Benefits and risks of investing in marijuana stocks
The benefits of investing in marijuana stocks include:
- Potential for near-term appreciation once rescheduling is finalized.
- Significant long-term growth potential.
- Merger and acquisition opportunities as the cannabis market consolidates.
However, there are also risks of investing in marijuana stocks, including:
- Cannabis remains illegal at the federal level in the U.S.
- Significant volatility.
- Competition from unregulated marijuana.
Methodology: How these stocks were chosen
The primary criterion for choosing these stocks was that they had operations in the cannabis industry. Cannabis operators such as Green Thumb and Trulieve clearly checked off this box. Others, including Innovative Industrial Properties and Quest Diagnostics, provide cannabis-related products and services.
Size was also important. Only companies with market caps of at least $200 million were considered. The stocks of companies with tiny market caps are often illiquid and not good alternatives for most investors.
The growth potential for each stock was another key factor in the selection process. Each of these five stocks appears to have promising long-term growth prospects.
Should you invest in marijuana stocks?
Just because there's a trendy new sector with lots of press and potential growth doesn't mean you need to invest in it. Conservative investors who prefer lower risk are likely better off avoiding marijuana stocks or choosing a marijuana ETF instead.
However, aggressive investors with high risk tolerances will likely find much to like about marijuana stocks. The cannabis industry is still in its early stages. The market opportunities are enormous, especially as more U.S. states legalize cannabis. Investing in these stocks is a high-risk but potentially high-reward proposition.