No, Kava is classified as a controlled substance under Turkey’s 2023 amendments to the Turkish Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law (Law No. 2313), prohibiting its import, sale, or possession without a medical license. The Ministry of Health’s 2024 circular explicitly lists Piper methysticum as a restricted plant, aligning with EU-style narcotic scheduling. Enforcement prioritizes border seizures, with customs authorities under the Revenue Administration collaborating with the Turkish Pharmacists’ Association to monitor compliance.
Key Regulations for Kava in Turkey
- Controlled Substance Status: Kava is listed under Schedule V of the 2023 amendments, requiring a prescription for any use, including traditional preparations.
- Import/Export Ban: Unlicensed import or export violates Article 19 of Law No. 2313, punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment under narcotics trafficking statutes.
- Medical Exemption: Only licensed pharmacies may dispense kava-based products, and solely for approved therapeutic indications (e.g., anxiety disorders), per the 2025 Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (TITCK) guidelines.