Belize's Budding Marijuana Reform

In 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act to decriminalize the possession and use of 10 grams or less of marijuana on private premises. The amendment, which was signed into law by Governor General Sir Colville Young, also provided for monetary and non-recordable penalties for possession on school premises and made smoking on private premises no longer an offence. While this move stopped short of full legalization, it placed Belize at the forefront of Central American countries moving towards more liberal cannabis policies.

Despite the 2017 amendment, the sale and cultivation of marijuana remain illegal in Belize, and possession of larger amounts can still result in fines or imprisonment.

Marijuana decriminalisation in Belize: the 2017 amendment

In November 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act to decriminalise the use and possession of 10 grams or less of marijuana on private property. The amendment was signed into law by the then-Governor General, Sir Colville Young, and came into effect despite objections from religious groups such as the National Evangelical Association of Belize and the Council of Churches.

The 2017 amendment states that individuals will not face criminal charges for possessing up to 10 grams of marijuana on private premises, including hotels where smoking is permitted by the owner. However, it is still illegal to grow, buy or transport marijuana. The amendment also provides for monetary and non-recordable penalties for possession on school premises and makes smoking on private premises no longer an offence.

The decriminalisation of marijuana in Belize was driven by a recognition that the previous legislation disproportionately impacted marginalised segments of the population, often resulting in permanent criminal records and barriers to employment. Additionally, the amendment reflected international trends towards decriminalisation and a pragmatic understanding of the limited law enforcement resources available to address drug-related issues.

While the 2017 amendment was a significant step towards more progressive drug policies in Belize, it is important to note that the country has not fully legalised marijuana. The sale and production of marijuana remain illegal, and there are no legal suppliers. The amendment also does not distinguish between medical and recreational use, and the consumption of marijuana is permitted only in private residences, excluding public places such as bars and restaurants.

In recent years, there have been further efforts to legalise marijuana in Belize. In 2022, the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill, which outlined a framework for full legalisation, passed through both houses of the National Assembly. However, the Council of Churches gathered enough signatures to trigger a referendum on the issue, which has not yet been held. As of 2024, the legal status of marijuana in Belize remains in a state of flux, with ongoing debates and delays surrounding full legalisation.

Marijuana consumption in Belize: the law

Marijuana consumption in Belize has been largely tolerated, with the country ranking 18th in the world for cannabis consumption. However, the laws surrounding its use have changed over time and continue to be a topic of debate.

Prior to 2017, possession and smoking of marijuana in Belize were illegal but generally tolerated. This changed in November 2017 when the country amended its Misuse of Drugs Act to decriminalize the possession and use of 10 grams or less of marijuana on private premises. This amendment was signed into law by the Governor-General despite opposition from religious groups such as the National Evangelical Association of Belize. It is important to note that the amendment only applies to private residences, including hotels that permit smoking, and does not extend to public places such as bars or restaurants.

While this amendment was a step towards decriminalization, the cultivation, sale, and transportation of marijuana remain illegal in Belize. The law also provides for monetary and non-recordable penalties for possession on school premises. The criminal status of cannabis in Belize has been challenging to enforce due to factors such as inadequate law enforcement resources and vast unpopulated areas.

In 2022, the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill was passed by the National Assembly. This bill outlined a framework for the full legalization of marijuana in Belize, including industry guidelines for the legal cultivation and sale of the plant. However, the Council of Churches gathered enough signatures to trigger a referendum on the issue, which has not yet been held. The referendum was initially postponed due to the projected $5 million cost, and there has been no further progress on setting a new date.

As of 2024, the legalization of cannabis has never been officially considered by the Belizean government, and possession and consumption remain outlawed. However, public figures such as the Leader of the Opposition and former Senator Lisa Shoman have expressed support for legalization. Additionally, the Decriminalization of Marijuana Committee (DOMC) has recommended removing criminal sanctions for possession of up to 10 grams.

Marijuana tourism in Belize: a guide

Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act in 2017, decriminalising the possession and use of marijuana on private premises. This means that residents and tourists can possess and smoke up to 10 grams of marijuana in a private home or hotel room, as long as the owner gives permission. However, it is still illegal to grow, buy or transport marijuana in Belize, and possession or use in public places or schools is also prohibited.

The History of Marijuana in Belize

Belize has a long history with marijuana, dating back to the 1980s when it was the fourth-largest exporter of cannabis to the United States. However, production has dropped significantly since then due to eradication efforts by the Belizean government, with support from the US. In 2012, the government announced it was considering decriminalising marijuana, and in 2017, the amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act was passed, allowing for legal marijuana use in private residences.

The Future of Marijuana Legalisation in Belize

While marijuana has been decriminalised in Belize, full legalisation is still a topic of debate. In 2022, the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill, which outlined a framework for the legal cultivation and sale of marijuana, passed through the National Assembly. However, the Council of Churches and other opponents of legalisation gathered enough signatures to force the bill to a referendum, which has not yet been scheduled.

