Türkiye Expands Cannabis Cultivation as Strategic Crop for Industry and Innovation

Türkiye is rapidly increasing its cannabis cultivation and production, positioning the plant as a strategic agricultural and industrial resource, driven by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s endorsement and support from the Agriculture Ministry.

The Turkish Grain Board has taken a central role in supervising cannabis production, particularly for pharmaceutical and industrial applications. New initiatives are expanding cannabis’ role in sustainability, innovation, and advanced material development.

Cannabis Seed and Hemp Fiber Production Skyrocket in 2024

According to TurkStat data compiled by Anadolu Agency, cannabis seed production jumped 70% year-on-year in 2024, reaching 556 tons, up from 273 tons in 2020. In total, 1,335 tons of cannabis seeds were produced in the past five years, despite some fluctuation.

Meanwhile, hemp fiber output surged by 238.7% annually in 2024, reaching 1,216 tons, compared to just 9 tons in 2020 and 359 tons in 2023. This significant rise reflects Türkiye’s growing industrial use of hemp, especially in textiles, polymers, and eco-friendly materials.

Cultivation Areas Expand Rapidly

The cultivation area for hemp fiber expanded from 101,000 square meters in 2020 to a staggering 8.85 million square meters in 2024.
For cannabis seeds, cultivation grew from 4.25 million to over 7.2 million square meters during the same period, signaling increased interest among Turkish farmers and investors.

Cannabis-Based Innovation Projects Underway

The General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies (TAGEM), in cooperation with Turkish universities and the private sector, is advancing composite material production using hemp, flax, and nettle fibers. These sustainable materials will serve in irrigation and drainage systems, contributing to green technology goals.

Another collaborative project between TAGEM, TÜBİTAK, and Ondokuz Mayıs University in Samsun has focused on hemp breeding. The initiative has already produced two low-THC cannabis strains, “Narli” and “Vezir”, with new research targeting high-fiber-content variants.

Private Sector Drives Hemp Use in Textiles and Automotive Industry

Türkiye’s private sector is ramping up efforts to integrate hemp fibers into textiles and automotive components, reflecting a shift toward sustainable industrial inputs. As global demand for biodegradable and renewable materials grows, Turkish companies are aiming to position locally cultivated hemp as a key export and innovation driver.

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