2026 Hemp Regulation: New Horizons and Opportunities in Exportation

The Regulation on Hemp Breeding and Control, which came into force on 31 January 2026, opens a new chapter in Turkey's economic history. This arrangement transforms cannabis from just a traditional agricultural product to a strategic export pen with a focus on medical, industrial and high-tech.

Below is a comprehensive assessment of Turkey's cannabis strategy and its potential in the global market in light of this new regulation.

Executive Summary

The new regulation discipline the production of cannabis in Turkey while at the same time offering an economic model compatible with the global "Green Covenant" goals. Launched in 21 strategic provinces, this process aims to increase the share taken from world trade with niche products with high added value. This new export-oriented vision is focused on developing high-tech products in sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals and automotive, rather than on the sale of raw materials.

1. 2026 Hemp Regulation and New Production Zones

The provinces designated for cannabis production under the regulation cover the most powerful regions of Turkey in terms of logistics, industry and agricultural diversity. For exporters and manufacturers, these provinces are critical to access to raw material and opportunities for clustering. These provinces include:

Amasya, Antalya, Bartın, Batman, Burdur, Çorum, İzmir, Karabük, Kastamonu, Kayseri, Kütahya, Malatya, Ordu, Rize, Samsun, Sinop, Sivas, Tokat, Uşak, Yozgat and Zonguldak.

This geographical distribution allows for the establishment of a wide supply chain from the Black Sea to the Aegean using species of cannabis grown in different climatic conditions. The concentration of medical-purpose manufacturing processes in these areas under state supervision will ensure that Turkey is positioned as a reliable supplier in the international market.

2. Global Export Opportunities in Hemp Products

Hemp offers a massive market with the potential to be the main input of thousands of different products:

Textile and Sustainable Fashion: Hemp fiber, which consumes much less water than cotton and offers high durability, is the most important part of the sustainable fashion movement in Europe. The export of anti-bacterial fabric adds value in the textile industry.
Medical Products and Cosmetics: The medical-purpose production permit, which comes with the regulation, has established a legal basis. Oils, extracts and personal care products produced, adhering to the 0.3% THC limit, are in high demand in the global health sector.
Biocomposites and Automotive: Hemp fibers are preferred in automotive interiors with a durable and lightweight structure that can be used instead of plastic. This paves the way for us to become a supplier of green parts for our automotive subsidiary industry.

3. Green Transformation and Supports in Hemp Production

Within the framework of the Green Covenant, hemp production acts as a carbon sink for Turkey. Support in this scope will increase the competitiveness of the exporter:

Carbon Certification: Kenevirin's high carbon absorption capacity allows manufacturers to register carbon credits and trade these credits in international markets.
Investment Loans: Entrepreneurs who will establish cannabis processing facilities are offered long-term and low-interest financing models as part of strategic investment.
R&D and Grant Programs: Supports through TÜBİTAK and KOSGEB encourage the development of value-added products from cannabis.
Tax Advantages: Various tax deductions and exemptions are foreseen for processing facilities that generate their own energy from renewable sources.

4. Application Roadmap for Hemp Export

For institutions and entrepreneurs who want to operate in this field, the following steps are critical:

Legal Application Process: Applications to the relevant Provincial or County Agricultural Directorates must be made in full by April 1, 2026.
Seed Selection and Contracted Agriculture: Native seed supply should be provided in accordance with the product demand in the target market (liflicity or seedling), and contractual production models should be developed.
Standardization and traceability: At each stage of production, technological tracking systems must be installed that will keep the THC limit of 0.3% under control.
International Certification: Preparations for organic agriculture or sustainable production documents requested by target markets must be completed.
Market Analysis: Long-term supply agreements should be targeted by analyzing the raw material needs of global industrial giants.

New regulation, Turkey's sustainable development In line with its goals, it offers an important opportunity for it to take on a quarterback role in world trade.

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