Kava Culture- Vanuatu

January 2009

Half the population of Vanuatu drink Kava root, which is fondly dubbed as the root of happiness. But deaths throughout Europe linked with this traditional South Pacific drink led to a ban.

Kava is an intoxicating drink and is also used in traditional medicine. Yet fears over links to liver problems and death have led to bans in numerous countries. Dr. Lebot, a Kava expert, claims Kava is not addictive; I cannot understand how it could be toxic, insisting problems lie in the kava-based pill production. A local man explains Since we have Kava we have less problems. Before that drinking alcohol was a problem.

Produced by ABC Australia, distributed by Journeyman Pictures

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• kava
• coffee
• journeyman
• pictures
• vanuatu
• news
• documentary
• current affairs
• journeyman pictures

[d4anzig]

I am on kava as i write this and it is similar to alcohol except i have a permanent smile that wont go away lol

[WhoaKaela]

kava is so great! it needs to be more widely available.

[MCHammersmithIsBack]

It's only on one island where they chew it (Tanna). All the others use grinders, stones or big sticks to mash the kava up.

[Whatever3098]

I bought kava at the 99 cents store. it was great!

[ThePhuzed]

I love kava, I would indulge in your saliva kava I dont give a shit.

[markitymark90]

In a nutshell Kava has the same relaxing properties of cannabis but without the altered sensory perceptions associated with it. 

[rugbycressard]

if kava was everywhere around the world no one would smoke weed!

[JestersGeneration]

it sounds so beautiful there

[pinolero13]

I have to admit kava is some pretty strong shit,and this is coming from an ex-pot head and alcoholic. What can i compare it to?? Well...like alcohol,except your mind is much much more clear and you just feel real happy and worry free. Like weed? sure,except you dont get paranoia and anxiety just a nice clear buzz. Only thing i hate about Kava is that it tastes like SHIT

[saviorpants]

I'll stick to my Kava pills... I'd rather not drink someone else's saliva and sweat.

[nickrod32]

I'de gladly smoke pot in vanuatu but I dont know whats in kava so i won't drink it

[TheMinds4theye]

@d4anzig im replying to this while on Kava, and this stuff is amazing, kinda like the numb feeling you get from alcohol but yes more happy than being drunk for sure.