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Why All Eyes Are on Pennsylvania at This Year’s Cannabis Convention in Philly

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Why All Eyes Are on Pennsylvania at This Year’s Cannabis Convention in Philly

If you’re paying attention to the Mid-Atlantic cannabis industry, Philadelphia is the place to be next week. On April 18, the Pennsylvania Convention Center will host 2026 Pennsylvania Convention on Cannabis (PACC). This year’s gathering feels distinctly different, driven by real, promising progress on the adult-use legalization front that is shifting conversations from speculative to strategic.

Pennsylvania already boasts one of the nation’s most robust medical programs, generating over $1.7 billion in annual sales and ranking as the sixth largest retail cannabis market in the US, despite not yet having an adult-use framework. While those numbers already rival or exceed the total sales of many established recreational states, analysts estimate that the current medical program captures only about 35% of the state’s true $5 billion demand for cannabis. Moving to a fully regulated adult-use market would allow Pennsylvania to recoup the massive untapped revenue currently lost to the illegal market and border state distributors.

Recent reports indicate that the political stars are finally starting to align towards adult use. Gov. Josh Shapiro has made adult-use legalization the centerpiece of his 2026–2027 budget proposal, framing it not just as criminal justice reform but as an economic engine projected to bring in more than $720 million in first-year revenue and licensing fees. He is constantly pressing lawmakers to get a bill across the finish line, noting that Pennsylvania is losing out while nearly every border state runs a for-profit program for adults.

This moment is greatly influencing the programs and topics at the convention. When you look at the schedule, the top educational tracks perfectly capture a market in transition. The day kicks off with a fireside chat with Jim Belushi of Belushi’s Farm, bringing a high-profile, boots-on-the-ground perspective to the event. From there, programming moves into the operational and regulatory realities of running a cannabis business in the state, with sessions like “Inside the Grow” detailing how Pennsylvania’s licensed growers are actively preparing for market expansion.

For anyone looking to understand current points of friction and the road ahead, the session “Cannabis in Pennsylvania: A Roundtable of Industry Leaders” will be essential. Moderated by Meredith Buettner, Executive Director of the PA Cannabis Coalition, the panel brings together senior executives from operators such as INSA, Restore Dispensaries and Curaleaf to provide candid perspectives on regulatory challenges, market pressures and business sustainability as the industry evolves.

More importantly, the convention is not just looking at how to open the market, but how to build it responsibly. The Parabola Center for Law and Policy is bringing an extremely timely panel to Philadelphia titled “Built to Fail or Built to Last? Equality Lessons from Rule of Law States.” With Pennsylvania actively shaping its approach to legalizing adult use, policy experts from New York, New Jersey and Virginia will examine what has actually worked to create real access for small businesses and capital applicants, and what structural tools Pennsylvania should adopt to ensure the market works for a broad range of participants.

I will be attending the convention as press and look forward to walking the floor and sitting in on these sessions. Getting out from behind the desk and hearing directly from the advocates, operators and experts who are shaping the state’s industry in real time is invaluable.

The progress being made in Harrisburg right now is very promising and the market potential is undeniable. If you want to understand where Pennsylvania cannabis is going and connect with the people driving it forward, come join the fun and learning in Philadelphia next week!

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Entrepreneurs

Highly Enlightened: One-Hitter Interviews from MJ Unpacked

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Highly Enlightened: One-Hitter Interviews from MJ Unpacked

In his One Hitters series, host Jon Purow connects with cannabis luminaries while on the road traveling to industry events! Registered locally at MJ broken downin this episode Jon sits down for some quick questions and answers to hear about many aspects of the cannabis industry. MJ Unpacked is returning to Atlantic City this May, click here for more information!

Listen to the episode:

This episode features conversations with:

Lauren AvenueCEO, Node Labs Inc.

Node Labs Inc. is a California-based plant science and agricultural biotechnology company specializing in cannabis tissue culture and pure genetics. Using micropropagation techniques, the company produces pathogen-free, genetically stable cannabis plants for growers, while also restoring, conserving and preserving high-value strains for long-term use. This approach allows growers to scale production with healthier inputs, reduce disease risk (including issues like latent hop viroid) and maintain stable genetic profiles across harvests, positioning Node Labs as a behind-the-scenes infrastructure player in modern cannabis cultivation.

