Belize's Stance On Delta-8: Exploring The Legal Landscape

The legality of delta-8 in Belize is unclear, but cannabis laws in the country are evolving. In 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act to decriminalize the possession and use of small amounts of cannabis (up to 10 grams) on private property. However, buying, selling, and growing cannabis are still illegal. While this amendment created a grey area in the law, it has placed Belize at the forefront of Central American countries moving towards legalized cannabis consumption. The country has a high rate of cannabis consumption, with an estimated 8.5% of the population using it, and it is common and largely tolerated. However, possession can still result in fines or imprisonment, especially in public places or with larger amounts.

Possession of 10 grams or less is decriminalised

In Belize, possession of 10 grams or less of cannabis is decriminalised. This means that while it is not exactly legal, possessing small amounts will not result in criminal charges. However, it is important to note that this decriminalisation only applies to possession in a private residence, and does not extend to public consumption or possession.

The laws regarding cannabis in Belize have evolved over time. In 2017, the country amended its Misuse of Drugs Act, which effectively decriminalised marijuana possession and use on private property. This amendment was significant as it placed Belize at the forefront of Central American countries moving towards legalised cannabis consumption. While the amendment allows for possession of small amounts of cannabis (up to 10 grams), it is important to understand that the law does not permit the growth, purchase, or transportation of marijuana. This creates a complex situation where individuals can possess and consume cannabis but have limited legal means of acquiring it.

The push for decriminalisation in Belize has been driven by various factors, including the recognition that a significant portion of the population uses cannabis regularly. According to the Belize Minister of Home Affairs, Kareem Musa, over 30% of the population uses cannabis daily for their own personal reasons. This has led to a thriving black market and trade, with smugglers bringing cannabis into the country from neighbouring Mexico. The amendment also aimed to reduce the negative impacts of cannabis prohibition, such as high incarceration rates and gang-related violence.

While the 2017 amendment was a step towards progressive drug policies, the legal status of cannabis in Belize remains complex and somewhat ambiguous. The law does not clearly define the limits of possession, such as whether the 10-gram limit applies to an individual's person, their property, or both. Additionally, the consumption and possession of cannabis in public spaces remain illegal and can result in fines or imprisonment.

It is important to emphasise that despite the decriminalisation of small amounts of cannabis, other cannabis-related activities, such as growing, selling, or possessing larger amounts, are still illegal in Belize. The country maintains strict laws regarding the illegal sale and cultivation of marijuana, with penalties including imprisonment and substantial fines.

Cannabis consumption is common

A 2020 report by the United Nations also found that Belize has the highest marijuana use in Central America, with 8.5% of the population consuming the drug. This is in contrast to other Central American countries, such as Costa Rica, where marijuana use is reported to be as low as 1%.

While the consumption of cannabis is common in Belize, the country has not always had relaxed laws surrounding the drug. In the 1980s, Belize was the fourth-largest exporter of cannabis to the United States. However, since the mid-1980s, production has dropped dramatically due to eradication efforts by the Belizean government, supported by the United States. By 1994, production was at negligible levels.

In 2017, the country took steps towards decriminalisation when the House of Representatives passed an amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act, decriminalising the possession or use of 10 grams or less of cannabis on private premises. This amendment was signed into law in November 2017 by the Governor General, despite objections from religious groups.

While this amendment was a step towards legalisation, it was also criticised for its lack of clarity. The amendment did not specify how the 10-gram limit should be interpreted, and it remains illegal to grow, buy, or transport marijuana.

In 2022, the government of Belize passed the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill, which outlined a framework for the full legalisation of marijuana. However, this bill was met with opposition from religious groups, the banking sector, and segments of the tourism industry. A referendum on the legalisation of marijuana was scheduled for September 2022 but was ultimately cancelled due to the projected $5 million cost.

Despite the lack of full legalisation, cannabis consumption remains common in Belize, and the country is considered one of the most progressive in Central America when it comes to its cannabis policies.

Buying, selling and growing cannabis are illegal

The status of cannabis in Belize is complicated. While possession of small amounts of cannabis (10 grams or less) and consumption on private property have been decriminalised, buying, selling, and growing cannabis are still illegal.

In 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act, decriminalising marijuana use on private property. However, this amendment does not specify the purpose of cannabis use, making way for legal recreational use within certain parameters. It is important to note that "private property" refers specifically to someone's house and not a business, such as a bar or restaurant.

