Citizens of Belize will once again be asked to debate the pros and cons of the decriminalization of a small quantity of marijuana within the next few weeks. In July of 2012, the Ministry of National Security appointed a committee to examine the pros and cons of the decriminalization of up to 10 grams of marijuana. Their task was to “evaluate and, if appropriate, make proposals for the decriminalization of the possession of small portions of Marijuana”. More than two years after the bi-partisan eight-member committee was formed, a report is finally ready to be set on the table of Cabinet – well, almost.
The Guardian has been reliably informed that the committee is preparing to hand over its report to Cabinet in the “next two to three weeks”. The final section of the document being worked on is the committee’s recommendation on industrial cannabis/hemp. We were not told what is the committee’s decision on the decriminalization of marijuana but we understand the document weighs the pros and cons of such measure. Based on our knowledge of the committee, we can say that most of the members support some measure of decriminalization but there are also those who oppose express those views strongly.
The decriminalization of marijuana has become a regional issue and many countries in the Caribbean and Americas are either discussing, actively evaluating or acting to decriminalize small quantities of marijuana. Uruguay last year became the first country in the world to approve the growth, sale and distribution of marijuana. Last week, the Jamaican Cabinet approved a bill that legalizes the possession of small amounts of marijuana. According to BBC News, the bill also charts the way for the establishment of a licensing authority for the cultivation, sale and distribution of marijuana for medical and therapeutic purposes and proposes that the smoking of marijuana be banned in public spaces. Other countries that have moved forward in decriminalization measures are Mexico, Columbia and Argentina. Countries like Guatemala, Chile and Costa Rica are expected to act soon.
The announcement of this report reaching Cabinet will spark a national debate with passionate arguments from both sides. In 2012, those against the decriminalization were most vocal and aggressive in their campaign. Round two of the debate will start in less than a month.
