Looking to expand into one of America’s fastest-growing cannabis markets in 2026?
The premier B2B cannabis conference returns to the East Coast, bringing licensed operators, accredited investors, and established brands together at the Hard Rock Hotel in Atlantic City for three days of deal-making and strategic networking. With New Jersey’s cannabis market crossing the $1 billion threshold and expanding to 240+ dispensaries, MJ Unpacked Atlantic City 2026 arrives at a pivotal moment for East Coast cannabis commerce.
Unlike consumer-focused cannabis events, MJ Unpacked maintains strict B2B positioning with no public admission or product sampling. Conversations focus on licensing, investment, distribution, and operational partnerships that shape the future of licensed cannabis operations.
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New Jersey’s $1B+ cannabis market with 240+ dispensaries creates unprecedented retail density on the East Coast.
Whether you’re an investor evaluating conditional license holders, an operator seeking expansion opportunities, or a brand positioning for distribution across the Northeast corridor, MJ Unpacked Atlantic City concentrates deal flow that typically takes months into three intensive days.
MJ Unpacked Atlantic City 2026 at a Glance 🇺🇸
Dates May 5-7, 2026
Location Hard Rock Hotel, Atlantic City, New Jersey
Focus B2B for licensed operators and accredited investors
Official Website mjunpacked.com
Confirmed Last verified: 2026-01-05
Atlantic City
39.36°N 74.42°W Who Should Attend MJ Unpacked Atlantic City
MJ Unpacked Atlantic City attracts a curated audience of cannabis industry decision-makers. This is not a consumer-facing event; it is designed for serious business development.
Licensed cannabis operators seeking expansion opportunities
Accredited investors evaluating cannabis portfolio opportunities
Established cannabis brands seeking retail placement
Multi-state operators analyzing East Coast expansion strategies
Technology vendors and METRC integration specialists
Consultants and regulatory advisors serving the cannabis industry
Why MJ Unpacked Atlantic City Matters in 2026
New Jersey’s cannabis market crossed the $1 billion threshold in December 2024, establishing itself as one of the fastest-growing state programs in the nation. The market has expanded from 24 dispensaries in early 2023 to 240+ locations by May 2025, creating unprecedented retail density on the East Coast.
The Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) has awarded 1,641 conditional licenses across six license classes, with 463 operations converting to annual licenses. This rapid expansion signals a maturing market entering its next phase of consolidation and professionalization.
The market is transitioning from growth-at-all-costs to sustainable operations. Price compression of 16% annually is pressuring margins, favoring efficient operators over undercapitalized startups.
New Jersey’s average basket size of $72 ranks among the highest nationally, indicating strong consumer spending despite price compression affecting wholesale markets.
CRC Market Data & Industry Analysis, 2025Planning Your MJ Unpacked 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 early – conference rate availability typically expires 30 days prior
- Hard Rock Hotel is the official venue with walk-to-meeting convenience
- Ocean Casino Resort is adjacent; Borgata is 10 minutes away
- Tropicana offers boardwalk location at value pricing
Schedule Overview
- Day 1 (May 5): Exhibition floor exploration and opening reception
- Day 2 (May 6): Keynote sessions and regulatory updates
- Day 3 (May 7): Close pending discussions; morning panels often most candid
- Pre-arrange meetings before arrival for higher conversion rates
Getting There
- Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) is 15 minutes from venue
- Philadelphia International (PHL) is 60 miles with shuttle service
- Drive: 60 miles from Philadelphia, 130 from NYC, 160 from D.C.
- Atlantic City Expressway provides direct highway access
If You’re Exhibiting
- Schedule meetings before arrival – don’t rely on booth traffic alone
- Prepare compliance documentation for serious operator discussions
- Check official app for attendee pre-registration and meeting tools
- B2B focus means attendees arrive with specific objectives
New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Framework
Key Regulatory Topics at MJ Unpacked Atlantic City
- CREAMM Act Framework: Six license classes (Cultivator, Manufacturer, Wholesaler, Distributor, Retailer, Delivery) each requiring separate applications
- METRC Compliance: All operators must register with METRC from day one; RFID tagging for every plant and product
- Municipal Control: Only 207 of 565 municipalities (37%) allow cannabis businesses with local transfer taxes up to 2%
- Delivery Licenses: Class 6 standalone delivery licenses create asset-light market entry opportunities
New Jersey’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) administers both medical and adult-use programs, handling license issuance, packaging/labeling enforcement, and SEEF rate-setting. The proposed SEEF increase to $15 per ounce (from $2.50) would fundamentally reshape cultivator economics if enacted.
Related: Cannabis Cultivation Software🇺🇸 New Jersey’s CREAMM Act Cannabis Model
Understanding New Jersey’s regulatory framework is essential for anyone attending MJ Unpacked Atlantic City. The state’s approach under the Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act (CREAMM Act) balances commercial opportunity with social equity mandates.
Key Facts for MJ Unpacked Attendees
- ✓ Six License Classes: Cultivator, Manufacturer, Wholesaler, Distributor, Retailer, and Delivery licenses each require separate applications and municipal approval.
- ✓ Municipal Control: Only 207 of 565 municipalities (37%) allow cannabis businesses. Each opted-in municipality sets local transfer taxes up to 2% and controls zoning.
