Lebanon is taking its first concrete steps toward launching a state-regulated cannabis industry, four years after Parliament legalized its cultivation for medical and industrial purposes, LBCI reported. 

The Agriculture Ministry announced this week that the long-awaited implementation process is officially underway. A regulatory authority tasked with overseeing the cultivation, production, and marketing of cannabis is expected to be appointed by late July or early August, in line with a directive from Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.

The move marks a significant shift in the country’s agricultural landscape, where cannabis,  historically grown illicitly in parts of the Bekaa Valley, is poised to become a legitimate, economically vital crop.

“This is no longer just about fruits and vegetables,” one government official told LBCI. “We’re preparing to formally regulate cannabis as a legal agricultural product.”

The law, originally passed in 2020, had languished due to political disagreements and the absence of a regulatory body. With the formation of that authority now in motion, officials hope to establish a framework that ensures the crop’s legal use, while generating much-needed revenue for Lebanon’s struggling economy.

Preliminary estimates suggest the industry could bring in between $1 billion and $3 billion annually, depending on how effectively the rollout is managed. Lebanon’s climate and soil conditions are considered highly favorable for cannabis cultivation, giving the country a potential edge in global markets.

Local pharmaceutical firms are already eyeing the emerging sector as a significant investment opportunity, particularly for medical and therapeutic products. Industry leaders believe that with proper regulation, Lebanon could position itself as a competitive exporter in the region.