View source for Chemistry:Kuber (tobacco)

{{Short description|Smokeless tobacco product popular in East Africa}}
'''Kuber''' is a [[Chemistry:Smokeless tobacco|smokeless tobacco]] product, known for its highly addictive properties and its unique presentation disguised as a mouth freshener. It originated in {{wipe|India}} and has gained attention for its widespread use and impact on public health in various countries, including Uganda.

==Composition==
The product is typically sold in small sachets, with contents resembling tea leaves. This deceptive packaging has contributed to its accessibility and misuse. Kuber is known for its high [[Chemistry:Nicotine|nicotine]] content, making it more potent and addictive than traditional [[Engineering:Cigarette|cigarette]]s.<ref name="observer">{{cite news |last1=Ninsiima |first1=Racheal |title=The danger in smokeless tobacco products |url=https://observer.ug/lifestyle/health/19613-the-danger-in-smokeless-tobacco-products-#:~:text=The%20commonest%20is%20Kuber,school%20students%20and%20taxi%20drivers |access-date=27 December 2023 |work=The Observer |publisher=Observer Media Ltd |date=3 July 2012}}</ref> Users commonly add it to tea or consume it directly by placing a pinch under the lower lip.<ref name="mpasho">{{cite news |last1=Kinyanjui |first1=Maureen |title='Kuber is killing families!' Concerned Alai warns government |url=https://mpasho.co.ke/news/2023-05-22-kuber-is-killing-families-concerned-alai-warns-government/ |access-date=27 December 2023 |work=Mpasho |date=22 May 2023}}</ref>

==Effects on health==
Kuber's high nicotine content raises significant health concerns, including:<ref name="schoolseries">{{cite web |title=Kuber |url=http://school-series.com/drugs/67-kuber |website=School Series |access-date=27 December 2023}}</ref>
* Cardiovascular changes
* Vascular constriction
* [[Medicine:Addiction|Addiction]]
* [[Medicine:Cancer|Cancer]]
* [[Medicine:Leukoplakia|Leukoplakia]]
* Gum damage
* Sensory impairment
* Tooth loss

Withdrawal from kuber can result in cravings and changes in mood and appetite.<ref name="schoolseries"></ref>

==Legal status and regulation==
The legal status of kuber varies by region. In some countries, its sale and distribution, especially under the guise of a mouth freshener, have led to legal scrutiny and regulatory measures. For instance, in Uganda, the [[Social:Government|government]] has taken steps to ban the use of kuber due to its impact on public health, particularly among youth.<ref name="standard">{{cite news |last1=Sheila |title=Ugandan Minister bans the use of the Kuber drug |url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/entertainment/local-news/article/2000113659/ugandan-minister-bans-the-use-of-the-kuber-drug |access-date=27 December 2023 |agency=The Standard |publisher=The Standard Group PLC |date=10 October 2013}}</ref> The [[Social:Government|governments]] of Malawi and Tanzania also banned the manufacture, import, sale, and consumption of kuber.<ref name="monitor">{{cite news |title=Students take to Kuber ‘drug’ use |url=https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/students-take-to-kuber-drug-use-1513142 |access-date=27 December 2023 |publisher=Nation Media Group |date=1 April 2012}}</ref> Despite efforts to ban kuber in Kenya,<ref name="opera">{{cite news |title=‘Kuber’ tobacco product faces ban in Kenya after NACADA alarm |url=https://dailyactive.info/2019/03/08/kuber-tobacco-product-faces-ban-in-kenya-after-nacada-alarm/ |access-date=27 December 2023 |work=Daily Active |agency=Opera News Kenya |date=8 March 2019}}</ref> it remains popular, particularly in Nairobi and Mombasa counties.<ref name="journal-2">{{cite journal |last1=Kahuthia-Gathu |first1=R |last2=Okwarah |first2=P |last3=Gakunju |first3=R |last4=Thungu |first4=J |title=Trends and emerging drugs in Kenya: A case study in Mombasa and Nairobi County |journal=Journal of Applied Biosciences |date=30 July 2013 |volume=67 |pages=5308–5325 |doi=10.4314/jab.v67i0.95055|doi-access=free }}</ref>

==Societal impact==
The widespread use of kuber, especially among young people in high schools and colleges, has raised societal concerns. Its addictive nature and the ease of access have led to a rise in nicotine addiction among adolescents, with implications for long-term public health and [[Social:Social dynamics|social dynamics]].<ref name="monitor"></ref><ref name="journal-1">{{cite journal |last1=Ngesu |first1=Lewis M. |last2=Ndiku |first2=Judah |last3=Masese |first3=Alice |title=Drug dependence and abuse in Kenyan secondary schools: strategies for intervention |journal=Educational Research and Review |date=18 October 2008 |volume=3 |issue=10 |pages=304–308}}</ref>

== References ==

{{reflist}}
[[Category:Carcinogens]]

{{Sourceattribution|Kuber (tobacco)}}