Is CBD legal in Bulgaria?
David ReichUpdated:Key points at a glance:
CBD itself is not specifically listed in Bulgarian legislation. THC and its isomers are prohibited. H4-CBD has been banned since 15 October 2024. Industrial hemp may be cultivated with official permission, with a field THC limit of up to 0.3 percent; this threshold does not apply to finished products. Extraction from cannabis plants is prohibited. For travellers, only THC-free CBD products in small quantities with a certificate of analysis are generally considered acceptable, and no flowers, resins, or THC-based medicines are permitted. EU law offers certain protections for legally marketed CBD products, provided no specific safety concerns have been identified.
In Bulgaria, cannabis, THC and H4‑CBD are strictly prohibited narcotics. Pure CBD itself is not listed as a narcotic, but any CBD product that contains detectable THC is legally sensitive and risky, especially for travellers.
Which products contain CBD but no THC?
First, a brief overview of products that contain CBD but are free from THC. THC is legally much more sensitive in many countries. Here are some of the most common categories:
- CBD oils and tinctures: These liquids are usually placed under the tongue to allow relatively quick absorption.
- CBD capsules and tablets: A convenient way to take a measured amount of CBD, similar to food supplements.
- CBD edibles: This includes gummies, chocolate, drinks and other foods that contain CBD.
- CBD vape products: These products are designed for inhaling CBD vapour, such as e-liquids and vape pens.
- CBD skincare products: Creams, ointments, lotions and balms that are applied to the skin for localised use.
Is CBD legal in Bulgaria? At a glance
| Topic | Summary | Legal basis / source |
|---|---|---|
| Is CBD a narcotic? | CBD as a substance is not expressly listed in Bulgaria. Cannabis/plant parts and THC are listed (Schedule I). Since Oct 2024, H4‑CBD (tetrahydrocannabidiol) has been expressly prohibited (Schedule I). | Classification Ordinance (Schedules); SG No. 87/15.10.2024 – H4‑CBD in Schedule I. (dv.parliament.bg) |
| THC | THC and its isomers are Schedule‑I substances (prohibited). Products with detectable THC are legally risky. | Schedule I (THC). (dv.parliament.bg) |
| Industrial hemp cultivation | Permitted with a licence. A 2023 ordinance raised the cultivation THC threshold to 0,3% (practical limit for licensed hemp; this does not automatically apply to finished products). | SG No. 40/05.05.2023 – 0.3%; Ordinance No. 1/2018 (framework). (dv.parliament.bg) |
| Entry & carrying | Pure, THC‑free CBD is not listed; cannabis/THC are prohibited. Medicines containing THC are expressly not permitted for travellers. When carrying products: only small quantities, in original packaging, and take an analysis certificate (CoA). | Bulgarian Customs Authority (FAQ). (customs.bg) |
| EU context | The CJEU (C‑663/18 “Kanavape”) clarified that CBD is not a narcotic within the meaning of the UN Conventions; free movement of goods applies and general bans are only permissible where a health risk can be demonstrated. | CJEU, judgment of 19.11.2020, C‑663/18. (eur-lex.europa.eu) |
CBD law in Bulgaria – the basics
The main Bulgarian law on controlled substances (“Zakon za kontrol …”, ZKNVP) generally prohibits the cultivation of plants of the genus Cannabis, except in narrowly regulated cases of industrial hemp cultivation (Arts. 27, 29). It also prohibits the “production” (extraction) of cannabis, hashish and hashish oil (Art. 28). For industrial hemp cultivation, an ordinance amendment of 05.05.2023 set a THC threshold of 0.3%. Parts of the legislative framework still refer to 0.2%. Importantly, this cultivation limit does not mean that finished products containing THC are automatically permitted. (mi.government.bg, dv.parliament.bg)
In the Classification Ordinance (Schedules I–III), cannabis/plant parts and “tetrahydrocannabinol and its isomers” are listed in Schedule I. Since 15.10.2024, “tetrahydrocannabidiol (H4‑CBD)” has also been added to Schedule I (prohibited). CBD (“cannabidiol”) is, at the time of writing, not listed by name. (dv.parliament.bg)
In 2020, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that CBD is not a narcotic within the meaning of the UN Conventions and that products lawfully manufactured in one EU Member State are in principle subject to the free movement of goods (Arts. 34/36 TFEU), provided that no proven health risk exists. (eur-lex.europa.eu)
Bulgarian law allows licensed industrial hemp (up to 0.3% THC in the field) but still treats THC, its isomers and H4‑CBD as prohibited narcotics. CBD is not named in the schedules, yet any trace of THC in a product can lead to legal issues.
Travelling with CBD: can you bring CBD to Bulgaria?
- General rule: Cannabis (plant parts/flowers/resin) and THC are prohibited. Avoid carrying CBD flowers or resins because they are easily confused with marijuana. (dv.parliament.bg)
- Medicines containing controlled substances: Travellers may only bring substances from Schedules II/III in small quantities (maximum 30 days’ supply). Tetrahydrocannabinols are expressly excluded, so medicines containing THC are not allowed for travellers. (customs.bg)
- CBD products: There is no specific import ban on pure, THC‑free CBD. In practice, the detectable THC content is decisive. Only carry small amounts for personal use.
