Summer’s Winding Down, But the Industry’s Heating Up

Your weekly snapshot of the cannabis industry’s best happenings.

Summer might be winding down, but the cannabis industry isn’t slowing for a second. Over the next few weeks, big conversations, key networking opportunities, and game-changing gatherings are lining up—culminating with MJ Unpacked this September.

Whether you’re looking to make new connections or sharpen your competitive edge, this is the perfect time to stay plugged in and ahead of the curve.

  1. Cannabis in the City - New York, NY

    MRTA funding, legal clinics, expungement help, and career tools come together in this powerful night of education and empowerment.

  2. Homie Collective Campout - Charlton, MA
    Three days of music, art, workshops, and camping under the stars at this grassroots festival.

  3. CannniVal - Newark, NJ

    Newark’s first cannabis carnival brings immersive games, live art, food trucks, music, and high vibes together for a free 21+ celebration of culture and community.

  4. Adult Night with Fine Fettle! - Manchester, CT 

    Pottery painting meets cannabis at this 21+ creative hangout with goodie bags, seltzer tastings, and plenty of artsy, elevated vibes.

Spark Your Expansion at MJ Unpacked

Join the trailblazers of cannabis commerce—licensed operators, visionary researchers, and active investors—for curated dealmaking and meaningful momentum. Kick off with the welcome mixer, join the MoCann Q3 meetup, tap into bold ideas at expert-led sessions, pitch at STL’s exclusive Slams, and celebrate at the Official Afterparty. Every moment drives traction.

Discover what’s next, forge what’s possible. Use code JASON30 for 30% off registration at mjunpacked.com.

Tuesday, August 12 @ 4:00p - Cannabis in the City - New York, NY - FREE

MRTA funding, legal clinics, expungement help, and career tools come together in this powerful night of education and empowerment. Event details>

Monday, August 18 @ 5:00p - Free to Heal - Legal Cannabis for Trauma Recovery - Farmingdale, NY - FREE

An uplifting evening of support and education focused on legal cannabis as a tool for trauma recovery—open to survivors, veterans, and first responders. Event details>

Thursday, Aug 21 @ 6:00p - Third Thursday NYC - New York, NY - FREE

NYC’s go-to cannabis meetup returns with a Hot Summer Products showcase and casual networking among industry insiders, brands, and creatives. Event details>

Saturday, August 23 @ 6:00p - CannaVybz - Troy, NY - $65.87

This upbeat networking event blends music, good vibes, and cannabis community building, perfect for sparking new partnerships and friendships. Event details>

Friday, August 29 @ 4:00p - Meet The Brands - Customer Appreciation Event @ Trends - Queens County, New York - FREE 

Meet 20+ New York brands, enjoy a live DJ, food, and demos at a customer appreciation event in Queens. Event details>

Don’t miss out on the b2b event of the year in Massachusetts.

Marijuana Venture’s Interchange is limited to 35 producers and about 40 retailers, so secure your spot today for 2 days of business meetings between cannabis buyers and sellers.

It’s simple, but efficient. Intimate, but productive. Pre-scheduled meetings, organized and outside the chaos. Sept. 2-3 in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Email [email protected] to learn what makes Interchange different.

Saturday, August 16 @ 7:00p - Reefer Madness - Somerville, MA - $25

A campy, high-energy musical spoof of 1930s anti-weed propaganda, reimagined by Moonstruck Theater with comedy, chaos, and swing tunes. Event details>

Sunday, August 17 @ 5:30p - Cannabis Cabaret - Boston, MA - $12.51

Boston’s beloved weed-themed drag show is back with high camp, fierce looks, and a joint cake intermission. BYO munchies, bring singles, and prepare to be dazzled. Event details>

Thursday, Aug 21-23 - Homie Collective Campout - Charlton, MA - $229

Three days of music, art, workshops, and camping under the stars at this grassroots festival. Event details>

Saturday, Aug 23 @ 4:20p - THE HOMIEGROWN CUP IV - Russell, MA

Test the region’s best flower in this judged, canna-culture campout from The Homie Collective. Judge passes and a valid ID is required for the full terp experience. Event details>

Saturday, Aug 23 @ 2:00p - Reggae on 6A - Orleans, MA - FREE

Join a vibrant afternoon of rhythm, community, and good vibes at the highly anticipated Second Annual Reggae on 6A. Beyond the music and marketplace, engage in fun activities and have a great time. Event details>

Tuesday, September 2 @ 9:00a - Interchange Massachusetts - Worcester, MA - FREE

An industry-only buying event where retail buyers sit down with cannabis producers for two days of scheduled 1:1 meetings. Event details>

