Located on the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul is a large metropolis in Turkey that connects Europe and Asia. The several civilizations that have ruled over it have left their cultural marks on the Old City. The Hippodrome, an outdoor Roman arena in the Sultanahmet neighborhood, hosted chariot racing for centuries and still houses Egyptian obelisks. Rare Christian mosaics and a towering dome from the sixth century may be seen in the famous Byzantine Hagia Sophia. Now the big question, is smoking weed legal in Istanbul, Turkey? Also, Where can i buy Cannabis in Istanbul, Turkey?

Is Smoking Weed legal in Istanbul, Turkey?

In the Republic of Turkey, it is prohibited to consume cannabis for personal consumption, and violators risk severe prison sentences.

The Turkish government does, under extremely restricted circumstances, permit pharmaceutical usage and medicinal cannabis research. Notwithstanding the rationale, smoking marijuana or ingesting plant-based extracts containing any amount of THC is still strictly prohibited.

Medical Marijuana Laws in Istanbul, Turkey

Turkey now has a very strict drug policy, with simple possession carrying a jail sentence. As a result, no law in the Republic permits the use of any non-pharmaceutical medication for medicinal purposes.

Nonetheless, the Ministry of Health authorized the restricted distribution of medications derived from cannabis for medicinal uses in 2016. The approval was limited to physician-prescription only sublingual sprays like Sativex.

All other cannabis strains and complete plants are still illegal in the nation as of right now.

Medical Cannabis Is Only Legal in Limited Forms

In Turkey, medicinal cannabis is only permitted as sublingual cannabinoid medicine, and patients are required to receive a “red prescription” in order to obtain this drug. Red prescriptions, which are written especially for opioid medications, may be approved for serious ailments such as:

• Cancer
• Multiple sclerosis symptoms
• Psychiatric disorders
• Pain
• Spasms

Patients who want to use these herbal remedies must speak with a licensed medical professional who can write red prescriptions. After evaluating the patient’s condition, the doctor will decide if medicinal cannabis is the best course of action or a required one.

Can You Grow Cannabis in Istanbul, Turkey?

Turkey forbids the cultivation of cannabis sativa plants for the purpose of resale or use as psychoactive drugs. But the Republic just passed legislation legalizing the growing of industrial hemp.

In 2016, 19 Turkish provinces legalized the industrial production of hemp. The Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Livestock must provide approval to growers who wish to take part in the initiative. The maximum duration of a permit is three years.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey declared in 2019 that the country will extend its restricted hemp program to all growers.

According to the Hürriyet Daily News, Erdoğan declared, “Let us begin the process of cultivating industrial hemp. I am calling out to my nation.”

Where Can I Buy Cannabis in Istanbul, Turkey?

Istanbul offers easy access to cannabis and also a thriving nightlife. The hotel valet or the bartender at the club may sell you marijuana. You will be introduced to a cannabis dealer by them. You should avoid smoking while in open space and also watch out for the cops. Some well-liked places to get weed in Istanbul include;

1. Sortie 

2. Anjelique 

3. 360 Istanbul 

4. Klein Harbiye 

5. Suma Han 

6. Lucca