Weed And Wander: Exploring Marijuana Laws In Belize

Marijuana laws in Belize are complicated. While the country has a history of strict zero-tolerance policies toward drugs, it amended its Misuse of Drugs Act in 2017 to decriminalise the possession of small amounts of cannabis. However, buying, selling, and growing cannabis are still illegal in Belize.

Marijuana is decriminalised in Belize, but not legal

Marijuana is not legal in Belize, but it is decriminalised. 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 means that while you can possess and consume marijuana in your home or someone else's home with their permission, it is still illegal to buy, transport, or sell it. The law also does not permit public consumption, and possession of larger amounts can result in fines or imprisonment.

The push for decriminalisation came after years of advocacy by marijuana enthusiasts and people looking to legalise the crop. The bill was passed despite opposition from religious groups, particularly the Council of Churches, which has continued to campaign against further liberalisation. The government has indicated its support for legalisation, but the country is yet to make that leap.

Belize has a long history with marijuana. Before the 1980s, it was the fourth-largest exporter of cannabis to the United States. However, production dropped dramatically due to eradication efforts by the Belizean government, supported by the US. By 1994, production had reached negligible levels.

Despite this history, marijuana remains illegal in Belize for anything other than personal use. Growing, buying, transporting, and selling marijuana are all prohibited. There are no legal suppliers, and the black market continues to thrive. While there is no medical marijuana program, CBD products derived from domestically grown hemp are available for sale.

The country is taking steps towards full legalisation. In 2022, the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill was passed in the National Assembly. This bill outlined a framework for the full legalisation of marijuana and industry guidelines for the legal cultivation and sale of the plant. However, the Council of Churches gathered enough signatures to force a referendum on the issue, and the bill has been delayed.

While marijuana is not legal in Belize, the country has a relatively liberal attitude towards it. The government recognises the potential benefits of legalisation, including increased revenue, job creation, and reduced workload for the police. Additionally, with high marijuana use among its residents, Belize has one of the most progressive approaches to cannabis in Central America.

Possession of 10 grams or less is allowed at home

Marijuana laws in Belize are complex. While the drug is not legal, Belize has decriminalised the possession and use of 10 grams or less on private property. This means that while you can possess marijuana at home, it is still illegal to grow, buy, or transport it. The laws surrounding marijuana in Belize are vague, and it is important to understand the legal implications before consuming or possessing the drug.

In November 2017, Belize amended the Misuse of Drugs Act to decriminalise small amounts of marijuana for personal use on private property. This amendment was signed into law by the Governor-General and placed Belize at the forefront of Central American countries allowing legalised cannabis consumption. However, it is important to note that the amendment specifies that the possession and use of marijuana are only decriminalised for amounts up to 10 grams.

The 2017 amendment states that "individuals will not face criminal charges for possession of up to ten grams, but everything else around it was still illegal." This means that it remains illegal to grow, buy, or transport marijuana in Belize. As a result, it can be challenging for individuals to obtain marijuana legally, even in small amounts for personal use at home.

While the possession and use of small amounts of marijuana on private property have been decriminalised, it is important to note that public consumption is still illegal and can result in fines or imprisonment. Additionally, the sale and distribution of marijuana are also illegal in Belize, and there are no legal suppliers or producers of the drug. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to understand the legal implications and restrictions surrounding marijuana possession, use, and supply in Belize before engaging in any related activities.

Belize has a history of cannabis consumption and was once a significant exporter of the drug to the United States. Despite the recent decriminalisation of small amounts for personal use, the country has not established a legal framework for the production and sale of marijuana. While there have been efforts to legalise the drug, opposition from religious groups and concerns about the potential impact on teenagers have slowed progress. As a result, the legal status of marijuana in Belize remains complex and subject to ongoing debate and potential changes in the future.

