You need to look into it. I'm not sure it is a most pleasant high.
Khat contains a
monoamine alkaloid called
cathinone, an
amphetamine-like
stimulant, which is said to cause excitement,
loss of appetite and
euphoria.
---------
OTH, what's not to like!
-----------
The Egyptians used the plant for more than its stimulating effects; they used it for transcending into "
apotheosis", with the intent of making the user god-like.[SUP]
[13]
[/SUP]Khat is so popular in
Yemen that its cultivation consumes much of the country's agricultural resources. It is estimated that 40% of the country's water supply goes towards irrigating it,[SUP]
[18][/SUP] with production increasing by about 10% to 15% every year. It is also estimated that one "daily bag" of khat requires about 500 liters of water to produce.[SUP]
[19][/SUP] Water consumption is so high that
groundwater levels in the Sanaa basin are diminishing;
Bundles of khat, seized by the
DEA in July, 2006
When khat leaves dry, the more potent chemical, cathinone, decomposes within 48 hours leaving behind the milder chemical, cathine. Thus, harvesters transport khat by packaging the leaves and stems in plastic bags or wrapping them in banana leaves to preserve their moisture and keep the cathinone potent. It is also common for them to sprinkle the plant with water frequently or use refrigeration during transportation.
The action of cathine and cathinone on the
reuptake of
epinephrine and norepinephrine has been demonstrated in lab animals, showing that one or both of these chemicals cause the body to recycle these neurotransmitters more slowly, resulting in the wakefulness and insomnia associated with khat use.[SUP]
[24][/SUP]
---------------------------------
So, I am familar with a lot of these terms from "Breaking Bad," aren't you? The DEA is on this because of the precursors for Methamphetamine.