Jasmine JohnsonCEO, The essence of GÜD

GUD Essence is a vertically integrated medical cannabis company focused on research-driven product development and patient-centered care, with operations that include cultivation, product formulation and dispensary retail. The company emphasizes advancing the science of cannabis “from seed to sale,” collaborating with medical researchers to explore applications of the cannabinoid for conditions such as cancer and sickle cell disease, while developing customized formulations based on patient needs and biometrics. Positioned as a healthcare-oriented brand and retail network, GUD Essence aims to combine clinical research, technology and personalized treatment approaches to improve patient outcomes within regulated medical cannabis markets.

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Announcements

Nevaeh Verde Dispensary in Belleville Celebrates First Anniversary with “Cannaversary” Event – Ganjapreneur

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Nevaeh Verde Dispensary in Belleville Celebrates First Anniversary with “Cannaversary” Event – Ganjapreneur

Belleville, NJNevaeh Verde DispensaryBelleville’s premier cannabis destination, is celebrating its first anniversary with a Cannaversary community event on March 21, marking a major milestone for the locally owned business that has quickly become known for its superior retail experience and dedication to cannabis education.

Located in the heart of Belleville, Nevaeh Verde was founded with the goal of creating a cannabis retail environment that feels welcoming, sophisticated and informative. Since opening its doors, the dispensary has focused on helping customers make intentional and informed purchasing decisions by featuring high-quality cannabis brands, artisan growers and products grown using organic and living soil methods.

“Our goal has always been to enhance the cannabis retail experience,” said Sasha Huetz, Manager of Nevaeh Verde Dispensary. “We wanted to create a space where people feel comfortable asking questions, learning about the plant and discovering products that really support their needs.” To celebrate its first year in business, Nevaeh Verde will host a Cannaversary party on March 21, featuring:

  • Live DJ
  • Local food vendors
  • Brand activation
  • Gift of products
  • Community engagement with cannabis brands and educators

The dispensary will continue the celebration with a special 4/20 event on April 18, giving customers and the surrounding community an opportunity to come together ahead of the national cannabis holiday.

These events reflect Nevaeh Verde’s broader mission of building a community-centered cannabis culture rooted in education, access and quality products. As New Jersey’s cannabis industry continues to grow, Nevaeh Verde remains committed to providing a retail experience that combines knowledge, hospitality and carefully curated cannabis products.
Members of the media are invited to attend the Cannaversary celebration or schedule interviews with the Nevaeh Verde team.

Event details:
Cannaversary Celebration, March 21, 2026, 1-7pm Nevaeh Verde Dispensary 176 Belmont Avenue Belleville, NJ

Celebration Event 4/20, April 18, 2026, 1-7pm Nevaeh Verde Dispensary Belleville, NJ
Location: 176 Belmont Avenue Belleville, NJ 07109

For Media Contact:
Darla Huetz
info@nevaehverdedispensary.com

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Announcements

International Cannabis Business Conference Returns To Berlin April 13-15, 2026 – Ganjapreneur

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International Cannabis Business Conference Returns To Berlin April 13-15, 2026 – Ganjapreneur

Efforts to modernize cannabis policy are spreading across Europe at an increasing pace, with Germany continuing to serve as the continental cannabis policy and industry leader. As Germany’s legal industry and other European markets continue to expand, the International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) remains at the center of it all.

ICBC is once again bringing Europe’s largest and longest-running B2B cannabis event to Berlin on April 13-15, 2026. ICBC Berlin 2026 will be held in Germany’s largest conference and entertainment center, the iconic Hotel Estrel Berlin. of schedule for ICBC Berlin 2026 will be published soon and is sure to be packed with insightful and timely presentations from renowned experts in their respective fields.

Cannabis policy and market momentum

The medical cannabis industry in Germany continues to be the biggest winner of the passage of the CanG law, thanks to the removal of cannabis from Germany’s Narcotics List. Between the first quarter of 2024 and the third quarter of 2025, imports of medical cannabis products in Germany have increased. The legal medical cannabis industry in Germany imported almost 57 tons of cannabis in the third quarter of 2025 alone alone.

Ancillary sectors of Germany’s emerging cannabis industry continue to benefit from the country’s landmark CanG 2024 law, which allows adults to cultivate, possess and consume personal quantities of cannabis. Companies offering products and services focused on home cultivation and consumption are experiencing tremendous growth in Germany.

