Trulieve Caps Transformational Year with Record Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Results

  • Record revenue of $938.4 million in 2021, up 80% year over year, and quarterly revenue of $305.3 million , up 36% sequentially
  • Industry leading U.S. retail network of 162 dispensaries, up 116% from 2020, supported by over 4.0 million square feet of cultivation and processing capacity, up 107% from 2020, as of March 30, 2022

Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL ) (OTCQX: TCNNF ) ("Trulieve" or "the Company"), a leading and top-performing cannabis company in the U.S., today announced its results for the quarter and full year ended December 31, 2021 . Results are reported in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

Trulieve logo (PRNewsfoto/Trulieve Cannabis Corp.)

2021 Full Year Financial and Operational Highlights*
  • Revenue increased 80% year-over-year to $938.4 million in 2021.
  • Gross profit of $566.1 million and gross margin of 60.3% in 2021 compared to gross profit of $386.4 million and gross margin of 74.1% in 2020.
  • Adjusted gross profit of $621.4 million and adjusted gross margin of 66.2% in 2021 compared to adjusted gross profit of $389.9 million and adjusted gross margin of 74.8% in 2020.* The decline in adjusted gross margin is primarily attributable to strategic diversification into new lower margin markets and channels.
  • Net income of $18.0 million and adjusted net income of $123.4 million *, which excludes $105.4 million of non-recurring compensation, fair value of inventory step up, and transaction, acquisition and integration charges primarily associated with the Harvest Health & Recreation Inc. ("Harvest") acquisition.
  • Adjusted EBITDA of $384.6 million , or 41.0% of revenue in 2021 compared to adjusted EBITDA of $260.1 million , or 49.9% of revenue in 2020.*
  • Cash at year end of $234 million .
  • Raised $227 million in equity and $350 million in five year senior secured notes at 8% interest, representing industry leading terms for U.S. plant touching cannabis operators.
  • Welcomed two new members to the Board of Directors, which now includes four women representing half of the Board.
  • Closed seven total acquisitions valued at ~$1.5 billion in 2021 including Harvest and Keystone Shops. The Harvest acquisition closed in less than five months from the announcement, accelerating integration and optimization activities.
  • Added 84 dispensaries in 2021, increasing retail footprint by 112% to 159 retail locations nationwide at year end.
  • Added ~1.6 million square feet of cultivation and processing capacity through organic growth and acquisitions in 2021, increasing capacity by 89% to over 3.5 million square feet at year end.
  • Commenced cultivation and retail operations in Massachusetts and West Virginia and received a notice of intent to award a Class 1 production license in Georgia .
  • Exited 2021 with operations in 11 states, with 30% of our retail locations outside of the state of Florida .

*See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for additional information and a reconciliation to GAAP for all Non-GAAP metrics.

Q4 2021 Financial and Operational Highlights*
  • Revenue increased 81% in the fourth quarter compared to the fourth quarter of 2020 and 36% sequentially to $305.3 million .
  • Gross profit of $132.4 million and gross margin of 43.4% in the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to gross profit of $119.9 million and gross margin of 71.2% in the fourth quarter of 2020.
  • Adjusted gross profit of $180.6 million and adjusted gross margin of 59.1% in the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to adjusted gross profit of $121.7 million and adjusted gross margin of 72.2% in the fourth quarter of 2020.*
  • Net loss of $71.5 million and adjusted net income of $1.8 million *, which excludes $73.3 million of non-recurring fair value of inventory step up, and transaction, acquisition and integration charges primarily associated with the Harvest acquisition.
  • Adjusted EBITDA of $100.9 million , or 33.0% of revenue in the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to adjusted EBITDA of $81.4 million or 48.3% of revenue in the same period of the prior year.
  • Added 58 dispensaries in the fourth quarter including 49 acquired through Harvest and Purplemed, 9 opened in Florida , Pennsylvania , and West Virginia , and completed the relocation of two dispensaries in Florida .
  • Rebranded and reopened fourteen legacy Harvest dispensaries in Florida during October as required following the Harvest acquisition.
  • Released our inaugural ESG report, building upon the work done in our Sustainability Report in 2020.

