Freelance Web Writer

With over 30,000 cannabis professionals, 1,400 exhibitors, and 5 specialized pavilions, the 13th annual MjBizCon lit up the Las Vegas Convention Center from December 3 through the 6.

Since its inception in 2012, MJBizCon has grown into the ultimate destination for cannabis visionaries. From powerhouse brands like Active710 and 710 Labs to niche publications like Fat Nugs Magazine and Respect My Region, the expo showcased what’s next for the cannabis industry.

As the cannabis industry continues to its meteoric rise nationally, staying informed about cutting-edge technologies and emerging trends is essential. MJBizCon connects you to the tools, people, and ideas that will define the future of cannabis.

Five Pavilions. Five Spaces. One Expo

MJBizCon brings the entire cannabis ecosystem together under one roof, from growers to dispensary owners. Whether your focus is cultivation, processing, or packaging, this event sets the stage for discovery, networking, and meaningful progress.

Picture this:

• Software like TreeZ, so seamless it can manage your entire operation remotely.
• Cutting-edge grow technology that makes yesterday’s setups obsolete.
• Sleek, Instagram-worthy packaging designs.
• Industry icons like Ricky Williams or Mike Tyson walking the floor.

From policymakers shaping the future to brands defining cannabis culture, MJBizCon captured every corner of the industry. The expo captured every facet of the industry, delivering tailored solutions that save time and drive impact.

The Power of 5

This curated layout was launchpad for transformation. Each pavilion buzzed with game-changing innovations, from pest-resistant seed technologies revolutionizing cultivation to AI-driven retail systems redefining customer experiences. Designed with purpose, this organization empowered attendees to discover solutions tailored to their ambitions, fueling connections, sparking creativity, and driving tangible progress.

• Cultivation: Advancements in grow technologies, lighting systems, and pest management.
• Processing: Solutions in extraction equipment, post-harvest processing, and quality control.
• Packaging & Lab Services: Innovative packaging designs, compliance solutions, and laboratory testing services.
• Business Services: Financial services, HR management, and software tailored for cannabis businesses.
• Retail & Dispensary: Cutting-edge POS systems, merchandising strategies, and customer engagement tools.

The layout allows us to focus on specific sectors, making it easier to explore cutting-edge solutions tailored to your interests. A space where every detail has been curated to deliver value, creating connections, and drive progress.

In addition to the five core areas, MJBizCon featured five community-focused sections that amplified diverse voices and priorities in the cannabis space:

• The Hub
• Equity Row
• The Patio
• The Elevation Lounge
• Culture+

The 5 Epicenters of Community

The communities get left behind in cannabis with it still largely shaped by state-level regulations and markets. The Hub gave professionals the insights needed to navigate complex landscapes and seize new opportunities. In an industry driven by relationships while The Patio created an environment where authentic connections could flourish, proving that some of the best deals happen outside boardrooms.

The Pulse of Progress

A vibrant space where ideas and insights collided to shape the future of cannabis. Through “State Takeovers,” regions like Colorado, Texas, and Florida took center stage, offering attendees a front-row seat to the nation’s most exciting cannabis developments.

The Colorado takeover, fueled by trailblazing brands like Buds and Mary’s, showcased why the state remains a pioneer in cannabis innovation, with eye-catching merch and inspiring strategies that drew a crowd.

The Cause behind Cannabis

Cannabis is about community, and this year, Equity Row highlighted its commitment to that value by showcasing 16 cannabis companies (Pif Cloudz, 1937 Group, etc) founded by justice-impacted entrepreneurs. Anchored by 40 Tons, an organization advocating for social equity in cannabis, Equity Row underscored the industry’s dedication to diversity and inclusion.

The CashColorCannabis podcast amplified these voices, diving into the raw realities and remarkable triumphs of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and advocates. Through honest conversations about systemic challenges and emerging opportunities, attendees walked away inspired to make a difference.

Stories That Elevate

The Elevation Lounge put storytelling front and center, with over 20 live podcast recordings and brand narratives from influential leaders, including Jake Bullock, co-founder of CANN, and Chris Beals, CEO of Weedmaps. Live podcasts like Cannabis Unfiltered delivered actionable advice and insider knowledge for those looking to take their businesses to the next level, creating an true masterclass atmosphere.

These moments offered an unfiltered view into the heart of the cannabis business, celebrating the passion, resilience, and innovation that define the industry’s brightest minds.

Where Work Meets Chill

At MJBizCon, deals happen on The Patio. Under the open Vegas sky, this vibrant outdoor networking space became a haven where connections sparked over food, live beats, and shared laughter. Deals unfolded naturally, fueled by authentic conversations and an atmosphere buzzing with possibility.

Attendees savored gourmet street food, danced to electrifying performances by Vegas’ finest artists, and formed relationships that went beyond business cards. The Patio embodied MJBizCon’s signature blend of work and play, creating a space where networking felt effortless. And yes, it was one of the few spaces where you could light up, seamlessly merging business with the cannabis culture.

Culture+

The Culture+ exhibit captured the exciting evolution of cannabis, showcasing its synergy with alternative wellness markets like functional mushrooms and CBD. As these emerging sectors redefine holistic health, the potential for innovation is boundless. Products like lion’s mane for cognitive health or CBD-infused solutions for stress relief highlight how cannabis is carving new paths in the wellness world.

Consider this: the global workplace wellness market, valued at over $50 billion in 2022, is projected to grow to $146.6 billion by 2027, proof that wellness is a movement.

This year’s Culture+ exhibit was a glimpse into the future of cannabis. By blending education, innovation, and inclusivity, MJBizCon empowered attendees to explore adjacent markets and seize the opportunities reshaping the industry. For those ready to diversify and future-proof their businesses, this was the place to start. Especially with the global workplace wellness market being valued at over $50 billion in 2022 and expected to grow annually by nearly 7%, reaching approximately $146.6 billion by 2027.

The cannabis industry is no longer confined to its roots, it’s branching out into adjacent markets that offer new revenue streams and opportunities for innovation. All the different sections give attendees the tools to diversify and future-proof their businesses.

The Takeaway: The Crown Jewel of Cannabis

Every industry has its flagship event, and for cannabis, MJBizCon proudly claims that title. The 2024 conference was an experience. It’s where dreams scale, ideas take root, and cannabis culture continues to thrive.

For attendees, it’s a chance to access the insights, relationships, and tools necessary to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. If you’re a cultivator, retailer, or innovator, being at MJBizCon positions you at the forefront of cannabis. Whether you came to discover breakthrough technologies, champion social change, or build meaningful relationships, MJBizCon delivered on all fronts.

Mike Lawson from CMC summed it up perfectly, “The energy was palpable.”

This year’s remarkable numbers, 30,000 attendees, 1,400 exhibitors, and 13 years of success, cement MJBizCon’s status as the premier gathering for cannabis professionals. Let’s face it: missing MJBizCon meant you may have missed the moment where cannabis history was made.