Planning to enter Minnesota’s cannabis market during its transformative first full year of adult-use sales?
The Midwest’s premier B2B cannabis trade show returns to Minnesota during the state’s transformative first full year of adult-use sales. CannaCon Midwest St. Paul 2026 brings together cultivators, retailers, manufacturers, and technology providers across 80,000 square feet of expo floor space at the Saint Paul River Centre.
With 5,000+ industry professionals expected, 200+ exhibitors, and 24+ hours of educational programming, this is the must-attend event for anyone serious about positioning for success in Minnesota’s emerging cannabis market.
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Minnesota’s cannabis market projects $430 million in 2026 sales, with a path to $1.5 billion by 2029.
Whether you’re seeking METRC integration partners, evaluating seed-to-sale technology, or exploring opportunities in a market where 50% of licenses are reserved for social equity applicants, CannaCon brings together the decision-makers shaping the future of Midwest cannabis.
CannaCon Midwest St. Paul 2026 at a Glance 🇺🇸
Dates June 26-27, 2026
Location Saint Paul River Centre, St. Paul, Minnesota
Expected Attendance 5,000+ industry professionals
Exhibitors 200+ companies
Expo Floor 80,000+ square feet
Official Website cannacon.org/midwest
Confirmed Last verified: 2026-01-05
St. Paul
44.94°N 93.09°W Who Should Attend CannaCon Midwest St. Paul
CannaCon brings together decision-makers across the cannabis supply chain who are evaluating Minnesota market entry or seeking to optimize existing operations under the state’s new regulatory framework.
Cultivation license applicants and holders navigating Minnesota’s 50-license cap
Retail dispensary operators optimizing for 150-license market constraints
Social equity licensees connecting with mentorship programs and partners
Hemp and LPHE business operators exploring cannabis market entry
Compliance and technology providers serving METRC integration needs
Tribal cannabis representatives exploring partnership opportunities
Why CannaCon Midwest St. Paul Matters in 2026
Minnesota’s cannabis landscape transformed when adult-use retail sales launched on September 16-17, 2025. Governor Tim Walz signed HF 100 into law on May 30, 2023, but the Office of Cannabis Management required over two years to develop comprehensive regulations and issue licenses. The first retailers included Green Goods with eight locations and RISE Dispensaries with five locations.
CannaCon Midwest St. Paul arrives during a pivotal market window. The projected $430 million in 2026 sales represents the foundation year for a market expected to reach $1.5 billion by 2029. July 2026 marks when the OCM must reassess license caps based on actual market demand.
Minnesota reserved 50% of capped licenses for social equity applicants. The June 2025 lottery awarded 249 licenses to qualified applicants.
Office of Cannabis Management, 2025Planning Your CannaCon 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.
Getting to St. Paul
- Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) offers direct flights from most major U.S. cities
- Approximately 15 minutes from airport to downtown St. Paul
- Metro Transit Green Line connects Minneapolis to downtown St. Paul
- Union Depot station about one mile from River Centre
Accommodation
- Saint Paul Hotel – historic downtown option
- InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront – connected to convention center
- Hyatt Place Downtown – walking distance to River Centre
- Book early for June peak tourism season
Conference Format
- Two-day format balances exhibit hall and education
- 24+ hours of seminars and workshops
- Plan schedule in advance using CannaCon’s mobile app
- Comfortable walking across 80,000 square feet
Exhibitor Tips
- Pre-schedule meetings with priority vendors
- Bring business cards and prepare your elevator pitch
- Allocate time for scheduled meetings and discovery
- Network during breaks and evening events
Minnesota License Structure and Caps
Key Regulatory Topics at CannaCon
- Cultivator Licenses: 50 licenses pre-July 2026 cap with 30,000 sq ft indoor, 2 acres outdoor limits
- Retailer Licenses: 150 licenses available, up to 5 locations per license
- Manufacturer Licenses: 24 licenses for processing and extraction operations
- Mezzobusiness: 100 licenses for vertical integration with 3 locations
- Microbusiness: Uncapped license category – full vertical, 5,000 sq ft, 1 location
Minnesota’s unique license structure with 50% social equity reservation and tiered business sizes creates diverse opportunities. The CanGrow ($2 million) and CanRenew ($1 million) grant programs provide additional support for social equity licensees.
Related: Cannabis Cultivation Software🌿 Minnesota’s New Adult-Use Cannabis Market
Minnesota launched adult-use cannabis sales in September 2025, becoming the 23rd state to legalize recreational cannabis. The market projects $430 million in 2026 sales with unique license structures designed to promote social equity.
Key Facts for CannaCon Attendees
- ✓ METRC Required: All licensees must integrate with Minnesota’s seed-to-sale tracking. Monthly fees: $40, plant tags: $0.45, package tags: $0.25.
