Can I possess cannabis?
No. In Bulgaria cannabis is a high-risk narcotic substance — the same category as cocaine and heroin — and the law recognises no threshold for personal use. That is the key difference from most of the EU: elsewhere a small quantity means a fine, here it means a criminal prosecution. Possession without authorisation is a crime under article 354a of the Penal Code: 1 to 6 years in prison plus a fine of BGN 2,000–10,000 (≈€1,020–5,110). In a minor case (an insignificant quantity) the court may impose only a fine of up to BGN 1,000 (≈€510) — but that is still a criminal conviction, entered on your record. Bulgaria has no legal medical cannabis and no decriminalisation, and court practice on small quantities is inconsistent.
📋 The rules
- Cannabis is a high-risk substance — alongside cocaine and heroin
- There is no legal "personal use" threshold
- Possession: 1–6 years in prison + a BGN 2,000–10,000 fine
- Minor case: fine up to BGN 1,000, but a conviction stands
- Medical cannabis is not permitted in Bulgaria
🔓 Exceptions
- Minor case (art. 354a(5)) — fine only, but the conviction remains
- Licensed scientific or pharmaceutical activity with authorisation
- Court practice on small quantities is inconsistent — do not count on leniency
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Possessing cannabis is a crime under art. 354a of the Penal Code, not an administrative offence: 1–6 years in prison plus a fine of BGN 2,000–10,000 (≈€1,020–5,110). In a minor case (an insignificant quantity for personal use) the court can come down to a fine of up to BGN 1,000 (≈€510) — but it is still a criminal conviction, entered on your criminal record and staying there for years. Supply, even between friends and with no profit, is punished far more heavily — 2 to 8 years. Growing plants is a separate offence. Court practice on small quantities is inconsistent: some benches accept a minor case, others do not. Do not count on leniency.
📎 Official sources
- lex.bg · Penal Code (art. 354a) →
- EUDA · Bulgaria drug law profile →
- Ministry of the Interior · Narcotic substances →
❓ Frequently asked
Is there a quantity of cannabis that is allowed?
No. Unlike most EU countries, Bulgarian law recognises no personal-use threshold. Any possession without authorisation is a crime under article 354a of the Penal Code, whether it is a gram or a kilo — the quantity affects the severity of the punishment, not whether a crime exists.
What is the penalty for possession?
One to six years in prison and a fine of BGN 2,000–10,000 (≈€1,020–5,110). In a minor case the court may impose only a fine of up to BGN 1,000, but the conviction remains and goes on your criminal record. Supply, even without profit, carries 2 to 8 years.
Is medical cannabis allowed?
No. Bulgaria has no legal framework for medical cannabis and is among the few EU states without one. Use on a doctor's prescription is not provided for, and importing cannabis-based products for treatment is not regulated. A prescription from another country will not protect you here.
What about CBD products?
CBD is treated separately from cannabis as a narcotic, but its legal status remains uncertain and depends entirely on THC content. A product sold freely in another country can be treated here as a narcotic substance if analysis shows THC above the permitted level. Check the specific product and its origin.
Will I have a criminal record in a minor case?
Yes — and this is the most underestimated risk. Even where the penalty is only a fine, it is a conviction under the Penal Code. It is entered on your criminal record and can block you from jobs, visas or certain professions years after the event.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “cannabis bulgaria law”
- “cannabis possession penalty bulgaria”
- “penal code 354a bulgaria”
- “medical cannabis bulgaria”
- “weed fine bulgaria”
- “is weed legal in bulgaria”