BELMOPAN, Thurs. Mar. 17, 2022– After being sent back to Cabinet for approval last week, the revised Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill was tabled at the sitting of the House of Representatives this past Tuesday. Over the past 8 months, the set of regulations, which is an attempt by GoB to establish proper legislation to govern the cultivation, processing, distribution, and delivery of cannabis and industrial hemp products, has gone from being an amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act to its current status as a specialized, standalone Act.
During the House sitting, the Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries, Hon. Kareem Musa, stated that presenting the cannabis regulations in the form of a standalone act highlights the importance of directing specific focus and attention to the industry. He also noted that the revised bill underscores inclusiveness and responsiveness — having been the result of consultations, working groups, virtual town halls, and dialogue with stakeholders.
“Those interactions, Madame Speaker, have made this bill. It is a bill not shy of feedback from both proponents and opponents. Everyone together has played a part in making this bill better,” said Minister Musa.
One of the improvements made to the newly revised bill is a change in the minimum legal age for cannabis use, which has been upped from 18 to 21 years, after government took into consideration calls to more forcefully protect young persons in the country. According to the Minister, regulations related to transparency and confidence will also be strengthened in an effort to “bring cannabis out of the shadows.”
“It is our duty to bring the assurance of a tested and safer product while embracing the opportunity to educate Belizeans on the potential risks and benefits. What is before us, Madame Speaker, is an earnest attempt to legislatively, deliberately, thoughtfully repair and contain the damage caused by failed policies or rather a complete lack of policy altogether along with the racist enforcement schemes that exist. We continue to push towards a framework that is built on equity, responsibility, restitution, and peace,” he said.
The bill, which has the support of the Cabinet, will be referred to the National Security and Immigration Committee for examination and consideration, after which it will have a second reading on March 24, 2022.