One country many people mention "escaping" to is Belize. Great tax system for retirees/ex-pats, relatively low cost of living, an "easy country life" especially if you like beach living (the interior is more challenging and less inviting), but... they are far harsher on gun laws than any of their Central neighbors, maybe worse than Mexico, certainly no better than Brazil, and definitely worse than SA countries other than Brazil.
I have read, but do not know for certain, that Belizean drug laws are similar to their gun laws. You can smoke pot and probably get away with it (like most recreational U.S. users), but growing and distributing are treated harshly. I welcome better information if anyone has any.
For the most part, I believe Belize lives up to its former name: British Honduras. 'Nuff said.
All that said, I sure wouldn't mind a relaxing week or two on Jerry Jeff's "long boat dock" at Casa Gonzo on Ambergris Caye. I just wouldn't want to live there. (Actually, that's the only non-mountain place I'd like to live, just not under their current laws.)