Turkey permits controlled cannabis production in 19 provinces

ANKARA

REUTERS photo

Cannabis production has been allowed in 19 provinces across Turkey in a controlled manner, in a bid to combat illegal production, according to a decree by the Food, Agriculture and Livestock Ministry in late September, the T24 news website reported.In line with the decree, ministry-sanctioned cannabis production will be possible in the provinces of Amasya, Antalya, Bartın, Burdur, Çorum, İzmir, Karabük, Kastamonu, Kayseri, Kütahya, Malatya, Ordu, Rize, Samsun, Sinop, Tokat, Uşak, Yozgat and Zonguldak.Permission will initially be effective for a maximum three-year period, according to the decree.In exceptional cases, the ministry will also be able to grant permission in other provinces if the production is for “scientific purposes.”When applying for a license, potential producers will need to offer a warrant showing they have not been involved in any illegal cannabis production activity or narcotics production, dealing or use.Ministry officials will check cannabis fields at least once a month before the start of the harvest season, according to the decree.It also stipulates that authorized producers will need to dispose all parts of the cannabis plant after the harvest period in order to prevent drug production.