It’s no secret that the cannabis industry has had one challenging year – hardships in areas like debt, operations, compliance, and censorship kept professionals and businesses on their toes. But at the end of every busy Q4, MJBiz Con hosts the biggest industry business conference & tradeshow in the heart of Sin City.
This year’s cannabis business convention not only reflected the resilience and strength of cannabis businesses and leaders, but showcased the colorful diversity of the industry through curated events, activations, and activities. Here’s 5 key takeaways from Vegas Cannabis Week 2024.
1. The Details are in the Panel Discussions
Kicking off the start of a long and exciting Vegas Cannabis Week, on Tuesday the convention center halls hosted MJBiz Pre-Show Forums & panels from the reMind Psychedelics Business Forum. These pre-show forums were an incredible resource for exploring your curiosities and connecting with like-minded professionals. Conversations like those around AI Automation in Marketing and the Science Behind Microdosing Mushrooms were hosted by keynote speakers with impressive backgrounds in the industry.
In the panel, Women Making a Global Impact in Cannabis & Opportunities Ahead, panelists Melanie Wentzel (Cannabis Queens), Ruth Jazmin Aguiar (The Working Group), and Jamie Pearson (New Holland Group, Inc.) discussed the global cannabis industry trends they’re seeing from around the world. For instance – since Germany legalized cannabis earlier this year, the country has been exploring how alternative cannabinoids can assist with medical conditions such as weight loss and sleep improvement.
Hosted by Bill Levers, the How to Engage Your Cannabis Audience About Psychedelics panel included Lisa Gora (Epstein Becker & Green PC), April Pride (SetSet), and Keyaira Lock (Spice & Sage). The group discussed ways to integrate psychedelics into your cannabis brand or business.
Whether it was a Pre-Show Forum on Tuesday or one of the many conferences or panels scheduled throughout the week, the panel discussions were the place to be for anyone seeking inspiration, insight, education, and predictions for the industry in the year ahead.
2. Continuing Conversations at Planet 13
During this week of cannabis industry events in Las Vegas, Beard Bros Media was proud to team up with the Good Life Gang and Planet 13 to extend even more insightful panel discussions, networking, and cannabis conversations. From the smokeability and science of flower to understanding the Endocannabinoid System & Sports or the Impact of Cannabis Tourism – professionals and enthusiasts from all over the industry came together at Planet 13 to brainstorm and chat about the many facets of the plant.
The Smokin’ Science Live Panel at Planet 13 was an epic educational discussion – in mini-segmented panels, guests learned about the most interesting and important science behind the cannabis plant. This was led by Dr. Riley Kirk & Miyabe Shields of The Applied Network of Pharmacognosy.
No matter when and where – there was an innovative conversation to jump into at Planet 13. The only difference between these Planet 13 panel discussions versus the ones at the Las Vegas Convention Center was the more intimate, recorded setting and the Dazed! Consumption Lounge to enjoy right next door.
3. An Expansive Expo & Show Floor
Within the Las Vegas Convention Center halls, the 13th Annual MJBiz Con brought out its biggest cannabis tradeshow elements yet! The expansive exhibitor list included hundreds of brands and companies you’ll find on the Exhibit Floor, plus activations and booths throughout the convention halls for more networking and conversations.
The Vault was a section of the marketplace on the Exhibit Floor that showcased seed banks and top genetics from around the world. Mini educational conversations and discussions were led by the legendary Mario Guzman, creator of the cannabis genetics Gelato and Sunset Sherbert.
All consumption and outside hangs were done at The Patio – including food trucks, live DJ sets, and picnic tables to roll up, light up, and chat with others. Multi-state social impact brands, such as 40 Tons & Equity Trade Network, The 1937 Group, and Plants Over Pills were grouped on the show floor to promote their impact and involvement in the cannabis community. This is what MJBiz called Equity Row – but if you were to ask most legacy leaders, I’m sure a more fitting, genuine name could’ve been created.
