Aphria Inc. Announces Record Adult-Use Cannabis Gross Revenue in First Quarter Fiscal Year 2021 and Sixth Consecutive Quarter of Positive Adjusted EBITDA

Net Cannabis Revenue Increased 103% from Prior Year Quarter
  Adjusted EBITDA from Cannabis Business of $10.4 Million Increased 11% from Prior Quarter
  Cash Cost Per Gram Remained Below $1.00 and Decreased for the Fourth Consecutive Quarter to $0.87

Aphria Inc. (" Aphria " or the " Company ") (TSX: APHA) (Nasdaq: APHA), a leading global cannabis company inspiring and empowering the worldwide community to live their very best life, today reported its financial results for the first quarter ended August 31, 2020 . All amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted and except for per gram, kilogram, kilogram equivalents, and per share amounts.

Aphria Inc. Logo (CNW Group/Aphria Inc.)

"Our strong first quarter results reflect the continued robust growth and development of Aphria's adult-use cannabis brands in Canada ," said Irwin D. Simon , Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We are consistently taking a diversified approach to our innovation, strategic partnerships, global expansion and corporate citizenship to fuel sustainable, long-term growth. We believe that the  strength of our balance sheet and cash position, combined with our consistent focus on our highest-return priorities, will generate sustainable long-term value for all stakeholders."

Key Operating Highlights – First Quarter Fiscal 2021

  • Record gross revenue for adult-use cannabis of $69.6 million in the first quarter, an increase of 23% from prior quarter and the sixth consecutive quarter of growth.
  • Net cannabis revenue of $62.5 million in the first quarter, an increase of 103% from prior year quarter.
  • Net revenue of $145.7 million in the first quarter, an increase of 16% from prior year quarter and decrease of 4% from prior quarter, solely due to lower distribution revenue driven by the COVID-19 global health crisis.
  • Cash cost to produce dried cannabis per gram of $0.87 in the first quarter, a decrease of 1% from the prior quarter, and decreased for the fourth consecutive quarter.
  • Adjusted EBITDA from cannabis business of $10.4 million in the first quarter, an increase of 11% from the prior quarter.
  • Adjusted EBITDA of $10.0 million in the first quarter, an increase of 17% from the prior quarter.
  • Ended first quarter with a strong balance sheet and liquidity, including $400.0 million of cash and cash equivalents to fund planned Canadian and International growth.
  • Aphria transferred its stock exchange listing from the New York Stock Exchange to The Nasdaq Global Select Market ("Nasdaq") on June 8, 2020 . This transition did not impact the Company's primary listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: APHA).
  • Filed Prospectus supplement for $100 million (USD) At-the-Market program ("ATM Program") on July 29, 2020 which the Company plans to use for acquisition opportunities.
  • Good Supply and P'tite Pof launched large-format SKUs, and launched new brand B!NGO, a large format, economy brand utilizing lower potency cannabis.

Subsequent Events

  • Aphria entered into a Strategic Supply Agreement with Canndoc Ltd. ("Canndoc"), a subsidiary of InterCure Ltd., (TASE: INCR/INCR.TA), one of Israel's largest and most established medical cannabis producers on August 4, 2020 .
  • Liquidated the convertible note receivable from HydRx Farms Ltd.
  • Company completed its first certified European Union Good Manufacturing Practices ("EU GMP") shipment of dried flower from its Aphria One EU GMP facility to CC Pharma, a leading distributor of pharmaceutical products to more than 13,000 pharmacies in Germany .

Key Financial Highlights
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)





Three months ended

Three months ended


August 31, 2020

August 31, 2019

Net revenue

$145,689

$126,112

Gross profit

$75,279

$45,421

Adjusted cannabis gross profit 1

$31,530

$15,331

Adjusted cannabis gross margin 1

49.7%

49.8%

Adjusted distribution gross profit 1

$11,802

$12,223

Adjusted distribution gross margin 1

14.4%

12.8%

Net (loss) income

($5,095)

$16,441

Adjusted EBITDA 1

$10,006

$1,035








Q1-2020

Q4-2020

Distribution revenue

$82,198

$99,137

Net cannabis revenue

$62,491

$53,066

Net revenue

$145,689

$152,203

Kilograms (or kilogram equivalents) sold 1

20,882

12,557

Cash cost to produce dried cannabis / gram 1

$0.87

$0.88

"All-in" cost of goods sold / gram 1

$1.41

$1.69

Adjusted EBITDA from cannabis business 1

$10,399

$9,360

Adjusted EBITDA from businesses under development 1

($2,820)

($2,745)

