Belize's Approach To Medical Marijuana: A Complex Legal Landscape

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. However, the law does not specify whether this use is for medicinal or recreational purposes. While this amendment represents a move towards more progressive drug policies, the purchase, sale, and cultivation of marijuana remain illegal in Belize.

Marijuana decriminalisation in Belize: what does it mean?

In November 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act to decriminalise the possession and consumption of up to 10 grams of marijuana on private property. This amendment was criticised for its lack of clarity.

Despite the amendment, it remains illegal to grow, buy, or transport marijuana in Belize. This means that, while individuals will not face criminal charges for possessing up to 10 grams, it is still difficult to obtain marijuana in the country.

Public vs Private Consumption

Smoking in public or possessing large amounts of marijuana can result in fines or jail time. However, the distinction between public and private consumption is vague, and the law does not specify what constitutes "private property".

The Future of Marijuana Legalisation in Belize

In 2022, the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill, which outlined a framework for the full legalisation of marijuana in Belize, passed through both houses of the National Assembly. However, due to opposition from religious groups, the bill was halted before it could be signed into law, and there has been no progress on a new referendum date.

International Context

Belize is one of the top countries in Central America when it comes to cannabis consumption, with an estimated 8.5% of the population consuming cannabis. The country's progressive approach to cannabis decriminalisation places it at the forefront of Central American countries moving towards more relaxed weed policies.

Is marijuana legal for medicinal use in Belize?

In 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act to decriminalise the use of marijuana on private property. This amendment allows individuals to possess up to 10 grams of marijuana without facing criminal charges. However, buying, selling, and growing marijuana are still illegal in Belize.

While this amendment represents a step towards legalisation, the law does not differentiate between medical and recreational use. As of April 2022, there is no formal medical marijuana program in Belize. The current regulations apply to both medical and adult use, with no special provisions for medicinal use.

It is important to note that the legalisation of marijuana in Belize has been a complex and evolving process. In 2022, the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill, which outlined a framework for full legalisation, passed through both houses of the National Assembly. However, due to opposition from religious groups, the bill was halted before it could be signed into law, and there has been no further progress on legalisation as of July 2024.

Therefore, while marijuana use has been partially decriminalised in Belize, it cannot be specifically concluded that medicinal marijuana is legal in the country. The current laws do not address medicinal use separately, and the full legalisation efforts have been stalled. As a result, individuals seeking to use marijuana for medicinal purposes in Belize would still need to comply with the existing regulations and restrictions.

Is it possible to buy marijuana in Belize?

In 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act, decriminalising the possession and use of marijuana in small amounts (up to 10 grams) on private property. This amendment does not specify cannabis use to be for medical purposes only, so it allows for legal recreational use in Belize. However, buying, selling, and growing cannabis are still illegal in Belize.

While it is possible to find people selling marijuana in Belize, it is not legal to buy it. An American tourist was arrested in 2016 for buying 1.8 grams of cannabis in Belize City. The charges were dismissed, but she was cautioned against ever possessing drugs in Belize again.

In 2022, the Belizean government passed the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill, which outlined a framework for the full legalisation of marijuana in Belize, including industry guidelines for the legal cultivation and sale of the plant. However, due to opposition from religious groups, the banking sector, and the tourism industry, the bill was halted before it could be signed into law.

So, while it may be possible to buy marijuana in Belize from certain sellers, it is important to note that doing so is illegal and can result in fines or imprisonment.

Can you smoke marijuana in public in Belize?

In 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act, decriminalising the possession and use of cannabis in small amounts (up to 10 grams) on private premises. This means that smoking marijuana in a private home or hotel (with the owner's permission) is allowed. However, smoking marijuana in public places remains illegal and can result in fines or imprisonment.

The law does not differentiate between medical and recreational use. While the use of cannabis in Belize is common and largely tolerated, buying, selling, and growing marijuana are still illegal.

Therefore, it is important to remember that even though residents can smoke marijuana in private residences, smoking in public places is prohibited. Tourists should be particularly cautious as the consequences of breaking the law can be severe, including imprisonment.

Belize has made some progress towards legalising marijuana, but full legalisation has not yet been achieved. The Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill, which outlined a framework for full legalisation, was passed by both houses of the National Assembly in 2022. However, due to opposition from religious groups and other sectors, the bill did not proceed to a referendum, and it is unclear if and when it will be revisited.

What is the history of marijuana legislation in Belize?

The history of marijuana legislation in Belize is a complex and evolving story, with the country making significant strides towards decriminalisation and legalisation in recent years. Here is a detailed account of the key moments in the history of marijuana legislation in Belize:

In the 1980s, Belize was a significant player in the cannabis industry, being the fourth-largest exporter of cannabis to the United States, behind Colombia, Mexico, and Jamaica. However, this began to change in the mid-1980s with the Belizean government's eradication efforts, supported by the United States. By 1994, Belize's cannabis production had dropped to negligible levels.

In 2012, the Government of Belize announced that it was considering decriminalising the possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use. This marked a shift in the government's traditionally zero-tolerance approach towards recreational drugs.

In October 2017, 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 early November by the Governor-General, Sir Colville Young, despite objections from religious groups such as the National Evangelical Association of Belize. The amendment allowed for the legal consumption of marijuana on private property, placing Belize at the forefront of Central American countries moving towards legalised cannabis use.

While the 2017 amendment was a significant step forward, it was also criticised for its lack of clarity. The amendment did not address the legal means of acquiring cannabis, as buying, growing, and transporting marijuana remained illegal. Additionally, it did not specify cannabis use for medical purposes, leaving the door open for legal recreational use within the specified limits.

In 2021, further amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act were introduced, aiming to legalise 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. The bill outlined a framework for the full legalisation of marijuana, including industry guidelines for cultivation and sale. It received support from federal officials but also faced strong opposition, particularly from religious groups.

The Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill passed through both houses of the National Assembly in 2022. However, before it could be signed into law, a referendum was demanded by opponents of legalisation, including the church, the banking sector, and segments of the tourism industry. The referendum, tentatively set for September 2022, was ultimately cancelled due to the estimated $5 million cost.

As of 2024, the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill is back with the legislature, and the future of full legalisation in Belize remains uncertain. While marijuana is not fully legalised, Belize remains one of the most progressive countries in Central America regarding cannabis legislation and consumption.

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