THE BRIEF "HASHISH, HEROIN, COCAINE SEIZED, DRUG DEALERS ARRESTED"

A recent survey I conducted upon my last visit concluded that at least 45
percent of the Lebanese population smoked hashish. The same survey also
concluded that 90 percent of tourists smoked hashish. What better way to
exploit these findings then to "Amsterdamize" Beirut?

The first step is to distinguish between drugs that pose a danger to
society (heroin and cocaine), and those that are no more harmful than a
drink (hashish and marijuana).

If the government were to issue 10 licenses to growers in the Bekaa, and
issue 20 licenses for pub owners in Beirut to supply users with hashish and
marijuana in their establishment, then money collected in taxes could be
used to aid Lebanon to get out of its debt.

Legalization of marijuana and hashish would also do wonders to Lebanon's
suffering tourist industry. The influx of stoners from all over the world
that would come to enjoy the renowned Lebanese hash would fill hotels,
restaurants and flights coming into Beirut.

I realize this writing is limited in scope and completely non- scientific.
However I am sure that if a scientific study were conducted it would come
to the same conclusion.

Johnny Seikaly
Virginia, USA