Khat trade in Ethiopia
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.
Cathinone
Cathinone – The cause for the euphoria
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.
Legal status of Khat in different countries of the world
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.
