Is Marijuana Legalization a Good Thing?
Carlos Moreno
The debate on the legalization of marijuana has been reborn in Belize, while in the U.S. several states, including Colorado, have already gone that route. Today we asked Moreno for a position based on the experience in those states. He told us that the jury’s still out on whether the legalization of marijuana is a good thing, but the U.S.’s position is that it isn’t.
Carlos Moreno, US Ambassador to Belize
“The position of the government is that legalization is not something that should be ventured into, but being realistic, certain Latin American countries and certain states in the United States have legalized marijuana, either for recreational use or more often for a medicinal purpose, so I think that countries have to have an informed decision about the pros and cons of the legitimate uses of marijuana. What’s often ignored, though, is that the illegal trafficking of marijuana also involves trafficking in other drugs and other illegal activities. So I think there is room for discussion, but these other consideration should definitely be taken into account. I think the jury is still out on the experience in Colorado and in Washington State. It’s just too soon. I think overall in respect to the other states that have medical marijuana that it’s been quite successful.”
There are reports that in Belize, the government will soon be looking much more seriously at the legalization of marijuana.
you people are sick, same sex marriages are legal, marijuana are legal, what’s next?
legalize rape and murder? come on you full of shit, the few sensable people remaining
better prepare for what’s next, this crazy goverment is so ful of shit
You aren’t going to stop people doing it, but you can stop the drug barons from making millions out of it. Legalize it and tax it and let the government make the money instead.
Smoking anything is never the best thing to do because of the health issues that comes with inhaling smoke into the body so from that perspective it will never be a good thing. To look at it from another perspective weed is a herb and much less detrimental and causes way less societal and reduced quality of life issues than alcohol which is a legal drug.
If weed becomes legal in Belize this will be a very bad thing because as a country we do not have the leadership needed to properly control these controlled substances and it will be a cash crop for any political leader. I say let it be as is and perhaps allow personal use but no mass production or exporting. This would make it less attractive to criminals.
Marijuana is completely harmless.marijuana is way more safer than alcohol. however, alcohol is legal. as a result of alcohol being legal we have numerous murders and car accidents in our country due to intoxication. the government should think about the benefits that the legalization of marijuana comes with, legalize it, tax it and take advantage of it. they will see how it will be a great asset to our economy and then people will notice the success it is and stop having a negative mentality towards marijuana. the government should be wise and think of the benefits and the revenues it provides to develop our economy. look at the U.S they make so much money from legalization that they have to return some to the people. Be wise and LEGALIZE IT .
The first thing that comes to mind when talking about marijuana legalization is job creation. 41% of Belizeans live in poverty. We have an alarming crime rate, 9.7% of the workforce is unemployed. there is no new industry in the country. If you want people to be productive they need to have something to do. How do you expect to lower the crime rate when there are no jobs. Belize spends millions of dollars fighting this herb which I can say makes no sense. Legalize it and tax it!! It will boost marijuana tourism, new products, and most importantly it will do away with the black market by keeping cannabis at a low price. So much benefits can be gained by opening the floodgates to liberate this plant. Imagine the investment opportunities!!