Ready to tap into the Northeast’s largest cannabis B2B market in 2026?
The Northeast’s largest cannabis B2B convention returns to Boston, bringing together 9,000+ industry professionals for two days of networking, education, and the prestigious NECANN Cup Awards. Massachusetts shattered sales records in 2024, generating $1.64 billion in adult-use cannabis sales—the highest annual total since legalization.
Most significantly, the Cannabis Control Commission unanimously approved social consumption regulations in December 2025, effective January 2, 2026. Massachusetts becomes the first New England state to permit cannabis cafes, lounges, and event consumption—creating entirely new business models for operators attending NECANN Boston 2026.
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Massachusetts generated $1.64 billion in adult-use cannabis sales in 2024—the highest annual total since legalization.
Whether you’re seeking METRC-compliant seed-to-sale technology, evaluating delivery fleet solutions as exclusivity periods expire, or exploring the new social consumption licensing opportunities, NECANN Boston brings together the decision-makers shaping the future of Northeast cannabis operations under one roof.
NECANN Boston 2026 at a Glance 🇺🇸
Dates
April 24-25, 2026
Location
John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center, Boston, MA
Expected Attendance
9,000+ professionals, 300+ exhibitors
Official Website
necann.com/boston
Confirmed
Last verified: January 2, 2026
Boston
42.36°N 71.06°W
Who Should Attend NECANN Boston
NECANN Boston draws a focused audience of cannabis professionals operating across the Northeast corridor. Whether you’re scaling operations or entering the Massachusetts market, this event delivers actionable connections.
Cultivators exploring Northeast market expansion and tiered canopy licensing
Processors and manufacturers evaluating extraction and packaging equipment
Compliance officers requiring CCC regulation and METRC tracking updates
Delivery operators navigating the Marijuana Delivery Operator license program
Social equity applicants connecting with grant programs and mentorship
Multi-state operators assessing NY, CT, and RI market entry strategies
Why NECANN Boston Matters in 2026
Massachusetts shattered sales records in 2024, generating $1.64 billion in adult-use cannabis sales—the highest annual total since legalization. The state crossed $10 billion in cumulative sales by October 2025, cementing its position as the fourth-largest cannabis market nationally.
This year’s NECANN introduces an expanded psychedelics industry track, reflecting growing operator interest in emerging therapeutic markets. Sessions will address price compression recovery strategies, delivery fleet optimization as exclusivity provisions expire in April 2026, and interstate commerce considerations as neighboring states mature their adult-use programs.
The state crossed $10 billion in cumulative cannabis sales by October 2025, cementing Massachusetts as the fourth-largest cannabis market nationally.
Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission, 2025Planning Your NECANN Boston 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.
🏨 Accommodation
- Book 6-8 weeks in advance; Back Bay hotels fill quickly during major events
- Properties along Boylston Street and Copley Square offer walking-distance access
- Hynes Convention Center is directly on the MBTA Green Line
- Back Bay Station (Orange Line, Commuter Rail) is also within walking distance
📆 Schedule Overview
- Friday, April 24: Exhibit hall 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday evening: NECANN Cup Awards at Royale Boston (6:00 PM – 11:00 PM)
- Saturday, April 25: Exhibit hall 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Box office opens at 9:30 AM daily (cash only)
✈️ Getting to Boston
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) – 15-20 minutes to Back Bay
- Amtrak serves Back Bay and South Station from NYC and beyond
- US visitors: Valid ID required (21+ for entry)
- Downtown parking is limited and expensive—use MBTA or rideshare
🎪 If You’re Exhibiting
- Review Hynes Convention Center union requirements for load-in/load-out
- Schedule delivery windows through official event logistics
- Arrive early for setup—Boston loading dock constraints apply
- No cannabis products can be displayed, sold, or distributed at venue
Massachusetts Regulatory Context
Key Regulatory Topics at NECANN Boston
- METRC Seed-to-Sale Tracking: Comprehensive tracking requirements including RFID plant tagging by vegetative stage and 48-hour correction windows for harvest weights
- Social Consumption Licensing: Three new license types effective January 2, 2026: Supplemental, Hospitality, and Event Organizer licenses
- Tiered Cultivation Licensing: 11-tier canopy-based structure from 5,000 to 100,000 square feet, with a three-license maximum per entity
- Host Community Agreements: 3% impact fee cap on documented community impacts following 2022 reform law
Understanding Massachusetts’ regulatory environment is essential for any operator considering market entry or expansion. The Cannabis Control Commission oversees one of the most developed compliance frameworks in the nation, with particular emphasis on social equity and community reinvestment.
Related: Complete Guide to METRC Compliance🏛️ Massachusetts Cannabis Social Equity Pioneer
Massachusetts has emerged as a national leader in cannabis social equity programming and became the first New England state to approve social consumption regulations. Understanding these programs is critical for operators seeking licensing advantages and community partnership opportunities at NECANN Boston 2026.
