Hundreds of Cannabis Brands and Retailers Seek Business Deals at California’s Flagship Trade Show

VENTURA, California – Hundreds of California cannabis brands and retailers attended California’s flagship trade show last week, aiming to position themselves for sustained success in one of the nation’s most challenging marketplaces.

Attendees ranging from big brands such as Stiiizy to startups such as Luigi came to the Hall of Flowers at the Ventura County Fairgrounds searching for new deals, partnerships, and other potential collaborations.

Hundreds of Brands and Retailers Gather to Explore New Business Opportunities

More than 200 brands showcased products, dozens of ancillary companies touted services, and more than a hundred retail operators converged in the sunny coastal town of Ventura, about 70 miles northwest of Los Angeles.

Women-owned brands seemed to be more prevalent at this year’s installment of Hall of Flowers, with several large booths dedicated to showcasing female products and imagery.

More Modest After-Parties Reflect Industry Struggles in the Regulated Market

The huge after-parties – typically featuring live music, big food spreads, open bars, and abundant product giveaways – were much more modest this year, perhaps a consequence of the struggles most retailers and brands are facing in the world’s largest regulated marijuana market.

Still, the business, social, and consumption vibes were a welcome boost, several source.

Newcomers Luigi and Juana Make Their Mark at Hall of Flowers

Luigi and Juana, both first-time exhibitors, looked to make a splash – and retail connections.

Luigi, which specializes in live resin and liquid diamond products, had product giveaways at its booth near the entrance gate and hosted a post-show party.

The brand, based in downtown Los Angeles, recently entered the market with a two-in-one product that includes a 1-gram liquid diamond cart and a half-gram liquid diamond-infused pre-roll.

Rachel Xin, founder of Orange County-based Juana, said she was motivated to create a female-focused brand in the male-dominated cannabis industry.

The company, which has products in seven stores in L.A. and Orange County, showcased its wellness line of flower, vapes, and edibles sourced from single-strain plants.

Hall of Flowers Provides a Platform for Brand and Retailer Engagement

Fee Ramos, who runs vertically integrated Lucky Family Farms, came to Hall of Flowers with two big goals – check out new products and support the company’s brand customers.

Coastal Sun Farm executive Darren Story told MJBizDaily he attends Hall of Flowers to provide support for the event and organizers, bring awareness to the brand, and help retailers push their stock-keeping units (SKUs).

New Business Ventures and Partnerships Emerge from Cannabis Trade Show

Northern California-based, vertically integrated cannabis company Solful announced a new wholesale division in a partnership with major California distributor Nabis.

Solful aims to bring terpene-rich, regeneratively-grown flower and other products from legacy regions and small farms in Northern California to Southern California’s massive consumer market, according to CEO Eli Melrod.

Lauren Fontein drove to Ventura to explore new and existing brands that might fit her retail operation’s focus on wellness, serving women and seniors, and offering unique experiences.

She recently opened The Artist Tree’s newest store and consumption venue near Los Angeles International Airport, where the business is testing new offerings, including a cannabis cocktail program and high tea events.