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.