Turkey passes law allowing sale of cannabis in pharmacies

A new bill passed by the Turkish Grand National Assembly, consisting of 29 articles, significantly updates regulations in the healthcare sector. The main changes concern the licensing of cannabis-based medicines, private medical practice, family medicine, and stricter control over medical advertising, pharmacy operations, and optics.

Control of cannabis-based medicines

According to the law, the licensing, production, processing, sale, and export of cannabis-based medications will fall exclusively under the authority of the Ministry of Health. Medications without narcotic effects will be dispensed strictly by prescription and only through licensed pharmacies. All control procedures will be coordinated with the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

Drug tracking system

A centralized system for tracking all medications — from production to use — will be established. This will help combat counterfeit and illegal products and ensure effective supply planning and stock monitoring. Violations will be subject to administrative penalties.

Changes for private doctors and medical staff

The law allows doctors working in private hospitals to practice simultaneously in two institutions. This provision will come into force on June 1, 2026. Professional statuses have also been revised: nuclear medicine technicians and dental prosthetics technicians are officially recognized as medical professionals, while junior nurses and midwives are merged into a new category — “medical technician.”

Family medicine reform

To increase the number of specialists, a four-year contractual specialization system (SAHU) in family medicine will be introduced for already practicing doctors. Workforce planning will extend through 2035.

Medical infrastructure and development

The law permits the establishment of medical institutions, such as emergency care units and family health centers, in public parks with an area of at least 2,500 square meters.

Combating misleading advertising

Sanctions are introduced against private clinics that use misleading advertising to attract patients. Such actions will be treated as unfair competition and will result in administrative measures.

Tighter regulations for optics

Optics must operate strictly in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Health. Violations are subject to administrative fines ranging from 100,000 to 1 million Turkish lira.

The law marks an important step toward modernizing and centralizing Turkey’s healthcare system, enhancing control, transparency, and the safety of medical services and products.