Is Marijuana Legal in Belize? The Real Traveler’s Guide (2025)
Travelers often ask: “Is marijuana legal in Belize?” The answers online are confusing. Some say yes, some say no, others say “kind of.”
The truth: Belize decriminalized possession of small amounts in November 2017, but it did not legalize buying, selling, growing, importing, or exporting. That distinction matters for your safety in 2025.
1) The Law in Belize (key dates)
- November 2017 — The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Act No. 47 of 2017 decriminalized possession or use of up to 10 grams of cannabis on private premises, with the owner’s permission.
- Not legalization — Commercial sale, cultivation, import, export, and public use remain offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
- 2019 update — The Cannabis Violation Tickets Regulations created a ticketing system for some minor contraventions, but outcomes vary.
- Medical cannabis — Belize has no recognized medical marijuana program; foreign medical cards are not valid.
- Penalties — Possession beyond 10g can escalate to drug trafficking charges, with severe fines (up to BZ$50,000) and/or imprisonment.
2) Traveler Experiences — Pros & Cons
Pros travelers mention:
- Cannabis is easy to find in tourist hubs like San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and Placencia.
- Often cheaper than in U.S./Canada.
Cons and risks:
- Quality issues: often described as “brown weed” or low grade.
- Scams: being overcharged, tricked, or pressured into paying after smoking.
- Inconsistent enforcement: what one traveler gets away with in Placencia may lead to fines in Belize City.
- Public arrests are real: tourists have been arrested in Belize City for buying as little as 2 grams in public.
- Cultural opposition: Rastafarian heritage supports spiritual use, but churches and civic groups (e.g., NEAB) strongly oppose legalization.
Important note:
Some visitors report they were not bothered when discreetly using on private premises. This does not mean it is safe or risk-free. Enforcement is inconsistent, and what one traveler describes as “no problem” may lead to searches or arrest for another.
3) 2025 Developments
On October 8, 2025, Caye Caulker will hold a local referendum on supporting a regulated cannabis industry. Even if approved, it is only a community-level decision. National law remains unchanged until Parliament acts.
4) Big Warning — Do NOT Bring Cannabis into Belize
- Importing cannabis (flower, vapes, edibles, oils) through Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) or land borders is treated as importation of a controlled drug — trafficking, regardless of weight.
- Travelers have been arrested for small amounts.
- Screening is active at BZE.
- Consequences include arrest, fines, deportation, missed flights, and a criminal record.
5) Public Smoking & Police Searches
Belize law decriminalizes up to 10 grams on private premises, but this does not remove risk. Even within that limit, possession or use can draw police attention.
- Use only on private premises, with the owner’s permission.
- Never smoke on beaches, docks, buses, bars, or streets.
- Keep amounts ≤10g.
- Don’t advertise possession.
- Police discretion varies — what’s ignored in San Pedro might be enforced in Belize City.
- Safest choice: avoid public use altogether.
6) Medical Use
Belize does not have a recognized medical cannabis program. U.S. or Canadian prescriptions mean nothing here. If cannabis is part of a treatment plan (like for PTSD), discuss alternatives with your physician before traveling.
7) Safer Alternatives in Belize
If your goal is relaxation or healing, Belize offers plenty:
- Cacao ceremonies with Maya roots.
- Garifuna drumming and dance.
- Rainforest retreats in the Maya Mountains.
- Hammock time on the reef and cays.
These are the experiences that truly stay with you — without legal risk.
FAQs
Is marijuana legal in Belize?
No. Since November 2017, ≤10g on private premises has been decriminalized. Sale, purchase, cultivation, import, and export remain illegal.
Can I buy weed in Belize?
Can someone deliver marijuana to my resort in Placencia?
No. Delivery implies distribution, which is illegal.
Can I bring marijuana into Belize?
No. Importing cannabis in any form is a trafficking offence.
What happens if I’m caught with more than 10g?
Are medical cannabis cards valid in Belize?
No. Belize does not recognize foreign medical cannabis authorizations.
What about 2025 changes?
Caye Caulker holds a referendum on Oct 8, 2025, but this does not change national law unless Parliament acts.
Conclusion
Belize decriminalized small amounts in 2017, but legalization has not happened. In 2025, discussions continue, but the law is clear:
- ≤10g on private premises = decriminalized.
- Buying, selling, delivering, or importing = illegal.
- Public use = risk of police searches and enforcement.
Respect the law, respect the culture, and focus on the true highs of Belize — its reef, rivers, mountains, and people.
