Cannabis in Belize: Laws & Tourist Guide
Is weed legal in Belize? Decriminalization of 10g on private premises, and what tourists need to know about cannabis in Central America's Caribbean coast.
Last verified: April 13, 2026 · Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Act, 2017
Current Cannabis Laws
In November 2017, Belize became the first Central American country to decriminalize cannabis possession. The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Act allows possession of 10 grams or less on private premises without criminal penalty. Smoking cannabis on private property is no longer an offence.
The key limitation: everything else remains illegal. Growing, buying, selling, and transporting cannabis are all criminal offences. The decriminalization is strictly limited to having a small amount in a private setting.
For Tourists
Belize’s decriminalization is practical but narrow. If you’re on private property — your hotel room, a rental house, a friend’s place — having 10g or less is fine. But you can’t legally buy it, carry it through the streets, or use it in public.
This makes Belize a “don’t ask, don’t tell” situation for tourists. The law protects private use but provides no legal supply chain.
Recent News & Changes
- November 2017: Misuse of Drugs Amendment decriminalizes 10g on private premises
- Ongoing: No further reform legislation has advanced; cultivation and sales remain fully illegal
Frequently asked questions
Is weed legal in Belize?
Cannabis is decriminalized in Belize for private use. The 2017 Misuse of Drugs Amendment Act allows possession of 10 grams or less on private premises without criminal penalty. Growing, buying, selling, and transporting remain illegal.
Can tourists use cannabis in Belize?
Tourists can possess up to 10g on private property such as a hotel room or rental house without facing criminal charges. However, you cannot legally buy cannabis, carry it in public, or use it in public spaces.
What is the possession limit in Belize?
The limit is 10 grams, and it must be on private premises. Everything else, including buying, growing, selling, and transporting cannabis, remains a criminal offence.