The law of 1947 pertains to drug regulation and addiction in Lebanon. One article amendment was made in 1998. This modification is related to the drug user’s status, who is no longer considered a criminal and is now viewed as a ‘sick’ person needing treatment.

According to Lebanese law (articles 4, 5, 6, 7), drugs are classified into four categories. The distinction is made according to the potential use of these substances for medicinal purposes, and their levels of harmfulness.

Category 1: Very dangerous substances with no medicinal purposes, such as Cannabis, Heroine and Cocaine.

Category 2: Dangerous substances with potential medicinal uses such as Morphine, Opium, Methadone and Codeine.

Category 3: Dangerous substances with a predominantly medicinal use.

Category 4: Chemical substances used in the manufacture of narcotic substances.

This classification does not take into consideration the conclusions of recent scientific research on the actual harmfulness of different substances. The penalty for seizure of a small quantity of drugs of category 1 or 2 for personal use, is a prison sentence ranging from 3 months to 3 years and a fine of 2 to 5 million Lebanese Pounds (USD 1,300 to 3,300). Furthermore, no differentiation (ou “distinction”) is made between prison sentences for consumers, small-time dealers and ‘drug lords.’ Life imprisonment with forced labour, and a fine of up to 50 Million Lebanese Pounds (USD 33,5000) applies to anyone who sells these substances, facilitates their acquisition by a third party, facilitates their acquisition through medical prescriptions, and to any person who provides a public place where drugs are consumed.