Is CBD legal in Turkey?

Legal framework in Turkey (overview)

Is CBD legal in Turkey under narcotics law?

The central law for CBD legality in Turkey is the Law No. 2313 on the Control of Narcotic Substances. It:

• prohibits the production, import, export and sale of “esrar” (cannabis/hashish)
• allows the government to extend these controls to other substances (Arts. 3, 19)
• requires controlled substances that are found to be seized (Art. 20).

Cannabis extracts and THC‑containing preparations are treated as controlled narcotic substances. In practice, this can include many CBD oils, vapes and extracts.

Hemp cultivation vs. CBD products

Turkey does allow regulated hemp cultivation, but this does not mean that CBD products are freely legal.

• A special framework for hemp cultivation for active‑substance production (in force since 13.09.2024) covers medical and industrial uses. It does not apply to over‑the‑counter “CBD oils” sold as food supplements.
• “Industrial” hemp cultivation is only possible:
  • with official approval, and
  • in regions specifically designated by the authorities.
  Authorities at provincial level implement the procedures, based on the regulation in the Resmî Gazete (29.09.2016, No. 29842). (tokat.tarimorman.gov.tr)

Food supplement rules for CBD in Turkey

CBD law in Turkey is also shaped by food supplement regulations. The Ministry of Agriculture maintains:

• a “Kısıtlı Maddeler Listesi” (restricted/positive list) and
• a “Bitki Listesi” (positive list of plants).

Only substances and plants that appear on these lists may be used in food supplements in Turkey (as of 31.07.2025). Whether a CBD oil or capsule is marketable therefore depends on these official lists.

Criminal law: penalties for cannabis and CBD products

Under the Turkish Penal Code (TCK):

• Art. 188 covers production and trade in narcotic substances.
• Art. 191 covers possession and use of narcotic substances.

If a CBD product is classified as a cannabis extract or a THC‑containing preparation, these criminal provisions may apply. (lexpera.com.tr)

Entering Turkey with CBD: what applies at the border?

Can you bring CBD to Turkey as a traveller?

When looking at CBD travel rules for Turkey, the customs rules are crucial. Official guidance on traveller’s goods lists:

• general duty‑free allowances (for example alcohol, tobacco, cosmetics) and
• personal belongings.

Narcotic substances do not fall under duty‑free allowances. Medicines may only be carried:

• with proof (prescription or medical certificate) and
• only in “reasonable quantities” for personal use.

(gumrukrehberi.gov.tr, ticaret.gov.tr)

How customs may treat CBD products

Because cannabis extracts and THC‑containing preparations are classed as controlled substances, CBD products can be at risk of seizure, especially if they:

• are extracted from flowers or leaves, or
• contain any measurable THC.

In such cases they may be treated as narcotics under Law 2313 and seized at the border (Art. 20). (hsgm.saglik.gov.tr)

Import risk by CBD product type

If you decide to carry CBD despite the risks, it is advisable to have:

• a printed, batch‑specific certificate of analysis (COA) stating “THC not detectable”
• the original packaging
• a medical certificate if applicable.

This does not make the product lawful but may assist during checks. (ticaret.gov.tr)

Purchase, possession and use of CBD in Turkey

Buying and selling CBD products in Turkey

For CBD legality in Turkey’s domestic market, the key question is whether a product’s ingredients are on the official supplement lists.

Purchase/sale:

• CBD‑containing products may only be marketed as food supplements if every substance or plant they contain appears on the official “restricted/positive” lists.
• If there is no listing, or if the product is a cannabis extract from flowers/leaves, sale is not permitted.
• Authorities actively monitor food supplements and can take action against non‑compliant products.

(tarimorman.gov.tr, guvenilirgida.tarimorman.gov.tr)

Possession and use: potential criminal aspects

Possession/use: The TCK sanctions possession and use of narcotic substances. Whether a specific CBD oil, capsule or cream falls under this depends on its legal classification, for example as:

• a cannabis extract, or
• a THC‑containing preparation.

In case of doubt, seizure and criminal proceedings are possible. (lexpera.com.tr)

Important distinction: hemp seed vs. cannabis extracts

Turkish law treats different parts of the plant differently:

• Hemp seeds and hemp seed oil are not equated with “esrar” (cannabis/hashish).
• Flowers, leaves and extracts derived from them are, however, a main focus of control.

(hsgm.saglik.gov.tr)

Regional differences in hemp cultivation (for context)

Hemp (kenevir) cultivation in Turkey requires official approval. The administration:

• defines which areas are permitted, and
• supervises cultivation and control measures.

