MJ Unpacked 2023: Cannabis Delights in Detroit

The MJ Unpacked conference took place in Detroit last week, and while sentiments about the industry are still wary, there was more than enough cannabis in Detroit to help us feel better about it.

For those who don't want to read the whole thing, here are the quick takeaways:

1) Detroit has a great cannabis scene

2) MJ Unpacked allows for an intimate experience with other cannabis business leaders with multiple touchpoints.

3) It was amazing to be at cannabis events where cannabis is actually consumed and alcohol is not.

4) The best conversations are always facilitated by cannabis.

Here's a little breakdown of my experience for you:

After the first day of panel discussions, the conference featured a bustling expo hall with mouthwatering treats served between 5 and 7 PM, setting the perfect tone for the evening. It was a fun, cocktail party environment; perfect to talk business; but not too seriously.

The first night was a warm-up for many (including me), a chance to find their groove, pitch their ideas, and engage with potential clients. It's not just about business, though; it's about being present and connecting on a deeper level.

After the Welcome Reception at The Motor City Casino Hotel, we headed to FlowerHire 's party at Hotbox Social Club. This establishment was a testament to Detroit's strides in social consumption. It offered a legal, comfortable, and enjoyable atmosphere with a DJ, cannabis-infused drinks, and a yummy charcuterie board. It was exciting to see the progress of cannabis regulations and their potential to create thriving social spaces.

Wednesday was the "main day" of the conference. It started at 10AM with speakers and the expo floor open to networking. I didn't arrive to this until about 1PM because I didn't think I was capable of networking from 10AM to 11PM straight, 8 hours is my max.

If you haven't been to MJ Unpacked, there are "brand showcases" which are for companies with products to sell. And then there are booths which are for service companies. So, since my goal was to generate leads with brands who want to reach consumers, I stuck mostly to the "brand showcases" where I met Sweet Justice , Luna S. Ispire , Escape Artists , LEFT COAST CANNABIS , Willie McKenzie Madison Richards , Stashlogix , Toast, Dirty Lemonade and so many other cool products.

At 5PM, when the expo hall closes, everyone heads to the happy hour parties! I was lucky to get to go to 2. One was hosted by Surfside and had the most epic mini-enchiladas, beans rice, guac and salsa. The energy was great and everyone was thrilled to receive cannabis product samples. Next, I headed to the Orange Photonics, Inc. and QWIK LIQUIDS party. The HIGHlight of this party was the amazing mixologist who created the most delicious cocktails (non-alc) enhanced with Qwik Liquids THC and terp drops. I also got the pleasure of seeing Jacob Lewkow get his homegrow tested by Jill Klettke -- 30% wow!

After those parties (are we tired yet?), it was time for the main After Party hosted by MJ Unpacked . The party was at a space that allowed for cannabis consumption. And, many of the brands who we had met in the expo hall were sampling their products. We got to try many edibles, drinkables, smokeables and vapeables. One definitely had to be careful not to end up with too many mgs in them after tasting all of the treats!

Without a doubt, the best conversations at cannabis events happen when cannabis is actually a part of the conversation. So, whether it was smoking a joint outside the host hotel, enjoying THC cocktails at a rooftop party or seshing at the after-party, the HIGHlight for me at MJ Unpacked Detroit was the fact that cannabis definitely was a part of the conversation and it was easy to partake. I also LOVED that alcohol was less prevalent throughout the conference than at previous events I've attended.

I hope this little recap helped your FOMO. It was a great time, with lots of consumption. Was it a "success" for me as an entrepreneur? The devil is in the follow-up.