Controversy Surrounding the Sale of Marijuana E-cigarettes in Sofia

Feb.12.2025
Controversy Surrounding the Sale of Marijuana E-cigarettes in Sofia
10 young people in Sofia, Bulgaria have been arrested for selling e-cigarettes containing cannabis components, sparking national debate.

According to 24chasa, since the beginning of the year, 10 young people in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, have been arrested for selling e-cigarettes containing cannabis ingredients. The suspects are between the ages of 17 and 23, and they conduct transactions through social media, with each sale amounting to around 300 lev (approximately $158). These e-cigarettes are primarily sold through mobile devices and have a complex origin, with many coming from Asian markets.


Previously, a 14-year-old student in Préven, due to vaping an unidentified e-cigarette, was poisoned, sparking societal concern over the safety of e-cigarettes; subsequently, authorities launched a large-scale investigation into the sale and production of e-cigarettes, leading to the long-term detention of some suspects.


This incident has sparked widespread social concern, even drawing the attention of the president. The president has convened experts to consult on national public health issues, and relevant departments have decided to ban the sale of e-cigarettes containing marijuana components through legislation, including flavored e-cigarettes.


However, the Bulgarian e-cigarette association opposes the proposal to completely ban e-cigarettes, believing that the issue should be widely discussed. The association hopes to engage in dialogue with all stakeholders, including health experts, economists, and industry representatives, to develop regulations that protect both health and business. The association argues that e-cigarette devices are legal, heavily regulated, and compliant with European standards. They also point out that a comprehensive e-cigarette ban could result in loss of national budget revenue and lead to an expansion of the black market.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

TPB Q4 FY2025 Revenue Rises 29% to $121 Million; Modern Oral Business Up 266% Year Over Year
TPB Q4 FY2025 Revenue Rises 29% to $121 Million; Modern Oral Business Up 266% Year Over Year
Turning Point Brands, a U.S. nicotine and tobacco-related consumer products company, reported its fiscal 2025 fourth-quarter results: quarterly revenue was $121 million, up 29% year over year; adjusted EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) was $30 million, up 14%. Net revenue from modern oral nicotine products was $41.3 million, up 266% year over year.
Mar.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Spain’s PSOE files motion to curb vaping and nicotine pouches, restricting sales channels and banning online sales
Spain’s PSOE files motion to curb vaping and nicotine pouches, restricting sales channels and banning online sales
Spain’s Socialist Party (PSOE) has registered a non-legislative motion (PNL) in Congress seeking to curb the use of vapes and nicotine pouches by restricting sales to authorised channels and banning sales online and in non-specialist shops. The proposal says the current “lack of control” in commercialisation facilitates tax evasion and breaches existing health and environmental rules.
Mar.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Cambodia Siem Reap raid seizes over 10,000 e-cigarette items; two arrested
Cambodia Siem Reap raid seizes over 10,000 e-cigarette items; two arrested
Police in Siem Reap, Cambodia, seized 10,168 items of e-cigarette paraphernalia during a raid on February 28, 2026, and arrested two suspected sellers and owners of the premises.
Mar.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Kenya’s BAT Kenya resumes Velo nicotine pouches after citing regulatory clarity
Kenya’s BAT Kenya resumes Velo nicotine pouches after citing regulatory clarity
BAT Kenya says it has resumed sales of Velo oral nicotine pouches after receiving regulatory clarity, reinforcing its push into non-combustible products as cigarette consumption falls.The company reported a 10% drop in turnover in 2025, with revenue closing at KSh23.2 billion (about $178.64 million), largely attributed to the growing presence of illegal tobacco products.
Mar.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
KT&G Approves Plan to Establish Guatemala Branch as First Local Base in Central and South America
KT&G Approves Plan to Establish Guatemala Branch as First Local Base in Central and South America
KT&G has approved a plan to establish a branch in Guatemala, which will serve as its first local base in Central and South America. The company is currently preparing office space, staffing, and operating systems. KT&G said the branch is intended to secure a regional distribution base and will focus on local channel management and new sales channel expansion. Meanwhile, overseas cigarette revenue in 2025 exceeded the domestic share for the first time.
Mar.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
U.S. Adult Smoking Rate Falls to Historic Single-Digit Low of 9.9%, Study Shows Shift in Nicotine Use Patterns
U.S. Adult Smoking Rate Falls to Historic Single-Digit Low of 9.9%, Study Shows Shift in Nicotine Use Patterns
A new study analyzing National Health Interview Survey data found that adult cigarette smoking in the United States declined to 9.9% in 2024, down from 10.8% in 2023. The findings, published in NEJM Evidence, represent a historic milestone in U.S. tobacco control efforts. Researchers noted that while cigarette smoking is decreasing, the prevalence of e-cigarette and cigar use remained largely unchanged, suggesting a shift in nicotine consumption rather than the elimination of tobacco use.
Market
Mar.20