Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan Issues Important Warning Against "Medical Cannabis Law"

Nevzat Tarhan, Founding Rector of Üsküdar University and psychiatrist, has sent a letter to Grand National Assembly Speaker Prof. Dr. Numan Kurtulmuş expressing serious concerns about the legal regulation that paves the way for cannabis production for medicinal purposes on the TBMM agenda.

A bill introducing regulations in the healthcare field has passed through the TBMM Health Commission and reached the General Assembly agenda. According to the proposal, medicinal products derived from cannabis, health and support products will be made available to patients on the condition that they are sold only in pharmacies.

Nevzat Tarhan, Founding Rector of Üsküdar University and psychiatrist, in his letter addressed to Grand National Assembly Speaker Prof. Dr. Numan Kurtulmuş, expressed serious societal concerns about the legal regulation that opens the way for cannabis production for medicinal purposes.

Cannabis is frequently used as the first choice substance among 'substance-dependent' patients
The letter addressed to TBMM Speaker Prof. Dr. Numan Kurtulmuş laid out the potential dangers of the law. In his letter, Prof. Dr. Tarhan stated: "According to information I have obtained from the media, the Cannabis Law is on its way to be placed on the agenda of our Grand National Assembly for enactment. The industrial advantages of cannabis production are known. However, high risks are also known in doses and formulations designed for clinical applications. Cannabis is frequently used as the first choice substance among 'substance-dependent' patients. These patients are difficult cases for clinicians working in addiction treatment." He thus drew attention to the use of cannabis in psychiatric treatment.

This law carries the potential to increase violence in healthcare
In his letter, noting that the patients causing the most violence in outpatient clinics and emergency departments belong to this group, Prof. Dr. Tarhan stated: "This law carries the potential to increase violence in healthcare. There is a causal relationship between this group's frequency of substance use and domestic violence, family disintegration, and the decline in fertility rates and marriage rates. According to statistics on crime cases in society, more than 50 percent involve patients using mixed substances. These are the cases most controlled by the probation system. With the passage of this law, the probation system will be weakened." He also shared his projection.

Even under the name of medical cannabis, this practice will cause a 'demand explosion'
In his letter, noting that he believes the "Supply prevention" work conducted by the Ministry of Interior will be greatly derailed, Prof. Dr. Tarhan stated: "While 'demand reduction' efforts, known as primary, secondary and tertiary prevention in combating addiction, are more important, this practice, even under the name of medical cannabis, will cause a 'demand explosion.' At-risk youth and families are being handed a new bundle of problems that will make them think 'it's already legal.' The 'Probation' work conducted by the Ministry of Justice will become inoperable. Because patients avoid using it out of fear that if they test positive for THC (cannabis) in their urine, they will be arrested."

It would be a 'historical mistake'!
Prof. Dr. Tarhan also mentioned that Germany, the most recent country to legalize this matter, admitted state incapacity by saying 'we cannot control it anyway, so let's at least allow controlled use,' and in light of academic literature, he outlined his concerns regarding societal impact and addiction epidemic as follows:

"'CBD oil' can be a medicine. It has widespread use in oncological pain treatment and by neurology specialists. It is recommended in neurological conditions such as epilepsy and MS. Use in cancer pain and childhood epilepsy exists and is recommended, just like opium, that is, morphine, and can be used appropriately with existing and recommended legislation. International academic literature shows that medical cannabis legalization is a complex issue with both benefits and significant risks.

Just as morphine-like drugs are imported, this could be obtained through the same method. Rather than thinking of treating 1,000 patients, one should consider this. However, once we set out on this path, ignoring the 'global addiction epidemic' we would unleash on Turkey, sociopsychological damage, cultural dissolution, and value erosion would be a 'historical mistake.'

Studies conducted after legalization have reported in literature: 'In substance use disorders generally 25 percent increase, according to the UN 33 percent increase. 35 percent increase in chronic homelessness. 13 percent increase in arrest rates.'

If we don't want our streets to smell like cannabis like the USA and Canada, we must reconsider!
Prof. Dr. Tarhan, pointing out that the proposal has not yet been enacted and provides an opportunity for comprehensive evaluation and additional measures, stated: "In terms of public health and the future, a scientific evidence-based, gradual and strictly controlled approach should be adopted. Substances with one benefit and nine harms are not medicine but poison. Even if cannabis is weakened, it should be evaluated like morphine.

For this, by adding medical cannabis production in medicinal form to domestic medicinal cannabis production, and not falling into the game of 'those acting with capitalist profit lust,' I wish to express my sensitivity that our TBMM does not facilitate the 'normalization of evil' process. If we do not want our streets to smell like cannabis like the USA and Canada, we must reconsider." he emphasized.

It will cause 'perception change' toward 'normalization of use'
Prof. Dr. Tarhan, noting that with the regulation dated 13 September 2024 and numbered 32661, cannabis can be produced for industrial purposes, stated: "Production in medicinal form and the irrational competition expectation in this matter will cause serious 'perception change toward normalization of use' with effects on family and social life. All parents' resistance against their children will be broken. This is a grave burden." he warned.