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Cannabis — Emerging ProgramMENA

Lebanon

Lebanon became the first Arab country to legalize cannabis cultivation for medical and industrial use when Parliament passed Law No. 178 in April 2020. The law authorized the creation of the Cannabis Regulatory Authority (CRA) to oversee licensing for cultivation, processing, and export of medical cannabis and industrial hemp. However, implementation has been slow due to Lebanon's ongoing economic crisis, and recreational use remains illegal under the 1998 Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.

Ask the Expert about Lebanon
Regulator
Cannabis Regulatory Authority
Key Legislation
Law No. 178 of 2020
Year Legalized
2020 (medical/industrial cultivation)
Program Size
Licensed cultivation framework establ...

Key Facts

  • Lebanon became the first Arab nation to legalize medical cannabis and industrial hemp cultivation with Law No. 178 passed in April 2020
  • The Bekaa Valley is one of the world's historically largest cannabis-producing regions, with illicit cultivation dating back decades
  • The Cannabis Regulatory Authority (CRA) was established to issue cultivation, processing, and export licenses under strict government oversight
  • Implementation has been significantly delayed by Lebanon's severe economic and financial crisis beginning in 2019, with licensing frameworks still being finalized
  • Recreational cannabis remains illegal under the 1998 Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law (Law No. 673), with penalties including imprisonment

Key Legislation

Law No. 178 of 2020 (Cannabis for Medical Use and Industrial Use)

Regulatory Body

Cannabis Regulatory Authority (CRA), under the Ministry of Economy and Trade

Country Info
ISO Code
LB
Region
MENA
Tier
Tier 2 — Emerging
Status
Cannabis — Emerging Program
Sources
Lebanese Parliament — Law No. 178Ministry of Economy and Trade (Lebanon)
Disclaimer: This information is for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Cannabis regulations change frequently. Always verify with official sources and local legal counsel before making compliance decisions.