NCJ Number
221827
Journal
Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy Volume: 15 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2008 Pages: 37-53
Date Published
February 2008
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This literature review examines societal and cultural attitudes in the use of the stimulant substance, ‘khat’ within the Somali community in England.
Abstract
The plant Catha edulis--most commonly known as ‘khat’ is a perennial, green-leafed shrub that is typically cultivated in Ethiopia, Kenya, Yemen and consumed predominantly by people from those regions. Recently, there has been considerable interest in the use of the stimulant substance ‘khat’ by community groups originally from East Africa and now settled in the United Kingdom. The use of ‘khat’ for socializing and recreation has existed for years and is considered a legitimate substance. However, the issue of the cultural legitimacy of ‘khat’ use and its effects on individuals, families and society has become a debated issue. A literature review shows divided attitudes within the Somali community about khat; there are those who perceive khat use as a harmful activity and those who feel that it has an important social function and keeps the community together. The present situation is that the United Kingdom Government has decided not to classify khat as a controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971). However, the Advisory Council for the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) recommended that healthcare professionals and khat users need more education and information about khat use and associated health and social risks and that it should be made easier for khat users to access treatment. Notes, references