By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara

Sierra Leone is facing a growing crisis that is silently but swiftly destroying its future the rise of kush, a deadly synthetic drug that has gripped the nation’s youth. Once limited to urban centers, kush has now spread to every district, leaving a devastating impact on families and communities. Young men, once full of potential, now roam the streets in a trance-like state, their bodies weakened, their minds clouded, and their futures slipping away. Parents watch in despair as their children fall into addiction, unable to escape the grip of a substance that is cheap, accessible, and highly addictive.

Originally introduced as a substitute for marijuana, kush is anything but natural. It is often laced with toxic chemicals that cause severe health complications, including organ failure, seizures, and long-term brain damage. For many young people, the drug is an escape from the harsh realities of poverty and unemployment, but that escape quickly turns into a life-threatening trap. What begins as experimental use spirals into full-blown addiction, leaving users unable to function without the drug. School dropouts have increased, crime rates have surged, and communities are witnessing a generation fading into hopelessness.

While the crisis worsens, the national response remains inadequate. Although law enforcement agencies have made some arrests, the drug trade continues to thrive. Kush is sold openly in street corners and ghettos, with little fear of consequences. Rehabilitation services are almost nonexistent, leaving addicted youths with no place to turn for help. Families are left to struggle on their own, watching their loved ones waste away. The country’s healthcare facilities are also feeling the strain, as hospitals struggle to cope with the increasing number of kush-related cases, often with limited resources and no specialized treatment programs.

Despite the bleak reality, hope is not lost. Some community leaders, religious groups, and non-governmental organizations have begun raising awareness about the dangers of kush, but their efforts alone are not enough. The government must step up with stricter drug enforcement policies, nationwide awareness campaigns, and rehabilitation centers to help victims recover. Most importantly, the root cause of the problem—youth unemployment—must be addressed. When young people have opportunities for meaningful work and personal development, they are less likely to seek solace in drugs.

The rise of Kush in Sierra Leone is more than a health crisis it is a national emergency. If urgent action is not taken, an entire generation could be lost to addiction. The time to act is now. The government, civil society, and every concerned citizen must come together to fight this epidemic before it completely destroys the future of Sierra Leone.