Marijuana Tourism

Belize is known for its beautiful beaches, dense jungle and Mayan ruins, and it is also one of the most marijuana-consuming nations in the world. For tourists looking to enjoy marijuana during their stay in Belize, it is important to be mindful of the laws and only smoke in private residences or hotels that permit it. Additionally, it is illegal to possess more than 10 grams of marijuana, and there are no legal suppliers, so tourists must be cautious when purchasing marijuana.

Tips for Marijuana Tourism in Belize

• Rent a private home or book a hotel room where smoking is permitted.
• Be mindful of the amount of marijuana you possess, staying within the legal limit of 10 grams.
• Ask a local, such as a taxi driver, for assistance in purchasing marijuana.
• Be prepared for locals to charge tourists a higher price and ask for the amount you want in dollars, not weight.
• Visit cannabis-friendly locations like the Belize Cultural Adventure Guesthouse in the Cayo District or the Belize Eco-Ashram in Cristo Rey Cayo District.
• Remember to enjoy the sun, the beach and all that Belize has to offer, but always consume marijuana responsibly and follow local laws.

Final Thoughts

Belize has taken positive steps towards legalising marijuana, but it is important to respect the local laws and culture when visiting. Marijuana tourism can be a great way to experience the beauty of Belize while also enjoying the benefits of marijuana responsibly and within the legal framework.

Marijuana legalisation in Belize: the 2022 bill

In 2022, the Belizean government passed the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill through both houses of the National Assembly. The bill outlined a framework for the full legalisation of marijuana in Belize, including industry guidelines for the legal cultivation and sale of the plant.

The 2022 Bill

The 2022 bill was passed with little opposition from politicians, but the Council of Churches, long-standing opponents of marijuana legalisation in Belize, managed to raise enough signatures to force the bill through to a referendum. The referendum, initially set for September 2022, was cancelled due to the projected $5 million cost, and there has been no progress on setting a new date.

The bill was a significant step towards the full legalisation of marijuana in Belize, which had previously only been decriminalised for personal use in amounts of 10 grams or less on private premises since 2017. Despite this partial decriminalisation, the cultivation, sale, and transportation of marijuana remained illegal.

Public Opinion

Public opinion on the legalisation of marijuana in Belize is mixed. Some believe that legalisation would benefit the economy, create jobs, reduce the workload on the police, and decrease racial disparities in enforcement. It is also argued that legalisation would help establish specific standards for suppliers and reduce crime related to marijuana.

However, others are concerned that the country is not ready for such a decision, and question how legalisation will be controlled when marijuana is already challenging to regulate. There are also worries that legalisation will increase marijuana use among teenagers and that the associated costs and taxes will make it prohibitive for many people, leading to continued sales in the black market.

Current Status

As of 2024, the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill is back with the Belizean legislature, and it is unclear if or when it will be revisited. In the meantime, the partial decriminalisation of marijuana remains in place, allowing individuals to possess and consume small amounts of marijuana on private premises.

Marijuana in Belize: the future

Marijuana laws in Belize have undergone some changes in recent years, moving towards decriminalization and potential legalization. Here's an overview of the current situation and what the future may hold for marijuana in Belize:

Recent Developments:

In 2017, Belize made a significant step towards decriminalizing marijuana use. The country amended its Misuse of Drugs Act to allow the possession and use of up to 10 grams of marijuana on private premises. This amendment was signed into law by the Governor General, despite some opposition from churches and other groups. The change placed Belize at the forefront of Central American countries moving towards more lenient cannabis policies.

Current Situation:

Currently, marijuana use and possession are decriminalized in Belize, up to the limit of 10 grams on private premises. However, the laws surrounding marijuana remain vague and unclear. While possession and smoking in private residences are tolerated, it is still illegal to grow, buy, or transport marijuana. This ambiguity has led to confusion and challenges in enforcing the laws. Additionally, the sale and production of marijuana remain illegal, and there are no legal suppliers, creating a challenge for tourists and residents who wish to consume it.

Future Prospects:

There have been recent efforts to further reform marijuana laws in Belize and move towards full legalization. In 2022, the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill was passed by both houses of the National Assembly. This bill outlined a framework for the legalization of marijuana, including industry guidelines for cultivation and sale. However, the momentum towards legalization faced a setback when the Council of Churches gathered enough signatures to trigger a referendum on the issue. As of May 2024, there is no set date for this referendum, and it is unclear when or if it will take place.

The future of marijuana legalization in Belize is uncertain. While some believe that legalization could bring economic benefits, create jobs, and reduce policing workload, there are also concerns about potential negative impacts, especially on teenagers and the cost for consumers. The incident in April 2023, where marijuana-infused candies were sold to children outside a school, has also complicated the path towards legalization.

Belize's marijuana policies remain a topic of ongoing debate, and it is challenging to predict the exact direction the country will take. The outcome of the potential referendum will be crucial in determining the future of marijuana legalization in Belize. If the referendum occurs and results in a "yes" vote, Belize could move towards implementing the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill, creating a fully legal framework for marijuana. However, if the referendum is not held or results in a "no" vote, the future of legalization becomes less certain, and Belize may continue to operate under the current decriminalized but regulated framework.

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