show/ hide all  What is khat?  Khat is a bitter-tasting plant
with stimulant effects. It is chewed mostly by people of East
African descent. Occasional use has very low risks, but like all
drugs it can cause harm, especially when it is used several
times a week.   Khat contains stimulant drugs called cathinone
and cathine in its leaves and stems. It is possible that other
substances in khat leaves also contribute to its  effects and
its harms. The cathinone begins to break down after picking, so
khat users try to get it fresh for maximum effects. Khat has
been available in Europe for many years now, but it is still
rarely used by people who do not come from a culture where it is
traditional.    What are the different forms of khat?  Fresh
khat looks like hedge trimmings. It is often sold in small
bundles wrapped in a banana leaf. It is bought and consumed in
places called 'mafrishes', and is also sold in some shops. Men
may chew it socially in the mafrish, or they take it home. Women
are more likely to use in