Excessive use of khat has been linked to mental illness
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The health and social effects of a plant called khat, which is chewed as a stimulant by many Somali men, have been discussed in Bristol.
Sale of the plant is legal in the UK, but some health experts believe it is a factor in cases of domestic violence.
And despite fears that excessive use could lead to mental illness, a Home Office review ruled against a ban.
Tuesday's conference in the city, which has a high population of Somalis, focused on the problems linked to khat.
Somali community worker Latif Ismail said: "People from the Somali community are able to import or buy khat in Bristol.
"The effects are amphetamine-like and can have an impact on health and social life."
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