Both recreational and medical marijuana are illegal in Cambodia.
Under Cambodia’s drug control law, anyone can be imprisoned for two to five years and fined an additional four to ten million Riel (1000USD to 2500USD).
However, Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, is also known as a “marijuana hotspot” for international visitors.
Although marijuana is illegal in Cambodia, it is illegal under Cambodian law, although the crackdown is said to be less severe than with cocaine and heroin.
Although the use and possession of marijuana is illegal in Cambodia, it is sometimes used for food in some provinces, and is considered by locals to be in demand as a cooking ingredient and seasoning.
Medical Cannabisl in Cambodia
As of 2023, medical marijuana is illegal.
However, in some provinces, cannabis is used in traditional medicine that has been around for a long time.
The Cambodian government has shown a positive attitude toward the legalization of medical marijuana, and may possibly legalize medical marijuana in a few years, following Thailand.
CBD regulations are unclear.
Cambodia is said to have no laws regulating CBD.
Since medical marijuana is illegal in Cambodia, the use of CBD products in Cambodia may be considered as the use of marijuana. Be very careful when handling CBD products in Cambodia.
What you should know before going to Cambodia
Although the possession and use of marijuana is illegal in Cambodia, it is sold in the capital city of Phnom Penh, around Angkor Wat, and throughout the city. Many travelers from around the world have relatively easy access to marijuana.
According to the Drug Control Law, use or possession carries a penalty of 2 to 5 years in prison and a fine of 4 to 10 million Riel (1,000 to 2,500 USD).
If the offense is deemed more malicious, the penalty is imprisonment for 20 years or more, life in prison, and a fine of 40 million Riel (10,000 USD) or more. It is important to note that even just being with the user can be considered the same offense.
Some provinces offer marijuana for food.
Cambodia is famous for its Happy Pizza, which uses marijuana in pizza. Traditionally in Cambodia, marijuana was used as an herb in Khmer food. The use of marijuana in cooking is thought to be a remnant of this tradition.
Conclusion
We have introduced the marijuana situation in Cambodia.
As of 2023, both recreational and medical marijuana is illegal in Cambodia.
In some provinces, marijuana is used for food and traditional medicine, but visitors to Cambodia as tourists are advised not to touch marijuana there.
The Cambodian government is considering legalizing medical marijuana, and it is possible that medical marijuana will be legalized in Cambodia in the next few years.