Sierra Leone is grappling with a devastating drug epidemic centered around a synthetic substance known as “kush.” Unlike the cannabis strain of the same name, this version is a dangerous concoction of synthetic opioids, cannabinoids, and other harmful chemicals. Alarmingly, reports suggest that ground-up human bones are being used as an ingredient, leading to grave desecrations across the country.
President Julius Maada Bio has declared a national emergency, labeling kush an “existential threat” to the nation. The drug’s widespread abuse has overwhelmed healthcare facilities, with the Sierra Leone Psychiatric Hospital reporting a 4,000% increase in kush-related admissions between 2020 and 2023 . The crisis has prompted authorities to deploy security forces to cemeteries to prevent the exhumation of human remains for drug production.
Kush’s composition includes potent synthetic opioids like nitazenes and synthetic cannabinoids, substances significantly stronger than fentanyl. These components are often imported from countries like China and the UK, then mixed locally with other chemicals such as formaldehyde. The addition of human bones is believed to be a misguided attempt to enhance the drug’s potency, though the exact rationale remains unclear.
The drug’s impact is most visible among the youth, with many users displaying zombie-like behavior, including catatonia and self-harm. The addiction has led to a surge in fatalities, particularly among young men in urban areas like Freetown. Efforts to combat the epidemic include the establishment of a National Task Force on Drugs and Substance Abuse and the opening of rehabilitation centers, though resources remain limited.
International incidents have also highlighted the drug’s reach. In May 2025, a former UK flight attendant was arrested in Sri Lanka for attempting to smuggle over 100 pounds of kush, marking the largest seizure of the drug in the country’s history. This incident underscores the global dimensions of the crisis and the need for coordinated international responses.
