Description
This drug test is used for the presumptive identification of Dried Khat (Qat).
10 narcotic tests per pack
Fresh Khat (Catha edulis) is a flowering evergreen shrub primarily grown in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, valued for its natural stimulant properties. For the best results, it must be consumed while fresh, as its most potent active ingredient, cathinone, begins to degrade within 48 to 72 hours of harvesting into the weaker chemical cathine.
Key Characteristics and Use
- Appearance: Fresh leaves are glossy and crimson-brown, often resembling withered basil. To preserve moisture and potency, they are typically sold in bundles wrapped in banana leaves.
- Consumption: The most common method is chewing the fresh leaves and tender stems, holding them in the cheek to slowly release the active juices. It is also occasionally brewed as a tea or used in a paste.
- Effects: Users typically experience a “high” characterized by euphoria, increased alertness, talkativeness, and suppressed appetite, followed by a “comedown” that can include irritability or insomnia.
Legal Status (2026)
The legality of khat varies significantly by region:
- Legal: It is fully legal and culturally integrated in countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Djibouti, and Yemen. In Israel, it is legal to chew the leaves in their natural state.
- Illegal: It is strictly controlled or banned in the United Kingdom (Class C drug), United States (Schedule I for cathinone), Canada, and most of the European Union.
Market and Pricing (2026)
While historically sold for approximately £3–£4 per bundle in the UK before the 2014 ban, fresh khat is now reported to be sold through underground channels for significantly higher prices, reaching £30–£40 per bundle as of 2026 due to the risks of smuggling. Dried forms are more commonly available but are less potent and provide a different user experience.
Health Risks
- Immediate: Increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and potential for manic behavior or psychosis in high doses.
- Long-term: Chronic use is linked to liver damage, gastrointestinal issues like constipation and ulcers, and dental problems such as tooth discoloration or oral cancer.
- Interactions: Khat can reduce the effectiveness of certain antibiotics like ampicillin and should not be used with MAOI antidepressants.
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