Both recreational and medical marijuana is illegal in Bulgaria.
Cannabis is designated as a List 1 drug in Bulgaria and possession of cannabis in any quantity is illegal. However, small quantities (one joint) are considered a misdemeanor and are subject to fines.
Fines range from BGN 2,000 to BGN 5,000 (approximately $1,200 to $3,000), with the amount of the fine depending on the amount possessed and the circumstances at the time.
Possession with intent to sell or possession of large quantities of marijuana carries a maximum penalty of eight years in prison.
Medical cannabis in Bulgaria
Medical cannabis is illegal in Bulgaria.
The use and cultivation of cannabis is regulated by the Bulgarian Narcotics Control Act (NSPCA).
Cannabis is considered “a high risk to public health due to the harmful effects of its abuse”.
The NSPCA prohibits the production, processing, trade, importation, and use of plants and narcotic substances listed in Schedule 1. This prohibits the cultivation, importation, and sale of medical marijuana in Bulgaria.
Physicians who prescribe narcotic or similar substances or cannabis medicines in violation of these requirements may be imprisoned for up to five years and fined up to BGN 3,000 (approximately €1,500).
The court can also decide to deprive the prescribing physician of his/her medicinal rights.
Industrial Hemp
In March 2018, Bulgaria permitted the cultivation of cannabis with a THC content of less than 0.2%.
Only companies and organizations licensed by the Bulgarian government are allowed to cultivate cannabis.
CBD in Bulgaria
CBD is legal in Bulgaria.
CBD regulations in Bulgaria are clear: CBD must be extracted from industrial hemp and contain no more than 2% THC before it can be sold or consumed.
In Bulgaria, CBD products can be purchased from stores and pharmacies that sell CBD.
There are no restrictions on personal use of CBD, but it should be noted that CBD is not used or prescribed for medical purposes.
Conclusion
We have introduced the cannabis situation in Bulgaria.
Both recreational and medical cannabis are illegal in Bulgaria.
Recreational marijuana is illegal in any quantity, but a small amount of a joint is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine.
Medical marijuana is illegal, so patients in Bulgaria cannot obtain medical marijuana.
As of 2024, there has been no movement to consider a medical marijuana program, so it is expected that it will be some time before Bulgaria legalizes marijuana.