Khat is a plant whose leaves are sometimes chewed for their stimulant properties, especially among some members of East African communities.
The Centre for Culture, Ethnicity and Health (CEH) has undertaken a review of the health and social effects of khat use. This review will assist affected communities to acquire up-to date evidence on the health and social impacts of khat use, and legal and social responses to khat use in other comparable countries, to assist in developing informed local debate.
Associate Professor John Fitzgerald was engaged to undertake the work, with the support of a specially-formed advisory group made up of representatives from a number of East African community organisations, the Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria, the Australian Drug Foundation and the Victorian Multicultural Commission.
The report focussed on human studies and included peer and non-peer reviewed literature. It concluded that:
"An emerging consensus among international health authorities [indicates] that khat has a low abuse potential ... Whilst the scientific literature suggests that the social and physical impact of khat is also low there is still concern from elements of the East African communities regarding khat use. This review suggests that while importation has increased, evidence of harm is minimal.
"Most importantly, this review suggests that the social and structural settings in which khat is used may provide opportunities for individual, community and regulatory responses to khat use. The review suggests that whilst education campaigns to reduce harmful consumption may be beneficial for some targeted communities, changes to the processes of social marginalisation (i.e. changing the setting of use) among African Diaspora communities in Australia may have greater impact in reducing the harms associated with khat consumption."
From Fitzgerald, John (2009) Khat: A literature review, Centre for Culture, Ethnicity and Health, 2009.
Download the complete report.