29.06.2025 13:41
Murat Ülker, a board member of Yıldız Holding and Turkey's richest businessman, reacted to the regulation regarding "hemp" included in the bill presented to the Parliament. Calling on the lawmakers, Ülker stated that the proposed change in the law could lead to social disasters and argued that the problems arising from this change would never be manageable if it were to take place.
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Recently, a 29-article bill proposing various changes in the health sector was presented to the Parliament, which includes the legalization of medical cannabis sales in pharmacies.
MURAT ÜLKER CALLED ON MPs
While the regulation has brought discussions, a statement regarding the issue came from Murat Ülker, who, according to Forbes Magazine, is Turkey's richest businessman with a fortune of $5.3 billion. In his call to the members of parliament, Murat Ülker, a board member of Yıldız Holding, stated that the proposed regulation could lead to social disasters.
Ülker's statement is as follows: "Dear Members of Parliament, this bill presented under the guise of cannabis farming and medical product production may seem like an opportunity for health and the economy on the surface, but upon deeper examination, it opens a serious door to danger for our society, especially for our youth. The cannabis plant is resilient, fast-growing, and a low-cost agricultural product by nature. The real challenge is not production, but controlling and regulating it. It spreads rapidly, like pigs and rabbits, and can get out of control.
"IT HAS RESULTED IN SOCIAL DISASTERS"
Of course, controlled production and use of medical cannabis are accepted in some countries around the world. However, many of these examples have unfortunately resulted in social disasters such as increased substance use, a decrease in the age of addiction, easier access to cannabis derivatives on the streets, and the growth of organized crime gangs. In the Netherlands, considered the stronghold of this issue, while sales have been tolerated under the "coffee shop" model implemented since the 1970s, production is not legal, there is no trained supply chain, and cultivation is prohibited. Have you ever wondered why?
"DEATHS, TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS, AND CHILDHOOD MORTALITIES"
Look, Canada is presented as a "model country" in this regard. However, research conducted in Canada has revealed that cannabis use, especially among young people aged 15-24, increased by 40% after the law was enacted. Although it is said that the law is only for medical cannabis, we have all witnessed how these boundaries have been stretched over time. Today, cannabis is sold on almost every street corner in Canada, and young people can easily access it. Similarly, in the USA, the process that started with medical cannabis has now expanded to recreational use in 24 states. So what is the result? Substance-related deaths, traffic accidents, and childhood addictions are at a historic peak. In the state of Colorado, there has been a 62% increase in traffic accidents related to cannabis use following the legalization.
"IT CHANGES ITS CLOTHES BUT..."
Dear members of parliament, we, as Turkey, are a country that has not yet solved the fake alcohol problem, losing dozens of our citizens to it every year. Deaths related to substance use are increasing every year. The age of addiction has dropped to middle school. We all know how drug barons grow and seek new areas. Justifying cannabis farming under the name of "industry" or "medicine" means opening a new and legal backdoor for these gangs. Don’t think we can control it. World examples tell us this: The trade of illegal substances changes its disguise but never abandons its purpose.
"THERE ARE SOME RISKS THAT CAN NEVER BE MANAGED"
With what guarantee of control will we present this substance, which even the Ottomans banned despite knowing its economic benefits, to society today? Considering Turkey's social structure, the density of the young population, and existing addiction problems, this law will lead to irreversible harm. The door you will open today by calling it "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 balance of imports and exports, or economic returns. This issue is about the health of our youth and the future of our society. Please do not forget: There are some risks that can never be managed. Saying "no" to this bill is not just a vote; it is standing up for the youth and the future of this country.
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