Cathinone

Type
Psychoactive
Legal status
Class C
Legal implications
Penalty for possession: Up to two years in prison and / or an unlimited fine.
Penalty for dealing: Up to 14 years in prison and / or an unlimited fine.
Synonyms
  • Qat
Information

Khat has been used in parts of East Africa and the Arabian peninsula for centuries. Khat chewing has a long history as a social custom amongst the communities from these areas. It is used in some Somali, Yemeni and Ethiopian communities in Britain. Khat contains the chemicals cathinone and cathine which are amphetamine-like stimulants, althouth it is much less potent.

Short term effects

Talkative, mild euphoria & excitement, alertness, excitement, dilated pupils, Insomnia, loss of appetite, dry mouth, hyperactivity, constipation, anxiety, manic behaviour, paranoia.

Long term effects

Depression, irritability, psychological Dependence. May have negative effects on liver function, susceptibility to ulcers and lowered sex drive.

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