Khat or Chat is a narcotic plant banned in the United States and most European counties. “Khat’s main psychoactive ingredients are cathinone, which is almost chemically identical to amphetamine, and the milder cathine (norpseudoephedrine). Cathinone prompts the release of the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine, bringing lucidity, heightened alertness and euphoria.” - Niren Tolsi A growing demand for the leaf both locally and in neighboring countries is fuelling the business. The number of Ethiopian youths chewing khat has exponentially increased in the last two decades. As if to complement the need for more supply, the coffee crisis (1997-2003) led some coffee farmers to resort to growing khat. ----------- Keeping cool as a khat Niren Tolsi Mail & Guardian May 19, 2007 The buzz of an electric haircutter accompanies the comings and goings in one of downtown Durban’s derelict buildings. Men, mainly Ethiopian, come in for a haircut, others, to poke their heads through a door in the...