- ✓ Microbusiness Pathway: Operations with 10 or fewer employees and 2,500 square feet or less receive 50% discounts on fees, creating accessible entry points.
- ✓ Social Equity Priority: 30% of licenses are targeted for minority, women’s, and disabled veterans’ businesses. Impact Zone designations cover 87 municipalities across 18 counties.
- ✓ Cannabis Consumption Areas: As of January 2025, retailers may apply for consumption area endorsements, creating on-site consumption experiences and new revenue streams.
- ✓ Standalone Delivery (Class 6): New Jersey is among the few states authorizing standalone delivery licenses, creating asset-light market entry without physical retail capital requirements.
- ✓ No Home Cultivation: Unlike many legal states, New Jersey does not permit home cultivation for medical or adult-use consumers, maintaining a fully commercial market.
💡 Did You Know?
New Jersey’s average basket size of $72 ranks among the highest nationally, indicating strong consumer spending despite price compression affecting wholesale markets. The market supports 25% year-over-year growth trajectory even as wholesale prices decline 16% annually.
What This Means for Attendees
Investors: Evaluate conditional license holders in opted-in municipalities; municipal approval is the critical bottleneck. Operators: Target microbusiness acquisitions for efficient market entry. Brands: Prioritize distribution partnerships over standalone licensing given municipal limitations. Service Providers: Focus METRC integration and compliance solutions on the 463 operations converting to annual licenses.
Note: Cannabis regulations evolve continuously. Consult the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (nj.gov/cannabis) and qualified legal counsel before making business decisions.
Operational Challenges Facing New Jersey Cannabis Operators
Cannabis businesses operating or expanding into New Jersey encounter operational complexities that require significant planning and system adaptation. Conference attendees frequently discuss these common challenges:
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Municipal Approval Bottlenecks
Navigating the 37% of municipalities that allow cannabis businesses, each with unique zoning requirements and local ordinance compliance
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METRC Integration Complexity
Implementing comprehensive seed-to-sale tracking with RFID tagging for every plant and product from day one of operations
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Margin Compression Management
Adapting operational efficiency as 16% annual price compression pressures profitability across cultivation and manufacturing
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License Class Coordination
Managing vertical integration limits while coordinating operations across multiple license classes with separate compliance requirements
What to Prepare Before MJ Unpacked Atlantic City
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.
For Investors
- Verify accredited investor documentation meets event requirements
- Research conditional license holders in target municipalities
- Prepare term sheet templates for accelerated discussions
- Review CRC fee schedules for acquisition due diligence
- Identify Social Equity Business designations for portfolio alignment
For Operators
- Compile municipal approval status documentation
- Prepare METRC compliance records demonstrating operational maturity
- Document current canopy utilization and expansion capacity
- Assemble financial statements for potential investors or acquirers
- Review licensing tier upgrade requirements and timelines
Questions to Ask Vendors
- How does your platform integrate with New Jersey’s METRC implementation?
- What is your client retention rate among New Jersey licensees?
- How do you handle expanded cannabinoid testing requirements (THCA, CBDA, CBG)?
- What compliance features address the February 2025 testing guideline updates?
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from cannabis professionals planning to attend MJ Unpacked Atlantic City 2026.
Is MJ Unpacked only for accredited investors?
MJ Unpacked welcomes all licensed cannabis industry professionals, not exclusively accredited investors. However, certain investor-focused sessions and networking events may require accredited investor verification. Licensed operators, brand executives, and ancillary service providers form the majority of attendees.
What makes this event different from consumer-focused cannabis shows?
MJ Unpacked maintains strict B2B positioning. There is no public admission, no product sampling, and no consumer marketing. Conversations focus on licensing, investment, distribution, and operational partnerships rather than brand awareness or retail promotion.
Does attending require a New Jersey cannabis license?
No. Many attendees hold licenses in other states or represent companies evaluating New Jersey market entry. Investors, consultants, and service providers attend without holding personal cannabis licenses.
How do I verify my credentials for registration?
Registration typically requires documentation of licensure, company affiliation, or investor qualification. Early registration provides time to resolve any verification questions before arrival. Check the official MJ Unpacked website for current credential requirements.
What networking opportunities exist outside formal sessions?
The Hard Rock Hotel venue facilitates informal networking in casino areas, restaurants, and lounges. Evening receptions scheduled throughout the event provide structured networking beyond the exhibition floor. Many substantive conversations occur in these informal settings.
How should I prepare if I’m new to the New Jersey market?
Review the CRC website for current licensing statistics and municipal opt-in maps. Understand the six license classes and their interrelationships. Identify specific municipalities where you might seek business opportunities and research their local ordinances before arrival.
Software Solutions for USA Cannabis Compliance
Cannabis operations in New Jersey and across the United States increasingly rely on seed-to-sale platforms capable of seamless METRC integration and managing multi-state regulatory reporting. These systems help operators maintain audit-ready records across cultivation, processing, and distribution activities.
Attendees at MJ Unpacked Atlantic City often evaluate technology solutions that can adapt to varying state-by-state requirements while maintaining consistent operational workflows across multiple facilities and jurisdictions.
Ready to Simplify Your Cannabis Compliance?
See how cannabis facilities across the United States use GrowerIQ to manage METRC integration and seed-to-sale traceability.
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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.