Turkey, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, has a complex history with cannabis. While marijuana has deep roots in Turkish culture dating back centuries, it has been strictly prohibited since the late 19th century.
In this article, we’ll provide an overview of cannabis laws in Turkey, including:
- The current legal status of medical and recreational marijuana
- A brief history of cannabis in Turkey
- Insights into cultivation, attitudes, and popular culture
- Details on possession and trafficking penalties
- The future outlook for legalization
Let’s explore the legal status of weed in Turkey
Is Cannabis Legal in Turkey?
No, recreational cannabis is illegal in Turkey. Medical marijuana was legalized in 2016, but with strict limitations.
- Recreational marijuana – Illegal
- Medical marijuana – Legal by prescription only, for oils containing CBD. Smoking cannabis remains illegal.
- Industrial hemp – Cultivation restricted but legal with a license
Penalties for cannabis possession or supply remain harsh. Jail time is common even for minor marijuana offenses.
A Brief History of Cannabis in Turkey
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Cannabis has been cultivated in Turkey for rope and textiles for centuries. It was also widely used in religious ceremonies.
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Recreational use was common, with cannabis smoked freely in coffee houses. The Sufi Islamic sect incorporated it into practices.
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In 1890, cannabis was abruptly outlawed in Turkey. Stricter narcotics laws followed in the 1970s.
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The reputation of cannabis deteriorated over the 20th century. Today, only 1.8% of Turks report using marijuana.
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In 2016, CBD oils became legal for medical use by prescription. Smoking cannabis remains illegal.
Cultivation of Cannabis in Turkey Today
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19 provinces permit cannabis cultivation for medical and research purposes with strict oversight. Additional licenses can be obtained.
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Guidelines heavily restrict growers, allowing only fibers, seeds and stems to be used, not flowers or leaves.
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Research is underway to develop new industrial hemp strains optimized for commercial use.
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President Erdogan has promoted renewed hemp production for economic benefits. But attitudes remain conservative.
Possession and Trafficking Penalties
Turkey takes a hardline stance against all illicit drugs including cannabis. Common penalties include:
- 1-2 years in prison for personal possession
- 5-10 years in prison for marijuana supply/sales
- Minimum 10 years for production/trafficking
- Harsher punishments for organized crime involvement
Penalties apply equally to tourists and can involve heavy fines. Bribery of police is risky.
Is Legalization Likely in Turkey?
No, full recreational legalization is very unlikely in the near future. Turkey is a traditional, conservative Muslim nation that strongly opposes cannabis use.
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Recent allowance of CBD medicine shows some progress.
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Reviving industrial hemp production may slowly shift attitudes.
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But recreational legalization goes against dominant cultural values. Turkey will likely lag far behind Europe.
While Turkey has a long history with cannabis, prohibition has been entrenched for over a century. Weed remains illegal federally, with no near-term hopes for full legalization.
Are VPNs legal in Turkey?
Yes, it is legal to use a VPN in Turkey. While Turkey began taking steps to block access to Tor and VPN services late last year, using a VPN is not illegal.
Is there an accessible and good healthcare system in Turkey?
Yes, healthcare in Turkey is shown as one of the most developed in the world. Turkey has also come to the fore with medical tourism in recent years.
How I Quit Smoking Cold Turkey (all mindset)
FAQ
Can I smoke weed in Turkey?
Is weed legal in Turkey? It is forbidden to use weed, cannabis and any kind of drugs in Turkey. A person who buys, accepts or keeps drugs or stimulants for use or uses drugs or stimulants is punished with imprisonment from two to five years.
What country is weed 100% legal?
Countries that have legalized recreational use of cannabis are Canada, Georgia, Germany, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, South Africa, Thailand, and Uruguay, plus 24 states, 3 territories, and the District of Columbia in the United States and the Australian Capital Territory in Australia.
Is it legal to smoke weed in Turks?
No, cannabis is a Class A controlled substance in the Turks and Caicos and it is illegal to import cannabis (marijuana) in any form.
What happens if you get caught with drugs in Turkey?
Turkish drug laws are based on the Turkish Penal Code (TCK) and the Law on Supervision of Narcotic Drugs. Both clearly define penalties for drug-related offenses. The punishment can range from 2 to 5 years for possession and up to 20 years for trafficking, depending on the type of drug and amount involved.
What is Turkey’s marijuana law?
This Turkish law can be understood under the following: Under Article 191, any person, whether a citizen or foreigner visiting Turkey, who possesses, receives, or keeps marijuana or other illegal plant-based drugs for personal use is subjected to a prison sentence of 2-5 years.
Can you grow marijuana in Turkey?
Nineteen of Turkey’s 81 provinces currently allow marijuana to be cultivated for medicinal and scientific purposes through the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Livestock. Permission can also be obtained to allow for cultivation in other provinces. The guidelines regarding marijuana turkey cultivation are quite strict.
Is hemp legal in Turkey?
In Turkey, the cultivation of cannabis sativa plants for recreational or psychoactive use is strictly illegal. However, the country does have provisions for industrial hemp cultivation in certain provinces. In 2016, the cultivation of hemp for industrial purposes was legalized in 19 provinces of Turkey.
How do I access medical marijuana in Turkey?
To access medical marijuana in Turkey, patients need a red prescription from a licensed physician. Despite the restricted access, the approval of medical cannabis in Turkey signals a recognition of the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis-based pharmaceuticals for certain medical conditions.
Can you buy CBD oil in Turkey?
Yes – Turkey weed laws permit the possession of hemp-derived CBD products with no THC content. CBD oil-based medical products are available in pharmacies as well, and some doctors have been known to prescribe them. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.