Ready to tap into New Jersey’s billion-dollar cannabis market in 2026?
The 10th annual NECANN New Jersey brings together the Northeast’s cannabis industry at the heart of the Garden State’s booming adult-use market, now exceeding $1 billion in annual sales. New Jersey’s rapid transformation since adult-use sales launched in April 2022 has created one of the most dynamic cannabis markets on the East Coast.
With 240 dispensaries now operational, cannabis consumption area endorsements launching in January 2025, and the Cannabis Regulatory Commission approving 1,641 conditional licenses, NECANN New Jersey 2026 arrives at a pivotal moment for operators positioning themselves in this densely populated market.
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New Jersey cannabis sales surpassed $1 billion in 2024, with 17% year-over-year growth continuing into early 2025.
Whether you’re seeking METRC-compliant seed-to-sale technology, evaluating standalone delivery license opportunities unique to New Jersey, or exploring the new consumption area endorsements, NECANN New Jersey brings together the decision-makers shaping the future of Garden State cannabis operations under one roof.
NECANN New Jersey 2026 at a Glance 🇺🇸
Dates September 18-19, 2026
Location Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, NJ
Expected Attendance 9,000+ professionals, 300+ exhibitors
Official Website necann.com/new-jersey-convention
Confirmed Last verified: January 2, 2026
Atlantic City
39.36°N 74.42°W Who Should Attend NECANN New Jersey
NECANN New Jersey attracts a diverse cross-section of the cannabis industry, with particular relevance for operators targeting the lucrative Northeast corridor and New Jersey’s unique licensing opportunities.
Cultivators navigating New Jersey’s tiered canopy licensing (2,500 to 150,000+ sq ft)
Processors and manufacturers seeking CRC-compliant packaging and labeling solutions
Compliance officers requiring METRC tracking and February 2025 testing guideline updates
Delivery operators exploring Class 6 standalone license opportunities unique to NJ
Cannabis investors evaluating a $1 billion+ market with 17% YoY growth
Technology vendors demonstrating POS, inventory, and security solutions
Why NECANN New Jersey Matters in 2026
New Jersey’s cannabis market has transformed dramatically since adult-use sales launched in April 2022. The industry surpassed $1 billion in combined sales in 2024, marking a nearly 25% increase from the prior year’s $800 million—a pace that outstrips most East Coast markets.
The retail footprint has exploded from 24 dispensaries in early 2023 to 240 locations by May 2025. Cannabis consumption area endorsements launched in January 2025, creating an entirely new business category. The 10th edition of NECANN New Jersey arrives as operators face critical decisions about delivery licensing, vertical integration strategies, and how to navigate a market where 63% of municipalities still prohibit cannabis businesses.
The retail footprint has exploded from 24 dispensaries in early 2023 to 240 locations by May 2025, with cumulative sales exceeding $2 billion since legalization.
NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission, 2025Planning Your NECANN New Jersey 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; Boardwalk and Marina District hotels fill quickly
- Major casino hotels along the Boardwalk offer convention-ready infrastructure
- NJ Transit’s Atlantic City Rail Line connects directly to Philadelphia
- The Jitney trolley system serves the resort area for local transit
📆 Schedule Overview
- Friday 9:00 AM: Kickstarter Brunch networking event ($39.88)
- Friday 10:00 AM – 4:20 PM: Exhibition hall and daily programming
- Friday 8:00 PM: Official After-Party at The VUE Rooftop ($199)
- Saturday: Exhibition hall, programming, and NECANN Cup Awards
✈️ Getting to Atlantic City
- Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) – 10 miles from convention center
- Philadelphia International (PHL) offers more flight options at 60 miles
- Atlantic City Expressway provides direct access from Philadelphia
- Garden State Parkway for North Jersey arrivals
🎪 If You’re Exhibiting
- Register booth staff by September 1, 2026 (mandatory deadline)
- Budget $195 for lead retrieval service per show
- NECANN does not sell exhibitor or attendee lists
- No cannabis may be displayed, sold, or consumed inside the venue
New Jersey Regulatory Context for Cannabis Operators
Key Regulatory Topics at NECANN New Jersey
- METRC Seed-to-Sale Tracking: Comprehensive tracking from seed to final sale with RFID tagging mandatory for all plants and products ($40/month support fee)
- February 2025 Testing Updates: Reduced batch sizes from 100 to 33.07 pounds, expanded cannabinoid testing (THCA, CBDA, CBG, CBGA, CBN)
- Tiered Canopy Licensing: Six cultivation tiers from microbusiness (2,500 sq ft) to Tier VI (150,000+ sq ft) with corresponding fee structures
- Municipal Opt-In Landscape: Only 207 of 565 municipalities (37%) currently allow cannabis businesses; municipal approval required before state license
Understanding New Jersey’s regulatory environment under the CREAMM Act is essential for any operator considering market entry or expansion. The Cannabis Regulatory Commission oversees both medical and adult-use programs with emphasis on social equity and comprehensive seed-to-sale traceability.
Related: Seed to Sale Software🏛️ Understanding New Jersey’s CREAMM Act
New Jersey operates under the Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act (CREAMM Act), signed by Governor Murphy in February 2021. Understanding this framework is critical for operators seeking licensing opportunities and navigating compliance requirements at NECANN New Jersey 2026.
