Adults only (18+)

Is Weed Legal in Bulgaria?

Cannabis remains entirely illegal in Bulgaria for both recreational and self‑medicinal use. The country maintains strict drug laws that do not differentiate cannabis from harder substances such as cocaine or heroin. There is no form of legal cannabis access, whether for adults or patients. Possession cultivation or distribution of cannabis is criminalised at all levels and carries substantial penalties. Even small amounts can result in criminal charges rather than discretionary warnings.

Possession and Small‑Amount Prosecution

Under Bulgarian law there is no decriminalisation of cannabis, and any amount of possession is counted as a criminal offence. Even possession of a few grams is subject to prosecution and may lead to criminal proceedings. Punishments vary depending on the amount and circumstances but typically include fines or prison terms. First time offenders might receive shorter sentences, but repeat offences or larger quantities often result in more severe penalties including up to three years’ imprisonment.

Cultivation Sale and Trafficking Laws

Growing cannabis plants in Bulgaria is treated very seriously under narcotics law. Cultivation for personal use is not tolerated and is prosecuted with penalties similar to trafficking. The sale distribution transport or importation of cannabis is considered a major offence. Convictions for such crimes may result in prison sentences ranging from five to fifteen years or more depending on scale, plus significant fines. Bulgarian authorities regularly conduct raids on cultivation sites and trafficking networks.

Medical Cannabis Access

There is no legal medical cannabis framework in Bulgaria. Patients are not permitted to purchase cannabis from pharmacies or prescribed by doctors. CBD products are also largely unregulated and most varieties that contain THC are considered controlled substances. Even genuine medical needs do not exempt individuals from prosecution. Requests for medical use do not constitute a legal defence in Bulgarian courts.

Law Enforcement and Public Use

Public consumption of cannabis is also illegal. Individuals found using cannabis in public areas such as parks streets or near educational institutions are often arrested or fined. Bulgarian police treat cannabis pro-actively, and public use tends to lead to immediate charges rather than diversion programmes. Unlike some European neighbours the Bulgarian system does not practise tolerance for private or small‑scale use.

Social and Legal Context

Bulgaria’s policy reflects a strict zero‑tolerance stance on drugs. Public and political consensus remains firmly against legal or even minimal tolerance for cannabis. Additions to national legislation continue to reinforce criminal penalties and intensify enforcement efforts. Despite increasing debate in other European nations the Bulgarian approach remains rigid with very low tolerance for legal reform.

Conclusion

Cannabis is completely illegal in Bulgaria with no legal or tolerated access. Possession of any amount is a crime, cultivation is heavily penalised and medical use is not permitted. Sale and trafficking carry some of the harshest drug penalties in Europe. Public consumption leads to immediate enforcement, and the judicial system offers no diversion or decriminalisation for low‑level cannabis offences. Visitors and residents should be fully aware that in Bulgaria cannabis is treated as a serious criminal matter at every level.