Lebanon has legalised cannabis growing, but its political class are muscling in on small farmers
Eyeing a $1 billion market, Lebanon's elites are looking to exploit the cannabis cultivation industry, cutting existing small-scale farmers out of the deal
Monday, April 27, 2020
Lebanon is set to become the first Arab country to legalise the growing and export of medical cannabis in hopes of rescuing the economy - at least that's the stated objective. To be fair, the industry does have the potential to generate $1 billion, according to a report by the American consultancy firm McKinsey and Company. That report - commissioned by the Lebanese government in 2018 - had some MPs salivating at the prospect of fattening their pockets. Lebanon's elites are looking to exploit the cannabis cultivation industry, cutting existing small-scale farmers out of the deal. The government hasn't consulted with Bekaa farmers about its new plan, leaving communities to believe that they are being blatantly ignored. (See also: Lebanon legalises cannabis cultivation)
