Hemp's Legal Haze In Belize: Unraveling The Complexities

Hemp and marijuana laws in Belize are complex and ever-changing. While the country has made strides towards decriminalization and legalization in recent years, there is still much ambiguity and opposition to the full legalization of hemp and marijuana. 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 premises. This move placed Belize at the forefront of Central American countries relaxing their cannabis policies. However, the production, sale, and transportation of marijuana remain illegal, creating a confusing situation for consumers. In 2022, the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill, which aimed to establish a framework for full legalization, faced strong opposition from churches, banks, and tourism investors, ultimately leading to its cancellation. A referendum on the issue was also postponed due to financial concerns and growing opposition. As a result, Belize is back to the ambiguous decriminalization language of the 2017 amendment, with no clear path forward for full legalization.

Hemp and marijuana decriminalisation in Belize

In 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act to decriminalise the possession of small amounts of marijuana (up to 10 grams) for personal use on private property. This amendment placed Belize at the forefront of Central American countries moving towards more lenient cannabis policies. However, the production, sale, and transportation of marijuana remain illegal, creating a situation where possession and consumption are decriminalised, but the supply is not.

While the 2017 amendment was a step towards more progressive drug policies, it has been criticised for its lack of clarity. The law does not specify whether the 10-gram limit applies to the amount carried on one's person, in one's home, or both. Additionally, the vague definition of "private property" has led to confusion over what locations are permitted for marijuana use.

In 2022, the Belizean government made significant progress towards the full legalisation of marijuana and the establishment of industry guidelines for the legal cultivation and sale of the plant. The Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill passed through both houses of the National Assembly, bringing the country close to a comprehensive legal framework for marijuana.

However, the momentum towards full legalisation was halted by opposition from the church, banking sector, and tourism industry. The Council of Churches, in particular, played a pivotal role in derailing the progress. They successfully petitioned for a referendum on the legalisation of marijuana, gathering over 20,000 signatures, which exceeded the required 10% threshold. The referendum was initially scheduled for September 2022 but was ultimately cancelled due to the anticipated $4-5 million cost.

As a result of this pushback, the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill has been shelved indefinitely. For now, Belize remains in a state of vague decriminalisation, where possession and consumption of small amounts of marijuana on private property are tolerated, but the supply and distribution networks remain illegal.

Despite the setback, Belize continues to be one of the more progressive countries in Central America regarding marijuana policies. It was the first country in the region to relax its weed policies, and public figures such as the Leader of the Opposition, John Briceno, and former Senator Lisa Shoman have voiced support for further reform.

The Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill

Background

Belize has a long history of cannabis use, with 8.5% of the population reported to be users in 2016. In 2017, the country amended its Misuse of Drugs Act to decriminalize the possession of 10 grams or less of cannabis on private premises. This amendment was significant as it placed Belize at the forefront of Central American countries moving towards legalized cannabis consumption. However, the law did not address the cultivation, sale, or transportation of cannabis, creating a situation where possession was legal but acquisition was not.

The Bill

In 2022, the Belizean government introduced the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill, which aimed to establish a comprehensive framework for the full legalization of marijuana in the country. The bill outlined industry guidelines for the legal cultivation and sale of marijuana, addressing the gaps in the previous legislation. It passed through both houses of the National Assembly with little opposition from politicians.

Opposition and Referendum

However, the bill faced significant opposition from the church, a longstanding opponent of marijuana legalization in Belize. The Council of Churches, along with the banking sector and segments of the tourism industry, gathered over 20,000 signatures, successfully triggering a referendum on the issue. The referendum, initially set for September 2022, was postponed due to the projected cost of $4-5 million and growing opposition from the business sector. The bill is currently back with the legislature, awaiting further progress on a new referendum date.

Implications

The legal status of hemp in Belize

In 2022, the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill was passed through both houses of the National Assembly. This bill outlined a framework for the full legalisation of hemp in Belize, including industry guidelines for the legal cultivation and sale of the plant. However, due to opposition from the church, banks and tourism investors, the bill was put on hold and a referendum on the issue was scheduled for September 2022. This referendum was then cancelled, reportedly due to the cost, and the bill is currently back with the legislature.

The use of cannabis in Belize is common and largely tolerated, with an estimated 8.5% of the population using the drug. While possession of small amounts (up to 10 grams) is decriminalised, possession of larger amounts can result in fines or imprisonment.

Some public figures in Belize have expressed support for the legalisation of cannabis, including the Leader of the Opposition, John Briceno, who stated in 2017 that "it is time for us to stop locking up our young people for a stick of weed". However, there is also significant opposition to legalisation, including from the National Evangelical Association of Belize and the Council of Churches, who have argued that legalisation could increase use among teenagers.

Hemp and marijuana production in Belize

However, the 2017 amendment did not address the production, sale, and transportation of marijuana, which remain illegal. This ambiguity has created a situation where possession and consumption are technically allowed, but the means to obtain marijuana legally are limited. As a result, the black market for marijuana continues to thrive, and the potential economic benefits of a regulated market remain untapped.

In 2022, the Belizean government made significant strides towards full legalisation by passing the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill through both houses of the National Assembly. This bill aimed to establish a comprehensive framework for the legal cultivation and sale of marijuana and hemp. However, despite little opposition from politicians, a referendum on the bill was triggered due to resistance from the church and, later, the banking sector and tourism industry.

The referendum, initially scheduled for September 2022, was cancelled due to the projected cost of $4-5 million. As of May 2024, there has been no progress in setting a new date for the referendum, and the bill remains in legislative limbo. This setback, compounded by an incident in April 2023 where marijuana-infused candies were accidentally sold to children, has bolstered the position of anti-legalisation campaigners.

Despite these challenges, Belize remains a leader in the region regarding progressive cannabis policies. With a history of significant cannabis production and a high prevalence of use among its population, Belize could benefit economically and socially from a well-regulated legal market for hemp and marijuana. However, the path to legalisation remains uncertain, and the country is once again left with a vague decriminalisation policy.

Hemp and marijuana use in Belize

However, the 2017 amendment had its caveats and lacked clarity. While individuals could possess small amounts of marijuana, everything surrounding its cultivation, purchase, and transportation remained illegal. This ambiguity created a situation where marijuana use was decriminalized but accessing the substance was challenging.

In 2022, the Belizean government made significant progress towards the full legalization of marijuana and the development of industry guidelines for its cultivation and sale. The Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill passed through both houses of the National Assembly. However, the Council of Churches, along with the banking sector and segments of the tourism industry, opposed the bill and gathered enough signatures to force a referendum.

The referendum, initially set for September 2022, was cancelled due to the projected cost of $4-5 million. As of May 2024, there has been no progress on rescheduling the referendum, and the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill remains in limbo.

Despite the setbacks, Belize remains one of the more progressive countries in Central America regarding marijuana policy. The 2017 amendment, which decriminalized small amounts of marijuana for personal use, was a landmark decision in the region. Additionally, prominent public figures in Belize, including the Leader of the Opposition, John Briceno, have voiced support for further reform.

While the full legalization of marijuana in Belize is currently on hold, the country's history of progressive cannabis policies suggests that future changes may be possible.

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