Top Maryland & Washington D.C. Cannabis Events to Attend in 2026

The cannabis market across Maryland and D.C. continues to gain momentum in 2026. Following Maryland’s successful adult-use launch and more than $1 billion in annual cannabis sales, the region has become an increasingly important hub for operators, investors, policymakers, and cannabis professionals. As the market evolves, the local event calendar reflects both the growth of the industry and the broader conversations shaping its future.

From large B2B conventions and specialized compliance conferences to consumer festivals and federal policy gatherings in the nation’s capital, these events offer valuable opportunities to learn, connect, and stay ahead of industry trends. Whether you’re a licensed operator, an aspiring entrepreneur, or a service provider supporting cannabis businesses, attending the region’s top events can help you build relationships and navigate a rapidly changing market.

Below are the top cannabis events in Maryland and Washington, D.C. to add to your 2026 calendar.

‍

‍

NECANN Maryland Cannabis Convention

One of the largest B2B cannabis conferences on the East Coast, the NECANN Maryland Cannabis Convention brings together licensed operators, aspiring entrepreneurs, ancillary service providers, regulators, and industry investors for two days of networking, education, and exhibition. 

Maryland recently surpassed $1.1 billion in annual cannabis sales, solidifying its position as one of the fastest-growing adult-use markets in the region. As the industry continues to scale, NECANN’s Maryland event offers timely insights into licensing, compliance, retail strategy, cultivation operations, and market expansion. With panels led by experts, a packed expo floor, and high-value networking opportunities, it’s a key stop for anyone looking to grow their footprint in Maryland’s competitive cannabis landscape. 

‍

Location: Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD

Dates: TBD

Price: TBD

‍

MCA Advisory Board on Medical and Adult-Use Cannabis Meeting

The virtual MCA Advisory Board on Medical and Adult-Use Cannabis Meeting, hosted by the Maryland Cannabis Administration, focuses on medical and adult-use cannabis policy, regulatory updates, and industry oversight. The Advisory Board reviews program developments, discusses proposed rule changes, and provides guidance on implementation efforts across the state. For operators, license holders, and ancillary partners in Maryland, these monthly meetings are essential to stay informed on compliance changes and upcoming regulatory shifts. They also provide transparency into how the state’s cannabis framework continues to evolve, which makes them especially valuable for business planning, expansion, or navigating new requirements.

‍

Location: Virtual

Dates: 3rd week of every month

Price: Free

‍

‍

Grim Reefer Fest 2026

‍
Grim Reefer Fest is an annual cannabis culture festival that brings together Maryland’s cannabis community for a day of live music, vendors, advocacy, education, and entertainment. The event blends cannabis culture with art, food, and grassroots activism, creating an energetic and community-driven atmosphere.

Unlike strictly B2B conferences, Grim Reefer Fest is rooted in community engagement and culture. It offers brands and operators a chance to connect directly with consumers in a relaxed, festival-style environment, while attendees can discover local vendors, advocacy groups, and emerging cannabis businesses. For companies looking to build brand awareness and community relationships in Maryland’s growing adult-use market, this event provides a more lifestyle-focused opportunity to show up and stand out.

‍

Location: The Legendary Ottobar, Baltimore, MD

Dates: April 18, 2026

Price: Tickets are $48.91. Purchase them here.

‍

NCIA’s 14th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days & National Stakeholder Summit

Hosted by the National Cannabis Industry Association, Lobby Days & the National Stakeholder Summit is one of the cannabis industry’s most important advocacy events. It includes a discussion of federal policy priorities and provides the opportunity to engage directly with lawmakers. 

This event gives cannabis professionals a rare opportunity to participate directly in the legislative process. Attendees take part in policy briefings, stakeholder discussions, and organized meetings with members of Congress to advocate for federal cannabis reform. For operators and industry leaders who want to stay informed on national policy developments while helping shape the future of cannabis legislation, NCIA’s Lobby Days provides a powerful platform to make their voices heard. 

‍

Location: Washington, D.C.

Dates: May 12-14, 2026

Price: Registration is required to attend. Lobby Days participation is available to NCIA members for $100 if registered by May 11, 2026, and members may also receive complimentary tickets to the National Stakeholder Summit, depending on their membership tier. For non-members, Summit tickets are $100 when purchased in advance and $150 on the day of the event. The Lobby Days portion of the event is exclusively open to current NCIA members. 
‍

‍

National Cannabis Festival

The National Cannabis Festival is one of the largest cannabis culture and advocacy events in the United States. Held annually in Washington, D.C., the festival brings together cannabis enthusiasts, advocates, policymakers, brands, and artists for a full day of education, live entertainment, and community engagement. 

The festival combines live music performances, brand activations, education programming, and policy discussions, making it a unique event that blends cannabis culture with advocacy and industry awareness. Attendees can explore exhibitor booths, learn from experts during panel discussions, and connect with organizations working to advance cannabis reform. For cannabis businesses and professionals in the Mid-Atlantic region, it’s also a valuable opportunity to engage with a large and passionate consumer audience.

‍

Location: RFK Festival Grounds, Washington, D.C.

Dates: TBD

Price: TBD

‍

‍

PBC Conference

The PBC Conference is a specialized event focused on cannabis banking, payments, and financial compliance. Access to reliable banking and payment solutions remains one of the biggest hurdles for cannabis businesses. The PBC Conference creates a space for open dialogue between operators and financial service providers, with sessions covering compliance, risk management, payment technology, and the evolving regulatory landscape. For companies looking to build relationships with cannabis-friendly banks and fintech partners, this event offers valuable insights and networking opportunities.

‍

Location: Capitol Hilton, Washington, D.C.

Dates: September 9-10, 2026

Price: Tickets are priced at $996.40. More information for exhibitors, retailers, and budtenders can be found here.

‍

‍

Cannabis Capital & Policy Summit

The Cannabis Capital & Policy Summit is a one-day executive gathering focused on federal cannabis policy, investment, and industry strategy. Hosted by IgniteIt, the event will have cannabis operators, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders discussing the regulatory and financial forces shaping the future of the cannabis industry. 

Designed as an intimate, high-level event, the summit focuses on strategic networking and policy-driven discussion. Attendees can hear from leading executives and industry experts on topics such as federal rescheduling, capital markets, and the evolving regulatory landscape. The single-day format event offers a concentrated opportunity to build relationships, gain insights from top operators, and better understand how federal policy developments may impact cannabis businesses across the U.S.

‍

Location: Grand Hyatt Washington, Washington, D.C.

Dates: November 18, 2026

Price: Registration is required.

‍

‍

Conclusion 

Maryland and D.C.’s cannabis industry is entering another pivotal year in 2026. With continued sales growth, evolving regulations, and increasing consumer demand, staying connected to the broader ecosystem is more important than ever. From high-level industry conferences and monthly regulatory meetings to community-centered festivals, each event offers a different opportunity to learn, network, and strengthen your position in the market. 

Whether your focus is compliance, expansion, brand building, or community engagement, showing up in person and participating in these events can give your business a meaningful edge. And as you scale, having the right operational systems in place matters just as much as the connections you make.

If you’re looking to simplify workforce management, stay labor compliant, and streamline payroll in Maryland’s evolving cannabis landscape, KayaPush can help. Book a demo to see how our scheduling, time tracking, and HR tools are built specifically for cannabis operators.

‍