Is khat classed as a drug?

Key takeaways

Khat is a natural stimulant plant—Catha edulis—commonly chewed in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula for its energising effects.
Its active ingredient, cathinone, acts much like amphetamines and can bring on feelings of euphoria, increased alertness, and sometimes anxiety or dependency.
Although khat plays a central role in some cultures and social occasions, its legal status depends on where you are—some countries ban, control or tolerate its use.
While short-term use can make us feel more energetic and positive, long-term or heavy consumption puts us at risk of dependency, heart complications, and mental health issues including depression and psychosis.
Potency relies on how fresh the khat leaves are, with dried leaves losing their stimulating punch, so users generally seek out the freshest possible.
If you come across khat, it’s wise to stay mindful of the local culture, comply with all relevant laws, look after your wellbeing, and make well-informed choices.

Khat comes from the leaves of the Catha edulis shrub and is chewed for its stimulating effects. Fresh khat leaf contains cathinone and related alkaloids, which give a burst of energy, alertness, and improved mood. It’s especially popular in countries across East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, where it’s deeply linked with tradition and social life. Approaches to its legal status differ: some nations treat khat as a prohibited substance, while others allow or regulate its use. Prolonged use may cause health problems like insomnia or loss of appetite. In this article, we’ll cover the effects, legal aspects, and sensible advice on safer use to help you decide if you’re curious about trying khat.

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What is khat?

Khat is a leafy green stimulant, harvested from the Catha edulis shrub. Widely recognised for its energising properties, khat’s impact comes from natural compounds similar to those found in amphetamines. Primarily grown across East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, khat is far more than just a plant for many communities – it’s an essential part of their way of life. Sharing and chewing fresh khat leaves together is at the heart of social occasions, whether among friends or at lively gatherings. The secret lies in chewing the leaves over hours, which releases the strongest effects.

The plant

A woody, evergreen bush
Leaves measure 5–10 cm long and 1–4 cm wide
Slender, glossy, deep green foliage
Clusters of delicate white blooms
Thrives in dry, well-drained soil
Prefers temperatures between 5–35°C

Khat flourishes in highland regions with low rainfall, although its need for considerable water poses challenges, especially in Yemen. The plant's main psychoactive ingredients are cathinone and cathine. Freshly picked leaves deliver the most potent effect thanks to cathinone, which fades quickly as the leaves dry. Once dried, khat loses much of its power.

The tradition

For generations, communities in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and Yemen have turned to khat as more than just a source of stimulation. Chewing khat is a cherished ritual, often experienced in groups, where people spend hours chatting, telling stories, and engaging in spirited debate. Much like coffee or tea in other cultures, khat creates connection and fosters a strong sense of community.

We see khat at weddings, religious gatherings, and family celebrations. Elders pass down the know-how – selecting tender leaves, preparing them with care, and showing youngsters just how it’s done. For many of us, it’s a gesture of respect and a way to stay in touch with our heritage.

The experience

Chewing khat brings about a sense of euphoria, heightened focus, and a talkative mood. Many of us compare the buzz to drinking strong green tea or coffee, only faster-acting. The effects typically start within 15–30 minutes and can last for several hours, with the initial rush being the strongest. How we feel, and for how long, depends on how much we chew and our own bodies.

Getting together for a khat session can be lively and full of energy, with plenty of laughter and animated conversations. Some of us might feel a bit jittery, anxious, or restless, while others might notice a dry mouth or slight nausea. Most of us appreciate the lift, though we know the after-effects aren’t for everyone.

The Chemistry Behind Khat

Khat is a stimulant plant that many may not be familiar with, but its unique chemical makeup is truly fascinating. When we chew khat leaves, we're introducing a mix of psychoactive compounds into our bodies, which influence both our mental and physical states. The two main chemicals at play are cathinone and cathine—both classified as alkaloids that primarily affect our brains. How fresh the leaves are, and how we consume them, change the intensity and lasting power of khat’s effects. Our bodies metabolise these substances differently, shaping the nature of our experience.

