How long do Khat’s effects last

Key points

Khat, a stimulant from the Catha edulis plant, is often chewed for its energising effects, especially within some communities.
Its main active components, cathinone and cathine, bring on a short-lived sense of euphoria, usually kicking in within one or two hours and lasting around three to six hours.
How quickly and how long khat’s effects are felt will depend on things like how much is taken, an individual’s metabolism, and how fresh the leaves are.
It’s common to feel tired or irritable as the effects wear off, so it’s wise to plan your day with this in mind.
Mixing khat with other substances can heighten health risks and contribute to negative side effects, so we recommend being cautious and well-informed.
By making responsible choices, and being aware of both cultural and personal health considerations, we can reduce risks and encourage a safer experience.

Typically, the noticeable effects of khat last between one and a half to three hours. Most people feel the initial buzz within an hour of chewing, reaching a sharp peak before easing off, sometimes leaving a gentle after-effect that can linger for an hour or two longer. The precise duration will vary according to the amount used, the freshness of the plant, and each of our own unique body chemistry. Some of us might also struggle with sleeplessness or feel a dip in mood as the stimulating effects pass. While khat can play a significant role in social traditions—particularly in East Africa and across the Arabian Peninsula—it’s important to remember that its use carries legal and health implications in many countries. Let’s look at what we can expect and how we can keep ourselves as safe as possible.

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What is khat?

Khat is a natural stimulant derived from the Catha edulis shrub. People typically chew its fresh leaves and tender shoots to enjoy a mild sense of euphoria and sharpened alertness. Known by several names – such as qat, chat, or qaad – khat is deeply woven into the social and cultural fabric of many communities across the Middle East and East Africa, particularly in Yemen and Somalia. For millions, the act of chewing khat is a cherished daily ritual that has shaped traditions for generations.

The plant

You’ll mainly find the khat plant thriving in the highlands of East Africa and on the Arabian Peninsula, especially in countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, Yemen and Somalia.

This evergreen shrub typically grows up to two to five metres tall, with glossy, oval, serrated leaves. For the best effect, we always select the youngest and freshest leaves, as they’re richest in active compounds. These fresh shoots offer a mildly sweet and slightly astringent taste. To keep them at their best, khat branches are often wrapped in banana leaves; if needed, they may be dried for transport. The plant’s quality depends on local soil, rainfall and farming methods, so while some growers use time-honoured techniques, others embrace more modern practices. Sustainability is becoming ever more important for communities who depend on this crop.

The active ingredients

Main stimulants: cathinone, cathine and traces of norephedrine.

Cathinone is the principal active chemical, acting similarly to amphetamines by lifting our mood, raising the heart rate, and improving focus. Cathine, although less potent, enhances the overall energising effect. The levels of these active compounds vary widely, affected by the plant’s age, how fresh the leaves are and how they’re stored. Once we chew khat, cathinone is swiftly absorbed and broken down in the liver, with most of it leaving the body within several hours.

The culture

Chewing khat is more than just a habit – it’s a social event that brings us together for lively conversations, debates and group celebrations. In Yemen, khat circles are an essential part of daily life. Across Somalia and Ethiopia, chewing khat marks occasions from weddings and business deals to simple afternoons spent with friends. While many of us regard khat as a harmless tradition, there are others who express concern about its potential health and social consequences. Economically, khat cultivation supports millions of small farmers and plays a significant role in local employment and markets.

How long do khat’s effects last?

Khat is a stimulant plant, known for its energising and mood-enhancing properties. Understanding how long the effects last is essential not only for those considering trying khat, but also for healthcare professionals and support organisations. We all react differently to khat depending on our bodies, routines, and the way we use it. By looking at how the effects unfold and how long they persist, we can make more informed and safer choices. Here, we break down the typical timeline of khat’s effects.

1. When do the effects begin?

Most of us will start to notice the effects of khat about an hour after chewing the leaves.

Chewing fresh khat leaves usually brings on the effects faster than using dried ones, as the active ingredients are absorbed more quickly. By holding the juice in our cheeks, cathinone enters our bloodstream efficiently. Those with faster metabolisms may feel the impact sooner, while others may need to wait longer. With dried leaves, it might take up to 90 minutes before we notice any changes.

2. Peak effects

The effects usually reach their peak around 1.5 to 2 hours after we begin chewing.

At this stage, most people experience a boost in energy, become more talkative, and often find it easier to concentrate. Feelings of euphoria and increased sociability are common, along with physical signs like a racing heart, quicker breathing, or a slight rise in body temperature. The strength of these effects depends on how much we take, the freshness of the leaves, and our personal tolerance.

