AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums About Belize Nation Laws & Taxes Belize to decriminalize marijuana?

In consultive process now and will see reaction from public here, not anywhere else, and move forward or not, depending on what the people want.

Would you imagine that Belize would change as a result of decrim Katie? would this draw certain elements as far as tourism? Increase the likelihood of being approached on the beach or street? I'm curious.

Wilfred Elrington seems to have his head screwed on good. Its a sad state of affairs that we can't ignore the US opinion and going against the US will have consequences.
I don't like the methods of the US intervention but they are a fact of life in a third world country.

No, the possible change in the law here reflects what many other countries around the world are doing and for domestic purposes, not tourism, but the law is applied equally to everyone in Belize, citizen or visitor. The change is for possession of small amounts for personal use. The law will not change for trafficking at 59 grams or more or selling. The only change will be a civil fine, community service and/or education for personal possesion and the quantities agreed on (most countries are between 5-10 grams for personal use), what happens to repeat offenders, age limits, etc. This is all in the nascent discovery stages right now and a way to go before anything is presented to the public and Cabinet. As far as the US goes, state and federal laws there conflict; MX is one of many countries who legalized and the President of Guatemala recently offered his proposal for the region. Check how much aid the US gives to Belize; it ain't all that much, unless for drug and crime interdiction, which is in their best interest anyway. So we'll see. Its an interesting discussion for the people of Belize to decide

I think the question of decriminalizing Marijuana in Belize should be addressed immediately after the criminalization of burglary, robbery and theft on AC...

Legalize it; official initiative to discuss small quantities of weed
While the Police Department and the Belize Defence Force have been doing their part to collect and destroy marijuana plantations in the country, burning an entire field may not be the end to the problem. There is an initiative underway to possibly legalize it on the corner. It won't make you smarter as the popular song says, but the discussion is an intelligent one to curb a budding situation at the courthouse. A letter seeking input on the sensitive subject was sent to the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry and a copy was recently rolled over to News Five. It says that the Ministry of National Security has appointed a committee to evaluate the idea and make proposals on decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of Cannabis. What it means is that the penalties for marijuana possession will be altered so that (quote) "the offence will then be subject to regulation which will allow for the implementation of probationary measures. It is also proposed that no criminal record be kept in the first instance and portions of the penalty be reserved for drug education." (unquote) According to the letter, the current legislation treats anything over sixty grams of marijuana as drug trafficking and anything less as possession. A conviction for possession of cannabis is punishable by a fine of up to fifty thousand dollars and/or up to three years imprisonment. The proposal, therefore, would decriminalize the possession of up to ten grams of marijuana, and persons would instead be subject to mandatory drug education and no imprisonment. The reason behind the move, according to the letter, is because cases for possession of small amounts of marijuana have been cluttering the courts and prison. It says that having a permanent criminal record for the misdemeanor further disadvantages an already marginalized group of persons and establishes a barrier against meaningful employment. The decriminalization of small amounts of marijuana is also trending internationally for similar reasons.

Channel 5

Totally agreed, but I think our government could go one step further by allowing permits for growth and distribution - make sure there is enough competition, so the market would not be "milked" by (semi) monopolist(s). That way marijuana can be taxed(!), and possibly exported(!) for medicinal use where permitted and the criminal element will be totally removed while illegal growth is discouraged.

It is encouraging that a country as young as Belize is looking at this issue through realistic eyes. The US should be ignored; look what they have done with all of their wisdom in this area. The idea is constantly tossed around here in the US as well, but political pressure dictates, creating a no win situation on this subject here. Bravo Belize. Does anyone know if there are stats on the effects on tourism in other countries that have gone this route?

Amsterdam

Legalize It?

It got pretty rough in the House of Representative last week - when Prime Minister Dean Barrow accused former PM Said Musa of puffing some "sensae" in his cigar - after Musa proposed decriminalization of marijuana as a possible solution to excessive incarceration. But, apparently the PM was listening - or maybe the former PM knew his thoughts, because today it was announced that a committee has been appointed by the Minister of National Security to, quote, "evaluate and, if appropriate, make proposals for the decriminalization of the possession of small portions of Marijuana." The committee will be chaired by the former police Minister Douglas Singh. The release explains that the proposal is to decriminalize the possession of up to 10 grams of marijuana which will then be subject to fines, mandatory drug education but no imprisonment.

This release adds that the idea comes from quote "increasing evidence that the current legislation clutters the courts and the prison with primarily a marginalized segment of our population."

It's a sensitive subject - and we stress it's just a proposal right now, and so all interested groups and individuals are invited to write to Chairman Singh at this email: [email protected].

If you wish to make a representation to the committee you can say so in your written response.

Channel 7