What About Cannabis In Turkey
May 13, 2025
Turkey is in news for being the site of the latest peace talks. The people at the table will need to be reflective and chill. This leaves people thinking what about cannabis in Turkey? Known locally as kenevir, marijuana has a long and complex history in Turkey. While its cultivation and use date back thousands of years, modern Turkish law maintains a strict stance against recreational cannabis, with limited exceptions for medical and industrial purposes.
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Recreational use of cannabis is illegal in Turkey, with severe penalties for possession, purchase, or distribution. Individuals caught with cannabis can face prison sentences ranging from two to five years. First-time offenders may be offered treatment or probation as alternatives, but repeat offenses lead to mandatory imprisonment. Sale, supply, or trafficking of cannabis carries even harsher sentences, reflecting the country’s conservative approach and its role as a transit route in international drug trafficking.
Medical cannabis, however, has seen cautious acceptance. Since 2016, specific cannabinoid medications like Sativex have been permitted for patients with a doctor’s prescription. Whole-plant cannabis remains prohibited, and access to medical cannabis is tightly regulated. The Turkish Ministry of Health oversees the importation of approved pharmaceutical cannabis products, and only registered health professionals can prescribe them.
Cannabis has been cultivated in Anatolia for nearly 4,000 years, serving the Ottoman Empire for rope, textiles, and medicinal uses. Turkey was once a leading global producer, but production was sharply curtailed in the 20th century due to international pressure and domestic legislation.Today, industrial hemp cultivation is legal in 19 provinces under strict government supervision, with expansion to other regions possible by permit. Licensed growers must destroy all plant residues after harvest to prevent diversion to illicit markets.
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Despite strict laws, cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in Turkey. A 2011 national survey found a 0.7% lifetime prevalence of cannabis use-low compared to global averages, but still a public health concern. Wastewater analysis in Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city, reveals high levels of cannabis metabolites, suggesting significant urban consumption, especially in low-income neighborhoods. Istanbul ranks among the top global cities for cannabis use, just behind Barcelona.
Interest in cannabis products, especially for medical and wellness purposes, is growing among Turkish consumers, mirroring global trends. The pharmaceutical cannabis market is projected to reach nearly $34 million in 2025, with broader cannabis revenues expected to surpass $230 million. This growth is driven by increasing awareness of cannabis’s potential health benefits and a shift toward natural remedies.
Turkey maintains a strict prohibition on recreational cannabis, with limited, highly regulated exceptions for medical and industrial hemp use. While historical ties to cannabis remain strong, and urban consumption persists, the country’s legal framework reflects ongoing concerns about public health and international drug trafficking. However, evolving consumer attitudes and a growing medical cannabis market may signal gradual change in the years ahead
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