Brands & Budz is a culture-led cannabis sampling series built to connect brands with the voices that truly move the market — budtenders, buyers, and independent retail leaders.
Spread across four Toronto “Sesh” events in 2026 — Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall — it’s the stage where new drops are debuted, real feedback is gathered, and lasting hype is born. Here, brands don’t just exhibit — they engage directly with the people who drive recommendations, influence purchasing, and build customer loyalty.
At Brands & Budz, we don’t do just trade show tables and transactional booths — we create culture in motion. Each Sesh is an immersive journey designed for genuine discovery, where budtenders, retailers, and brand leaders can taste, learn, and truly connect. Guests flow through curated spaces sharing strain stories, hands-on education zones, and lounge spaces filled with music, conversation, and community.
This isn’t about quick pitches — it’s about real moments and real advocacy. From product drops and live demos to interactive brand activations and content capture zones, every touchpoint is built to spark engagement and leave lasting impressions. No velvet ropes, no ego — just cannabis culture celebrated the way it was meant to be: through people, passion, and the plant.
Brands & Budz exists to elevate culture over commerce and rebuild cannabis events around community.
Brands & Budz was created to give every brand—big or small—a real stage to be seen, heard, and experienced. We focus on authentic moments, not just shelf presence, connecting brands directly with the budtenders, retailers, and consumers who drive culture and sales. It’s about access, authenticity, and amplifying the people and products pushing cannabis forward.
Our mission is to build an inclusive, culture-driven event series where brands of all sizes can truly connect with the cannabis community. We champion independent producers and retailers—the heart of this industry—by prioritizing authentic connection, education, and opportunity over ego or exclusivity. Brands & Budz exists to elevate culture over commerce and return cannabis events to the community they serve.
We promise to keep cannabis culture at the center of everything we do—unfiltered, inclusive, and authentic. Every Brands & Budz event will be built with heart, offering real value, real connection, and real opportunity for every brand, retailer, and community member who shows up. No gimmicks, no gatekeeping—just a space where the culture is respected, the craft is celebrated, and everyone feels seen.
Partnering with Brands & Budz is more than a logo on an event banner — it’s your opportunity to stand in front of the people who truly move the cannabis market. Our Sesh events place your products directly in the hands of budtenders, retailers, buyers, and engaged consumers who influence listings, shape trends, and drive real sales outcomes. As a sponsor, you gain authentic visibility, high-intent engagement, and direct relationship-building with the community at the heart of cannabis culture. This is where advocacy is created, where products are remembered, and where brand loyalty begins. Grow your brand where it matters most — face to face, conversation by conversation, session by session.
Venue: Mirage Banquet & Convention Centre - 1917 Albion Road, Etobicoke ON
May 21, 2026 – Time: 5pm – 9pm
Spring Sesh evolves the Brands & Budz experience into a vibrant, high-energy gathering for a season of growth and momentum. It creates an open environment where fresh ideas, new relationships, and next-wave products come to life, allowing the industry to connect through bright vibes, bold conversations, and hands-on discovery.
The event is where brands launch new products and OCS listings gain early traction, as budtenders, buyers, and retailers reconnect to sample and shape the season. Featuring elevated lounges and immersive activations, it turns introductions into lasting partnerships. Attendees can further engage through retailer sampling programs and event gamification for a chance to win prizes.
The Next Sesh
August 13, 2026
Summer Sesh turns up the heat with high vibes, outdoor energy, and sun-soaked sessions that celebrate the peak of cannabis culture.
Nov 19, 2026
Fall Sesh embraces harvest season, bringing cozy vibes, rich strains, and a celebration of the craft at the heart of cannabis culture.
Feb 11, 2027
Winter Sesh is where the year begins — an intimate, winter-warm gathering built for discovery, connection, and culture. New drops, real conversations, and the people who move the industry forward.
We offer a limited number of FREE tickets for Retailers, Managers, Buyers, and Budtenders. Please complete the form below to request tickets. Once all free tickets have been claimed, any remaining tickets will be made available for purchase. Consumers and industry associates are also welcome to purchase tickets and be part of the experience. Want first access to future events? Join our newsletter for priority ticket releases, exclusive invitations, and early event updates. Be part of the culture — don’t miss your chance to sesh with us.
What’s Included:
Admission to the Sesh
Access to cannabis sampling directly from brands
Exclusive gift bag with products and merch
Industry networking with retailers, brands, and fellow budtenders
Access to lounges, education zones, and event programming
No exceptions to entry requirements — all credentials must be presented at check-in.
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What’s Included:
Admission to the Sesh
Access to cannabis sampling directly from brands
Exclusive gift bag with products and merch
Industry networking with retailers, brands, and fellow budtenders
Access to lounges, education zones, and event programming
Reserve your spot today and connect with the most influential retailers and industry leaders in Canada.
/Ticket
Limited Number of Tickets Available Purchase your ticket early. We have only 75 tickets available for Industry Professionals
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Consumer Tickets are available to the public. Must be 19+ with valid government-issues ID
Limited Number Of Tickets Available Purchase your ticket early. Limit of 100 Consumer tickets per event. Please note. Consumers are not eligible for free educational sampling from brands
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Brands & Budz welcomes budtenders, retailers, industry professionals, and 19+ consumers. Each group has its own ticket type with unique access and perks. All attendees must present valid government-issued photo ID at entry.
Yes. Budtenders and licensed cannabis retailers receive free admission. Budtenders must provide CannSell certification and proof of employment to access sampling and industry perks.
Yes, consumers are welcome! Consumer tickets are $20 and include access to entertainment, brand activations, giveaways, and more. You must be 19+ with valid ID to enter.
Brands and LPs interested in showcasing products or sponsoring the event can inquire through our Sponsorship Form. Once submitted, our team will contact you with available packages and pricing.
Yes—sampling is available exclusively for qualified Budtenders and Retailers who provide CannSell certification and proof of employment. Consumers may enjoy brand experiences, giveaways, and education, but cannot sample THC products.
Please bring valid government-issued photo ID (mandatory for all guests). Budtenders should also bring their CannSell certification and proof of employment for sampling access. Comfortable attire and good vibes recommended!
Event timing varies by city. Most shows run in the evening, typically from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, featuring brand activations, live entertainment, and after-party vibes. Final schedules will be shared closer to the event date.
Yes. The venue offers free on-site parking with additional nearby lot options. We encourage ride-sharing or designated drivers if sampling or consumption is involved.
Designated areas or “consumption lounges” will be available depending on venue regulations. All sampling follows Health Canada guidelines, and public intoxication rules still apply. Please consume responsibly.
Tickets are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another eligible attendee (19+). Budtender tickets can only be transferred to another verified budtender with proper credentials.
Yes, guests are welcome with their own valid ticket (Consumer, Industry Associate, etc.). All attendees must be 19+ and have valid ID. Free Budtender tickets cannot be used for non-industry guests.
Yes! Event include onsite food vendors, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages. Outside food and drinks are not permitted.
No retail sales of cannabis will occur on-site. However, brands may provide product education, giveaways, swag, and QR codes linking to local retailers or online stores.
