Wondering if you can consume cannabis on your next trip to Turkey? Is cannabis legal in Turkey? This topic raises many questions among travelers and locals. In this article, we will see together what the legal situation of cannabis is in Turkey.
Turkish Cannabis Laws
Turkey has some of the strictest laws on cannabis in the region. Since 1997, Law No. 2313 has regulated narcotic and psychotropic substances, classifying cannabis as an illegal drug. Possession, use, and sale of cannabis for recreational purposes are illegal and are severely punished. For example, possession of less than 10 grams can result in a prison sentence of two to five years, while sale or distribution can lead to sentences of up to twenty years in prison.
It is important to note that Turkish authorities are notorious for not making a clear distinction between possession for personal use and possession for the purpose of resale. This means that even a small amount intended for personal use can be treated as a serious offence. In addition, the police have broad powers to conduct searches and arrests without a warrant, increasing the risks for individuals in possession of cannabis.
Is CBD legal in Türkiye?
CBD (cannabidiol), although recognized in many countries for its therapeutic properties and its lack of significant psychoactive effects, remains illegal in Turkey. Turkish law does not differentiate CBD from other cannabinoids present in cannabis. Thus, the possession, importation and sale of products containing CBD are considered illegal. People caught with CBD products risk the same penalties as for traditional cannabis.
Efforts to legalize CBD for medical or wellness purposes face legal and cultural hurdles. As of 2025, no significant legislative changes have been made to ease these restrictions, despite an overall increase in demand and interest in CBD products worldwide.
Can cannabis seeds be shipped to Türkiye?
The importation of cannabis seeds is also strictly prohibited in Turkey. While some international jurisdictions allow the sale of cannabis seeds as collectibles or souvenirs, Turkey considers these seeds to be an element enabling the cultivation of illegal plants. Turkish customs services carry out rigorous checks on incoming packages, and intercepting seeds can result in drug trafficking charges, with harsh prison sentences.
It is therefore strongly advised not to attempt to ship or transport cannabis seeds to Turkey, either by mail or in personal baggage. The legal risks are high, and the consequences can be extremely serious.
Medical Cannabis in Türkiye
The issue of medical cannabis is a sensitive one in Turkey. While some countries have adopted more open policies towards cannabis for therapeutic purposes, Turkey maintains a conservative stance. In 2016, the government authorized the controlled cultivation of cannabis in some provinces for limited medical and scientific use. However, this authorization is mainly focused on research and development, rather than the direct provision of medical cannabis to patients.
Turkish patients suffering from medical conditions that can be alleviated by cannabis, such as treatment-resistant epilepsy or chronic pain, have limited access to cannabis-based treatments. Cannabis-derived medicines approved by international bodies are rarely available in Turkey, and the procedures for obtaining such a prescription are complex and often unsuccessful.
How can you get medical cannabis with a prescription?
To obtain medical cannabis on prescription in Turkey, a patient must first be diagnosed with a specific medical condition for which cannabis is considered an effective treatment. Then, the treating physician must submit a special application to the Ministry of Health, justifying the use of cannabis for that particular patient. The approval process is lengthy and rarely successful, with an approval rate of less than 5% in 2024.
Even if approval is granted, the hurdles are not over. Pharmacies do not always have the necessary medications, and often patients must resort to importing medications, which involves high costs that can reach $2,000 per month. These challenges make access to medical cannabis extremely difficult for the majority of Turkish patients.
Industrial hemp in Türkiye
Industrial hemp cultivation is experiencing a resurgence in Turkey. In 2016, the government announced the legalization of hemp cultivation in 19 provinces, with the aim of revitalizing the agricultural economy and supporting local industries. The hemp cultivated must have a THC content of less than 0.2%, in line with international standards.
This initiative has created more than 10,000 direct jobs in the agricultural and industrial sectors. Hemp-derived products, such as textiles, green building materials and bioplastics, contribute to diversifying the Turkish economy. By 2025, industrial hemp is a growing industry, with an annual turnover of more than $500 million.
