Notable 'health' proposal from the AKP

The Justice and Development Party (AKP) has submitted a new legislative proposal containing comprehensive regulations in the field of health to the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM). The regulation, titled "Draft Law on Amendments to Certain Laws Related to Health and Decree-Law No. 663," drew attention particularly with its clause regarding the sale of medical cannabis in pharmacies.

AKP Group Deputy Chairperson Leyla Şahin Usta shared the details of the proposal with the public at a press conference held in Parliament. Usta announced that in the new period, cannabis produced for medical purposes will now be available for sale in pharmacies in a controlled manner.

Usta used the following expressions:

"Considering the benefits of cannabis in the field of health globally, the scope of cannabis cultivation for obtaining active pharmaceutical ingredients is being expanded to include cultivation for medical products, health and support products, and personal care products. In this context, it is also aimed to meet the need for cannabis raw materials through domestic production in a controlled manner and to increase competitiveness in health services.

The processes related to the cultivation and harvesting of cannabis remain under the authority of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry; the processing, preparation, export, licensing, registration, authorization, and sale of medical cannabis are placed under the authority of the Ministry of Health. The sale of the products in question will be permitted only in pharmacies, and their control and safety will be ensured in this way. They will also be tracked via an electronic tracking system. Due to their effects on public health, a notification obligation to the drug tracking system is also being introduced for special medical-purpose foods, with the aim of protecting the supply chain."

News Source: 12punto