(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet reaffirmed his firm opposition to cannabis cultivation in Cambodia, saying the government would not be able to effectively control its production and domestic use.

The premier spoke on Wednesday (Oct. 7) while presiding over the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the University of Health Sciences in Phnom Penh.

"My position, even before I became prime minister, was to oppose the cultivation of cannabis in Cambodia," Samdech Thipadei said.

He said foreign companies proposed investing in cannabis cultivation for medical purposes, but authorities rejected their requests, despite arguments that cannabis could be used in healthcare and for pain management.

"The stated purpose is to export it, but I believe it cannot be effectively controlled," he said, rejecting proposals to amend laws to permit cultivation.

On the occasion, the prime minister also cited Thailand's experience, saying allowing cannabis cultivation had created challenges in controlling its circulation and use, contrary to the original intention of producing it for export.
=FRESH NEWS