Right now I’m reading, for lack of better terms, some Middle Eastern themed fiction, in which khat chewing pops up from time to time. I’m looking for an explanation of what sort of physical effect the drug has on its users. Brief research shows a variety of opinions, from a mild stimulating effect akin to caffeine to something akin to smoking crack. Of course drug laws are rarely rational* (and thus no help), i.e. where in Yemen khat chewing is a regular daily activity for just about everyone above the age of twelve while just across the border in Saudi Arabia where touching the plant will get one’s hand chopped off.
So if anyone has some personal experience with the drug, or reliable second hand information it would be appreciated. Is is more akin to caffeine, nicotine, crank, cocaine?
*Is there any question that if caffeine were just now discovered it would be classified as a Schedule I or II drug?
Khat consumption induces mild euphoria and excitement. Individuals become very talkative under the influence of the drug and may appear to be unrealistic and emotionally unstable. Khat can induce manic behaviors and hyperactivity. Khat is an effective anorectic and its use also results in constipation. Dilated pupils (mydriasis), which are prominent during khat consumption, reflect 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 coming down from khat use as well. Withdrawal symptoms that may follow prolonged khat use include lethargy, mild depression, nightmares, and slight tremor. Long term use can precipitate the following effects: negative impact on liver function, permanent tooth darkening (of a greenish tinge), susceptibility to ulcers, and diminished sex drive. Khat is usually not an addictive drug, although those who are addicted generally cannot stay without it for more than 4-5 days, feeling tired and having difficulty concentrating.[19]
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I’ve tried khat once, back in my hippy days. Apparently, it was (maybe is) used a lot by restaurant/take-away workers from the Indian sub-continent to help them keep going during long shifts.
Neither I nor the friend who brought it round felt any noticeable effects, but then we were also smoking marijuana, which may well have had a masking effect.
DISCLAIMER: these days, I take nothing stronger than coffee and cigarettes.
I was given a leaf in Thailand last summer that I believe was khat. It was disgustingly bitter and made me spit a lot. After about ten minutes I felt a bit wired - like as if I’d had about five espressos in a row - and silly, and not wanting to sleep. I was drinking beer at the time, though - the combined effect was a bit like chugging a few red bulls and vodka. I had no noticeable after-effect other than a regular mild hangover from the beer.