The use of medical cannabis is widespread in the treatment of many pains.

With the enactment of the "Law Proposal on Amendments to Certain Health-Related Laws and Decree Law No. 663," which is currently being debated in the Turkish Grand National Assembly, it will be possible to sell various products derived from cannabis in pharmacies. Sıla Özlem Şener, PhD, a faculty member in the Department of Pharmacognosy at Gülhane Education and Research Hospital, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Health Sciences, stated that medicinal cannabis has been observed to have significant effects, particularly in a type of epilepsy called 'Dravet syndrome.' She said, "In fact, it has been approved for use by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There is various data and documents indicating that medicinal cannabis has been used as a pain reliever since ancient times. Furthermore, similar use was also seen in Ancient Rome. Its use was quite widespread in the 1800s, especially in the 1900s. At that time, the idea arose that we could treat many disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and epilepsy, with substances highly effective in two different cell groups. This is because its particularly high protective activity on neurons has been observed."

'POSITIVE RESULTS ON ALZHEMIR'S DISEASE'

Dr. Şener stated that cannabis has been used to suppress nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy in cancer patients and to alleviate weight loss in AIDS patients. He continued, "Studies are also showing positive results for Alzheimer's disease. Recreational use of cannabis is absolutely not recommended. Therefore, it must be regulated and restricted. Otherwise, avoiding the notion that it is 'harmful' will prevent us from discovering its medical use or any therapeutic potential. If it is controlled, which should be under the supervision of a physician, and sold in pharmacies, it must also be conducted under the supervision of the Ministry of Health. In fact, the current and planned bill is already underway, within a specific control mechanism, to address its medical use."

'IT IS BRINGED FROM ABROAD WITH SPECIAL PERMISSION'

Şener also emphasized that its use is not recommended for those with liver disease or liver failure, saying, "There is also data showing positive results in psychiatric disorders. There is also data suggesting it worsens existing conditions. There are actually conflicting studies in this regard. Therefore, it is recommended that it be used cautiously in some psychiatric disorders. However, it is also used in patients with kidney failure and hypertension, but if hypotension is not balanced as a side effect, it can have negative effects. It is also assumed that it is used against diabetes in some diabetic patients, but we can say that it should be used under supervision in diabetic patients as well. We can say that the medical use of cannabis is increasing globally. Legal procedures and legal grounds are being expanded globally. In our country, these medications are imported from abroad with a few special permits. Medications specifically intended to relieve nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy can be imported under the regulations of the Turkish Pharmacists' Association."

Dr. Şener, noting that it is used for medical purposes in over 30 states in the US, Germany, Canada, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands, said, "Both FDA-approved and unapproved versions are used for the treatment of epilepsy. In Türkiye, two different institutes in Yozgat and Samsun are conducting research on hemp. Industrial production is ongoing there, and it can be used in a variety of sectors, from construction to textiles. Hemp also has nutritional potential. Its medicinal uses and research are ongoing worldwide. Increasing production in this area, improving controls, quality control systems, and good manufacturing practices will pave the way for the medical use of hemp. Saying, 'This is harmful, let's not study it,' will prevent us from discovering its beneficial effects."

'Türkiye IS SUITABLE FOR HEMP FARMING'

Şener also stated that the biggest drawback is cannabis's potential for addiction, saying, "However, there are clinical studies that have shown very positive improvements in everything from skin health to gastrointestinal health, cardiovascular health, and cognitive function. Why shouldn't all of this be possible in Türkiye? Similarly, if research in Türkiye is supported, new drug molecules could be discovered. Turkey is quite suitable for cannabis cultivation, and if all these are met, adequate analyses and controls are conducted, sales are permitted in pharmacies, it can be obtained under doctor-to-doctor supervision, with a doctor's prescription, and if the Ministry of Health oversees its cultivation, and the Ministry of Agriculture oversees its cultivation, some of these anticipated or anticipated effects could be eliminated."

DHA

Reporter: News Center