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Cannabis PR

The Best Cannabis Events in 2023, From Expos to Parties

JONATHAN ROSE
February 6, 2023
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Did you find this round up of 2023 cannabis conferences, trade shows conventions and other networking opportunities like The Grasslands Party helpful for planning your event marketing, thought leadership and lead generation for the year? Don't miss our 2024 cannabis conferences and trade shows blog with a list of this year's industry events! 

Doesn’t it feel like the MJBizCon Grasslands Party was yesterday? It sure does to us. Yet here we are thinking about the next big move as we admittedly still bask in the highs of our flagship MJBiz Party just months ago.

Cannabis entrepreneurs, executives and marketers know well the fast-paced, and some might even say strenuous, nature of cannabis and psychedelic events. To put it simply: It’s nonstop—and getting busier each year. 

In fact, you’ve likely missed a couple already.

We’re in a new year and a fast-growing sector. From Canada to Arizona, and California to NYC, if you’re in the industry, there’s a show or two like Cannabis Conference you must attend, and a few that you probably want to. But as close observers and insiders know, the cannabis industry is strapped for cash, and companies will be making tough decisions in 2023 about which shows to attend.

Why is it important to attend cannabis trade shows and expos?

Showing up is half the battle. If you want to get your brand, product and hard work out there, you have to network. Advertising is difficult in cannabis, and often working the room is the best way to spread the word.

But beyond that, and even better,  thought leadership is an important piece of integrated cannabis marketing and public relations campaigns. Speaking at conferences and participating in panels can be a great way to build your brand profile and potentially generate earned media through a newsworthy story.

Grasslands is here for you. Our journalism-minded approach to our work makes education a critical part of our mission.

So we took a close look at more than 150 expos, conventions, parties and other functions. And then we made an attempt to organize them in a way that will be more helpful to you, our friends and clients.

We’ve put together this essential list of can’t miss cannabis trade shows and conferences for 2023. And don’t think we’re leaving out our psychedelic sisters and brothers—we have plenty of 2023 plant-medicine trade shows you won’t want to miss out on too.

Because we’re experts at landing our clients prime cannabis speaking slots and other thought-leadership opportunities that are the best fit for them, we thought we’d give you a little inside look at the process.

If you see an event that looks and feels like the right fit for your brand or company—whether that’s plant-touching or ancillary—don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re stoked to talk to you about your goals, and how our expertise (and track record) can help you find the perfect match, and hopefully even get you on the inside track to elevate your thought leadership and brand recognition.

And if you’re looking for exclusive insights into what trends and potential pitfalls 2023 may hold for the cannabis industry, check out Grasslands Founder and CEO Ricardo Baca’s predictions right here.

2023 Cannabis conventions, expos and other events, by category and region.

The Best Conferences for Cannabis Networking:

See and be seen at these events put on by trade groups and other organizations. Many of them are truly friendly efforts to build or maintain a community, while others are all business. Either way, take advantage of one near you.

California and Desert/Mountain West:

Jan. 26: Arizona’s Cannabis Industry Trade Association Arizona Cannabis Business Networking Event, Phoenix

Jan. 31: NCIA Northern California Industry Social, San Francisco

Feb. 7: NCIA Southern California Industry Social, Los Angeles

Feb. 27: Lemonhaze Golf Classic Arizona, Phoenix

March 10-19: SXSW, Austin, Texas

March 13: Lemonhaze Golf Classic Southern California, Coto De Caza, California 

April 26: Lemonhaze golf Classic Nevada, Las Vegas

May 3-4: Hall of Flowers, Santa Rosa, California

May 8: LemonHaze Golf Classic New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico

June 5: Lemonhaze Golf Classic Colorado, Aurora, Colorado

June 19-23: Psychedelic Science 2023, Denver

September tbd: Women In Cannabis Expo, Las Vegas

Sept. 19-20: The State of Cannabis 7th Annual Conference, Los Angeles

Nov. 28 to Dec. 1: MjBizCon, Las Vegas

November 29: The Grasslands Party 2023 (after party)

Pacific Northwest:

March 8: NCIA Washington Industry Social, Seattle

April 19: Canna Boot Camp Spring, Portland, Oregon

April 20: Cannabis Science Conference Spring, Portland, Oregon

April 19: NCIA Oregon Industry Social, Portland, Oregon

Midwest:

May 3-4: Michigan CannaTech Expo, Mount Pleasant, Michigan

May 4: NCIA Illinois Industry Social, Chicago

Jan. 25: NCIA Missouri Industry Social, St. Louis

June tbd: Women In Cannabis Expo, Chicago

June 2-3: Imperious Cannabis Business Expo, Oklahoma City

Aug. 28: Lemonhaze Golf Classic Missouri, Saint Charles, MO

Sept. 18 Lemonhaze Golf Classic Michigan, Dearborn, MI

Oct. 10-12: MJ Unpacked Detroit, MotorCity Casino Hotel, Detroit, MI

Oct. 26: Mo Kansas CannaTech, Kansas City, Missouri

East Coast:

March 25-26: XpoCanna Connecticut Cannabis Expo, Uncasville, Connecticut

March 30: NCIA Massachusetts Industry Social, Boston

April tbd: 2023 Clio Awards, New York City

April 22: National Cannabis Festival, Washington D.C.

