Local News

The discussion on the proposal to remove the criminal penalties for the possession of a small amount of Marijuana in Belize continues.  And today the Committee set up by government to evaluate the feasibility of the decriminalization announced another extension of the deadline for the public to make submissions on the proposed decriminalization. The announced intention would be to remove the criminal penalties for the possession of ten grams of marijuana or less for personal use. In its announcement of the extension today, the Ministry of National Security listed a nine-point reference list of questions being considered during this evaluation period. It includes the question of just how much marijuana should be decriminalized, the penalties that should be levied upon first time offenders, the need for drug education, and whether the “decriminalization” of marijuana will increase, remain the same, or decrease the usage of marijuana both for adults and youths?  The new deadline for the submission of comments and suggestions from the general public is now Friday, August thirty first. Comments are to be emailed to: decriminalizebelize@gmail.com.