Photp Credit: AP
Julius Maada Blo, the president of Sierra Leone has declared a national emergency over rampant abuse of a deadly drug known as Kush. The drug became a menace
when it was found that adding human bones to the concoction made it even more effective because of the Sulphur content in human bones.
Kush is a term used to refer to a particular strain of Cannabis, a plant known for its psychoactive effects when consumed. It’s believed to have originated from the Hindu Kush Mountain range which stretches across Afghanistan and Pakistan. The drug later emerged in the West African Country six years ago. The popularity of the drug has surged in recent times due to its Euphoric effects and pain-relieving properties.
The low price of Kush which is about 5 leones per joint makes it accessible to unemployed youth in Sierra Leone, where a quarter of the population lives in poverty.
The highly addictive drug contains a mixture of cannabis, fentanyl, tramadol, formaldehyde and according to some ground human bones. The drug is consumed by inhaling the fumes and slowly breathing out while waiting for its euphoric effects. It is common because of its pain-relieving properties and incredibly relaxed and drowsy feeling.
Kush also has negative effects as every other drug. Some of the drug addicts have been seen banging their heads repeatedly against walls and others have swellings and infections leading to open wounds on their legs. Others walk into traffic, and some even fall from high places. The drug is referred to as Zombie drug as the addicts stand like zombies – shoulders slouched; heads cocked to the side as they aimlessly shuffle in circles many without shoes.
The Sierra Leone government has put forward efforts to help prevent the spread of the drug. One of which is tightening the security in cemeteries to prevent people from stealing bodies. It has also boosted law enforcement agencies to investigate how the youth are getting their hands on the drug even though it is noted that the drug is manufactured and distributed by criminal gangs.
The Sierra Leone Psychiatric Teaching Hospital also provides treatment, which lasts between three to six weeks and
antipsychotic drugs to help wean patients off their addiction.
By Christine Amanda