Buying, selling and growing cannabis is illegal

The buying, selling, and growing of cannabis in Belize are illegal. Although the use of cannabis in Belize is common and largely tolerated, buying, selling, and growing it are prohibited.

In 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act, decriminalizing the possession and use of small amounts of cannabis (up to 10 grams) on private premises. This amendment placed Belize at the forefront of Central American countries allowing legalized cannabis consumption. However, the amendment did not legalize the buying, selling, or growing of cannabis.

The law states that individuals will not face criminal charges for possessing small amounts of cannabis, but everything else, including buying, selling, and growing, remains illegal. This means that while it is allowed to possess and consume cannabis in private residences, obtaining it through legal means is not possible.

Belize has traditionally been a zero-tolerance country regarding drugs. The 2017 amendment was a significant step towards the decriminalization of cannabis, and there is ongoing debate about further legalizing it. However, as of now, the buying, selling, and growing of cannabis remain illegal in Belize.

The country is facing challenges in regulating the cannabis industry due to opposition from religious groups and other sectors. While some believe that legalization will boost the economy and reduce crime, others argue that it may increase teenage drug use and cause other issues. The legalization of cannabis in Belize is still a contentious topic, and it remains to be seen whether further amendments will be made to the existing laws.

Public smoking can result in fines or imprisonment

In 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act to decriminalize the possession and use of cannabis in small amounts (10 grams or less) on private premises. While this amendment effectively decriminalized marijuana use in the country, it did not legalize it. The purchase, sale, and transportation of marijuana remain illegal.

Public smoking of marijuana in Belize can result in fines or imprisonment. Although the use of cannabis in Belize is common and largely tolerated, possession, public smoking, and selling are all still illegal and punishable by fines or even imprisonment. The country's cannabis laws are subject to change, with a push for legalization in recent years.

In 2022, the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill, which outlined a framework for the full legalization of marijuana in Belize, passed through both houses of the National Assembly. However, due to opposition from religious groups, the bill was delayed and is now back with the legislature.

It's important to note that the legalization of marijuana in Belize is a complex issue, and while there is support among federal officials, there is also strong opposition. As of 2024, there is no set date for a referendum on the legalization of marijuana, and public smoking of the drug can still result in legal consequences.

The church has opposed the legalisation of marijuana

The legal status of marijuana in Belize is complicated. While possession of small amounts (up to 10 grams) and consumption on private property have been decriminalized, buying, selling, and growing cannabis are still illegal. The country is moving towards fully legalising cannabis, with several bills and amendments introduced to the federal government to that end. However, there is strong opposition to legalisation from religious groups, who have called for a nationwide referendum on the issue.

Indeed, the church has opposed the legalisation of marijuana in Belize and other parts of the world. In Belize, the National Evangelical Association opposed the decriminalisation of cannabis in 2017. The Council of Churches also triggered a referendum on the legalisation of marijuana production and sale by collecting over 20,000 signatures, arguing that legalisation may increase teenage use.

The Catholic Church, in particular, has taken a strong stance against the legalisation of marijuana. Pope Francis, even before he became the Pope, expressed his opposition to recreational cannabis use, stating that liberalisation of drug use will not reduce addiction. The Catechism of the Catholic Church considers the use of drugs, except for strictly therapeutic reasons, a "grave offense", and the Church has criticised the trivialisation of cannabis use. Catholic bishops in the United States have urged voters to reject marijuana legalisation, citing physical and spiritual harms.

Other religious groups have also expressed opposition to marijuana legalisation. For example, the Assemblies of God USA, along with other Pentecostal and holiness churches, have historically advocated for abstinence from all narcotics. The Arkansas Baptist State Convention and the Florida Baptist Convention have similarly discouraged the use of medical marijuana.

While some religious groups oppose legalisation, others support the medicinal use of cannabis. For instance, some Protestant and Jewish factions and certain Islamic schools have endorsed the use of medicinal cannabis. Additionally, the Rastafari movement considers cannabis a sacred herb.

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