Is Pennsylvania ready for recreational cannabis? Position your business for what comes next.
Pennsylvania’s cannabis industry stands at a historic crossroads. With Senate Bill 120 advancing further than any recreational legalization bill in state history and the medical market generating record quarterly sales, NECANN Philadelphia 2026 arrives at the perfect moment for cultivators, processors, and compliance teams to position themselves for what comes next.
This is NECANN’s first Philadelphia event. After the successful 2025 Pittsburgh convention attracted 60+ exhibitors, NECANN partnered with the Pennsylvania Cannabis Convention (PACC) to bring an expanded two-day format to the state’s largest city at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
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Pennsylvania ranks as the 6th largest cannabis retail market in the U.S. despite being medical-only, with over 446,000 active patients and Q1 2025 setting a quarterly sales record.
Whether you’re preparing for vertical integration under Act 63, navigating MJ Freeway integration challenges, or evaluating the potential adult-use transition under SB 120, NECANN Philadelphia brings together the decision-makers shaping Pennsylvania’s cannabis future.
NECANN Philadelphia 2026 at a Glance 🇺🇸
Dates April 17-18, 2026
Location Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA
Expected Attendance 2,000+ professionals, 75+ exhibitors
Official Website necann.com
Confirmed Last verified: January 2, 2026
Philadelphia
39.95°N 75.17°W Who Should Attend NECANN Philadelphia
NECANN Philadelphia draws professionals across the cannabis supply chain, with particular value for those navigating Pennsylvania’s evolving regulatory landscape and preparing for potential adult-use market entry.
Cultivators navigating indoor-only mandates and preparing for adult-use scaling
Processors meeting stringent labeling requirements and exploring new formulations
Compliance officers managing MJ Freeway integration and DOH audits
Investors evaluating Pennsylvania’s $7.68 billion cumulative market opportunity
Technology vendors seeking partnerships with 32 grower/processors and 188 dispensaries
Regulatory affairs specialists tracking SB 120 and potential license windows
Why NECANN Philadelphia Matters in 2026
Pennsylvania’s regulatory landscape shifted dramatically in 2025. Senate Bill 120 cleared the Senate Law and Justice Committee in October 2025, marking the furthest any recreational marijuana bill has advanced in Pennsylvania’s legislative history. Meanwhile, Act 63 vertical integration rules took full effect in April 2024, reshaping competitive dynamics.
Operators attending NECANN Philadelphia face consequential choices: whether to pursue vertical integration before potential adult-use licensing, how to prepare compliance infrastructure for a possible Cannabis Control Board transition, and when to invest in scaling cultivation capacity for a market that could open recreational sales by late 2026 or early 2027.
The state crossed $7.68 billion in cumulative retail sales, ranking Pennsylvania as the 6th largest cannabis market nationally despite being medical-only.
Pennsylvania State Cannabis / PA DOH Data, 2025Planning Your NECANN Philadelphia Trip
Whether you’re attending for the first time or building on connections from the 2025 Pittsburgh event, these practical tips will help you maximize your conference experience.
🏨 Accommodation
- Book 4-6 weeks in advance; Center City hotels fill quickly during major events
- Pennsylvania Convention Center sits in Center City with excellent transit access
- SEPTA regional rail and Market-Frankford subway line provide direct access
- Hotels within walking distance typically fill quickly for major events
📆 Schedule Overview
- Friday, April 17: Networking mixer 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Friday evening: PACC Industry Social 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (location TBD)
- Saturday, April 18: Full expo hall 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Cash purchases available at venue; online registration open until event
✈️ Getting to Philadelphia
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) – 25-minute train ride to Center City
- SEPTA Airport Line offers direct service to Center City stations
- All attendees must be 21+ with valid ID required at registration
- Direct flights from most major U.S. cities available
🎪 If You’re Exhibiting
- Submit booth application via MAP Dynamics platform
- Contact: exhibit@necann.com or 207-756-5948
- No cannabis sales or consumption on venue grounds
- Prepare compliance-focused demonstrations for MJ Freeway integration
Pennsylvania Regulatory Context
Key Regulatory Topics at NECANN Philadelphia
- Senate Bill 120 Adult-Use Transition: Combined 14% tax rate (6% sales + 8% excise), private market model with new Pennsylvania Cannabis Control Board oversight
- MJ Freeway Track-and-Trace: No two-way API integration requiring manual data entry; PA issued RFP in November 2023 seeking replacement provider
- Vertical Integration Under Act 63: Since April 2024, Medical Marijuana Organizations can hold both grower/processor and dispensary permits
- Indoor Cultivation Mandate: All commercial cannabis must be grown indoors per Section 702(b)(1) with required environmental monitoring systems
Understanding Pennsylvania’s regulatory environment is essential for any operator considering market entry or expansion. The Department of Health’s Office of Medical Marijuana oversees one of the most developed medical programs in the nation, with 24 qualifying conditions serving 446,000+ active patients.
Related: Seed to Sale Software🏛️ Pennsylvania’s Path to Adult-Use Cannabis
Pennsylvania stands at a historic inflection point. Senate Bill 120 has advanced further than any recreational cannabis bill in the state’s history, while the medical market has generated $7.68 billion in cumulative sales serving over 446,000 patients. Understanding the regulatory trajectory is critical for operators attending NECANN Philadelphia 2026.
