Belize doesn’t yet offer medical marijuana programs, but the country is well on its way to legalizing cannabis altogether in the near future. Belize boasts one of the most progressive approaches in Central America when it comes to cannabis legislation and its laws reflect this progressive stance.
Medicinal Marijuana
Current regulations legalize the possession of 10 grams or less of marijuana and its use on private property, but purchasing, selling or growing marijuana remains illegal. Smoking marijuana in public spaces remains unlawful; those caught doing so could face fines or jail time.
In 2017, Belize’s government passed legislation amending its Misuse of Drugs Act to decriminalize small amounts of weed while also removing industrial hemp from the controlled substances list. While this move was widely welcomed, evangelical groups opposed this decision by using their influence against any future attempts at legalizing cannabis in Belize.
As a result, the marijuana bill was officially shelved in July 2022; however, it may reemerge at some point in the future as part of the government’s pursuit to utilize modern farming technology to increase quality at lower cost while simultaneously expanding production.
Medicinal marijuana has proven itself an effective means of treating chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting, seizures, muscle spasms and anxiety and relieving pain associated with cancer, HIV infection or other conditions. It can be consumed orally or applied topically and has the potential to be an invaluable ally against disease such as cancer, AIDS or multiple sclerosis.
Belize’s growing population of expats, retirees and young professionals is fuelling increased demand for medicinal cannabis. This demand has grown particularly strong among those looking to relieve chronic pain from illnesses like cancer, AIDS and epilepsy – as medical researchers discover new uses for cannabis to help treat such diseases or ailments – leading to greater popularity among both expats and tourists alike.
Legality
Belize government has been adapting their laws to fit with modern society, recently legalizing marijuana for adults with some exemptions; however, large-scale possession is illegal and may lead to fines or imprisonment. Marijuana in Belize is regulated under the Cannabis Regulation and Licensing Act of 2022.
Belize does not currently have a medical marijuana program, however growing and consuming cannabis for personal use is legal in certain circumstances. Citizens may possess up to 10 grams of weed on private property for consumption or purchase cannabis products from licensed shops.
Belize was once known for producing cannabis exports; however, drug war efforts effectively eliminated this illicit production. Now most growers in Belize do it only for medicinal use; consumption rates in Belize remain high and steps are being taken by government officials to address them.
Although Belize does not possess as stringent drug laws as some other Caribbean nations, it’s still wise to remember that being caught with large quantities of marijuana or other drugs could incur jail time and fines. While police usually don’t bother tourists carrying small amounts, you should avoid using or keeping such substances while visiting Belize.
Belize government officials have begun taking steps to regulate hemp cultivation as an additional crop that can be used for multiple purposes, including clothing and food production. They have conducted extensive research in order to find optimal conditions for growing this versatile product in Belize.
Sugar stick cultivators in Belize shifted towards cannabis creation as an economic boon, becoming the fourth-largest cannabis exporter to the US in just a few short years. Since then, cannabis cultivation has been the cornerstone of Belizean economic success and government initiatives are currently focused on making hemp cultivation more regulated to enhance both product quality and overall economic health.
Availability
Belize does not yet allow the use of medicinal marijuana, though laws are slowly shifting towards full cannabis reform. Some young adults and marijuana enthusiasts in Belize are campaigning for legalizing recreational weed, though this process will likely take some time before adult-use marijuana becomes acceptable in Belize.
At present, marijuana consumption is illegal in Belize and individuals caught smoking or possessing cannabis risk a fine or jail time if found. Furthermore, selling or cultivating it in Belize is against the law.
In 2017, the government decriminalized small quantities of marijuana, much to the chagrin of many local groups such as Evangelical Christian groups and the Council of Churches. Still, this move marks a step toward cannabis reform within the nation as young people advocate for its inclusion into society.
One of the most widely consumed forms of marijuana in Belize is cannabis oil, produced by extracting resins from cannabis flowers using solvents and producing a thick, sticky substance rich with cannabinoids known as Rick Simpson Oil or Full Extract Cannabis Oil or hash Oil. Importantly, however, marijuana oil should not be confused with medicinal cannabis that has been approved and tested by licensed physicians.
Rosin is another popular form of marijuana in Belize, made from heating cannabis flowers and straining out solvents using heat and pressure. Rosin contains high THC levels and is more commonly referred to as marijuana concentrate or dabs; its potency makes it effective at treating chronic pain and nausea, so be sure to purchase from a reputable distributor in Belize.
Taxi drivers are usually an ideal way to shop for marijuana in Belize as they will offer competitive prices and can lead you to the nearest store. Remember it is illegal for tourists to buy or carry drugs, so make sure that all required documentation and travel plans are strictly adhered to before entering Belize. In addition, drink only bottled or boiled water and update any vaccinations prior to visiting.
Safety
Belize has an intriguing relationship with cannabis. Although technically illegal in the country, possession and consumption have been decriminalized since 2017. People may possess up to 10 grams of marijuana or hemp and smoke on private property without facing prosecution; small-scale cultivation for medicinal use is also legal; however anyone caught possessing more than 10 grams could face prison time.
Belize’s government is in the midst of updating their country’s laws pertaining to marijuana and industrial hemp, in order to establish a local cannabis industry which will enable sale and cultivation for recreational use, thus increasing productivity while creating jobs.
Marijuana can offer great relief to those living with illness or experiencing discomfort. Numerous studies demonstrate its therapeutic use, relieving symptoms such as pain, nausea and loss of appetite; decreasing inflammation levels; slowing Alzheimer’s progression; as well as slowing its progression. Unfortunately however, some individuals remain concerned about smoking marijuana due to potential side effects.
Marijuana may be an illegal narcotic, yet its use in Belize is widespread and widely prescribed by physicians for medicinal use. However, it should be remembered that cannabis does not possess the same therapeutic effects as prescription medications so before making your decision about using marijuana medicinally it’s wise to consult a physician first.
Studies conducted on marijuana have been both population and clinical in nature, with mixed findings. Some have demonstrated some positive outcomes from using marijuana medicinally, such as decreasing seizures in children. Furthermore, research suggests it may reduce anxiety and depression in adults as well – promising findings that could pave the way towards legalizing marijuana for medicinal use in Belize in the near future.
