Cannabis Petition Officially Submitted For Caye Caulker Referendum

A petition to legalize and regulate cannabis on Caye Caulker has been officially submitted to the Office of the Governor General. This moves the island one step closer to a public referendum on the issue.

The petition, spearheaded by Village Councillor Ilya Rosado, gathered the required number of signatures from registered voters to trigger a vote during the village council election.

In accordance with Belize’s electoral procedures, the Governor General will now forward the petition to the Elections and Boundaries Department for verification. Once the signatures are validated, the cannabis legalization measure will appear on the upcoming ballot.

“This is about giving the people of Caye Caulker the right to decide,” said Rosado. “The community has spoken clearly by signing this petition, and now it’s time for all eligible voters to have their say at the ballot box.”

If approved, the initiative would legalize the regulated production, distribution, and sale of cannabis products on the island. Supporters believe the measure will boost the local economy, create jobs, and generate new public revenue while encouraging responsible cannabis use.