How to invest in marijuana stocks

Only 5 years ago, few investors took marijuana stocks seriously. Today, as billions of dollars pour into the sector, few doubt that cannabis will be one of the next big disruptors.

If you’re looking to invest in the anticipated cannabis boom, you can start here. Below is a list of companies that have exposure to the marijuana sector and are listed on US stock exchanges.

Listed cannabis sector stocks

Note: The above lists may not be fully representative of the Canadian or global marijuana marketplace, and some companies may not directly deal in cannabis but have cannabis exposure.

Why invest in marijuana?

In the last couple of years, governments the world over have become less stringent on the use and production of marijuana and hemp products, paving the way for an explosion of new businesses.

A year after Canada became the second country to legalize recreational marijuana in 2018, the legal cannabis sector was estimated to be worth $150 billion, according to Euromonitor International. Between then and 2025, they predict the sector will grow by 2,000% globally.

How to invest in marijuana

There’s more than one way to invest in cannabis.

• US-listed marijuana stocks. This means buying the stocks of global cannabis companies or companies that have cannabis exposure, including CBD companies, that are listed on US stock exchanges. Here are some of the biggest:
  • Canopy Growth (CGC)
  • GW Pharmaceuticals (GWPH)
  • Cronos Group (CRON)

  • Aurora Cannabis (ACB)
  • Tilray (TLRY)
  • Aphria (APHA)
• International cannabis stocks. Additional big-name marijuana companies are listed on stock exchanges in Canada, other countries or over-the-counter exchanges. It’s possible to invest in these if you use a broker that offers global or OTC stocks.
  • Curaleaf (OTC:CURLF)
  • Green Thumb Industries (OTC:GTBIF)

  • Trulieve Cannabis (OTC:TCNNF)
• Marijuana ETFs. ETFs contain a bundle of stocks, usually hundreds, and these often track an index of stocks. There are a handful of cannabis ETFs listed in the US.
  • ETFMG Alternative Harvest (MJ)
  • The Cannabis ETF (THCX)
  • Cambria Cannabis ETF (TOKE)

  • AdvisorShares Pure Cannabis ETF (YOLO)
  • Horizons Marijuana Life Sciences (OTC:HMLSF or TSX:HMMJ)

How do I buy cannabis stocks?

1. Choose a stock trading platform. If you’re a beginner, our table below can help you choose.
2. Open your account. You’ll need your ID, bank details and Social Insurance Number.
3. Confirm your payment details. You’ll generally need to fund your account with a bank transfer.
4. Find the stocks you want to buy. Search the platform and buy shares of the companies or ETFs you like. It’s that simple.

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Marijuana products

While smoking weed is perhaps the most well-known use of cannabis, there are many types of businesses that are set to benefit from the growing sector. Legalization of many of these products is new and in some cases, still underway. These include the following:

• Medicinal products. Medicinal cannabis is used for the treatment of cancer pain, epilepsy, palliative care, chemotherapy nausea, neuropathic pain, anorexia and neurological conditions. Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a derivative of the marijuana plant that’s become increasingly popular for medical uses in recent years.
• Science and research. Scientific study of marijuana has accelerated in recent years with the discovery of many other beneficial compounds besides the psychoactive THC.
• Recreational use. Marijuana as a recreational drug is still illegal or restricted in some states and the federal government. However, legalization is starting to occur in parts of the US and in all of Canada. It’s consumed to achieve feelings of relaxation or euphoria — however, there can be some risky side effects.
• Food products. Hemp is used as an ingredient in a range of products, including cooking oils, snacks, protein powder, cooking flour and more. The sale of food products made from hemp seeds was authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill.
• Building materials. Hemp is used in insulation and building construction materials and has several names, including hempcrete, hemp masonry and hemplime.
• Clothing. Hemp is broadly recognized as one of the most sustainable materials available in the manufacture of clothing.
• Beauty products. Hemp is commonly used in various health and beauty products, such as moisturizers, lip balm, makeup and skin oils.

Bottom line

The legal cannabis sector is positioned to grow in the coming years and there are a number of ways to invest. But keep in mind that past performance is not a guarantee of profit and all investments come with inherent risks.

Explore your investment options across trading platforms and commodities before you buy.