*See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for additional information and a reconciliation to GAAP for all Non-GAAP metrics.

Recent Events
  • Closed second tranche of private placement of 8% senior secured notes due October 2026 totaling $75 million .
  • Opened 3 new dispensaries in Boca Raton and Riverview, Florida and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania .
  • Completed the rebranding to Trulieve of 22 affiliated and acquired retail locations in Maryland and Pennsylvania .
  • Currently operate 162 retail dispensaries and over 4.0 million square feet of cultivation and processing capacity in the United States .
  • Acquired 64K square feet of operational indoor cultivation capacity in Arizona .
  • Expanded or entered into new branded partnerships with Connected, El Blunto, Khalifa Kush , and Miami Mango.
  • Announced a partnership with Survivor's Ethan Zohn as a brand ambassador for Momenta branded products.
  • Launched nationwide Supplier Diversity Initiative.
Management Commentary

"2021 was a phenomenal year for Trulieve, full of monumental achievements, punctuated by the completion of the Harvest acquisition," said Kim Rivers , Trulieve CEO. "We delivered another record year while making substantive progress toward achieving our long-term goals."

Rivers continued, "Our team built upon our established track record of success, further expanding our distribution network through our hub strategy while setting the stage for continued growth. In 2022 we expect to deliver improved performance as our efforts to optimize assets and teams across our platform provide meaningful contributions to our results."

Financial Guidance

Trulieve is introducing 2022 guidance with expected revenue in the range of $1.3 billion to $1.4 billion and adjusted EBITDA* in the range of $450 million to $500 million . Based on our current forecasts, we expect to realize improved performance in the second half of 2022 relative to the first half of 2022.

Financial Highlights

Results of Operations

For the Three Months Ended

For the Full Year Ended





(Figures in millions and % change based on these figures)

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020

change

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020

change





Revenue

$

305.3

$

168.4

81%

$

938.4

$

521.5

80%



Gross Profit

$

132.4

$

119.9

10%

$

566.1

$

386.4

47%



Gross Margin %


43%


71%



60%


74%




Adjusted Gross Profit

$

180.6

$

121.7

48%

$

621.4

$

389.9

59%



Adjusted Gross Margin %


59%


72%



66%


75%




Operating Expenses

$

150.6

$

56.0

169%

$

369.2

$

168.1

120%



Operating Expenses %


49%


33%



39%


32%




Net Income (Loss)

$

(71.5)

$

3.0

---

$

18.0

$

63.0

-71%



Adjusted Net Income

$

1.8

$

41.8

-96%

$

123.4

$

120.5

2%



Diluted Shares Outstanding


145.1


119.4



146.8


118.3




EPS

$

(0.49)

$

0.03

---

$

0.12

$

0.53

-77%



Adjusted EPS

$

0.01

$

0.35

-97%

$

0.84

$

1.02

-18%



Adjusted EBITDA

$

100.9

$

81.4

24%

$

384.6

$

260.1

48%



Adjusted EBITDA Margin %


33%


48%



41%


50%




Analyst Event 2022

Trulieve will host an analyst event in Tallahassee, Florida on Tuesday June 7, 2022 . The event will include a guided facility tour and a public webcast presentation by management. In person attendance will be limited. Analysts interested in attending the event in person should contact investor relations for additional details.

Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call and live audio webcast on March 30 , 2022, at 8:30 A.M. Eastern time , to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2021 financial results.

Interested parties can join the conference call by dialing in as directed below. Participants are asked to request the Trulieve Cannabis Corp. call. Please dial in 15 minutes prior to the call.

