And back in the House of Representatives, the Minister of New Growth Industries, Kareem Musa presented the Misuse of Drug Act for its second reading. In his comments, he highlighted the amendments that were developed through consultation.
Hon. Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs
"This bill of course went to the committee stage where we had the input of the opposition, some of those suggested amendments were incorporated into the act. For instance: the recommendation that to apply for one of the relevant licensing that a prior cannabis conviction would not affect an applicant's chance, because there is the requirement that you have to provide a criminal record and so that was removed, a provisor was inserted to state that if you have criminal conviction for cannabis that will not affect your chance of getting one of the licenses. In addition we had a very engaging and productive meeting, the ministry did with the council of churches - all of the bishops were present and of course their concern is that we do not allow children to have access to cannabis and we totally accept and understand this, but unfortunately, currently as the law exist, anybody can have access to cannabis which is why we will have the requirement that you must apply for the cannabis card and upon the recommendation of not just the churches, but we also met with the Belize medical and dental association who suggested that we move the legible age from 18 to 21. So, in terms of all the licensing and in terms of all the requirements, the age is 21 years old. So, we have had very productive meetings. There are a series of amendments that are included here which have been circulated with members of the house."
