Khat in Canada falls under schedule IV substance and hence, is banned.

South Africa: Methcathinone and Cathinone are controlled substances but according to reports, khat is protected and is no longer a part of eradication campaign by SANAB.

Australia: The status of khat in Australia is a bit complicated. It is not a federally regulated drug in Australia but its active ingredients are. This means that the plant is not illegal unless it is harvested or consumed (unconfirmed). Import of khat requires a permit and import law allows upto 5kg of khat per month per individual for personal use. But, this should not displace state prohibitions if any.

U.K: The chief ingredients of khat- cathine and cathinone are Class C drugs in the U.K, but khat leaves are uncontrolled substances in the country. U.K. is the main center for exporting of khat to other countries.

Netherlands: Khat is legal to sell, buy and use in the Netherlands. In 2004, the Minister of Justice announced that the sale and use of khat is not a problem and will not be controlled.

At present, it is estimated that around 10 million people worldwide are active users of khat.

Khat types – The different forms in which Khat is taken

Catha Edulis, popularly known as khat is a natural stimulant. It is a slow-growing shrub that can grow to a height of 1.5 to 20 meters tall. Its growth depends on the soil and the amount of rainfall the region receives. The leaves are evergreen and are 5 to 10 cm long and 1 to 4 cm broad. The shrub produces flowers that are 4 to 8 cm long with every flower having five white petals. Khat leaves are glossy and crimson-brown but become yellow-green when they age. They also emit a strong smell.

Khat is also known by various names like Qat, Kat, Mirra, Quat, African Salad, Kus-es-Salahin, Somali tea, Herari, Tschat, Tohai, African Tea, Abyssinian Tea and other names.

Khat types

There are mainly two types of Khats available in the UK- Mirra, the Kenyan Khat which is believed to be have stronger effects. The stems of Mirra are also chewed sometimes to increase the potency of the leafy narcotic. The other type is Herari, which is the Ethiopian khat. Herari is believed to have milder effect and only the leaves of the Herari are chewed.

Khat is also taken in a dried form popularly known as Abyssinian Tea or African Tea. It is dried using similar processes like tea and taken in the same manner as regular tea. The dried Khat leaves give a golden infusion when mixed with lukewarm water and tastes slightly bitter but is said to deliver a very soothing effect on the nerves.

Availability and packaging of khat

Khat is generally packed in plastic bags or wrapped in banana leaves to retain the freshness and moisture. The leaves should be sprinkled with water during transport to keep the leaves moist. Khat is also sold as dried and crushed leaves or in the powdered form.

Soon you will be able to order khat from our site.

We are working very hard for that.

Thank you for your patience.

e-Khat Team.

Catha Edulis, popularly known as Khat is a flowering plant local to the Arabian Peninsula and Northeast Africa. In these regions, Khat is chewed by individuals to achieve the stimulating effect similar but less intense than that caused by the usage of Methamphetamine or Cocaine. Khat is also dried and drunk as tea. But more commonly, the fresh leaves of Khat are chewed by people until the stage of euphoria is achieved.

Uses of Khat

Originally, the leaves were chewed by the people to suppress appetite and reduce fatigue. Earlier, it was mainly a spiritual aid used in many ceremonies. Historical records prove that the leaves were also used for other health and medicinal purposes. In short, Khat has been a socio-cultural edible substance in Arabia and Africa for centuries.

With time, it was introduced to the western world and its socio-cultural and medicinal usage gave way to illegal recreational misuse. Recently, it was discovered that Khat contains an alkaloid known as Cathinone which causes similar side effects like that of amphetamines.

People chewing Khat develop a euphoric effect which has often forced them to develop psychological dependence on the drug. Moderate intake of Khat may not cause addiction, but may have bad effects on different parts of the body. Chewing Khat can have adverse effects on the brain, heart, stomach and liver. When mixed with alcohol or other illegal substances, qat can be fatal to the body.

Chewing Khat gives a pleasurable experience, but regular usage can cause physical and psychological dependence on the drug. These conditions should be treated at addiction treatment centers. It is often believed by experts that qat is just another plant that is greatly misused.

Khat in Yemen

Khat is so popular in Yemen that nearly 40% of the country’s irrigation goes to the cultivation of the crop. Another reason behind the cultivation of Khat in Yemen is the high income it provides to the farmers of the country.

Studies in 2001 have shown that the income from cultivating Khat was about 2.5 million Yemeni Rials per hectare whereas it was only 0.57 million Rials per hectare when fruits were cultivated.

Khat is more then just a plant!