Key Facts for NECANN New Jersey Attendees
- ✓ Six License Classes: Cultivator, Manufacturer, Wholesaler, Distributor, Retailer, and Delivery—with Class 6 delivery available as standalone operations
- ✓ $20 Million Social Equity Fund: Cannabis Seed Equity Grant Program provides $150,000 grants to qualifying social equity businesses
- ✓ 30% Diversity Goal: New Jersey targets 30% of licenses for minority, women’s, and disabled veteran-owned businesses
- ✓ Consumption Area Endorsements: New license category launched January 2025, creating cannabis cafes and lounges as new business opportunities
- ✓ Microbusiness Advantages: 50% discount on licensing fees for operations under 2,500 sq ft with maximum 10 employees
- ✓ Residency Requirement: At least one owner must be a NJ resident for two years—critical for out-of-state operators seeking local partners
- ✓ 2% Municipal Transfer Tax: Municipalities may impose up to 2% local transfer tax on sales in addition to 6.625% state sales tax
💡 Did You Know?
New Jersey is one of the few states that allows standalone delivery licenses (Class 6) separate from retail operations. This creates pathways for entrepreneurs without the capital requirements of physical dispensaries—making it a unique opportunity discussed extensively at NECANN New Jersey.
What This Means for NECANN New Jersey Attendees
The combination of standalone delivery licensing, consumption area endorsements, and social equity funding creates unique partnership opportunities. Attendees should prepare to discuss joint ventures with NJ-resident partners, municipal engagement strategies for the 63% of municipalities still opted out, 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 CRC guidance.
Operational Challenges Facing New Jersey Cannabis Operators
Cannabis businesses operating in New Jersey encounter operational complexities that require significant planning and system adaptation. Conference attendees frequently discuss these common challenges:
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Municipal Fragmentation
Navigating a landscape where only 37% of municipalities allow cannabis businesses, requiring strategic location planning and municipal relationship building
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METRC Integration Complexity
Implementing comprehensive seed-to-sale tracking with RFID tagging, 48-hour correction windows, and real-time inventory synchronization
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Expanded Testing Requirements
Adapting to February 2025 guidelines requiring expanded cannabinoid panels (THCA, CBDA, CBG, CBGA, CBN) and reduced batch sizes
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Price Compression Management
Maintaining margins amid 16% year-over-year price declines as competition intensifies across the 240-dispensary retail network
What to Prepare Before NECANN New Jersey
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 CRC license documentation or conditional license status
- METRC account credentials and recent compliance reports
- Recent lab certificates of analysis (COAs) for product discussions
- Business entity documentation for investor meetings
- Municipal approval letters or zoning applications
- Social equity certification if applicable
❓ Questions to Ask Vendors
- Does your seed-to-sale software integrate directly with METRC New Jersey?
- How does your system handle expanded cannabinoid testing requirements?
- What security camera specs meet CRC’s 30-day video retention mandate?
- Can your delivery platform support standalone Class 6 operations?
- What’s your implementation timeline for NJ compliance features?
- Do you have case studies from other New Jersey operators?
📊 What to Compare
- POS system METRC integration depth and real-time sync
- Inventory management for batch tracking and labeling compliance
- Lab testing turnaround and expanded cannabinoid panel pricing
- Security system pricing for 24/7 monitoring and cloud storage
- Delivery fleet management with route optimization
- Compliance automation reducing manual reporting burden
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from cannabis professionals planning to attend NECANN New Jersey 2026.
Is NECANN New Jersey a B2B event or open to consumers?
NECANN New Jersey is primarily a B2B trade show focused on cannabis industry professionals. However, it is open to adults 21 and older (or those accompanied by a parent/guardian). Consumer brands use the event to connect with retail buyers rather than end consumers.
What is the NECANN Cup?
The NECANN Cup is a cannabis competition held in conjunction with the convention, recognizing excellence across flower, concentrate, edible, and other product categories. Winners receive industry recognition often used for retail marketing.
Is there transportation to dispensaries during the convention?
Yes, NECANN offers the “High Rollers Dispensary Shuttle” as a complimentary service on Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM, transporting attendees to nearby licensed dispensaries.
Can out-of-state operators attend for NJ market entry?
Absolutely. While NJ’s CREAMM Act requires at least one owner to be a NJ resident for two years, many attendees come specifically to identify potential local partners, investment opportunities, or licensing consultants.
What is the refund policy for NECANN tickets?
All NECANN tickets are non-refundable. Plan accordingly and consider booking flexible travel arrangements if your schedule is uncertain.
Are there networking events beyond the exhibition floor?
Yes, NECANN offers several structured networking opportunities including the Kickstarter Brunch ($39.88), complimentary Speed Networking sessions, Blunt Bunch programming, and the official after-party at The VUE Rooftop ($199).
Software Solutions for New Jersey Compliance
Operating in New Jersey requires seed-to-sale software that handles METRC integration seamlessly while supporting the complexities of tiered cultivation licensing, standalone delivery operations, and the expanded cannabinoid testing requirements introduced in February 2025.
GrowerIQ provides native METRC integration for New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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.