GREAT BAY--Government officials, healthcare professionals, researchers, legal experts, educators, business leaders, law enforcement representatives, civil society organizations, students and members of the public will gather on Friday, August 14, for the St. Maarten Symposium on Cannabis Regulation, Public Health and Policy.
The national forum, organized by the Cannabis Legislative Inter-Ministerial Work Group in collaboration with Native Nations SXM N.V., will be held at the University of St. Martin in Philipsburg from 6:00pm to 10:00pm.
The symposium will examine the development of a comprehensive cannabis regulatory framework for St. Maarten through the areas of public health, scientific research, education, governance, social responsibility and sustainable economic development.
Organizers said the forum is intended to provide balanced and research-driven information while encouraging informed public discussion among stakeholders from across society.
The program will feature local, regional and international experts with experience in medicine, cannabis research, public policy, law, agriculture, culture and advocacy.
Dr. Joseph Rosado, an internationally recognized physician, author and medical cannabis educator, will address the development of a responsible medical cannabis framework for St. Maarten. His presentation will focus on patient safety, physician education, pharmacy integration, product quality, youth protection and evidence-based decision-making.
Rosado brings more than 25 years of clinical experience and has worked with governments, healthcare institutions and Tribal Nations on medical cannabis policy.
Dr. Machel A. Emanuel, Senior Lecturer and Researcher at the University of the West Indies, Mona, and Principal Investigator of the Life Sciences Cannabis Research Group, will examine the scientific, agricultural and regulatory foundations required to develop a safe and high-quality medicinal cannabis industry.
Emanuel’s work includes advising Caribbean governments on regulated cannabis sectors and conducting research in cultivation, quality assurance, sustainability and industry standards.
Ras Iroy, Chairman of the Caribbean Rastafari Organisation and the Organisation of Rastafari in Unity in St. Kitts and Nevis, will discuss cannabis and Rastafari from the perspective of reparatory justice and sustainable industry development.
His work focuses on regional cooperation, African heritage, environmental sustainability, social justice and the rights of Rastafari communities across the Caribbean.
Leandra Leslie-Cyntje, a researcher and policy advisor who serves as Kingdom Chair Representative for St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius, will address youth protection within St. Maarten’s developing cannabis framework.
Her presentation will draw on research concerning the effects of cannabis legislation on young people, with attention to how policy can protect minors while supporting responsible regulation.
The symposium will also explore governance and policy development, medical cannabis and patient access, public health and safety, responsible cultivation, scientific innovation, quality standards, youth education, social justice, Rastafari and reparatory justice, and economic-development opportunities.
Attendees will have an opportunity to participate in an interactive question-and-answer session with the panel of experts. Additional speakers and panellists may be announced ahead of the event.
The forum forms part of government’s continuing stakeholder-engagement and public-consultation process as St. Maarten considers the creation of a modern cannabis regulatory system.
The Cannabis Legislative Inter-Ministerial Work Group was established to coordinate public education, stakeholder engagement and policy development involving representatives of several government ministries. Its work is intended to support evidence-based recommendations and informed public consultation.
Representatives from Parliament, government ministries, healthcare institutions, medical associations, universities, schools, law enforcement agencies, business organizations, agricultural stakeholders, regional partners and the wider public are invited to attend.
Admission is available through advance registration. Persons wishing to attend should register through the Cannabis Legislative Inter-Ministerial Work Group’s website to reserve their seats.
Event Details
Date: Friday, August 14, 2026
Time: 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Venue: University of St. Martin
Location: Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Admission: Advance registration required
