Mexico and US Supplying Marijuana to Belizeans

Since the decriminalization of the possession of up to ten grams of marijuana, no further legislation has been passed for its sale and purchase. So, while it is legal to use no more than ten grams in the privacy of one’s home, the trade of marijuana remains illegal in Belize.  Due to push back, mainly from religious organizations, the legislation has been slow in coming.  Minister Musa says he sees how legislating and taxing the trade can benefit the Government of Belize.

Kareem Musa

Kareem Musa, Minster of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries

“It makes absolutely no sense where we are. So, I do fully understand the concern that is being raised by the churches. But at the same time, we must understand that that fight was in 2017 when it became fully available for recreational use. And so, there is a lot of discussion about medical over recreational. But we have already jumped that hurdle. We are already at a legal recreational in our country. It is just that we do not have any means of purchasing it. And again, this is just to benefit Mexico and the United States because that is where all the marijuana is coming from, because it is not coming from Belize. So, I do not think we are going to see a surge in use, in terms of marijuana. The people that use marijuana will continue to do so. But, at the same time we can see where the Government can benefit from it, as opposed to sending all our money internationally.”