Pot Legalization Has Landed: What to Expect in the Markets

With legalization now a done deal, should investors stock up on pot stocks like Aphria Inc (TSX:APH)?

| More on:

Financial data on a monitor,Stock market data on LED display concept

The big day is finally here. After months of anticipation, cannabis is now federally legal across Canada. Although customers in some provinces will have to wait before they can buy in-store, all Canadians now have the right to buy recreational cannabis in principle.

The legalization story is as much a tale of the markets as one of changing social norms. While the social implications of pot legalization are considerable, the effect on Canada’s economy may be even greater. Now, millions of dollars that previously went to black market vendors will be spent in legitimate stores and taxed appropriately. And this, among other things, has fueled a wild rally in cannabis stocks that raged through August and September.

With cannabis legal, it’s just a matter of time until earnings statements reflect the effects of legalization. However, it’s already possible to forecast some of them. We can start with the most obvious:

Revenue growth

Most of Canada’s pot companies will see revenue growth as a consequence of legalization. Cannabis stores will need suppliers, and publicly traded pot manufacturers are raking in the lion’s share of supply contracts. We’re already seeing evidence of how this is playing out: in Q4, Aurora Cannabis Inc (TSX:ACB) posted sky high 223% revenue growth, in no small part because of the recreational supply contracts it has already earned. There’s no doubt in my mind that other cannabis companies will post similar results in their upcoming income statements.

Price concerns

I’ve just touched on a major positive that legalization will bring for cannabis investors. Now it’s time for a negative: downward pressure on prices. When cannabis was made legal in Colorado in 2014, prices almost immediately started falling as the market was flooded with new supply. Vendors cut their prices to compete with one another, and margins suffered all around.

It’s fairly likely that something similar will happen in Canada unless the government steps in with price control. This could be bad for companies like Canopy Growth Corp (TSX:WEED)(NYSE:CGC) that are struggling to reach profitability.

Acquisition fury

Finally, it’s reasonable to expect that legalization will lead to a lot of M&A activity, both within the cannabis sector and across sectors. We already saw this ahead of legalization with Constellation Brands Inc’s $5 billion investment in Canopy. And many cannabis producers, such as Aphria Inc (TSX:APH), are buying up smaller competitors at a fast pace, with Aphria’s most recent acquisition being valued at over $300 million.

As more and more cannabis companies earn lucrative supply deals, we can expect bigger companies to acquire them in a bid for larger market share. This may be a good reason to buy smaller-cap pot stocks like Hexo Corp that may be bought out at above-market prices.

Bottom line

Without a doubt, this is a historic day, not only for Canada but for the cannabis industry as a whole. After decades of being flat-out illegal and years of existing in a legal grey area, cannabis is now fully legal nationwide. Many other countries are sure to follow Canada’s lead on this, which paints a rosy picture for cannabis stocks’ future prospects. As for which stock will win, that’s a trickier question, but there are always ETFs for those hoping to diversify and invest in the entire sector.

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 Andrew Button has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Investing

Canadian Dollars
Stock Market

Where to Invest $5,000 in April 2024

Do you have some extra cash to spare? Here are five companies to invest $5,000 in next month.

Read more »

Plane on runway, aircraft
Stocks for Beginners

Up 53% From its 52-Week Low, Is Cargojet Stock Still a Buy?

Cargojet (TSX:CJT) stock is up a whopping 53%, nearing closer to 52-week highs from 52-week lows, so what's next for…

Read more »

Question marks in a pile
Bank Stocks

Should You Buy Canadian Western Bank for its 4.8% Dividend Yield?

Down 35% from all-time highs, Canadian Western Bank offers a tasty dividend yield of 4.8%. Is the TSX bank stock…

Read more »

Gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Alamos Gold Jumped 7% on Wednesday

Alamos (TSX:AGI) stock and Argonaut Gold (TSX:AR) surged after the companies announced a friendly acquisition for $325 million.

Read more »

tsx today
Stock Market

TSX Today: Why Record-Breaking Rally Could Extend on Thursday, March 28

The main TSX index closed above the 22,000 level for the first time yesterday and remains on track to post…

Read more »

Nuclear power station cooling tower
Metals and Mining Stocks

If You’d Invested $1,000 in Cameco Stock 5 Years Ago, This Is How Much You’d Have Now

Cameco (TSX:CCO) stock still looks undervalued, despite a 258% rally. Can the uranium miner deliver more capital gains to shareholders?

Read more »

Businessman holding tablet and showing a growing virtual hologram of statistics, graph and chart with arrow up on dark background. Stock market. Business growth, planning and strategy concept
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Magic: Earn Enormous Passive Income That the CRA Can’t Touch

If you're seeking out passive income, with zero taxes involved, then get on board with a TFSA and this portfolio…

Read more »

potted green plant grows up in arrow shape
Stocks for Beginners

3 Growth Stocks I’m Buying in April

These three growth stocks are up in the last year, and that is likely to continue on as we keep…

Read more »