So, we shift now from all that talk about a referendum on marijuana to the changes contemplated in the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill. It has already received the approval of the House and the Senate to become law, but how will this new law-in-waiting affect marijuana smokers?
Our Daniel Ortiz took a closer look at the regulations today, and here's his story:
Since November of 2017, marijuana users have benefitted from the decriminalization of 10 grams of marijuana.
It wasn't a perfect legislative solution, but it did allow citizens the ability to possess 10 grams or less of the herb, and not worry about police prosecution for the drug that was completely illegal.
File: November 3, 2017
Michael Peyrefitte - Former Attorney General
"You are not allowed to smoke it in public. So you have your 10 grams or less and you want to go home tonight and watch the game or do whatever you do at home, in your yard whatever you are free to smoke your marijuana tonight."
The Briceno Government is now moving toward legalization of the drug with their Misuse of Drugs Amendment of 2021, and their Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Licensing Bill of 2022. If and when these bills become law, persons who are 21 years or older will be able to possess recreational marijuana, but it will be more strictly regulated.
According to the Cannabis and Hemp Industry Licensing Bill, anyone who wants to be legally allowed to possess it will have to apply to a 9-member Cannabis Control Commission, which will oversee all aspects of the industry.
Smokers will have to apply for a Cannabis Program Identification Card, which will allow them to possess 28 grams or less - up from 10 grams under the current decriminalization.
In order to apply, you must fill out the prescribed form, submit a valid form of ID, and pay a non-refundable application fee of 50 dollars - 100 if you are not a citizen or permanent resident of Belize.
If you are a citizen of Belize, that Cannabis Program Identification Card will be valid for 24 months - only 12 months for noncitizens and persons who are not permanent residents.
With this card, you can purchase cannabis from a Central Nursery that will be created under this new law, or any dispensary licensed by the Cannabis Control Commission. Of course, you are not allowed to sell, distribute or transfer the marijuana you purchase to someone else - meaning you can't use your license to purchase weed for family or friends.
Several of the Social Partner Senators have publicly disagreed with these pieces of legislation being tabled at the House and Senate:
File: March 30, 2022
Bishop Alvin Benguche - Church Senator
"No matter how many consultations are held, in so far as the church is concerned, this is not the direction in which we should be going at this time."
File: March 31, 2022
Kevin Herrera - Business Senator
"I think legalization is moving ahead prematurely without considering the lessons we've learned from nicotine and alcohol prevention policy research."
File: March 31, 2022
Janelle Chanona - NGO Senator
"How will employees use be able to be handled by employers? Will they be able to use products and then come to work? Will they be able within a certain period of driving, in terms of on the motorways, we know that has been an issue for countries who have done this in other jurisdictions. We know the challenges we've had with driving under the influence and road traffic accidents, I think still being one of the 3 reasons for death in Belize even today."
