The cannabis sector is moving into the last stretch of 2024 with uncertainty. While a key DEA hearing on rescheduling has been delayed, the possibility of removing 280E from the Internal Revenue Service tax code remains on the table for 2025. But with a slew of major leadership changes expected across key federal agencies, divining the industry’s future has never been more difficult.
Whatever happens, cannabis legalization remains extremely popular nationwide, and state-legal businesses are here to stay. A little uncertainty, some recent disappointment, a bit of hope, and big plans for innovation—this perfectly captures the cannabis legalization movement, and it serves as the perfect backdrop for one of the industry’s largest events, MJBizcon.
The 2024 conference and expo will return to the Las Vegas Convention Center from December 4-6 with pre-show forums starting on December 3. Andrew and Steve DeAngelo along with Slava and Mishka Ashbel will serve as keynote presenters.
For anyone in the industry feeling anxious about the year ahead, the expo may be the perfect antidote.
“This year we’re embracing the excitement of what’s to come as we head into 2025 through our tagline, ‘Fuel Your Fire,’” said Emilie Lewis, senior vice president of marketing, audience, and content strategy at MJBizCon. “It’s about igniting enthusiasm, sparking meaningful conversations, and making impactful regulatory changes in this vibrant industry.”
For many, inspiration will come from the long list of educational sessions covering nearly every aspect of running and improving plant-touching and ancillary businesses. For others, the heart of the event beats strongest on the bustling show floor.
The conference will feature “Equity Row,” a space specifically devoted to highlighting company founders or close family members who have been victimized by the war on drugs. Cannabis brand 40 Tons will be joined by fifteen exhibitors including Upling and Conbud.
For those who want to learn more about the plant itself, MJBizcon will feature The Voice of the Plant. This initiative aims to connect communities with nature, offering education surrounding the latest in genetics, breeding, and cultivation.
Weedmaps will be hosting a “Retailer Village”—a hub for cannabis brands and leaders who want to connect with buyers, manufacturers, and business partners. This may be a perfect opportunity for anyone looking to expand their network and business potential.
Attendees may also be interested in additional networking opportunities at The Joint Lounge or The Elevation Lounge where over twenty brand stories and podcasts will be featured. Of course, there is also The Patio, an outdoor section where attendees can unwind with fresh air away from all of the convention activities. There’s no shortage of after parties and affiliated events during Weed Week, with numerous opportunities spread across Las Vegas.
This year’s MJBizCon also features a new layout designed for efficient navigation.
“Our goal was to make this year’s tradeshow easier to navigate by organizing key segments into dedicated pavilions—cultivation, processing, packaging and lab services, business services, and retail and dispensary,” said Sarah Wilson, vice president of events and sales for MJBizCon. “With enhanced signage throughout the venue, attendees can quickly find the resources and solutions they need, making their experience more productive and seamless.”
For many, MJBizCon and the entire Weed Week around it represent a chance to network, catch up with friends, and learn how to take their businesses to the next level. While there’s a fresh cloud of uncertainty when it comes to the politics and regulation of cannabis moving into 2025, the confluence of thousands of professional cannabis enthusiasts in early December each year is a testament to the community’s enduring optimism and drive to move forward.
Purchase tickets here with discount code MIPMXAB113 for 10 percent off.