Bulgaria

Medical cannabis is prohibited in Bulgaria. Severe criminal penalties may apply for possession, use, or trafficking.

Cannabis is illegal in Bulgaria under the Narcotic Substances and Precursors Control Act. Possession, cultivation, and distribution are criminal offenses, though Bulgaria distinguishes between personal-use quantities and trafficking amounts in sentencing. There is no medical or recreational cannabis program.

Ask the Expert about Bulgaria

Regulator

Ministry of Interior — Chief Directorate for Combating Organized Crime

Key Legislation

Narcotic Substances and Precursors Control Act

Year Legalized

N/A

Program Size

N/A — Prohibited

Key Facts

Possession of cannabis for personal use is punishable by 1 to 6 years imprisonment and fines of 2,000 to 10,000 BGN under Article 354a of the Penal Code
High-level trafficking offenses carry sentences of 3 to 15 years, with enhanced penalties for organized crime involvement
Bulgaria permits cultivation of industrial hemp with THC content below 0.2%, regulated under EU agricultural frameworks
Cannabis is the most widely used illicit substance in Bulgaria, with prevalence rates among young adults above the EU average
Despite being an EU member state, Bulgaria has not followed the trend of some European nations toward decriminalization or medical cannabis programs

Key Legislation

Narcotic Substances and Precursors Control Act (1999, amended); Penal Code Articles 354a-354c

Regulatory Body

Ministry of Interior — Chief Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (GDBOP); Ministry of Health

Country Info

ISO Code

Region

Europe

Tier

Tier 4 — Prohibited

Status

Cannabis — Prohibited

Sources

Bulgarian Ministry of Interior

Disclaimer: This information is for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Cannabis regulations change frequently. Always verify with official sources and local legal counsel before making compliance decisions.