Belize's Legal Weed Limit

In 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act to decriminalize the possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis for personal use on private property. This amendment placed Belize at the forefront of Central American countries moving towards legalized cannabis consumption. However, it is important to note that the amendment does not specify cannabis use for medical purposes, and buying, selling, and growing marijuana are still illegal. While this change in legislation has decriminalized cannabis possession and consumption to a certain extent, locals and tourists are still wary of the vague and complex nature of these laws.

Possession of 10 grams or less of weed is decriminalised in Belize

In Belize, possession of 10 grams or less of weed is decriminalised. This means that while it is not exactly legal, there are no criminal charges for possessing these small amounts.

In 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act to allow for the legal consumption of marijuana on private property. This amendment was signed into law by the Governor-General, Sir Colville Young, and placed Belize at the forefront of Central American countries allowing legalised cannabis consumption.

However, it is important to note that the amendment does not specify cannabis use for medical purposes, and there is currently no medical marijuana program in the country. The law only applies to recreational use within the privacy of one's home.

Additionally, while possession of small amounts is decriminalised, everything else surrounding marijuana is still illegal in Belize. This includes growing, buying, or transporting the substance. As a result, it can be challenging to obtain marijuana legally, and caution is advised when navigating this area.

The laws regarding marijuana in Belize are evolving, and there have been pushes for further legalisation. In 2022, the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill outlined a framework for the full legalisation of marijuana and industry guidelines for the legal cultivation and sale of the plant. However, due to opposition from religious groups, this bill did not pass and was instead sent back to the legislature.

Belize has a history of high cannabis consumption, and it is estimated that around 8.5% of the population uses the substance. While the country has traditionally taken a zero-tolerance approach to recreational drugs, the changing laws reflect a more progressive stance on cannabis use.

It is illegal to buy, sell or grow weed in Belize

In 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act to decriminalize the possession of up to 10 grams of marijuana for personal use on private property. However, it is important to note that this amendment does not legalize the buying, selling, or growing of weed in Belize. The production, sale, and distribution of cannabis remain illegal in the country.

The 2017 amendment was a significant step towards more progressive drug policies in Belize, a country that has traditionally taken a zero-tolerance approach towards recreational illicit substances. While the amendment allows for the possession and consumption of small amounts of cannabis on private premises, the buying, selling, and growing of weed remain criminal offenses. This means that individuals cannot legally purchase weed from dispensaries or cultivate their own plants for personal use.

The Belizean government's decision to decriminalize marijuana possession was driven by a recognition that the previous legislation disproportionately impacted marginalized communities and created barriers to employment and reintegration into society. By decriminalizing small amounts of cannabis, the government aimed to reduce the burden on the courts and prisons while also reducing the long-term consequences of criminal records for minor offenses.

However, the legalization of cannabis in Belize is still a highly debated topic. While some public figures and former government officials have supported the idea of legalization, strong opposition remains, particularly from religious groups. The church, long-standing opponents of marijuana legalization, has successfully halted progress toward full legalization by gathering enough signatures to force a referendum on the issue.

In summary, while it is not illegal to possess and consume small amounts of weed on private property in Belize, it is still very much against the law to buy, sell, or grow marijuana in the country. Individuals found engaging in these activities may face legal consequences, including fines or imprisonment.

Weed is common and widely tolerated in Belize

Belize has a history of cannabis production and was once the fourth-largest exporter of the drug to the United States. However, since the mid-1980s, the country's production has dropped significantly due to eradication efforts by the Belizean government, supported by the United States. By 1994, production levels were considered negligible.

Despite this history, the use and possession of cannabis in Belize remain illegal. However, in recent years, there has been a push for legalization and decriminalization. In 2017, the country amended its Misuse of Drugs Act to decriminalize the possession of 10 grams or less of cannabis for personal use on private premises. This amendment was significant as it placed Belize at the forefront of Central American countries moving towards legalized cannabis consumption.

While the 2017 amendment was a step towards legalization, it was also criticized for its lack of clarity. For example, while individuals could possess small amounts of cannabis on private property, the amendment did not address how individuals could legally obtain the drug. As a result, the purchase, sale, and transportation of cannabis remain illegal in Belize.

In 2022, the Belizean government made further strides towards legalization by passing the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill through both houses of the National Assembly. This bill outlined a framework for the full legalization of marijuana and industry guidelines for its cultivation and sale. However, due to opposition from religious groups and other sectors, the bill was ultimately halted before it could be signed into law.

Despite these setbacks, Belize remains one of the more progressive countries in Central America regarding cannabis legislation. The country's laws reflect a recognition of the drug's prevalence and a willingness to explore regulatory approaches that balance public health and safety with individual freedom and emerging economic opportunities.

It is illegal to smoke weed in public in Belize

In 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act, decriminalizing the possession and use of marijuana in small amounts on private property. However, it remains illegal to smoke weed in public in Belize.

The 2017 amendment allows individuals to possess and smoke up to ten grams of marijuana on private premises, which typically refers to someone's house rather than a business such as a bar or restaurant. It's important to note that this law doesn't specify whether the marijuana is for medical or recreational use. While this amendment decriminalizes marijuana possession and use, it doesn't provide a legal way to obtain it. Growing, buying, or transporting marijuana is still illegal in Belize, creating a challenge for those who are permitted to use it.

The legalization of marijuana in Belize has been a complex issue. In 2022, the government passed the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill, which outlined a framework for full legalization and industry guidelines for cultivation and sale. However, the Council of Churches and other opponents, including the banking sector and tourism industry, successfully petitioned for a referendum on the bill, which has not yet been rescheduled after being canceled in 2022.

As a result, Belize is currently back to the decriminalization language of the 2017 amendment, which allows for possession and use of small amounts of marijuana on private premises but doesn't provide a legal supply chain. This ambiguity has led to confusion and challenges for those looking to comply with the law.

Therefore, while it is not illegal to possess and use small amounts of marijuana in private residences in Belize, it is important to remember that smoking weed in public places remains illegal.

The future of weed legalisation in Belize is uncertain

In November 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act to decriminalize the possession and use of 10 grams or less of marijuana on private premises. While this move was applauded as a step towards progressive drug legislation, the amendment was also criticized for its lack of clarity.

The 2017 amendment did not specify the means of obtaining marijuana for personal use, leaving a legal grey area as the purchase, sale, and transportation of marijuana remain illegal. This ambiguity has resulted in a situation where the possession and consumption of marijuana are technically decriminalized, but the acquisition of marijuana through legal means is not possible.

In 2022, the Belizean government made significant strides towards the full legalization of marijuana by passing the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill through both houses of the National Assembly. This bill outlined a framework for the legal cultivation and sale of marijuana, with eight different license types to create a legal supply chain. However, despite gaining support from federal officials, the bill faced strong opposition from religious groups, the banking sector, and segments of the tourism industry.

The opposition groups successfully lobbied for a nationwide referendum on the issue, which was initially scheduled for September 2022. However, the referendum was cancelled due to the projected $5 million cost, and there has been no further progress on setting a new date. The bill is currently back with the legislature, facing an uncertain future.

An incident in April 2023, where marijuana-infused candies were accidentally sold to children outside a Belize City primary school, has further complicated the push for legalization. This incident has strengthened the position of anti-legalization campaigners and may have set back the efforts to establish a clear and comprehensive legalization framework.

While the future of weed legalization in Belize remains uncertain, the country continues to be a leader in progressive drug policy in Central America. The 2017 amendment, despite its shortcomings, was a pioneering move in the region, and Belize remains one of the top countries in the area in terms of cannabis consumption.

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