What to know about Pittsburgh's new cannabis convention
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A new convention hits Pittsburgh this weekend with a focus on medical cannabis patients, their providers and businesses preparing for the potential legalization of recreational weed.
Why it matters: Momentum is gaining to legalize recreational cannabis in the state, and this convention previews the future of pot.
Catch up quick: Pennsylvania legalized medical cannabis in 2016, with dispensaries beginning to serve patients in 2018.
- Recreational legalization efforts had stalled for a few years, but, with a looming budget crisis, advocates reignited those efforts this year as a way to fill state coffers.
- Some lawmakers, like state Rep. Dan Frankel (D-Pittsburgh), are also concerned Pennsylvania is losing out on tax revenue to nearby states that have legalized weed.
Driving the news: The inaugural Pennsylvania Cannabis Convention comes to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center on Sunday.
Between the lines: Unlike many other popular cannabis events across the state, which tend to be festival environments, this weekend's convention is business-to-business focused, said convention event director Jack Weber. He said the event should attract:
- Entrepreneurs looking to get in on the ground floor of the potential upcoming recreational market;
- Medical cannabis patients hoping to speak to cannabis growers and producers;
- And industry insiders wanting to boost their cannabis-related businesses.
Yes, but: Those looking for an event more focused on cannabis consumption, along with food trucks and music, should wait until August, when the Pittsburgh Cannabis Fest hits the North Side, said Weber.
If you go: David L. Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd. in Downtown. 10am to 5pm. $20; free for Pennsylvania medical cannabis cardholders.