Legal stimulant growing in popularity says Home Office

Khat, a vegetable stimulant that causes tooth loss, is common among Somali, Kenyan, Yemeni and Ethiopian communities, but is increasingly popular among women and young people, according to a report published by the Home Office.

Interviews with immigrant communities in Sheffield, Cardiff and London suggest that the number and variety of outlets trading khat has increased significantly over the years, partly as a result of increased immigration to the UK.

It is now being sold at car boot sales, in grocery stores, cafes, restaurants and specialist outlets.

It is sold wrapped in banana leaves, known as 'bundles', and users chew between one and five bundles in a session. A bundle costs from 3 to 5.

Those interviewed said that some white people were taking up khat chewing.

One Somali said: "I have met a white truck driver and two white students who said they had exams and wanted to stay up. The driver bought about three bundles. He said he was going on a trip and needed to stay awake."

Regular users of khat reported health problems including tooth loss, stomach problems, mental health issues and sleeplessness.

Calls for a Government ban on khat were made by some of those questioned.

Somali women were particularly keen for the drug to be made illegal.

One said: "People will get back to their normal lives, look for work and help their families that they have neglected for so long."

The report concluded that few services existed for khat users, though demand for treatment was thought to be low.

It said that a ban would be welcomed by some but opposed by others.

The report says: "The issue of banning khat provoked strong views on both sides, with some people strongly in favour of a ban, whilst others would view this as an unwarranted intrusion in a long-standing cultural practice."

A 2008 Government drug strategy recommended that research be carried out into the social harm caused by khat.

It also urged consideration be given to "culturally appropriate responses" to the needs of khat users and their families.