Blurred Boundaries between Legislation and Implementation of Lebanon's Cannabis Law: A Focus Group Discussion with National Stake-holders

Background: Lebanon, with its long-standing history of cannabis cultivation, enacted Law No. 178 in April 2020, legal-izing the cultivation, production, and sale of cannabis for medical and industrial purposes. Despite this leg-islative milestone, the law’s implementation has encountered significant challenges. Study Aim: The study aims to explore the gaps and obstacles hindering the effective enforcement of the cannabis lawfrom the perspectives of key stakeholders. Materials and Methods: An exploratory qualitative research method employed an focus group discussion (FGD) which serves as a platform for stakeholders–including representatives from political, medical, academic, and civil society sec-tors–to share concerns, identify barriers, and suggest strategies for improvement. Seventeen participants were invited, and twelve attended the session. Selection criteria were based on direct involvement in either drafting or implementing the law, or in advocating for public interests and vulnerable populations. Result: FGD revealed implementation roadblocks, necessitating the urgent need for effective, impartial law enforce-ment and the establishment of a rigorous regulatory framework to oversee the cannabis industry. The study emphasized the importance of multi-ministerial collaboration to facilitate implementation. Conclusion: This study revealed that, although the law introduces a regulatory framework that requires transparent, multi-stakeholder involvement and comprehensive oversight of cannabis cultivation and distribution, its im-plementation is hindered by significant legal, social, and economic challenges. Successful implementation will require strong political commitment and decisive actions to address the multifaceted implications of cannabis legalization.