How to Make the Most Out of Virtual Networking in Cannabis

Virtual cannabis events open doors that wouldn’t be accessible otherwise. Between travel costs, childcare and state restrictions, attending in-person events isn’t always realistic. That’s where virtual cannabis networks become invaluable. They make it possible for women to collaborate, share ideas and find real opportunities in cannabis from anywhere in the world.
And the beauty of it? These spaces aren’t just about business. They’re about community. If you’ve ever felt isolated in this industry, cannabis virtual networking events can bridge that gap and help you build your circle. In fact, these gatherings connect directly to why cannabis communities like WEiC exist.
Part of what makes these events so valuable is the variety. Some are structured like webinars with keynote speakers. Others use breakout rooms for small group conversations. And some are completely open-format, allowing you to hop from one conversation to another like a digital mixer. Regardless of the setup, knowing how to make the most of your virtual networking experience makes all the difference.
Here are five tips to help you show up, stand out and start building your digital cannabis community:
1. Have a Party Pitch Ready for Intros & Breakout Rooms
Successful networking requires opening up to a room full of strangers — which is a big ask. For some of you, mingling with others and participating in cheeky icebreakers is the best part of networking. But for others, hearing someone mutter “So, tell us about your business” or “What do you do” can trigger feelings of anxiety and uncertainty.
If you want to make the most out of virtual cannabis events, the best thing you can do for your confidence is to walk in prepared. Before you jump into a networking sesh, take a few minutes to think about who you are, what your needs are, what you can offer to the group and of course, your intention behind joining.
- “Hi, I’m [NAME], founder of [BUSINESS NAME]. We [what you do] for [your target audience]. I love connecting with other women who are passionate about [shared value].”
It doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to sound like you. Your pitch will evolve over time, so don’t overthink it too much.
2. Optimize Your Social Profiles, Zoom Name and Website
Some cannabis networking events draw dozens of women. Others have hundreds. And while you might not get the chance to talk to everyone (or anyone directly) you do have the opportunity to stand out.
Optimizing your Zoom name, social profiles and website ensures that when people see your name in the chat or look you up later, they immediately know who you are, what you do and how to find you.
Make sure your profile photo looks like you (and not the cropped corner of your last vacation pic), your bio clearly states what you do and your links actually work. Add your business, role or area of expertise directly in your Zoom display name.
Pro Tip: Make it easy for people to connect with you everywhere by creating a single landing page or Linktree that includes your website, social links, calendar link for booking a call and contact information. This simple tool makes it effortless to share all your info at once. Drop the link in the chat or add it to your zoom name.
For example: Your Name | Your Position | yourwebsite.com/connect
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Raise Your Hand, Ask Thoughtful Questions and Share Your Opinion
Almost every virtual networking event has time for questions. Sometimes they’re reserved for the end, and other times people are encouraged to ask questions throughout the session. Either way, the Q&A portion is where real conversations and connections take place.
When you show up ready to engage, ask, listen and respond, you’re showing your peers that you value what they’re sharing and facilitate a safe space for growth and connection.
Here are a few open-ended questions that help deepen conversations and show genuine interest:
- What inspired you to get into the cannabis industry?
- What’s something exciting you or your team are working on right now?
- What’s been your biggest challenge running or growing your business lately?
- What advice would you give someone just starting out in this space?
- What kind of collaborations or partnerships are you looking for?
- Is there anything the community can do to support you right now?
If you don’t feel ready to ask questions, that’s OK too. There are other ways you can show up to connect with women in cannabis. Don’t underestimate the impact of saying something as simple as, “I hear you, I’ve been there too.”
Every time you ask, listen or offer encouragement, you strengthen the fabric of women in cannabis.
4. Build Connection and Share Resources Through the Chat
Depending on the platform, hosts can limit how the chat feature is used. Sometimes you can message everyone, sometimes just the hosts and sometimes not at all. But when it is open, use it to your advantage. In most virtual cannabis events, the chat is the backchannel where people test ideas, trade resources and reach out to the women they want to connect with outside of the meetup.
Both public and private chats have their perks. Public chats let you engage with the whole group — adding value, asking thoughtful questions or cheering on other women in real time. It’s a simple way to show that you’re attentive and genuinely interested in the conversation.
Private chats give you the space for one-on-one connection. Maybe you have a resource that fits perfectly with what someone just shared, or you want to thank a speaker privately for a comment that resonated with you.
Here are a few thoughtful ways to use chat features during cannabis virtual networking events:
- [Name] | [Position/Company] | Would love to collab! (Hyperlink to a landing page, calendar or social)
- I think I have a solution to your problems with payment processing. Interested in a 15-minute huddle next week? (Link your calendar)
- Loved your insight on brand partnerships. I have an article you might enjoy. (Article link)
Before you hit send, use your best judgement. Hosts can record or save public chats, so you may want to keep sensitive information or personal details for private messages or a later follow-up.
Pro Tip: Before you log off, copy or save the chat transcript. It’s a quick way to keep track of names, links and ideas worth revisiting later.
5. Follow Up With Connections to Build Long-Term Relationships
Cannabis virtual networking gets your foot in the door, but it’s up to you to follow up with your connections and form long-term relationships. Send a message within a day or two while the conversation is still fresh in everyone’s mind. It doesn’t have to be long or formal — a quick, personal note is more than enough! Mentioning something specific you talked about or referencing an idea that stuck with you will show you were engaged and not just collecting contacts.
- Hi [Name], it was great meeting you at the WEiC Networking Sesh! I really connected with what you said about [topic] and would love to stay in touch.
- Hey [Name], thanks for sharing your insight on marketing in cannabis — that really resonated with me. Let’s connect on LinkedIn or set up a quick coffee chat sometime soon!
- Hi [Name], I thought of a resource that might help with [challenge]. Sending your way — hope it’s useful!
If you promised to send a resource, make an introduction or share a link — follow through! People remember that kind of integrity.
You can also nurture these relationships over time by engaging with their content on LinkedIn, commenting on their wins or sending a simple “thinking of you” note when you see an opportunity that fits their business.
Join WEiC’s Next Virtual Cannabis Networking Event
Every connection you make helps shape the future of women in cannabis. The more we show up for each other, the stronger this industry becomes. When women connect, share resources, open doors and amplify each other’s voices, that ripple effect drives the entire cannabis industry forward.
If you’re ready to expand your network, learn from other women in the industry and find new opportunities for growth, join one of WEiC’s Virtual Networking Seshes. You never know who might be on the other side of the screen — a future business partner, mentor or friend.