Adjusted EBITDA from distribution business 1

$2,427

$1,943

Cash and cash equivalents & marketable securities

$400,019

$497,222

Working capital

$725,512

$732,908

Capital and intangible asset expenditures -wholly-owned subsidiaries 1

$15,808

$25,569

Source: Aphria Inc. August 31, 2020 MD&A1 1

_______________

1

In this press release, reference is made to adjusted cannabis gross profit, adjusted cannabis gross margin, adjusted distribution gross profit, adjusted distribution gross margin, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA from cannabis business, adjusted EBITDA from distribution business, adjusted EBITDA from businesses under development, gram equivalents, cash costs to produce dried cannabis per gram, "all-in" cost of sales of dried cannabis per gram and capital and intangible asset expenditures – wholly-owned subsidiaries, which are not measures of financial performance under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). These metrics and measures are not recognized measures under IFRS, do not have meanings prescribed under IFRS and are as a result unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. These measures are provided as information complimentary to those IFRS measures by providing a further understanding of our operating results from the perspective of management. As such, these measures should not be considered in isolation or in lieu of review of our financial information reported under IFRS. Definitions and reconciliations for all terms above can be found in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three months ended August 31, 2020, filed on SEDAR and EDGAR.

Net revenue for the three months ended August 31, 2020 was $145.7 million , an increase of 16% from $126.1 million in the same period last year. First quarter fiscal year 2021 net revenue was 4% lower when compared to the prior quarter net revenue of $152.2 million , as significant increases in net cannabis revenue were offset by lower distribution revenue at CC Pharma in Germany.  The decline in distribution revenue is largely a function of the impacts of the COVID-19 global health crisis, including a reduction in the number of elective medical procedures and in-person visits to physicians and pharmacies

The average retail selling price of medical cannabis, before excise tax, increased to $7.38 per gram in the quarter, compared to $6.63 in the prior quarter. The average selling price of adult-use cannabis, before excise tax, decreased to $4.15 per gram in the quarter, compared to $5.23 per gram in the prior quarter, primarily as a result of the initial pipeline fill of new large format offerings, including the introduction of B!NGO, an economy brand utilizing lower potency cannabis.

Adjusted cannabis gross profit for the first quarter was $31.5 million , with an adjusted cannabis gross margin of 49.7%, compared to $28.1 million and 52.9% in the prior quarter. The increase in adjusted cannabis gross profit and decrease in adjusted cannabis gross margin was primarily due to the release of large format products and the pipeline fill for B!NGO, our economy brand utilizing lower potency cannabis, which provided an increase in sales but at lower margins than the Company's other branded products.

Adjusted distribution gross profit for the first quarter was $11.8 million , with an adjusted distribution gross margin of 14.4%, compared to $11.9 million and 12.1% in the prior quarter. The decrease in adjusted distribution gross profit was a result of the previously discussed decline in distribution revenue at CC Pharma in Europe.  The increase in the gross margin was a function of sales mix and improved cost management at CC Pharma in the quarter.

Selling, general, and administrative costs in the quarter increased to $54.4 million from $116.6 million in the prior quarter, and increased from $41.4 million in the prior year. The increase from the prior year was primarily due to increased operating costs associated with increased global operations and increased selling costs associated with our higher sales.

Net loss for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 was $5.1 million , or a loss of $0.02 per share, compared to net loss of $98.8 million , or a loss of $0.39 per share in the prior quarter, and net income of $16.4 million , or $0.07 per share for the same period last year.

Adjusted EBITDA increased by $1.4 million to $10.0 million for the first quarter compared to $8.6 million in the prior quarter. Adjusted EBITDA from cannabis business for the first quarter was $10.4 million compared to $9.4 million in the prior quarter. The adjusted EBITDA loss from businesses under development for the first quarter was $2.8 million compared to a loss of $2.7 million in the prior quarter. Adjusted EBITDA from distribution business for the first quarter was $2.4 million , compared to $1.9 million in the prior quarter.

Since establishing its US$100 million  ATM Program on July 29, 2020 , the Company has not drawn on the program.

The Company ended the first quarter with a strong balance sheet, including $400.0 million of cash and cash equivalents.

Conference Call

Aphria executives will host a conference call to discuss these results today at 9:00 am Eastern Time . To listen to the live call, dial (888) 231-8191 from Canada and the U.S. or (647) 427-7450 from International locations and use the passcode 5693063. A telephone replay will be available approximately two hours after the call concludes through November 14, 2020 . To access the recording dial 1-855-859-2056 and use the passcode 5693063.

There will also be a simultaneous, live webcast available on the Investors section of Aphria's website at aphriainc.com . The webcast will be archived for 30 days.

