Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697645542844.pdf (Belize)
Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing 1 BELIZE: CANNABIS AND INDUSTRIAL HEMP CONTROL AND LICENSING BILL, 2022 ARRANGEMENT OF CLAUSES 1.

2.

Short title.

Interpretation.

PART I Preliminary PART II Administration 3.

Cannabis Control Commission.

PART III Authorization of Cannabis Use 4.

Central Nursery 5.

Cannabis Program Identification Card.

6.

7.

Cultivation Licence.

Social Equity Licence.

8.

Dispensary Licence.

9.

Delivery Licence.

10.

Processing Licence.

11.


Restaurant Consumption Lounge Licence.

12.

Security Provider Licence.

2 Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing 13.

Private Brand Label Licence.

14.

Requirement of licence holders.

15.

Conditions on licence.

16.

Renewal of licence.

17.

Request for information.

18.

Suspension or revocation of licence.

19.

Transfer of licence.

PART IV Miscellaneous 20.

Destruction of cannabis.

21.

Investment.

22.


Exception to the offence of possession or cultivation of cannabis.

23.

Regulations by the Commission.

24.

Power to make regulations for regulating the use of industrial hemp.

Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing 3 BELIZE: BILL for AN ACT to provide for the control and licensing of cannabis and industrial hemp; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

(Gazetted ………………2022).


BE IT ENACTED, by and with the advice and consent of the House of Representatives and Senate of Belize and by the authority of the same, as follows: PART I Preliminary 1.

This Act may be cited as the CANNABIS AND INDUSTRIAL HEMP CONTROL AND LICENSING ACT, 2022.

2.

In this Act– Short title.

Interpretation.
“cannabis” includes any part of the plant of the genus cannabis sativa, any cannabis tissue culture, any resin obtained from that plant and any product of which such resin forms a base and includes– (a) any preparation from that plant licensed or otherwise permitted under this Act; and (b) industrial hemp; “Commission” means the Cannabis Control Commission established under section 3; “Consumption Lounge” means an area designated in a restaurant issued a Restaurant Consumption Lounge Licence; “Cultivation Licence” means a licence issued under section 6; “Delivery Licence” means a licence issued under section 9; 4 Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing “Dispensary Licence” means a licence issued under section 8; “industrial hemp” means any part of the plant of the genus cannabis sativa, with a tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of such amount as may be prescribed; “Minister” means the Minister responsible for new growth industries; “Private Brand Label Licence” means a licence issued under section 13; “Processing Licence” means a licence issued under section 10; “Restaurant Consumption Lounge Licence” means a licence issued under section 11; “Security Provider Licence” means a licence issued under section 12; and “Social Equity Licence” means a licence issued under section 7; PART II Administration 3.–(1) There is established a Cannabis Control Commission in the Ministry responsible for narcotics control to oversee the registration and licensing of activities under this Act.
Cannabis Control Commission.

(2) The Commission shall be comprised of nine members appointed by the Minister.

(3) The Minister shall, by Notice in the Gazette, publish the designation of the members of the Commission, the names of all members of the Commission and any change in the membership of the Commission.

(4) The members of the Commission shall hold office for a period of one year and shall be eligible for reappointment.
(5) The functions of the Commission shall be to– (a) review and approve industrial hemp and cannabis licence applications; (b) develop a national industrial hemp and cannabis marketing strategy; (c) issue licences and identification cards under this Act; 5 Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing (d) inspect and oversee premises that have been issued a licence under this Act; (e) develop, design, manage, control and operate the Central Nursery; (f) staff and train qualified personnel for employment in the Central Nursery; (g) determine the quality of cannabis products to be cultivated, processed, sold and distributed in Belize; (h) develop a tracking system for all cannabis products; (i) ensure the safe distribution of cannabis products to consumers; (j) develop requirements for testing of cannabis; (k) develop an annual budget for the Central Nursery; and (l) monitor, oversee and ensure compliance with regulations made under this Act.
(6) The Commission shall meet as often as its business requires.

(7) The quorum of all meetings of the Commission shall be five members.

(8) Decisions of the Commission shall be taken by a simple majority of votes of the members person and voting, and in the event of an equality of votes, the Chairperson shall have a second or casting vote.

PART III Authorization of Cannabis Use 4.–(1) There is established a Central Nursery which shall be the national repository for cannabis.

Central Nursery.
Central Nursery.