After this high point, the effects start to fade, though a mild ‘buzz’ may still linger.

3. How long do the effects last overall?

A typical khat chewing session will give noticeable effects for three to four hours.

If we chew large amounts or use particularly fresh khat, the effects may stick around for longer. Stronger varieties can extend the experience, while smaller doses can wear off sooner. Recognising how long the effects last can help us avoid risky behaviour, such as combining khat with other substances.

4. What can influence the effects?

The amount we chew, our body size, and our experience with khat can greatly change how we respond.

If we’re tired, hungry, or unwell, the effects might feel stronger or last longer. Drinking alcohol or smoking at the same time can also change how long khat lasts. Our mood, mental health, and surroundings all play a role in what we experience.

5. What happens afterwards?

Once the main effects subside, many of us may feel irritable or restless.

Feeling tired or low in mood for up to 24 hours is not unusual.

Recognising these ‘comedown’ symptoms is important, as it helps us take steps to reduce potential harm.

Difficulty sleeping and feelings of depression may also continue into the next day.

Khat: Key facts

Khat is a stimulant plant chewed for its effects, with cultural significance, health risks, and varying legal status globally.

Jul. 29, 2025

The personal experience

Our responses to khat are incredibly personal—no two chewing sessions ever feel identical. Emotional ups and downs, waves of energy, and the eventual comedown all depend on who we are, our mindset, and even which particular variety we use. The way khat fits into social and cultural life also shapes these moments, making it an intriguing plant for us to explore.

The initial boost

We usually notice khat’s energising buzz within the first hour. Joy, uplifted spirits, and bursts of motivation are common, while some of us feel more chatty and confident. There’s often a surge in mental clarity, although for a few, it’s a scattergun intensity rather than focus.

The high varies a lot. While some of us enjoy a gentle euphoria, others might become overstimulated. Our previous experience, personality, and even who we’re with can all influence the ride. If we overdo it, overstimulation emerges—tremors, a tight chest, or sometimes anxious or paranoid feelings. For some, this leads to agitation, even full-blown anxiety. Rarely, heavy or prolonged use may trigger symptoms similar to psychosis.

Coming down

After the rush, there’s always a dip. This crash usually brings tiredness, restlessness, and a general sense of discomfort. It’s not unusual for us to feel irritable or want to withdraw from company. The difference compared to the earlier high can be sharp.

Psychologically, the drop can express itself in many ways. Mood swings, low energy, and even feelings of emptiness may linger for hours. Sometimes, we’re tempted to go back for another session to lift ourselves out of the slump. With regular and heavier use, these crashes tend to deepen and can become lasting periods of low mood or fatigue.

What makes every experience unique

Our history—regular users often need more to feel the same effects, so the experience evolves.
Our mental state—stress, anxiety, or sadness can all influence the intensity.
The type of khat—stronger strains can create a punchier effect, while milder ones keep things gentler.
Where and with whom—being alone or social, at home or out, always makes a difference.

If we use khat often, it can cause digestive problems and emotional side effects, changing how each session feels. Still, the social rituals—sharing stories, bonding, letting off steam—sometimes hide these downsides, as gathering together gives khat an extra layer of meaning.

Physical and mental effects

When we first use khat, it gives us a strong surge in mood and energy — but that initial high comes with some significant drawbacks. Many of us who use khat regularly notice our bodies and minds begin to change, sometimes quickly, other times more gradually. Persistent use often leads to ongoing tiredness, disrupted sleep, and irritability. We might find ourselves dealing with headaches, sore jaws from the constant chewing, a pounding heart, or even weight loss. These aren't just minor annoyances; they can seriously affect our work, studies, or home life. Some of us find that even after taking a break from khat, our memory or ability to focus doesn't immediately snap back.

Long-term khat use can alter our brains. We might struggle with concentration, decision-making, and coping under stress. Picking up new information or remembering things can become much harder. Research links khat to changes in the brain, not unlike what happens with other stimulant drugs. These changes can linger, but they're not always permanent — for example, with enough time away from khat, our brains may start to recover, and some of the damage can mend. Still, challenges like low mood or even depression can stick around, especially straight after quitting.

For some of us, mental health takes a serious hit. It's common to feel low or even depressed, particularly during attempts to stop using khat. In some cases, people go through psychotic episodes, especially when they've been bingeing or are going through withdrawal. Most of these symptoms fade within days, though for a few, the impact can last much longer. Others report feeling edgy, irritable, or just finding it harder to enjoy everyday life. Withdrawal itself can last up to a fortnight, and the worst symptoms — like fatigue, headaches, and mood swings — tend to peak in the first few days.

