Lebanon’s Cannabis Law Finally in Motion: Regulatory Authority to Be Appointed

Cover photo: Mohamed Azakir for Reuters.

Nearly five years after legalizing medical cannabis, Lebanon is finally taking action to regulate and launch the sector.

Back in 2020, Lebanon’s Parliament had made headlines when its joint committee approved the legalization of marijuana for medical use. Former Deputy Speaker Elie Ferzli confirmed the bill was on its way to the National Assembly. Fast forward five years, and the government is only now taking the first step toward implementing that law.

In July 2025, Lebanon’s Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani confirmed that the government is set to establish the Cannabis Regulatory Authority by the end of July or early August. This authority will be responsible for issuing licenses, supervising production, and managing the sector’s development.

The list of candidates for the authority’s membership has reportedly been finalized, signaling a major step forward.

Lebanon’s move to regulate medical cannabis could open up new economic opportunities, especially in the Bekaa Valley, where cannabis has long been cultivated illegally for hashish production. Supporters of the law argue that proper regulation can boost exports, create jobs, and offer alternative income for farmers through legal, medical-grade cultivation.

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