< path d="M52.6178 31.3114L44.7476 60.6733L74.1095 68.5435L81.9797 39.1816L52.6178 31.3114Z" fill="#F9C32D"/>

Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.

How to invest in cannabis stocks

Pot stocks to watch if you're looking to invest in the cannabis boom.

Avatar
Kylie Purcell
Updated . What changed?
Fact checked

Just five years ago, few investors took cannabis 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 cannabis boom, you can start here.

Compare online brokers to trade cannabis stocks, ETFs and CFDs

Updated regularly
Name Product Available Investment Types Min. Monthly Fee Available Markets
BlackBull Markets Share Trading
OFFER
BlackBull Markets Share Trading
Shares
$0
US, NZ, AU, Funds with exposure to multiple markets
Exclusive: Sign up through Finder and get 5 free shares with a minimum first time deposit of $1,000. T&Cs apply.
Trade 23,000+ shares and access 80+ global markets across the US, New Zealand, Australia and more, plus benefit from extended trading hours, no monthly fees, 24/6 dedicated local support and a mobile trading app available on both Android and iOS.
Go to site
More Info
Hatch
OFFER
Hatch
Shares, ETFs
$0
US
Sign up to Hatch through Finder and get a $20 top-up when you deposit $100 or more.
Invest in more than 4,700 US companies and over 1,200 exchange-traded funds (ETFs) - no minimum investment or monthly fees.
Go to site
More Info
Rockfort Markets Share Trading
Rockfort Markets Share Trading
Shares
$20
US, AU, Funds with exposure to multiple markets
Trade shares in more than 1000 companies across the US, Australia and more.
Low brokerage on trades, plus access to professional tools, research and live market data. Available on desktop and mobile.
Go to site
More Info
Sharesies
Sharesies
Shares, ETFs, Managed Funds, Index Funds
$0
US, NZ, AU, Funds with exposure to multiple markets
Trade and invest in more than 8,000 companies, ETFs and managed funds across New Zealand, the US and Australia.
Go to site
More Info
Tiger Brokers
OFFER
Tiger Brokers
Shares, ETFs, Options
$0
US, AU, Funds with exposure to multiple markets
Sign up to Tiger Brokers and get a free stock voucher worth NZ$10, plus receive 3 Rocket Lab shares and one lucky draw ticket to win a free share when you deposit at least NZ$500 into your Tiger account. Offer is for new clients only and is subject to minimum deposit requirements. T&Cs apply.
Trade shares in more than 7,000 companies across the US, Australia and Asia.
Go to site
More Info
Stake
OFFER
Stake
Shares
$0
US
Sign up through Finder and use referral code "FINDERNZ" for a free stock valued up to US$150.
Trade more than 4,500 US-listed stocks and ETFs through Stake with $0 fees on trades.
Go to site
More Info
loading

Compare up to 4 providers

Updated regularly
Name Product Minimum Opening Deposit Minimum Opening Deposit Commission Available Markets Platforms
Plus500 CFD
Plus500 CFD
NZD 200
200
No commission
Indices, FX, Shares, Commodities, Cryptocurrency, ETFs, Options
Plus500 WebTrader
CFD Service. Your capital is at risk.
Trade CFDs on shares, forex, crypto, indices, commodities and more.
Go to site
More Info
CMC Markets CFD
CMC Markets CFD
NZD 0
0
0.10% with a NZ$ 7 minimum
Indices, FX, Commodities, Cryptocurrency, Treasuries, ASX shares, Global shares
MetaTrader 4,CMC Next Generation
CFD Service. Your capital is at risk.
Trade CFDs on shares, forex, cryptocurrency, indices, commodities and more.
Go to site
More Info
BlackBull Markets CFD
BlackBull Markets CFD
USD 200
200
No commission
Indices, FX, Commodities, Precious metals
MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5
CFD Service. Your capital is at risk.
Trade CFDs on shares, forex, indices, commodities, precious metals and more.
Go to site
More Info
loading

Compare up to 4 providers

Why invest in cannabis?

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.

In October 2020, New Zealanders voted on a referendum regarding recreational cannabis. The majority of voters 50.7% were against the proposed Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill, while 48. 4% were for it.

A year after Canada became the second country to legalise 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 cannabis

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

  • Cannabis stocks. This means buying stocks on the share markets in cannabis companies or companies that have cannabis exposure. In New Zealand, we have just one company, Cannasouth, floated on the NZX.
  • International cannabis stocks. Some of the biggest cannabis companies are listed on stock exchanges in overseas markets such as the US or Canada. It’s possible to invest in these if you use a broker that offers global stocks. Click on the ‘global’ list above to see some of these stocks.
  • Cannabis ETFs. ETFs contain a bundle of stocks, usually hundreds, and these often track an index of stocks. There are around six cannabis ETFs listed in the US.
  • CFD trading. You can trade cannabis stocks, ETFs or indices using CFDs. CFDs are contracts that allow you to make money on the price movements of an underlying asset, such as a share or commodity. Warning – these are complex products best suited to experienced traders.

How do I buy cannabis stocks?

  1. Choose a share trading platform.
  2. Open your account.
  3. Confirm your payment details.
  4. Find the shares you want to buy.

Cannabis 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. In other countries, legalisation of many of these products is still new and in some cases, still underway. These include the following:

  • Medicinal products. Currently, medicinal cannabis is used in New Zealand for the treatment of the terminally ill and in the management of multiple sclerosis.
  • Science and research. Recent policy changes mean that cannabis may be cultivated for medicinal reasons in New Zealand.
  • Recreational use. Marijuana as a recreational drug is still illegal or restricted in most countries and in some cases carries serious punishment. However, legalisation is starting to occur in parts of the US and in all of Canada. It’s consumed to achieve feelings of relaxation or euphoria – but, there are also many 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 hemp food products in New Zealand was legalised in 2018.
  • Building materials. Hemp is used in insulation and building construction materials and has several names, for example, hempcrete.
  • Clothing. Hemp is broadly recognised as one of the most sustainable materials available in the manufacturing of clothing.
  • Beauty products. Hemp is commonly used in various health and beauty products, such as moisturisers, lip balm, makeup and skin oils.

Marijuana vs Hemp

Unlike marijuana, hemp is not normally a narcotic. While hemp and marijuana come from the same cannabis plant, hemp has a lower component of the psychoactive THC – which means that it has no psychoactive effects. Typically, hemp is used in food products, building materials and textiles while marijuana is used for medicinal and recreational purposes.
Disclaimer: This information should not be interpreted as an endorsement of futures, stocks, ETFs, CFDs, options or any specific provider, service or offering. It should not be relied upon as investment advice or construed as providing recommendations of any kind. Futures, stocks, ETFs and options trading involves substantial risk of loss and therefore are not appropriate for all investors. Trading CFDs and forex on leverage comes with a higher risk of losing money rapidly. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Consider your own circumstances, and obtain your own advice, before making any trades.

More guides on Finder

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder.com provides guides and information on a range of products and services. Because our content is not financial advice, we suggest talking with a professional before you make any decision.

By submitting your comment or question, you agree to our Privacy and Cookies Policy and Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy.

Questions and responses on finder.com are not provided, paid for or otherwise endorsed by any bank or brand. These banks and brands are not responsible for ensuring that comments are answered or accurate.
Go to site