Hemp Cultivation Permit in Turkey

What is the legal framework for industrial hemp in Turkey?

Industrial hemp cultivation was re-authorised in Turkey in 2016 under a controlled licensing framework. Cultivation is permitted only with an annual licence from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, using approved low-THC varieties, and in designated provinces. The regulatory framework can change from year to year; always verify the current rules from an authorised official source. For a broad overview of industrial hemp cultivation see the hemp hub page.

What does the application process involve?

1. Understand the conditions before applying

Before starting paperwork:

• Confirm whether hemp cultivation licences are available in your province for the current year
• Review the approved variety list — it is not fixed
• Determine whether contract farming with a processor or buyer is required and identify the counterparty

2. Prepare the documentation

Commonly required:

• Identity or legal entity documentation
• Land information (title deed, lease agreement, parcel identification)
• Declaration of the approved variety to be planted
• If contract farming: signed agreement with the purchasing/processing company
• Storage and handling capacity information, where required

Note: Required documentation can vary between years and applications. Follow the official application guide as the definitive reference.

3. Submit to the relevant provincial authority

Applications are submitted through provincial directorates. Timing is critical — a late submission may be technically complete but operationally too late for that growing season.

4. Monitoring and THC testing

After permit approval, compliance obligations begin. Be prepared for field inspection visits. THC analysis is conducted under Ministry supervision at or before harvest. Crops exceeding the THC threshold may be ordered for destruction. For details on how harvest timing interacts with THC sampling requirements, see the hemp harvest and drying guide.

What does field experience teach about planning the permit?

The permit process is administrative, not technical — but the technical decisions that shape the crop (variety selection, area size, contract terms) are made before the permit is submitted. Making those decisions after approval limits flexibility and wastes time. Work the seasonal calendar backwards from planting date and start the process accordingly. Once the permit is in place, having a pest and disease management plan ready before the season begins is the next critical step — see the hemp pest and disease management guide.