U.S. toll free: 1-844-824-3830
Canada toll free: 1-855-669-9657
International dial in: 1-412-542-4136

A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available at:
https://app.webinar.net/m21krRWnGKb

A powerpoint presentation is available at
https://investors.trulieve.com/events-presentations

An archived replay of the webcast will be available at:
https://investors.trulieve.com/events-presentations

The Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 , is available on the SEC's website or at https://investors.trulieve.com/financial-filings/annual-reports . The Company's Management Discussion and Analysis for the period and the accompanying financial statements and notes are available under the Company's profile on SEDAR and on its website at https://investors.trulieve.com/financial-information/quarterly-results . This news release is not in any way a substitute for reading those financial statements, including the notes to the financial statements.

About Trulieve

Trulieve is an industry leading, vertically integrated cannabis company and multi-state operator in the U.S. operating in 11 states, with leading market positions in Arizona , Florida , and Pennsylvania . Trulieve is poised for accelerated growth and expansion, building scale in retail and distribution in new and existing markets through its hub strategy. By providing innovative, high-quality products across its brand portfolio, Trulieve delivers optimal customer experiences and increases access to cannabis, helping patients and customers to live without limits. Trulieve is listed on the CSE under the symbol TRUL and trades on the OTCQX market under the symbol TCNNF. For more information, please visit Trulieve.com .

Facebook: @Trulieve
Instagram: @Trulieve _
Twitter: @Trulieve

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to our results determined in accordance with GAAP, we supplement our results with non-GAAP financial measures, including adjusted gross profit, adjusted net income, adjusted net income per diluted share, and adjusted cash flow from operations. Our management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in conjunction with GAAP financial measures to evaluate our operating results and financial performance. We believe these measures are useful to investors as they are widely used measures of performance and can facilitate comparison to other companies. These non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools in that they do not reflect all of the amounts associated with our results of operations as determined in accordance with GAAP. Because of these limitations, these non-GAAP financial measures should be considered along with GAAP financial performance measures. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. Investors are encouraged to review the reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to such GAAP measures can be found below. These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered supplemental to, and not a substitute for, our reported financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Adjusted Gross Profit

The following table presents a reconciliation of GAAP gross profit to non-GAAP adjusted gross profit, for each of the periods presented:

(Amounts expressed in millions of United States dollars)

For the Three Months Ended

For the Full Year Ended





December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020





Gross Profit GAAP

$

132.4

$

119.9

$

566.1

$

386.4



Gross Margin % GAAP


43%


71%


60%


74%



Add (Deduct) Impact of:











Inventory Step Up Fair Value

$

38.0

$

1.0

$

41.2

$

1.0



Transaction, Acquisition, and Integration Costs

$

10.2

$

0.9

$

14.0

$

2.6



Adjusted Gross Profit Non-GAAP

$

180.6

$

121.7

$

621.4

$

389.9



Adjusted Gross Margin % Non-GAAP


59%


72%


66%


75%



Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income

The following table presents a reconciliation of GAAP net income (loss) to non-GAAP adjusted net income, for each of the periods presented:

(Amounts expressed in millions of United States dollars)

For the Three Months Ended

For the Full Year Ended





December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020





Net Income (Loss) GAAP

$

(71.5)

$

3.0

$

18.0

$

63.0



Add (Deduct) Impact of:











Share-Based Compensation

$

0.0

$

0.0

$

4.2

$

0.0



Warrant Liability Adjustment

$

(0.2)

$

29.9

$

(0.2)

$

42.7



Inventory Step Up Fair Value

$

38.0

$

1.0

$

41.2

$

1.0



Transaction, Acquisition, and Integration Costs

$

30.0

$

4.7

$

48.7

$

4.7



Covid Related Expenses

$

0.2

$

3.2

$

6.2

$

9.1



Impairment Intangible Assets

$

5.4

$

0.0

$

5.4

$

0.0



Adjusted Net Income Non-GAAP

$

1.8

$

41.8

$

123.4

$

120.5



Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Adjusted Earnings Per Share

The following table presents a reconciliation of GAAP earnings (loss) per share to non-GAAP adjusted earnings per share, for each of the periods presented:

(Amounts expressed in millions of United States dollars)

For the Three Months Ended

For the Full Year Ended





December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020





Earnings (Loss) Per Share GAAP

$

(0.49)

$

0.03

$

0.12

$

0.53



Add (Deduct) Impact of:











Share-Based Compensation

$

0.00

$

0.00

$

0.03

$

0.00



Warrant Liability Adjustment

$

0.00

$

0.25

$

0.00

$

0.36



Inventory Step Up Fair Value

$

0.26

$

0.01

$

0.28

$

0.01



Transaction, Acquisition, and Integration Costs

$

0.21

$

0.04

$

0.33

$

0.04



Covid Related Expenses

$

0.00

$

0.03

$

0.04

$

0.08



Impairment Intangible Assets

$

0.04

$

0.00

$

0.04

$

0.00



Adjusted Earnings Per Share Non-GAAP

$

0.01

$

0.35

$

0.84

$

1.02



Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA

The following table presents a reconciliation of GAAP net income (loss) to non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA, for each of the periods presented:

(Amounts expressed in millions of United States dollars)

For the Three Months Ended

For the Full Year Ended





December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020





Net Income (Loss) GAAP

$

(71.5)

$

3.0

$

18.0

$

63.0



Add (Deduct) Impact of:











Interest Expense, net

$

14.1

$

3.7

$

34.8

$

20.2



Provision For Income Taxes

$

40.8

$

27.3

$

146.1

$

94.5



Depreciation and Amortization

$

28.3

$

4.0

$

48.1

$

12.6



Depreciation in COGS

$

9.7

$

4.1

$

24.1

$

11.5



EBITDA

$

21.3

$

42.2

$

271.0

$

201.8














Inventory Step Up Fair Value

$

38.0

$

1.0

$

41.2

$

1.0



Integration and Transition Costs

$

22.9

$

0.0

$

25.6

$

0.0



Acquisition and Transaction Costs

$

1.5

$

4.7

$

15.8

$

4.7



Share-Based Compensation

$

7.0

$

0.6

$

13.4

$

2.8



Other Non-Recurring Expenses

$

5.2

$

0.0

$

6.8

$

0.0



Covid Related Expenses

$

0.2

$

3.2

$

6.2

$

9.1



Impairment and Disposal of Long-lived Assets

$

5.4

$

0.1

$

5.4

$

0.1



Non-Controlling Interest

$

0.5

$

0.0

$

0.5

$

0.0



Other Expense (Income), net

$

(0.8)

$

(0.1)

$

(1.1)

$

(2.1)



Fair Value of Derivative Liabilities - Warrants

$

(0.2)

$

29.9

$

(0.2)

$

42.7



Adjusted EBITDA Non-GAAP

$

100.9

$

81.4

$

384.6

$

260.1



Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Adjusted Cash Provided by Operating Activities

The following table presents a reconciliation of GAAP cash provided by operating activities to non-GAAP Adjusted cash provided by operating activities, for each of the periods presented:

(Amounts expressed in millions of United States dollars)

For the Three Months Ended

For the Full Year Ended





December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020





Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities GAAP

$

(62.2)

$

26.8

$

12.9

$

99.6



Add (Deduct) Impact of:











Share-Based Compensation

$

0.0

$

0.0

$

4.2

$

0.0



Warrant Liability Adjustment

$

(0.2)

$

29.9

$

(0.2)

