On October 7, 2026, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that the government explicitly prohibits domestic investment in the production of e-cigarettes or the cultivation of cannabis, regardless of whether the related products are planned for export or intended for medical use.
Hun Manet made the remarks during a morning address at the graduation ceremony of the University of Health Sciences. He said he has instructed the Council for the Development of Cambodia, the Ministry of Commerce and relevant departments not to accept e-cigarette production and investment projects. The regulation of imported e-cigarettes is already facing challenges, and allowing local factories would further increase the difficulty of control.
Speaking on cannabis cultivation, Hun Manet reiterated his opposition. He said that foreign companies had previously lobbied Cambodia and proposed amending the law to meet the demand for exports to countries such as Canada, but the relevant proposals were rejected.
Hun Manet pointed out that the ban on cannabis cultivation is primarily based on regulatory and public health considerations. He is concerned that once cultivation is allowed, related products could flow into society and harm public health. He also cited a neighboring country as an example, saying that although it had previously permitted the medical use of cannabis, it ultimately tightened related regulations again due to subsequent difficulties in control and the increase in public smoking. Hun Manet said this situation demonstrates the necessity of taking preventive control measures.