Planning to expand your cannabis business into America’s third-largest legal market in 2026?
The East Coast’s premier B2B cannabis conference returns to New York City for its 12th annual edition. Cannabis Means Business NYC 2026 brings together operators, investors, and industry leaders at the heart of a market that has surpassed $2.5 billion in cumulative adult-use sales since launching in December 2022.
With the number of active dispensaries nearly doubling from 261 in December 2024 to 556 by December 2025, the rapid expansion creates unprecedented opportunities for operators, suppliers, and investors ready to capitalize on New York’s evolving cannabis landscape.
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New York has issued over 1,950 adult-use licenses, with 55-56% going to Social and Economic Equity applicants, exceeding the statutory 50% goal.
Whether you’re seeking partnership agreements with New York-licensed cultivators, evaluating seed-to-sale technology for Metrc integration, or exploring investment opportunities in the East Coast’s largest market, Cannabis Means Business NYC brings together the decision-makers shaping the future of New York cannabis under one roof.
Cannabis Means Business NYC 2026 at a Glance 🇺🇸
Dates
June 3-4, 2026
Location
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York City
Expected Attendance
5,000+ professionals
Official Website
cannabismeansbusiness.com
Confirmed
Last verified: January 1, 2026
NYC
40.76°N 74.00°W
Who Should Attend Cannabis Means Business NYC 2026
Cannabis Means Business NYC 2026 attracts decision-makers across every segment of the cannabis industry who are evaluating New York market opportunities or seeking to optimize existing operations under OCM regulations.
Cannabis executives and operators seeking partnerships and expansion opportunities
Investors and financial professionals evaluating the $2.5 billion New York market
Dispensary owners and CAURD participants navigating OCM regulations
Cultivation and processing professionals exploring equipment and distribution partnerships
Compliance and legal professionals staying current on Metrc implementation
Technology and service vendors serving the licensed cannabis industry
Why Cannabis Means Business NYC 2026 Matters Now
New York’s legal cannabis market has transformed dramatically. The state has surpassed $2.5 billion in cumulative adult-use sales since launching in December 2022. The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has issued over 1,950 adult-use licenses, successfully implementing one of America’s most ambitious social equity programs.
The 2026 edition marks the second year under the Cannabis Means Business rebrand, following the October 2024 transition from CWCBExpo. Key developments include Metrc full implementation (all licensees must complete transition from BioTrack by February 2026), marketing regulation updates with new freedoms for sales and loyalty programs, and CAURD license extensions through December 2026.
New York dispensary count has nearly doubled in one year, growing from 261 in December 2024 to 556 by December 2025, creating unprecedented opportunities for operators and suppliers.
OCM Licensing Data, 2025Planning Your CMB NYC 2026 Trip
Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning to expand your network, these practical tips will help you maximize your conference experience at Javits Center.
🏨 Accommodation
- Book early – June events in Manhattan command premium rates
- Hell’s Kitchen and Hudson Yards offer closest hotels to Javits
- Consider Midtown West for subway access (10-15 min walk)
- Ink 48 Hotel is 5-minute walk; Westin Times Square 10 minutes
📆 Schedule Overview
- June 2: Pre-Show Workshops (day before main expo)
- June 3: Day 1 Exhibition + O2VAPE Industry Yacht Party evening
- June 4: Day 2 Exhibition + Women in Cannabis Luncheon
- Registration typically $150-$700 depending on pass level
✈️ Getting There
- JFK: AirTrain to Jamaica + E train (60-90 min) or taxi ($55-80)
- LaGuardia: M60 bus to 125th + subway (60-75 min) or taxi ($35-55)
- Newark: AirTrain + NJ Transit to Penn Station (45-60 min)
- 7 train to Hudson Yards is directly adjacent to Javits
🎪 If You’re Exhibiting
- Coordinate freight delivery with Javits loading dock schedules
- Bring NY compliance documentation for product discussions
- Download event app for lead scanning and scheduling
- Pre-schedule meetings with key prospects before the show
New York Cannabis Regulatory Context
Key Regulatory Topics at Cannabis Means Business NYC 2026
- Two-Tier Licensing: New York prohibits vertical integration – cultivators cannot own retail dispensaries, creating competitive wholesale marketplace opportunities
- Metrc Seed-to-Sale Tracking: All licensees must complete transition from BioTrack by February 2026; tag costs $0.10 per UID
- Social Equity Priority: CAURD program prioritizes justice-impacted individuals; 55-56% of licenses issued to SEE applicants
- Tax Structure: 9% state excise + 4% local tax + THC potency tax ($0.005/mg flower, $0.008/mg concentrates, $0.03/mg edibles)
New York’s cannabis industry operates under the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), signed in March 2021. The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and Cannabis Control Board (CCB) oversee licensing, regulation, and enforcement. Approximately half of New York’s municipalities have opted out of allowing cannabis businesses, concentrating licensed activity in receptive jurisdictions.
Related: Understanding Metrc Requirements for Cannabis Operations🗽 Understanding New York’s MRTA Framework
New York’s Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), signed in March 2021, created one of America’s most comprehensive adult-use cannabis programs with unprecedented social equity provisions. Understanding the OCM regulatory framework is essential for operators navigating the New York market.