Guidance from provincial authorities such as Tokat İl Tarım ve Orman Müdürlüğü refers to the national regulation and explains local procedures. For tourists this is only indirectly relevant, but it shows how strictly cannabis and hemp are regulated. (tokat.tarimorman.gov.tr)

Why CBD is treated differently in the EU – and why that does not apply in Turkey

International and EU context

The WHO has stated that pure CBD shows no evidence of abuse or dependence potential and, on its own, is not listed under international control. (who.int)

In the EU, the Court of Justice of the European Union in case C‑663/18 (“Kanavape”) decided that:

• CBD is not a narcotic drug within the meaning of the UN conventions, and
• EU rules on the free movement of goods therefore apply to CBD products that are lawfully produced in one Member State.

This judgement, however, applies only within the EU internal market. Turkish law is not bound by it and can classify CBD and cannabis extracts differently. (cov.com)

Checklist for tourists: CBD travel rules for Turkey

• If possible, do not carry CBD when entering Turkey; especially avoid flowers, vapes, or oils/extracts from flowers or leaves.
• If it is unavoidable for medical reasons:
  • carry a prescription or medical certificate in your name
  • keep everything in original packaging
  • have a COA showing “THC not detectable”
  • limit quantities to what you need for the duration of your trip
  • if needed, contact your airline and Turkish customs in advance.
  (ticaret.gov.tr)
• At the airport, follow liquid regulations, answer security questions clearly and present your documentation if asked.
• If you are considering buying products in Turkey, only look at items that clearly do not advertise CBD, such as plain hemp seed oil, and that appear compatible with Turkish food law. (tarimorman.gov.tr)

Primary sources and further information

• Law No. 2313 “Uyuşturucu Maddelerin Murakabesi Hakkında Kanun” (official publication including PDF). (hsgm.saglik.gov.tr)
• Hemp regulations:
  • General cultivation/control regulation (29.09.2016, RG 29842) – information from Tokat İl Tarım Orman. (tokat.tarimorman.gov.tr)
  • Regulation for active‑substance cultivation (13.09.2024) – ministry notice with Resmî Gazete link. (tarimorman.gov.tr)
• Food supplements:
  • “Takviye Edici Gıdalar – Kısıtlı Maddeler Listesi” (PDF; as of 31.07.2025). (tarimorman.gov.tr)
  • Consumer information on the “Bitki Listesi” (positive list of plants). (guvenilirgida.tarimorman.gov.tr)
• Customs/entry:
  • Customs duty‑free allowances for travellers (official guide). (gumrukrehberi.gov.tr)
  • Ministry of Trade – FAQs on “Yolcu Muafiyetleri”, including information on medicines. (ticaret.gov.tr)
• Criminal law:
  • TCK Art. 188 (production/trade) – consolidated version. (lexpera.com.tr)
  • TCK Art. 191 (possession/use). (lexpera.com.tr)
• Context:
  • WHO: Q&A on CBD and international control status. (who.int)
  • CJEU C‑663/18 (“Kanavape”): CBD not classified as a narcotic drug under UN conventions; implications for the EU internal market (not applicable in Turkey). (cov.com)

FAQ for travellers

Can I take my EU‑compliant CBD oil to Turkey?

This is legally risky. Compliance with EU rules does not provide protection at the Turkish border. Extracts from flowers or leaves are particularly problematic and may be treated as controlled substances. Seizure is possible. (hsgm.saglik.gov.tr)

Is there a THC limit for CBD in Turkey (e.g. 0.2–0.3%)?

For travellers there is no fixed “tolerance limit” for THC in CBD products similar to some EU rules. The decisive factor is whether a product is classified as a controlled substance under Turkish law, not the exact THC percentage. (hsgm.saglik.gov.tr)

Are CBD cosmetics legal in Turkey?

The same principle applies as for other CBD products. Ingredients must comply with both cosmetics law and narcotics law. If a cosmetic contains “cannabis extract”, there is a risk it will be treated as a controlled substance. (hsgm.saglik.gov.tr)

I use CBD prescribed by a doctor. What should I do when travelling to Turkey?

Carry:

• a certificate or prescription in your name
• the original packaging
• only a quantity that matches the duration of your stay
• a translation into English or Turkish, if possible.

It is advisable to clarify the situation with your airline and Turkish customs in advance. (ticaret.gov.tr)