Hemp to be sold in pharmacies in Antalya and Alanya

Turkey Takes a Major Step: Medical Hemp to be Sold in Pharmacies in Antalya and Alanya

With a new bill submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey by the Justice and Development Party (AKP), a significant step is being taken in healthcare: the sale of medical hemp in pharmacies will be allowed. This regulation will open a new chapter for pharmacies and patients across the country, including in Antalya and Alanya.

AKP Deputy Group Chair Leyla Şahin Usta, in a press briefing at the Parliament, shared details about the “Law Proposal on Amendments to Some Health-Related Laws and Decree Law No. 663.” She emphasized the benefits of hemp used in healthcare worldwide and stated that the new regulation will permit the sale of medically produced hemp in pharmacies.

EXPANDING THE USE OF HEMP IN HEALTHCARE

Leyla Şahin Usta highlighted that hemp is not only a raw material for narcotics but also holds significant potential in medicine. The new regulation expands the scope of hemp cultivation to include the production of pharmaceutical active ingredients, medical products, health and support products, and personal care items. This aims to meet the demand for hemp raw materials through controlled domestic production in Turkey and enhance competitiveness in health services.

CULTIVATION UNDER THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, SALES CONTROLLED BY THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH

According to the bill, the cultivation and harvesting processes of hemp will be managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, while processing, preparation, export, licensing, registration, permits, and sale of medical hemp will be under the Ministry of Health’s responsibility.

A key detail is that sales will be permitted exclusively through pharmacies, ensuring product control and safety. Additionally, products will be tracked via an electronic monitoring system. Due to public health concerns, special medical-purpose foods will also be registered in the drug tracking system to protect the supply chain.