The Possibility of Legalising Cannabis in Türkiye: A Multi-Perspectival Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Users, Addiction Specialists and Legal Professionals

Abstract

Introduction: In Türkiye, cannabis use and possession are illegal, yet global shifts toward decriminalisation and legalisation have intensified local debates. Existing research largely focuses on policy outcomes, overlooking how legalisation is experienced and interpreted in strictly prohibitive contexts. This study explores how the possibility of cannabis legalisation is perceived by active users, addiction specialists and criminal lawyers, and the meanings they attribute to this potential shift. Method: A multi-perspectival interpretative phenomenological analysis was employed. Using purposive and snowball sampling, 25 participants were recruited: 10 active cannabis users, 10 addiction specialists and 5 criminal lawyers in Diyarbakır. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and analysed following interpretative phenomenological analysis principles. Results: The analysis developed three interconnected, group-specific themes. Users emphasised normalisation, reduced stigma and safer access. Specialists highlighted risks to mental health and limited treatment capacity, expressing concern about commercialisation. Lawyers foregrounded legal ambiguities, particularly the distinction between users and dealers, evaluating legalisation in terms of legal clarity and justice. Discussion and Conclusions: The findings show that legalisation is interpreted through diverse and sometimes conflicting perspectives shaped by lived experiences and professional roles. The study contributes to the literature by providing empirical insight from a strictly prohibitive context and underscores the need for context-sensitive, multi-actor policy discussions integrating legal, social and public health dimensions. © 2026 Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs.