Belize's Marijuana Laws: Understanding The Legal Landscape For Cultivation

Marijuana is illegal in Belize. However, in 2017, the country amended its Misuse of Drugs Act to decriminalise the possession of small amounts of the drug (up to 10 grams) for personal use on private property. Despite this, it remains illegal to grow, buy, transport, sell, or smoke in public in Belize.

Marijuana decriminalisation in Belize

In 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act, decriminalising the possession and consumption of up to 10 grams of marijuana on private property. This amendment placed Belize at the forefront of Central American countries moving towards legalised cannabis consumption.

However, it is important to note that the 2017 amendment did not legalise marijuana; it only decriminalised possession and consumption in small quantities under specific circumstances. Buying, selling, transporting, and growing marijuana remain illegal in Belize, and violating these laws can result in fines or imprisonment.

The push for decriminalisation in Belize was driven by a recognition that the country has a high prevalence of cannabis use, with an estimated 8.5% of the population consuming cannabis, according to a 2016 UN report. This change also reflected a more liberal attitude towards marijuana among Belizeans, particularly among young people, who advocated for legalisation to reduce drug dependency and improve regulation.

While the 2017 amendment was a step towards legalisation, full legalisation of marijuana in Belize has faced obstacles. In 2022, the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill, which outlined a framework for full legalisation, faced opposition from religious groups and other sectors, ultimately leading to a referendum on the issue being cancelled.

As of 2024, marijuana remains decriminalised in Belize, but it is not legalised. The country continues to navigate the complex process of determining the future of cannabis legislation, balancing public health, economic opportunities, and social attitudes.

Marijuana legalisation in Belize

Marijuana Legalization in Belize

Marijuana is not legal in Belize, but it is tolerated and decriminalized to an extent. In 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act to allow the possession and consumption of up to 10 grams of marijuana 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, making way for legal recreational use within certain parameters.

While the 2017 amendment decriminalized marijuana possession and consumption, it is still illegal to grow, buy, or transport the drug. This has created a situation where individuals are allowed to possess and use marijuana but have no legal means of acquiring it. As a result, the amendment has been criticized for its lack of clarity and the vague nature of Belize's marijuana laws.

In recent years, there have been efforts to fully legalize marijuana in Belize. In 2022, the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill, which outlined a framework for legalization and industry guidelines, passed through both houses of the National Assembly. However, due to opposition from religious groups and other sectors, the bill was halted before it could be signed into law, and a planned referendum was cancelled.

The status of marijuana in Belize remains complicated. While possession and consumption of small amounts are decriminalized, buying, selling, and growing cannabis are still illegal and can result in fines or imprisonment. Additionally, what applies to residents may not apply to tourists, and it is advised that visitors exercise caution and discretion when it comes to marijuana.

Despite the current legal grey area, Belize remains one of the more progressive countries in Central America regarding marijuana. The country's laws are gradually changing, and there is support among federal officials for legalization. The young people of Belize are pushing for legalization, and the government is taking steps to regulate the quality and supply chain of marijuana. While full legalization is not yet a reality, Belize is moving towards a more liberal approach to cannabis use.

Marijuana cultivation in Belize

Marijuana cultivation is illegal in Belize. While the use of cannabis in the country is common and largely tolerated, its cultivation, sale, and possession of large amounts remain illegal. However, in recent years, there have been significant changes and debates regarding the legal status of marijuana in Belize.

In 2017, the Belizean government amended the Misuse of Drugs Act, decriminalizing the possession and consumption of up to 10 grams of marijuana on private premises. This amendment placed Belize at the forefront of Central American countries moving towards legalized cannabis consumption. Despite this, the amendment explicitly stated that cultivation, along with buying and transporting marijuana, remains illegal.

In 2021, further amendments to the Act were introduced, aiming to legalize the adult-use cannabis market with eight different license types to create a legal supply chain. These amendments were reformatted and reintroduced as the Cannabis Regulation and Licensing Bill in 2022. While there is support among federal officials for legalization, strong opposition, particularly from religious groups, has called for a nationwide referendum.

The legalization efforts in Belize are part of a broader trend in the Caribbean, where nations are taking a more relaxed approach to marijuana laws. The country's indigenous cultures, including traditional healers and the Rastafarian group, have historically used marijuana for spiritual and recreational purposes. Additionally, the legalization of marijuana is supported by those who believe it will provide economic benefits and allow direct involvement in the supply chain.

While the cultivation of marijuana for medical purposes has been indicated as a possibility in the future, it is not currently legal. The government of Belize is conducting studies to determine the optimal conditions for high-quality marijuana production, with the goal of capitalizing on the growing market for legal, high-quality cannabis products.

Marijuana possession in Belize

Marijuana possession laws in Belize are complex. While the country has taken steps towards decriminalisation, there are still important caveats to be aware of.

In 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act to decriminalise the possession of up to 10 grams of marijuana for personal use on private property. This amendment was a significant step towards legalisation, placing Belize at the forefront of Central American countries moving towards more relaxed cannabis policies.

However, it's important to note that the 2017 amendment did not legalise the sale, purchase, or cultivation of marijuana. Growing, buying, or transporting marijuana remains illegal in Belize. This creates a unique situation where possession and consumption are allowed in certain circumstances, but there is no legal way to obtain marijuana within the country.

The laws surrounding marijuana possession in Belize also do not apply to tourists. As a visitor, it is highly unlikely that you will be allowed to smoke on private property, and attempting to bring marijuana into the country is illegal.

While the possession and consumption of small amounts of marijuana have been decriminalised, it is still important to exercise caution when in Belize. The laws are vague and subject to change, and public smoking or possession of large amounts can result in fines or imprisonment.

Additionally, it's worth noting that marijuana use is common and largely tolerated in Belize, with an estimated 8.5% of the population consuming cannabis. However, there is still opposition to legalisation, particularly from religious groups, and the country has not yet established a medical marijuana program or a legal adult-use market.

Marijuana consumption in Belize

Marijuana use in Belize is common and largely tolerated, with an estimated 8.5% of the population consuming cannabis. In 2016, an American tourist was arrested for purchasing a small amount of cannabis in Belize City, but the charges were dismissed as she appeared to believe it was legal. This incident highlights the need for visitors to understand the local laws and consequences, and to act with discretion.

While there is support for legalisation among some politicians and the public, there is also strong opposition, particularly from religious groups. In 2022, a bill outlining a framework for full legalisation and industry guidelines passed through both houses of the National Assembly, but it was blocked by a referendum led by the Council of Churches. An incident in April 2023, where marijuana-infused candies were sold to children outside a school, further strengthened the hand of anti-legalisation campaigners.

For now, Belize remains one of the more progressive countries in Central America when it comes to marijuana policy, but full legalisation does not seem imminent.

Frequently asked questions