Could Alimentation Couche Tard Inc. Be Your 1-Stop Shop for Marijuana and Munchies?

Alimentation Couche Tard Inc. (TSX:ATD.B) is an earnings-growth superstar which has a ton of tailwinds. Here’s why cannabis distribution could potentially be another tailwind.

Alimentation Couche Tard Inc. (TSX:ATD.B) is reportedly interested in selling cannabis across its Quebec convenience stores. The management team hired a lobbyist named Marie-Eve Bedard to get Couche Tard a front-row seat in cannabis distribution once everything is up and running.

As of right now, the company has only mentioned the sale of cannabis across its Quebec convenience stores, but I think all stores across Canada may be able to get in on the action over the next few years. We’re about a year away from nationwide legalization, but a lot of details regarding distribution are still unknown.

Many believe that cannabis should be sold at liquor stores, while other pundits believe that the drug should be sold at pharmacy chains or even convenience stores in addition to registered dispensaries.

Nobody knows how cannabis will be distributed, but if I had to guess, it’s likely that dispensaries and pharmacies will be the go-to places to get cannabis for both recreational as well as medicinal uses. If we look at U.S. states where cannabis is legalized, you’ll realize that dispensaries are still the primary way to obtain cannabis.

It’s important to note that the government of Canada may decide to allow convenience stores to sell cannabis in the same way cigarettes are sold. I believe allowing convenience stores to get a licence will result in more sin taxes for the government, and the cannabis black market may be eliminated because of how convenient it is to go to your local Mac’s and pick up a pack of joints.

As we head closer to legalization day, we’ll probably learn more about how cannabis will be sold in Canada and if convenience stores can get licences. Couche Tard may receive a huge boost in same-store sales at its Canadian locations.

It’s not just cannabis that will give convenience stores a boost; the snack foods that cannabis users are likely to purchase in conjunction with the drug will also give convenience stores a boost. One of the side-effects of cannabis usage is the “munchies,” which is a well-documented phenomenon where users high on cannabis will experience increased hunger levels.

If cannabis ends up being sold at convenience stores, then Couche Tard could be a one-stop shop for cannabis users. Everyone is hyped up over cannabis-producing companies, but nobody appears to be paying attention to potential cannabis distributors.

Couche Tard is a fantastic convenience store operator that will be riding tailwinds over the next few years. I think Couche Tard is a terrific long-term buy regardless of whether or not the company will be able to sell cannabis.

Stay smart. Stay hungry. Stay Foolish.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Joey Frenette owns shares of Alimentation Couche Tard Inc. Alimentation Couche Tard Inc. is a recommendation of Stock Advisor Canada.

More on Investing

A cannabis plant grows.
Cannabis Stocks

Canopy Growth Stock Is Rising But I’m Worried About This One Thing

Canopy Growth stock is soaring as the legalization effort makes real progress in both Germany and the United States.

Read more »

young woman celebrating a victory while working with mobile phone in the office
Investing

3 Roaring Stocks to Hold for the Next 20 Years

These top TSX stocks are excellent long-term buys, given their multi-year growth potential and solid underlying businesses.

Read more »

Two seniors float in a pool.
Dividend Stocks

TFSA: How to Earn $1,890 in Annual Tax-Free Income

Plunk these investments into your TFSA to earn passive income and avoid the taxman.

Read more »

grow dividends
Investing

Here’s My Top 3 TSX Stocks to Buy Right Now

Even though the TSX has been rising, there are still some good bargains out there. Here are three top compounding…

Read more »

Target. Stand out from the crowd
Investing

Prediction: This Canadian Growth Stock Could Double by 2030

Alimentation Couche-Tard (TSX:ATD) is a top growth stock that could do well over the next six or so years.

Read more »

Businessman holding AI cloud
Tech Stocks

Could Investing $20,000 in Nvidia Make You a Millionaire?

Nvidia stock has made investors millionaires in the last 10 years. Is it too late to invest to become a…

Read more »

Engineers walk through a facility.
Dividend Stocks

1 TSX Stock I Wouldn’t Touch With a 10-Foot Pole

AtkinsRéalis (TSX:ATRL) is one TSX stock I'd never invest in.

Read more »

money cash dividends
Stocks for Beginners

Have $500? 3 Absurdly Cheap Stocks Long-Term Investors Should Buy Right Now

If you're looking for cheap stocks, these three have a huge future ahead of them, all while costing far less…

Read more »