1. Cathinone

Cathinone is the main force behind the stimulation we feel from khat. It shares a similar structure with amphetamines, which is why concerns about dependency and misuse are often raised. By causing the release of dopamine and norepinephrine—chemicals linked to alertness, happiness, and energy—cathinone delivers a sense of euphoria, heightened motivation, and sharper mental clarity, especially with fresh leaves. Research on animals has shown that cathinone can noticeably change behaviour and may reduce normal sensory filtering if used regularly, hinting at ongoing effects with frequent use. Normally, a typical chewing session releases around 45 mg of cathinone, but most of it is broken down in the body, with only a small portion excreted unchanged.

2. Cathine

Cathine is the second major alkaloid we find in khat. It isn’t as strong as cathinone and stays in the body for longer. Where cathinone’s kick is quick and short-lived, cathine offers a gentler, more prolonged lift. Cathine helps to smooth out the stimulation, giving a more sustained energetic feeling as cathinone’s effects start to taper off. Some studies suggest small doses might have limited medical benefits, but in larger quantities, cathine could disrupt hormone levels and possibly affect fertility in male animals. For those who use khat often, cathine’s subtle influence is still important.

3. How Khat Affects the Brain

Khat’s primary alkaloids interact directly with the areas of the brain that control our moods and movements. By boosting the release of key neurotransmitters, khat can quickly lift our spirits and energy levels. For some of us, this results in feeling more alert, sociable, or focused—though others may find it brings anxiety or restlessness. As with any stimulant, regular consumption can carry particular mental health risks, but the promise of a rapid pick-me-up is appealing for some.

4. The Importance of Fresh Leaves

When it comes to khat, fresher leaves mean a much stronger effect, as cathinone degrades rapidly after harvesting. Old or dried khat loses much of its potency. This is why, in regions where khat is traditionally grown, people always prefer fresh leaves. Outside these areas, though, finding high-quality fresh khat is tough, which means the experience is often less intense or quite different.

Simply put, the fresher the leaves, the more powerful the experience.

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

Khat’s Impact on Our Health

Khat, a stimulant leaf commonly chewed in East Africa and parts of the Middle East, contains cathinone, a substance similar to amphetamines. People use khat for different reasons—its effects can vary in the short and long term. Understanding what we’re exposing ourselves to is key to making informed, responsible decisions.

Below are some of the main short-term and long-term health consequences of khat chewing:

Short-term effects: We might feel an energetic lift, increased alertness, talkativeness and a sense of wellbeing. It’s common to feel more outgoing and less tired.
Typical side effects: Dry mouth, constipation and insomnia are among the more frequent problems. Some of us might also suffer headaches or disturbed sleep.
Long-term consequences: Prolonged use brings its own set of problems, including dependency, poor appetite, digestive issues, and a higher chance of developing heart problems like high blood pressure or irregular heartbeat.
Oral health risks: Khat can damage our teeth and gums, leading to cavities, gum disease, mouth ulcers, and even a higher risk of mouth cancers. Liver issues and a greater chance of developing some types of cancer have been reported among chronic users. Prolonged heavy use is also linked to emotional instability, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.
Effects on sexual health: Some men face impotence while some women notice an increase in libido. Both men and women can experience reduced fertility.
Greater risk with daily use: The likelihood of developing severe side effects increases with regular, ongoing use.
Addiction and withdrawal: Khat has a significant potential for psychological dependence. Stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms such as cravings and mood disturbances.

Short-term experiences

Chewing khat gives a quick burst of energy, sociability, and euphoria, often lasting for a few hours—one of the main reasons people gather to chew it in groups. However, we may also get a dry mouth, feel restless, lose our appetite or become constipated. For some, euphoria can shift to anxiety or paranoia, particularly with higher doses. These feelings generally subside after three or four hours, but the duration and intensity depend on how much is consumed and our own state of health.

Long-term consequences

Continuing to chew khat over months and years comes at a cost. Dependence can develop, and withdrawal might lead to mood swings, overwhelming cravings and trouble concentrating. There’s a measurable risk of heart and blood pressure problems, and, over time, issues such as chronic gastritis, gum and dental disease, and oral cancers become more common. Many of us would also be at risk of liver damage and significant weight loss. For men, impotence and, for some women, increased libido and fertility issues are known effects.

