Qat consumption induces mild euphoria and excitement. A meta-analysis in The Lancet has stated that qat creates a pleasuring effect to the same degree as ecstasy. Individuals become very talkative under the influence of the drug and may appear to be unrealistic and emotionally unstable. The effects of oral administration of cathinone occur more rapidly than the effects of amphetamine, roughly 15 minutes as compared to 30 minutes in amphetamine. Qat can induce manic behaviors and hyperactivity.
Dilated pupils (mydriasis) are prominent during qat consumption, reflecting the sympathomimetic effects of the drug, which are also reflected in increased heart rate and blood pressure. A state of drowsy hallucinations (hypnagogic hallucinations) may result when coming down from qat use, as well.
It is estimated that several million people are frequent users of qat. Many of the users originate from countries between Sudan, Kenya, and Madagascar, and in the southwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula, especially **Yemen.**
**In Yemen, 80% of the males and 45% of the females were found to be qat users who had chewed daily for long periods of their life. Researchers estimate that about 70–80% of Yemenis between 16 and 50 years old chew qat, at least on occasion, and it has been estimated that Yemenis spend about 14.6 million person-hours per day chewing qat. Researchers have also estimated that families spend about 17% of their income on qat.
Qat has been seized by local police and federal authorities on several occasions.[49]
In the United States, cathine is a Schedule IV controlled substance and cathinone is a Schedule I drug, according to the U.S. Controlled Substance Act. The 1993 DEA rule placing cathinone in Schedule I noted that it was effectively also banning qat.
Cathinone is the major psychoactive component of the plant Catha edulis (khat). The young leaves of qat are chewed for a stimulant effect. Enactment of this rule results in the placement of any material which contains cathinone into Schedule I.[48]
The plant itself is specifically banned in Missouri.
Khat, to include all parts of the plant presently classified botanically as catha edulis, whether growing or not; the seeds thereof; any extract from any part of such plant; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant, its seed or extracts.[50]
via Khat – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Here’s how Khat compares:
