Belize’s government is considering reforms that would ease the Central American country’s cannabis possession laws, claiming its current legislation clutters courts and prisons with marginalized people.
That would be the latest push in a regional rethink on anti-drug laws. From Mexico to Argentina, leaders are debating perceived failures in the US-backed war on drugs and seeking alternative approaches.
Carrying marijuana is a criminal offense in Belize. Anyone caught with less than 60 grams of marijuana faces a fine of up to $26,000 and/or up to three years in jail, according to a government press release. The proposed reform would decriminalize possession of up to 10 grams, but still subject those caught with small amounts to a fine and mandatory drug education, the government said in a press release. Belize stressed that this is not an effort to legalize cannabis. (See the full release below.)
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