SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Cannabis Legislative Inter-Ministerial Work Group (CLIWG), in collaboration with Native Nations SXM N.V., is pleased to announce the St. Maarten Symposium on Cannabis Regulation, Public Health & Policy, a national public forum dedicated to exploring evidence-based cannabis policy, public health, scientific research, and sustainable industry development.
The symposium will take place on Friday, August 14, 2026, at the University of St. Martin in Philipsburg and is aimed at bringing together government officials, Members of Parliament, healthcare professionals, educators, researchers, legal experts, business leaders, law enforcement representatives, civil society organizations, students, and members of the public.
As Sint Maarten continues to evaluate the development of a comprehensive cannabis regulatory framework, the symposium aims to provide balanced, research-driven information while encouraging informed dialogue among stakeholders from every sector of society.
"This symposium is about bringing together credible experts in cannabis regulation and the community to discuss cannabis regulation through the lens of science, public health, education, social responsibility, and also economic opportunity," stated the Cannabis Legislative Inter-Ministerial Work Group (CLIWG).
“By bringing together experts from medicine, research, law, public policy, and community leadership, the symposium aims to provide evidence-based information and foster informed public dialogue that reflects the diverse perspectives of our society."
Topics to be Explored
The symposium agenda will include presentations and panel discussions covering: ● Evidence-Based Cannabis Regulation ● Governance, Regulation, and Policy Development ● Medical Cannabis and Patient Access ● Public Health and Safety ● Scientific Research and Innovation ● Responsible Cultivation and Quality Standards ● Youth Education and Protection ● Social Justice and Policy ● Rastafari, Reparatory Justice, and the Sustainable Development of the Caribbean Cannabis Industry ● Economic Development Opportunities
Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in an interactive question-and-answer session with the panel of experts.
A National Conversation
The symposium forms part of the Government of Sint Maarten's ongoing stakeholder engagement and public consultation process through the Cannabis Legislative Inter-Ministerial Work Group (CLIWG) as the country explores the development of a modern cannabis regulatory framework.
Organizers hope the symposium will serve as an educational platform that encourages respectful dialogue, promotes public awareness, and supports evidence-based policymaking.
Representatives from government ministries, Parliament, healthcare institutions, medical associations, universities, educational organizations, law enforcement agencies, business associations, agricultural stakeholders, civil society organizations, regional partners, and the wider community are invited to attend.
Event Details ● Date: Friday, August 14, 2026, ● Venue: University of St. Martin ● Location: Philipsburg, Sint Maarten ● Time: 6pm -10pm ● Admission: Pre- Register at https://workgroupsxm.com/national-symposium/ to confirm your attendance and reserve your seats.
Registration
The registration link is provided on the CLIWG’s website https://workgroupsxm.com/national-symposium/
Registering online allows the organizers to reserve/guarantee your seats.
About the Organizers
The Cannabis Legislative Inter-Ministerial Work Group (CLIWG) was established by the Government of Sint Maarten to facilitate stakeholder engagement, public education, and policy development relating to the creation of a comprehensive cannabis regulatory framework.
The work group brings together representatives from multiple government ministries to support evidence-based policy recommendations and public consultation.
