Is Türkiye becoming Afghanistan?

The bill, which introduces new health regulations, including the sale of various cannabis-derived products in pharmacies, was approved by the Turkish Grand National Assembly and enacted despite opposition objections. While addiction rates are a source of concern in Afghanistan, known as the world's largest opium producer, the legalization of medicinal cannabis products has also raised concerns in Türkiye, which is struggling with addiction.

The Turkish Psychiatric Association has warned against the potential side effects and risks of cannabis use, even when used for medical purposes. The association stated that the substance can also create the perception that drugs are easily accessible, which plays a significant role in reinforcing addictive behavior.

WHAT ARE THE SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES OF MEDICAL CANNABIS?

Appearing on the Money Politics program on SÖZCÜ TV, CHP deputy and doctor Aylin Yaman said, "Previously, an existing law permitted the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients using cannabis. With this amendment, the active pharmaceutical ingredient was changed to include a clause allowing for the production of medical products, health supplements, and personal care products using this method. We don't know what these clauses are; they are open-ended."

Yaman said, "This is a law amendment that hasn't been detailed and was proposed without consultation with the public, NGOs, or specialized associations. We want the products to be detailed. Since it's open-ended, we have serious doubts about where it will be used. Hemp production has already existed, with a production model controlled by the Ministry of Agriculture. The distribution of what we call female cannabis seedlings has also begun. As the AKP government has always done, we are facing a model where they start using the model and then the law comes in an accelerated form."

"OPINIONS SHOULD BE TAKEN FROM EXPERTS"

Yaman continued his words as follows:

"Of course, we cannot object to the limited use of cannabis as a medicinal product. It could be used as a medicine, but we need to consult with the Turkish Psychiatric Association and the Turkish Thoracic Society. It's also known that these substances are linked to tobacco use and can cause serious lung problems. First, we should consult with doctors. What about personal care products? Too many food supplements are sold unchecked."

CHP Bursa Deputy and public health expert Prof. Dr. Kayıhan Pala commented, "What is cannabis doing in a health-related law coordinated by the Ministry of Health and submitted to Parliament by members of the ruling party? If it's considered a commercial product, when the Ministry of Industry or Agriculture brings up this proposal, we expect the Ministry of Health to ask for a moment, while the Ministry of Health itself brings it up. Let me tell you clearly why. I believe it's recorded in the minutes. When we asked these questions, the Deputy Minister of Health, who was present at the meeting, said, 'There's a market worth 500 billion TL here.' When it comes to health, refrain from using market terms."

"More than 80 percent of the people in Türkiye are addicted to cannabis derived from hemp."

Pala continued his words as follows:

It appears that they are attempting to capture a share of the globally recognized market. While reports from the Police Department reveal that over 80 percent of addicts in Türkiye are addicted to cannabis derived from hemp, it is completely unacceptable that the Ministry of Health continues to act as if this situation does not exist.

Unfortunately, they know the price of almost everything, but they do not know the value of anything related to health or life, so they brought this bill before us.

"Well-known holdings are preparing for production"

We're worried, too. Despite our loud and clear concerns, the government declared it would pass this law. There are reports that even well-known holding companies in Türkiye are preparing to grab a share of this market.

This isn't a medical cannabis law at all. It's a law designed to promote widespread cannabis use. Narcotics members who wish to remain anonymous have shared their concerns about this law with us.

CHP member Yaman warned, "We are in a difficult situation in addiction treatment. There are no medications used in addiction treatment. Marijuana is not innocent. We sell it in pharmacies as if it were a mild vitamin. Pressure can be used to get doctors to prescribe it."