Is Cbd Legal In Belize? Navigating The Complexities Of Cannabis Laws In Central America

CBD oil is legal in Belize, but only if it is extracted from the industrial hemp plant. In 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act to decriminalise the possession and use of 10 grams or less of cannabis on private property. However, buying, selling, and growing cannabis are still illegal in Belize, and public smoking can result in fines or imprisonment.

CBD oil is legal in Belize if it's extracted from industrial hemp

CBD oil is legal in Belize, but its importation is prohibited. This ambiguous situation creates uncertainty for users and potential legal risks for those unaware of the specifics of the law.

In Belize, the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill was passed by both houses of the National Assembly in 2022. The 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 the church and other sectors, the bill was halted before it could be signed into law by the Governor-General. As a result, the legal status of CBD oil in Belize remains unclear.

CBD oil is derived from the hemp variety of cannabis plants and has gained popularity for its potential therapeutic benefits. While CBD is legal in Belize, it is important to note that the laws and regulations regarding CBD are subject to change. Therefore, it is crucial for users to stay informed about the legal landscape and any updates to the laws and regulations surrounding CBD and hemp in the country.

In summary, while CBD oil is legal in Belize if it is extracted from industrial hemp, the legal status of CBD can be complex and evolving. It is essential for individuals to stay informed about the specific laws and regulations in their country or destination before using or travelling with CBD products.

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

In 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act to decriminalise the possession of 10 grams or less of marijuana on private property. This amendment placed Belize at the forefront of Central American countries allowing legal cannabis consumption.

The amendment was signed by the then-Governor General, Sir Colville Young, and states that it is intended:

> "to decriminalize the possession of cannabis in amounts not exceeding ten grams, to provide for the imposition of monetary and non-recordable penalties for the possession of cannabis in such amounts occurring on school premises, in specified circumstances, to decriminalize the smoking of cannabis on private premises."

Despite this amendment, it remains illegal to grow, buy, or transport marijuana in Belize. The law also does not specify whether cannabis use is for medical or recreational purposes, so it can be assumed that the amendment allows for legal recreational use.

In 2022, the Belizean government passed the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill, which outlined a framework for the full legalisation of marijuana in the country, as well as industry guidelines for the legal cultivation and sale of the plant. However, due to opposition from the church and other sectors, the bill was referred to a referendum, which has not yet been held.

It is illegal to grow, buy or transport marijuana in Belize

While the possession and consumption of small amounts of marijuana on private premises in Belize have been decriminalized, it is still illegal to grow, buy, or transport marijuana in the country.

In 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act to allow legal marijuana use on private property. This amendment was a significant step toward decriminalizing cannabis consumption in Belize and placed the country at the forefront of Central American countries advocating for legalized cannabis.

However, it's important to note that the 2017 amendment came with specific caveats. For instance, individuals are only permitted to possess up to ten grams of marijuana, and all other activities related to marijuana, such as growing, buying, or transporting it, remain illegal. This means that while Belizeans can possess and consume small amounts of marijuana in the privacy of their homes, they cannot legally obtain it through purchasing or growing it themselves.

The ambiguity of the amendment has led to confusion and criticism. Despite the decriminalization of possession and consumption, the inability to legally purchase or grow marijuana creates a paradoxical situation. While individuals won't face criminal charges for possessing small amounts, the only way to obtain it is through illegal means, as selling and cultivating marijuana are still criminal offenses.

The Belizean government has traditionally taken a zero-tolerance approach to the cultivation, sale, and possession of recreational drugs, including marijuana. However, in recent years, there has been a push for legalization, with some prominent public figures supporting the idea. In 2022, the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill, which outlined a framework for full legalization, passed through both houses of the National Assembly. Unfortunately, due to opposition from religious groups and other sectors, the bill was halted, and a referendum on the issue was cancelled.

As of 2024, the status of cannabis in Belize remains complicated. While possession and consumption of small amounts on private premises are decriminalized, buying, selling, and growing cannabis are still illegal. This means that individuals who wish to comply with the law must obtain marijuana through illegal means, creating a challenging situation.

Cannabis consumption is common in Belize

In 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act, decriminalizing the possession or use of 10 grams or less of marijuana on private premises. This amendment was signed into law by the Governor-General, despite objections from religious groups. While this amendment made it legal to smoke cannabis at home, it did not legalize the buying, growing, or transporting of marijuana.

The amendment was praised by some prominent public figures in Belize, including the Leader of the Opposition, John Briceno, who stated that it was time to "stop locking up our young people for a stick of weed." Former Senator Lisa Shoman also voiced her support for legalization, arguing that there was "no rational excuse" not to legalize personal use amounts for adults.

Despite the decriminalization of small amounts of cannabis for personal use, possession of larger amounts can still result in fines or imprisonment in Belize. In 2016, an American tourist was arrested for purchasing 1.8 grams of cannabis in Belize City. The charges were eventually dropped, but the incident serves as a reminder that drug laws in Belize are strictly enforced, despite the high prevalence of cannabis use in the country.

There is no medical marijuana program in Belize

The status of cannabis in Belize is complicated. While the use of cannabis is common and largely tolerated in Belize, there is no medical marijuana program in the country.

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. This amendment was criticised for its lack of clarity, as it did not specify the difference between private property and a private business, such as a bar or restaurant. It is important to note that this amendment did not legalise the growth, sale, or transportation of marijuana. As a result, it can be difficult to obtain marijuana legally, even in small quantities.

Belize has considered legalising cannabis for medicinal purposes, and in 2017, the Leader of the Opposition, John Briceno, stated:

> "It is time for us to stop locking up our young people for a stick of weed. The time has come for us to decriminalize marijuana smoking and prepare the necessary research to move to legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes and in small quantities."

However, as of April 2022, there is still no formal medical marijuana program in Belize. The current regulations do not differentiate between medical and adult use, and buying, selling, and growing cannabis are illegal.

While cannabis laws in Belize are evolving, it is important for residents and tourists alike to understand the laws and consequences of marijuana use and possession.

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