The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference is the central industry meeting for investors, capital markets, and M&A activities in the North American cannabis industry. From May 5–7, 2026, the Marriott Marquis Chicago will host CEOs of publicly traded multi-state operators, institutional investors, fund managers, analysts, and financial advisors for three intensive conference days. Unlike traditional cannabis trade shows, the Benzinga conference is not aimed at consumers or retailers, but exclusively at the finance and investment community. The focus is on capital structures, valuations, growth strategies, and the regulatory frameworks that shape the US market.
What to expect
The program combines large-format panels with intensive one-on-one meetings. Leading entrepreneurs and investors discuss current topics on stage: How do cannabis companies raise capital in a volatile market environment? What valuation multiples are realistic? How do cross-border deals between the US and Canada work? What impact do federal laws like Safe Banking and potential rescheduling have on financing opportunities?
In addition, the conference offers a structured one-on-one meeting system: participants can book targeted individual meetings with company executives, investors, and advisors. This is particularly valuable for founders planning fundraising or for established companies seeking strategic partners or investments. The atmosphere is less of a networking party and more of a focused marketplace – conversations are goal-oriented and business-focused.
Typical participants include:
- CEOs and CFOs of publicly traded and private cannabis companies
- Venture capital and private equity funds with cannabis focus
- Institutional investors and asset managers
- Equity analysts and research firms
- Lawyers and financial advisors specializing in cannabis M&A
- International investors and entrepreneurs with ambitions in the US market
Location and travel
The conference takes place at the Marriott Marquis Chicago, a large convention hotel in downtown Chicago. The city is very easily accessible from Europe – there are several daily direct flights to Chicago (ORD or MDW) from Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin. From the airport to the hotel is about 30 minutes by taxi or ride-sharing. Chicago is in the heart of the USA and is thus a logical hub for North American business.
The Marriott Marquis offers plenty of space for conference rooms, exhibition areas, and networking spaces. Many international participants take the opportunity to stay an extra night or two to explore the city or schedule additional business meetings.
Tickets and prices
The Benzinga conference typically offers several ticket categories: full access for three days, day tickets, and often discounted early-bird prices for early registration. Exact prices and ticket options are available on the official Benzinga website. For companies that want to pitch actively or conduct one-on-one meetings, there are often special package offers. Tip: Early-bird tickets are usually 20–30 percent cheaper than tickets in the final phase.
Why this event?
The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference has established itself as the industry’s leading investment forum. Unlike larger, general cannabis trade shows such as MJBizCon, there is self-selection here: only participants seriously interested in financing, investments, or strategic deals attend. This makes the quality of conversations significantly higher.
For German and European investors, the conference is valuable for understanding how the North American cannabis industry functions from a capital markets perspective – what valuations are realistic, how fundraising works, and where opportunities for international partnerships emerge. Many European cannabis companies use the conference to meet US investors or vice versa. For lawyers and consultants, it is also an important place to meet clients and business partners.
The May 2026 edition takes place at a moment when the US cannabis industry continues to be shaped by questions about federal regulation, banking access, and rescheduling – topics that influence the entire financing landscape. If you want to understand how these factors shape investment decisions, you shouldn’t miss the panels and discussions.
