Bishop Nicasio Warns Against Belize Becoming a “Marijuana Republic”

The Bishop of Belize City and Belmopan, Reverend Lawrence Nicasio has issued a statement on the Catholic position on drugs and a warning about what would occur if Belize were to become “a marijuana republic.” The Bishop reiterates statements by Pope John Paul the Second and Pope Francis over the years on drug addiction and drug pushers, including Pope Francis’ pronouncements against the legalization of drugs including marijuana. The bishop says that if Belize legalizes marijuana, tourism will decrease, the black market for drugs will grow, there will be more deaths due to suicide and accidents, young people will believe drugs are not harmful, and there will be increased homelessness and lower moral standards, among other effects. The statement follows a protest on Friday by a number of religious leaders who staged a small protest at the National Assembly where the amendment of the cannabis laws was being presented.