Is cannabis coming to Lebanon or hashish? Here's the difference.

The Ministry of Agriculture held a preparatory meeting dedicated to discussing the launch of the national plan for cannabis cultivation in Lebanon, where it was agreed to organize an expanded meeting in late October that includes municipalities, official bodies, civil and agricultural actors, and relevant partners. The aim of this step is to enhance public awareness of the project and consolidate the principle of national partnership before starting its implementation on the ground, and to ensure that the project contributes to achieving sustainable economic and development goals.

Minister of Agriculture Nizar Hani confirmed that the ministry will develop the necessary legislative and regulatory frameworks for the success of the cannabis cultivation project, stressing that the success of this step requires comprehensive cooperation between the state and civil society to ensure optimal implementation and achieve the maximum benefit for the economy and farmers.

Cannabis cultivation in Lebanon has a long history, especially in the Bekaa and northern regions, where it has been a source of livelihood for many farming families. The sector has experienced significant fluctuations between recovery periods and legal restrictions, but has remained an important economic driver in some rural areas. Re-launching cannabis cultivation within a modern legal framework is expected to open new economic horizons, create jobs, and contribute to the promotion of agricultural exports. The project also seeks to integrate the social dimension with environmental sustainability, making it a modern model for agricultural investment in Lebanon.

There is a confusion between cannabis and hashish, but there is a difference between them:

• Cannabis: Cannabis is a plant that is grown and used for several purposes, including medical, industrial, and even recreational. The plant contains chemicals called cannabinoids. Some types of cannabis have a high content of THC, the compound responsible for the psychological impact.

• Hashish: Hashish is an extract from the cannabis plant, usually from the resin or gum produced by the plant. Cannabis has a higher concentration of THC than leaves or stems, so it's more impactful on the brain.

In short: Cannabis is the plant, and cannabis is the product extracted from it.