There are concerns about the effects of khat on health, including:

* Sleeping difficulties
* Loss of appetite
* Depression and anxiety
* Mood swings
* Hallucinations
* High blood pressure
* Oral infections
* Sexual problems, including impotence
* Exacerbating pre-existing mental health problems
* A longer-term risk of development of mouth cancers

There are also social consequences of khat use, including:

* Family difficulties or breakdown
* Domestic violence
* Economic difficulties as a result of expenditure of family income
* Keeping jobs and remaining in education

Yet the government is happy to provide guidelines and help, while criminalising users of cathinones.