4. Adjacent Activities & Networking Events Offer More Genuine Connections
Aside from the many elements and happenings at the Las Vegas Convention Center, there were plenty of networking events and meet-ups outside the conference halls.
- On Wednesday morning, WaxNax, Puf Creativ, Polar Gold Extracts & Joint Venture Co. held the 2nd Annual Golden Paddle Showdown. Guests and contestants got to pair up and play their hand at Pickle Ball, teaming up with co-workers and colleagues for an exciting morning of friendly competition.
- Hosted by FlowerHire, The Smoke & Magic After Party on Tuesday night intersected the magic of Vegas with the powerful influence of the cannabis plant. Guests enjoyed entertainment, refreshments, and munchies.
- Typically hosting a luncheon networking event on the first day of the busy MJBiz week, Blunt Brunch elevated their event to a new level this year. The Blunt Brunch Nationals: A Night of Glitz & Glamour was held at the IPEC and included various brand activations and activities. A 360° photo booth, terpene-infused mocktails, and hors d’oeuvres were enjoyed while guests danced and sparkled in sequined attire!
- The Joint Venture, Wax Nax, and Puf Creativ team also hosted the Purify: Breath and Sound Healing Brunch at NuWu Sky High Lounge & Dispensary. The event included a guided exercise in transformative breathwork, soothing sound healing, and nourishing food. It was the most unique and rejuvenating way to connect and enjoy the final day of the busy MJBiz week.
5. Planet 13 Party with Good Life Gang & Beard Bros: Not Your Average After-Party
During such a busy and exciting Vegas Cannabis Week, one major takeaway is that Beard Bros and Good Life Gang know how to throw a fantastic party! Sponsored by CCELL, the All-In-One Party at Planet 13 boasted Good Hash, Good Food, and Good People. DJ Nikka T spun some hot tunes and guests roamed back and forth between the outdoor patio with food trucks and inside the dispensary’s consumption lounge.
The Dazed! Consumption Lounge gave a unique cannabis speakeasy feel – with no bold enter sign in sight, the entrance to the lounge was a vintage red phone booth. One push on the top right-hand corner of the wall, and you’ve entered what feels like the ultimate stoner sanctuary.
Grav bongs were strategically hung from the ceiling to make a highly unique “bongelier”, while vibrant art decorated the walls and cozy booths and chairs were centered around the room for social smoke sessions.
As my group and I made ourselves comfortable, a budtender came up to greet us with an entire smoke session setup – including a jar of concentrate, a couple of pre-rolls, a lighter, an ashtray, a Puffco, and even Q-tips and isopropyl alcohol. I was in awe of all the neon signs shining brightly through thick clouds of smoke – that’s when our budtender noted he’d never seen this room so smokey. I guess that’s what to expect when you bring hundreds of industry players and enthusiasts to a party by Beard Bros and Good Life Gang!
When it comes to an industry networking week as extravagant and vibrant as Vegas Cannabis Week 2024, it’s important to remember we can’t be everywhere, all at once. The amount of after parties and networking events presented this year, followed by the level of activities and activations experienced, greatly reflects the state of the industry and market today (despite the hardships and challenges we’ve faced this year).
This weed week in Vegas brought tons of variety, tons of character, and just like shopping for quality products at a dispensary – if you make the right choice, you’ll emerge yourself with exceptional people and an unforgettable experience.
Thank you to all of our incredible sponsors, media partners, and brands that helped support Beard Bros Media at this year’s Vegas Cannabis Week! Stay updated with Beard Bros to learn about exciting events happening in 2025!
Isabella DeChard is a writer & Certified Ganjier on a mission to advocate, educate, and elevate the power of the plant – to the cannabis community and its consumers alike. She offers creative content and writing that ignites the celebration and diversity of cannabis and everything it offers.
She is a proud digital marketer, writer, stoner, and creative artist under @btchyhippie.
You can find Isabella on her website here.