- Air travel within the EU: Observe standard hand‑luggage rules (100 ml limit for liquids). Security and random customs checks are possible, so be prepared to show documents.
CBD travel rules for Bulgaria: documents & packaging
- Keep the product in its original packaging, ideally with a clear statement such as “THC‑free” or “< 0.2% THC” (best: “non‑detectable THC”).
- Carry a certificate of analysis (CoA) for the specific batch you are taking, printed or saved offline. It should show lab data (THC not detectable) and the batch number.
- Take a proof of purchase (for example an invoice) and – where possible – manufacturer information in German/English.
- Only carry finished products (oil, capsules, creams). Do not bring flowers/resin, and avoid vape liquids where the THC status is unclear.
| Item | Recommendation for entry | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| CBD oil/capsules (THC not detectable) | Small amount with CoA usually acceptable | Personal use, in original packaging; show CoA if asked. |
| CBD cosmetics (THC‑free) | Generally unproblematic | Only EU‑compliant products, in modest quantities. |
| CBD flowers/resins | Better not to carry | Visually indistinguishable from THC‑cannabis; high risk of misunderstandings. (dv.parliament.bg) |
| Medicinal products containing THC | Not permitted | Customs point out that THC is not allowed in medicines carried by travellers. (customs.bg) |
For entry into Bulgaria, only small amounts of finished, THC‑free CBD products in original packaging, backed by a recent lab report, are usually the least risky. CBD flowers, resins and any THC‑containing medicines should be avoided.
Buying, possessing and using CBD in Bulgaria
- Possession/purchase of CBD products: Pure CBD is not listed as a narcotic; criminal liability mainly concerns THC and cannabis as Schedule‑I substances. It is therefore advisable to choose THC‑free products and keep a lab report available. (dv.parliament.bg)
- Use in public: Use products discreetly and without a “smoking/vaping” appearance. Smoking “CBD flowers” may lead to police intervention because of the risk of confusion with illegal cannabis.
- Processing/extraction: The “production” of cannabis, hashish and hashish oil is prohibited (Art. 28 ZKNVP). Private “do‑it‑yourself” extractions should be avoided. (mi.government.bg)
- H4‑CBD: Classified as a Schedule‑I substance since 15.10.2024 – do not buy or carry H4‑CBD in Bulgaria. (dv.parliament.bg)
EU law and CBD: how far does protection go?
The CJEU (C‑663/18 “Kanavape”) held that CBD is not a narcotic. National blanket bans on CBD products are incompatible with EU law where no scientifically substantiated health risk is shown. For products lawfully manufactured or marketed in an EU Member State, the principle of free movement of goods (Arts. 34/36 TFEU) generally applies. This does not extend to products containing THC or to substances listed nationally as narcotics (such as H4‑CBD). (eur-lex.europa.eu)
Practical tip: In the event of checks, have the CoA ready and, if necessary, point out calmly that “cannabidiol” is not listed in the Bulgarian schedules and refer to the CJEU case law. This is no substitute for legal advice but may help to avoid misunderstandings. (dv.parliament.bg, eur-lex.europa.eu)
EU case law confirms that CBD is not a narcotic and supports free movement of lawful CBD goods, but this does not override Bulgaria’s ban on THC and H4‑CBD. Authorities can still act if a product contains THC or is treated as a scheduled substance.
Regional differences within Bulgaria
Bulgaria regulates narcotics nationally and uniformly; significant regional deviations are not in place. The classification schedules and the ZKNVP apply nationwide. (dv.parliament.bg, mi.government.bg)
Checklist for tourists bringing CBD to Bulgaria
- Only THC‑free products (check the CoA: THC “not detectable”).
- Carry products in original packaging, with proof of purchase, printed CoA, and only small quantities.
- No flowers or resins; no vapes with unclear composition.
- If questioned, remain calm, present documents, and explain that the products are for “personal use”.
Primary sources & official bodies (links)
- Law on the Control of Narcotic Substances and Precursors (ZKNVP), consolidated text (PDF): mi.government.bg. (mi.government.bg)
- Classification Ordinance (Schedules I–III), adopted 2011: SG No. 87/2011. (dv.parliament.bg)
- Amendment 2024 – inclusion of “Тетрахидроканабидиол H4‑CBD” in Schedule I: SG No. 87/15.10.2024 and government document: PRIS – Decree No. 345/10.10.2024. (dv.parliament.bg, pris.government.bg)
- Industrial hemp ordinance: Ordinance No. 1/12.03.2018; Amendment SG No. 40/05.05.2023 (0.3%). (dv.parliament.bg)
- Customs authority – information for travellers (medicines with controlled substances; THC excluded): customs.bg. (customs.bg)
- CJEU, judgment of 19.11.2020 – C‑663/18 “Kanavape”: EUR‑Lex. (eur-lex.europa.eu)
Important information
This article does not constitute legal advice. Laws and their enforcement continue to evolve; always check the latest Bulgarian official sources before travelling. In 2025 there were further updates to the Classification Ordinance – consult the most recent official gazettes. (pris.government.bg)