Tuesday, October 28, 2014

BBC News - Lack of support for Cardiff users claim after khat ban

BBC News - Lack of support for Cardiff users claim after khat ban

Not enough support is being provided to users of a banned substance called khat, members of Cardiff's Somali community have said.
The plant, popular in Somali and Yemeni communities, has a stimulant effect when chewed, but it can lead to mental health issues.
It was criminalised as a class C drug by the UK government in June.
Cardiff and Vale health board said it was still in the process of rolling out support for users.
line
What is khat?
  • A leafy plant native to Kenya which has a stimulant effect when chewed
  • Khat is traditionally used by members of the Somali, Yemeni and Ethiopian communities
  • It makes people happy and talkative but can cause insomnia and temporary confusion
  • Chewed for a few hours it leaves users with a feeling of calm, described by some as "blissed out"
  • The drug could make pre-existing mental health problems worse and it can provoke feelings of anxiety and aggression
Source: Talk to Frank

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