Belize's Marijuana Buying Options

Marijuana in Belize has been decriminalised since 2017, but it is not legal to buy, sell, or grow it. This means that tourists who want to smoke marijuana in Belize will have to buy it illegally. A taxi driver is usually the best person to help with this. While the laws are not enforced for residents, tourists should be careful and discreet, as they are often charged more for weed and could face fines or imprisonment if caught with it.

Marijuana laws in Belize

In 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act, decriminalising the possession and consumption of marijuana on private property. This amendment was significant as it placed Belize at the forefront of Central American countries moving towards legalised cannabis use. However, the law limits possession to a maximum of 10 grams, and it remains illegal to grow, buy, or transport marijuana. This has led to criticism of the law for its lack of clarity and the challenges it poses for those who wish to possess or consume the drug legally.

The 2017 amendment does not specify cannabis use for medical purposes only, leaving room for legal recreational use within the defined parameters. As a result, marijuana in Belize exists in a state of decriminalisation, rather than full legalisation.

In 2022, the Belizean 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, including industry guidelines for the legal cultivation and sale of the plant. However, the bill faced opposition from the Council of Churches, which gathered enough signatures to force a referendum on the issue. The referendum, initially set for September 2022, was cancelled due to the projected $5 million cost and opposition from the banking sector and tourism industry.

As of 2024, the status of marijuana legalisation in Belize remains uncertain. While the 2017 amendment allows for decriminalised possession and consumption on private property, the lack of legal suppliers and the challenges in obtaining marijuana have created a complex situation. The future of marijuana laws in Belize may depend on the outcome of any future referendums or changes in government policy.

It is important to note that, despite the decriminalisation of small amounts for personal use, penalties for drug offences in Belize can be severe, including long prison sentences in local jails. Therefore, it is advisable for both locals and tourists to proceed with caution when it comes to marijuana possession, use, and acquisition in Belize.

Buying marijuana in Belize as a tourist

Belize is one of the top countries in Central America when it comes to cannabis consumption, but buying, selling, and growing cannabis are illegal. While cannabis consumption is common, possession of large amounts, public smoking, and selling are all still illegal and punishable by fines or even imprisonment.

In 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act to allow legal marijuana use on private property. This means that tourists can possess up to 10 grams of marijuana and smoke it on private property, including hotels where smoking is permitted if the owner gives permission. However, it is important to note that buying marijuana is still illegal in Belize, and tourists will have to purchase it on the black market.

If you are looking to buy marijuana in Belize, it is advisable to ask a local for help. A taxi driver, for example, can take you to where you can purchase your weed. It is also a good idea to ask for the amount of cannabis you want in dollars, not weight, as tourists are usually charged more than locals for the same amount.

When purchasing and consuming marijuana in Belize, it is important to be discreet and respectful of the local laws and culture. Do not walk around in public smoking or with large amounts of cannabis, as this can result in fines or even imprisonment. It is also important to stay away from schools, as there are additional penalties for possession on school premises.

While Belize has made some progress towards legalizing marijuana, with the 2022 Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill outlining a framework for full legalization, opposition from religious groups has stalled these efforts. As of 2024, there is still no legal adult-use market for marijuana in Belize, and it remains a felony to grow and sell cannabis.

The history of marijuana legislation in Belize

In the mid-1980s, the Belizean government, with support from the United States, launched eradication efforts that significantly reduced marijuana production in the country. By 1994, Belize's marijuana production had dropped to negligible levels, a stark contrast to the 1980s when the country was the fourth-largest exporter of cannabis to the US.

In 2012, the Government of Belize signaled a shift in its approach by announcing the consideration of decriminalizing possession of small amounts of cannabis. This was a notable development, given the country's traditionally zero-tolerance stance towards recreational illicit substances. The US State Department reported that Belizean authorities eradicated over 100,000 cannabis plants between January and October 2014.

On October 20, 2017, the House of Representatives passed a pivotal amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act, decriminalizing the possession or use of 10 grams or less of marijuana on private premises. This amendment was signed into law in early November by the then-Governor General, Sir Colville Young, despite opposition from religious groups such as the National Evangelical Association of Belize. The amendment allowed for legal marijuana use on private property and provided for monetary and non-recordable penalties for possession on school premises.

