~Acting Attorney General says change will expand research; DEA opens expedited proceedings as White House executive order takes effect — industry and advocates react to a historic federal shift.~

WASHINGTON, USA:--- In a sweeping policy shift that could reshape federal control of cannabis, the Department of Justice on Thursday issued an order immediately placing Food and Drug Administration–approved marijuana products and marijuana products governed by qualifying state medical licenses into Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, while launching an expedited administrative hearing to consider broader rescheduling of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. The move implements President Trump’s December 18, 2025, executive order directing faster federal action to increase medical marijuana research.
What the government announced: Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed the order that, for the first time, treats certain FDA-approved marijuana products and state-regulated medical marijuana under Schedule III — a lower schedule that recognizes accepted medical uses and carries less severe regulatory restrictions than Schedule I. The DOJ and the Drug Enforcement Administration also published a new notice setting an administrative hearing to begin June 29, 2026, to consider the comprehensive rescheduling of marijuana. Officials said the changes are intended to expand medical research while preserving law enforcement tools to combat illicit trafficking. 

 “The Department of Justice is delivering on President Trump’s promise to expand Americans’ access to medical treatment options,” Acting Attorney General Blanche said in the announcement. DEA Administrator Terry Cole said the agency would move “expeditiously” through the administrative hearing process while continuing enforcement against cartels and fentanyl threats. 
What Schedule III means and why it matters: Under federal law, substances placed in Schedule III are recognized as having accepted medical uses and are subject to DEA oversight with less stringent controls than Schedule I or II drugs — for example, Schedule III substances may be prescribed and dispensed under established prescription rules and typically allow refills under federal pharmacy regulations. Advocates and industry lawyers say rescheduling could make it easier for physicians and researchers to obtain and study cannabis, and could reduce legal friction for state-licensed producers; however, it does not legalize cannabis federally or automatically erase prior criminal penalties for unauthorized possession or distribution.

 Cannabis industry groups and officials in states with medical programs welcomed the decision as long sought federal recognition that could remove research barriers, improve patient access to approved therapies, and ease some tax and banking restrictions that have complicated state markets. At the same time, advocates and some lawmakers cautioned that rescheduling alone will not resolve all legal and financial conflicts between federal and state law, and urged Congress to enact more comprehensive reforms. News outlets and legal analysts note the White House directive prompted the DOJ timeline and that further changes will depend on the outcome of the DEA administrative process.

Legal and business implications: Legal experts say rescheduling to Schedule III would alter regulatory pathways for research and drug development and could affect tax treatment for state-licensed operators that were previously barred from certain federal deductions under Internal Revenue Code Section 280E. Banking access and interstate commerce questions remain complex: while Schedule III status may ease some compliance burdens, many federal statutes and regulations — and a range of state laws — would still govern how cannabis is produced, sold, and transported. Law firms and policy analysts are already advising clients to prepare for rapid regulatory changes once the DEA’s new rulemaking and hearings proceed.

 The DOJ said it will withdraw prior notices and proceedings that began under the previous administration and proceed under the new expedited schedule with firm deadlines; the administrative hearing beginning on June 29, 2026, will be central to whether marijuana as a whole is redesignated to Schedule III. If the DEA ultimately adopts broader rescheduling through the rulemaking, federal regulatory frameworks for prescribing, research approvals, manufacturing controls, and enforcement could change significantly — but experts emphasize that many details would be worked out in follow-on HHS, FDA, and DEA rulemaking and guidance. justice.gov
Voices of concern: Some public health groups and opponents warn that loosening federal scheduling without robust federal research and safety monitoring could have unintended consequences, especially for youth and vulnerable populations. Others pressed for concurrent legislative fixes to address issues that rescheduling would not automatically resolve, such as expungement of past convictions and clear banking reforms. Coverage from national outlets in recent months framed the executive order as a major policy pivot that will generate both opportunity and controversy as federal and state authorities adjust. 

 The DOJ’s action marks a historic federal step toward aligning national drug policy with changing state laws and growing interest in cannabis research. The coming weeks and months — capped by the June 29, 2026, administrative hearing and subsequent rulemaking — will determine how far the federal government goes in loosening restrictions and how quickly patients, researchers, and businesses feel the effects of the shift. Readers should expect a steady stream of regulatory announcements, legal analyses, and state-level responses as agencies, courts, and Congress respond. 

