When Africa’s cannabis industry concentrates in one place, it’s in Johannesburg. The Cannabis Expo returns to the Sandton Convention Centre from May 29 to 31, 2026, making it the continent’s central industry gathering. Over three days, hundreds of exhibitors present their products, technologies, and services – from medical applications to agriculture to lifestyle products. For European companies, professionals, and enthusiasts, the trade fair is an important entry point into the growing African market.
What to expect
The Cannabis Expo is more than a traditional trade fair. The program combines exhibition, science, and networking on multiple levels:
- Exhibition floor: Hundreds of vendors showcase cultivation equipment, extraction systems, processing technology, medical products, and consumer goods. Here you can meet producers, distributors, and suppliers directly.
- International Cannabis Symposium: A dedicated scientific program brings together researchers, doctors, and medical professionals. Presentations and discussions cover medical applications, regulation, and quality assurance.
- Cheeba Cannabis and Hemp Summit: Panels and workshops delve into topics such as industrial hemp, sustainable production, export opportunities, and commercial frameworks. Business connections are also made here.
- Product tastings and masterclasses: Visitors can test products and learn from experts – for example on cultivation, extraction, or quality control.
- Mixology Festival: In the evenings, there’s a supporting program with drinks, music, and street food that adds a relaxed atmosphere to the fair.
The target audience is broad: industry professionals, entrepreneurs, scientists, farmers, investors, and informed individuals. South Africa decriminalized cannabis possession and cultivation for personal use in 2018 and has since been working on a commercial regulatory framework. The trade fair has become a showcase for this process.
Location and travel
The venue is the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. Sandton is the city’s business center and is well equipped with hotels, restaurants, and transportation. OR Tambo International Airport is about 50 kilometers away and is accessible by rental car, shuttle, or taxi.
For international visitors, it’s advisable to plan a few days before or after the fair – both to get to know the city and to conduct business meetings. Johannesburg has established itself in recent years as a hub for African business.
Tickets and prices
The exact ticket categories and prices will be announced by the organizer. Typically, there are day tickets, 3-day passes, and discounted early-bird offers. Professional visitors and exhibitors often have special conditions. It’s worth checking the official website regularly – early-bird tickets are usually significantly cheaper than tickets at the door.
Why this event?
The Cannabis Expo Johannesburg 2026 is relevant for several reasons. First: South Africa is developing into an important production site for medical cannabis and is already exporting to Germany and Europe. If you want to understand the market, you’ll find comprehensive knowledge and direct contacts here.
Second: The African cannabis market is growing faster than many expect. Countries like Lesotho, Malawi, and Zimbabwe have already issued licenses for commercial production. The expo shows how this market is emerging and what opportunities exist for businesses.
Third: The scientific symposium elevates the fair beyond pure trade function. Medical research, quality standards, and regulatory issues stand on equal footing with commercial interests.
Fourth: The topic of industrial hemp is just as present at this fair as medicine and consumption. Building materials, textiles, food, and cosmetics made from hemp demonstrate the breadth of the industry.
You’ll find all details on the program, tickets, and registration on the official Cannabis Expo website. All details and tickets on the event page.