April 25: NCIA New York Industry Social, New York City

April 26-28: MJ Unpacked, New York City

May 18-19: LMCC (Luxury Meets Cannabis Conference), New York City

May 20: NY Cannabis Insider, Albany, NY 

June 1-3: CWCBExpo, New York City, NY

June 26: Lemonhaze Golf Classic Pennsylvania, Gibsonia, PA

August 2-4: Lift Expo, San Francisco

Aug. 7: Lemonhaze Golf Classic New Jersey, Galloway, NJ

Aug. 21: Lemonhaze Golf Classic Massachusetts, Ipswich, MA 

September 8: TeeHC Open, Grafton, MA

South:

Nov. 3-5: Black Cannabiz Expo, New Orleans

Florida:

April 10: Lemonhaze Golf Class Florida, Coral Springs, Florida

April 11-12th: Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, Miami Beach, Florida

April 12: NCIA Florida Industry Social, Miami

Territories:

July 26: Puerto Rico CannaTech Expo, San Juan

The Best B2B Cannabis Trade Shows 

Sometimes you just need to make that face-to-face connection for a deal to happen. Make the most of these B2B-focused events and you’ll definitely make some important contacts along the way.

California/Desert and Mountain West:

Feb. 22-24: TPE23, Las Vegas

March 1-3: The Emerald Conference, San Diego

March 29-31: NoCo Hemp Expo, Colorado Springs, Colorado

May 3-4: Hall of Flowers, Santa Rosa, California

May 10-12th: CG Global Metals & Mining Conference, Palm Desert, CA

May 19-20: CannaCon West, Albuquerque, New Mexico

July 27: Cannabis Drinks Expo, San Francisco

August 2-4: Lift Expo, San Francisco

Aug. 4-5: CannaCon West, Long Beach, California

August 15-17: Cannabis Conference, Las Vegas

Nov. 28 to Dec. 1: MjBizCon, Las Vegas

November 30ish: The Grasslands Party 2023 (after party)

Pacific Northwest

March 1-2: Interchange Washington, Renton, Washington

May 23-24: Interchange Washington, Renton, Washington

Nov. 7-8: Interchange Washington, Renton, Washington

Midwest: 

Feb. 16: Bisnow Cannabis Summit in Chicago: investment, Policy, Development and Retail in Cannabis and How it Affects the CRE Community, Chicago

June 2-3: Imperious Cannabis Business Expo, Oklahoma City

Oct. 6-7: CannaCon Midwest, Detroit

East Coast: 

March 3-5: Alternative Products Expo, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

March 10-12: NECANN New England Cannabis Convention, Boston

April 26-28: MJ Unpacked, New York City

May 6-7: NECANN Vermont Cannabis & Hemp Convention, Burlington, Vermont

May 18-19: LMCC (Luxury Meets Cannabis Conference), New York City

May 20-21: NECANN Connecticut Cannabis and Hemp Convention, Hartford, Connecticut

June 1-3: CWCBExpo, New York City, NY

Aug. 12-13: NECANN 2023 Maine Cannabis Convention, Augusta, Maine

Sept. 8-9: NECANN New Jersey Cannabis Convention, Atlantic City, New Jersey

Sept. 29-30: NECANN New York Cannabis and Hemp Convention, Albany Capital Center

South:

Feb. 24-25: CannaCon South, Biloxi, Mississippi

March 31 to April 1: CannaCon South, Oklahoma City

July 13-15: Alternative Products Expo, Dallas

Nov. 3-5: Black Cannabiz Expo and Conference, New Orleans

Hawaii:

Feb. 4-5: Hawaii Cannabis Expo, Honolulu

The Best Cannabis Conferences for Thought Leadership

Anybody with any profile can get a speaking gig somewhere. But only the best and most knowledgeable speak at these professional and curated events. The folks on the Grasslands team are experts at getting the speaking engagements that fit them best. See something here? Let’s talk about it.

