Cannabis conventions are one of the best ways to promote your related products and services to new sales channels and learn more about industry trends.
As one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States, opportunities abound globally. According to Ibis World, the industry has grown 29.1% per year on average from 2018 to 2024 in the United States, reaching a valuation of $21.7 billion.
All that growth means new products, services, related industries, and sales channels, which you can connect with at the top trade shows. Here, we have compiled a guide on everything you need to know about cannabis conventions, a description of the best shows to consider attending, and some ideas for designing relevant trade show exhibits.
What exactly is a cannabis conference?
There are dozens of types of trade shows and conferences, including events for food, apparel, and tech innovation. Cannabis conventions are different in that they focus entirely on the cannabis industry and its related industry segments. These include distribution, sales outlets and partners, recreational and medicinal marijuana agents, and vaping and product development.
The different segments come together at conferences to learn about the newest trends in the rapidly changing landscape. They discuss growth and different inhibiting factors, such as laws across states and countries.
What experience can you expect at a cannabis convention?
Cannabis events are fun and exciting. The industry is largely comprised of innovative young entrepreneurs. It has a high level of creativity and a very positive energy.
You can expect to see custom trade exhibits demonstrating the best products and services related to cannabis. Some events are B2B only, which means that they focus on creating connections between products and services and distribution, sales, and marketing partners. Others are open to the public to invite cannabis enthusiasts to discover new products and ideas.
Why should you go to a cannabis show?
If you have a new product or service and want to connect with sales outlets, conventions are one of the best ways to meet new partners. On the flip side, if you need new source materials or products for a shop or distribution channel, you can see all of the best options in one place at a convention.
Usually shows have opportunities for learning as well. This is especially true in the cannabis industry, with ever-changing laws and regulations. People attend to understand these updates from the best experts.
Is there a difference between cannabis and CBD events?
Some events include both industries and others separate the medicinal and wellness components of cannabis in specific CBD events.
Most events include both aspects of the cannabis industry. It is important to read about each event and understand the expected audiences before you choose a show, however.
The Top Cannabis Conventions in 2025-2026
1. Suny Cannabis Conference
When and Where: January 12–13 2026. Niagara Falls Culinary Institute, Niagara Falls, New York.
The Cannabis Conference is aimed at the plant-touching cannabis companies within the industry. Top thought leaders host educational sessions. The newest trends in technology are on display on an expansive trade show floor. Highlights of the show are a cultivation roundtable for growers, experts on odor management and permitting, networking opportunities in abundance, and pre-show workshops for beginners.
2. Lucky Leaf Expo – Albuquerque or Minnesota
When and Where: February 27-28, 2026. Minneapolis Convention Center.
The Lucky Leaf Expo in Albuquerque boasts over 100 exhibitors of the latest products and resources for the industry. Lucky Leaf is dedicated to developing B2B cannabis events across the country, to bring together experts on new regulations, research, and technology. They will host an additional conference in Minnesota, in May 2025 if your interest lies farther to the north.
3. CannaCon West – Albuquerque
When and Where: August 28–29, 2026 ,Paul, MN
4. Cannabis Drink Expo (CDE)
When and Where: March 28–29, 2026,Athens, Greece.
5. CWCBExpo
When and Where: June 3–4, 2026, New York
The Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition (CWCBExpo) is one of the best B2B events in the industry. The 10th annual CWCBExpo was held in early June 2025 and can be expected to repeat an 11th year in June 2025. It is one of the top events in the country and the best for building sales and partnership outlets on the East Coast. Industry icons offer knowledge-building sessions, and there are ample opportunities for special break-out luncheons and events for networking.
6. CannaCon Northeast – Rochester
When and Where: June 2026(expected date),Rochester, New York.
CannaCon focuses on education for the industry and responsible community participation with cannabis. Entrepreneurs, creators and others from seed to product distribution and marketing attend these B2B events. Along with the annual event in Rochester, New York, you can find CannaCon events in every region of the United States in St. Paul, Minnesota; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Cleveland, Ohio.
7. Green Label Expo
When and Where: Yet to announce
This Expo is part of the Green Label Summit and is one of the only conventions where you can showcase finished cannabis products. Over 1000 buyers are expected, attracting hundreds of exhibitors. The show focuses on both cannabis and CBD products.
8. CannaCon Midwest – Lansing
When and Where: Yet to announce
9.CannaCon Midwest – St. Paul
When and Where: June 26–27, 2026, Saint Paul RiverCentre.
10. NECANN – The New York Cannabis Convention
When and Where: October 2-3, 2026. Albany, NY.
NECANN hosts the largest set of events for cannabis and hemp in the world. The series focuses on local trends in different markets and aims to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and creatives from throughout the industry. Along with the annual convention in New York, you can find NECANN events in Vermont, New Jersey, Connecticut, Michigan, Boston, Maryland, and Illinois. Think about attending one, or all, if you want to keep up on the latest in local markets.
11. MJBizCon – National Marijuana Business Conference & Expo
When and Where: December 1–4, 2026, Las Vegas, USA.
MJBizCon is the largest Las Vegas cannabis convention and one of the largest shows in the world. Over 30,000 cannabis entrepreneurs will attend. 1400 exhibitors are expected, as well as 50 conference sessions or more. It is a must-attend event for anyone related to the industry, from purchasers to end-users.
Frequently asked questions about the cannabis industry and trade shows
While the cannabis industry is growing rapidly, there are many questionable factors regarding legality and its use in different US states and other countries where there are viable legal markets. Here are some of the main questions that could affect your trade show attendance.
What is going on with cannabis legality in the United States?
Cannabis is illegal at the federal level of the United States. But a reclassification of it as a “dangerous” drug is on the table. This reclassification could make it more appealing for the states that have not legalized medicinal and recreational use to reconsider their status.
As of now, medicinal and recreational cannabis use is legal in 24 states and Washington DC. Every state and local market within them has different rules for production and sales, however, with most limiting sales to adults over the age of 21. Your marketing efforts will have to focus on the right demographics, legally speaking, and the right localities.
What are some of the principal challenges for the industry this year?
The market has become very saturated with different cannabis startups, which makes it difficult for purchasers and consumers alike to differentiate products and determine quality. This is one of the top problems that the industry faces. Collaboration and joint ventures will likely become more common among the industry players.
Legality is another concern. It is difficult to navigate the web of different rules and regulations across state and international borders.
At a more macro level, ongoing inflation and consumer sentiment are concerning. On one hand, it can dissuade consumers from purchasing products that are deemed recreational and “extra”. On the other hand, inflation has led to a rise in interest rates which make it more difficult to procure loans and investments for business growth.
What are the top advantages that the industry has over “competing” products and services?
The industry, despite the many challenges it faces, is growing at one of the fastest rates of any industry in the world. Consumers are turning more towards cannabis use, away from other recreational substances. Most notably, it is taking some of the market share from alcohol consumption.
Companies that are positioned well within the United States and globally will be able to capitalize on these trends. It is expected that the United States’ lead on legalization will trickle to other developed countries in the short term, to open up new markets.
In summary – ample room for growth through cannabis trade shows this year!
There are indeed some barriers, but the cannabis industry will continue to grow. It is one of the best opportunities for smaller businesses out there, especially for those who understand how to navigate local markets and their specific legal regulations.
To build the right partnerships to develop products and sales outlets, you want to attend the best cannabis conventions. After you pick your show schedule, consider using a company like Blazer Exhibits to help you conceive creative booth ideas that stand apart. Keep in mind, that hundreds of exhibitors will be in direct competition! Blazers can help you highlight your best advantages to shine among the rest.