This year, the president of Turkey formally announced 19 provinces in Turkey will be allowed to grow cannabis plants. They want to use the hemp parts of the plant for industrial purposes such as fuel, construction equipment, paper, cosmetics, food, oil and many more. This is in addition to the already allowed hemp parts like seed, fiber, and stems. Under the new regulations, new permits will be issued according to demand, monitoring will take place, and consequences for illegal activities.
Many countries around the world are taking swift action to decriminalize the cannabis plant. Not only the hemp part but also the marijuana part (leaves and flowers) for medical and personal usage. Time is of the essence for Turkey to take immediate steps to be in a prime position to capture market share and not be left in the dust. Check out this list of countries that are already ahead of the game.
Since Turkey has the right climate, soil, know how, and history to produce prime cannabis varieties, it can easily transform its idle farms into cannabis producing fields of “gold.” For many thousands of years in this region, cannabis was widely grown and used in textiles and medicine. Up until about 1971, Turkey was a big player in the cannabis market. However, later under pressure from certain countries, it was heavily restricted due to international narcotic norms.
Benefits for Turkey to harvest marijuana:
- more jobs
- increase in medical tourism
- tax revenue
- increased exports
- cut funding sources to PKK
- farm revival
- nargile/marijuana bars
Obviously, marijuana has some negative health effects as well as other legalized drugs like alcohol and tobacco. However, alcohol and tobacco are proven to be very harmful, killing tens of millions of people annually all over the world whereas Marijuana has not. Ongoing research indicates that using it may have many concrete medical benefits for a variety health conditions, according to WebMD. As for its recreational use, which is similar to alcohol, consumption can be based on an individual’s choice with THC (Delta 9, a psychoactive ingredient which is responsible for making you feel high) levels being highly restricted and designated by Turkish health officials, so you will not be harmed.
As for the the president’s party and supporters, decriminalizatjion is strong because it does not violate their religious rules. Regarding old Islamic rules, marijuana was never directly mentioned, but newer rules allow for medical use. Still, the view of marijuana is much better than alcohol, which is forbidden (Haram) in Islam. In addition, since alcohol is legal along with smoking, marijuana consumption for personal use should not run into opposition from moderates and conservative law makers in the party.
Taking everything into consideration, the cannabis plant (hemp & Marijuana) is a win-win for Turkey.
