KUSH
The New Pandemic
By: Christian Conteh
In the streets of Sierra Leone, a dark cloud looms as a dangerous synthetic drug known as kush sweeps through the nation. Rumours of its sinister influence reaching high-ranking government officials have sparked concern, while the authorities’ silence adds to the growing apprehension.
Social media platforms are inundated with alarming images and video clips, capturing the unfortunate aftermath of kush consumption. Young men, including security officers, are caught in compromising situations, under the influence of this potent substance.
Kush, distinct from the marijuana strain of the same name, is a synthetic drug rolled up and smoked like a cigarette or cannabis. Its popularity is surging, despite its hazardous effects on users. After just a few puffs, individuals find themselves in a stoned and incapacitated state, unable to stand upright. The repercussions are severe, often leading to falling, bodily injuries, and the erosion of self-esteem.
Yet, astonishingly, the allure of kush persists, with users relentlessly seeking ways to obtain more. Some admit to being lured into trying the illegal substance by their peers. One user, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared his experience, saying, “I smoke kush. When there was no kush, I smoked Jamba (marijuana). After I smoke and feel good, I take my one energy drink.”
However, the dangers of kush extend far beyond momentary euphoria. Addiction and health complications are a stark reality. A young hospital worker, grappling with quitting the drug, recounted witnessing a tragic incident. “I work in the medical sector. I’m advising the young ones to stop taking it.
I watched a boy having difficulty breathing and was on an oxygen machine, but he didn’t make it. The boy was only 15 years old,” he added.
These heart-wrenching stories underscore the urgent need for action against this epidemic. The devastating impact on young lives demands attention from authorities and society as a whole. While the lack of concrete evidence linking high-level officials to the drug trade leaves room for speculation, the government’s silence has not gone unnoticed.
In the face of this growing crisis, the Sierra Leonean government must address the kush problem proactively. Public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives must be launched to educate citizens, especially the youth, about the grave risks associated with synthetic drugs.
Simultaneously, law enforcement agencies need to intensify their efforts to curb the production, trafficking, and distribution of kush. Strict penalties for those involved in the illicit trade should be enforced to act as a deterrent to potential offenders.
Moreover, rehabilitation and counselling programs should be made readily available to support those struggling with addiction. The collective efforts of the government, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens are vital to stem the tide of this dangerous drug.
Sierra Leone stands at a crossroads, where decisive action can save countless lives from the clutches of kush. The nation’s response to this crisis will define its commitment to safeguarding the well-being of its people and shaping a brighter future for the generations to come
