Ready to tap into Missouri’s $1.46 billion cannabis market?
Missouri has emerged as the 5th largest adult-use cannabis market in the nation, exceeding industry expectations since recreational sales launched on February 3, 2023. CannaCon Midwest St. Louis 2026 arrives as the market enters a crucial maturation phase, with projected 2025 sales exceeding $1.6 billion and operators navigating a complex regulatory landscape shaped by Amendment 3.
This two-day expo brings together cultivation managers, microbusiness operators, compliance officers, and technology providers at America’s Center, offering targeted sessions on Missouri’s unique market dynamics and METRC compliance requirements.
“
Missouri’s license caps have maintained wholesale prices near $2,000/lb while preventing the oversupply that plagued other legal markets.
Whether you’re evaluating cultivation partnerships, exploring the microbusiness pathway as your entry point, or assessing seed-to-sale technology for METRC integration, CannaCon Midwest brings together the decision-makers shaping Missouri’s cannabis future.
CannaCon Midwest St. Louis 2026 at a Glance 🇺🇸
Dates August 28-29, 2026
Location America’s Center, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Expected Attendance 3,000+ cannabis professionals
Official Website cannacon.org/midwest
Confirmed Last verified: 2026-01-05
St. Louis
38.63°N 90.20°W Who Should Attend CannaCon Midwest St. Louis
Missouri’s $1.46 billion cannabis market offers distinct opportunities for professionals across the supply chain. CannaCon Midwest St. Louis 2026 brings together key stakeholders navigating the Show-Me State’s rapidly maturing adult-use program.
Cultivation Operations Managers seeking optimization strategies
Microbusiness License Holders navigating 250-plant caps
Dispensary Compliance Officers managing METRC requirements
Manufacturing and Processing Directors scaling production
Technology and Software Providers with METRC integrations
Social Equity Program Applicants exploring market entry
Why CannaCon Midwest Matters in 2026
Missouri’s cannabis market has exceeded expectations since adult-use sales launched on February 3, 2023. The state has risen to become the 5th largest adult-use market in the nation, generating $1.46 billion in total sales during 2024. This rapid growth outpaces states with far longer legalization histories.
The market is entering a maturation phase with projected 2025 sales exceeding $1.6 billion. The Division of Cannabis Regulation launched a $3.8 million state reference lab in July 2025, adding independent verification of THC potency and safety claims through unannounced inspections. Federal rescheduling discussions could deliver an estimated $150 million in annual tax relief for Missouri operators through 280E elimination.
Missouri has processed over 140,000 cannabis conviction expungements under Amendment 3 – one of the most successful automatic expungement programs in American cannabis legalization history.
Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation, 2025Planning Your CannaCon Midwest 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 – August coincides with Cardinals baseball and university move-in
- Marriott St. Louis Grand connects directly via skybridge
- MetroLink Convention Center station provides direct downtown access
- Drury Inn offers free evening kickback with hot food and drinks
📋 Schedule Overview
- Day 1 (Aug 28): Educational sessions on Missouri regulatory updates
- Day 1 Evening: Networking events for informal vendor connections
- Day 2 (Aug 29): Dedicated exhibit floor time and product demos
- Industry passes provide full access to all sessions
✈️ Getting There
- Lambert-St. Louis International (STL) – 15 miles, ~25 min rideshare
- MetroLink light rail connects airport directly to Convention Center
- Single-ride MetroLink fare approximately $2.50
- Download CannaCon networking app before arrival
🎪 If You’re Exhibiting
- Reserve booth space early – events typically sell out 60-90 days prior
- Bring DCR documentation demonstrating compliance capabilities
- Schedule meetings in advance through CannaCon networking app
- Prepare METRC-compliant samples for Missouri licensees only
Understanding Missouri’s Cannabis Regulations
Key Regulatory Topics at CannaCon Midwest
- METRC Tracking Requirements: RFID tagging, 24-hour inventory discrepancy reporting, and mandatory monthly reconciliation
- Packaging Pre-Approval: DHSS approval required for all product packaging, with 2-month approval timelines
- State Reference Lab Initiative: $3.8 million program conducting unannounced inspections and potency verification
- Microbusiness License Pathway: The only available entry point for new market participants with social equity eligibility
Missouri’s Division of Cannabis Regulation (DCR), operating under DHSS, maintains stringent oversight of all licensing, compliance, and enforcement. Conference sessions will address the unique challenges of operating within Amendment 3’s constitutional framework.
Related: Cannabis Cultivation Software📜 Missouri’s Amendment 3 Cannabis Model
Understanding Missouri’s regulatory framework is essential for CannaCon attendees seeking to operate or expand in this market. Amendment 3, approved by voters in November 2022, established one of America’s fastest-growing adult-use programs with unique license caps and social equity provisions.
