The first day of MJBizCon provided inspiring insights from some of the industry’s most prominent participants. The event features 250,000 square feet of exhibit space, more than 1,000 exhibitors, more than 80 speakers, and ample networking and learning opportunities.

Unlike past years, MJBizCon 2021 offers live and digital components. Digital attendees can view selected meetings remotely or on demand.

Wednesday’s content begins with a presentation on the state of the industry MJBizDaily CEO Chris Walsh.

Before diving into predicting the future of the cannabis space, he talks about the many challenges and difficulties affecting the world in 2020.

MJBizDaily Retail sales are expected to double in the next few years. National brands are also taking off and will play an increasingly important role in the market.

Walsh also briefly explored Canada’s growing cannabis market, noting that cannabis is becoming part of the country’s culture and way of life.

MJBizCon Kickoff 2021

Next, a live panel titled “General Session: MJBizCon KickOff 2021” was offered to digital participants. The conference features cannabis industry advisor and advisor Andrew DeAngelo, SimplyPure founder and CEO Wanda James, Curaleaf CEO Joe Bayern, Swami Select co-founder Swami Chaitanya, Ayr Wellness co-COO Jennifer Drake and Happy Munkey LLC co-founder People Vladimir Bautista.

The conference provided many strong conclusions, such as Swami’s view that 600,000 people are still arrested globally for cannabis every year.

The group often talks about the importance of black and brown communities in building legal markets, and how these traditional growers and sellers are still being punished and expelled from legal marijuana communities.

The shadow economy that helps countless low-income earners support their families is now legal in 38 states, and these early players remain locked out of the legal market due to poor public policy.

There were fewer women and minority-owned cannabis businesses in 2020 compared to the previous year, James added. Investments in women and minority-owned businesses also declined in 2020 compared to previous years.

Bayern pointed to the need for cooperation between the corporate cannabis market and small retailers. He highlighted the role big companies play in developing infrastructure that can ultimately benefit startups.

Drake also pointed out that the industry cannot develop in a fair way without changing public policy. She suggested changes such as allowing felons to enter the industry, making the application process more accessible to low-income individuals, and changing the application language to make it easier to understand.

For the industry to be something people can be proud of within a decade, Bautista noted, policymakers need to create more entry points for black and brown people.

celebrity party

Cannabis and Technology Today Meet and greet with MC and NCP co-founder Redman at the Expo grounds to celebrate the first day of the conference.

His presence marked the start of the Golden Ticket giveaway, sponsored in part by Fluence, offering participants the chance to win up to $15,000. click here Check out the prizes and sign up to win.

Technology and data take center stage

Data and technology are the focus of day one. In a session titled “Unicorn Yield: Raising the Bar by Which Cannabis Can Be Produced,” panelists discussed the importance of data in driving quality crops. LEDs in particular are driving progress.

In the ensuing session, “Making Your Cannabis Smarter: How Data and Technology Are Fundamental to the Cannabis Industry,” panelists focused on data collection and its role in industry transparency.

The second day promises more content, networks and celebrity appearances.

Keep an eye out for actor and comedian Jason Gunn.He will sign a copy of the fall issue Cannabis and Technology Today October 21st at noon PT at booth #C3260.

Whether you’re attending with a mask, in person, or virtually in a less crowded, comfortable space, Day 2 is sure to bring something for everyone.