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U.S. Cannabis Industry Capital Is Tighter, But Still Flowing

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Policy.

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The emerging legal cannabis industry in the United States continues to mature and evolve, and that is particularly evident when it comes to businesses raising capital. Investors are being more strategic than ever when it comes to funding cannabis companies in the U.S., and that, in turn, is resulting in industry operators having to update their approaches and strategies.

Fortunately, cannabis industry capital is still flowing in the U.S., albeit in a more competitive environment. It is more important than ever for cannabis startups and established companies to perform adequate due diligence, craft pitches that resonate with investors, and network effectively.

Attending worthwhile conferences is a must these days, and the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference is a great opportunity for members of the United States cannabis space. The event is taking place on June 8th-10th, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois, at the Marriott Magnificent Mile. Top industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors will gather to learn about the new fundraising landscape, build meaningful industry relationships, and ultimately get deals done.

The United States cannabis industry is continuing to increase in size and potential. Leading international cannabis economist Beau Whitney, founder of Whitney Economics, estimates that legal cannabis sales in the U.S. topped $30 billion in 2024. That figure does not include sales involving hemp-derived cannabinoids. Whitney projects that legal sales will top $34 billion in 2025, a roughly 13.1% increase compared to 2024.

“Even in today’s environment, capital is getting deployed. It’s just happening differently,” says Javier Hasse, strategic advisor at Benzinga. “Founders are pivoting, investors are more strategic, and new deal structures are emerging. This year’s conference will bring those conversations to the forefront and help the entire ecosystem adjust and thrive.”

The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference will feature:

  • 2,000+ attendees
  • 120+ speakers across business, investment, branding, and policy
  • 3,000+ meetings booked in advance
  • 40+ curated networking tables
  • A buzzing 7th-floor exhibit hall where deals and conversations happen nonstop
  • Hundreds of investors in the room, from early-stage VCs to institutional firms

The event is packed with expert speakers and presenters, including (but not limited to):

  • Kim Rivers (Trulieve)
  • George Archos & Aaron Miles (Summer)
  • Charlie Bachtell (Cresco Labs)
  • Beena Goldenberg (Organigram Global)
  • Vic Mensa (93 Boyz)
  • Matt Hawkins (Entourage Effect Capital)
  • Christelle Gedeon (Canopy Growth)
  • Kristi Palmer (Kiva Confections)
  • Tim Seymour (CNBC / Seymour Asset Management)
  • Cameron Forni (Adaptaphoria)
  • Paul Weaver (Boston Beer Co. – TeaPot)
  • Dan Ahrens (AdvisorShares)
  • Brady Cobb (Sunburn Cannabis)
  • Dr. Chanda Macias (Women Grow)
  • Ricardo Baca (Grasslands)
  • Rachelle Gordon (GreenState)
  • Rachel Wright, CPA (Verdant Strategies / 420 CPA)
  • Leah Heise, Irina Dashevsky, Gary Santo, Samantha Gleit, Cy Scott, and many more

To enhance the conference experience and help effectively map out their plans, a new conference app was launched. It includes the following features, which are built for business:

  • Access and message the full attendee list
  • Book meetings directly
  • Build custom schedules
  • Receive real-time updates
  • Enter raffles for prizes (winners announced at the closing party)

Through partnerships with organizations like Women Grow and BIPOCann, Benzinga provides earned opportunities for women and minority-owned cannabis businesses to access stage time, exhibit space, and investor connections.

“Benzinga has opened the doors of access for our community, and we are ready to drive innovation and growth.” stated Dr. Chanda Macias, CEO of Women Grow.

The conference will also involve a closing night afterparty titled ‘The Final Spark’ on June 10th from 9 pm to after midnight. The afterparty, to be held at the Tunnel Treehouse Rooftop and hosted by Dickinson Write, gives attendees one last chance to close deals with a skyline view of Chicago.

To find out more about the conference and to book your tickets before the event sells out, go to: www.benzinga.com/cannabis-conference

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