Despite this partial decriminalisation, the 2017 amendment maintains that everything else surrounding cannabis remains illegal. This includes growing, buying, or transporting marijuana. As a result, individuals who wish to possess or consume cannabis within the legal limits face challenges in obtaining it through legal means.

Belize has a history of zero-tolerance towards drugs, but this stance shifted in 2017 with the decriminalisation of small quantities of cannabis. This change was supported by some prominent public figures, including the Leader of the Opposition, John Briceño, and former Senator Lisa Shoman.

While there have been efforts to further decriminalise or legalise cannabis, strong opposition, particularly from religious groups, has hindered these attempts. In 2022, the government passed the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill through both houses of the National Assembly, outlining a framework for full legalisation. However, the Council of Churches gathered enough signatures to force the bill through to a referendum, which was ultimately cancelled.

As a result, Belize remains in the early stages of tolerant cannabis decriminalisation, with the future of full legalisation uncertain.

The country is moving towards full legalisation

The country of Belize is moving towards full legalisation of cannabis, also known as weed or marijuana. While the drug is not fully legal, it is currently decriminalised for personal use in small amounts (up to 10 grams) in private residences.

Belize has a history of cannabis production and consumption, and in recent years, there has been a push for legalisation. In 2017, the country amended its Misuse of Drugs Act to decriminalise the possession and use of small amounts of cannabis on private property. This amendment was a significant step towards legalisation, and it placed Belize at the forefront of Central American countries moving towards legalised cannabis consumption.

However, the 2017 amendment had some caveats. For example, it was still illegal to grow, buy, or transport marijuana, which made the law somewhat unclear. Despite this, the amendment set the stage for further progress towards legalisation.

In 2021, amendments to the Act were introduced that would have legalised an adult-use cannabis market, with eight different license types to create a legal supply chain. These amendments were reintroduced in February 2022 as the Cannabis Regulation and Licensing Bill. While there is support for legalisation among federal officials, there is also strong opposition, particularly from religious groups, who have called for a nationwide referendum.

Belize has a high rate of cannabis consumption, with an estimated 8.5% of the population using the drug. The country also has a significant black market and trade in cannabis, with over 30% of the population using it daily, according to the Belize Minister of Home Affairs, Kareem Musa. Musa has advocated for legalisation, arguing that it would benefit small farmers and businesses while also providing tax revenue for the government.

In 2022, the government passed the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill through both houses of the National Assembly. This bill outlined a framework for full legalisation and industry guidelines. However, the referendum that was set to take place in September 2022 was cancelled due to opposition from the church and other groups, and the bill is now back with the legislature.

While full legalisation of cannabis in Belize is not yet a reality, the country is moving in that direction, with support from some government officials and a significant portion of the population. The country's progressive approach to cannabis policy in the region indicates that full legalisation may be on the horizon.

Hemp is legal but not regulated

In Belize, hemp is legal but not regulated. While the country has taken steps towards legalising cannabis, it is still considered decriminalised rather than legal. Possession of small amounts (up to 10 grams) and consumption on private property have been decriminalised since the 2017 amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act. However, buying, selling, and growing cannabis are still illegal.

The legal status of hemp in Belize is in a state of flux. While hemp is currently legal, there are no clear regulations in place. The Prime Minister, Dean Barrow, has expressed support for the hemp industry and announced that the Attorney General is preparing the necessary legislation. The government is also planning to sign trade agreements with regional neighbours to invest in emerging industries such as hemp.

The lack of regulations has created some confusion, as industrial hemp and recreational hemp are distinct in terms of chemistry and cultivation methods. Activists and enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the implementation of regulations so they can grow hemp freely within the legal framework.

The movement towards legalisation in Belize is driven by several factors. Firstly, there is a high demand for cannabis in the country, with over 30% of the population using it daily. This has led to a thriving black market and gang-related violence. Legalisation is seen as a way to address these issues and benefit the people who choose to use cannabis. Additionally, the country has a history of cannabis production and was once the fourth-largest exporter to the United States.

Belize is also facing pressure from within its government and prominent public figures to legalise cannabis. The Leader of the Opposition, John Briceño, has called for legalisation, and the Health Minister, Pablo Marin, has expressed support for hemp production. The government's current focus on hemp production and the impending regulations indicate that Belize is moving towards a more regulated and structured approach to the cannabis industry.

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