Hemp
Cannabis sativaTurkish kendir and kenevir share an old root that also passed into European words (cannabis, hemp).
What is Hemp?
Hemp (Cannabis sativa) is a plant of the Cannabaceae family. Traditions that use it: Asia and Siberia, Anatolia and the Mediterranean. Part used: fibre, seeds, flowers.
What is Hemp used for?
Traditional use: Herodotus describes the Scythians throwing hemp seeds on hot stones and bathing in the smoke; vessels full of hemp seeds were found in the Pazyryk burial mounds in the Altai. Scientific evidence: clinical. Contains cannabinoids such as THC and CBD.
Is Hemp safe?
Safety label: caution. THC products can raise the risk of psychosis in young people and are addictive. Seeds and fibre are safe. Legal status: Licensed in Türkiye.
Traditional use
Herodotus describes the Scythians throwing hemp seeds on hot stones and bathing in the smoke; vessels full of hemp seeds were found in the Pazyryk burial mounds in the Altai.
Its fibre is woven into rope, sacks and cloth; the seeds are roasted as a snack. Kastamonu, Samsun and Rize are known for hemp weaving.
In nature
Mix-up risk
Industrial hemp and high-THC varieties look alike; only a lab can tell them apart.
Preparation
For fibre, the stalks are retted in water; seeds are roasted or pressed for oil.
What science says
Contains cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. Cannabinoid drugs are approved for chemotherapy nausea and some forms of epilepsy. Cannabis use is linked to psychosis risk and addiction.
Safety
THC products can raise the risk of psychosis in young people and are addictive. Seeds and fibre are safe.
Drug interactions
| Medicine or substance | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Sedatives, sleeping pills, alcohol | Drowsiness and slowed reactions increase. |
| Blood thinners (warfarin) | CBD and THC may raise drug levels. |
| Seizure medicines (clobazam, valproate) | CBD changes drug levels and may raise liver enzymes. |
This list is not complete. If you take regular medication, ask your pharmacist or doctor before trying Hemp.
Legal status
Growing is allowed only in permitted provinces with Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry approval. THC-containing products count as narcotics.
Laws differ by country; check local rules before travelling with or buying any plant product.
Similar plants
Sources
- ResearchPhytochemical and genetic analyses of ancient cannabis from Central Asia
- ResearchIn the weeds: A comprehensive review of cannabis; its chemical complexity, biosynthesis, and healing abilities
- BookBaytop T. Türkiye’de Bitkiler ile Tedavi: Geçmişte ve Bugün. 2. baskı. İstanbul: Nobel Tıp Kitabevleri; 1999.
- Botanical recordKew Plants of the World Online: Cannabis sativa
- Titles of research sources are summarised in Turkish on the Turkish page; links open the original English publications.
Written by Edanaz Tınmazlar · Last reviewed: · Türkçe