UK government to ban herbal stimulant khat

The British government says it is banning khat, an herbal stimulant, despite advice against such a move by an official advisory body.

Khat, also known as cathonine, is popular in parts of the Middle East and Africa, where users chew the leaf to release stimulants that produce a mild high. Home Secretary Theresa May noted the recommendations against a ban, but said in a written statement Wednesday the decision is "finely balanced" and takes into account expert scientific advice. (Reuters)