VERMONT — The 6th Annual Vermont Cannabis Convention (VTCANN) will return to the Champlain Valley Expo on May 2-3, 2025, bringing together industry professionals and enthusiasts for two full days of networking, education, and hands-on experiences presented by Higher Elevation and Efficiency Vermont.

The convention, which has become a key event in Vermont’s rapidly growing cannabis industry, will feature more than 75 exhibitors and offer a range of interactive presentations and panel discussions including a keynote speech from internationally-renown cannabis expert and breeder, Kevin Jodrey of Wonderland Nursery, Port Royal Genetics, and the Ganjier program.

Fourteen interactive panels will appeal to consumers, homegrowers, medical patients, and professionals alike, including multiple cultivation panels, understanding and manufacturing hash and other concentrate products, and professionally judging cannabis. Additional industry-specific topics will include cannabis tourism, marketing, and a demonstration of off-site sales.

“This year’s convention will focus on providing the most current and relevant information for both cannabis businesses and curious consumers,” said Eli Harrington, President of the Vermont Cannabis Convention. “We’re always putting the plant first and happy to offer a dedicated programming track focused on cannabis cultivation, especially with the timing of the convention in early May while we’re at the height of planning our planting”.

Harrington, who has managed or co-managed the convention since its inception in 2018 and is also the founder of Vermontijuana, a cannabis brand in the Northeast Kingdom, emphasized the growing diversity and competition within the Vermont cannabis community. 

“There are nearly 630 active cannabis licenses in Vermont and every single one of them has goals, expertise, and is looking for ways to improve their cultivation and business,” Harrington said. “We’re seeing new and established cannabis businesses as well as new cultivars, new technologies, and new cannabis products, and our attendees will get a chance to interact with all of them.”

In addition to Kevin Jodrey, another nationally-known cannabis expert, “Kind Bill” Fenger, will deliver a keynote at the Vermont Cannabis Convention. Currently the Chief Cultivation Officer at Zenbarn Farms, Kind Bill is best known for co-creating Live Resin and shaping modern concentrate production over his decades in the industry.

The regional and national perspective comes at a critical time as Vermont’s cannabis industry has seen significant growth since the legalization of adult-use sales in 2022. With over 630 licensed cannabis establishments in the state as of April 2025, including nearly 420 cultivators, the Vermont Cannabis Convention is set to be a key platform for sharing knowledge and building connections within the local cannabis sector.

The convention has also become an important event for curious cannabis consumers, homegrowers, and connoisseurs. As Vermont’s cannabis market continues to expand, more consumers are looking to understand the nuances of cultivation, consumption, and product safety. The convention will cater to this growing interest by offering opportunities for hands-on learning, product demonstrations, Q&A sessions with experts, and direct interaction with industry leaders.

“The Vermont Cannabis Convention is a mirror of the larger Vermont cannabis community, which combines high quality with small scale; the exhibitors, products and workshops are world-class, but you can still get a ticket for $25 and have a face to face conversation.” Harrington added.

Since 2024, the Vermont Cannabis Convention has been locally-owned and operated by Harrington as part of a purchase agreement with NECANN, who continue to support the convention as co-producers.  “It’s been an honor to work with NECANN over the years to make this convention a uniquely and specifically-Vermont experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue growing it with the community,” Harrington said. “We’ve taken steps towards adding a competition component in the future, and will continue to innovate to keep the convention exciting and relevant for years to come.”

The Vermont Cannabis Convention will be held on May 2-3, 2025, at the Champlain Valley Expo in Essex Junction, VT. Tickets are available now at necann.com/vermont or at the door. Full weekend passes are available for purchase.

About the Vermont Cannabis Convention:

The Vermont Cannabis Convention is the state’s premier cannabis industry event, bringing together businesses, consumers, and advocates for a two-day showcase of products, services, and educational programming. The convention covers all aspects of cannabis culture, from cultivation and cultivation techniques to legal and medical considerations, and serves as a key platform for networking and professional development within Vermont’s cannabis community.

The Vermont Cannabis Convention is presented by Higher Elevation and Efficiency Vermont. Additional sponsors include, Vermont Federal Credit Union, Satori, Forbin’s Finest, White River GrowPro, CannaPlanners, Sweetspot Dispensary, Johnson Hardware & Rental, Farm & Garden, Vermont Kind, Ledyard Bank, Gaston, Highly Rooted, GreenMountain Cannabis News and Seven Days.

For more information:

Visit necann.com/vermont for full event details and ticketing information. Email eli@necann.com for questions about sponsorship or exhibiting.