Addiction is a real risk. Many of us find ourselves hooked, facing both mental and physical withdrawal symptoms when we try to stop. Cravings, sleep problems, and a short temper are common. Quitting can be extra tough if we're surrounded by others who use khat, or if it’s easy to get hold of.

Physical effects	Mental health effects
Fatigue	Depression (especially while withdrawing)
Headaches	Memory and learning difficulties
Weight loss	Problems with decision-making
Racing heartbeat	Brief episodes of psychosis
Sleep problems	Ongoing behavioural issues
Jaw pain	Increased irritability

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Khat and combining with other substances

Khat isn’t simply one substance. Its leaves are a cocktail of more than 40 alkaloids, plus glycosides, tannins, amino acids, and an array of vitamins and minerals. The mix and strength of these active ingredients depend on where the plant grows and the climate. Its main stimulant, cathinone, breaks down quickly after picking—so it’s the fresh leaves that deliver the most powerful effects.

When we combine khat with other substances, even in small amounts, we invite greater risks. Alcohol is the most common pairing. Some of us use alcohol to soften the comedown or help us sleep after a khat session. However, this pairing can put extra strain on our heart and cause sudden spikes in blood pressure. Both khat and alcohol ramp up dehydration and can worsen digestive problems. If we mix khat with other stimulants, like caffeine or amphetamines, our heart rate can soar, making it hard to sleep and triggering anxiety, or even paranoia. These effects resemble those of abusing strong stimulants—racing pulse, raised blood pressure, and potentially mania or delusional thinking.

Using multiple substances—what we call polydrug use—makes negative side effects even more likely. We’ve seen people experience psychosis, major mood swings, and even hallucinations, especially with heavy use. Over time, using khat can lead to ongoing sleep trouble, headaches, irritability and sexual health problems. Men might notice lowered sperm count or decreased sexual performance. Women who chew khat when pregnant risk babies born underweight or problems with blood flow to the womb. Some animal research even suggests regular use can cause genetic harm and birth defects.

Interactions are crucial. Khat already puts stress on our nervous system; adding in other drugs can tip our bodies over the edge. The risks climb, both physically and mentally. Some of us combine khat and alcohol in search of a stronger high. But this mix can trigger wild mood swings, paranoia or even psychosis, even with moderate use. These aren’t just rare side effects—they’re genuine risks we face with polydrug use.

Understanding how khat mixes with other substances helps us make more informed and safer choices. Remember, mixing drugs can turn a manageable high into a seriously risky situation. If we choose to use, we need to know exactly what we’re putting into our bodies, and be aware of the consequences that can follow.

Conclusion

Khat acts quickly, delivering a burst of energy and alertness that’s similar to what we might get from strong coffee or other mild stimulants. For most of us, the effects last between two and four hours before gradually wearing off. Some might notice a slight comedown, which doesn’t usually last long or feel extreme.

Many people use khat for a boost in mood, sharper focus, and a sociable vibe. As the effects fade, though, we could feel a bit restless, dehydrated or just a little off-balance. Remember, reactions can differ from person to person.

Since laws and public attitudes about khat vary depending on where we live, it’s always wise to check our local regulations. Let’s look after ourselves, be mindful of our limits, and make informed choices. Curious about natural highs or safe, responsible use? Explore our guides and join our community discussions—good decisions always start with trustworthy information.

Frequently asked questions

How long does khat last?

The effects of khat usually last between 2 and 6 hours. However, this can vary depending on how much is chewed and each person’s own tolerance levels.

What is the main active substance in khat?

Khat’s main stimulating effect comes from cathinone, which is the key compound responsible for how it makes us feel.

How soon can we feel the effects of khat?

Generally, we begin to notice khat’s impact within 30 to 45 minutes after chewing. Factors such as how quickly we chew and the freshness of the leaves can influence this.

Can using khat cause side effects?

Yes, using khat might result in side effects such as a faster heartbeat, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, or feeling anxious. If we use it over a long period, the risks to our health can become more serious.

Is it legal to use khat everywhere?

No, khat isn’t legal worldwide. In some places, it’s banned, whilst it may still be allowed in others. It’s essential to check the local laws before we think about trying khat.

How does khat stack up against other stimulants?

Khat is generally milder than stronger synthetic stimulants like amphetamines, but it still carries a risk of dependency and other health concerns, especially if we use it regularly.

Can khat impact our mental health?

Yes, using khat often can increase the chances of experiencing anxiety, mood swings, or low moods. Everyone’s experience is different, so the effects on mental health can vary from person to person.