$

42.7



Inventory Step Up Fair Value

$

38.0

$

1.0

$

41.2

$

1.0



Transaction, Acquisition, and Integration Costs and NCI

$

30.0

$

4.7

$

48.7

$

4.7



Covid Related Expenses

$

0.2

$

3.2

$

6.2

$

9.1



Impairment Long-lived Assets

$

5.4

$

0.0

$

5.4

$

0.0



Adjusted Cash Provided by Operating Activities Non-GAAP

$

11.1

$

65.5

$

118.3

$

157.1



Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes forward-looking information and statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These forward looking statements relate to the Company's expectations or forecasts of business, operations, financial performance, prospects, and other plans, intentions, expectations, estimates, and beliefs and include statements regarding the Company's expected revenue and adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2022, its plans for expansion, the scope and timing of adoption of cannabis in the U.S. and potential acquisitions and expansion of the Company's operations.  Words such as "expects", "continue", "will", "anticipates" and "intends" or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current projections and expectations about future events and financial trends that management believes might affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs, and on certain assumptions and analysis made by the Company in light of the experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors management believes are appropriate. Forward-looking information and statements involve and are subject to assumptions and known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause actual events, results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future events, results, performance, and achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking information and statements herein, including, without limitation, the risks discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and in our periodic reports subsequently filed with the United Sates Securities and Exchange Commission and in the Company's filings on SEDAR at www.sedar.com . Although the Company believes that any forward-looking information and statements herein are reasonable, in light of the use of assumptions and the significant risks and uncertainties inherent in such information and statements, there can be no assurance that any such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, and accordingly readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such risks and uncertainties and should not place undue reliance upon such forward-looking information and statements. Any forward-looking information and statements herein are made as of the date hereof and, except as required by applicable laws, the Company assumes no obligation and disclaims any intention to update or revise any forward-looking information and statements herein or to update the reasons that actual events or results could or do differ from those projected in any forward looking information and statements herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, or otherwise.

Investor Contact  
Christine Hersey , Executive Director of Investor Relations
+1 (424) 202-0210
Christine.Hersey@Trulieve.com

Media Contact  
Rob Kremer , Executive Director of Corporate Communications
+1 (404) 218-3077
Robert.Kremer@Trulieve.com

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The Conversation (0)
Cannabis leaf on road marked with "2025," with sunlight in the background.

New Cannabis Consumption Trends, Regulatory Shifts Seen Driving Market in 2025

Understanding trends in the cannabis industry is paramount for investors eyeing a market with steady growth potential, but the landscape is complex as products and regulations continue to evolve.

Consumption habits are changing as edibles, vaping and THC beverages gain traction, especially among younger users, and cannabis companies are adapting their offerings to meet shifting demand.

Meanwhile, regulatory uncertainty, particularly surrounding the future of the US Farm Bill and state-level restrictions on hemp-derived cannabinoids, continues to challenge the market.

Despite these headwinds, production data and long-term growth forecasts suggest the cannabis industry remains on a promising — albeit turbulent — path. Read on for more on key trends to watch in 2025.

Consumption methods evolving post-legalization

Shifts in consumer behavior are reshaping markets across the board, and the cannabis industry is no exception.

While smoking remains the dominant method of cannabis consumption, a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights the growing popularity of edibles, vaping and dabbing.

The report notes that vaping and dabbing are particularly pronounced among younger adults.

A separate study published by the American Medical Association and funded in part by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research also points to how product preferences have changed among Canadian users since legalization in 2018.


The study indicates that while the use of flower, cannabis concentrates, oil, tinctures and topicals has decreased during that time, the use of vape cartridges, edibles and beverages has increased.

Edibles and beverages were legalized in Canada in late 2019, and Truss Beverage was one of the first players to introduce cannabis-infused drinks. Truss was a joint venture formed by Molson Coors Canada (TSX:TPX.A,TSX:TPX.B) and HEXO, a cannabis company that has since been acquired by Tilray Brands (TSX:TLRY,NASDAQ:TLRY).

In early 2020, Tilray launched a lineup of confectionery, wellness products and beverages through its subsidiary, High Park; Canopy Growth (TSX:WEED,NASDAQ:CGC) made a similar move. These companies gradually brought their products to the US as more states legalized cannabis for medical and/or recreational use.

