From June 3 to 5, 2025, the Javits Convention Center in Midtown Manhattan buzzed with energy as Cannabis Means Business (formerly CWCBExpo) hosted its 11th annual conference and expo. Over three days, the event brought together industry professionals—entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, thought leaders, and advocates—to shape the future of cannabis commerce on the East Coast.
CMB 2025 Sponsors
The main sponsors for Cannabis Means Business 2025 included O2VAPE, NORML, and Greenlife Business Group,
Sponsor highlights included the O2VAPE Industry Yacht Party aboard the Hudson River on June 4, celebrating their USA and veteran-owned vaping products. The Yacht Party included celebratory beverages and served appetizers as well as bar service and an incredible dinner in the yacht’s fine dining rooms. Attendees enjoyed a beautiful view of downtown New York City, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty.
Additionally, NORML took center stage at the B2B Rooftop Bash on June 3 at the Yotel rooftop, supporting cannabis legalization and advocacy efforts. B2B Rooftop Bash + NORML FORML was a vibrant kickoff industry mixer with open bar, skyline views, and NORML advocacy initiatives. Chair of the board Joseph Bondy spoke at the event and several raffle winners went home with prizes.
One of the biggest activations at the expo was by the Cannabis Workforce Initiative, who hosted a job fair aimed at promoting social equity and career development within the sector.
CMB Keynote Speakers & Featured Panels
CMB 2025 delivered a robust lineup of speakers and panels. Numerous exhibitors and media/industry partners, spanning cultivation, tech, finance, lifestyle, and legal sectors, spanned the two-day expo
Tremaine Wright (Chair, NYS Cannabis Control Board) opened with market and policy insights, moderated by Tim Seymour, portfolio manager at Amplify Seymour ETFs
Whoopi Goldberg, joined by Tim Seymour, took part in a standout fireside chat discussing “Whoop‑Tea,” her new hemp-derived beverage line that she just launched with woman-owned, Black-owned, family-run brand Pure Genesis.
The panel “The Investment Renegades…” tackled industry funding shifts, featuring Seymour, Will Muecke, Neil Kaufman, Steve Gelsi, Josephine Giordano, and Aida Sy, Ph.D.
Industry Check‑In session showcased the leadership of Jim Goodenough, Marianne Cursetjee, Radhika Murari, and Dr. Chanda Macias on multi‑market brand growth
Day 2 included focused discussions on Hospitality & Cannabis Tourism (with David Fettner and John Kagia) and a Women in Cannabis Luncheon featuring Degelis Tufts Pilla, Faye Coleman, Dr. Chanda Macias, and hosted by the one and only KymB who has been helping produce the conference for years and has pioneered the space for women in the cannabis industry across the country.
Additional sessions covered marketing, social media & PR, real estate planning, and wellness led by key sector professionals
CMB 2025 Events & Networking
The conference featured many events outside of the expo hall and programming agenda. The programming included several pre-show workshops
Then “AI & Everything Cannabis” was led by Manny Maminakis, Michael Blanche, Dr. Suliman Sharif, Charles Warner, Randall Huft, and Dawne Morris. Additionally, the “Marketing & Communications for Retailers & Brands” panel featured Will Muecke, John Shute, Jeffrey Graham, Dr. Roz McCarthy, and David Paleschuck
And of course the Women in Cannabis Entrepreneur Luncheon was a powerful networking experience spotlighting veteran female leaders, including speakers Faye Coleman, Chanda, and all with the always amazing KymB of Tribe Tokes hosting the stage.
There was a Job Fair and resource activation hosted by Cannabis Workforce Initiative: A mission-aligned event promoting inclusivity and equity within the workforce
This year’s CMB event underscored New York’s ascent as a landmark market and tapped into global cannabis trends—from policy and investment to marketing innovation, beverage infusion, hospitality integration, and social equity. CEO Christine Ianuzzi emphasized that placing the event in NYC “at the epicenter of commerce and innovation” fortifies the city’s role in cannabis’s global business future
Cannabis Means Business 2025 delivered a powerful platform for forging deals, discussing regulation, celebrating social equity, and exploring new frontiers, from AI integration to cannabis tourism. With major sponsors, high-profile speakers like Whoopi Goldberg, and thematic events ranging from rooftop mixers to curated luncheons, the conference reinforced its status as a premier East Coast cannabis business forum.
