Enacting a new law for cannabis aims to bolster pain relief and enhance Turkiye's competitive edge
Turkey Embraces Medical Cannabis Regulation for Economic Growth and Public Health
In July 2025, Turkey's Parliament approved a new medical cannabis regulation, marking a significant step towards a tightly controlled and monitored cannabis industry [1][3][5]. This landmark law aims to transform cannabis from an industrial crop into a source of high-value medical and therapeutic products, aligning with global trends in medical cannabis legalization.
Setting the Stage for Production
The Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry will oversee the cultivation and harvesting of medical cannabis, extending the country's growing hemp production [1][3][5]. This move signifies a formal expansion of cannabis production, positioning it as a crop for high-value pharmaceutical products. Notably, cultivation will take place in closed greenhouse systems, ensuring controlled conditions [3].
A Regulated Supply Chain
The Ministry of Health will oversee the processing, licensing, registration, and sales of medical cannabis products [1][3][5]. Only licensed pharmacies will be authorized to sell these cannabis-derived medical products, ensuring controlled access and safeguarding public health [1][3][5]. An electronic tracking system will monitor all medical cannabis products to guarantee compliance and safety [1].
Medicinal Cannabis Products
These products will contain less than 0.3% THC, eliminating any psychoactive effects and differentiating them from recreational cannabis [1]. Approved products are intended for therapeutic use in diseases such as cancer and multiple sclerosis, with recognized analgesic and antidepressant effects [1][2]. These products are pharmaceutical-grade and subject to strict regulation to avoid black-market circulation [1].
Economic Opportunities
The new regulation represents a strategic move to elevate cannabis from an industrial crop to a source of high-value medical and therapeutic products [2]. This shift is expected to stimulate economic growth in agriculture and pharmaceutical sectors [2]. Experts emphasize the need for a full value chain development from cultivation to finished medical products, benefiting both producers and the broader economy [2].
The global medical cannabis market is projected to reach $55 billion by 2027, offering Turkey a promising economic opportunity [4]. The move is about using a scientifically backed, internationally accepted product to ease suffering and stimulate local production under strict regulations.
In summary, the reform integrates medical cannabis into Turkey’s healthcare and agricultural systems, safeguarding public health while opening new economic opportunities through a tightly regulated supply chain overseen by two ministries. The law is awaiting official enactment to become effective [1][3].
- The Turkish Ministry of Finance anticipates economic growth in both the agriculture and pharmaceutical sectors due to Turkey's new medical cannabis regulation.
- Turkey's Parliament, in line with global trends, aims to transform cannabis into a source of high-value medical and therapeutic products through the new regulation.
- With a focus on health and wellness, the regulation seeks to ease suffering and align with international best practices for medical cannabis.
- The business community and lifestyle industry in Ankara are closely following this development, as the medical-conditions market stands to be a significant contributor to general-news and industry discussions.
- The Ministry of Environment is paying close attention to the implementation of this law, ensuring the cannabis industry's sustainable practices have minimal impact on the environment.
- In the realms of science and culture, this reform will redefine Turkey's relationship with cannabis, fostering innovation and boosting the country's global standing in these areas.