California/Desert and Mountain West:

Feb. 22-24: TPE23, Las Vegas

March 10-19: SXSW, Austin, Texas

March 29-31: NoCo Hemp Expo, Colorado Springs, Colorado

May 19-20: CannaCon West, Albuquerque, New Mexico

June 19-23: Psychedelic Science 2023, Denver

Aug. 4-5: CannaCon West, Long Beach, California

Aug. 17-19: Southern Hemp Expo, Nashville, Tennessee

Sept. 22-23: Lucky Leaf Expo, Albuquerque, New Mexico

September tbd: Women In Cannabis Expo, Las Vegas

Nov. 28 to Dec. 1: MjBizCon, Las Vegas

November 30ish: The Grasslands Party 2023 (after party)

Midwest: 

Feb. 16: Bisnow Cannabis Summit in Chicago: investment, Policy, Development and Retail in Cannabis and How it Affects the CRE Community, Chicago

March 24-25: Lucky Leaf Expo, Kansas City, Missouri

June tbd: Women In Cannabis Expo, Chicago

June 2-3: Imperious Cannabis Business Expo, Oklahoma City, 

Oct. 6-7: CannaCon Midwest, Detroit

Oct. 6-7: Lucky Leaf Expo, St. Louis, Missouri

East Coast:

April 14-15: Lucky Leaf Expo, Albany, New York

April 22: National Cannabis Policy Summit, Washington, D.C.

April 26-28: MJ Unpacked, New York City

May 20: NY Cannabis Insider, Albany, NY 

June 1-3: CWCBExpo, New York City, NY

June 8-9: Lucky Leaf Expo, Edison, New Jersey

July 21-22: Lucky Leaf Expo, Baltimore

South:

Feb. 24-25: CannaCon South, Biloxi, Mississippi

March 10-19: SXSW, Austin, Texas

March 31 to April 1: CannaCon South, Oklahoma City

May 5-6: Lucky Leaf Expo, Jackson, Mississippi

Aug. 17-19: Southern Hemp Expo, Nashville, Tennessee

Nov. 3-5: Black Cannabiz Expo and Conference, New Orleans

Florida:

April 11-12th: Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, Miami Beach, Florida

May 15-17: CannMed23, Marco Island, FL

Hawaii:

Feb. 4-5: Hawaii Cannabis Expo, Honolulu

Virtual:

Feb. 12: HighTimes Hemp Cup, virtual

The Best Conferences for Cannabis Ancillary Companies

So you don’t touch the plant—so what? Check out these conventions, conferences and expos to get the word out about the product the modern cannabis cultivator or consumer can’t live without.

California/Desert and Mountain West:

Feb. 22-24: TPE23, Las Vegas

March 29-31: NoCo Hemp Expo, Colorado Springs, Colorado

May 3-4: White Label World Expo, Las Vegas

May 19-20: CannaCon West, Albuquerque, New Mexico

August 2-4: Lift Expo, San Francisco

Aug. 4-5: CannaCon West, Long Beach, California

August 15-17: Cannabis Conference, Las Vegas

Nov. 28 to Dec. 1: MjBizCon, Las Vegas

November 30ish: The Grasslands Party 2023 (after party)

Pacific Northwest: 

March 1-2: Interchange Washington, Renton, Washington

May 23-24: Interchange Washington, Renton, Washington

Nov. 7-8: Interchange Washington, Renton, Washington

East Coast: 

March 10-12: NECANN New England Cannabis Convention, Boston

May 6-7: NECANN Vermont Cannabis & Hemp Convention, Burlington, Vermont

May 20-21: NECANN Connecticut Cannabis and Hemp Convention, Hartford, Connecticut

June 1-3: CWCBExpo, New York City, NY

Aug. 12-13: NECANN 2023 Maine Cannabis Convention, Augusta, Maine

Sept. 8-9: NECANN New Jersey Cannabis Convention, Atlantic City, New Jersey

Sept. 29-30: NECANN New York Cannabis and Hemp Convention, Albany Capital Center

Midwest: 

Feb. 16: Bisnow Cannabis Summit in Chicago: investment, Policy, Development and Retail in Cannabis and How it Affects the CRE Community, Chicago

May 3-4: Michigan CannaTech Expo, Mount Pleasant, Michigan

Sept. 27-28: Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, Chicago

Oct. 6-7: CannaCon Midwest, Detroit

South:

Feb. 24-25: CannaCon South, Biloxi, Mississippi

March 31 to April 1: CannaCon South, Oklahoma City

July 13-15: Alternative Products Expo, Dallas

Aug. 17-19: Southern Hemp Expo, Nashville, Tennessee

Florida: March 3-5: Alternative Products Expo, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Hawaii:

Feb. 4-5: Hawaii Cannabis Expo, Honolulu

The Top Psychedelic Conferences In 2023

The Grasslands team believes in the power of plant medicine and the true, healing change found in psychedelics that is only now seriously being explored in mainstream science. We represent companies in the space, and, frankly, we geek out on this stuff. That’s why we picked out the events this year we think will feature the most honest, sincere and engaging conversations.

