One Step Away: Will Lebanon be the First Country in the Region to Legalize Medical Marijuana?
This Wednesday saw some big news for Lebanon! The country just approved a draft bill to legalize the cultivation and use of marijuana crops for medicinal purposes. The draft law has been given to the Lebanese National Assembly for approval.
The draft bill was first introduced in July 2018. Back then, former Minister of Economy and Trade in Lebanon, Raed Khoury, said that marijuana could diversify the economy and open new markets.
Elias Hankach, Member of the Lebanese Parliament, recently stated that he hopes the draft would be approved as it would bring back Lebanon on the map, and provide job opportunities for the youth, echoing Khoury’s statement.
Antoine Habashi, another Member of the Lebanese Parliament, affirmed that this legislation will contribute to combating drug use, as it will transform the cultivation of this crop into a useful substance, for healthy industrial consumption.
Bekaa Valley in Eastern Lebanon has long been known for its plantation of cannabis. However, some farmers are suspicious of efforts to legalize the industry, claiming that it would “steal” their revenues from them.