Today, established cannabis brands typically offer edibles and beverages alongside their other products. Organigram Global (TSX:OGI,NASDAQ:OGI) is one of the newest US entrants, with its April acquisition of Collective Project providing immediate access to the US hemp-derived THC beverage market.

Growing awareness of health and wellness, potentially amplified by the pandemic-led adoption of health trackers, appears to be making an impact on the alcoholic beverage market.

A 2023 Gallup poll reveals a two decade decline in alcohol consumption, particularly among younger adults, suggesting a shift towards more health-conscious lifestyles within this demographic.

Craft beer production declined by 4 percent year-on-year in 2024, according to data collected by the Brewers Association. This marked the largest drop in the industry's history, excluding the pandemic. For small, independent craft breweries, 2024 marked the third consecutive year of declining production. A drop in the number of operating small breweries last year provides further evidence of this trend, with 501 closures in 2024 versus 434 openings.

Challenges in the alcohol market extend beyond the brewing industry, with the New York Times recently reporting the closure of a handful of nightclubs facing decreased alcohol sales alongside rising insurance and rent costs.

Meanwhile, cannabis lounges have been popping up across the US for the last several years. As of early 2025, several states had legalized or were in the process of implementing regulations for cannabis consumption lounges.

Hemp market growth despite regulatory uncertainty

The burgeoning hemp industry is another segment of the expanding cannabis market.

The legalization of industrial hemp — defined as cannabis with a THC concentration of 0.3 percent or less — through the 2018 Farm Bill led to initial investment and optimistic projections for CBD wellness products and various industrial applications. The sector’s rapid evolution also brought the rise of hemp-derived intoxicating cannabinoids, creating a market that presented both opportunities and complexities for participants.

However, after an initial boom, a lack of infrastructure and clearly defined regulations for CBD, as well as state-level variations and market oversupply, ultimately contributed to a quick retraction.

2024 was a pivotal year for the US hemp industry, as the hemp-related provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill — originally set to expire in September 2023, but extended to December 31, 2024 — created an urgent need to address critical issues like THC limits and the regulation of novel hemp-derived cannabinoids. A major point of contention was the proposed shift from defining hemp based on Delta-9 THC concentration (0.3 percent or less) to “total THC,” which includes THCA.

This change had the potential to significantly impact farmers and processors, as many hemp varieties that are compliant under the Delta-9 THC rule could exceed the 0.3 percent limit when THCA is included.

Various bills and amendments were proposed in 2024 as part of the Farm Bill discussions, each with different approaches to regulating hemp. Separate regulatory frameworks for industrial hemp and hemp grown for cannabinoids were suggested, and many states took their own action, leading to a patchwork of regulations and even outright bans.

Despite challenges, data from the US Department of Agriculture suggests signs of recovery.

The department's annual National Hemp Report from 2024 points to an 18 percent increase in industrial hemp production value between 2022 and 2023, with output growth seen in specific sectors like floral (18 percent), fiber (133 percent) and seed hemp (414 percent). The 2025 report from the Department of Agriculture indicates further expansion, with notable increases observed in both acreage (up 64 percent from 2023) and value (46 percent).

The 2024 Farm Bill ultimately did not pass, and right now the hemp industry is operating under a temporary extension of the 2018 Farm Bill under the American Relief Act of 2025, signed into law on December 21, 2024.

The 2018 Farm Bill is now set to expire on September 30, 2025.

While analysts for Markets and Markets project that the North American hemp industry will grow at a CAGR of 22.4 percent and ultimately reach a valuation of US$30.24 billion by 2029, the future of the industry will be heavily influenced by the outcome of the ongoing Farm Bill discussions.

US cannabis legalization remains stalled

Although there is clear demand for cannabis products, the now-defunct rescheduling process in the US is likely to continue casting a shadow of uncertainty over the industry's long-term trajectory.