While the 2017 amendment was a step towards decriminalization, it was criticized for its lack of clarity. Possession of marijuana was permitted, but growing, buying, or transporting it remained illegal, creating a conundrum for those who wanted to consume it legally. Despite this ambiguity, Belize became a pioneer in the region, as no other Central American country had decriminalized marijuana before Belize.

In 2022, the Belizean government made further progress 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 legalization of marijuana, including industry guidelines for cultivation and sale. However, the momentum was halted when the Council of Churches, along with the banking sector and segments of the tourism industry, successfully petitioned for a referendum on the issue. The referendum, initially set for September 2022, was ultimately canceled due to the projected $5 million cost.

As of 2024, the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill remains in limbo, and Belize is back to the vague decriminalization framework established in 2017. While the country has made significant strides towards marijuana reform, full legalization remains elusive, and the incident involving marijuana-infused candies being sold to children outside a Belize City school in April 2023 has strengthened the position of anti-legalization campaigners.

The future of marijuana legislation in Belize

Marijuana legislation in Belize has undergone some changes in recent years, with a shift towards decriminalization and potential legalization. Here is an overview of the current situation and the future of marijuana legislation in the country:

In 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act, which effectively decriminalized the possession and use of marijuana on private property. This amendment allowed individuals to possess up to ten grams of marijuana without facing criminal charges. However, the amendment was criticized for its lack of clarity, as it did not address the legality of purchasing, growing, or transporting marijuana. Despite this, Belize became the first country in Central America to relax its laws regarding marijuana possession.

In 2022, the Belizean government made further strides towards legalization with the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill. This bill outlined a framework for the full legalization of marijuana, including guidelines for its cultivation and sale. The bill passed through both houses of the National Assembly with little opposition from politicians.

However, the path to legalization faced a setback when the Council of Churches, long-standing opponents of marijuana legalization, gathered enough signatures to force a referendum on the issue. The referendum, initially set for September 2022, was cancelled due to the anticipated $5 million cost, among other factors. The bill is currently back with the legislature, awaiting further progress.

The future of marijuana legalization in Belize remains uncertain. While some believe that legalization will boost the economy, create jobs, and reduce policing workload, others argue that the country is not ready for such a decision. There are concerns about controlling the sale and distribution of marijuana, especially to minors, as evidenced by an incident in April 2023 where marijuana-infused candies were accidentally sold to children outside a primary school. This incident has strengthened the position of anti-legalization campaigners.

Despite the current setback, Belize remains one of the more progressive countries in Central America regarding marijuana legislation. With public figures and a portion of the population supporting legalization, there is a potential for future policy changes. However, the influence of opposing groups, such as the church and certain sectors of the tourism industry, cannot be understated. The outcome of the referendum, whenever it occurs, will be pivotal in determining the direction of marijuana legislation in Belize.

The consequences of buying marijuana in Belize

While the use of cannabis in Belize is common and largely tolerated, the purchase of marijuana in Belize can result in serious consequences.

In 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act to decriminalize the possession and use of marijuana on private property, up to a limit of 10 grams. However, the amendment did not legalize the buying, selling, or transportation of marijuana. As a result, if you are caught purchasing marijuana in Belize, you may face fines or imprisonment.

In 2016, an American tourist was arrested for purchasing 1.8 grams of cannabis in Belize City. Although her charges were ultimately dismissed, the incident demonstrates the potential consequences of buying marijuana in Belize. The tourist was cautioned against ever possessing drugs in the country again, highlighting the seriousness of the offence.

It is important to note that the laws and enforcement of marijuana possession and use may change over time. Additionally, the consequences may differ for locals versus tourists, as seen in the case of the American tourist. Therefore, it is essential to stay informed about the current laws and regulations regarding marijuana in Belize.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that the sale and distribution of marijuana in Belize are still considered illegal activities. This means that even if you are able to purchase marijuana, the person selling it may be subject to legal consequences, including fines or imprisonment.

In conclusion, while the use of marijuana may be common and tolerated in Belize, the purchase of marijuana remains illegal and can result in significant consequences, including fines or imprisonment. It is crucial to be aware of and abide by the local laws and regulations to avoid any negative repercussions.

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