By Fred Hernandez
Cannabis events and expos are popping up across social media every day. It’s hard to keep track of every cannabis dinner pairing, weed and yoga, and cannabis camp retreat. This condensed guide showcases cannabis-related events across business, education, and lifestyle categories. Whether you want to meet up with fellow dab-enthusiasts like yourself or ask a CEO for help on starting up a business, you’ll want to check these events out happening across the USA in 2018.
CannaGrow Expo
CannaGrow Expo is a two-day educational event for growers and enthusiasts alike. Learn from world-class growers, scientists, lawyers, and CEOs about the latest ways to optimize your growing business, from compliance to marketing.
Attend over 35 different cultivation-focused seminars directed by world-class growers over the course of two eventful days. Sessions include “Your Guide to Creating a Successful Indoor Home Grow,” “How to Manage Mold,” “How to Use Living Soils,” and “Branding, Marketing, & Advertising for Cannabis Cultivators.”
When: May 19-20, 2018
Where: Palm Springs, CA
Price: $99-299
18+
National Cannabis Festival
The 3rd annual National Cannabis Festival features a solid lineup of reggae, soul, indie, and hip-hop acts with Cypress Hill as the headlining act. Score the affordable general admission to get access to vendor swag, network opportunities, educational seminars, and a career fair hosted by THC Staffing Group.
At the Wellness Pavilion attendees can meet with medical professionals, holistic medicine practitioners, and yoga instructors, and even attend a joint rolling workshop. New or experienced growers can attend seminars and panels at the Clonex Grow School to learn everything from canopy control to cloning techniques. During your downtime, check out artisan pipes and accessories at the Glass Gallery, play some lawn games, or munch on tons of delectable food options.
When: April 21, 2018
Where: Washington, DC
Price: $35-42
21+
Great Midwest Marijuana Harvest Festival
Head to the 48th annual Great Midwest Marijuana Harvest Festival to be a part of the longest running cannabis festival in the United States. Check out over a dozen live music acts, advocates and lawmakers as guest speakers, and a plethora of 420-friendly vendors. Their musical lineup features a little bit for everyone including blues, funk, hip-hop, folk, and rock and roll groups.
When: September 29 - October 1, 2018
Where: Madison, Wisconsin
Price: Free
All ages
High Times Cannabis Cup
Get your tickets to the seminal High Times Cannabis Cup trade show where cannabis takes center stage. Witness competitions to see who gets the best flower, concentrate, vaporizer, and overall product. Although you won’t be able to consume the product on-site, you can still attend educational seminars, watch live music, and get your souvenirs.
While the music lineup hasn’t been released yet, you can expect electrifying performances and surprise guests. Past performers include 50 Cent, Chief Keef, Vic Mensa, Nas, Asap Ferg, Wu-Tang Clan, and Damian Marley. For an exclusive experience, opt for the VIP or Super VIP passes to get complimentary munchies, celebrity meet-and-greets, and other plush amenities.
When/Where: April 20-22 (San Bernardino, CA); May 4-5 (Sacramento, CA); June 2-3 (Santa Rosa, CA); June 9-10 (Clio, MI); July 13-15 (Amsterdam)
Price: $45-420
21+
Mega Sesh Cannabis Community Carnival
Attend the 2nd annual Mega Sesh Cannabis Community Carnival for a wild and entertaining experience. You can relive your childhood on a variety of carnival rides, as well as attend educational seminars when you’re taking a break. Educational panels cover cannabis topics including social media, PTSD, technology, pregnancy, edible dosing, and advocacy.
This massive cannabis carnival features signature rides like the ferris wheels and food like funnel cakes. There’s plenty to do including live musical performances, giveaways, art shows, and special surprises
When: June 16-17, 2018
Where: Southern California (Location to-be-determined)
Price: $12-100
18+; 21+ to enter Exhibitor Village
The Hemp & Cannabis Fair
The Hemp & Cannabis Fair enables guests to explore the world of cannabis through a variety of engaging activities, speakers, and vendors. Guests can visit exhibitors across many area pertaining to cannabis including smoking, vaping, dispensaries, edibles, and other hemp products. Northwest residents can attend this community-driven event at a low price from spring through fall.
When/Where: April 14-15 (Salem, OR); May 19-20 (Coos Bay, OR); June 2-3 (Corvallis, OR); June 9-10 (San Luis Obispo, CA); July 14-15 (Redding, CA); July 28-29 (Reno, NV); September 8-9 (Medford-Ashland, OR); September 15-16 (Bend, OR); November 3-4 (Salem, OR)
Price: $15
21+
CannaCon
CannaCon is your one-stop-destination for cannabis education, technology, and community. Their motto, “where the cannabis industry does business,” reflects the innovation that drives the conference. Participate in raffles, win free merchandise, and check out cannabis-centric artwork. For those looking to learn about the latest in cannabis legislation, check out the robust lineup of guests speakers.\
Former speakers include renowned scientists, former governors, and the Former President of Mexico Vicente Fox. If you’re looking to interact with cannabis innovators, purchase products directly from manufacturers, and attend educational workshops, consider attending CannaCon.
When/Where: June 1-2 (Detroit, MI); July 27-28 (Boston, MA)
Price: $40-250
21+