Friday, August 15 @ 6:00p - Queer in Cannabis - Atlantic City, NJ - FREE

A storytelling event honoring Dennis Peron and the LGBTQ roots of medical cannabis, blending history, activism, and community celebration. Event details>

Saturday, August 23 @  5:00p - CannniVal - Newark, NJ - FREE

Newark’s first cannabis carnival brings immersive games, live art, food trucks, music, and high vibes together for a free 21+ celebration of culture and community. Event details>

Wednesday, August 27 @ 7:00p - The ABC's of THC: Understanding THC and its Different Sources - Highland Park, NJ - FREE

Get clear, science-based insights on THC sources at this educational panel and Q&A in Highland Park. Event details>

Thursday, August 28 @ 6:00p - The Weed Olympics 3 : Who Got The BUD?? NJ Vs PA - New Brunswick, NJ - $28.52

Join a lighthearted NJ vs. PA cannabis competition with games and activities at The Weed Olympics 3 in New Brunswick. Event details>

Friday, September 5 @ 3:00p - Speed Networking: NECANN - Atlantic City, NJ - FREE

Fast-paced, guided networking with color-coded name tags and refreshments. Free with NECANN registration. Event details>

Friday, Sep 5 @ 9:00a - Accelerate Cannabis: Kickstarter Brunch - Atlantic, NJ - $39.88

Kick off NECANN NJ with a power brunch connecting industry leaders, startups, and service providers over good food and high-impact networking. Event details>

Friday, Sep 5 @ 8:00p - The Official NECANN NJ 2025 Rooftop Afterparty - Atlantic City, NJ - $215.26

Wrap up NECANN NJ with style at The VÜE Rooftop Bar. Expect music, views, and elevated vibes with industry pros and enthusiasts. Event details>

Thursday, August 14 @ 6:00p - Live music, cannabis vendors, and community! - Eliot ME - FREE

Catch Green Lion Crew at Sunset Sessions with food trucks, local vendors, and cultivators, all while supporting local nonprofits. Event details>

Thursday, August 21 @ 6:00p - Redemption to close out the cannabis summer, live! - Eliot, ME - FREE 

The summer series finale features Redemption’s feel-good reggae, local food trucks, and a final toast to good music, good causes, and good company. Event details>

Thursday, August 14 @ 6:00p - PUFF N PAINT - Manchester, CT - $49.87

Unwind with a paintbrush and a puff at this laid-back art night with drinks, guided painting, and creative vibes at Elicit Brewing. Event details>

Friday, August 15 @ 6:00p - Adult Night with Fine Fettle! - Manchester, CT 

Pottery painting meets cannabis at this 21+ creative hangout with goodie bags, seltzer tastings, and plenty of artsy, elevated vibes. Event details>

Saturday, August 16 @ 2:00p - Greener Gardens Growers Cup - Minneapolis, MN - $25 – $50

A judged showcase of Minnesota’s top homegrown flower and concentrates. Includes live music, local vendors, and grower networking. Event details>

Sunday, August 17 @ 12:00p - Cleveland Cannabis and Music Expo HASH Edition - Heights, OH - $12.51

A full day of cannabis vendors, live music, and community vibes at Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds. Event details>

Sunday, Aug 17 @ 1:00p - Elevate Your Cannabis Knowledge - Savannah, GA - FREE

Join Trulieve for a free wellness-focused afternoon with cannabis education, local eats, and onsite medical card support at Starland Yard. Event details>

Saturday, Sep 13 @ 12:00p - Revelry Festival - Pier 36, Manhattan, NY - $25.00

Celebrate NY cannabis and culture with music, speakers, brand activations, and local culinary talent on Pier 36. Event details>

Saturday, Sep 13 @ 10:00a - Steel City Cannabis Convention - Monroeville, PA

Industry insiders, celeb guests, and a cannabis culture celebration that brings Pittsburgh’s finest together in one space. Event details>

Saturday, September 20 @ 2:00p - Unity Fest - Farmingville, NY - $20 – $100

Live music, cannabis brands, food trucks, and immersive art take over Long Island for a high-energy celebration of culture and community. Event details>

Saturday, Sep 26 @ 10:30a - Cannabis Harvest and Intro to Growing Refresher - Lancaster, MA - FREE

A free workshop on harvesting cannabis and refreshing your indoor grow skills—perfect for growers at any stage. Event details>

