Background The rising use of “Kush” among Sierra Leone’s youth is a public health concern. Kush, a concoction of Cannabis indica and synthetic substances, symbolizes the broader issue of drug misuse in low-income settings. This study explored the intricacies of Kush use among young Sierra Leoneans, highlighting the gravity of the crisis.

Methods The research employed a phenomenological method, gathering insights through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) to understand the motivations and repercussions of Kush consumption. Selecting participants from diverse socio-demographic groups, the study included habitual users and those in vulnerable situations. Ten interviews were analyzed thematically, facilitated by NVivo software and Concept maps, to distill information.

Results Findings identified numerous reasons for Kush use, from managing stress and trauma to seeking social belonging and economic necessity. Users experienced severe health issues, economic instability, and productivity loss. The effects varied by Kush strain, underscoring its heterogeneous nature. Despite a strong will to quit, influenced by health, family, and aspirations, youths faced hurdles like withdrawal symptoms, peer pressure, and scarce support systems.

Conclusion Kush consumption in Sierra Leonean youths is entwined with socioeconomic and post-conflict factors, leading to significant adverse effects. Effective intervention requires a multifaceted strategy, focusing on underlying drug abuse causes and providing robust support systems. This study calls for tailored measures and policies that acknowledge the complex motivations behind Kush use and its impacts, aiming to foster an environment conducive to youth empowerment and health.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funding was through the capacity development funds of the IDRC supported West African One Health Research under the Collaborative One Health Research Initiative on Epidemics (COHRIE)

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The Njala University Institutional Review Board reviewed and gave ethical approval for this work.

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