Dokha

Dokha (Arabic: دوخة, "dizziness" or "vertigo") is a tobacco product, consisting of dried and ground tobacco leaves that have been flavored with herbs and spices. It originated in Iran around the 16th century. Unlike hookah tobacco preparations (usually called "shisha" or "mu'assel"), dokha is dry and does not contain molasses or water. Users smoke the tobacco blend in small quantities using a pipe called a midwakh. Because the midwakh pipe is used almost exclusively for smoking dokha, the terms are often used interchangeably. Dokha has a higher concentration of nicotine compared to other forms of tobacco, and can thus cause brief periods of euphoria, relaxation or lightheadedness in some users. As using the midwakh also reportedly leaves fewer lingering smells, and requires less tobacco to be used at a time, it can be used discreetly, which has made it popular among student populations and young adults. The product is popular in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Bahrain, Jordan, and other Middle Eastern countries. It has reportedly spread to Europe, India and other regions via immigration, tourism and trade. Scientific research on the health effects of dokha use is lacking, but officials have concerns over the use of the product as a cigarette alternative, and preliminary studies have quantified dokha's high levels of carcinogenic tar. Notable concern in the UAE over the spreading popularity of dokha among teenagers and young adults has led to multiple tobacco control efforts to curb its use.