Cathinone

Khat is a green leafed shrub that when chewed, produce mild feelings of euphoria. Although as a stimulant it can increase alertness, the slow chewing process over several hours can result in a feeling of calm and being ‘blissed out’ and chatty.

Regular use may lead to insomnia, anorexia and anxiety, and in some cases it may make people feel more irritable and angry and possibly violent. Persistent use can make the user psychologically dependent.

Although initially used amongst immigrant populations in the UK, curiosity about the plant has led to increased interest, and there is evidence of its ‘promotion’ to a wider range of users. It’s been reported that some employees chew khat in break periods as a direct challenge to their company’s drug and alcohol policy.

Khat is usually offered in bundles costing around £4. The khat leaves and stalks are wrapped in banana leaves to maintain their freshness but they lose their potency within 36-48 hours. Due to this short lifespan about 5 tons per week are imported into Heathrow for distribution around the UK.

Khat has similar properties to Amphetamines but is considered to be less powerful.

Concateno can offer a test for cathinone in oral fluid, hair and urine

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