California and the Mountain/Desert West:

June 19-23: Psychedelic Science 2023, Denver

Nov. 28 to Dec. 1: MjBizCon, Las Vegas

November 30ish: The Grasslands Party 2023 (after party)

South:

March 10-19: SXSW, Austin, Texas

Florida:

February 2-4th: Cannadelic Miami Miami, FL

The Best ‘Mainstream’ Conventions for Cannabis Brands and Companies

Expanding your footprint is one of the critical components of growing any business. And that means that a lot of CPG companies (especially in the hemp space) are looking beyond the traditional cannabis industry. Here are several options for those of you looking to walk the straighter line, respectfully.

California and Desert/Mountain West: 

Feb. 22-24: TPE23, Las Vegas

March 7-11: Natural Products Expo, West Anaheim, California

March 10-19: SXSW, Austin, Texas

May 3-4: White Label World Expo, Las Vegas

Midwest: 

Feb. 16: Bisnow Cannabis Summit in Chicago: investment, Policy, Development and Retail in Cannabis and How it Affects the CRE Community, Chicago

East Coast:

September 20-23: Natural Products Expo East, Philadelphia

Florida: 

March 3-5: Alternative Products Expo, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

The Best Trade Shows for Cannabis Cultivators and Manufacturers

Show off your stuff at these events custom designed for plant-touching companies. 

California/Desert and Mountain West:

May 19-20: CannaCon West, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Aug. 4-5: CannaCon West, Long Beach, California

May 3-4: Hall of Flowers, Santa Rosa, California

July 27: Cannabis Drinks Expo, San Francisco

August 2-4: Lift Expo, San Francisco

August 15-17: Cannabis Conference, Las Vegas

Sept. 22-23: Lucky Leaf Expo, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Nov. 28 to Dec. 1: MjBizCon, Las Vegas

November 30ish: The Grasslands Party 2023 (after party)

Pacific Northwest:

March 1-2: Interchange Washington, Renton, Washington

March 15-16: Interchange Oregon, Portland, Oregon

April 19: Canna Boot Camp Spring, Portland, Oregon

April 20: Cannabis Science Conference Spring, Portland, Oregon

May 23-24: Interchange Washington, Renton, Washington

Sept. 20-21: Interchange Oregon, Portland, Oregon

Nov. 7-8: Interchange Washington, Renton, Washington

Midwest:

March 24-25: Lucky Leaf Expo, Kansas City, Missouri

May 17-18: Interchange Michigan, Bath, Michigan

Oct. 6-7: CannaCon Midwest, Detroit

Oct. 6-7: Lucky Leaf Expo, St. Louis, Missouri

Oct. 18-19: Interchange Michigan, Bath, Michigan 

East Coast: 

March 10-12: NECANN New England Cannabis Convention, Boston

April 14-15: Lucky Leaf Expo, Albany, New York

May 6-7: NECANN Vermont Cannabis & Hemp Convention, Burlington, Vermont

May 20-21: NECANN Connecticut Cannabis and Hemp Convention, Hartford, Connecticut

July 21-22: Lucky Leaf Expo, Baltimore

Aug. 12-13: NECANN 2023 Maine Cannabis Convention, Augusta, Maine

Sept. 8-9: NECANN New Jersey Cannabis Convention, Atlantic City, New Jersey

Sept. 29-30: NECANN New York Cannabis and Hemp Convention, Albany Capital Center

May 3-4: Michigan CannaTech Expo, Mount Pleasant, Michigan

June 1-3: CWCBExpo, New York City, NY

Aug. 22: WebTech Marketing Conference, Las Vegas

Oct. 26: Mo Kansas CannaTech, Kansas City, Missouri

Midwest: 

March 24-25: Lucky Leaf Expo, Kansas City, Missouri

May 17-18: Interchange Michigan, Bath, Michigan

Oct. 6-7: CannaCon Midwest, Detroit

Oct. 6-7: Lucky Leaf Expo, St. Louis, Missouri

Oct. 18-19: Interchange Michigan, Bath, Michigan 

South:

Feb. 24-25: CannaCon South, Biloxi, Mississippi

March 31 to April 1: CannaCon South, Oklahoma City

May 5-6: Lucky Leaf Expo, Jackson, Mississippi

Aug. 17-19: Southern Hemp Expo, Nashville, Tennessee

Florida: 

May 15-17: CannMed23, Marco Island, FL

Territories:

July 26: Puerto Rico CannaTech Expo, San Juan

Virtual:

Feb. 12: HighTimes Hemp Cup, virtual

The Best Cannabis Events for Women Leaders

It’s no secret that the cannabis space is dominated by men, so it’s no surprise that the number of women-focused cannabis events is dismally low. But they’re out there — and we have all of the currently available details right here for you!

