2 Cannabis Stocks to Watch in the Coming Months

Despite recent headwinds, it is worth keeping an eye on these two marijuana companies until the end of the year and beyond.

| More on:
edit Jars of marijuana

Image source: Getty Images

Marijuana stocks have been absolutely slaughtered since mid-April. Sure, various geopolitical and economic factors have contributed to equity markets slowing down, but most top marijuana companies have underperformed the broader market.

Despite this catastrophic performance, however, there might be hope for pot firms yet. In particular, two companies worth paying attention to over the next few months are Canopy Growth Corp (TSX:WEED)(NYSE:CGC) and CannTrust Holdings Inc (TSX:TRST)(NYSE:CTST).

Will Canopy dominate the derivative market? 

While Canada legalized recreational uses of marijuana in October of last year, derivative cannabis products — such as edibles and cannabis-infused drinks — are still illegal.

That won’t last much longer, though, as the relevant authorities will soon give the green light for these products and the market will be open for consumers to purchase them legally.

This obviously creates an immense opportunity for marijuana firms. Despite the growth of the recreational marijuana market, it doesn’t offer particularly high margins, and it risks suffering from a supply glut.

No surprise, then, that Canopy and its peers are eagerly anticipating the opening of the derivative market, which offers much higher margins.

The Ontario-based firm is in many ways, better equipped than most of its competitors to profit from this market, which means the company’s every moves will be scrutinized in the coming months as it tries to atone for its recent disappointing financial results.

Canopy’s partnership with Constellation Brands — and the cash it obtained from this deal — will be a powerful weapon to wield in this competitive market.

Of course, even the deadliest weapon is practically useless in the wrong arms. Similarly, Canopy will only succeed if it puts itself in a position to do so, which is why it will be important to keep an eye on what the marijuana company attempts to do to conquer this market.

Will the CannTrust scandal turn into an opportunity? 

At this point, there’s no doubt that most investors should stay far away from CannTrust. There probably isn’t a brand whose image has been damaged more than that of this Ontario-based grower in the entire cannabis sector.

By way of reminder, CannTrust was caught violating legal provisions for firms that engage in the cultivation, harvesting, or sale of cannabis. We recently learned that CannTrust will have its licence to produce and sell both medical and recreational marijuana suspended as a result of these violations. While this news is obviously bad for the company, investors should welcome this verdict.

The market despises uncertainty, and as long as Health Canada kept us in limbo as to what sanctions would be imposed on CannTrust, there was no telling how low the firm’s share price would go.

Now CannTrust can slowly try to put this episode in the rear view mirror, and although the road to redemption will be long and arduous, it is worth keeping an eye on the company.

After all, some of the factors that originally made CannTrust an interesting prospect could still play a role in its future, assuming there is a future for the firm.

The bottom line

Let’s not forget that the marijuana industry is still in its early stages. Many of the top cannabis firms aren’t too far removed from startup status. Naturally, there will be much risk and volatility moving forward.

Both Canopy Growth and CannTrust have had their struggles in recent months, but it might be worth keeping them on your radar and watching how things play out.

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 Prosper Junior Bakiny has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Cannabis Stocks

Pot stocks are a riskier investment
Cannabis Stocks

Is the Worst Over for Canopy Growth Stock?

Down 99% from all-time highs Canopy Growth stock has burnt investor wealth and remains a high-risk investment.

Read more »

Pot stocks are a riskier investment
Cannabis Stocks

Steer Clear: This Stock Spells Trouble

A newly listed cannabis stock is outperforming in 2024 but investors should stay clear to avoid trouble and losses.

Read more »

Cannabis stocks have fallen.
Cannabis Stocks

2 Best Marijuana Stocks to Buy This Month

Marijuana stocks in the U.S. such as Green Thumb and Curaleaf can help you deliver outsized gains to investors in…

Read more »

A cannabis plant grows.
Cannabis Stocks

Can Aurora Cannabis Stock Recover in 2024?

Aurora Cannabis stock is down 99% from all-time highs but remains a high-risk bet, despite its cheap valuation.

Read more »

A person holds a small glass jar of marijuana.
Cannabis Stocks

The Best Cannabis Stock to Buy Right Now

This cannabis stock has jumped 30% in the last few months, with even more growth on the way – all…

Read more »

Cannabis grows at a commercial farm.
Cannabis Stocks

Down 99% From All-Time Highs, Is Canopy Growth Stock a Good Buy Right Now?

Canopy Growth stock is a high-risk investment due to its negative profit margins and challenging liquidity position.

Read more »

Marijuana plant and cannabis oil bottles isolated
Stocks for Beginners

Aurora Cannabis’ Reverse Stock Split: Is the Stock a Buy Today?

Cannabis stock Aurora (TSX:ACB) is consolidating shares once again, but what does this mean for investors?

Read more »

Medicinal research is conducted on cannabis.
Cannabis Stocks

Where Will Cannabis Stocks Be in 10 Years?

Cannabis stocks could see a huge shift upwards should marijuana be rescheduled in the U.S., but you can still buy…

Read more »