Introduction to Cannabis Food Show

The Cannabis Food Show is one of the most unique trade exhibitions in the cannabis and food sector, focusing exclusively on the intersection of the cannabis industry with food and beverage innovation. Taking place in major U.S. cities like Chicago and San Francisco, this event brings together a wide spectrum of professionals—from edibles manufacturers to dispensary owners, chefs, hospitality industry executives, and investors—all under one roof. It serves as a critical platform to explore the evolving cannabis edibles market, upcoming legislation, new technologies, and consumer preferences.

venue and location

The Cannabis Food Show is organized annually at prominent locations in the United States, most notably:

• Chicago – typically held at Revel Fulton Market, a modern industrial venue suited for premium trade shows and corporate gatherings.
• San Francisco – usually hosted at the South San Francisco Conference Center, a well-connected venue close to major hotels and the airport.

These venues offer ample space, modern amenities, and convenient accessibility for national and international visitors alike.

date and timing

The event typically takes place in July or August each year. The timing of the show usually follows this schedule:

• Registration & Badge Collection: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
• Exhibition & Conference Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Networking Sessions: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Exact dates are released early each year on the official website.

entry cost and passes

The entry to the Cannabis Food Show is divided into multiple tiers depending on your industry role and access level:

• General Admission: Approximately $99
• All Access Pass (includes conference + expo): Around $199
• VIP Access (includes networking session and exclusive Q&A panels): Up to $299

Early bird pricing and group discounts are often available for early registrations.

product categories and exhibition zones

The Cannabis Food Show features a diverse range of product categories relevant to the cannabis and food industries:

• Cannabis-infused beverages
• Gummies and edibles
• CBD and THC culinary oils
• Cannabis condiments, sauces, and syrups
• Bakery products and confectionery
• Cannabis culinary equipment and packaging solutions
• Lab testing and dosage technologies
• White-label cannabis food product manufacturers

Exhibitors range from established market leaders to emerging startups, offering innovations that shape the future of cannabis gastronomy.

visitor profile and attendance

The event draws a highly targeted audience, including:

• Cannabis dispensary owners
• Infused product manufacturers
• Beverage companies
• Restaurant and bar operators
• Culinary professionals and chefs
• Cannabis entrepreneurs and investors
• Regulatory experts and legal consultants

Attendance typically ranges between 2,000 to 3,500 industry professionals per location, making it a highly focused and valuable networking event.

key benefits of attending the cannabis food show

Attending the Cannabis Food Show offers a wealth of opportunities:

• Networking: Meet and collaborate with other players in the cannabis food ecosystem.
• Learning: Attend seminars, panel discussions, and workshops by industry leaders and legal advisors.
• Exposure to innovation: Discover cutting-edge culinary equipment, product formulations, and compliance tools.
• Business development: Find distributors, resellers, or co-manufacturing partners for your cannabis food business.
• Compliance and Legal Guidance: Understand the latest regulations and compliance standards that affect edibles and food-infused cannabis products.
• Brand Visibility: Ideal for brands looking to launch or promote new products to a highly engaged, relevant audience.

conferences and speaking sessions

The event hosts a dedicated conference track featuring keynote speakers and panelists from across the industry. Topics often include:

• State-by-state legalization updates
• Labeling, dosage, and FDA guidelines
• Challenges of scaling a cannabis food business
• Investment and valuation trends in the edibles market
• Best practices in branding and marketing cannabis food products

Speakers include C-suite executives, food scientists, legal experts, and well-known chefs working in cannabis cuisine.

nearby hotels and accommodations

For visitors planning to attend in Chicago or San Francisco, several high-quality accommodations are conveniently located near the venues:

In Chicago (Revel Fulton Market):

• The Hoxton Chicago – Stylish and business-friendly hotel just steps from the venue.
• Nobu Hotel Chicago – Upscale luxury stay ideal for executives and VIP guests.
• Crowne Plaza West Loop – Comfortable and well-connected business hotel.

In San Francisco (South San Francisco Conference Center):

• Embassy Suites by Hilton – Spacious rooms and complimentary shuttle to the venue.
• AC Hotel by Marriott – Chic design and easy access to the event center.
• Holiday Inn Express Airport North – Budget-friendly and reliable accommodation.

Most of these hotels offer corporate rates during major trade shows and are located within 5–15 minutes of the venue.

who should exhibit?

The Cannabis Food Show is a must for companies looking to showcase cannabis food products, services, and technologies:

• Edibles and drink manufacturers
• Ingredient suppliers
• Extraction and testing labs
• Packaging solution providers
• Retail technology companies
• Co-packers and logistics providers

Exhibiting at the show helps businesses generate quality leads, build brand recognition, and stay competitive in a fast-moving marketplace.

why cannabis and food is a growing trend

Cannabis-infused food is no longer niche—it’s a rapidly growing category due to evolving laws and consumer interest. With wellness and experience at the forefront, consumers now expect precision-dosed, gourmet-quality cannabis edibles. The industry is transitioning from simple brownies to carefully formulated beverages, confections, and condiments, creating a need for collaboration between chefs, scientists, and cannabis cultivators. The Cannabis Food Show serves as the premier hub to understand and participate in this evolution.

safety, compliance, and security

All exhibitors and attendees must adhere to local state laws regarding cannabis use and handling. No actual cannabis products are consumed or sold at the event, but THC and CBD-infused products with regulatory approvals may be demonstrated or displayed. ID checks and security measures are strictly implemented to ensure professional standards are met.