As is known, the cannabis plant, due to its various chemical components, has potential uses in both medical and industrial fields, but also poses risks for illicit drug production. Therefore, cannabis cultivation, processing, and the use of cannabis-derived products are subject to strict legal regulations in Türkiye under the Law on the Control of Narcotic Drugs. With the amendments that entered into force on 21 July 2025 by being accepted by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) General Assembly , regulations that usher in a new era have been put into effect. regarding the licensing, distribution channels, and administrative control of certain cannabis-based products.
1. What Do the New Amendments Introduce?
The amendments have explicitly included medical products, health products, personal care products with no narcotic effect, and dietary supplements derived from cannabis into the legal framework. The licensing and registration of these products into a tracking system have been assigned to the Ministry of Health. It has been stipulated that such products may only be sold through pharmacies. Furthermore, the procedures and principles regarding the authorization, sale, processing, preparation, and export of these products will be set out in a regulation to be issued by the Ministry of Health, after obtaining the opinions of the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. These changes aim to ensure the safe and regulated use of cannabis-derived products in the healthcare sector.
2. Under What Conditions Can Hemp Fiber Be Used?
According to the legislation, individuals or legal entities intending to cultivate cannabis for fiber, seed, or stalk production must obtain permission from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Cultivation of cannabis for the production of medical products, health products, personal care products, and dietary supplements will either be carried out directly by the Turkish Grain Board or commissioned under its supervision, based on quotas determined by the President in accordance with national supply and demand conditions. In such cultivation activities, all necessary measures must be taken to prevent the extraction of narcotic substances. The rules and procedures for cultivation and harvest will be set by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, in consultation with the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Health.
3. What Are the Sanctions for Non-Compliance with the Law?
Cultivating cannabis without a permit is strictly prohibited, regardless of the intended use. In case of unauthorized cultivation, the plants will be destroyed by law enforcement authorities upon the order of the highest local administrative authority, based on a report prepared by agricultural officers. The cost of destruction will be collected from the individuals involved in accordance with the Law on the Collection of Public Receivables. Administrative fines will be imposed on those who cultivate cannabis without a permit or in violation of the terms of a valid permit. Individuals cultivating cannabis to obtain marijuana may face imprisonment from four to twelve years and heavy judicial fines. Those growing it solely for personal use may be sentenced to imprisonment from one to three years. Sanctions become more severe in cases of repetition or depending on the quantity of the cultivated plant.
4. Conclusion
With the latest amendments, the legal basis for cannabis-derived medical, health, and personal care products has been reinforced; their production, licensing, and distribution processes are now subject to tighter controls through inter-ministerial coordination. These regulations aim not only to mitigate the risks of illegal cannabis use but also to enable the effective utilization of the plant’s industrial and medical potential. Stakeholders involved in production and sales must strictly comply with all legal requirements, as violations may lead to severe administrative and criminal penalties.