Lebanon is turning to medical and industrial cannabis cultivation as a potential lifeline for its collapsing economy, with officials saying the newly established regulatory authority could unlock billions of dollars in revenue if the sector is effectively managed.
Dani Fadel, head of the National Authority for the Regulation of Cannabis Cultivation, told Anadolu that the sector's economic potential is "very high," emphasizing that international cooperation will be key to ensuring quality and opening export markets.
"Global studies indicate the medical and industrial cannabis market is worth billions annually, with applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and other industries," he said. "If carried out properly, this project can truly provide a window of hope to help Lebanon recover economically."
Fadel said the authority will oversee the entire production cycle, from soil and water testing and licensing farmers to supervising packaging and manufacturing, in coordination with ministries including agriculture, health, industry, and economy. Production, he added, will be strictly limited to legal medical and industrial purposes.
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