October 21-23, 2026

Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington VA

Cannabis Industry Journal is requesting abstracts for Educational Presentations and Panel Discussions, (40 minutes including Q&A) to be presented during our upcoming Cannabis Quality Conference.

Abstracts are due July 31. Use the link above or below to submit your abstract for consideration.

All abstracts will be judged based on the educational value. Abstract Categories:

Quality Management: Shifting from Reactive to Proactive Decision-Making through Quality Management. GMPs, HACCP, ISO 17025-2017, GLP, GRP. We invite abstracts that delve into how quality management and safety practices (e.g., GMPs, HACCP) can transform cannabis businesses. Submissions should focus on proactive approaches to integrate these principles for enhanced compliance, market distinction, and product quality. Share your insights on making quality and safety a cornerstone of the cannabis supply chain, from cultivation to consumer.
Regulations and Standards: The convergence of regulations, treaties, and standards in a maturing marketplace. This category seeks submissions that explore navigating the fragmented regulatory landscape of the cannabis industry, including strategies for managing compliance amidst evolving state, federal, and international standards. We encourage abstracts that discuss innovative tools and approaches for turning regulatory challenges into opportunities for growth.
Testing & Analysis: Potency, Pesticide, Mycotoxin, Terpenes, Pathogens, Yeast, Residual Solvents, Heavy Metals and Nutrients. Technology and Data Solutions. Leveraging Technology for Quality Assurance. Abstracts under this category should examine the role of digital technologies (data analytics, AI, and ML) in enhancing quality assurance in the cannabis industry. Highlight case studies, successes, and lessons learned from integrating digital tools to improve quality control, traceability, and consumer trust.
Audits and Supplier Management: Leveraging internal and external audit programs to build trust and consistency. This category calls for abstracts focusing on the critical importance of audits and effective supplier management in upholding product quality across the cannabis supply chain. Share best practices, experiences, and strategies for conducting impactful audits and establishing robust supplier relationships to ensure consistent quality and compliance.

Submit an Abstract

Program Organizer

Co-Located with

Two Events Under One Roof

The Cannabis Quality Conference and the Food Safety Consortium will take place under one roof and at the same time. With both food and cannabis markets innovating relentlessly with new technology and best practices to improve quality and safety, the two conferences running alongside each other will allow for a meeting of the minds like no other. CQC attendees will get full access to the Food Safety Consortium and vice versa. Mingle with your counterparts in other markets and see why the food and cannabis industries share so much in common.

Plan to Attend

Use the interactive Agenda. 1) Click on the Agenda link above. 2) Click on the session title and see a detailed description of the session along with the speakers and panelists. 3) Use the Tag filter to narrow down your search of topics.

Transportation information: The Crystal Gateway Marriott is only one mile from Reagan National Airport (DCA), two miles to Washington, DC and directly connected to the Crystal City Metro station. Ideally located in Arlington, VA, the hotel is steps to the exciting new National Landing development and Pentagon City; as well as a quick and convenient Metro ride to downtown Washington D.C. and Old Town Alexandria.

Washington D.C. as a destination: Make it a conference to remember! Bring the family, enjoy the sights of our nation’s capital! Click on Registration Info button above and scroll to the bottom for more details about Washington D.C. as a destination, including information on the National Air & Space Museum, the National Museum of African American History and the Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Executive Training and Workshops

There are four Training Programs available at this year’s Conference.

Advanced FMEA & Risk Management*
Advanced Strategic RCA & CAPA*
Audit Leadership*
FSPCA Food Traceability Rule (FTR) – Training for the Food Industry Participant Course.

*Project-Based Learning. 6 hours onsite with 8 hours virtual 2 weeks after the conference

You first register for the conference and then add the training or workshops as additional options. The time you are not in the training or workshop, you will be able to participate in the conference program including sessions, networking breaks, lunches and receptions.

Registration Instructions:

Click on Register
Select Registration type, i.e. Cannabis Industry Registration
Register for the Conference. Depending on the date of registration, it could be Super Early Bird Discount, Early Bird Discount or Late Registration.
Under Options, select the Training/Workshops that you would like to attend. You can attend more than one!
Follow the prompts to complete the registration.

What People Are Saying About the CQC

“What set the Cannabis Quality Conference apart from many others was the intentionality and focus on high value substance from the presentations.”

“Once again, excellent panels today at the CQC here in Jersey! Have I mentioned how much I love to learn? This industry is forever evolving and being able to observe and watch it roll out from infancy in New Jersey has been tremendous.”

“What an informative and motivating event!”

“I feel fortunate to have been in attendance for such inspiring, informative and REAL discussions being had by industry experts from all across the country.”

“It was so great to listen, meet and speak with so many industry influencers!”

Brought to you by Cannabis Industry Journal, the CQC is a business-to-business conference and expo where cannabis industry leaders and stakeholders meet to build the future of the cannabis marketplace. In a location surrounded by new market opportunities, the CQC will deliver hands-on education, networking and business discussions. The venue setting, coupled with our highly focused content, creates a business meeting environment unlike anything else.

Content Partner:

Presentations from earlier CQC:

The Future of East Coast Cannabis: Social Equity, Justice & Legalization
The State of the State: An Update on New Jersey Legalization
From Research to Recall: Regulatory Compliance for Cannabis Businesses in New Jersey
The State of the State: An Update on New York Legalization
280E & Beyond: Accounting and Tax Compliance for Cannabis Businesses
Other Cannabinoids 101
Navigating Cannabis Testing Regulations for Multi-State Operations
Quality in the Retail Ecosystem
Get It Right the First Time: Best Practices to Design Your Facility for a Successful Operation
Tri-State Cannabis: Pro Tips for Winning Applications
Security in Cannabis: From Application to Operations

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Become a Sponsor

Interested in sponsoring? Learn More.

Reserving your booth or sponsorship is a sound business decision. The Cannabis Quality Conference gives sponsors new and innovative tools for lead generation. With limited space for sponsors, get exclusive access to hundreds of registrants and attendees, interact with participants and reserve a spot for your business today before they sell out.

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Past Sponsors

Partner Organizations

Media Partners

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