The emergence of kush, a drug with severe effects in West Africa, particularly in Sierra Leone, marks a critical turning point in the fight against drug addiction.
The drug is reported in Guinea and Liberia, which share porous land borders with Sierra Leone, making it easy to traffic. Its composition, potentially including human bones, and low cost are driving mass addiction, particularly among young people, and wreaking havoc in communities, exacerbating security concerns. This alarming situation highlights the public health challenges, the urgent need for effective interventions, and the need for international collaboration to stem this crisis and protect future generations. Michael Cole, Professor of Forensic Science at Anglia Ruskin University, writes a chilling article in The Conversation.
Composition and origins of kush
Kush is a complex and disturbing assemblage of substances. At its core is cannabis, which is widely cultivated in the region and serves as the base for the mixture. However, it is the other components that accentuate its destructive potential. Fentanyl, an extremely potent synthetic opioid, is often introduced into the mix. Its manufacture, usually in clandestine laboratories in China, underscores a thriving black market and worrying ease of access. Tramadol, a less potent but equally addictive opioid, completes the combination and contributes to the sedative effect. It is shipped from laboratories in Asia. Formaldehyde, an even more alarming component, is also present in kush. It is primarily known for its uses as a disinfectant and preservative. But here, it is diverted for its hallucinogenic effects. The inclusion of this toxic, potentially carcinogenic substance in a product consumed by inhalation poses serious health risks. It can cause irreversible damage to the body, particularly at the respiratory and neurological levels.
The unconfirmed rumor of the addition of crushed human bones adds a macabre dimension and raises ethical and health questions. Some say grave robbers provide the bones. Why add bones to this drug? It is suggested that the sulfur in the bones could induce a euphoric effect. Another hypothesis: the bones could contain residues of fentanyl or tramadol, if the deceased consumed them. Local criminal networks, by mixing these substances, are not only creating an addictive product, but orchestrating a public health crisis.
Dramatic impact of kush on health and society
Users, plunged into a catatonic state, often lose all awareness of their surroundings. This can lead to extremely dangerous behavior. Opioid substances such as fentanyl and tramadol cause profound sedation, increasing the risk of fatal accidents. Michael Cole explains: “The drug […] causes people to fall asleep while walking, fall, bang their heads on hard surfaces and walk into moving traffic.” In addition, the hallucinogenic effect of formaldehyde can induce unpredictable episodes of violence and the risk of self-harm. These risks are exacerbated by the variability in the composition of kush, making each dose potentially more dangerous than the last. Michael Cole adds: “Another problem is the need to finance the next dose, often obtained through prostitution or criminal activity.” On a societal level, the impact of this drug is equally devastating. In particular, the growing influx of kush patients in countries such as Sierra Leone is overwhelming hospitals. It is estimated that it kills a dozen people each week and hospitalizes thousands. This situation exacerbates the problem of drug addiction, but also that of the inadequate health infrastructure in the face of such a crisis. The dramatic increase in cases of addiction, from a few dozen to several thousand in a few years, is evidence of the scale of the epidemic. This health crisis also has economic repercussions. The emergency diverts limited resources, neglecting other essential public health needs. In addition, widespread addiction to kush fuels crime and social marginalization. A vicious circle is created that affects individuals and the social and economic fabric of the region.
Responses and preventive measures to the deadly scourge of kush
Recognizing the complexity and gravity of the situation, some countries, such as Sierra Leone, are considering progressive approaches. One avenue is the decriminalization of kush use. The aim would be to reduce the stigma of users and facilitate their access to rehabilitation services. However, this approach faces major obstacles, including a lack of financial and human resources. Michael Cole points out: “The effectiveness of legislation alone is questionable, and many of those who attend the very limited rehabilitation centers return to drug use.” To overcome these challenges, an integrated strategy is needed. It should combine legislative measures, appropriate health care and employment programs for people in recovery. Legislative control is essential to regulate the distribution of the components of kush and to combat the criminal networks that fuel this epidemic. Their ability to source components from various international sources reflects a globalization of drug trafficking. This holistic approach requires close collaboration between governments, health organizations, local communities and international actors, in order to develop sustainable and effective solutions to combat the kush crisis in West Africa.
Source: sciencesdecheznous
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