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Travel Status
Do not travel
Medical Status
Legal — very limited
Recreational
Illegal
Controlled Drug Import
Not permitted
INCB Reference
Annex-1 available
Penalties
Severe — imprisonment

Current Travel Position

What this means for UK patients

While medical cannabis is technically available within Turkey's healthcare system on a very limited basis — restricted to last-resort cases only — this does not extend to travellers importing their own UK-prescribed cannabis-based products (CBPMs). There is no recognised pathway for a UK medical cannabis patient to lawfully bring their prescription medicine into Turkey.

If you are planning to travel to Turkey and rely on medical cannabis as part of your treatment, speak to your prescribing clinic as early as possible to discuss alternative medication options for the duration of your trip. Do not attempt to carry your prescription cannabis through Turkish customs under any circumstances.

Do you have updated information? If you have updates or new information regarding travel to Turkey with a cannabis prescription, please get in touch with PatientsCann UK. We will update this page as the situation changes.

Official Reference Documents

INCB Traveller Guidelines for Turkey

The United Nations International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) publishes country-specific guidelines for travellers carrying controlled substances. The Turkey guideline (Annex-1) outlines requirements that would theoretically apply to travellers carrying narcotic or psychotropic medicines into Turkey. These documents are provided for reference only.

Please note: The existence of an INCB guideline does not mean travel with a UK cannabis prescription to Turkey is currently permitted or safe. Always verify the current position directly with the Turkish Embassy in London and your prescribing clinic before travelling.

Official Documents & External Resources
INCB Turkey Traveller Guidelines (Annex-1) — PDF United Nations International Narcotics Control Board — official reference guidelines for travellers carrying controlled substances into Turkey (2017, English). For reference only — does not indicate travel with a UK CBPM is permitted. incb.org
Turkish Ministry of Trade — Passenger Transactions FAQ Official Turkish Customs authority guidance on rules for passengers, including items permitted in personal baggage. ticaret.gov.tr

Frequently Asked Questions

No — not with your cannabis medicine. Turkey does not permit the import of controlled drugs including cannabis prescriptions. A valid UK prescription provides no legal basis for importing cannabis-based products into Turkey. PatientsCann UK advises against carrying any CBPM into Turkey under any circumstances.
Medical cannabis is legal in Turkey only on an extremely limited basis — restricted to last-resort cases within the Turkish healthcare system. This does not extend to foreign patients importing their own medicines. Recreational cannabis is illegal in Turkey, and penalties for drug offences are severe.
Turkey has some of the strictest drug laws in Europe. Possession of cannabis can result in imprisonment. Drug trafficking carries very significant sentences. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) specifically advises travellers of Turkey's strict drug enforcement. A UK prescription does not protect you from prosecution under Turkish law.
Speak to your prescribing clinic as early as possible before travel. Your specialist may be able to prescribe an alternative, non-cannabis medication to cover the duration of your trip. Do not attempt to travel with your CBPM, and do not stop your medication abruptly without speaking to your doctor first — doing so can have significant health implications depending on your condition and dose.
The INCB publishes traveller guidelines for each country as reference documents, outlining how that country handles travellers who carry controlled medicines. The Turkey Annex-1 document is provided here for informational purposes only. The practical position — as understood by PatientsCann UK — is that travel to Turkey with a UK medical cannabis prescription is not possible. Always verify directly with the Turkish Embassy before making any travel plans.
Need more travel information?

Return to the full PatientsCann UK Travel Guide to check guidance for other countries, or find legal support if you've had an issue at the border.

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Disclaimer: This guide is provided by PatientsCann UK® for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. The travel situation for Turkey may change. Always verify the current position with the Turkish Embassy in London and the FCDO before travelling. PatientsCann UK accepts no liability for any legal issues arising from travel with cannabis-based medicines. Last reviewed: 2025.