Medical Cannabis Sale Approved in Pharmacies Amid Health Concerns

Türkiye’s Parliament has officially passed legislation allowing medical cannabis-derived products to be sold in pharmacies, sparking debate among health experts and professional bodies. While the move aims to align with global trends in healthcare, concerns over insufficient scientific backing and public health risks remain central to the controversy.

New Law Grants Health Ministry Expanded Oversight

The bill, first proposed by the AK Party on June 25, 2025, includes significant regulatory changes under the umbrella of healthcare reforms. It amends the Ecza Ticarethaneleri ve Müessir Kimyevi Maddeler Kanunu, incorporating provisions that will:

• Permit sales of cannabis-based medical products only through licensed pharmacies

• Include items like health supplements, personal care products, and nutritional aids

• Transfer full authority for licensing, tracking, and inspection to the Ministry of Health

• Require cooperation with the Ministries of Agriculture and Interior for regulatory frameworks concerning production and distribution

Turkish Medical Association: “Cannabis Is Not Harmless”

The Turkish Medical Association (TTB) issued a cautionary statement shortly after the bill’s approval. In a position paper from the TTB Tobacco Control Group, the organization highlighted that cannabis remains one of the most widely used illicit substances globally, containing over 60 cannabinoids with potentially harmful effects.

Among the most notable compounds, THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) were identified. TTB warns that while CBD may offer limited therapeutic potential, THC’s psychoactive properties can trigger dependency, psychiatric disorders, and cognitive impairments, especially under prolonged or high-dose use.

Limited Benefits, Unclear Evidence

While a handful of countries approve cannabis-based treatments for specific conditions, TTB emphasized that scientific evidence on their long-term efficacy and safety is lacking. Commonly reported side effects include:

• Dizziness

• Cognitive confusion

• Hallucinations

• Dry mouth

Cannabis Use May Endanger Public Safety

One of TTB’s gravest concerns relates to road safety. The organization cited studies indicating that recreational cannabis use increases the risk of fatal traffic accidents by 37% and injury-related crashes by 96%. It stressed that without strict medical justification, access to cannabis-based products may open the door to non-therapeutic, recreational misuse.

Ongoing Public and Scientific Debate

As the new law comes into force, calls are growing for greater transparency, scientific oversight, and public health safeguards. The TTB, while acknowledging the global momentum behind medical cannabis legalization, warns that Türkiye must not overlook the long-term social and health risks in favor of economic or industrial gains.