Cannabis culture in Lebanon threatened with destruction

Lebanon, a nation known for its rich history and cultural diversity, has been a global epicentre of cannabis production for centuries, especially in the form of high-quality hashish. However, Israel’s recent attacks on the country have endangered this deeply rooted tradition, not only threatening the local economy but also tearing apart the social fabric of entire communities.

Cannabis cultivation in Lebanon is mainly focused in the Bekaa valley, a fertile region bordering with Syria – just a strip of agricultural land, 112 kilometres long and 26 kilometres wide, which has witnessed this practice for generations. Known locally as “Al-Mabroukeh” or “the blessed plant”, cannabis has been an integral part of life in the Bekaa, not only as a means of livelihood but also in cultural and social traditions, where it is used as a payment, marriage dowry, or as a symbol of hospitality to visitors.

This valley, characterised by an arid climate and fertile soil, has become the epicentre of cannabis production in the Middle East. For many years, Lebanese farmers have perfected methods to plant in spring and harvest in September, drying and pressing the product under the sun. This artisanal process has led to the creation of a world-renowned hashish, derived from local marijuana varieties that stand out for their high resistance to drought and their ability to adapt to extreme weather conditions.

During Lebanon’s civil war (1975 – 1990), cannabis cultivation flourished as a vital source of income, especially for the funding of militias and the affected communities. Economic difficulties and the lack of viable alternative crops have led many families to grow cannabis, which is not only profitable but also well suited to the valley’s soil. Despite being legally prohibited, this tradition has persisted over the years, especially during periods of political instability, becoming a symbol of endurance and survival for the Lebanese communities.

In 2020, in an attempt to revitalise the economy, the Lebanese parliament legalised cannabis cultivation for medical and industrial purposes, becoming the first Arab country to do so in a move that sought to harness the economic potential of the plant, which envisioned the creation of significant income through local production and exports.

Impact of the recent conflict with Israel

Since October 2024, Lebanon has been facing an escalation of attacks by Israel, especially in the south of the country and in key areas such as the Bekaa valley, with these offensives having had devastating consequences for the local agriculture. According to UN reports, thousands of hectares of crops have been destroyed or abandoned due to the bombing and massive displacement of the population. Matthew Hollingworth, director of the World Food Programme in Lebanon, expressed “extraordinary concern” about the country’s ability to feed itself, noting that crops are rotting in the fields with no possibility of being harvested.

Although cannabis is quite a hardy plant, it isn’t immune to this devastation. Cannabis farmers, who were already facing economic challenges, have now been forced to leave their land, losing not only their source of income but also a tradition that has defined their identity for centuries. And the destruction of the infrastructure and continuing insecurity will make it difficult for any cultivation to be resumed in the near future.

Economic and social consequences

Cannabis production has been a financial backbone for many communities in Lebanon. With its legalisation for medical and industrial use, a formalisation of the sector was expected to benefit both the farmers and the national economy. However, the current conflicts have undermined all these aspirations. The loss of crops and the disruption of supply chains have led to a decline in hashish production and export, negatively affecting the incomes of thousands of households.

Socially speaking, the disappearance of this agricultural practice threatens the disintegration of communities that have depended on cannabis cultivation not only as a means of livelihood but as a central element of their cultural and social cohesion. Forced migration and internal displacement are eroding the social fabric of the country, leading to a loss of ancestral traditions and knowledge related to cannabis cultivation and processing.

The current situation raises questions about the future of cannabis cultivation in Lebanon. Reconstruction of the affected areas will require not only economic resources, but also political stability and security for farmers. It is essential for the international community to recognise the importance of this tradition and to provide support for its preservation and revitalisation.

The cannabis culture in Lebanon is much more than an economic activity – it is a tradition that has defined the identity of entire communities for centuries. Recent conflicts have endangered this legacy, threatening to erase an essential part of the Lebanese cultural heritage. It is imperative that steps are taken to protect and revitalise this tradition, ensuring that future generations can continue to grow and celebrate the “blessed plant” that has been a symbol of resilience and prosperity in this country.