This year’s Cannabis Expo, presented by private club network, Budbox, will reflect the new momentum in the local cannabis industry, says CEO Silas Howarth, who has expanded the 2026 event to cater for more exhibitor space and the country’s inaugural SA Vaping Expo, which is sponsored by Ignite.
He says that while last year the cannabis industry experienced a lot of frustration, this year there is a more upbeat mood which has translated into a more confident exhibitor base.
“Businesses are no longer just testing the waters they are actively building brands, distribution and scale: he says. “ We’re also seeing a noticeable increase in serious investors and commercial operators attending. The conversation has matured less about survival, more about strategy”
Howarth says that due to the high demand, floor space has been expanded and there is still exhibitor space available .
“We actively encourage first-time exhibitors, particularly those bringing something fresh to the table, whether that’s innovation, strong branding or a unique value proposition. This could include anything from cultivation technology and retail concepts to wellness products and ancillary services such as finance, legal, operating systems, packaging or logistics.”
He says Budbox’s sponsorship brings a certain ‘rec’ energy to the Expo but that the event is a ‘full spectrum’ affair.
“There is still a very strong medical, wellness and health component, and that space is becoming increasingly sophisticated. We’re seeing better-informed consumers, more credible products, and more science-led discussions. It’s not either/or – it’s a true reflection of the industry, spanning both lifestyle and therapeutic use.”
A new feature is the Vaping Expo, a sign of how popular vaping has become, not just within cannabis but across broader consumer behaviour. Howarth says the sector has matured to the point of justifying a standalone presence
“From an exhibitor perspective, it opens the door to hardware manufacturers, accessory brands and tech innovators. For consumers, it adds another layer of experience and education. The key for us is integration it’s not a bolt-on event, but a complementary extension of the cannabis ecosystem that reflects how people consume today.”
Howarth says the cannabis industry has come a long way since the inaugural event in Cape Town in 2019. That Expo bought cannabis from the underground into the mainstream and was characterized by curiosity and the novelty of it all.
“Today, it’s a fully-fledged industry event” says Howarth. The conversations are deeper, the exhibitors are more professional, and the audience is far more informed. We’ve evolved alongside the market from awareness-building to facilitating real business and industry development.”
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