The Plenary of the House of Representatives has mandated its Committees on Youth and Sports and Health to review a petition submitted by Restoring Hope Foundation International, calling for the banning of the importation, sale, and consumption of shisha and the drug known as kush across Liberia.
The decision was made during Plenary’s regular session Thursday, during its 17th Day sitting of the first Quarter of the 2nd session, as lawmakers acknowledged the growing concerns about the public health risks associated with the rising use of hookah (commonly known as shisha) and kush, a dangerous drug gaining notoriety across the region.
In its petition, Restoring Hope Foundation International highlighted the severe health effects of hookah smoking, particularly its impact on general health and the cardiovascular system. The group noted that while shisha is often wrongly perceived as less harmful than cigarettes, it exposes users to many of the same toxic compounds and by-products at significantly higher levels—posing risks of infections, cancers, lung diseases, and other medical conditions.
The petition further explained that shisha smoke contains nicotine, a highly addictive substance, and cancer-causing chemicals, with studies indicating shisha smokers may face double the risk of lung cancer and increased risks for mouth and stomach cancers.
Additionally, the group warned that the social acceptance, availability of flavored tobacco, and misconceptions about its safety have contributed to the widespread use of hookahs, particularly among youths and urban populations in Liberia. The petition also addressed the alarming emergence of kush, calling it a serious public health threat that demands urgent legislative attention.
The House Committees are expected to thoroughly review the petition and provide recommendations to Plenary upon return from the First Quarter Break.