Cannabis in Belize
The use of cannabis in Belize is common and largely tolerated; however, possession can result in fines or imprisonment.[1]
Use[edit]
According to a 2016 report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime approximately 8.5% of all Belizeans use cannabis. Belize was ranked 18th out of all countries in prevalence of cannabis use, higher than both the Netherlands and Jamaica.[2]
Decriminalization[edit]
In 2012, the Government of Belize announced that it was considering decriminalizing possession of 10 grams or less.[3] In February 2016, Belizean newspaper Amandala reported that legislation to decriminalize up to 10 grams of cannabis was "in the works".[4]
Legalization[edit]
Although legalization of cannabis has never been officially considered by the government, some prominent public figures in Belize have supported the idea. In 2017, the Leader of the Opposition, John Briceño, stated, "It is time for us to stop locking up our young people for a stick of weed. The time has come for us to decriminalize marijuana smoking and prepare the necessary research to move to legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes and in small quantities."[5] In a 2017 op-ed, former Senator Lisa Shoman stated, "There is no rational excuse to refuse to move past decriminalization to legalization of personal use amounts for adults."[6]
Tourism[edit]
In 2016, an American tourist off a cruise ship was arrested for purchasing 1.8 grams of cannabis in Belize City. Her charges were dismissed, with the judge noting the cannabis was sold openly to her and she appeared to believe it was legal, and she was cautioned against ever possessing drugs in Belize again.[7]
References[edit]
- ^ Hubbard, Kirsten. "Drug Laws and Penalties in Central America". About.com. Retrieved 2 January 2014.
- ^ "Belize weighs in on world weed list". Breaking Belize News. 2 December 2016. Retrieved 30 April 2017.
- ^ "Decriminalization of Marijuana" (PDF). Government of Belize. Retrieved 5 January 2014.[dead link]
- ^ Ramos, Adele (2016-02-20). "Laws in the works for marijuana decriminalization". Amandala. Retrieved 2016-11-30.
- ^ "Caye Caulker group says decriminalizing marijuana will improve the economy". The San Pedro Sun. 29 April 2017. Retrieved 30 April 2017.
- ^ Shoman, Lisa (20 April 2017). "Marijuana - Time to legalize it!". Breaking Belize News. Retrieved 30 April 2017.
- ^ "Court Says Cruise Visitor's Cannabis Cool". 7 News Belize. 2016-04-19. Retrieved 2017-02-11.
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