AGENDA

In cannabis, your location isn’t just where you grow or sell—it’s the key to securing better financing, lower interest rates, and long-term success. Prime real estate in the right market can mean quicker loan approvals, friendlier terms, and access to better capital. So, what makes a cannabis location attractive to lenders and investors? How can operators position themselves for financial success through real estate strategy? This panel will break down how top operators, real estate experts, and financiers are securing and funding the best cannabis properties before the competition does.

As traditional tobacco use declines, big tobacco is aggressively investing in emerging categories—from cannabis and nicotine pouches to smokeless alternatives and functional wellness products. Where is the money flowing, and what does this mean for the future of consumption? This panel will break down key investments, strategic plays, and the crossover between tobacco, cannabis, and other high-growth categories.

With cannabis businesses facing persistent banking restrictions, high cash-handling risks, and complex compliance requirements, could crypto and blockchain offer a game-changing solution? This panel explores how digital assets can be used for treasury management, international transactions, and payroll—while blockchain’s transparent ledger system enhances regulatory compliance, seed-to-sale tracking, and financial security. Learn how emerging financial technologies are reshaping cannabis payments, risk management, and long-term sustainability.

As the cannabis industry moves beyond the Green Rush, it faces a new financial reality—slower growth, shifting investor interest, and increasing competition from established industries like tobacco, alcohol, and pharma. This panel will explore who’s still investing, how capital markets are evolving, and what financial strategies are keeping cannabis relevant in the broader global economy. 

As the cannabis industry moves beyond the Green Rush, it faces a new financial reality—slower growth, shifting investor interest, and increasing competition from established industries like tobacco, alcohol, and pharma. This panel will explore who’s still investing, how capital markets are evolving, and what financial strategies are keeping cannabis relevant in the broader global economy. 

Getting cannabis reform on the presidential agenda isn’t just about convincing—it’s about strategy, access, and timing. What does it take to ensure cannabis is a top priority for the executive branch? How is the process unfolding so far, and who’s actually moving the needle? This panel features some of the closest insiders to the White House, revealing the channels, conversations, and influence strategies shaping federal cannabis policy right now.

Every dispensary wants to carry the hottest products, but what actually drives sales and maximizes margins? Are high-end concentrates like rosin and dabs worth the shelf space, or are pre-rolls and edibles still the kings of retail? This panel dives into real sales data, regional preferences, and product mix strategies to help retailers optimize their assortment, margins, and inventory allocation for both East and West Coast markets.

Having a great product isn’t enough—your business needs the right financial leadership, tax strategy, and capital structure to succeed. But do you have the CFO, CPA, and financial expertise needed to navigate today’s volatile cannabis market?

Latinos make up 20% of the U.S. population but remain dramatically underrepresented in cannabis marketing and brand strategy. This panel explores how culturally relevant messaging, inclusive campaigns, and Latino-led storytelling can unlock real business growth—and why ignoring this demographic is no longer an option.

With cannabis markets locked within state borders, supply chain inefficiencies, delayed payments, and financing hurdles are squeezing operators. How can businesses manage cash flow, optimize distribution, and secure financing without the benefits of interstate commerce?

Germany’s recent elections have introduced new political uncertainties that could reshape the country’s cannabis industry. This panel will explore how businesses and investors can adapt to potential regulatory shifts, mitigate risks, and position themselves for success in Europe’s largest emerging market.

Selling your business can be a dream—or a disaster. From due diligence traps to post-sale earnouts, this breakout unpacks the red flags, negotiation tactics, and legal protections every operator needs to know. Whether you're looking to exit, merge, or just field offers smartly, this is your M&A reality check.

Traditional M&A is evolving—in a market with capital constraints, operators are leveraging alternative business combinations to drive growth. From roll-ups and strategic alliances to licensing deals and asset acquisitions, this panel will break down how top executives are structuring creative transactions to expand market share, optimize resources, and stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.

Cannabis isn’t just for longtime enthusiasts anymore—it’s becoming part of mainstream wellness, lifestyle, and social culture. This panel explores how influential voices from music, sports, and entertainment are helping new demographics embrace cannabis, breaking old stereotypes, and making it more accessible, accepted, and integrated into daily life.

With representation from the top five cannabis ETFs by total assets, this discussion will break down how leading funds construct their portfolios, manage risk, and position for growth in a rapidly evolving market. From rebalancing periods and U.S. vs. global exposure to plant-touching vs. ancillary plays, hear directly from Dan Ahrens and Tim Seymour as they reveal the winning formula for cannabis investors today.

With 22 new licenses issued and MSOs rapidly expanding, is Florida’s market scaling to meet real patient demand—or overbuilding for an adult-use initiative that didn’t pass? As new entrants join established giants, are growth plans sustainable under medical-only conditions, or is long-term success still dependent on recreational legalization? This panel unpacks the state of the market, how operators are adjusting their strategies, and what Florida cannabis businesses are truly building for right now.

Whether you're buying, selling, or investing, this is the legal insight you can’t afford to miss: Licensing complications can delay, devalue, or even kill cannabis M&A deals—no matter how strong the fundamentals look on paper. From hidden ownership restrictions to state-by-state transfer limitations, this panel unpacks the legal landmines that can upend transactions and offers practical strategies for navigating them before it’s too late. 

Celebrate the halfway mark of the Benzinga Cannabis Conference at the Halfway Happy Hour — sponsored by Foley & Lardner and the Cannabis Chamber of Commerce — the perfect way to unwind and reconnect after a day full of networking and connections!

Join us for an exclusive VIP Dinner at RPM Seafood, where sophistication meets exceptional dining. Enjoy a curated menu of premium seafood, signature dishes, and handcrafted cocktails in an elegant waterfront setting. This intimate experience is the perfect opportunity to network, unwind, and indulge in world-class cuisine alongside fellow VIPs.