Dear Editor,

I came across your article “Belize will follow AMLO when Mexico legalizes it,” dated 3.7.19, while researching the state of cannabis in Belize.

I work for an intelligence company that studies and provides free reports on the international cannabis market. I am currently studying Belize and I was hoping that you might be able to let me know if the information I have gathered is accurate.

As far as my research goes, the movement to decriminalize cannabis began in 2012, when the Government of Belize announced its intentions to decriminalize possession of small amounts of cannabis. Cannabis possession was then decriminalized in November 2017; this allows for possession of up to 10 grams and consumption on private property.

In 2018, two letters emerged signed by the Honorable Pablo Marin. These support the cultivation of hemp for exportation and medical purposes (non-THC- containing) — however no legislative action has been taken on this.

Finally, in October 2018, the Honorable John Briceño proposed the complete legalization of cannabis for export to the US; however, this was unsuccessful.

I haven’t been able to find any good sources for the state of cannabis for medicinal purposes (can it be prescribed by doctors and healthcare practitioners and if this includes only CBD). I would be very grateful if you could provide any information regarding this, as well as letting me know if the information I have provided is incomplete.

Thank you very much for your time.

Yours faithfully,
Pablo Sharrock