The Garden State’s cannabis sector is gearing up for its premier annual showcase as the NECANN New Jersey Cannabis Convention returns to the Atlantic City Convention Center for two days of business, education, and networking on September 18–19, 2026.
Marking its sixth consecutive year of growth since launching in 2019, the sold-out exhibition hall will feature over 200 businesses showcasing the latest products and services to an expected crowd of more than 5,000 industry professionals.
This year’s convention boasts high-profile celebrity appearances, including actor, musician, and cannabis cultivator Jim Belushi on Friday promoting his Belushi’s Farm brands, alongside legendary rap artist and New Jersey native Redman debuting his new THC beverage line.
Comprehensive programming spans four tracks with over 35 expert-led sessions covering cultivation, branding, regulatory updates, energy efficiency, and social equity. Key highlights for attendees include:
- NJ NECANN Cup Awards: The state’s premier cannabis competition recognizing licensed cultivators and brands, taking place Saturday afternoon on the main exhibition stage.
- Expungement Clinic: A free on-site clinic providing resources to help New Jersey residents clear qualifying cannabis-related convictions from their records.
- The NECANN Women’s Lounge: Dedicated networking and programming sessions running throughout both days.
- “The Afters”: The official Friday evening after-party featuring live music, food, drinks, and indoor-outdoor networking starting at 7:10 p.m.
“Like all NECANN events, the New Jersey Cannabis Convention is individually designed for the host state’s cannabis market, creating the unique opportunity for local industry professionals, businesses, entrepreneurs, career and knowledge seekers, and investors to network, learn and grow,” Marc Shepard, founder and president of NECANN said.
The convention runs Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration ranges from $50 to $135, and attendees must be 21 or older.