California and Mountain/Desert West:

Feb. 20: Lemonhaze Executive Women’s Golf Classic, Indian Wells, California

June tbd: Women In Cannabis Expo, Chicago

September tbd: Women In Cannabis Expo, Las Vegas

East Coast:

March 23: Green Market Report Women's Summit, New York, NY

The Top Cannabis Events for Meeting Investors

It’s a tough environment, so you better have your business plan buttoned up before walking into one of these shark tanks.

Midwest: 

Feb. 16: Bisnow Cannabis Summit in Chicago: investment, Policy, Development and Retail in Cannabis and How it Affects the CRE Community, Chicago

East Coast:

April 26-28: MJ Unpacked, New York City

Florida:

April 11-12th: Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, Miami Beach, Florida

The Best Cannabis Awards Programs

These awards mean something in the industry.

Virtual:

Feb. 12: High Times Hemp Awards Show, virtual

April 16: High Times Cannabis Cup Awards Show, virtual

California and the desert/mountain west:

Aug. 15-17: Cannabis Conference, Las Vegas

Nov. 28 to Dec. 1: MjBizCon, Las Vegas

East Coast:

April tbd: 2023 Clio Awards, New York City

April 22: National Cannabis Festival, Washington D.C.

Florida:

April 11-12: Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, Miami Beach, Florida

TBD:

 Cannabis Business Awards East and West/CBA Globes/The Hemp Business Awards/International Cannabis Awards

The Best Cannabis Events to Network and Influence Policy

Wanna rub shoulders with major players and maybe even throw some ideas out there? Try out these functions.

Some events are great for networking, period. Others allow you to mingle with some of the biggest decision-makers and lobbyists in the industry. These are the latter.

California/Desert and Mountain West:

February 15th: NCIA Colorado Cannabis Caucus, Denver

Sept. 19-20: The State of Cannabis 7th Annual Conference, Los Angeles

Midwest: 

Feb. 16: Bisnow Cannabis Summit in Chicago: investment, Policy, Development and Retail in Cannabis and How it Affects the CRE Community, Chicago

East Coast:

April 22: National Cannabis Policy Summit, Washington, D.C.

The Top Social Equity Programs

We’re sure this will come as no surprise, but if anything illustrates the cannabis industry’s problems with diversity, equity and inclusion, it’s this dismal list of national events aimed at social equity or minorities.

California and Mountain/Desert West:

September tbd: Women In Cannabis Expo, Las Vegas

Midwest:

June tbd: Women In Cannabis Expo, Chicago

East Coast

May 20: NY Cannabis Insider, Albany, New York 

August 22-27: AMVETS National Convention, Pittsburgh (See: AMVETS’ “Heal” program)

June tbd: Women In Cannabis Expo, Chicago

South:

Nov. 3-5: Black Cannabiz Expo and Conference, New Orleans

The best international cannabis events

February 28th- March 1st: Cannabis Business Asia-Pacific Bangkok, Thailand

March 1-3rd: 5th HortEX Vietnam

March 9th: ICBC (International Cannabis Business Conference) Barcelona, Spain

March 10-12th: Spannabis Fira De Cornella, Barcelona

May 2-3rd: Cannabis Europa London, England

May 28-30th: Grow Up Conference & Expo Edmonton, Alberta

May 31 to June 1: Hall of Flowers, Toronto

March 2-3rd: Puerto Rico CannaTech Expo San Juan, Puerto Rico

May 20-21st: BizCann Expo Medellin, Colombia

June 1-3th: Lift Expo Toronto, ON

June 14-16th: CannabiSalud Cancun, Mexico

June 27th: ICBC (International Cannabis Business Conference) Global Investment Forum Berlin, Germany

June 29-30th: ICBC (International Cannabis Business Conference) Berlin, Germany

September 13-14th: Montreal Cannabis Expo Montreal, Quebec

We’re always ready to talk through your brand’s unique needs and pain points to find a custom solution. But if you aren’t ready to start that conversation yet, check out our cannabis public relations services and cannabis marketing services to learn more about how we transform brands like yours with our proven process.