(2) The Central Nursery shall– (a) be the only repository of cannabis seeds, seedlings and plants eligible for legalized use in Belize; and (b) be opened for viewing and inspection by the public, as determined by the Commission.

6 Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Cannabis Program Identification Card.

5.–(1) Every person who desires to possess cannabis for personal use shall apply to the Commission for a Cannabis Program Identification Card.
(2) An application for a Cannabis Program Identification Card shall be made by a person twenty one years or older and be– (a) in the prescribed form; and (b) accompanied by– (i) a valid passport or Belize Social Security Card; and (ii) a non-refundable fee of– (A) fifty dollars if the applicant is a citizen of Belize or a permanent resident of Belize; or (B) one hundred dollars if the applicant is not a citizen of Belize or a permanent resident of Belize.
(3) A Cannabis Program Identification Card issued to– (a) (b) a citizen of Belize or permanent resident of Belize shall be valid for 24 months; and a person not a citizen of Belize or a permanent of resident of Belize shall be valid for 12 months.
(4) A person issued a Cannabis Program Identification Card shall– (a) be allowed to purchase cannabis only from the Central Nursery or a dispensary licensed under section 8; (b) not be allowed to purchase more than two cannabis plants per household at any one given time; (c) not be in possession of more than twenty eight grammes of cannabis product at any one given time; (d) not sell, distribute or otherwise transfer any cannabis in that person’s possession to any other person; and (e) not group his cannabis plant with any other person in a single location to form a business or for any other purpose.
(5) A person issued a Cannabis Program Identification Card who contravenes sub-section (4) commits an offence and is liable on summary 7 Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing conviction to a fine of one thousand dollars and a fine of five thousand dollars for any subsequent offence.

6.–(1) Every person who desires to grow cannabis plants for commercial purposes in Belize shall apply in writing to the Commission for a Cultivation Licence.

Cultivation Licence.
(2) An application under sub-section (1) shall– (a) be accompanied by the prescribed fee; and (b) provide a detailed business plan containing the following information– (i) location of proposed operations; (ii) listing of all necessary permits that will be sought to commence operations; (iii) projected income statement and financial support and capabilities; (iv) full disclosure of any individuals who have or will have managing or operational control with respect to the applicant’s operations and facilities; (v) full disclosure of any individuals who have invested in or have any other financial interest in the company; (vi) full disclosure of any individuals who hold interests or rights arising under shared management companies, management agreements, or other agreements that afford a third-party management or operational control with respect to the applicant’s company, its operations or the related facilities; (vii) prior year tax return from all individuals and legal entities in ownership structure; (viii) detailed security plan for all operations including live video surveillance with video feeds available to the Commission; and (ix) detailed energy efficiency plan for all operations.
(3) The Commission shall grant a Cultivation Licence if– (a) the applicant is twenty one years or older; 8 Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing (b) (c) (d) (e) at least 30% of the shareholders of the proposed business are citizens of Belize; all operating facilities are compliant with recognized Current Good Manufacturing Practices; the applicant, to the satisfaction of the Commission, provides the information required under sub-section (2); and after conducting a background and INTERPOL check, the applicant and all interested parties do not have a criminal record, provided that an applicant shall not be denied a licence solely on the basis that the applicant or an interested party has a criminal record in relation to a cannabis related offence.
(4) A person issued a Cultivation Licence shall– (a) be allowed to purchase cannabis only from the Central Nursery; (b) be authorized to sell cannabis to a person holding a Dispensary Licence or a Processing Licence; and (c) not be authorized to sell directly to consumers.

(5) A person issued a Cultivation Licence who contravenes sub- section (4) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of fifteen thousand dollars and on conviction for a second offence, revocation of licence.
Social Equity Licence.

