Medical Cannabis in the World and Türkiye: A Regulatory Overview
By M. Yağız Erkovan
In recent years, the topic of medical cannabis has undergone a profound transformation
worldwide, both in health and economic contexts. Particularly in the last two decades, many
countries have moved beyond ignoring the plant’s medical potential and have begun seeking
ways to integrate it into society through legal and regulated systems. This shift has been
significantly accelerated by advances in chronic disease management, the evolution of patient
rights, and the momentum of scientific research.
worldwide, both in health and economic contexts. Particularly in the last two decades, many
countries have moved beyond ignoring the plant’s medical potential and have begun seeking
ways to integrate it into society through legal and regulated systems. This shift has been
significantly accelerated by advances in chronic disease management, the evolution of patient
rights, and the momentum of scientific research.
Canada took a pioneering step in 2001 by legalizing medical cannabis. Earlier research
programs laid the groundwork for public acceptance of this move. In 2007, Israel launched a
state-supported program that was uniquely integrated into hospital systems. The Czech
Republic, Australia, and Germany followed suit with their own legal frameworks in 2013,
2016, and 2017, respectively. In the United States, where the process unfolds on a state-by-
state basis, California was the first to take legal action back in 1996. Across Europe, countries
like the Netherlands, Italy, Portugal, and Greece have established controlled distribution
systems to ensure safe patient access.
programs laid the groundwork for public acceptance of this move. In 2007, Israel launched a
state-supported program that was uniquely integrated into hospital systems. The Czech
Republic, Australia, and Germany followed suit with their own legal frameworks in 2013,
2016, and 2017, respectively. In the United States, where the process unfolds on a state-by-
state basis, California was the first to take legal action back in 1996. Across Europe, countries
like the Netherlands, Italy, Portugal, and Greece have established controlled distribution
systems to ensure safe patient access.
Malta adopted a more export-oriented model in 2018, while North Macedonia has allowed
only the production of CBD oil since 2016. Interestingly, both models bear notable
similarities to Türkiye’s current approach.
Of course, each country handles the process differently. For example, in Germany, only
GMP-certified products can be obtained from pharmacies with a prescription and are covered
by insurance. In contrast, Canada allows licensed producers to deliver products directly to
patients. Israel runs its entire program under the supervision of the Ministry of Health, while
Australia follows a special individual application system. Ultimately, the key difference lies
in how each system balances public health, scientific oversight, and economic structure.
In Türkiye, the journey began with industrial cannabis. In 2016, regulated cultivation was
permitted in certain provinces, but only for producing fiber, seeds, and stalks. Over time,
however, the need for regulation around medical cannabis became increasingly clear. This
gap was finally addressed with the regulation published on September 13, 2024. The new law
allows medical cannabis to be cultivated exclusively in closed systems, under the supervision
of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Turkish Grain Board (TMO). This
production is limited solely to exports and scientific research — prescriptions, domestic
market access, or direct sales are not yet permitted.
So how does Türkiye compare to other countries?
- Germany: GMP-certified imported products are sold in pharmacies; prescription- based; covered by insurance.
- Canada: Licensed producers can deliver directly to patients; both domestic and export markets are active.
- Israel: Supervised by the Ministry of Health; integrated with hospital-based systems.
- Australia: Operates through individual applications; products can be imported upon doctor request.
- Malta: Focused on production and export; domestic sales are limited.
- North Macedonia: Only CBD oil production is allowed; priority is given to exports.
- Türkiye: Only active substance production is permitted; no access to the domestic market; fully monitored by the TMO and the Ministry.
At Cannactive, we are positioned at the heart of this evolving process. As of 2025, we aim to produce medical cannabis plants under official licenses in a fully enclosed and regulated environment. This cultivation is solely intended for the export of dried flower products.
Our production areas are structured in compliance with GMP standards. We conduct
transparent quality control, traceability, and laboratory analyses. Our team, which
collaborates with universities to contribute to scientific research, sees this not merely as an
agricultural endeavor, but as a strategic mission for Türkiye’s future.
With a commitment to ethical, sustainable, and science-based production, we at Cannactive
aim to position Türkiye as a global leader in the field of medical cannabis.