Legal and procedural delays, including allegations of improper conduct and bias within the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), led to hearing cancellations, and the new administration of US President Donald Trump has brought leadership changes to key agencies like the DEA and the Department of Justice.

Terry Cole, who Trump nominated to be DEA administrator on February 11, has a history of opposing cannabis legalization in the country. Similarly, Pam Bondi, Trump’s pick to lead the justice department, staunchly opposed a movement to legalize medical cannabis during her tenure as Florida’s attorney general.

While there have been bipartisan efforts in Congress to end federal cannabis prohibition and establish regulations for eventual legalization, the DEA’s actions and statements indicate a potential stall or reversal of progress.

In addition to that, new research is adding complexity to the debate.

A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry this past March highlights an association between the use of high-potency cannabis strains and increased risks of psychosis, a factor that may not have been fully considered by the Department of Health and Human Services. As stronger cannabis strains become more widely available, a reassessment of their potential health risks may be required.

Investor takeaway

While the cannabis industry holds promise for growth and innovation, investors must remain acutely aware of the regulatory uncertainties and market volatility that will undoubtedly shape its trajectory in the years to come.

Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Cannabis for real-time news updates!

Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

Person touching a cannabis plant; Australia map in flag colours.

ASX Cannabis Stocks: 10 Biggest Companies

While Australia has yet to legalise all forms of cannabis, the country is a growing medical cannabis and hemp market, with many companies manufacturing, researching and exporting the plant-based product.

Medical cannabis was federally legalised in 2016, and the export of cannabis from Australia was legalised in 2018. As for recreational use, the only state to legalise recreational use and possession so far is the Australian Capital Territory, which did so in 2020, but it did not establish a regulated recreational cannabis market.

The country's medical cannabis market has been steadily expanding in size and scope. A Penington Institute report shows that Australians spent approximately AU$400 million on medicinal cannabis in the first half of 2024, 72 percent higher than the AU$234 million they spent over the entirety of 2022.

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Cannabis leaves, gavel.

Cannabis Round-Up: Rescheduling Faces New Roadblocks, SAFER Banking Act Gets Another Look

February 2025 was characterized by an evolving legislative landscape and important financial updates from major players.

These developments underscore the complex and dynamic nature of the sector as it continues to navigate legal, financial, and regulatory challenges while experiencing ongoing growth and evolution.

Discussions around cannabis rescheduling, changes in federal agency leadership, state-level legalization efforts, and financial reports from key companies all contributed to a month of notable activity in the cannabis space.

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Trulieve Announces Launch of Onward: A Premium THC Beverage

Available now online and coming soon to select Total Wine locations in Florida

Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL ) (OTCQX: TCNNF ) ("Trulieve" or "the Company"), a leading and top-performing cannabis company in the U.S., today announced the launch of Onward, a premium, non-alcoholic THC beverage offering a modern alternative for social occasions. These Farm Bill compliant beverages are available now online and coming soon to select Total Wine locations in Florida .

News Provided by Canada Newswire via QuoteMedia

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Cronos Group Inc. to Hold 2024 Fourth Quarter and Full-Year Earnings Conference Call on February 27, 2025

Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) ("Cronos" or the "Company") will hold its 2024 fourth-quarter and full-year earnings conference call on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. ET. Cronos' senior management team will discuss the Company's financial results and will be available for questions from the investment community after prepared remarks.

To attend the conference call or webcast, participants should register online at https://ir.thecronosgroup.com/events-presentations . To avoid delays, we encourage participants to dial into the conference call fifteen minutes ahead of the scheduled start time. The webcast of the call will be archived for replay on the Company's website.

News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia

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Trulieve to Open Dispensary in Columbus, Ohio

New Franklin County location will host grand opening celebration Friday, February 21 st

Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL ) (OTCQX: TCNNF ) ("Trulieve" or "the Company"), a leading and top-performing cannabis company in the U.S., today announced the opening of a new dispensary in Columbus, Ohio .

News Provided by Canada Newswire via QuoteMedia

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