By Terry Hacienda, the fresh toast
Turkey has been in the news lately – when what about the country and marijuana?
Turkey is in the news to be the site of the latest discussions on peace. People at the table will have to be reflected and cooled. Does that let people think of cannabis in Türkiye? Known locally as Kenevir, marijuana has a long and complex history in Türkiye. While its culture and use go back to thousands of years, the modern Turkish law maintains a strict position against recreational cannabis, with exceptions limited to medical and industrial purposes.
Recreational consumption of cannabis is illegal in Türkiye, with serious sanctions for possession, purchase or distribution. Individuals captured with cannabis can incur prison terms ranging from two to five years. Delinquents for the first time can be offered treatment or probation as an alternatives, but repetitions cause compulsory imprisonment. The sale, supply or cannabis traffic has even more severe penalties, reflecting the country’s conservative approach and its role as a transit route in international drug trafficking.
Medical cannabis, however, has experienced cautious acceptance. Since 2016, cannabinoid -specific drugs like Sativex have been authorized for patients with a doctor’s prescription. The entire factory cannabis remains prohibited and access to medical cannabis is closely regulated. The Turkish Ministry of Health oversees the import of approved pharmaceutical cannabis products, and only registered health professionals can prescribe them.
Cannabis has been cultivated in Anatolia for almost 4,000 years, serving the Ottoman Empire for rope, textiles and medicinal uses. Turkey was once a leading world producer, but production was strongly limited in the 20th century due to international pressure and national legislation. Today, the industrial culture of hemp is legal in 19 provinces under a strict supervision of the government, with an expansion to other possible regions per license. Authorized producers must destroy all plant residues after harvest to prevent the embezzlement of illicit markets.
Despite strict laws, cannabis is the most commonly used illegal drug in Türkiye. A 2011 national survey revealed a lifetime prevalence of 0.7% of cannabis-base consumption compared to global averages, but still a public health problem. The analysis of wastewater in Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, reveals high levels of cannabis metabolites, suggesting significant urban consumption, in particular in low -income neighborhoods. Istanbul ranks among the best world cities for cannabis consumption, just behind Barcelona.
Interest in cannabis products, especially for medical and well-being purposes, develops among Turkish consumers, reflecting global trends. The pharmaceutical market on cannabis should reach nearly $ 34 million in 2025, wider cannabis income should exceed $ 230 million. This growth is motivated by increasing awareness of the potential advantages for cannabis health and an evolution towards natural remedies.
Turkey maintains a strict ban on recreational cannabis, with limited and highly regulated exceptions for the use of medical and industrial hemp. While historical links with cannabis remain strong and urban consumption persists, the country’s legal framework reflects continuous concerns concerning public health and international drug trafficking. However, the evolution of consumer attitudes and a growing medical cannabis market can point out a gradual change in the years to come
Fresh toast is a daily lifestyle platform with one side of cannabis. For more information, visit www.thefreshtoast.com.
Copyright 2025 Fresh toast. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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