For Official Publication:https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-places-fda-approved-marijuana-products-and-products-containing-marijuana

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Richinel Brug, recently paid a working visit to the Freegan Food Foundation at their distribution location, where he met with volunteers and observed firsthand the impactful work being carried out to support vulnerable families within the community.
Freegan Food Foundation plays a vital role in reducing food waste while ensuring that families in need have access to nutritious food. Families are welcome to select items based on their needs and preferences. Distributions take place every Thursday and Friday from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM, currently serving approximately 100 families each week.
During his visit, Minister Brug also expressed his sincere appreciation to the Freegan Food Foundation team and its volunteers for their continued dedication and service to the community. Their efforts have made a tangible difference in the lives of many families and seniors across Sint Maarten.
The Ministry’s collaboration with Freegan Food Foundation began in early 2025 through a pilot program aimed at supporting seniors. This initiative proved highly successful, effectively reaching vulnerable households and providing much-needed assistance.
Building on this positive working relationship and recognizing the continued need among seniors, Minister Brug is proud to announce that the program will be extended for at least another year. This extension underscores the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening food security and supporting the well-being of elderly residents across Sint Maarten.
Further details regarding the continuation of the program will be shared in the coming weeks. Seniors who wish to be part of the program are encouraged to come forward, as this will help the Ministry better understand the scope of elderly persons requesting assistance. The Ministry of VSA remains dedicated to fostering partnerships that deliver meaningful and sustainable support to the community.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is deeply saddened by the passing of Brigadier Keri Hyman, one of our most dedicated and beloved officers. Brigadier Hyman, who passed away on April 23, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with illness, was an integral part of our team and one of the cornerstones of the KPSM family, particularly during the Carnival season, when she played an important role in the Jouvert festivities.
Throughout her illness, Brigadier Hyman demonstrated the same strength, resilience, and grace that defined her years of service to the force. She faced her journey with quiet courage, and her commitment to KPSM never wavered.
In honor of Brigadier Hyman's passion and unwavering dedication to the force, KPSM officers will wear pink polo shirts as part of their uniform during the upcoming Jouvert celebrations. This symbolic gesture is a heartfelt tribute to her strength, spirit, and love for the Carnival season.

A special ceremony will be held at the rear of the Philipsburg Police Station on April 27, 2026, at 4:00 a.m., just before the Jouvert Jump-Up begins. The ceremony will include a solemn moment of silence in Brigadier Hyman's honor, as we gather together with her family and friends to pay our respects before the festivities commence.
KPSM extends its most sincere and heartfelt condolences to Brigadier Hyman's family, friends, and colleagues. She will be profoundly missed, and her spirit will forever remain a cherished part of the KPSM family.

WILLEMSTAD, Curaçao:--- Sustainability, resilience, and innovation took center stage as Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten hosted the fourth edition of the UoC SustainaBUL Awards 2026, an initiative designed to empower students to solve real-world sustainability challenges.
Delivering the opening remarks, Richard Doornbosch welcomed guests, students, board members, and partners, emphasizing the importance of youth-driven solutions in addressing the pressing environmental and economic issues facing small island states.
The SustainaBUL Awards focus on accelerating the sustainable transition of the economy, government, and wider society. According to Doornbosch, the program offers a “double-edged sword” of benefits: students gain unforgettable learning experiences while organizations receive innovative solutions to their sustainability challenges.
This year’s competition placed special attention on the construction and tourism sectors—two pillars of Curaçao’s economy that are also highly exposed to climate risks. Their vulnerability, combined with their economic importance, made the initiative especially relevant for the central bank’s own climate-related priorities.
Doornbosch explained why a central bank has a growing interest in sustainability and climate resilience. In recent years, the global economy has faced a series of shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, surging food and energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and cyber incidents. He noted that these events underscore the need for resilience—and warned that climate-related shocks could be just as disruptive for small island economies.
As the institution responsible for safeguarding financial stability, the central bank is increasingly focused on understanding how climate risks can affect financial institutions, markets, and national resilience. This includes monitoring systemic risks, conducting research, and developing policies that strengthen preparedness.
Doornbosch also highlighted the importance of partnerships. The bank works with organizations such as the Curaçao Meteorological Services to obtain reliable climate data and collaborates regionally with other central banks on initiatives such as green taxonomies and supervisory guidance for responsible finance.
He praised University of Curaçao for its leadership in sustainability education, citing past events like Green Week and its continued commitment to fostering young talent through the SustainaBUL program.
Looking ahead, Doornbosch said collaboration between institutions, academia, and society is essential to building a stronger future. He expressed confidence that initiatives like SustainaBUL can help shape a more robust national adaptation strategy for Curaçao while strengthening the island’s long-term resilience.
Closing his remarks, he turned to the student participants with encouragement and optimism: he looked forward to their pitches and wished every team success in contributing to a more sustainable Curaçao.