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Public Notice · Sint Maarten

National Symposium on Cannabis Regulation

Join healthcare professionals, researchers, legal experts, educators, and community representatives for an evidence-based national discussion on the future of cannabis regulation in Sint Maarten.
RESERVE A SEAT

Building an Informed Future for Sint Maarten​​

As Sint Maarten evaluates cannabis regulation, informed public dialogue is essential. This symposium brings together respected experts in medicine, public health, law, scientific research, education, and community leadership to share evidence-based information and encourage constructive national discussion.

Public Health

Learn how regulation can prioritize patient safety and community wellbeing.

Policy & Governance

Understand regulatory models and legislative frameworks.

Scientific Research

Hear the latest evidence from leading regional researchers.

Responsible Industry

Explore cultivation, standards, and sustainable development.

Youth Protection

Discuss education, prevention, and responsible policy.

Community Dialogue

Ask questions and participate in the national conversation.

Featured Speakers

Hear from internationally recognized physicians, researchers, policy advisors, and community leaders shaping cannabis regulation across the Caribbean and beyond.

Dr. Joseph Rosado

Medical Cannabis & Public Health

Internationally recognized physician, author, and medical cannabis educator with over 25 years of clinical experience. Dr. Rosado advises governments and healthcare organizations on developing safe, evidence-based medical cannabis programs that prioritize patient care and public health.

Dr. Machel A. Emanuel

Science, Cultivation & Quality Standards

Senior Lecturer and Researcher at The University of the West Indies, Mona, specializing in cannabis science and policy. His research focuses on medicinal cannabis cultivation, quality assurance, sustainability, and the development of regulated cannabis industries across the Caribbean.

Ras Iroy

Cannabis & Rastafari

Chairman of the Caribbean Rastafari Organisation (CRO) and a respected advocate for social justice, cultural heritage, and sustainable development. He will discuss the historical and cultural significance of cannabis within the Rastafari community and its role in future policy conversations.

Leandra Leslie-Cyntje

Youth Protection & Public Policy

Researcher and public policy consultant with expertise in governance and youth policy. Her work examines the impact of cannabis legislation on young people and how evidence-based policy can support responsible regulation in Sint Maarten.

Panel Moderator

Dr. Rhoda Arrindell

Dr. Rhoda Arrindell is a St. Martin scholar, educator, author, and former Minister of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs. She holds a PhD in English Linguistics from the University of Puerto Rico, specializing in Caribbean languages, identity, and Creole culture, and currently lectures in Caribbean literature, language, and writing at Howard University.

Dr. Arrindell is President of the One St. Martin Association and Immediate Past President of the Caribbean Studies Association. Her extensive career spans higher education, public service, research, cultural preservation, youth empowerment, and community advocacy.

She is the author of Language, Culture, and Identity in St. Martin and has contributed extensively to discussions surrounding St. Martin’s culture, education, identity, social development, and regional affairs.

At the St. Maarten Symposium on Cannabis Regulation, Public Health & Policy, Dr. Arrindell will serve as Panel Moderator, guiding the discussion among experts and community voices on the public health, social, cultural, legal, and policy considerations surrounding cannabis regulation in St. Maarten.

Event Details

Date

Friday, Aug 14 2026

Time

6:00PM to 10:00PM

Venue

University of St. Martin

Tickets

FREE! Register Now

Light refreshments, including fresh juices and assorted bites, will be available throughout the evening.

Symposium Topics

Discover the key topics that will be explored by regional and international experts as Sint Maarten examines the future of cannabis regulation through the lenses of science, medicine, public health, governance, culture, and economic development.

Evidence-Based Cannabis Regulation

Learn how evidence and international best practices can guide the development of responsible cannabis policies.

Governance, Regulation & Policy Development

Explore legislative frameworks, regulatory models, licensing, compliance, and effective policy implementation.

Medical Cannabis & Patient Access

Understand how medical cannabis programs prioritize patient safety, physician oversight, and access to quality care.

Public Health & Safety

Discuss public health strategies, product safety, consumer education, responsible use, and community wellbeing.

Scientific Research & Innovation

Discover the latest cannabis research, medicinal applications, cultivation science, and emerging innovations.

Responsible Cultivation & Quality Standards

Explore sustainable cultivation practices, quality assurance, laboratory testing, and production standards.

Youth Education & Protection

Examine evidence-based approaches that protect young people through education, prevention, and responsible regulation.

Economic Development Opportunities

Learn how regulated cannabis industries can support entrepreneurship, employment, agriculture, tourism, and investment.

Rastafari, Reparatory Justice & Cultural Heritage

Explore the historical, cultural, and spiritual significance of cannabis while discussing reparatory justice and human rights.

Live Panel Discussion & Audience Q&A

Ask questions directly to experts and participate in an open discussion with speakers and panelists.

Join the Conversation

This symposium is designed to encourage respectful dialogue, informed decision-making, and community participation as Sint Maarten considers implementing cannabis policy.

RESERVE A SEAT

A national conversation

As Sint Maarten evaluates a comprehensive cannabis regulatory framework, this symposium brings together Members of Parliament, healthcare professionals, educators, researchers, legal experts, business leaders, law enforcement, civil society, students, and the public — for an evening of evidence-based dialogue on regulation, public health, and industry development.

The forum is part of CLIWG’s ongoing stakeholder engagement and public consultation process, and forms one step in an open, national conversation on what a modern, responsible cannabis framework should look like for the country.

"This symposium is about bringing together credible experts in cannabis regulation and the community to discuss regulation through the lens of science, public health, education, social responsibility, and economic opportunity."

CLIWG

Confirm attendance

Reserve your seat

Admission is free. Pre-registration helps CLIWG plan seating and materials for the evening.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before attending the symposium.

Yes. Admission is free; however, advance registration is required to reserve your seat as seating is limited.

The symposium is open to government officials, Members of Parliament, healthcare professionals, educators, researchers, legal professionals, business leaders, agricultural stakeholders, students, civil society organizations, the media, and members of the public.

Registration begins before the symposium, with the event running from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Friday, August 14, 2026 at the University of St. Martin in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten.

Yes. Additional speakers and panelists may be announced leading up to the symposium.

Yes. The symposium includes a live panel discussion and an audience Q&A session where attendees can engage directly with the speakers.

No. The symposium is designed for a broad audience, including policymakers, educators, researchers, business leaders, community organizations, students, and the general public.

Yes. Members of the media are invited to attend and will have opportunities to interview keynote speakers, subject matter experts, and event organizers.

Yes. Additional speakers and panelists may be announced leading up to the symposium.

Organizers

The Cannabis Legislative Inter-Ministerial Work Group (CLIWG) was established by the Government of Sint Maarten to lead stakeholder engagement, public education, and policy development toward a comprehensive cannabis regulatory framework — in collaboration with Native Nations SXM N.V.

Media contact

Cannabis Legislative Inter-Ministerial Work Group

www.workgroupsxm.com

info@workgroupsxm.com

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