Key Facts for NECANN Philadelphia Attendees
- ✓ SB 120 Progress: Cleared Senate Law and Justice Committee October 2025—the furthest any adult-use bill has advanced in PA history
- ✓ Act 63 Vertical Integration: Since April 2024, Medical Marijuana Organizations can hold both grower/processor AND dispensary permits
- ✓ 446,000+ Active Patients: One of the highest patient counts in the nation, demonstrating robust demand for any adult-use expansion
- ✓ MJ Freeway Challenges: No two-way API integration; 19-hour outage September 2023; PA issued RFP November 2023 for replacement
- ✓ $1.3 Billion Opportunity: Governor’s budget office projects $1.3B in cumulative adult-use revenue over 5 years if SB 120 passes
- ✓ Indoor-Only Cultivation: Pennsylvania mandates all commercial cannabis cultivation occur indoors per Section 702(b)(1)
💡 Did You Know?
Pennsylvania ranks as the 6th largest cannabis retail market in the United States despite being medical-only. The state’s Q1 2025 sales set a quarterly record, and the projected late 2026/early 2027 adult-use market opening would create significant expansion opportunities for current operators and new entrants alike.
What This Means for NECANN Philadelphia Attendees
The convergence of SB 120’s legislative progress, the potential track-and-trace system transition, and vertical integration consolidation creates a unique window for strategic positioning. Attendees should prepare to discuss compliance system migration strategies, adult-use license application preparation, and partnership opportunities with Pennsylvania’s 32 grower/processors and 188 dispensaries.
Note: Cannabis regulations evolve rapidly. This information is for educational purposes only and should be verified with current PA DOH guidance.
Operational Challenges Facing Pennsylvania Cannabis Operators
Cannabis businesses operating in Pennsylvania encounter operational complexities that require significant planning and system adaptation. Conference attendees frequently discuss these common challenges:
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MJ Freeway Integration Limitations
No two-way API integration forces manual data entry between tracking, lab testing, and point-of-sale systems, creating compliance risks and operational inefficiencies
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Packaging Approval Workflows
All packaging and label content requires DOH written approval before use, with strict requirements on cannabinoid percentages, warning statements, and prohibited content
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Security System Compliance
24/7 professionally-monitored surveillance with 48-hour auxiliary power backup requirements and strict malfunction notification protocols
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Track-and-Trace Transition Planning
Preparing for potential system migration following PA’s November 2023 RFP for replacement provider while maintaining current MJ Freeway compliance
What to Prepare Before NECANN Philadelphia
Maximize your conference ROI by arriving prepared. Use this checklist to ensure you’re ready to make the most of every networking opportunity and vendor discussion.
📄 Documents to Bring
- Current Pennsylvania license documentation for verification
- Compliance audit summaries from past 12 months
- MJ Freeway integration pain points documented for vendor discussions
- Capital requirements documentation ($2M liquid assets for G/P applications)
- Packaging approval workflow examples and DOH correspondence
- Security system maintenance and inspection records
❓ Questions to Ask Vendors
- How does your system handle Pennsylvania’s MJ Freeway integration requirements?
- What happens if Pennsylvania transitions to a new track-and-trace provider?
- Can you demonstrate compliance with 28 Pa. Code packaging and labeling?
- How do you support the 48-hour auxiliary power requirement for security?
- What is your implementation timeline and support model?
- Do you have case studies from other Pennsylvania operators?
📊 What to Compare
- Seed-to-sale tracking systems with Pennsylvania-specific compliance features
- Security and surveillance solutions meeting 24/7 monitoring mandates
- Packaging design services familiar with DOH approval processes
- ERP platforms supporting vertical integration workflows (G/P + dispensary)
- Lab testing integration solutions for batch compliance
- Indoor cultivation environment monitoring systems
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from cannabis professionals planning to attend NECANN Philadelphia 2026.
Is NECANN Philadelphia B2B-only or open to the public?
NECANN Philadelphia welcomes both industry professionals and the public. Medical marijuana patients receive free expo admission with registration. The event combines B2B networking with consumer education.
Is NECANN Philadelphia 21+ only?
Yes, all attendees must be 21 years of age or older. Valid ID is required at registration.
What does a ticket cost for NECANN Philadelphia 2026?
General Admission costs $20 for expo access only. Registered Pennsylvania medical marijuana patients attend free. A Two-Day Pass at $100 includes expo access, programming sessions, networking events, and the Friday Industry Social pre-party.
Is there a consumption lounge at NECANN Philadelphia?
No. Pennsylvania Convention Center rules prohibit cannabis sales or consumption on venue grounds. The Friday Industry Social at an off-site location may have different policies; check event updates closer to April.
Can I attend with an out-of-state medical card?
Pennsylvania does not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards. However, all adults 21+ can attend the convention regardless of patient status.
When is the registration deadline?
Online registration remains open until the event. Cash ticket purchases are available at the venue. For exhibitors, booth availability is first-come, first-served via the MAP Dynamics platform.
Software Solutions for Pennsylvania Compliance
Operating in Pennsylvania requires seed-to-sale software that handles MJ Freeway integration challenges while supporting the complexities of indoor cultivation mandates, DOH packaging approval workflows, and stringent security documentation requirements. These systems help operators maintain audit-ready records across cultivation, processing, and distribution activities.
GrowerIQ provides state tracking system integration for Pennsylvania cannabis compliance, multi-facility management supporting vertical integration workflows, batch tracking from seed through sale, and compliance automation reducing manual reporting burden during potential track-and-trace system transitions.
Ready to Simplify Your Cannabis Compliance?
See how cannabis facilities in Pennsylvania use GrowerIQ to manage seed-to-sale traceability, state tracking 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.