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Date: April 29, 2024 Mon
Time: 8:58 pm
Time: 8:58 pm
Results for khat (u.k.)
2 results foundAuthor: Anderson, David M. Title: Khat: Social Harms and Legislation: A Literature Review Summary: This paper summarises the findings of a literature review focused on drawing together existing evidence on the reported ‘social harms’ of khat to consumers in the UK. It also provides a commentary on the legislation brought in to control and prohibit khat in other countries. The review found a general lack of robust evidence on the link between khat use and social harms. Social harms associated with khat remain a concern among the UK’s immigrant Somali, Yemeni and Ethiopian communities but there was little evidence of a clear causal relationship to support this view. There is a much stronger evidence base for the medical harm associated with khat which suggests that the dangers of khat consumption are relatively low. Details: London: Home Office, 2011. 50p. Source: Internet Resource: Occasional Paper 95: Accessed July 15, 2011 at: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/science-research-statistics/research-statistics/crime-research/occ95?view=Binary Year: 2011 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/science-research-statistics/research-statistics/crime-research/occ95?view=Binary Shelf Number: 122072 Keywords: Drug Abuse and AddictionDrug PolicyDrugsKhat (U.K.) |
Author: Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (U.K.) Title: Khat: A Review of Its Potential Harms to the Individual and Communities in the UK Summary: Khat is a herbal product consisting of the leaves and shoots of the shrub Catha edulis. It is chewed to obtain a mild stimulant effect and is a less potent stimulant than other commonly used drugs, such as amphetamine or cocaine. Khat is not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and is currently imported and used legally in the UK. Khat is imported into the UK from the main khat growing regions of Kenya, Ethiopia and Yemen. Generally, khat chewing is a social event which takes place within family homes, community parties and at khat cafes. Traditionally khat has been used as a medicine and was widely perceived to be a food, not a drug. There are no international comparable prevalence estimates for use of khat and no reliable published evidence as to the rates of khat use in European countries. However within Europe khat use is primarily amongst BME immigrants from the Horn of Africa countries. Rates of khat use appear high among the general populous in Somalia, Yemen and Ethiopia. However prevalence of khat use is far less among the Somali community living in the UK than in the population living in Somalia. Based on VAT data from HM Revenue and Customs there has been a reduction of importation of khat to the UK since 2005. During this period the relevant BME population in the UK has increased by 18.4%. This strongly indicates that khat use within the same UK population has decreased. Northern Ireland and Scotland do not report any figures on prevalence or treatment data of khat users engaging with the NHS. Only 6 referrals are recorded on the Welsh National Database for Substance Misuse since 2009. The NHS data for England for 2010/11 shows 112 clients began treatment for the first time citing involvement with khat at any point in their past. The ACMD is cognisant that NHS and other data may not fully represent the treatment needs of khat users due to the difficulties in engaging with all groups within communities. Anecdotal evidence reported from communities in several UK cities link khat consumption with a wide range of social harms. Research into these concerns has been undertaken but no robust evidence has been found which demonstrates a causal link between khat consumption and any of the harms indicated. Somali groups that made representations to the ACMD claimed khat use was a significant social problem within their local areas and in domestic settings. In contrast it was asserted that the Yemeni community had no problem with khat use, as it takes place within the family setting and is integrated into other social domestic events. The majority of this group use khat in an unproblematic manner. Existing legislative frameworks in health, police and council partnerships working with relevant BME Communities have shown they can successfully address anti-social behaviour concerns voiced. The comparative research undertaken in London and Minneapolis draws attention to the ongoing support upon arrival provided to those arriving in the USA, and how this enhanced employment opportunities, where employment was a key determination for social well being. There is no evidence of khat consumption being directly linked with serious or organised criminal behavior in the UK or to support the theory that khat is funding or fuelling crime. This is unsurprising given khat is not an illegal drug, is not a high value substance and therefore attracts very little profit from the UK market. In regard to international crime the ACMD has not been provided with any evidence of Al Shabaab or any other terrorist group‘s involvement in the export or sale of khat despite consultation with national and international official bodies. Evidence presented to the ACMD by researchers found no link between gang crime and khat use. Without the necessary data and robust evidence to support proportionate intervention, the ACMD does not recommend that khat be controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. The ACMD considers that the ‗coalescence of concerns‘ around the use of khat can be addressed through the recommendations made. Details: London: Advisory Council on Misuse of Drugs, 2013. 96p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 30, 2013 at: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/agencies-public-bodies/acmd1/ACMD-khat-report-2013?view=Binary Year: 2013 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/agencies-public-bodies/acmd1/ACMD-khat-report-2013?view=Binary Shelf Number: 127454 Keywords: Drug Abuse and AddictionKhat (U.K.) |