Off late, the availability of Khat, a stimulant drug has increased in the United States. The amount of Khat seized by federal law enforcement officers has increased from 14 metric tons in 1995 to 37 metric tons in 2001. Even in the first 6 months of the year 2002, the federal officers seized some 30 metric tons of the drug. In the United States, people of Ethiopian, Somali and Yemeni descent are the main transporters of Khat.

About Khat

Khat or Qat is a flowering shrub native to northeast Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The plants grow from 2 to 12 feet high and are grown among crops like legumes, peaches, coffee or papayas. The fresh leaves of the plant contain Cathinone which is a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act in the United States. Qat leaves are chewed to get a feeling of euphoria. It also contains Cathine which is a Schedule IV drug and are considered a low potential for abuse and are currently used for medical purposes in the country.

Khat abuse in US

In US, Qat is mostly prevalent among the Somalian, Yemeni and Ethiopian population. Abuse levels are high in cities where these populations are high like Columbus, Kansas City, Boston, Minneapolis, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, Nashville, Dallas and Washington, D.C. Law enforcement reports have also indicated that other groups in these areas have also started getting addicted to the drug.

Effects of Khat

Qat is basically chewed just like tobacco. After the ingestion of Qat, the user experiences a feeling of euphoria, an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. According to abusers, the leafy narcotic lifts spirit, increases energy and sharpens thinking. The effects of the drug generally begin some 90 minutes and 3 hours after the ingestion of the drug. Repeated use of the drug can lead to paranoia, manic behavior with grandiose delusions, hallucinations and may also cause damage to respiratory, circulatory, nervous and digestive systems.

How is Khat transported to the US

Qat transportation should be quick as the leaves tend to loose its effect after 48 hours. That is why, Khat is transported mostly in US from Canada and Great Britain through package delivery services and sometimes through couriers aboard commercial aircraft. Khat is also transported from Canada through private vehicle. Often, Qat smugglers use different tricks to avoid law enforcement checking during shipping the drug through package delivery services.

The increasing amount of Qat seizures indicates the increasing popularity of Khat in the United States. Abuse of the narcotic is mostly prevalent among the people of Somalian, Yemeni and Ethiopian descent. But recent law enforcement reports have indicated the use of Khat by Caucasian individuals too.

khat has become a growing concern for the law enforcement agencies in the United States because of its increasing availability.

Khat smuggling to US from UK– Is it worth the risk?

Khat, Qat or Qaad is the latest drug to hit the United States and Britain. This leafy narcotic is not illegal in the United Kingdom but is banned in Europe, Canada and USA. Off late, large number of young British men, especially from a place called Deal in Kent is risking jail for smuggling Khat to United States.

Khat in the United Kingdom

Though United Kingdom and the United States have very similar culture and history, but the Qat issue is the only thing that has made these countries part their ways. According to media reports of 2005, many immigrant families in UK had requested the government to ban the leafy drug in the country. The minister responsible for drugs in response appointed an Advisory Council to find out the harmful effects of the drug. According to the council, Khat is not subject to control under the Misuse of Drug Act of 1971. Since then, Qat trading has become quite widespread. It is the most common used vegetables by people of many races. This drug is sold in public places like Marfresh where people socialize and chew Khat for hours.

According to UK government, nearly five to seven tons of Qat arrive everyday in UK on a daily basis from countries like Ethiopia, Yemen and Kenya. From here, it is believed to reach US markets illegally where the profit is bigger. Every year, more than 20 Britons are arrested in the US for trafficking Qat.

Khat in USA

Khat in the United States is illegal and bringing Qaad in the country carries the same punishment as bringing heroine or cocaine. There are two substances in the leaves: Cathinone and Cathine, which are controlled substances in the country. In the United States, the substance has been illegal under Federal Law since 1993.

In the last few years, San Diego in US, which has a huge Somali population, has seen a big increase in Qaad seizures. The amount of Qat entry at the ports of the country has increased from 14 metric tons to 55 in the last few years. The increased immigration from countries like Somalia, Ethiopia and Yemen has once again increased the demand of Qat in the country.

Imprisonment for Khat smuggling in USA can be from six years to life imprisonment. On the basis of the amount of risk involved, getting out of punishment is costlier than smuggling Khat in the country. Many British families had to spend some $5,000 to get family members out of USA. This firmly proves that undertaking such huge risk is not worth the smuggling of the substance.

Bad effects of Khat

A World Health Organization report has expressed concern over the use of Khat because too much consumption of Khat can lead to increased blood pressure, anorexia, general malaise, insomnia and constipation.

khat can also be an addiction and lead to social and psychological problems…so…be careful