It’s hard to believe that just five years ago, the first Marijuana Business Conference attracted 350 attendees. This year’s blockbuster event, at the sold-out Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, boasted almost double last year’s numbers, with over 10,000 industry members (7,500 were expected), including a slew of new exhibitors. Penn Jillette did not have to travel far (Penn & Teller perform at The Rio) to deliver his keynote speech on the conference’s opening day. The mood in the exhibit halls just a week after the election was elevated, as was at least one of the retailing panelists, Wanda L. James, CEO of Simply Pure Dispensary, who debated in favor of on-the-job medical consumption. (Other retail debate topics included Going Big Vs. Staying Small and Should Dispensaries Cater to Rec Users?) The networking rolled easily into the evening and beyond at events like the Bhang Bash, celebrating Bhang’s new joint venture with Cypress Hill. Enjoy our pics from the exhibit hall, below.
(Photos by Hew Burney)
