Belize's Legal Drugs: A Tourist's Guide To Staying Safe

Belize has traditionally taken a zero-tolerance approach to the cultivation, sale, possession, and consumption of all recreational drugs. However, in 2017, the country 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. Despite this, the cultivation, sale, and transportation of marijuana remain illegal, and other drugs such as cocaine and crack are also readily available in Belize. While drug use and possession are still largely criminalised, the recent amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act signal a potential shift in the country's approach to drug policy and a move towards decriminalisation, if not full legalisation, of certain substances.

Marijuana is decriminalised in Belize

The 2017 amendment permits individuals to possess up to 10 grams of marijuana on private property without facing criminal charges. "Private property" typically refers to a person's home rather than a business, such as a bar or restaurant. It is crucial to note that the amendment does not legalise the growth, sale, or transportation of marijuana, which remains illegal. As a result, it can be challenging to obtain and possess marijuana legally, even in small quantities.

The legislation also addresses penalties for possession on school premises and smoking on private premises, making it no longer an offence in specified circumstances. The amendment received bipartisan support from political parties but faced opposition from churches and other groups. While the amendment represents a step towards more lenient marijuana laws in Belize, it is not entirely clear, and the legal status of marijuana remains somewhat ambiguous.

In 2022, the Belizean government took further steps towards marijuana legalisation by passing 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, including industry guidelines for cultivation and sale. However, due to opposition from various sectors, including the church, the banking sector, and the tourism industry, the bill did not become law, and the referendum planned for September 2022 was cancelled.

As of 2023, the full legalisation of marijuana in Belize has been halted, and the country remains in a state of vague decriminalisation. While the 2017 amendment allows for limited legal use, the overall drug laws in Belize are complex and evolving. It is essential to stay informed about the latest legislation and regulations regarding marijuana in Belize, especially for tourists considering marijuana use during their visit.

Possession of up to 10g of marijuana is allowed

In 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act to decriminalise the possession of marijuana in small amounts. This amendment allows for the possession of up to 10 grams of marijuana for in-home or private property use. It's important to note that this law applies to private residences and does not extend to businesses such as bars or restaurants.

While this amendment represents a significant shift in Belize's approach to marijuana, it's not without its caveats. Firstly, the law specifies that possession of marijuana for personal use is decriminalised, but the production, sale, and transportation of marijuana remain illegal. This means that while individuals can possess and consume small amounts of marijuana without facing criminal charges, they may still struggle to obtain it legally.

Additionally, the amendment includes penalties for possession on school premises and makes smoking in specified circumstances, such as on private premises, no longer an offence. These changes aim to reduce the criminalisation of marijuana use while also protecting minors and providing clarity around acceptable use.

The decriminalisation of marijuana in Belize is a step towards progressive drug policy reform. It is worth noting that the country has a history of zero-tolerance towards recreational drugs, and this amendment represents a significant shift. The amendment was passed with bipartisan support, despite opposition from religious groups. The legislation was also influenced by the high marijuana use in the country, with 8.5% of Belizeans reported to use cannabis, according to a 2016 report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Smoking marijuana on private premises is not an offence

In 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act to decriminalize the possession and use of marijuana on private premises. This means that smoking marijuana in a private residence is not an offence, as long as the amount possessed or used does not exceed 10 grams. It is important to note that this amendment does not apply to public places such as bars or restaurants, and it is still illegal to grow, buy, or transport marijuana in Belize. The amendment was intended to reduce criminal charges for possession of small amounts of cannabis and to allow for the imposition of monetary and non-recordable penalties for possession on school premises.

While marijuana use in Belize is common and largely tolerated, there are still some important considerations for tourists. Marijuana, cocaine, and crack are readily available in Belize, and it is not uncommon to be offered these substances. However, it is important to remember that these substances are illegal, and possession can result in fines or imprisonment. The police in Belize do arrest people for marijuana possession, and they are known to target tourists. If caught, one may face a few days in jail and a fine of several hundred US dollars. Therefore, it is crucial for tourists to understand the local laws and the potential risks involved.

The amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act has received bipartisan support from political parties in Belize, despite opposition from churches and other groups. The amendment places Belize at the forefront of Central American countries allowing legalized cannabis consumption. While the amendment does not specify cannabis use for medical purposes only, it effectively allows for legal recreational use within the specified limits.

It is worth noting that the laws and enforcement practices in Belize may differ from those in other countries. Additionally, the specific regulations and their interpretations can evolve over time. Therefore, it is advisable for tourists to stay informed about the latest developments and to exercise caution when it comes to drug-related activities in Belize or any other country.

In summary, while smoking marijuana on private premises in Belize is not an offence under the current legislation, it is important for tourists to be aware of the quantity limitations, the illegality of other activities related to marijuana, and the potential risks associated with drug-related offences.

Marijuana, cocaine and crack are readily available in Belize

While marijuana has been decriminalised in Belize, it is important to note that cocaine and crack are not legal and their use is a criminal offence. All three substances, however, are readily available in the country.

In 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act, decriminalising the possession of marijuana in amounts 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 law also provides for monetary and non-recordable penalties for possession on school premises and makes smoking on private premises no longer an offence.

Despite the decriminalisation of small amounts of marijuana, the cultivation, sale, and transportation of the drug remain illegal. The Belizean government has traditionally taken a zero-tolerance approach to illicit substances, and it is still very much a crime to grow and sell marijuana. The country has a relatively high crime rate, and many of the violent crimes are related to the drug trade.

Belize is an important link in the chain of the drug trade between South and North America. Marijuana, cocaine, and crack are all easily accessible, and it is common to receive regular offers for these substances. While the use of marijuana has been largely decriminalised, it is important to remember that cocaine and crack are still very much illegal and can result in arrest and imprisonment.

While dope is smoked openly in the streets, the police do arrest people for possession of marijuana, and they especially enjoy catching tourists. If you are caught in possession of any illegal substance, you will likely spend a few days in jail and pay a fine of several hundred US dollars. It is important to be aware of the local laws and the potential consequences of drug use and possession in Belize.

All drugs are illegal, and tourists are often arrested for possession

All drugs are illegal in Belize, and tourists are often arrested for possession. The country has a zero-tolerance approach towards the cultivation, sale, possession, and consumption of all recreational drugs. While the 2017 amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act decriminalised the possession of small amounts of marijuana (up to 10 grams) for personal use on private property, it is still illegal to buy, grow, or transport it.

Belize has a relatively high crime rate, and many of the country's violent crimes are related to the drug trade. Marijuana, cocaine, and crack are all readily available, and it is common to be offered these drugs on the street. However, despite marijuana being smoked openly, the police do arrest people for possession, and tourists are often targeted. If caught in possession of marijuana, one can expect to spend a few days in jail and pay a fine of several hundred US dollars.

It is important to note that the criminal status of drugs in Belize is difficult to enforce due to inadequate law enforcement resources, easy access to refugee labourers working on cannabis plantations, and large areas of unpopulated land. Nevertheless, the possession, use, and trade of drugs remain illegal, and being caught can result in serious consequences.

In addition to marijuana, Belize is also a major transshipment point for cocaine and a small-scale illicit producer of cannabis for local consumption. The country's offshore sector is also associated with money-laundering activities related to narcotics trafficking and other crimes. The presence and influence of drug cartels have significantly impacted the amount of crime in the country, with the intentional homicide rate more than doubling between 2000 and 2011.

Therefore, while the 2017 amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act allows for the decriminalisation of small amounts of marijuana for personal use on private property, it is important to emphasise that all other drugs remain illegal, and even the possession of marijuana for personal use in public or the purchase, sale, or transportation of it can result in arrest and punishment. Tourists should be particularly cautious, as the police are known to target them for drug possession.

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