7.–(1) Every person who desires to grow no more than four thousand square feet of cannabis plant shall apply in writing to the Commission for a Social Equity Licence.
(2) An application under sub-section (1) shall– (a) be accompanied by the prescribed fee; and (b) provide a detailed business plan containing the following information– (i) location of proposed operations; (ii) listing of all necessary permits that will be sought to commence operations; 9 Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing (iii) projected income statement and financial support and capabilities; (iv) full disclosure of any individuals who have or will have managing or operational control with respect to the applicant’s operations and facilities; (v) full disclosure of any individuals who have invested in or have any other financial interest in the company; (vi) full disclosure of any individuals who hold interests or rights arising under shared management companies, management agreements, or other agreements that afford a third-party management or operational control with respect to the applicant’s company, its operations or the related facilities; (vii) prior year tax return from all individuals and legal entities in ownership structure; (viii) detailed security plan for all operations including live video surveillance with video feeds available to the Commission; and (ix) detailed energy efficiency plan for all operations; and (c) proof of property not less than one-half acre to be used for the cultivation of cannabis.
(3) The Commission shall grant a Social Equity Licence if – (a) the applicant is twenty one years or older; (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) at least 30% of the shareholders of the proposed business are citizens of Belize; all operating facilities are compliant with recognized Current Good Manufacturing Practices; the applicant lacks financing or is a member of an under- represented group; the applicant, to the satisfaction of the Commission, provides the information required under sub-section (2); and after conducting a background and INTERPOL check, the applicant and all interested parties do not have a criminal record, 10 Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing provided that an applicant shall not be denied a licence solely on the basis that the applicant or an interested party has a criminal record in relation to a cannabis related offence.
(4) A Social Equity Licence shall– (a) only allow a person to cultivate up to four thousand square feet of cannabis; and (b) not be issued for operation in the same geographic zone as a cultivation facility.
(5) A person issued a Social Equity Licence shall– (a) be allowed to purchase cannabis only from the Central Nursery; (b) be authorized to sell cannabis to a person holding a Dispensary Licence or a Processing Licence; (c) not be authorized to sell directly to consumers; and (d) not enter into any joint venture with another licence holder.
(6) A person issued a Social Equity Licence who contravenes sub- section (5) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of fifteen thousand dollars and on conviction for a second offence, revocation of licence.

Dispensary Licence.

Every person who desires to store, market and otherwise sell 8.–(1) cannabis shall apply in writing to the Commission for a Dispensary Licence.
(2) An application under sub-section (1) shall– (a) be accompanied by the prescribed fee; and (b) provide a detailed business plan containing the following information– (i) products and services to be offered; (ii) full disclosure of any individuals who have or will have managing or operational control with respect to the applicant’s operations and facilities; (iii) full disclosure of any individuals who have invested in or have any other financial interest in the company; 11 Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing (iv) full disclosure of any individuals who hold interests or rights arising under shared management companies, management agreements, or other agreements that afford a third-party management or operational control with respect to the applicant’s company, its operations or the related facilities; (v) prior year tax return from all individuals and legal entities in ownership structure; (vi) detailed marketing and sales plan, including pricing strategy; (vii) proposal for providing cannabis products to consumers with hardship, charity care or medical needs; (viii) detailed security plan for all operations including live video surveillance with video feeds available to the Commission; and (ix) detailed energy efficiency plan for all operations.
(3) In considering the grant of a Dispensary Licence, the Commission shall take into account the market demand, geography and any other relevant factors.
(4) The Commission shall grant a Dispensary Licence if – (a) the applicant is twenty one years or older; (b) (c) (d) (e) at least 30% of the shareholders of the proposed business are citizens of Belize; all operating facilities are compliant with recognized Current Good Manufacturing Practices; the applicant, to the satisfaction of the Commission, provides the information required under sub-section (2); and after conducting a background and INTERPOL check, the applicant and all interested parties do not have a criminal record, provided that an applicant shall not be denied a licence solely on the basis that the applicant or an interested party has a criminal record in relation to a cannabis related offence.
(5) A person issued a Dispensary Licence shall– 12 Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing (a) be allowed to purchase cannabis only from the Central Nursery, the holder of a Cultivation Licence, the holder of a Social Equity Licence or the holder of a Processing Licence; and (b) only sell cannabis to a person in possession of a Cannabis Program Identification Card or a Restaurant Consumption Lounge Licence.
(6) A person issued a Dispensary Licence who contravenes sub- section (5) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of fifteen thousand dollars and on conviction for a second offence, revocation of licence.

Delivery Licence.

