Kush

Kush is a name used for a certain type of drug, but the name can refer to different things. Most commonly, kush refers to a specific strain of cannabis originally from Central Asia. The name comes from the Hindu Kush mountain range. This article is not about that type of kush.

Kush is also a street name for a drug used in West Africa — that is what this article refers to. This drug often contains a synthetic version of THC, the active substance in cannabis that causes the "stoned" feeling. Synthetic means it’s man-made and not naturally occurring.

Kush may also contain other substances, such as nitazenes. Nitazenes are similar to opioids like morphine and heroin but are many times stronger. Opioids are derived from the poppy plant.

People use kush for its relaxing or numbing effects. However, it can be very dangerous because you never know exactly what’s in it or how much. It can make you feel very unwell, and it can also be addictive.

There are no signs that kush is currently being used in the Netherlands.

Kush is usually a mixture of plant leaves to which other substances have been added. These leaves come from herbs or native plants or trees. Synthetic substances are sprayed onto the leaves to create a stoned or high effect.

Different types of synthetic substances may be used:

• Synthetic cannabinoids: These are substances that produce effects similar to THC, the active compound in cannabis. There are many types of synthetic cannabinoids. Leaf mixtures with synthetic cannabinoids are also sold under names like Spice or K2. These substances often carry more risks than THC, with more side effects and a higher chance of health issues or addiction.

• Nitazenes: Sometimes kush is found to contain nitazenes — a type of synthetic opioid. They are also called nitazenes or nitazeen in slang. Nitazenes are much stronger than morphine or heroin, which makes them far more dangerous. An overdose can occur more quickly than with traditional opioids.

The effects of kush can vary each time, depending on what’s in it and how much is used.

• Relaxed or numbing sensation

• Hallucinations: seeing or hearing things that aren’t there

• Confusion and paranoia: people may see danger everywhere or think they’re being watched

You don’t know what’s in it, and the contents can vary. This greatly increases the risk of overdose.

Possible side effects include:

• Difficulty breathing

• Irregular heartbeat

• Nausea

• Strange or disturbing thoughts

• Loss of consciousness

• In the worst cases: death — especially due to overdose or when combined with alcohol or other drugs

Some of the substances that may be in kush are highly addictive. This makes it hard to stop using. You may need more and more to get the same effect.

We don’t know how many people use kush. It originates from West Africa. In Sierra Leone, the government has declared a state of emergency because of kush use. Many young men are becoming addicted, developing serious health problems, or even dying.

There are no signs that kush is currently being used in the Netherlands.

Are you looking for help to reduce or stop using kush, or do you have questions about it? Are you worried about someone who uses kush? You can always contact your general practitioner or call the Jellinek advice line. It’s free and you don’t need a referral.