Special issue on Khat: Use, users and unresolved issues - Khat special edition introduction

Although khat (Catha edulis) is not widely known outside its countries of production in East Africa and Yemen, it evokes strong views among consumers, development workers, and government officials who often behave as self-styled experts on the drug. Yet, the evidence of harm to health is scant. As khat consumption has spread to five continents it is perceived as being "exotic" and "alien" and to be a major cause of poverty and underdevelopment. However, it is argued here that khat is being used as a scapegoat for a wide range of social and economic ills across the world.