Introduction
Cannabis conventions are like a melting pot—entrepreneurs, cultivators, glassblowers, accessory makers, advocates, and curious consumers all in one place. For someone building a product from scratch, there’s no better way to test the waters than putting it in front of people live.
That’s what happened when we took Just A Pinch to NECANN (New England Cannabis Convention). The experience was equal parts nerve-wracking and rewarding, and it gave us insights that will shape the way we grow this brand.
This post isn’t just a recap—it’s a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like taking a garage-born idea into the real world of cannabis expos, and what other creators and entrepreneurs can learn from it.
What is NECANN and Why It Matters
NECANN is one of the largest cannabis trade shows in the U.S. Every year, thousands of industry players and enthusiasts gather to:
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Discover new products (everything from lighting tech to smoking gadgets).
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Network (retailers, distributors, influencers, investors).
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Learn through panels and workshops.
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Celebrate the culture of cannabis.
For startups and small businesses, it’s a proving ground. You’re not just showing your product—you’re testing whether people “get it” in seconds, face-to-face.
Preparing for the Show: From Garage to Booth
Bringing Just A Pinch to NECANN meant months of preparation:
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Refining the prototype so it was reliable.
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Designing packaging that could stand alongside big brands.
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Creating signage and displays on a budget.
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Practicing the pitch—how do you explain your product in under 30 seconds?
Walking into the convention center, surrounded by massive, polished booths, was intimidating. But sometimes being small and scrappy is an advantage—people are curious about the underdog.
The Reactions: Real People, Real Feedback
One of the most valuable parts of NECANN was seeing strangers interact with Just A Pinch for the first time.
The Skeptics
Plenty of people walked by with a raised eyebrow. Some even said, “Why do I need that? I’ve been packing bowls by hand forever.”
But once they tried it, the response flipped. The “ah-ha” moment was seeing how quick and clean the process became—especially for people with long nails, sticky hands, or mobility issues.
The Enthusiasts
Others lit up right away. “Oh my god, this solves such a pain in the ass problem,” was a common reaction. These folks often pulled out their phones to record, share, or ask where they could buy one.
Retailers and Buyers
Several dispensaries and headshop owners stopped by. Their questions were less about “does it work?” and more about “what’s wholesale pricing, margins, and minimum order?” That told us the product had legs beyond the consumer level.
Lessons Learned at NECANN
1. People Value Simplicity
In a world full of flashy gadgets, a simple solution that saves time and mess stands out.
2. Education Is Key
Most had never seen a device like Just A Pinch before. A live demo turned confusion into excitement.
3. Collaboration Beats Competition
Other accessory brands weren’t hostile—they were curious. The cannabis space thrives on partnerships and co-branding.
4. Authenticity Wins
People respected that this was a homegrown invention, not a corporate product. Sharing the story made the booth more approachable.
The Challenges Nobody Talks About
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Standing for hours pitching nonstop is exhausting.
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Travel, booth fees, and setup costs add up quickly.
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Not everyone is kind—some will dismiss you instantly.
But pushing through those moments is part of the entrepreneurial grind.
How Events Like NECANN Help Small Brands
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Immediate Feedback: No focus group compares to 100+ real users trying your product in one day.
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Networking: Meeting shop owners, influencers, and even journalists face-to-face accelerates growth.
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Content: Events provide photos, videos, and stories you can repurpose for months.
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Validation: Seeing people “get it” proves you’re solving a real problem.
FAQs
Q: Is it worth going to a cannabis trade show as a small brand?
A: Yes—if you prepare. The exposure and feedback are invaluable.
Q: How much does it cost to attend NECANN?
A: Booths can run a few thousand dollars, plus travel and marketing expenses. Budget carefully.
Q: How do you stand out among big booths?
A: Authenticity. Share your story, let people try your product, and connect one-on-one.
Conclusion
Taking Just A Pinch to NECANN was more than just a product launch—it was validation, education, and connection rolled into one. We walked in nervous and left inspired, with feedback, new contacts, and proof that a simple idea can resonate with thousands of people.
For anyone sitting on a homemade invention or cannabis side project, our advice is simple: take the leap. Get it in front of people. The lessons you’ll learn from one convention floor will be worth more than months of brainstorming.
👉 Couldn’t make it to NECANN? You can still try it for yourself: Shop Just a Pinch here
