Americans are wired for risk. Our ancestors boarded ships with no Yelp reviews and no Google Maps—just instinct. They landed on the East Coast. Then some said, “Let’s do it again,” and pushed west—through deserts, droughts, and dysentery. That mindset still defines us.
It also defines cannabis. The entire U.S. market emerged from the gray—underground economies, inconsistent enforcement, and communities forced to innovate without support. But it was the West Coast—places like California, Washington, and Colorado—that helped formalize the chaos into the first legal, regulated models. The East Coast watched, learned, and is now entering the arena with sharper playbooks, tighter regulation, and a growing sense of purpose.
I grew up in New Jersey during the legacy era. I’ve spent the last nine years embedded in California’s market—from the heights of innovation to the current state of affairs that leaves a lot to be desired. Coming back to MJ Unpacked in Atlantic City felt like watching the next wave of operators take the field with a little more discipline, and a lot more to prove.
The dominant theme? Refinement. For many, the East Coast represents a rare second act—one where they can get it right. Retailers and brands alike are thinking long-term: fewer vanity metrics, more measured growth. And the talent is eclectic. I met passionate plant medicine advocates, former liquor and grocery pros, CPG veterans, and convenience store owners—all aligned on building something durable on the East Coast.
Each state brings its own challenges, power dynamics, and policy quirks. But across the board, people are focused on sustainability—of business models, of communities, and of careers.
Hoodie Analytics as the main data partner, provided the State of the Market Data. Their national foodprint and broad market analysis helped ground the week’s conversations in reality. MJ Unpacked showed that East Coast cannabis isn’t here to mimic—it’s here to evolve.
About MJ Unpacked
MJ Unpacked is a cannabis industry event designed exclusively for licensed THC retail and brand executives, accredited investors, and scientists. Established in 2021 by Jage Media, the event has rapidly become a cornerstone for cannabis professionals seeking meaningful connections, capital access, and strategic growth opportunities.
Unlike traditional expos, MJ Unpacked offers a curated environment where every attendee is a decision-maker, ensuring high-impact networking and deal-making. The event features The Experience Hall, showcasing innovative products and services, and hosts dynamic conference sessions led by industry leaders, covering topics from consumer trends to scientific advancements.
Notable additions in recent editions include on-the-floor brand pitches and the introduction of a Budtender Pass, allowing frontline retail staff to engage directly with brands and products.
Attendees consistently praise MJ Unpacked for its focused approach and tangible outcomes. Corinne Butler, SVP of Growth at Azuca, describes it as “meticulously curated premium networking at its finest,” while private investor Brian Kingsley notes, “Out of all the conferences I go to, this is the one where I actually get deals done”
With an upcoming event scheduled for September 3–5, 2025, in St. Louis, MO, MJ Unpacked continues to provide opportunities for industry leaders to connect, learn, and grow. For more information, visit mjunpacked.com.
Chris is a cannabis data strategist who blends sharp market insight with decades of experience in sales and storytelling to help brands grow smarter.
After cutting his teeth in financial services, he moved from the East Coast to Los Angeles and pivoted into legal cannabis —selling emerging brands into dispensaries while consulting for a global innovation agency.
Over the past six years, Chris has helped shape how cannabis operators use data—first at BDSA, now at Hoodie Analytics—translating complex information into real-world growth. In 2024, he joined the Beard Bros Media team.
Check out our article from MJ Unpacked Atlantic City 2024 here.
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