9.–(1) Every person who desires to deliver cannabis for any licence holder under this Act shall apply in writing to the Commission for a Delivery Licence.
(2) An application under sub-section (1) shall– (a) be accompanied by the prescribed fee; and (b) provide a detailed business plan containing the following information– (i) products and services to be offered; (ii) full disclosure of any individuals who have or will have managing or operational control with respect to the applicant’s operations and facilities; (iii) full disclosure of any individuals who have invested in or have any other financial interest in company; (iv) full disclosure of any individuals who hold interests or rights arising under shared management companies, management agreements, or other agreements that afford a third-party management or operational control with respect to the applicant’s company, its operations or the related facilities; (v) prior year tax return from all individuals and legal entities in ownership structure; (vi) detailed marketing and sales plan, including pricing strategy; (vii) detailed security plan for storage and transportation of cannabis products; and 13 Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing (viii) detailed delivery plan, including information regarding transportation fleet, employee hiring and screening procedure, tracking of all cannabis products and tracking of all sales and experience in local delivery of goods and services; and (3) In considering the grant of a Delivery Licence the Commission shall take into account the market demand, geography and any other relevant factors.
(4) The Commission shall grant a Delivery Licence if– (a) the applicant is twenty one years or older; (b) (c) (d) at least 30% of the shareholders of the proposed business are citizens of Belize;; the applicant, to the satisfaction of the Commission, provides the information required under sub-section (2); and after conducting a background and INTERPOL check, the applicant and all interested parties do not have a criminal record, provided that an applicant shall not be denied a licence solely on the basis that the applicant or an interested party has a criminal record in relation to a cannabis related offence.
10.–(1) Every person who desires to process cannabis for cannabis edibles, cannabis extracts, cannabis oils or any other prescribed purpose shall apply in writing to the Commission for a Processing Licence.

Processing Licence.
(2) An application under sub-section (1) shall– (a) be accompanied by the prescribed fee; and (b) provide a detailed business plan containing the following information– (i) products and services to be offered; (ii) full disclosure of any individuals who have or will have managing or operational control with respect to the applicant’s operations and facilities; (iii) full disclosure of any individuals who have invested in or have any other financial interest in the company; 14 Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing (iv) full disclosure of any individuals who hold interests or rights arising under shared management companies, management agreements, or other agreements that afford a third-party management or operational control with respect to the applicant’s company, its operations or the related facilities; (v) prior year tax return from all individuals and legal entities in ownership structure; (vi) detailed processing operations plan that guarantees no use of compressed or flammable gas as a solvent in any solvent extraction process, manufacturing or for any other purpose; (vii) detailed safety and compliance plan for all processing operations; (viii) detailed marketing and sales plan, including pricing strategy; (ix) proposal for providing cannabis products to consumers with hardship, charity care or medical needs; (x) detailed security plan for all operations including live video surveillance with video feeds available to the Commission; and (xi) detailed energy efficiency plan for all operations.
(3) The Commission shall grant a Processing Licence if– (a) the applicant is twenty one years or older; (b) (c) (d) (e) at least 30% of the shareholders of the proposed business are citizens of Belize; all operating facilities are compliant with recognized Current Good Manufacturing Practices; the applicant, to the satisfaction of the Commission, provides the information required under sub-section (2); and after conducting a background and INTERPOL check, the applicant and all interested parties do not have a criminal record, provided that an applicant shall not be denied a licence solely on the basis that the applicant or an interested party 15 Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing has a criminal record in relation to a cannabis related offence.
(4) A person issued a Processing Licence shall– (a) be allowed to purchase cannabis only from the Central Nursery, the holder of a Cultivation Licence, the holder of a Social Equity Licence or another holder of a Processing Licence; and (b) sell only sell cannabis to the holder of a Dispensary Licence or another holder of a Processing Licence.
(5) A person issued a Processing Licence who contravenes sub- section (4) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of fifteen thousand dollars and on conviction for a second offence, revocation of licence.

11.–(1) Every holder of a restaurant licence who desires to sell cannabis and infused cannabis food and drinks for consumption in a consumption lounge shall apply in writing to the Commission for a Restaurant Consumption Lounge Licence.

