I know that most of the news we get in Lebanon, is depressing and hope-killing. But last night, while I was working late, I got a call that made me jump up and down with happiness, then sit down and silently contemplate what it means for Lebanon, and especially its embattled youth.

What is it

Today, Judge Samir Hammoud issued a circular, which is binding, to all district attorneys in Lebanon, ordering them to not prosecute drug users caught in Lebanon anymore. So, it’s not just weed, but all drug use offenses.

Another source

This is nothing new, this is the actual law in Lebanon, where users should be referred to the “Addiction Committee” instead of arrested and prosecuted. However, for some reason, only 3% of all cases since this law was enacted were actually referred to this committee.

With this circular, this means that it’s no longer individual judges who decide if they let users go to this committee, the law dictates it, and this order reiterates that in a binding fashion that security forces can no longer hinder or dispute.

This is huge news, and you must inform yourselves and those you care about as soon as possible. If you ever fall into the hell that is being arrested by Lebanon’s drug enforcement, make sure you know your rights, and that your loved ones know and follow it up to make sure no one robs you of your liberty and dignity for absolutely no good reason.

Be Careful Though

You might no longer get prosecuted for using drugs, but for now, it’s still a crime. In other words, you can still get arrested for it, and you will have to undergo an investigation. This means you can spend up to 4 days in custody, before being released, which is 48 hours for “investigation” which can be renewed once, totalling 4 days (more if you’re caught on a Friday, given the weekends don’t count, which is why big drug crackdowns always seem to happen before the weekend, or before national holidays, to maximize the time held in custody, to shake out a bribe).

This news might be great for most of you, but it’s horrible news for all the corrupt people in our government and security forces. Taking bribes for arresting people was a massive, multi-million-dollar-a-year industry. So, this puts a huge stick in the bike wheel of people making a thousand, two thousand or three thousand per case (with more than 3000 a year), to release arrested users before they get to see a judge.

No one gives up that kind of money-making scheme lightly, and some drug enforcement people will be extra malicious in how they try to entrap innocent users.

I’m saying this so you all stay careful. More so now, because even if the law is on taxpayers’ side, we all know how Lebanon’s corrupt system, without any accountability, can backfire and cause hell for you, your family and your friends.

However, this time all eyes are on this matter, and some great cops in drug enforcement are on the people’s side now in fighting this endemic corruption destroying so many lives. Also, people like Skoun have their eyes peeled, and you can let them know when the worst happens to you or someone you know, to make sure no one takes advantage of that anymore

One step closer to decriminalization

Today, the biggest hurdle on the path to decriminalization, and maybe even legalization, has been rendered obsolete. People always used the excuse “hey, that’s the law, we’re just executing it”. Funny they execute that, but don’t enforce decisions to stop new resorts occupying public beaches, or any of the many actual crimes that stay unhindered by the government…

Anyway, the law is finally on citizens’ side, and this means we are a few steps closer to a time where weed is no longer criminalized in Lebanon. Where users don’t even get arrested. Maybe even regulate and tax it, like we do for alcohol and tobacco.

A few words to wrap up

Don’t let this victory make you less wary and careful. Be smart, always be paranoid and never let your guard down. This hurts the bottom line of the most corrupt individuals in Lebanon, so expect a vicious push-back from them, and even bolder attempts to entrap citizens and taxpayers so they can still make money off of your plight and trauma.

But, while you should remain careful and attentive, you should also celebrate this sweet, sweet victory. It’s quite a feeling when after years of work and hope, you get some vindication and a big step closer to a more just and fair country, that doesn’t cannibalize its youth to make a quick buck off their desperation and terror.

I’d like to thank and salute my good friends with beautiful minds and the kindest hearts at SKOUN for the amazing work they’ve been doing over the years, work which turned this once far-fetched dream into a reality today. The country owes you for this great service, and is supporting you to keep marching forward and achieve even more victories on this perilous, difficult road to reform the misinterpreted laws that cause so much pain, loss and terror every single day for thousands upon thousands of innocent people.

Congratulations Lebanon, and thank you to everyone who believed in this, and spoke up against the tyranny. Every little comment on the heartbreaking ISF posts about busting kids for half a joint, helped more than you know ❤