Vermont Cannabis Convention Returns to Burlington in 2026
The 7th Annual Vermont Cannabis Convention is set to take place May 8‑9, 2026 at the Doubletree by Hilton in Burlington. After several years at a different venue, organizers chose the downtown hotel to better align with the state’s short outdoor growing season and to give attendees easier access to both exhibitors and networking opportunities.
Organizer Eli Harrington explained that the timing of early May coincides with when home growers and industry professionals across New England begin planning their genetics, nutrient schedules, and harvest strategies. “The previous venue was a great partner, but the Doubletree offers the space and convenience we need for a convention that truly reflects Vermont’s emerging cannabis community,” Harrington said.
New Display Protocol for Licensed Businesses
For the first time, the Vermont Cannabis Control Board has issued an official event display protocol that allows licensed cultivators, processors, and retailers to showcase flower and finished products on the convention floor. Harrington noted that while it may seem obvious to have cannabis at a cannabis conference, navigating state regulations to permit on‑site display required careful coordination with regulators. The protocol aims to balance public safety with the industry’s desire to demonstrate product quality directly to consumers.
Attendees will be able to see, smell, and evaluate a variety of Vermont‑grown cultivars, gaining firsthand insight into terpene profiles, potency, and cultivation practices that differ from indoor‑only operations.
Educational Programming and Keynote Speaker
All tickets include free access to the speaker series and exhibition hall. This year’s keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Riley Kirk, Ph.D., a cannabis researcher, author, and professor known for her work on cannabinoid pharmacology and sustainable cultivation methods. Dr. Kirk’s presentation will cover recent findings on the entourage effect and how Vermont’s unique climate influences plant chemistry.
Additional panels will address topics relevant to a broad audience:
- Advanced cultivation techniques for outdoor and greenhouse settings
- Hash and concentrate production: solvents, rosin, and safety standards
- Professional cannabis judging: criteria, scoring, and sensory training
- Medical patient pathways: dosing, product selection, and legal considerations
These sessions are designed to serve curious consumers, homegrowers, medical patients, and industry professionals alike, offering hands‑on demonstrations, Q&A segments, and opportunities to speak directly with leading experts.
Community Focus and Accessibility
Harrington emphasized that the convention remains rooted in Vermont’s values of high quality and small‑scale production. “You can still purchase a modestly priced ticket, walk the exhibit hall, and have a face‑to‑face conversation with a grower or product developer,” he said. The event aims to mirror the broader Vermont cannabis community, where boutique operations coexist with rigorous testing and compliance standards.
The convention schedule is as follows:
- Friday, May 8: 2:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday, May 9: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Weekend passes and single‑day tickets are available now through the official website necann.com/vermont or at the door. Full weekend passes provide access to all sessions, exhibits, and networking events.
About the Vermont Cannabis Convention
Presented by Higher Elevation, the Vermont Cannabis Convention is the state’s premier gathering for businesses, consumers, and advocates. The event showcases products, services, and educational programming that span cultivation techniques, legal frameworks, medical applications, and responsible consumption. It serves as a key platform for networking, professional development, and community building within Vermont’s growing cannabis sector.
Additional support for the 2026 edition comes from Vermont Federal Credit Union, White River GrowPro, CannaPlanners, Ledyard Bank, Highly Rooted, Magic Mann, Somewhere on the Mountain, and Seven Days.
For More Information
Visit necann.com/vermont for complete event details, ticketing options, and exhibitor listings. Questions about sponsorship or exhibiting can be directed to Eli Harrington at eli@necann.com.
Source: Here
