Now that its production and sale is legal in Yellowstone County and many other areas of the state, a marijuana trade show shouldn’t be a surprise.
MetraPark officials made a point of making Yellowstone County Commissioners aware that Wesley Jenks, President of GC Production, LLC, on behalf of Xpocanna, Cannabis Conventions and Exhibitions, has contacted them to reserve dates sometime in May 2023 to hold the first ever tradeshow for entrepreneurs and health professionals and others involved in the production, marketing, and sale of marijuana and its associated products.
Knowing that it could be “a slightly contentious” issue, said Cody Reitz, Assistant Manager at MetraPark, “we wanted you to know about it.” He said that it seems they are most interested in the Pavilion.
The County Commissioners were not perplexed. “We can’t discriminate,” said Commissioner John Ostlund, noting that the issue of legalizing the drug has been approved by county voters twice now.
Said Commissioner Don Jones, “It’s a legal business. It is what it is.”
A letter from Jenks, accompanying the request, stated, “There will be absolutely no sale, or display of cannabis, no smoking, no vaping whatsoever.”
He explained, “The Montana Cannabis Expo will be an opportunity for cannabis entrepreneurs and the public to learn about the benefits of cannabis, and current cannabis business opportunities are available in the state.”
Jenks, whose company has produced cannabis trade shows in the East, explained that the event will feature panel discussions focused on education and awareness featuring doctors, providers and industry specialists. There will also be separate panel discussions on the business aspect of cannabis and the current political/legal landscape, featuring local politicians, lawyers, business owners and producers. Vendors will consist of doctors and physicians, local dispensaries and producers, ancillary cannabis products, CBD products and more.
It will be an opportunity for would be entrepreneurs, interested in getting into the business to learn about the potential of the industry.
