In 2025, cannabis brands and retailers in Ohio have multiple prime opportunities to connect with licensed distribution companies—whether via trade-focused expos, culture-driven festivals, or business summits. Here’s where the industry converges:
Stargazer Cannabis Festival
Dates & Location: July 25–27, 2025, at Scenic Adventures on the River in Waverly, OH
Though styled as a culture and consumer festival, Stargazer draws a large gathering of growers, brands, and distributors. With interactive activations and networking zones, it’s a space where retailers can meet distribution partners in an informal, community-oriented environment.
Ohio Cannabis Health & Business Summit (OCHBS)
Dates & Location: October 3–4, 2025, at the IX-Center, Cleveland
As Ohio’s premier B2B and B2C cannabis summit, OCHBS hosts over 100 vendors and 70+ expert speakers, focusing on retail-distribution dynamics and emerging market trends. Exhibitors include both licensed brands and distribution companies—making it a top pick for face-to-face meetings.
Ohio Cannabis Expo
Dates & Locations: Multiple dates in 2025 (e.g., Canton Nov 1–2; May 3–4 in Canton)
Organized by Ohio Cannabis Live, this expo centers on education, equipment, and employment. With vendor booths featuring processors, supply-chain tech, and wholesale distributors, it’s a key venue for retailers to explore distribution options and procurement tools.
CannaCon Cleveland
While exact dates for CannaCon Cleveland in 2025 are pending, the Great Lakes convention at Huntington Convention Center remains a major regional trade show. Expect a conventional expo setup—with dedicated vendor booths and networking lounges—ideal for connecting with distributors and processors.
OMMPA Physicians Zoom Meetings
Dates: Monthly virtual meetings (e.g. Jan 8, 2025)
Though primarily medical-focused, these virtual events hosted by the Ohio Medical Marijuana Physicians Association attract licensed operators, including retailers and distribution professionals. These forums can offer introductions to new distribution partners in the medical-cannabis sector.
Industry Events and Symposiums
Ohio and nearby states host ancillary industry events. For instance, the International Cannabinoid Research Society Symposium (July 6–10, 2025) and Hemp Beverage Expo (July 9–11, 2025) draw distribution and manufacturing players. Though not Ohio-specific, attendance can yield cross-state distributor connections applicable to Ohio markets.
Strategic Tips for Connecting with Distributors
- Booth Placement: Choose expo sections where processors and logistics firms gather—OCHBS and Ohio Expo feature dedicated supply-chain aisles.
- Event Timing: Begin with Stargazer (summer) for brand visibility, then deepen B2B efforts at OCHBS and CannaCon in autumn.
- Virtual Touchpoints: Join OMMPA events to network within the medical ecosystem without travel expenses.
- Cross-State Networking: Pair Ohio show visits with Midwest or national expos to meet out-of-state distributors open to Ohio relationships.
- Follow-Ups: Collect distributor contacts and engage post-event via sample shipments or drop-ins, emphasizing Ohio-compliant logistics and track-and-trace capabilities.