Key Facts for NECANN Boston Attendees
- ✓ $26.5 Million Awarded: Massachusetts has distributed $26.5M in grants to 181 social equity businesses through FY25, with FY26 applications recently closed
- ✓ Delivery Exclusivity Ending: Social equity operators’ delivery license exclusivity expires in April 2026, opening the market to all qualified applicants
- ✓ Social Consumption Launch: Three new license types (Supplemental, Hospitality, Event Organizer) effective January 2, 2026—first in New England
- ✓ 60-Month Priority Access: Social equity operators receive priority access to new social consumption license types for 60 months
- ✓ HCA Reform Impact: 2022 reform law capped Host Community Agreement fees at 3% tied to documented impacts; 2024 audit found 18 of 26 sampled agreements violated current law
- ✓ Municipal Opt-In Required: Social consumption venues require municipal approval before state licensing; early mover advantage for operators securing local support
💡 Did You Know?
Massachusetts has awarded over $26.5 million to 181 social equity cannabis businesses—more than any other state’s single-year social equity investment. This funding includes technical assistance, business development support, and direct grants to entrepreneurs from communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition.
What This Means for NECANN Boston Attendees
The convergence of delivery exclusivity expiration, social consumption launch, and ongoing social equity funding creates unique partnership opportunities. Attendees should prepare to discuss joint ventures with social equity operators, municipal engagement strategies for social consumption licensing, and compliance systems capable of supporting these new business models.
Note: Cannabis regulations evolve rapidly. This information is for educational purposes only and should be verified with current CCC guidance.
Operational Challenges Facing Northeast Cannabis Operators
Cannabis businesses operating in Massachusetts and the broader Northeast encounter operational complexities that require significant planning and system adaptation. Conference attendees frequently discuss these common challenges:
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Multi-State Compliance Complexity
Managing regulatory requirements across MA, NY, CT, and RI simultaneously, each with unique METRC configurations and reporting standards
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Delivery Fleet Scaling
Preparing for delivery market expansion as exclusivity periods expire, requiring fleet management and last-mile logistics solutions
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Social Consumption Point-of-Sale
Implementing POS systems capable of tracking on-site consumption, dosing limits, and compliance with new social consumption regulations
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Price Compression Recovery
Optimizing cultivation and processing operations to maintain margins amid wholesale price declines across mature Northeast markets
What to Prepare Before NECANN Boston
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
- Business cards with current contact information and license status
- Executive summary or pitch deck for potential partners
- CCC license applications if seeking guidance on submission
- Current METRC compliance reports demonstrating operational readiness
- Social equity certification documentation if applicable
- Host Community Agreement status and municipal contacts
❓ Questions to Ask Vendors
- Do you support multistate operations across MA, NY, CT, and RI frameworks?
- How does your platform handle Massachusetts-specific METRC integration?
- What delivery fleet management capabilities do you offer?
- Can your system support social consumption POS and consumption tracking?
- What is your implementation timeline and support model?
- Do you have case studies from other Massachusetts operators?
📊 What to Compare
- Seed-to-sale platforms with Massachusetts METRC certification
- Delivery management software with fleet routing and compliance
- Cultivation management systems supporting tiered canopy reporting
- Extraction and processing equipment for manufacturing scale-up
- POS systems with social consumption tracking capabilities
- Compliance automation reducing manual reporting burden
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from cannabis professionals planning to attend NECANN Boston 2026.
Is NECANN Boston a B2B-only event?
NECANN Boston is primarily a B2B trade show focused on cannabis industry professionals—cultivators, processors, retailers, and ancillary service providers. However, some consumer access is available, and the event welcomes anyone 21+ (or under 21 with parent/guardian).
What is the NECANN Cup?
The NECANN Cup is an annual cannabis competition recognizing excellence across multiple categories. The 2026 awards ceremony takes place on Friday, April 24 at Royale Boston from 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM. Entry fee is $200 per submission, with a March 21, 2026 registration deadline.
Can out-of-state operators attend?
Absolutely. NECANN Boston attracts strong multistate operator presence, with many attendees evaluating Massachusetts market entry or managing operations across the Northeast corridor. Sessions specifically address regional regulatory harmonization.
What’s the refund policy?
All NECANN tickets are non-refundable. Re-entry is permitted with your show badge. Replacement badges are available at the registration desk for $25. The box office opens at 9:30 AM each day (cash only).
Is there a psychedelics track?
Yes. NECANN Boston 2026 features an expanded track dedicated to the emerging psychedelics industry, reflecting growing operator interest in therapeutic and wellness applications alongside cannabis operations.
When should I register?
Ticket pricing is typically announced 2-3 months before the event. Door prices run $5-10 higher than advance purchase, and the venue accepts cash only at the box office. Book early for best rates.
Software Solutions for Massachusetts Compliance
Operating in Massachusetts requires seed-to-sale software that handles METRC integration seamlessly while supporting the complexities of tiered cultivation licensing, delivery compliance, and emerging social consumption requirements. These systems help operators maintain audit-ready records across cultivation, processing, and distribution activities.
GrowerIQ provides native METRC integration for Massachusetts cannabis tracking compliance, multi-facility management supporting tiered canopy structures, batch tracking from seed through sale, and compliance automation reducing manual reporting burden.
Ready to Simplify Your Cannabis Compliance?
See how cannabis facilities in Massachusetts use GrowerIQ to manage seed-to-sale traceability, METRC integration, and 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.