Legalization of cannabis: Caught between supporters for economic return and opponents who fear for the youth

An Nahar newspaper published a report last Saturday on cannabis farming in Lebanon.  The report includes interviews with economic expert Marwan Iskandar and Dr. Atef Majdalani, the president of the Parliamentary Commission for Health.  Iskandar expressed his support for various calls to legalize cannabis from an economic and health perspective (view http://bit.ly/1CGghxK).  He clarified that returns from cannabis are estimated at 2 billion USD, i.e. 5% of the GNP.  He added that Lebanon is in great need of such a measure given the sluggish development growth.  Iskandar considered that legalizing cannabis will produce a high number of employment particularly for Syrian families living in the areas suitable for these plants.  He added that Lebanon’s capacity as a host country would improve if the country is healthier economically.  Iskandar was asked about what the international community would say if Lebanon was to legalise cannabis.  To this, he replied that he has already discussed this matter with the UNICEF representative who said that it is an idea worth considering.  However, he noted that he is not optimistic about such law materializing because of the current political mindset.

MP Majdalani warned for his part against the danger of such law particularly on the youth and the impact on the international community.  Majdalani said that cannabis has absolutely no medicinal value (!) and is not included in any pharmaceutical (!!) and is not approved by any international health institution.  When asked about its economic benefits, Majdalani said that this will help it become commonplace in society and this will negatively affect production in addition to the subsequently high rehabilitation cost of addicts! To be noted that cannabis is planted on circa 10 to 30000 dunnums.  Each gram sells for USD 15.-  Thus, each dunnum produces and income of USD 10-15000.  Finally, it is to be mentioned that law enforcement by security forces destroys each year some 1000 to 65000 hectars of cannabis.

 

(Source: Annahar 26 January, 2015)