MJBizCon 2025 Highlights: Cannabis Industry Braces for Potential Regulatory Shifts
MJBizCon 2025 highlighted the cannabis industry's anticipation of regulatory shifts under President Trump's administration, while experts urged adaptability amidst evolving consumer preferences and marketing challenges
Key Points
- 1MJBizCon 2025 focused on potential regulatory shifts in the cannabis industry
- 2President Trump's administration is viewed as cannabis-friendly, with support for legalization
- 3Experts emphasize the need for adaptability in business strategies
- 4Diverse consumer preferences require tailored retail approaches
- 5Cannabis flower remains the leading product, highlighting cultivation importance
The cannabis industry is on the brink of significant changes, as highlighted at the recent MJBizCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Attendees discussed the potential impact of President Donald Trump's ongoing consideration of marijuana rescheduling, following his recent signing of a ban on hemp THC. This development marks a pivotal moment for the industry, which has long anticipated regulatory shifts that could redefine its landscape
Despite the political backdrop, industry leaders remain optimistic about the Trump administration's stance on cannabis. Notably, the president's support for adult-use legalization in Florida and his public endorsements of CBD have positioned his administration as one of the most cannabis-friendly in U.S. history. George Archos, CEO of Verano Holding Corp, emphasized this during a panel discussion, suggesting that cannabis rescheduling might occur before the 2026 midterm elections
However, industry experts caution against relying solely on potential regulatory changes. Riana Durrett, director of the Cannabis Policy Institute at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, advised businesses to prepare for both rapid changes and prolonged stability. She emphasized the importance of adaptability, noting that successful operators will be those ready to pivot quickly in response to evolving conditions
The diverse nature of cannabis consumers was another focal point at MJBizCon. Kris Walker of Hoodie Analytics highlighted the varying preferences across demographics, stressing that a one-size-fits-all approach is ineffective. With pre-rolls gaining popularity among older consumers and Gen Z driving sales growth with a focus on price, retailers must tailor their strategies to meet these distinct needs
Cannabis marketing faces unique challenges due to restrictive advertising laws, prompting the need for innovative strategies. Tiana Woodruff of Queen Mary and Annie Starr Davis of Growing Impact discussed leveraging platforms like Spotify and Leafly for targeted campaigns. The emphasis is on building first-party data to better understand consumer behavior and optimize marketing efforts
Despite interest in new product categories, cannabis flower remains the most popular product, underscoring the importance of cultivation expertise. Eden Williams of Vertical People Dispensary stressed the need for operators to understand their genetics and cultivation processes. This knowledge is crucial for scaling operations and ensuring product quality, which remains a cornerstone of industry success