Mental wellbeing

Long-term or excessive use can take a heavy toll on our mental health, with persistent anxiety, depression, and—on rare occasions—psychosis. If we already struggle with our mental health, khat can make those problems worse. Although further studies are needed, there’s emerging evidence linking khat to mood swings, irritability, and difficulties with emotional stability. Unfortunately, the stigma around khat-related mental health problems can stop us from seeking help.

Dependency risk

Strong urges to chew
Struggling to stop
Feeling low or irritable when not chewing
Problems with sleeping
Headaches

While khat is addictive, the withdrawal effects are typically milder than those of drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine. However, because khat chewing is woven into the fabric of daily life in some communities, giving it up can present social and financial hurdles. The impact of addiction can put strain on families, drain our resources, and jeopardise our work and future.

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The global legal landscape

Khat, known for its stimulating properties, faces a complex global legal environment. Its status shifts from region to region, shaped by local traditions, politics, and public health strategies. Here, we navigate where khat is forbidden, controlled, or fully legal, and explore the reasoning behind these choices. The ongoing global debate over khat reveals how laws reflect both community standards and international influences.

Countries where khat is banned

Khat has been declared illegal in the United States, Canada, most European nations, and large parts of Asia. Arguments for these bans include concerns about addiction, public safety, and links to trafficking networks. In the US, for example, possessing khat can result in a felony, prison time, and hefty fines, with authorities frequently seizing large shipments. For individuals and communities, these strict penalties often lead to lengthy legal struggles.

Such prohibitions often disrupt established social habits, especially among migrant communities who see khat as a cultural staple. While these laws may restrict public sales, the underlying demand usually sustains covert markets. Risks associated with unregulated trade—such as contaminated supplies—may even rise when khat is driven underground.

Regions with regulated khat use

In some countries, like Australia, limited use and possession of khat are allowed under strict regulations. Australians may apply for a licence to import up to 5kg per month for personal use, under the oversight of health authorities. Regulation aims to reduce health risks and ensure safer consumption by giving us access to a higher-quality, monitored product.

However, enforcing these rules is no simple task. Regulations around imports can be bypassed, with smugglers quick to adapt. Striking a balance between respecting traditions and protecting public wellbeing is no easy feat, so some nations focus on controlling imports, spreading awareness, and setting clear legal frameworks for khat use and sales.

Where khat is legal

In places such as Yemen, Ethiopia, and Kenya, khat remains a legal and widely accepted part of daily life. In Yemen, before the oil economy took off, khat contributed significantly to local incomes. Its cultivation and trade offer a livelihood to countless farmers and traders. Regular use is considered the norm rather than the exception.

While some users report social benefits and mild stimulation, others experience health issues such as oral problems and dependence. Still, in these countries, public sentiment towards khat is broadly positive. Regular exports—even to places like the UK, where the law is ambiguous—highlight its ongoing popularity.

Why do legal approaches differ?

Khat’s legal status is the outcome of intertwined factors: cultural heritage, historical context, and policymaking. Its use dates back to mediaeval Ethiopia and Yemen, shaping local customs for centuries. In places where khat is central to daily rituals, blanket bans can seem out of touch. Yet, global organisations such as the UN and WHO influence policies towards stricter control, leading to divided international opinion. Ultimately, the debate hinges on whether khat should be seen as a dangerous drug or as a social, cultural tradition.

Khat Compared To Other Stimulants

Khat sits among a range of natural and synthetic stimulants, yet its effects, risks, and place in society are uniquely its own. Here’s an overview of how khat stacks up against some well-known stimulants:

Substance	Key Active Chemical	Typical Consumption	Effects Onset	Duration	Dependence Risk	Social Attitudes	Legal Position
Khat	Cathinone	Chewed leaves	30-60 min	3–6 hr	Moderate	Mixed/Stigmatised	Illegal/Restricted
Caffeine	Caffeine	Drinks, tablets	10–30 min	2–4 hr	Low	Widely Accepted	Legal
Nicotine	Nicotine	Smoked, vaped	Seconds	1–2 hr	High	Mixed	Legal/Restricted
Amphetamines	Amphetamine	Tablets, powder	15–30 min	4–12 hr	High	Medical/Illicit	Strictly Controlled

Comparing Khat And Caffeine

Both khat and caffeine are used to boost alertness, but their effects play out differently. Caffeine works fast and fades within a few hours, whereas khat takes longer to make an impact – sometimes close to an hour – yet the ‘lift’ lasts well into the day.

