MJ Unpacked New York Unveils the Vibrant Pulse of the Thriving Northeastern Cannabis Industry

The importance of cannabis conferences has grown increasingly clear as recreational dispensaries continue to open their doors in New York and New Jersey. Among these industry gatherings, MJ Unpacked stands out as a multi-city event that brings together attendees and exhibitors from various sectors of the cannabis industry. Held at the prestigious Hilton Midtown, MJ Unpacked New York was an exciting and opportunity-filled event. Publicists, accountants, lawyers, point-of-sale providers, cultivation experts, and an array of product brands converged, weaving together the vibrant tapestry of this flourishing industry.

Setting the Scene

The smoking section outside seemed to have a magnetic pull, drawing participants out for a moment of fresh air and fresh herb. These interludes, surrounded by the city’s skyline, were an embodiment of the camaraderie and relaxation that permeated the event. The Hilton Midtown, known for its elegance and grandeur, served as a fitting backdrop, shedding the remnants of the stigmatized past and embracing the industry’s growth and transformation.

Within the conference halls, an electric anticipation fueled engaging conversations and invaluable connections. License holders, on the verge of realizing their retail dreams, exchanged ideas with eager applicants awaiting full approval. The event served as a melting pot of business acumen, creative innovation, and an unwavering passion for the potential of this evolving market.

Brand Experience Hall

MJ Unpacked New York showcased a diverse range of brands, each contributing their unique offerings to elevate the cannabis experience. Among the standout brands, three left a lasting impression: Union Square Travel Agency, Cilicon, and Jenny’s Baked At Home.

Union Square Travel Agency, a recently opened dispensary in NYC, was present at the event. After meeting them, I visited their retail location, and the entire experience was great. They stood out with a seamless check-in process and interactive features like how visitors could order directly from a user-friendly touchscreen while the knowledgeable and friendly budtenders provided personalized guidance. The physical space had great vibes, accentuated by captivating decor that enhanced the overall ambiance.

Cilicon is a vape hardware manufacturer that specializes in collaborating with brands to create customized vapes. With a strong focus on innovation and quality, they work closely with their partners to design and develop vapes that align with the brand’s vision and meet their unique specifications. By leveraging their expertise and state-of-the-art technology, Cilicon creates tailored vaping solutions that elevate the branding and product experience for their partner brands. Their collaborative approach ensures that each vape is crafted with precision, delivering exceptional quality and performance.

Jenny’s Baked At Home brought a delectable twist to the event with their super delicious vegan-infused gummies. These tasty treats delighted attendees with their unique flavors and infused goodness, showcasing Jenny’s Baked At Home’s dedication to crafting quality edibles. The founder, Jenny Argie, found cannabis during a tough journey through breast cancer which led to her making her own infused edibles. With health, family, and happiness as the core drivers of her business, Jenny has differentiated her edibles from the saturated market.

Besides the great booths to visit and all the wonderful attendees to network with, MJ Unpacked had a programming line-up that was filling seats.

Knowledge Sharing

The stage and programming were lined up with different formats to instill knowledge and insight gained by the trailblazers. Breakout Sessions and Ask Me Anything Roundtables drew considerable crowds eager to learn and network to grow their business.

Rachelle Gordon, Editor at GreenState, led a well-attended session titled “Starting a Cannabis Business as a Female.” Joined by industry powerhouses Jenny Argie, owner of Jenny’s Baked at Home, Helen Gomez Andrews of The High End Cannabis Co., and Leah Samura, CEO of YAMBA BOUTIQUE, the panel emphasized the importance of thoroughly vetting partners and prospective investors. Their enlightening discussion resonated with the audience, empowering aspiring female entrepreneurs and shining a light on the path to success in the industry.

For the Culture

No conference is complete without an afterparty on one of the nights. Produced by Farechild Events, the Media Mixtape Party Vol. 1 brought out an epic crowd for a premium party experience. Farechild is led by David Tran, the founder of DOPE Media, acquired by High Times in 2018

and co-founder of Cowgirls in Seattle, so he is no stranger to a good time. The event closed out with a women-focused Blunt Brunch meetup and networking to round out the conference with an uplifting and social finale.

MJ Unpacked New York embodied the dynamic spirit of the thriving cannabis industry. Attendees, exhibitors, and industry pioneers united in a collective pursuit of progress and innovation. This event not only celebrated the recent strides in cannabis legalization but also served as a launchpad for new ventures, fruitful connections, and a shared vision of a vibrant future. As the cannabis market continues to evolve, conferences like MJ Unpacked offer an invaluable platform to forge relationships, exchange insights, and shape. MJ Unpacked is coming to Detroit on October 10-12, 2023.