Saturday, October 4 @ 4:00p - Cannafest DMV: A High-Vibe OktoberSesh Experience - District Heights, MD - From $28.52 

An elevated fall fest with flavor, culture, and community. Rick’s Rulez brings the sesh energy to the DMV. Event details>

Saturday, October 25 @ 10:00a - Cannabis Policy Crash Course & Leadership Training - New York, NY - $0 – $55.20

Leadership training and advocacy tools for building an equitable cannabis industry. A full day of talks, organizing, and action. Event details>

Monday, October 27 @ 8:30a - State of the Cannabis Industry Conference - Boston, MA - $99 – $199

National experts and industry leaders share legal, financial, and investment insights shaping the cannabis landscape. Event details>

Saturday, November 22 @ 9:00a - NH Cannabis Conference - Concord, NH - $15.00

A full-day forum highlighting New Hampshire’s medical cannabis program with expert talks, policy insights, and a focus on patient access and wellness. Event details>

Thursday, August 14 @ 7:00p - Women in Cannabis Expo: Stigma Breakers 2025 - Reno, NV - $250 – $2,500

Connect, inspire, and grow at WICE’s biggest event yet! This 6th annual expo brings together women leaders and aspiring pros across all corners of the cannabis, CBD, and hemp industries. Break barriers, build networks, and spark new opportunities in Reno. Event details>

Fri, Aug 30 - Time TBD - Women in Cannabis Expo - Lake Tahoe, NV

Discover opportunities at the Women in Cannabis Expo! This event connects women from across the globe who are working or aspire to work in the cannabis industry. Event details>

Wed, Sep 3-5 - MJ Unpacked - St. Louis, MO

Discover, connect, and grow at MJ Unpacked—the national event curated for licensed operators, researchers, and investors to elevate their businesses and ignite new opportunities. Event details>

The Mid-Atlantic’s biggest B2B cannabis event returns with 200+ exhibitors, 5,000+ attendees, and top-tier programming on business, equity, and innovation. A must-attend for operators, investors, and industry pros. Event details>

Friday, October 3 & 4 - Ohio Cannabis Health and Business Summit - Cleveland, OH - $50

A two-day summit bridging B2B and B2C worlds, featuring the latest in cannabis products, education, and industry networking. Event details>

Sat, Oct 4-5 - Pennsylvania Cannabis Festival - Kutztown, PA -

Pennsylvania's premier Cannabis festival returns this fall to Renninger's Farmer Market in Kutztown. Hundreds of Vendors, dozens of unique food vendors, all with a cannacentric focus. Event details>

Monday, October 6 @ 8:00a - 2025 Cannabis Research Conference - Avenue Portland, OR - $135.23

Three days of science, innovation, and equity-focused cannabis research for both hemp and marijuana sectors. Event details>

Monday, October 27 @ 8:30a - State of the Cannabis Industry Conference - Boston, MA - $99 – $199

National experts dive into cannabis trends, investments, and regulatory shifts. Great for pros looking to level up strategy and partnerships. Event details>

Saturday, November 8 @ 9:00a -  Harvest Cup 2025 - Worcester, MA

New England’s premier cannabis competition returns for its 7th year with speakers, vendors, live demos, and the big winner reveals. Event details>

Sunday, November 9 @ 2:00p - Fall 2025 Maryland Home Growers Cup - Ijamsville, MD - From $17.79

MD’s favorite homegrown showdown is back! Celebrate craft cultivation with live music, great eats, and People’s Choice voting. Event details>

Fri, Dec 5-7- Terp Basel 2025 - Miami FL - TBD

This is the ultimate celebration of cannabis culture, art, music, fashion, skateboarding, and technology. This three-night extravaganza features a dynamic lineup of live performances, exclusive brand activations, and mesmerizing art installations by renowned creators. Event details>

Saturday, January 31, 2026  @ 12:00p - Empire Cup - Amsterdam, NY - $21.05 – $200

New York’s premier growers tournament returns submit your best before December and join fellow cultivators for a day of cannabis competition and community. Event details>

Tue, May 5-7, 2026 - MJ Unpacked - Atlantic City, NJ

MJ Unpacked is back in AC—bringing together the cannabis leaders shaping what’s next. From the Opening Reception to product slams in the Experience Hall, and the legendary Official Afterparty, every moment moves the industry forward. Event details>

If you don't see your event listed, email us or submit the event.

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Thank you!
Jason + Karen

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DISCLAIMER: We don't vouch for any of these events. We may not even go to any of them ourselves. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not an endorsement of a company or product that may appear here. Please be careful and do your own research🌿 💐

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