re: Drugs made of human bones and guilty or not guilty

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Kush (Synthetic Drug in West Africa):

Definition: In Sierra Leone and neighboring countries like Guinea and Liberia, "kush" is a dangerous synthetic drug, distinct from the cannabis strain. It’s a polydrug mixture combining cannabis, synthetic cannabinoids, and potent opioids like fentanyl, tramadol, or nitazenes, sometimes with chemicals like formaldehyde.

Composition: Chemical testing shows that about 50% of kush samples in Sierra Leone contain nitazenes (synthetic opioids up to 25 times more potent than fentanyl), while the other half contain synthetic cannabinoids. Rumors of ground human bones as an ingredient persist but lack scientific evidence.

Effects: Causes severe sedation, leading users to fall asleep while standing or walking, often resulting in injuries or accidents (e.g., walking into traffic). It’s highly addictive, with side effects including organ failure, psychosis, swelling in limbs, and weakened immune systems. Users report a trance-like state, loss of hygiene, and social withdrawal.
Impact: The drug has caused thousands of deaths in West Africa, particularly in Sierra Leone, prompting a national emergency declaration in April 2024. It’s cheap (about 20 UK pence per joint) and widely accessible, fueling addiction among youth, especially men aged 18-25.

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