Belize's Marijuana Laws: What You Need To Know Before Visiting San Pedro

Marijuana laws in Belize are complex and have changed over time. As of 2017, the possession of up to 10 grams of marijuana for personal use on private property has been decriminalised. However, it is important to note that this does not mean it is legal to buy, grow or transport marijuana. In fact, the production and sale of marijuana in Belize remain illegal, and smoking in public is also against the law. While the 2017 amendment was a step towards legalisation, the situation is still vague and the full legalisation of marijuana in Belize has faced opposition.

So, what does this mean for San Pedro, a town on Ambergris Caye, an island off the coast of Belize? The laws apply here too, but the opinions of the residents are mixed. Some believe that legalisation could be good for business and tourism, whereas others worry about the potential negative influence on young people and the possibility of increased crime.

In summary, while marijuana possession has been decriminalised in Belize, including San Pedro, the sale and consumption of marijuana are still restricted and the full legalisation of the drug is yet to be achieved.

Marijuana decriminalisation in Belize

The 2017 amendment allows individuals to possess and consume marijuana without facing criminal charges, as long as it is for personal use within the specified amount and confined to their private property. However, it is important to note that the amendment does not legalise the growth, purchase, or transportation of marijuana. This has created some confusion, as it leaves the question of how individuals can legally obtain the drug. Despite this ambiguity, the amendment represents a shift towards a more tolerant approach to marijuana use in Belize.

Public opinion on the decriminalisation of marijuana in Belize is varied. Some believe that legalisation could have positive economic impacts, generating revenue and creating jobs, as well as reducing the workload on the police force and addressing racial disparities in weed enforcement. Additionally, it could establish standards for suppliers and decrease crime related to the drug. However, others argue that the country is not ready for such a decision, expressing concerns about the potential negative influence on youth and the possible increase in violence and drug vendors.

The Council of Churches, a long-standing opponent of marijuana legalisation, has been a significant voice in the debate. They managed to gather enough signatures to force a referendum on the legalisation of marijuana production and sale. This referendum was initially set for September 2022 but was cancelled due to the supposed high cost of holding it. As of May 2024, there has been no progress made towards rescheduling the referendum, and the topic remains a subject of discussion and uncertainty in Belize.

While the full legalisation of marijuana in Belize is currently on hold, the 2017 amendment has had a lasting impact, allowing individuals to possess and consume small amounts of marijuana without criminal consequences. This has made Belize one of the more progressive countries in Central America regarding drug policy, even if the specifics of the law remain somewhat vague and open to interpretation.

Marijuana consumption in San Pedro

Currently, the possession of up to 10 grams of marijuana for personal consumption is decriminalised in Belize, including San Pedro. This means that while it is not fully legal, individuals will not face criminal charges for possessing small amounts. However, it is important to note that smoking in public and purchasing marijuana are still illegal and can result in legal trouble. The sale and purchase of marijuana can attract legal repercussions, so tourists must exercise caution when approached by dealers.

The quality of marijuana in Belize is often described as poor, but imported buds are sometimes available. When purchasing, it is advisable to bargain hard and inspect the product before finalising the sale. Bartenders can be a good source of information on where to find marijuana without getting scammed. It is also recommended to buy from native Belizeans who are well-integrated into the community.

While marijuana consumption is tolerated and partially decriminalised in San Pedro, growing and retailing it is considered a felony. The legal grey area surrounding marijuana in Belize, including San Pedro, underscores the importance of responsible consumption and adherence to the existing laws and guidelines.

Marijuana possession limits

Marijuana laws in Belize are complicated. While the country has decriminalised the possession of small amounts of marijuana, it has not legalised it. This means that while you won't face criminal charges for possessing a small amount, it is still illegal to buy, grow, or transport marijuana.

In 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act to decriminalise the possession of up to 10 grams of marijuana on private property. This amendment also removed hemp from the controlled substances list. However, it is important to note that this law only applies to private residences and does not include businesses such as bars or restaurants.

The 2017 amendment was criticised for its lack of clarity, and it is still illegal to buy, grow, or transport marijuana in Belize. This has created a situation where it is legal to possess and consume marijuana but challenging to obtain it legally.

In 2021, amendments to the Misuse of Drugs 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 reformatted and reintroduced as the Cannabis Regulation and Licensing Bill in 2022, but they have not yet been passed.

While cannabis use is common and largely tolerated in Belize, it is important to remember that public smoking, possession of large amounts, and selling are still illegal and can result in fines or imprisonment.

Marijuana purchase in San Pedro

Marijuana is not legal in San Pedro, Belize, but it is decriminalized. In 2022, the government passed the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill, which outlined a framework for the full legalization of marijuana in Belize. However, the bill has not yet been signed into law due to opposition from the church.

Despite marijuana being decriminalized, it is still illegal to buy it in public in San Pedro. If you are looking to purchase marijuana, it is recommended to find a native Belizean dealer, who will likely approach you if you walk down the street. Look out for a dark copper-coloured person who is greeted by others as you walk along. Get them to bring the marijuana to your accommodation or meet you after you come out of a restaurant. Remember to bargain hard, as you may get less weight than you are bargaining for. Be aware that the quality of the weed may vary, and it is often sold at high prices, especially if you are a tourist. Always exercise caution when purchasing and consuming marijuana, as it is not fully legal in San Pedro, Belize.

Marijuana legalisation in Belize

Marijuana use in Belize is common and largely tolerated, but it is not fully legal. In 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act to decriminalise the possession and use of 10 grams or less of cannabis on private premises. This amendment placed Belize in the forefront of Central American countries allowing legalised cannabis consumption. However, the sale, production and transportation of marijuana remain illegal.

In 2022, the Belize government passed the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill through both houses of the National Assembly. This bill outlined a framework for the full legalisation of marijuana in Belize, including industry guidelines for the legal cultivation and sale of the plant. However, the Council of Churches, long-standing opponents of marijuana legalisation in Belize, managed to gather enough signatures to force the bill to a referendum. Due to the cost of holding the referendum and opposition from the banking sector and tourism industry, the referendum was cancelled in July 2022.

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. In the absence of full legalisation, the vague decriminalisation language of the 2017 amendment continues to govern marijuana use in Belize. Under this amendment, adults are allowed to possess and consume up to 10 grams of marijuana on private property without facing criminal charges. However, it remains illegal to grow, buy, or transport the drug.

While the 2017 amendment represents a step towards more progressive drug policies, the lack of clarity in the law has led to confusion and criticism. The amendment does not specify whether cannabis use is restricted to medical purposes, leaving room for interpretation regarding recreational use. Additionally, the definition of "private property" is not clearly defined, creating uncertainty about where marijuana consumption is permitted.

Despite the legal grey areas, Belize remains one of the more progressive countries in Central America regarding marijuana policies. The country was the first in the region to relax its weed policy, and its 2017 amendment has been followed by similar moves toward decriminalisation in other Central American countries.

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