The National Evangelical Association of Belize has been one of the strongest and most vocal critics of the Briceno Government's decision to establish a local marijuana and hemp industry.
They were almost immediately opposed to the early form of the proposed piece of legislation, which was known as the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill of 2021. Much has happened since the original creation of that bill, and after consultations, it has been changed into what is now known as the Cannabis Control and Licensing Bill of 2022 - which goes to the house tomorrow.
In a press release sent this afternoon, the NEAB says, quote, "Like the previous legislation that failed, this modified Bill has the government not only legalizing, but promoting the production, sale, and use of marijuana." End quote.
The association reasons that if marijuana is legalized in Belize, it will attract more Central American drug cartels to Belize.
Their press release says, quote, "We are sounding the warning that this is opening a door to influences that, once they are in, will be near impossible to remove from Belize. From when the previous Administration stepped forward to legalizing marijuana, here came the drug planes! End quote.
Their statement closes by saying quote, "We have great potential for recovery and prosperity without resorting to the inevitably demoralizing and corrupting marijuana business." End quote.