- ✓ Testing Mandate: Starting January 1, 2026, all testing must be conducted by OCM-licensed laboratories. Limited capacity may create bottlenecks.
- ✓ Vertical Integration Prohibited: Standard cultivators, manufacturers, and retailers cannot cross-own. Exceptions exist for micro and mezzobusinesses.
- ✓ Tribal Operations Lead: White Earth Nation, Red Lake Nation, and other tribal operations had a one-year head start on state-licensed retailers.
- ✓ No State Residency Required: U.S. citizens aged 21+ may apply regardless of state residency.
- ✓ Local Control Authority: Cities may increase buffer zones to 1,000 feet from schools and require additional compliance checks.
- ✓ Hemp Market Parallel: 4,500+ registered hemp businesses operate under separate frameworks. March 31, 2026 begins OCM final approvals for hemp manufacturers.
💡 Did You Know?
Minnesota’s 2022 “accidental” legalization of hemp-derived THC products created a lightly regulated market a full year before formal adult-use legalization when legislators approved a bill without fully realizing it legalized delta-9 THC derived from hemp.
Actionable Implications for Attendees
Cultivators: Prepare for July 2026 cap reassessment; document market demand data. Retailers: Integrate METRC before operations; budget for testing delays. Social equity licensees: Apply for CanGrow grants; connect with mentorship programs. Technology providers: Position for testing lab and compliance software demand.
Regulatory information current as of January 2026. Consult the Office of Cannabis Management (mn.gov/ocm) and qualified legal counsel for current requirements.
Operational Challenges Facing Minnesota Cannabis Operators
Cannabis businesses entering Minnesota’s market encounter operational complexities that require significant planning and system adaptation. Conference attendees frequently discuss these common challenges:
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METRC Integration Requirements
Implementing seed-to-sale tracking that synchronizes with Minnesota’s METRC system while maintaining operational efficiency
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Testing Laboratory Capacity
Limited OCM-licensed testing labs may create bottlenecks as the market scales through 2026
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License Cap Competition
Navigating limited license availability with July 2026 cap reassessment and positioning for expansion opportunities
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Tribal Market Dynamics
Understanding competitive dynamics between tribal operations with head start and newly licensed state operators
What to Prepare Before CannaCon
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 business license documentation (or application status)
- METRC account credentials and compliance records
- Social equity qualification documentation (if applicable)
- Business plan executive summary for potential partners
- Facility specifications and expansion plans
- Financial projections for investor discussions
Questions to Ask Vendors
- How does your system integrate with METRC tag tracking?
- Is your METRC integration certified for Minnesota?
- Are you OCM-licensed or in the certification process for testing?
- What’s your current turnaround time and Minnesota service availability?
- Do you have experience with social equity license support?
- What training and onboarding support do you provide?
What to Compare
- METRC integration depth and real-time sync capabilities
- Pricing models for Minnesota’s license fee structure
- Multi-location support for retailers with up to 5 locations
- Testing lab partnerships and sample tracking
- Compliance reporting and audit preparation features
- Customer support availability and response times
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from cannabis professionals planning to attend CannaCon Midwest St. Paul 2026.
Is cannabis consumption allowed at CannaCon?
No. CannaCon is a B2B trade show. Cannabis sales, consumption, and display are prohibited at the venue.
Do I need a cannabis license to attend?
No. CannaCon welcomes industry professionals, license applicants, investors, and service providers.
Will Minnesota regulators attend?
CannaCon often features regulatory speakers. Check the lineup as it’s announced for specific OCM participation.
How do I become an exhibitor?
Contact CannaCon through their website for booth packages. Early booking secures preferred placement.
What educational programming is offered?
CannaCon provides 24+ hours of seminars and workshops covering cultivation, compliance, retail operations, and market strategy.
Is there parking at the venue?
Saint Paul River Centre has attached parking. Additional parking options available in downtown St. Paul with Metro Transit access.
Software Solutions for Minnesota METRC Compliance
Minnesota’s METRC mandate creates immediate compliance requirements for every cultivator, manufacturer, and retailer. Cannabis operations in Minnesota increasingly rely on seed-to-sale platforms capable of real-time METRC synchronization and managing regulatory reporting across multiple locations.
Attendees at CannaCon Midwest St. Paul often evaluate technology solutions that can adapt to Minnesota’s unique license structure while maintaining consistent operational workflows across cultivation, processing, and retail activities.
Ready to Simplify Your Minnesota Cannabis Compliance?
See how cannabis facilities across the Midwest use GrowerIQ to manage METRC integration and seed-to-sale traceability.
Request Demo
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.