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Khat (cont.)

What does Khat look like?

  • Khat is a flowering evergreen shrub native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
  • Khat that is sold and abused is usually just the leaves, twigs, and shoots of the Khat shrub.

How is Khat used?

  • Khat is typically chewed like tobacco.
  • The fresh leaves, twigs, and shoots of the Khat shrub are chewed, and then retained in the cheek and chewed intermittently to release the active drug.
  • Dried plant material can be made into tea or a chewable paste.
  • Khat can also be smoked and even sprinkled on food.

What are the health side effects of Khat use?

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Reviewed on 12/13/2011

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