Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet of the Kingdom of Cambodia has stated clearly that Cambodia will not permit any investment projects to produce electronic cigarettes (Vape) or to cultivate cannabis in the country, whether for export or for use in the medical sector. The declaration was made on the morning of October 7, 2026, at a ceremony celebrating the 80th anniversary of the founding of the University of Health Sciences, held at the OCIC Conference and Exhibition Center in Phnom Penh.
Samdech Thipdei said that he has instructed the Council for the Development of Cambodia, the Ministry of Commerce, and relevant ministries and institutions not to accept any Vape production projects, because monitoring and controlling the import of these products is already complex.
Regarding cannabis, the Prime Minister confirmed that his position against cannabis cultivation in Cambodia dates back to before he took office, and that requests from foreign companies, including Chinese firms, to amend the law to grow cannabis for export to other countries have also not been approved.
Samdech Thipdei explained that the refusal is based on concerns about management capacity and the risk that cannabis use could spread throughout society. He cited the experience of a neighboring country that once permitted the medical use of cannabis, but use spread beyond its original purpose, forcing authorities to reintroduce tighter laws. As a result, Samdech Thipdei stressed that Cambodia will not open the door to Vape production or cannabis cultivation, in order to avoid potential impacts on society and citizens.
