Murat Ülker addresses members of parliament: He reacts to that legislative proposal!

The proposal to "legalize the sale of medical cannabis in pharmacies," included in a 29-article legislative draft submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) regarding health regulations, has sparked controversy. Murat Ülker, one of Turkey's wealthiest businesspeople, has warned the public and members of parliament against the regulation in question.

"THE DOOR TO SOCIAL DISASTERS WILL BE OPENED"

In a statement on his social media account, Ülker said, "If this law is passed, not only public health but our social structure will be under serious threat. It will be impossible to combat this issue, which is very difficult to control." Ülker emphasized that public health should not be put at risk by hiding behind medical justifications.

Murat Ülker's statements are as follows:

"Dear Members of Parliament,

This legislative proposal, presented under the guise of hemp cultivation and medical product manufacturing, may appear on the surface to be an opportunity for health and the economy, but when examined in depth, it opens a door to serious danger for our society and especially our youth. Hemp is a plant, and it is technically quite easy to produce cannabis with high tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content from this plant. By its nature, the plant is a durable, fast-growing, and low-cost agricultural product. The real difficulty is not production, but controlling and supervising it. It spreads rapidly and goes out of control, much like pigs and rabbits.

"IT HAS RESULTED IN SOCIAL DISASTERS"

Of course, the controlled production and use of medical cannabis is accepted in some countries around the world. However, most of these examples have unfortunately resulted in social disasters such as an increase in substance use, a decrease in the age of addiction, cannabis derivatives becoming more easily accessible on the streets, and the growth of organized crime gangs. In the Netherlands, considered the stronghold of this business, while sales are tolerated in the 'coffee shop' model, production is not legal, there is no trained supply chain, and cultivation is prohibited. Have you ever wondered why?

"DEATHS, TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS, AND CHILDHOOD DEATHS"

Look, Canada is presented as an 'example country' in this regard. However, research conducted in Canada has revealed that after the law was passed, cannabis use increased by 40 percent, especially among youth aged 15-24. Although it was said that the law was only for medical cannabis, we have all witnessed how these boundaries have been stretched over time. Today in Canada, cannabis is sold on almost every street corner, and young people can easily access it. Similarly, in the US, the process that started with medical cannabis has now expanded to recreational use in 24 states. And the result? Substance-related deaths, traffic accidents, and addictions starting at a young age are at historic highs. In the state of Colorado, there has been a 62 percent increase in traffic accidents related to cannabis use following the legal regulation.

"IT CHANGES ITS DISGUISE BUT..."

Dear members of parliament, as Turkey, we are a country that has not yet been able to solve the problem of counterfeit alcohol and loses dozens of our people to it every year. Substance-related deaths are increasing every year. The age of addiction has dropped to middle school. We all know how illegal substance barons grow and how they look for new areas. Legitimizing hemp cultivation under the name of 'industry' or 'medicine' means opening a new and legal back door for these gangs. Do not think that we can control it. Global examples tell us this: The illegal substance trade changes its disguise, but it never gives up on its goal.

"THERE ARE SOME RISKS THAT CAN NEVER BE MANAGED"

With what guarantee of supervision will we present this substance to society today, which even the Ottoman Empire banned despite knowing its economic benefits? Considering Turkey's social structure, the density of its young population, and existing addiction problems, this law will cause irreversible damage. The door you open today by saying 'medical' will turn into an unhealable wound in the hands of our children on the streets tomorrow. This issue is not about the profits of pharmaceutical companies, the import-export balance, or economic gains. This issue is about the health of our youth and the future of our society.

Please remember: There are some risks that can never be managed.

Saying 'no' to this legislative proposal is not just a vote; it is protecting the youth and the future of this country."

News Source: 12punto