Sometimes, the best time to invest in a relatively new market is after the initial euphoria has evaporated. That could very well be the case with investing in CBD, an abbreviation for a chemical found in the cannabis plant called cannabidiol. CBD stocks are shares of publicly traded companies that are involved in the processing and distribution of CBD or provide tools and services to other companies in the CBD industry.
The U.S. legalized hemp-derived CBD at the federal level with the 2018 farm bill. The mere anticipation of this legislation's passage stoked investor interest in companies in the CBD industry.
Although federal legalization served as a key milestone, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) chose to exclude CBD from food supplements. As a result, the CBD opportunity in the U.S. hasn't delivered on investors' lofty ambitions.
The CBD industry faces another big challenge in 2026. A continuing resolution passed by the U.S. Congress in November 2025 made significant changes to federal hemp product regulations.
Top CDB stocks for 2026
Although the CBD market isn't as attractive as it once was due to the uncertainties created by these changes, investors may still want to consider four CBD stocks:
| Name and ticker | Current price | Market cap |
|---|---|---|
| Cresco Labs (OTC:CRLBF) | $0.91 | $327.8 million |
| Green Thumb Industries (OTC:GTBIF) | $6.68 | $1.5 billion |
| Jazz Pharmaceuticals Plc (NASDAQ:JAZZ) | $194.20 | $12.0 billion |
| Trulieve Cannabis (OTC:TCNNF) | $6.31 | $1.2 billion |
1. Cresco Labs
OTC: CRLBF
Key Data Points
Cresco Labs (CRLBF -4.15%) is an Illinois-based cannabis operator that markets recreational and medical cannabis products in eight states. The company is more than just a cannabis producer and retailer. Cresco also markets branded cannabis products containing CBD, including its Wonder gummies. It commands the leading market share in multiple markets of $1 billion or more.
Cresco has grown significantly through the years, both organically and through acquisitions, and it consistently generates solid free cash flow. The company also stands to benefit from tax changes related to the federal rescheduling of marijuana.
Perhaps the biggest knock against Cresco is that the company can't list its shares on a major U.S. stock exchange as long as marijuana remains illegal at the federal level. However, Cresco has proven that it can still attract investors through the U.S. over-the-counter (OTC) markets.
2. Green Thumb Industries
OTC: GTBIF
Key Data Points
Like Cresco Labs, Green Thumb Industries (GTBIF -1.28%) is a U.S. cannabis operator based in Illinois. The company has retail stores in 14 states, including California, Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. Green Thumb markets multiple brands in its Rise dispensaries, and its Rythm brand offers a lineup of CBD products.
The company is profitable and generates positive cash flow. It continued to grow, expanding into Minnesota in 2025 and adding 12 new locations throughout the U.S., bringing its total to 113.
3. Jazz Pharmaceuticals
NASDAQ: JAZZ
Key Data Points
You might be surprised to find a pharmaceutical stock listed among the top CBD stocks to consider. But Jazz Pharmaceuticals (JAZZ -1.99%) has a direct and important connection with CBD. In 2018, the company's Epidiolex became the first CBD product made from the cannabis plant to win FDA approval.
Jazz actually didn't own Epidiolex at that time. It acquired GW Pharmaceuticals, which developed the CBD drug to treat epileptic seizures, for $6.7 billion in 2021. Epidiolex is not too far from generating annual sales of $1 billion or more, as some analysts projected after it was first approved in the U.S. Sales continue to pick up, as the drug is now approved in more than 35 countries outside the U.S.
Jazz also has other growth drivers in its lineup. Sleep disorder drug Xywav is gaining momentum. The company also launched its biliary tract cancer drug Ziihera in December 2024, and its newest product, Modeyso, used to treat diffuse midline glioma, was granted FDA approval in August 2025.
4. Trulieve Cannabis
OTC: TCNNF
Key Data Points
Trulieve Cannabis (TCNNF -1.41%) is a Florida-based cannabis operator. It has retail dispensaries in nine states and cultivation and processing facilities in seven states. The company is especially dominant in its home state's medical cannabis market. Roughly 70% of Trulieve's retail locations are in Florida. Trulieve also has leading market positions in Arizona and Pennsylvania.
Like Cresco Labs and Green Thumb Industries, Trulieve generates most of its revenue from cannabis sales. However, it also markets CBD products, including tinctures.
Trulieve experienced a setback when Florida voters rejected a constitutional amendment in November 2024 that would have legalized recreational marijuana. The amendment required 60% approval to pass, but it received only around 56%.
However, supporters plan to continue pushing for the legalization of recreational marijuana. Trulieve could still have a major growth opportunity in its home state in the future.
What to consider before choosing a CBD stock
There are several factors to consider before choosing a CBD stock to buy. Some of the most important ones include:
- Financial strength
- Management quality
- Valuation
- Brand strength
- Product diversification
- Geographical markets
Benefits and risks of investing in CBD stocks
The benefits of investing in CBD stocks include:
- Potential to profit from promising markets such as personalized CBD and pet CBD products
- Regulatory changes, including the rescheduling of marijuana could help CBD stocks
- Low valuations for many CBD stocks could lead to outsize gains in the future
However, there are also several risks associated with investing in CBD stocks, including:
- The potential for adverse regulatory changes
- High volatility
- Limited access to banking services
- Intense competition
How to invest in CBD stocks
Follow these steps to invest in CBD stocks:
- Open your brokerage app: Log in to your brokerage account where you handle your investments.
- Search for the stock: Enter the ticker or company name into the search bar to bring up the stock's trading page.
- Decide how many shares to buy: Consider your investment goals and how much of your portfolio you want to allocate to this stock.
- Select order type: Choose between a market order to buy at the current price or a limit order to specify the maximum price you're willing to pay.
- Submit your order: Confirm the details and submit your buy order.
- Review your purchase: Check your portfolio to ensure your order was filled as expected and adjust your investment strategy accordingly.
Tips for successful CBD stock investing
Below are some practical tips for investing in CBD stocks:
- Understand the regulatory landscape.
- Thoroughly examine the financial positions of CBD companies.
- Make sure CBD stocks' valuations are reasonable relative to their growth prospects.
- Diversify your investments to reduce risk.
- Focus on the long term.
Related investing topics
FAQ
Investing in CBD stocks FAQ
About the Author
Keith Speights has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Cresco Labs and Green Thumb Industries. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
