repellent (Antibrumm), the disinfectant formalin, and opioids, which intensify its effects and make it cheap and accessible. This combination draws many youths into a cycle of severe addiction. The drug’s psychoactive effects induce a trance-like, zombie-like state, but beyond these mental effects, Kush causes serious physical harm, including painful “Kush ulcers” on the skin, respiratory issues, kidney damage, and neurological problems.

During my stay in Freetown, I visited the Kroo Bay neighborhood and met the local “Kush Boys,” a close-knit group of about 20 to 30 young men who live like family in a small hut, sharing everything—food, water, drugs, emotional support, and even financial help. They welcomed me warmly, and we spent hours talking about soccer, politics, and their personal stories. They spoke openly about the hardships—unemployment, poverty, family loss—that led each of them to Kush as a means of coping.

This experience reminded me that, regardless of wealth, addiction, or personal struggles, everyone faces their own challenges and seeks ways to overcome them. The resilience and sense of solidarity among these young men was deeply moving, showing how, in their shared struggles, they found mutual support and understanding.