Controversy Surrounding the Sale of Marijuana E-cigarettes in Sofia

Feb.12
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

Al Fakher Parent Company Plans U.S. Listing in 2026 at $1.75 Billion Valuation
Al Fakher Parent Company Plans U.S. Listing in 2026 at $1.75 Billion Valuation
According to Bloomberg, Dubai-based hookah brand owner Advanced Inhalation Rituals (AIR) plans to go public on Nasdaq in the first half of 2026 through a merger with a Cantor Fitzgerald-backed SPAC. The deal values the combined company at USD 1.75 billion under the ticker “AIIR.”
Nov.11
Organigram Global Appoints Former BAT Global Head of Strategy James Yamanaka as Chief Executive Officer
Organigram Global Appoints Former BAT Global Head of Strategy James Yamanaka as Chief Executive Officer
Organigram Global has named James Yamanaka, previously Global Head of Strategy at British American Tobacco (BTI), as its new CEO. His appointment is expected to take effect around January 15, 2026, and he will also join the company’s board. Yamanaka brings more than 20 years of strategic and managerial experience from roles across Europe and Asia at BTI.
Nov.26
Russia’s Vape Market Squeezed by Excise Hikes and Criminal Marking Rules
Russia’s Vape Market Squeezed by Excise Hikes and Criminal Marking Rules
According to Business FM, Russia’s vape and e-liquid supply has tightened since mid-Aug; by early Oct top liquids had largely disappeared and prices rose ~50% vs early summer. Shops cite a two-year excise hike to RUB 44/mL and, from Aug, criminal liability for unmarked goods (large-scale from RUB 100k), prompting withdrawals. Some chains report compliant substitutes. A bill would let regions ban vape sales.
Oct.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
U.S. Company TPB Q3 Earnings: Nicotine Pouch Sales Surge 628% YoY, First U.S. Production Line Planned
U.S. Company TPB Q3 Earnings: Nicotine Pouch Sales Surge 628% YoY, First U.S. Production Line Planned
Turning Point Brands (NYSE: TPB) released its financial results for the third quarter of 2025, reporting strong revenue and profit growth driven by surging Modern Oral (nicotine pouch) sales. The company announced plans to establish its first U.S.-based white pouch production line in 2026, marking a key step toward manufacturing localization.
Nov.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Sweden on Track to Become Europe’s First Smoke-Free Nation as Snus and Nicotine Pouches Support Declining Smoking Rates
Sweden on Track to Become Europe’s First Smoke-Free Nation as Snus and Nicotine Pouches Support Declining Smoking Rates
According to Gulf News, Sweden is nearing the World Health Organization’s smoke-free threshold, with daily smoking falling below 5%. Two decades of public health efforts and the growing use of lower-risk alternatives such as Snus and tobacco-free nicotine pouches have contributed to this shift, alongside declines in tobacco-related deaths and lung cancer cases.
Dec.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI Urges South Africa to Differentiate Smoke-Free Products from Cigarettes
PMI Urges South Africa to Differentiate Smoke-Free Products from Cigarettes
South Africa is drafting new tobacco legislation aimed at reducing smoking-related deaths and promoting harm reduction.PMI said smoke-free products such as nicotine pouches and heated devices could play a critical role in reducing harm. Patrik Hildingsson, PMI’s director for oral products communications, said South Africa is developing a new regulatory framework to recognise and regulate smoke-free products, calling it a “big change” for the industry.
Oct.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai