Conclusion

Abstract

Knowledge about qat and its uses is still rare and is found largely in superficial newspaper articles or obscure technical publications. Therefore, it has been necessary to describe the customs of use, economics and chemical constituents in more detail than would be necessary in a study of a more well-known drug. It has been shown that the effects of the institutionalized use of this stimulant ramify in countless ways throughout Yemeni society, influencing the scheduling and content of social activities, the structure of economic life, architectural styles and even the perception of reality. I believe that it has been demonstrated that qat deserves much greater attention than existing histories and studies of Yemeni life have accorded it. If the argument for this has been convincing enough to bring about needed corrections and a recognition in future works of the true significance of this substance, one of my main tasks will have been accomplished.