Caffeine is firmly woven into our daily routines, from morning coffee at home to tea breaks at work. In contrast, khat’s use is much more controversial and often hidden, shaped by law and tradition. While coffee is enjoyed in bustling cafés, khat chewing happens more privately, among small groups or behind closed doors.

Both substances carry risks when overused. Too much caffeine can cause restless nights and raise blood pressure, though it’s rare to see severe health impacts from moderate coffee consumption. Khat can lead to digestive issues, oral health problems, and mild withdrawal, but isn’t as addictive as many would expect. For most casual users, long-term health damage from khat is not well-documented.

Comparing Khat And Nicotine

Khat and nicotine both act fairly quickly, but nicotine’s potential for addiction is much greater. Few khat users develop intense dependence rapidly, while smoking or vaping nicotine can hook us faster. Both, if used regularly, come with health costs: nicotine is linked to cancer and heart problems, khat primarily to stomach and gum complaints.

Nicotine’s history is long and global, woven into ceremonies and everyday life. Today, cigarettes are mainly enjoyed in solitude or with a quick social smoke during breaks. Chewing khat, however, is often a group activity, deeply rooted in the traditions of certain cultures.

Some try both, but it’s rare for khat and nicotine to be used habitually together. Whereas tobacco is heavily taxed and regulated, khat tends to face outright bans or undefined legal status. Most public health messages focus on quitting tobacco, while khat is mainly mentioned in legal contexts.

Comparing Khat And Amphetamines

Both khat and amphetamines influence the brain in similar ways, encouraging a sense of energy, confidence, and talkativeness. However, the effects of khat are gentler, take longer to kick in, and are generally considered less overwhelming. Khat tends to produce a more relaxed, sociable high, instead of the intense rush often associated with amphetamines in pill or powder form.

Withdrawal from khat can occur but tends to be milder than that from amphetamines, which are notorious for their addiction potential and risks to mental and heart health. Amphetamines are highly regulated, only available via prescription in most countries, while khat remains illegal or in a legal grey area outside its traditional regions.

Khat’s natural status can give it an undeserved reputation as a ‘safe’ alternative, but it still carries risks. Socially, it may not attract the same fear or stigma as synthetic stimulants, but it’s still strictly controlled in many places – sometimes more due to legal than health concerns.

Conclusion

Khat is a truly intriguing plant with a rich history stretching back centuries. In East Africa and across the Arabian Peninsula, people have chewed its leaves for generations, drawn to the stimulating effects—similar in some ways to coffee or mild stimulants. It can make some of us feel lively and alert, while others might notice less pleasant effects, like a dry mouth or a low mood once the initial boost wears off.

Laws about khat vary hugely depending on where you are, so it’s vital to stay informed if you’re thinking about trying it. We all respond to khat differently, and using it heavily does come with risks. If you want to learn more about using khat safely, its background, or the latest developments, have a look at our other guides or reach out to share your experiences. Together, we can keep learning and looking after our wellbeing.

Frequently asked questions

Is khat classed as a drug?

Yes, khat is classified as a drug. It contains stimulant substances that act on the central nervous system.

What are the main active substances in khat?

Khat contains cathinone and cathine as its key active compounds, both of which are similar to amphetamines in the way they stimulate the body.

What effects does khat have on our bodies?

When we use khat, it can make us feel more alert, cheerful, and reduce our appetite. However, it may also cause difficulty sleeping, increased heart rate and other side effects.

Is khat legal across the globe?

No, khat is not legal everywhere. Many countries have either banned it or placed restrictions on its use due to health concerns and public safety.

How does khat compare with other stimulants?

Khat is a natural, leafy stimulant and is considered an illegal drug in both the UK and US. Unlike most synthetic stimulants, it’s chewed while fresh, and its effects are usually milder and don’t last as long.