By Benita Keme-Palacio
Copyright greaterbelize
Strong ‘No’ Sentiment Ahead of Caye Caulker Weed Referendum
The upcoming October 8 referendum in the popular, laid-back Belizean island Caye Caulker is opening room for a much broader discussion among members of the public on cannabis legalisation in Belize.
The referendum question is: “”Should the Government of Belize pass legislation to create a responsible, regulated, and taxable legal cannabis industry on the island of Caye Caulker, with a portion of the revenue going directly for the benefit of Caye Caulker and its residents ?” with only two possible answers: “Yes” and “No.”
For some residents, the idea is an opportunity for growth, while others describe it as a “gateway drug” that will bring about risks to health and community life.
We polled Belizeans via Facebook with the same question.
That poll suggests strong resistance to the proposal of a legal cannabis industry in Caye Caulker. Out of 1,878 votes, 1,463 voters, which reflects 78%, said “No” to the idea, while only 23%, or 425 voters, supported it.
One voter opposed to the idea said, “Weed in the long run affects the brain, lungs, etc.! Then monies will be needed to help these people.”
Another argued that “There are so many more positive ways the government can create revenue and meaningful livelihood.”
Others raised concerns about exposure, saying, “It is unfair that the people who don’t smoke, or worse yet use marijuana, have to tolerate and smell pot being smoked freely and openly because someone wants to make money.”
Meanwhile, supporters countered that marijuana is already legal in many countries and believe regulation could benefit locals. One said, “I’ve never heard weed kills anyone yet, but I have heard about alcohol, yes.”
According to statistics produced by the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) through the National Drug Abuse Control Council (NDACC), out of 342 individuals referred to outreach services for substance abuse treatment during 2024, more than 50%, or 181 individuals, “were struggling with alcohol abuse, while 32% (108) were struggling with marijuana abuse.”
The report further reported that processed cannabis was the most commonly seized type of drug in Belize during 2024, with a total of 732,957.22 grams confiscated.
Marijuana was the most common drug seized in all districts except for the Corozal District, according to the report. Most of the drugs seized were in the Belize District, the most popular route to access boat transportation to the Cayes.
