New government regulations will allow highly-controlled and ministry-sanctioned cannabis production in selected provinces for medical and scientific purposes

Turkey has legalised cannabis production in 19 provinces in order to crackdown on illegal production, according to new regulations by The Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock.

Published in the Official Gazette in late September, "Hemp Cultivation and Control of Regulations" will allow highly-controlled and ministry-sanctioned cannabis production in the selected provinces for medical and scientific purposes.

Under the regulations, growers must obtain permission from the government allowing them to grow the plant for a three-year-period, Turkish newspaper The Hurriyet reports.

Potential growers must produce a warrant proving they have not been involved in any illegal cannabis production activity or narcotic production or use in the past.

Ministry officials will also check cannabis fields each month before the start of the harvest season, and monitor them for any signs of illegal activity,...