The cannabis industry in Germany is continuing its impressive growth, including the association sector of growing cannabis for adults. Since November 2025local regulatory authorities in Germany had approved 357 adult cultivation associations. Hundreds of other applications for cultivation associations are being processed throughout Germany.

Europe’s largest B2B cannabis conference

Competition is increasing significantly within the German industry and across Europe, and the best way to learn how to maximize your opportunities and network with industry leaders is at ICBC Berlin. recording is now open and you can get discounted early bird prices. Register before ticket prices go up on November 19.

Sponsorship and exposure at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin is an unparalleled opportunity to position your brand in front of the international cannabis industry. ICBC Berlin has added a wide range of sponsorship opportunities and the ICBC team is here to support exhibitors throughout their journey in the industry.

In addition to putting the company’s brand in front of attendees and offering space on the exhibit floor, ICBC has created an exhibitor portal on the event’s official app. Exhibitors can customize their profiles on the application portal and gain additional visibility throughout the conference.

Learn more and register at: internationalcbc.com/exhibit-form

What’s new in 2026

ICBC is bringing buyers on the show, so visitors can make the best deals and connect directly with the people who matter most.

  • Cannabis pharmacies
    It was a huge success last year, so ICBC is offering again free tickets for everyone German cannabis pharmacies – unification of the medical community.
  • Cultivation Associations / Social Clubs
    We are also giving free tickets for everyone With German license cultivation associations because of the vital role they play in Germany’s industrial model.
  • Grow stores
    ICBC is giving free tickets for everyone store growth in Europe – ensuring that the farming community is fully present.

Other new features

  • ICBC Network Atrium
    A central hub to meet and connect.
  • Growing / Cultivation Pavilion
    Cultivation leaders from around the world will be in Growing / Cultivation Pavilion.
  • Treasure hunt game
    Want to win prizes while exploring the exhibit? Join me Treasure hunt game.
  • VIP reception
    Ready to meet key decision makers before the event? Take part in VIP reception the night before the conference (April 13).

Continuing to bring people together

  • Appointment at the pharmacy
    Do you want direct access to dispensaries, pharmacies and clinics? Take part in exclusive Appointment at the pharmacy.
  • Medical Farm Area
    Medical professionals from the global industry will gather at Medical Farm Area.
  • Network speed zone
    Want to make more connections quickly and easily? Try Network speed zone.
  • Lounges with food and drinks
    Need a break to bond over food and drink? Relax in salons located throughout the exhibition.
  • Hall of Consumption
    of Lounge for outdoor consumption offers a unique, open-air environment for socializing and networking.

Industry growth and opportunities

At the latest International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin in April 2025, leading international cannabis economist Beau Whitney presented data noting that the total addressable global market value of the international industrial hemp industry could be as high as $456.2 billion. Additionally, Mr. Whitney estimated that the total addressable global market value for medical and adult cannabis consumables is approximately $237.8 billion.

A vast majority of the current global demand for hemp, medical and adult-use products remains untapped, with many markets either unregulated or still in the early stages of regulation. You can learn how to get in on the ground floor of the most exciting industry on the planet at ICBC Berlin 2026.

About the International Cannabis Business Conference

The International Cannabis Business Conference is the premier B2B cannabis event series on the planet, with previous conferences taking place in multiple locations on multiple continents. The event series is owned and operated by cannabis advocates who believe in celebrating cannabis culture in addition to providing world-class cannabis industry education and networking opportunities.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to gain a competitive edge in the growing international cannabis industry and it is vital for people to get their ideas, products and services in front of the right people at the right time. With industry leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, policy makers and service providers converging from across the planet, the ICBC B2B trade show event in Berlin is the perfect place to put cannabis ideas on the global cannabis stage.

Over 5,000 cannabis leaders from over 80 countries are expected to be represented at ICBC Berlin 2026, and this includes representatives from every sector of the industry, as well as key international cannabis policy makers and industry service providers. Bring your company to the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin to network with the best and take your industry research to the next level.

Learn more and register at: Internationalcbc.com/berlin.

Register before ticket prices increase on January 28.

contacts:

Director of Marketing, ICBC
Elizaveta Zharikova
liza@internationalcbc.com

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