Marijuana Laws
As recorded December 15, 2025 · not verified as current law. Belize law
Cannabis laws in Belize City follow Belize’s national law. For travelers, the jurisdiction’s law is the controlling standard—cities usually don’t define cannabis legality.
Recreational cannabis is illegal, though small personal possession on private property is decriminalized. Medical cannabis is not available. Penalties may apply for public use or larger quantities.
Quick facts
- Recreational: Illegal (small possession decriminalized)
- Medical: Not available
- Possession: Small amounts decriminalized on private property
- Buying/Selling: Illegal
- Tourists: Same restrictions apply
Practical guidance
Avoid cross-border transport of cannabis products. Do not assume informal tolerance equals legality.
Law Enforcement
Weed was illegal, though police seemed more tolerant with locals. A visitor smoking in the street stood out more. Small personal possession on private property is treated differently in the newer Marijuana Laws section.
Where to Buy Marijuana
Taxi drivers and tour guides were common introductions, and a Belizean friend could get local prices. Saying “$20 worth” instead of asking for an ounce often went further. Some drivers worried about police, and a tip was customary if someone went out of their way.
A cab ride to a local’s house produced a brick of the dirtiest weed imaginable. The price came down to $35, then back up to $40 because there were only twenties on hand. At least there was plenty of “El Original.” A $5 blunt was a worse bargain after a currency mix-up meant handing over $20 worth of colones.
Outside the Radisson, another cab ride led to about 3 g of midgrade for BZ$5. In nearby villages, asking around often led to somebody willing to share a smoke.
Marijuana Prices
- About BZ$5–10 for a few grams, with room to bargain.
- About US$5 for an eighth-ounce. One quote for low-grade schwag went as low as US$15 for a quarter-pound.
- The exchange rate quoted at the time was BZ$2 to US$1.
More Information
How easy was it around the Radisson? One trip from the room and back took exactly 22 minutes and produced a quarter of leafy outdoor weed. “Try NOT to find!” Even so, spending more than $20 was a gamble when you hadn’t seen the weed. Hotels, especially on the cayes, called for discretion and respect for the people working there.