Key Facts for CMB NYC 2026 Attendees
- ✓ 1,950+ Licenses Issued: OCM has issued over 1,950 adult-use licenses across all categories
- ✓ Social Equity Success: 55-56% of licenses issued to Social and Economic Equity applicants, exceeding 50% statutory goal
- ✓ Metrc Deadline: All licensees must complete BioTrack to Metrc transition by February 2026
- ✓ Two-Tier System: Vertical integration prohibited – creates mandatory wholesale marketplace
- ✓ Local Control: ~50% of municipalities have opted out of cannabis businesses
- ✓ CAURD Extensions: All provisional licenses extended through December 2026
💡 Did You Know?
New York requires dispensaries to maintain a 500-foot distance from schools. This rule has faced legal challenges regarding measurement methodology. Legislation (S8469) proposes grandfathering existing approved locations.
What This Means for Conference Attendees
The Metrc transition deadline creates urgent demand for compliance solutions and training. Attendees should evaluate seed-to-sale software vendors, testing laboratories, and packaging suppliers for Metrc compatibility and OCM specification compliance.
Note: Regulations evolve frequently. This information is for educational purposes only.
Operational Challenges Facing New York Cannabis Operators
Cannabis businesses operating in or entering the New York market encounter operational complexities that require significant planning and system adaptation. Conference attendees frequently discuss these common challenges:
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Metrc Transition Compliance
Completing the mandatory transition from BioTrack to Metrc by February 2026 deadline while maintaining uninterrupted operations
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Two-Tier Distribution Navigation
Building effective wholesale relationships in a market where vertical integration is prohibited
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Municipal Opt-Out Landscape
Navigating site selection when approximately half of New York municipalities have opted out of cannabis businesses
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Potency Tax Pricing Strategy
Developing product pricing that accounts for the tiered THC potency tax structure across flower, concentrates, and edibles
What to Prepare Before CMB NYC 2026
Maximize your conference ROI by arriving prepared. Use this checklist to ensure you’re ready to make the most of every networking opportunity and business meeting.
📄 Documents to Bring
- Current New York license status or application materials
- Business formation documents for partnership discussions
- Compliance certifications and SOPs for vendor evaluations
- Financial statements for investor meetings
- Product catalogs and pricing for wholesale conversations
- Metrc integration documentation from current systems
❓ Questions to Ask Vendors
- How do your systems integrate with Metrc?
- What experience do you have with OCM compliance requirements?
- Can you support New York’s packaging and labeling specifications?
- How do you address the two-tier licensing structure?
- What social equity partnership opportunities do you offer?
- What is your implementation timeline for new clients?
📊 What to Compare
- Seed-to-sale software solutions for Metrc integration
- Testing laboratory turnaround times and pricing
- Packaging suppliers offering compliant child-resistant solutions
- Security system providers meeting OCM surveillance requirements
- Banking and financial service options for cannabis businesses
- Distribution partners serving New York wholesale market
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from cannabis professionals planning to attend Cannabis Means Business NYC 2026.
Is Cannabis Means Business NYC a B2B-only event?
Yes. Cannabis Means Business NYC is exclusively a business-to-business trade show. Consumer sales do not occur at the event, and attendance is limited to industry professionals, investors, and media.
How much does registration cost?
Registration typically ranges from $150 to $700 depending on pass level and timing. Early bird pricing offers significant savings. Check the official website for current 2026 pricing.
Are the special events included in registration?
Some events may require separate registration or sponsorship. The Women in Cannabis Entrepreneur Luncheon and O2VAPE Yacht Party typically have separate ticketing or invitation requirements.
Can international attendees participate?
Yes. Cannabis Means Business NYC welcomes international attendees. The conference includes programming on global cannabis opportunities and attracts participants from Canada, Europe, and other legal markets.
What happened to CWCBExpo?
Cannabis Means Business is the rebranded name for the event formerly known as CWCBExpo (Cannabis World Congress and Business Exposition). The rebrand occurred in October 2024, but maintains the same organizer and mission since 2014.
What is the 500-foot school buffer rule?
New York requires dispensaries to maintain a 500-foot distance from schools. This rule has faced legal challenges regarding measurement methodology. Legislation (S8469) proposes grandfathering existing approved locations.
Software Solutions for New York Cannabis Compliance
Cannabis operations in New York increasingly rely on seed-to-sale platforms capable of Metrc integration and generating OCM-compliant documentation. These systems help operators maintain audit-ready records across cultivation, processing, and distribution activities while navigating the two-tier licensing structure.
Attendees at Cannabis Means Business NYC often evaluate technology solutions that can streamline the BioTrack to Metrc transition while maintaining consistent operational workflows across facilities.
Ready to Simplify Your New York Cannabis Compliance?
See how cannabis facilities in New York use GrowerIQ to manage Metrc integration, seed-to-sale traceability, and OCM regulatory reporting.
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About GrowerIQ
GrowerIQ is a complete cannabis production management platform. Ours is the first platform to integrate your facility systems, including sensors, building controls, QMS, and ERP, into a single simplified interface.
GrowerIQ is changing the way producers use software - transforming a regulatory requirement into a robust platform to learn, analyze, and improve performance.
To find out more about GrowerIQ and how we can help, fill out the form to the right, start a chat, or contact us.
GrowerIQ is changing the way producers use software - transforming a regulatory requirement into a robust platform to learn, analyze, and improve performance.
To find out more about GrowerIQ and how we can help, fill out the form to the right, start a chat, or contact us.