Turkish Political Parties and Cannabis
Turkey’s political landscape is diverse, and opinions on the issue of cannabis reflect this. Some progressive parties support a more liberal approach, particularly regarding industrial hemp and medical cannabis. They highlight the potential economic benefits and public health benefits. Conversely, more conservative parties strongly oppose any form of legalization, citing moral reasons and public order concerns.
Parliamentary debates on cannabis law reform occur periodically, but proposals for change are usually rejected or sent to committees for lengthy periods of scrutiny. As of 2025, no major legislative changes have been implemented, largely due to political polarization on this sensitive issue.
Good to know
For tourists and expats living in Turkey, it is crucial to understand the severity of Turkish drug laws. Ignorance of the law is not an acceptable defense in Turkish courts. Fines for drug possession can be as high as 10,000 Turkish lira, or about €1,000. Additionally, conditions in Turkish prisons can be harsh, with the prison system often overcrowded.
It is also important to note that Turkish authorities regularly conduct drug tests on drivers. In 2024, more than 1 million road tests were conducted, resulting in the suspension of driving licenses for more than 15,000 people. Penalties for driving under the influence of drugs include fines, prison sentences, and revocation of driving licenses.
History of Cannabis
Cannabis has been used in Anatolia since ancient times, both for its fibers and its medicinal properties. During the Ottoman Empire, cannabis was cultivated and used without major restrictions. It was not until the beginning of the 20th century, under the influence of international conventions on narcotics, that Turkey began to impose restrictions on the production and use of cannabis.
Turkey's anti-drug policies were strengthened in the 1980s, partly under international pressure to combat drug trafficking. This period saw a significant increase in police operations and penalties for cannabis-related offences. Today, Turkey's rich history of cannabis is often overshadowed by its strict drug policies.
Trade routes to Europe
Turkey’s geographical position makes it a crossroads between Asia and Europe, giving it a key role in trade routes, including drug trafficking. Turkey is often used as a transit point for hashish and heroin from Central Asia and the Middle East to Western Europe. Turkish authorities, in collaboration with international agencies such as INTERPOL, have stepped up efforts to combat this trafficking.
In 2023, Turkish law enforcement seized more than 50 tons of cannabis and its derivatives, marking a 30% increase from the previous year. These figures illustrate the scale of the challenge Turkey faces in drug control and partly justify the rigidity of its current laws.
Cannabis and Innovation in Türkiye
Despite the restrictions, Turkey’s research sector is increasingly interested in the potential of cannabis for innovation, particularly in the fields of medicine, agriculture and industry. Universities and research institutes are working on projects to explore the therapeutic properties of cannabinoids, as well as improving hemp cultivation techniques to increase the production of high-quality fibers.
Turkish startups have also emerged, focusing on developing hemp-related technologies, such as bioplastics and sustainable building materials. These initiatives benefit from government subsidies for research and development, highlighting a growing recognition of the economic potential of cannabis, in legal and regulated forms.
Cannabis and the economy
The discussion around the potential economic impact of controlled cannabis legalization in Turkey is gaining momentum. Economic studies estimate that the creation of a regulated cannabis industry could generate more than 100,000 jobs and bring in significant additional tax revenues. For example, by implementing a tax similar to that on tobacco, the government could collect more than $500 million per year.
However, these economic projections must be balanced with public health and safety concerns. Opponents of legalization fear an increase in drug use among young people and the associated social costs. Thus, the debate remains complex, mixing economic, social and cultural considerations.
Will cannabis be legalized in the future?
The question of whether cannabis will be legalized in Turkey in the future remains open. Although the global trend is toward relaxing cannabis laws, particularly in North America and parts of Europe, Turkey is taking a more cautious approach. Cultural, religious, and political factors play a significant role in this hesitation.
However, with changing attitudes and economic pressure, it is not impossible that Turkey will consider gradual reforms. A first step could be the relaxation of medical cannabis laws or an expansion of the industrial hemp sector. However, any legislative change will require significant political and social consensus.
