Whether or not weed is legal in Belize depends on a variety of factors. These factors include the history of the country, the politics of the country, and the legalization of marijuana tourism.

History Of The Country

Until very recently, Belize had a two-faced relationship with weed. On the one hand, the government embraced aggressive marijuana eradication, and on the other, it was sometimes tolerant of weed use.

Despite the fact that marijuana is illegal in Belize, it is still widely used for both medicinal and recreational purposes. Belize is a small Caribbean country in Central America. It is a member of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and the 1988 Convention Against Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs.

In 1986, Belize’s government started enforcing strict laws against marijuana. It also started regulating drug production and use. However, Belize’s counter-narcotics efforts are adversely affected by corruption, an antiquated judicial sector, and deficiencies in intelligence gathering.

In 2013, the National Drug Abuse Control Council reported an increase in marijuana use. “Crack” cocaine remained the second most abused drug in the country. In addition to being a threat to the health of individuals, immoral drug use threatens the integrity of the country as a whole.

Politics Surrounding Weed

Among the many political issues facing Belize’s government are the current weed laws. The government has taken steps to rewrite these laws, which would be a significant step toward formalizing the cannabis industry. It is also a move towards the rethinking of anti-drug laws in the region.

A few months back, the government piloted an amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act to allow the possession of a small amount of marijuana. The new law made smoking marijuana on private premises no longer a criminal offense.

A recent press release from the GOB highlighted the government’s plans to formalize the marijuana industry. In particular, the government aims to ensure transparency from the start. A Cannabis Control Commission will oversee all aspects of the industry. Those who wish to purchase marijuana from a dispensary will need a special “Weed ID.”

The government is also reportedly looking into the third set of amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act. The government believes that this would be the next logical step in its cannabis reforms.

Prisons

Almost half of all prisoners in Belize are involved in some type of illicit drug activity. This includes drug trafficking and possession of more than 60 grams of marijuana. The penalties for these offenses range from up to three years in prison to a fine of up to $26,000.

The Belize prison system is under-equipped and overcrowded. The country has the 9th highest per capita prison population in the world.

Prisoners have limited access to education and healthcare. They have to earn money to survive in prison. They receive poor food and medicines from the state.

The Belize prison system relies on a make-do approach. The prison system has a high number of escapes. Inmates run tortilla vendors, barber shops, shoe repair shops, and painting studios. They also raise livestock, chickens, raccoons, fighting cocks, and pigs.

Belize is one of seven Latin American countries that put forth a U.N. General Assembly motion on drug reform in 2012. In November 2012, 95 countries supported the resolution. The proposal for drug reform aimed to reduce the demand for drugs and cut trafficking by 50%.

Marijuana Tourism

Getting to know Belize’s marijuana laws is important if you’re planning to visit. Belize has been a zero-tolerance country for drugs and drug crimes, but the government is now looking to move toward a more tolerant approach to marijuana.

The Ministry of New Growth Industries wants to legalize the sale and distribution of marijuana to stimulate the economy. It is also looking to legalize industrial hemp. Industrial hemp is a new development in the medical world.

Belize has a long history of marijuana use in indigenous cultures. These groups use cannabis for religious and spiritual reasons. Traditional healers used marijuana to treat chronic pain. In the 1970s, the marijuana trade in Belize was booming.

Belize decriminalized the possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis in 2017. However, people caught with larger amounts of weed may still receive fines.

In the past, Belize was the fourth largest exporter of illicit cannabis to the U.S. but Drug War efforts almost eliminated this illegal trade. As a result, Belize has a trade deficit of over 23% of its GDP. Belize is the smallest economy in Central America.