Restaurant Consumption Lounge Licence.
(2) An application under sub-section (1) shall– (a) be accompanied by the prescribed fee; (b) provide a detailed business plan containing the following information– (i) products and services to be offered; (ii) full disclosure of any individuals who have or will have managing or operational control with respect to the applicant’s operations and facilities; (iii) full disclosure of any individuals who have invested in or have any other financial interest in the company; (iv) full disclosure of any individuals who hold interests or rights arising under shared management companies, management agreements, or other agreements that afford a third-party management or operational control with respect to the applicant’s company, its operations or the related facilities; (v) prior year tax return from all individuals and legal entities in ownership structure; 16 Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing (vi) detailed plan for the use of cannabis products in the restaurant operations; and (vii) detailed energy efficiency plan for all operations; (c) provide a description of the area of the restaurant to be designated as the consumption lounge, including the facilities for proper ventilation of the designated area; (d) provide an operating plan which specifies the operating time of the consumption lounge; (e) provide a compliance plan which sets out the procedures to ensure that the restaurant complies with applicable laws; (f) provide a social host responsibility plan which sets out the procedures restaurant monitors that consumption of patrons in a consumption lounge and maintains the safety of patrons in a consumption lounge; and to ensure the (g) provide a detailed security plan for the consumption lounge including employment of qualitied security personnel.
(3) In considering the grant of a Restaurant Consumption Licence the Commission shall take into account the market demand, geography and any other relevant factors.
(4) The Commission shall grant a Restaurant Consumption Lounge Licence if– (a) (b) (c) (d) the holder of the restaurant licence is twenty one years or older; and at least 30% of the shareholders of the proposed business are citizens of Belize; the holder of the restaurant licence, to the satisfaction of the Commission, provides the information required under sub- section (2); and after conducting a background and INTERPOL check, the applicant and all interested parties do not have a criminal record, provided that an applicant shall not be denied a licence solely on the basis that the applicant or an interested party has a criminal record in relation to a cannabis related offence.
17 Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing (5) A person issued a Restaurant Consumption Lounge Licence shall– (a) only sell cannabis to persons in possession of a Cannabis Program Identification Card; (b) ensure that persons use the consumption lounge for no more than two hours; (c) only purchase cannabis from a person with a valid Dispensary Licence; (d) not sell cannabis products during the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. of the following morning; and (e) not, within a twenty four period, sell to any one patron any food or beverage containing more than 20 milligrams of cannabis.
(6) A person issued a Restaurant Consumption Lounge Licence who contravenes sub-section (5) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of fifteen thousand dollars and on conviction for a second offence, revocation of licence.

12.–(1) Every person who desires to provide security services to any holder of a licence under this Act shall apply in writing to the Commission for a Security Provider Licence.

Security Provider Licence.
(2) An application under sub-section (1) shall– (a) be accompanied by the prescribed fee; (b) provide a detailed business plan containing the following information– (i) products and services to be offered; (ii) full disclosure of any individuals who have or will have managing or operational control with respect to the applicant’s operations and facilities; (iii) full disclosure of any individuals who have invested in or have any other financial interest in the company; (iv) full disclosure of any individuals who hold interests or rights arising under shared management companies, management agreements, or other agreements that afford a third-party management or operational control with respect to the applicant’s company, its operations or the related facilities; 18 Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing (v) prior year tax return from all individuals and legal entities in ownership structure; and (vi) proof of previous presence in the security industry.
(3) The Commission shall grant a Security Provider Licence if– (a) the applicant is twenty one years or older; (b) (c) (d) at least 30% of the shareholders of the proposed business are citizens of Belize; the applicant, to the satisfaction of the Commission, provides the information required under sub-section (2); and after conducting a background and INTERPOL check, the applicant and all interested parties do not have a criminal record, provided that an applicant shall not be denied a licence solely on the basis that the applicant or an interested party has a criminal record in relation to a cannabis related offence.
Private Brand Label Licence.

13.–(1) Every person who desires to make labels for cannabis shall apply in writing to the Commission for a Private Brand Label Licence.
(2) An application under sub-section (1) shall– (a) be accompanied by the prescribed fee; and (b) provide a detailed business plan containing the following information– (i) products and services to be offered; (ii) full disclosure of any individuals who have or will have managing or operational control with respect to the applicant’s operations and facilities; (iii) full disclosure of any individuals who have invested in or have any other financial interest in the company; (iv) full disclosure of any individuals who hold interests or rights arising under shared management companies, management agreements, or other agreements that afford a third-party management or operational control with respect to the applicant’s company, its operations or the related facilities; 19 Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing (v) prior year tax return from all individuals and legal entities in ownership structure; (vi) detailed labelling operations plan, including quality assurance and quality control of cannabis; (vii) proposal for providing cannabis products to consumers with hardship, charity care or medical needs.
(viii) detailed security plan for all operations including live video surveillance with video feeds available to the Commission; and (ix) detailed energy efficiency plan for all operations.
(3) The Commission shall grant a Private Brand Label Licence if– (a) the applicant is twenty one years or older; (b) (c) at least 30% of the shareholders of the proposed business are citizens of Belize; after conducting a background and INTERPOL check, the applicant and all interested parties do not have a criminal record, provided that an applicant shall not be denied a licence solely on the basis that the applicant or an interested party has a criminal record in relation to a cannabis related offence.
(4) Every person granted a Private Brand Label Licence shall ensure that labels are– (a) opaque; (b) light-resistant; (c) tamper-evident; (d) neutral in colour; (e) certified as child-resistant; (f) resealable; (g) protects the product from contamination; (h) does not impart any toxic or deleterious substance to the product; 20 Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing (i) fully encloses the product; and (j) properly labelled with a THC warning symbol and other warnings advised by medical professional.
Requirement of licence holders.

