Is Marijuana Legal in Turkey?
Last updated on Oct 7, 2024
Created on Aug 7, 2023
Article written by
Emma Stone
Cannabis in the Republic of Turkey is illegal for personal use, and offenders can face lengthy jail time for infractions.
The Turkish government does allow medical cannabis research and pharmaceutical use on a very limited basis. But smoking marijuana or consuming plant-based extracts with any THC levels remains highly illegal, regardless of the reason.
Medical Marijuana Laws in Turkey
Turkey has an extremely conservative drug policy today, where even simple possession can land people in prison. As such, the Republic has no legislation allowing the medical use of any non-pharmaceutical drugs.
However, in 2016, the Ministry of Health approved the limited sale of cannabis-based pharmaceuticals for medical purposes. The approval only applied to sublingual sprays like Sativex, requiring a physician’s prescription.
Meanwhile, all other forms of cannabis and whole-plant cannabis remain strictly prohibited in the country.
What to Know About About Medical Cannabis in Turkey
Tourists cannot access medical or recreational cannabis in Turkey. Similarly, you cannot bring it into the country.
If you’re planning a visit to the area, it is recommended that you leave all cannabis products (including CBD) at home, even if you have a medical marijuana card.
Medical Marijuana Is Only Legal in Limited Forms
Medicinal cannabis is only allowed in Turkey as sublingual cannabinoid medication, and patients must obtain a “red prescription” to acquire it. Issued specifically for narcotic drugs, red prescriptions may be granted for severe conditions like:
Patients seeking access to these herbal preparations must consult an authorized physician capable of issuing red prescriptions. The physician will assess the patient’s condition and determine whether medical cannabis is the most suitable or necessary treatment option.
The Law Does Not State Whether CBD Is Legal or Illegal
CBD is not specifically legal or illegal in Turkey, but CBD formulas cannot contain any THC levels.
Resources online indicate that hemp-derived CBD products like CBD oil may be legal to possess in Turkey if the THC content is 0%. However, mixtures containing any traces of THC are considered illicit.
Certain medical products containing CBD are also available at pharmacies, like Sativex. At the same time, the Republic of Turkey does not accept hemp oil or any natural CBD extract as medicine.
The Use of Whole-Plant Cannabis Remains Illegal for Any Use
Turkish patients who want whole-plant cannabis or natural extracts for personal medical use do not have legal options. People caught possessing even small amounts of weed in Turkey can face up to five years in prison.
Turkish politicians show no signs of changing their minds on the matter soon.
In a statement at the 63rd Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) meeting, the Republic of Turkey reaffirmed its commitment to the three international drug conventions, which serve as a global anti-drug system.
Turkey’s statement went on to say that increasing cannabis production could negatively impact food security and result in increased narcotics use among its population.
Can You Grow Cannabis in Turkey?
It is illegal to grow cannabis sativa plants to sell or use as a psychoactive drug in Turkey. However, the Republic recently created legislation allowing industrial hemp cultivation.
Hemp cultivation became legal in 19 provinces in Turkey for industrial production in 2016. Growers who want to participate in the program must get permission from the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Livestock. Permits are valid for a maximum of three years.
In 2019, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced that Turkey would expand the limited hemp program to farmers nationwide.
The Hürriyet Daily News reported that Erdoğan said, “I am calling out to my nation; let’s start the process to cultivate industrial hemp. We will see that industrial hemp has many different benefits in many different areas.”
A few days before the speech, Turkey’s Agriculture and Forestry Minister said the government would start issuing permits to new areas beyond the original 19 provinces.
Turkish growers can apply for licenses to grow industrial hemp for fiber, seed, and stalk. Or they can obtain licenses for scientific research with the potential for pharmaceutical production.
After each harvest, farmers must immediately destroy plant residues such as branches, leaves, and flowers to prevent unauthorized crops from growing.
Licenses are restricted to professional growers only. Turkish citizens cannot grow cannabis at home. Cannabis cultivation for recreational or personal use is strictly illegal in Turkey.
The possession, cultivation, and distribution of cannabis are criminal offenses, and law enforcement agencies actively uphold these rules.
The Bottom Line
Marijuana remains illegal under Turkish law for recreational use, with severe penalties for offenders, similar to other countries in the region like Armenia,Iran, and Azerbaijan. Patients can get prescriptions for oral cannabinoid medications, but whole-plant cannabis remains strictly prohibited.
The country’s drug policy is highly conservative, and possessing even small amounts of marijuana can lead to imprisonment.
Turkish politicians have reiterated their commitment to international drug conventions and expressed concerns about the potential negative impact of legalization on public health.
Although Turkey now permits industrial hemp cultivation, growing cannabis for personal use is still illegal. Patients who need high-THC formulas must acquire them through the illicit market.