Belize's Marijuana Prohibition Explained

Marijuana is illegal in Belize, but in 2017, the country amended its Misuse of Drugs Act to decriminalize the possession of up to 10 grams for personal use in private residences. Despite this, the production, sale, and transportation of marijuana remain illegal, and smoking in public can result in fines or jail time. The push for legalization in Belize has faced opposition, particularly from religious groups, and the country has yet to fully legalize cannabis.

Marijuana is decriminalised, not legalised, in Belize

The 2017 amendment was criticised for its lack of clarity, and the legal status of marijuana in Belize remains vague. While the amendment decriminalised possession and consumption on private property, it did not specify any means of obtaining the drug legally. As a result, marijuana remains inaccessible to most Belizeans and tourists, as there are no legal suppliers or retailers.

The push for legalisation in Belize has faced strong opposition, particularly from religious groups. In 2022, 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. However, the Council of Churches gathered enough signatures to force the bill to a referendum. Due to rising opposition and the potential cost of holding the referendum, it was cancelled, and the bill was sent back to the legislature.

While Belize has made some progress towards decriminalisation, full legalisation of marijuana remains uncertain. As of 2024, marijuana is still largely illegal in the country, and possession, consumption, and sale can result in fines or jail time.

It's illegal to buy, sell, transport and grow marijuana in Belize

Marijuana is illegal to buy, sell, transport and grow in Belize. While the country has made some steps towards decriminalisation, the sale and production of marijuana remain illegal.

In 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act to allow legal marijuana use on private property. This amendment was criticised for its lack of clarity. While individuals could possess up to ten grams of marijuana without facing criminal charges, everything else, including buying, selling, transporting and growing, remained illegal.

In 2022, the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill was passed by 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, due to opposition from religious groups, the bill was referred to a referendum. Unfortunately, the referendum was cancelled due to the supposed $5 million cost of holding it, and there has been no further progress on legalisation since.

As a result, the buying, selling, transporting and growing of marijuana remain illegal in Belize, despite some support for legalisation among federal officials. While cannabis consumption is common in Belize, possession of large amounts, public smoking, and selling are illegal and punishable by fines or imprisonment.

The church opposes the legalisation of marijuana in Belize

The church in Belize has long opposed the legalisation of marijuana, and in 2022, the Council of Churches managed to gather enough signatures to force a referendum on the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill, which outlined a framework for the full legalisation of marijuana in Belize. The bill had already been passed by both houses of the National Assembly, but due to the church's intervention, it was delayed and eventually shelved.

The church's opposition to the legalisation of marijuana is based on concerns about the potential negative impact on society, particularly on teenagers and young people. They argue that legalising marijuana could increase its use among youths, leading to possible health and social issues. The church also believes that the country is not ready to handle the potential consequences of legalisation, pointing out the existing issues with controlling and regulating marijuana. Additionally, they highlight the potential for increased taxation and the high costs of obtaining permits, planting, and harvesting cannabis, which may disproportionately impact lower-income individuals.

Furthermore, the church's stance aligns with the traditional zero-tolerance approach of the Belizean government towards the cultivation, sale, possession, and consumption of all recreational illicit substances. This stance is reflected in the existing laws that criminalise the sale, growth, and public consumption of marijuana, even after the 2017 amendment that decriminalised the possession of small amounts for personal use. While the 2017 amendment represents a step towards progressive drug policies, the church's efforts to block full legalisation indicate a desire to maintain a harder line on marijuana use.

The church's opposition to marijuana legalisation in Belize is part of a broader context of religious groups influencing drug policy. Religious organisations often advocate for stricter drug control measures and view drug use as a moral failing. By gathering signatures and triggering a referendum, the Council of Churches in Belize demonstrated its significant influence and ability to shape drug legislation. This action reflects a broader trend of religious groups playing a pivotal role in drug policy debates and influencing the direction of drug laws in their respective countries.

While the church's intervention temporarily halted the progress towards full legalisation, it is important to note that marijuana laws in Belize are still evolving. The 2017 amendment that decriminalised small amounts for personal use represents a significant shift, and there is ongoing support among federal officials for further reform. However, the church's opposition remains a formidable obstacle that must be addressed for more comprehensive legalisation to occur.

Marijuana is common and fairly easy to find in Belize

In 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act to allow legal marijuana use on private property. This amendment placed Belize in the forefront of Central American countries allowing legalized cannabis consumption. However, it is still illegal to grow, buy, or transport marijuana. Possession of up to 10 grams of marijuana is decriminalized, but smoking in public or possessing large amounts can result in fines or jail time.

While marijuana is common in Belize, it is important to note that what is true for residents may not be true for tourists. As a visitor to the country, it is crucial to understand the laws and consequences and act with respect and discretion. Walking around in public while smoking or carrying cannabis is not advisable.

Belize remains one of the more progressive countries in Central America regarding marijuana legislation, and there is a push for further legalization. In 2022, the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill outlined a framework for the full legalization of marijuana and industry guidelines for the legal cultivation and sale of the plant. However, the bill was met with opposition, particularly from religious groups, and has been delayed.

Marijuana laws in Belize are vague and confusing

The amendment states that individuals will not face criminal charges for possessing up to 10 grams of marijuana on private property. However, it remains illegal to grow, buy, or transport marijuana, which creates a confusing situation for those who wish to possess or consume it legally. The amendment does not specify how marijuana can be obtained legally, and there are no legal suppliers or retailers. This has led to criticism of the law for its lack of clarity and the challenges it poses for those who wish to comply with the law.

The legal status of marijuana in Belize has been a topic of ongoing debate and efforts towards legalization. In 2022, the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill, which outlined a framework for full legalization and industry guidelines, passed through both houses of the National Assembly. However, the bill faced opposition from religious groups, and a referendum on the issue was triggered by the Council of Churches. The referendum, originally set for September 2022, was cancelled due to the projected cost, and there has been no further progress on a new date.

As a result, Belize is back to the vague decriminalization language of the 2017 amendment, which has left many unsure about what is permitted and what is not. The laws do not differentiate between medical and adult use, and there is no medical marijuana program in place. While cannabis is commonly consumed in Belize and can be found fairly easily, buying, selling, and growing cannabis are illegal, and public smoking is prohibited. Possession of large amounts of marijuana can result in fines or jail time.

The situation is further complicated for tourists, who may face additional risks and consequences if they do not understand or comply with the local laws. It is important for visitors to understand that while cannabis consumption may be common, it is still illegal in many respects, and discretion is advised.

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