EDITOR’S NOTE: The billion-dollar medical marijuana, hemp and legal weed industries offer an economic opportunity unrivaled in modern N.J. history. NJ Cannabis Insider features exclusive, premium content for those interested in getting in on the ground floor or expanding their operation. View a sample issue.

With the medical cannabis expansion already underway and New Jersey legislators gearing up for another try at legalization during the lame-duck session after the November election, the Garden State could be far greener by year’s end.

In partnership with the New Jersey Cannabis Industry Association, NJ Cannabis Insider and the NJCIA will host the first in an ongoing series of meetups on Sept. 18. Join insiders for drinks and loads of networking for a post-Request for Application cool down at Bar Americana near the Cranford Train Station.

Featured speakers include NJCIA president Hugh O’Beirne, Hillview Med CEO Ken Vande Vrede and Duane Morris attorney Paul Josephson. All have deep insight into the license application process and opportunities for businesses supporting medical marijuana dispensaries.

There are a limited number of tickets. For more information or to sign-up, click here for details.

Weeks after this meetup, on Oct. 2 NJ Cannabis Insider and NJCIA will host a huge all-day, multi-track panel event focused on the expansion of the medical cannabis industry at the New Jersey Conference and Expo Center in Edison following the passage of the Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act.

The event packs in a full day of programming, panel discussions, networking opportunities and lunch. Space is limited and tickets won’t last. Be sure to sign up by Sept. 6 to lock-in early-bird discounted tickets.

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Justin Zaremba may be reached at jzaremba@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinZarembaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.