NECANN Maryland 2025 Recap: Key Takeaways on Equity & Growth

CURE8 BLOG

NECANN Maryland 2025 Recap: Key Takeaways on Equity & Growth

The NECANN Maryland Cannabis Convention, held May 2–3 in Baltimore, MD, brought together hundreds of cannabis professionals, advocates, entrepreneurs, and service providers to shape the future of Maryland’s regulated cannabis market. Hosted at the Baltimore Convention Center, the event was more than just an industry trade show. It was a platform for education, community building, and economic empowerment. 

Cure8 was proud to attend this year’s NECANN Maryland as an exhibitor, representing our IT and security expertise tailored specifically for cannabis businesses. As always, we were there to listen, learn, and help operators, especially social equity licensees, build smarter, safer, and more compliant cannabis operations. 

A Vital Moment for Maryland’s Cannabis Market 

The Maryland cannabis industry is in a transformative phase. With adult-use cannabis now legalized, the state is actively working to ensure equitable access to the industry through its social equity licensing program. Many of the attendees we met at NECANN Maryland were new license holders, often from communities historically impacted by cannabis prohibition, looking to establish their businesses the right way from the start. 

These early-stage operators were hungry for knowledge, resources, and partnerships. Whether they were launching dispensaries or cultivation sites, they needed help navigating the complex world of cannabis compliance, technology infrastructure, and security planning. That’s where Cure8 came in. 

Our Role at NECANN: A Trusted Partner for Cannabis Operators 

As an exhibitor, Cure8 had a dedicated booth space on the NECANN show floor where we engaged directly with cannabis entrepreneurs, investors, and ancillary service providers. Our President, Munir Haque, representing the Cure8 team, met with dozens of attendees throughout the two-day event. 

Many of our conversations focused on: 

  • Reviewing facility floor plans for dispensaries and grow operations 
  • Identifying IT and security gaps 
  • Helping operators align with Maryland’s compliance requirements 
  • Advising on technology solutions, such as point-of-sale systems, surveillance cameras, secure networking, and access control 

Our goal was simple: empower attendees with practical, actionable insights that could help them launch and grow their businesses with confidence. We don’t just offer IT and security services; we serve as trusted advisors who understand the unique challenges of cannabis operations. 

Key Conversations and Takeaways from the Event 

1. Social Equity Licensees Need More Support 

One of the biggest themes of NECANN Maryland 2025 was the spotlight on social equity. Maryland has made admirable progress in prioritizing inclusion and access, but there’s still a lot of work to be done. Many of the licensees we met were enthusiastic and driven, but lacked access to funding, strategic partnerships, or technical guidance. 

By reviewing their floor plans and walking them through what a compliant IT and security setup should look like, we were able to offer meaningful advice at a critical moment. These conversations are a reminder that education and mentorship are just as important as technology in building a sustainable cannabis ecosystem. 

2. Collaboration Across the Industry Is Essential 

NECANN wasn’t just about licensees and vendors. It was about building a collaborative community. We connected with other service providers, legal experts, and consultants working in Maryland’s cannabis space. These interactions allowed us to explore potential partnerships that could help streamline solutions for new operators. 

Rather than working in silos, companies like Cure8, legal advisors, financial consultants, and security experts need to come together to support cannabis entrepreneurs holistically. By teaming up with trusted partners, we can help licensees tackle challenges like zoning, funding, compliance, and infrastructure all at once. 

3. Cannabis Tech & Security Remain Top Priorities 

While many attendees were focused on funding, licensing, or real estate, there was also a strong awareness of the need for robust IT and security infrastructure. We answered questions about: 

  • What systems are required to meet Maryland state compliance? 
  • How should dispensaries secure their networks and data? 
  • What’s the most efficient way to implement 24/7 surveillance? 
  • How can operators protect sensitive customer and financial data? 

Many of these operators are building from the ground up, and NECANN provided a timely opportunity to educate them on future-proofing their operations with smart technology decisions. 

The Cure8 Booth: Real Conversations, Real Impact 

Our booth became a hub for honest, down-to-earth conversations. One standout moment? A group of new dispensary license holders approached us with a rough floor plan and a list of compliance concerns. After reviewing the layout and asking a few key questions, we were able to offer suggestions on where to position surveillance cameras, how to secure server rooms, and what tech stack would provide the most value for their budget. Moments like these are what make events like NECANN so impactful. 

Not All Business: Building Relationships Through Fun 

Of course, events like NECANN aren’t just about work. Some of the most memorable moments happened off the clock. 

Banana Trivia with StashStock: Scott Moazzen, the VP of Sales of StashStock, and Munir decided to lighten things up by asking people if they knew the “correct” way to open a banana. The answers were mixed, but the laughs were genuine. It was a small but effective way to make connections and start conversations that led to bigger business discussions. 

Camden Yards Visit: A few of us also took a break to enjoy a baseball game at Camden Yards, just a short walk from the convention center. It was a great way to unwind, deepen partnerships, and appreciate the community aspect of the cannabis industry. 

Legal Insights & State Discussions: We also had the opportunity to connect with some of Maryland’s top cannabis attorneys. These conversations offered a valuable window into the current regulatory climate, legal challenges, and upcoming changes in the state’s cannabis landscape. Hearing directly from the experts gave us a deeper understanding of how to prepare clients and partners for what’s ahead. 

These moments outside the booth are often where the most authentic relationships are formed, and where strategic ideas begin to take shape. They’re a reminder that the cannabis industry isn’t always about business; it’s about people, community, and shared progress. 

Why You Should Attend NECANN Maryland 

If you’re a cannabis entrepreneur in Maryland, especially a new license holder, NECANN Maryland is one event you can’t afford to miss. Here’s why: 

  • Access to Experts: From legal compliance to technology infrastructure, the show floor is filled with professionals ready to help. 
  • Community Building: Connect with people who’ve walked the path before you and want to help you succeed. 
  • Latest Trends & Tools: Learn about the newest innovations in cannabis security, POS systems, cultivation tech, and more. 
  • Partnership Opportunities: Whether you’re looking for funding, services, or strategic advice, the right people are here. 

At Cure8, we’re already looking forward to returning next year, and we hope to see even more operators, advocates, and partners joining the conversation. 

Final Thoughts 

NECANN Maryland 2025 was more than an industry event. It was a reflection of a cannabis market in transition, and of a community that’s determined to build an inclusive, sustainable future. 

For Cure8, it reaffirmed our mission: to be the trusted IT and security partner for cannabis businesses in Maryland and beyond. We’re proud of the connections we made, the insights we shared, and the future collaborations on the horizon. 

If we missed you at NECANN Maryland but you’re looking for expert guidance on building out your cannabis IT infrastructure, security plan, or compliance strategy, let’s connect. 

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