Key Facts for CannaCon Midwest Attendees
- ✓ 5th Largest US Market: Missouri reached $1.46 billion in 2024 sales, surpassing states with much longer legalization histories
- ✓ License Cap Strategy: 216 dispensaries (27 per congressional district) and 65 cultivation licenses maintain supply-demand balance
- ✓ Strong Wholesale Prices: Missouri’s $2,000/lb wholesale prices remain among the nation’s strongest due to controlled supply
- ✓ Microbusiness Pathway: 144 licenses issued across three rounds (48 per round) as the only entry point for new operators
- ✓ Vertical Integration Allowed: Per-entity caps of 5 dispensaries, 3 cultivation, and 3 manufacturing licenses
- ✓ State Reference Lab: $3.8 million testing initiative launched July 2025 with unannounced inspections
- ✓ Interstate Commerce Protections: Constitutional provisions position Missouri for potential federal changes
💡 Did You Know?
Missouri has granted over 140,000 cannabis conviction expungements under Amendment 3 – one of the most successful automatic expungement programs in American cannabis legalization history. However, a 2025 Missouri Supreme Court ruling narrowed future eligibility to convictions involving 3 ounces or less.
Actionable Implications for Attendees
For existing operators: Budget 2+ months for packaging approval timelines. For new entrants: Microbusiness pathway requires documented social equity eligibility. For technology vendors: METRC integration is mandatory – demonstrate compliance capabilities at the expo.
Disclaimer: Cannabis regulations change frequently. Verify all requirements with the Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation at cannabis.mo.gov before making business decisions.
Operational Challenges Facing Missouri Cannabis Operators
Cannabis businesses operating in Missouri encounter unique operational complexities that require significant planning and system adaptation. Conference attendees frequently discuss these common challenges:
-
METRC Compliance Complexity
Managing real-time RFID tagging, 24-hour discrepancy reporting, and mandatory monthly physical inventory reconciliation across all operations
-
Packaging Approval Delays
Navigating the 2-month DHSS packaging pre-approval timeline with risk of retroactive denial for compliance violations
-
Microbusiness Restrictions
Operating within the 250-flowering-plant cap and microbusiness-only sales restrictions while maintaining profitability
-
State Reference Lab Inspections
Preparing for unannounced facility inspections and independent potency verification under the new $3.8M testing initiative
What to Prepare Before CannaCon Midwest
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 Missouri cannabis license (if applicable)
- METRC system administrator certification
- Business plan or pitch deck for partnership discussions
- Compliance audit results or self-assessment
- Product samples with compliant packaging (licensees only)
- DCR documentation demonstrating compliance capabilities
❓ Questions to Ask Vendors
- How does your solution integrate with Missouri’s METRC?
- What experience with Missouri packaging pre-approval process?
- Can you demonstrate state reference lab compliance?
- How do you handle microbusiness-only sales restrictions?
- What’s your customer support availability in Central Time?
- What’s your implementation timeline for new facilities?
📊 What to Compare
- Seed-to-sale systems with Missouri METRC integration
- Cultivation platforms for 250-plant microbusiness limits
- POS systems supporting combined medical/adult-use sales
- LIMS meeting ISO/IEC 17025 requirements
- Security systems compliant with 19 CSR 100-1.090
- ERP solutions for vertical integration management
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from cannabis professionals planning to attend CannaCon Midwest St. Louis 2026.
Is CannaCon Midwest open to the public or industry-only?
CannaCon events typically offer both industry and general admission passes. Industry passes provide full access to educational sessions and the exhibit floor, while general admission may have restrictions on certain sessions. Check the official CannaCon website for 2026 ticket categories and pricing.
What makes Missouri’s cannabis market different from neighboring states?
Missouri’s license caps have maintained strong wholesale prices (~$2,000/lb) while preventing oversupply. The combined medical/adult-use license structure simplifies operations. Missouri’s constitutional amendment also includes interstate commerce protections if federal law changes.
Can I consume cannabis at the event or nearby?
Cannabis consumption is not permitted at America’s Center or most St. Louis venues. The Cola Lounge, Missouri’s first cannabis consumption lounge in the St. Louis area, offers licensed on-site consumption. Always verify current local regulations before consuming.
How do I apply for a Missouri cannabis license?
Comprehensive cultivation, manufacturing, and dispensary licenses are not currently available. The microbusiness license remains the only pathway for new market entry. Eligibility requires meeting social equity criteria. Applications are processed through the DCR at health.mo.gov/safety/cannabis/.
What hotel should I book for the event?
The Marriott St. Louis Grand connects directly to America’s Center via skybridge, making it ideal for attendees. Book early as August coincides with Cardinals baseball and university move-in periods, increasing hotel demand throughout downtown St. Louis.
Are there other Missouri cannabis events I should consider?
CannaCon typically hosts events in multiple Midwest cities. The Missouri Cannabis Trade Association (MoCannTrade) hosts industry events throughout the year. NECANN and other regional conferences may include Missouri-focused programming.
Software Solutions for USA Compliance
Cannabis operations in Missouri increasingly rely on seed-to-sale platforms capable of integrating with METRC and managing the state’s unique compliance requirements. These systems help operators maintain audit-ready records, manage the 5-year record retention requirement, and prepare for unannounced state reference lab inspections.
Attendees at CannaCon Midwest often evaluate technology solutions that can streamline METRC reporting, automate inventory reconciliation, and support both microbusiness and comprehensive license operations within Missouri’s regulatory framework.
Ready to Simplify Your Cannabis Compliance?
See how cannabis facilities in Missouri use GrowerIQ to manage METRC compliance, seed-to-sale traceability, and regulatory reporting.
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.