PM Hun Manet Declares Absolute Ban on Vape Investment and Cannabis Cultivation

PHNOM PENH — Oct. 7, 2026: Prime Minister Hun Manet has declared an absolute ban on investment in electronic cigarette (vape) production and cannabis cultivation in Cambodia, ruling out such projects even for export or medical purposes.

Speaking on the morning of Oct. 7, 2026, at the OCIC Convention and Exhibition Centre in Phnom Penh, where he presided over the 80th anniversary of the University of Health Sciences, the inauguration of two new academic buildings and a graduation ceremony, the Prime Minister said he had already instructed the Council for the Development of Cambodia, the Ministry of Commerce and all relevant ministries and institutions not to accept investment projects for vape or electronic cigarette production.

He explained that even current import controls are complex and difficult to manage, let alone permitting domestic factories to operate. "If we allow production here, it will be even harder to control," he said, underscoring that the complexity of regulating imports already presents a significant challenge.

On cannabis, PM Hun Manet said he has held an absolute principle against cultivation in Cambodia since before he became Prime Minister. Despite lobbying and investment proposals from foreign companies, including Chinese firms seeking legal amendments to allow cultivation for export to countries such as Canada, he said he rejected them all.

The Prime Minister said the primary reason is that effective management is not possible. If cultivation were permitted, he warned, it would seep into Cambodian society and harm citizens through drug use.

He cited the experience of a neighbouring country that opened up cannabis use for medical purposes but ultimately could not control it, leading to public use that departed from the original intent and forced the government to tighten its laws — a situation he said had been predicted.

The Prime Minister's position reflects the Royal Government's continued emphasis on public health and social order, particularly as the Kingdom marks eight decades of medical training at its leading health sciences institution.

Reported by The Khmer Today