14.

Every person issued a licence under this Part shall– (a) other than a person issued a Security Provider Licence, employ a security officer from a security service provider licensed under section 12; (b) keep a record of sale activities; and (c) every three months, provide the Commission with a report of sale activities.

Conditions on licence.


15.–(1) The Commission shall impose as a condition of every licence issued under this Part, that the licensed activity shall not take place within a mile of an educational institution or a residential area.

Renewal of licence.

Request for information.

Suspension or revocation of licence.

Transfer of licence.

(2) The Commission may impose such other conditions on any licence issued under this Part as the Commission considers appropriate.
The Commission shall renew licences issued under this Part annually 16. on satisfaction of established requirements under this Act.

The Commission reserves the right to request information from a 17. licence holder under this Part and review any aspects of the operations for compliance with the requirements under this Act.

The Commission may suspend or revoke any licence issued under this 18.

Part for non-compliance with the requirements under this Act.
19.–(1) A person may apply to the Commission for permission to transfer any licence issued under this Part to another person.

(2) A licence issued under this Part shall not be sold, assigned, leased, acquired or otherwise transferred except with the approval of the Commission.

(3) A person who proposes to transfer a licence issued under this Part to another person without approval from the Commission may have their licence revoked.
21 Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing PART IV Miscellaneous 20.

Officers authorized by the Commissioner of Police shall burn or otherwise destroy any cannabis that is not in compliance with prescribed testing requirements or that is cultivated, processed or distributed in contravention of this Act.
21.–(1) Subject to the Exchange Control Regulation Act and any other applicable law, an investor’s capital contributions, profit, capital gains, income from asset disposals, royalties from intellectual property rights, lawfully obtained compensation or indemnity, and proceeds from liquidation, obtained under this Act may be freely remitted in or out of Belize under any preferred currency.

Destruction of cannabis.

Investment.

CAP.

52.


(2) An investor under this Act will enjoy preferential benefits in the sectors covered under this Act, including– (a) customs duty exemptions on equipment imported for use; (b) a preferential enterprise income tax rate of 15% for foreign invested enterprises in the cannabis industry; and (c) other rights as determined by the Commission.

22.
22.

Notwithstanding sections 7 or 8 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, it shall not be an offence for a person to be in possession of cannabis or for a person to cultivate cannabis if that person is issued a Cannabis Program Identification Card or any licence under this Act.

The Commission may make regulations prescribing any of the 23. following– Exception to the offence of possession or cultivation of cannabis.

CAP.

103.

Regulations by the Commission.
(a) the criteria for the review and approval of licence applications; (b) the fees for applications and licences; (c) (d) the issuance and conditions of licences for testing of cannabis activities licensed under this Act; the process for national inspection and oversight of licensed activities; (e) delineating geographic zones for the location of all cultivation operations; 22 Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Power to make regulations for regulating the use of industrial hemp.
(f) delineating geographic zones that will be used to determine location of dispensaries; (g) establishing the specifications of a cultivation facility; (h) establishing the criteria for product testing and compliance; (i) access to cannabis for medical purposes; (j) establishing a system for tracking sales activities; (k) (l) the development, design, management, control and operation of the Central Nursery; or any other matter prescribed or required to give effect to this Act.

24.
The Minister may make regulations prescribing– (a) the functions and powers of the Commission to monitor, enforce and ensure compliance with regulations made under this section; (b) approved uses of industrial hemp; (c) (d) (e) (f) the regulation of matters relating to the research, cultivation, processing, importation, exportation or transportation of industrial hemp; the issue and conditions of licences in relation to industrial hemp; the functions of officers acting in the administration of this Act; or any matter that by this Act is required or permitted to be prescribed or is necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying out or giving effect to the provisions of this Act.