We Have A Good Thing Growing

About Aphria Inc.

Aphria Inc. is a leading global cannabis company inspiring and empowering the worldwide community to live their very best life. Headquartered in Leamington, Ontario – the greenhouse capital of Canada – Aphria Inc. has been setting the standard for the low-cost production of high-quality cannabis at scale, grown in the most natural conditions possible. Focusing on untapped opportunities and backed by the latest technologies, Aphria Inc. is committed to bringing breakthrough innovation to the global cannabis market. The Company's portfolio of brands is grounded in expertly-researched consumer insights designed to meet the needs of every consumer segment. Rooted in our founders' multi-generational expertise in commercial agriculture, Aphria Inc. drives sustainable long-term shareholder value through a diversified approach to innovation, strategic partnerships and global expansion.

For more information, visit: aphriainc.com

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: Certain information in this news release constitutes forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (together, "forward-looking statements") under applicable securities laws and are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Any information or statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements in this news release with regards to  available cash resources, potential acquisition opportunities, Canadian and international growth, Aphria's market position, ability to generate consistent growth, and net revenue and adjusted EBITDA. The Company uses words such as "forecast", "future", "should", "could", "enable", "potential", "contemplate", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "plan", "expect", "intend", "may", "project", "will", "would" and the negative of these terms or similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Various assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions contained in the forward-looking statements throughout this news release. Forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs with respect to future events and are based on information currently available to management including based on reasonable assumptions, estimates, internal and external analysis and opinions of management considering its experience, perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant as at the date such statements are made. Forward-looking statements involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievement to be materially different from any future forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, risks assumptions and expectations described in the Company's critical accounting policies and estimates; the adoption and impact of certain accounting pronouncements; the Company's future financial and operating performance; the competitive and business strategies of the Company; the intention to grow the business, operations and potential activities of the Company; the Company's ability to provide a return on investment; the Company's ability to maintain a strong financial position and manage costs; the Company's ability to  maximize the utilization of its existing assets and investments;  the Company's ability to take a leadership position in the industry; the expected inventory and production capacity of the Company; the expected category growth of the Company's products; the anticipated increase in demand for bulk and saleable flower, and the related growth in the wholesale market; the expected variability of wholesale cannabis revenue; the market for the Company's current and proposed products, including vape pens, as well as the Company's ability to capture market share; the anticipated timing for the release of expected product offerings; the development of affiliated brands, product diversification and future corporate development; expectations with respect to the Company's product development, product offering and the sales mix thereof; the Company's satisfaction of international demand for its products; the Company's plans with respect to importation/exportation; the Company's ability to meet the demand for medical cannabis; the Company's plans to establish strategic partnerships, including collaborations with academic institutions in Germany ; whether the Company will have sufficient working capital and its ability to obtain financing required in order to develop its business and continue operations; the Company's expected ongoing contractual relationships, and the terms thereof; the Company's ability to comply with its financial covenants in the future; the applicable laws, regulations, licensing and any amendments thereof related to the cultivation, production and sale of cannabis product in the Canadian and international markets; the grant, renewal and impact of any licence or supplemental licence to conduct activities with cannabis or any amendments thereof;  the Company's purpose, mission, vision and values with COVID-19 nationally and globally which could have a material adverse impact on Aphria's business, operations and financial results, including disruptions in cultivation and processing, supply chains and sales channels, as well as a deterioration of general economic conditions including national and/or global recessions and the response of governments to the COVID-19 pandemic in respect of the operation of retail stores; general economic conditions; adverse industry events and future steps to be taken in response to COVID-19; the expected cost to produce a gram of dried cannabis;  the expected cost to process cannabis oil;  expectations with respect to crop rotation and harvest, the anticipated future gross margins of the Company and the potential for significant growths or losses; the potential for the Company to record future impairment losses; the performance of the Company's business and operations; the Company's ability to capitalize on the US market; future expenditures, strategic investments and capital activities; the anticipated timing for the completion of the Company's German cultivation facility, the first harvest from such facility and the expected capacity of such facility; and current and future legal actions, and the Company's ability to cover any costs or judgements arising from these actions either through insurance or otherwise.

Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive and should consider the other factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Aphria's most recent Annual Information Form and under the heading "Industry Trends and Risks" in Aphria's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three months ended August 31, 2020 , each available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov . Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated.

The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake an obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities laws. Neither TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of Toronto Stock Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

The schedule below is an excerpt of Aphria Inc.'s financial statements prepared on a basis consistent with IFRS for the three months ended on August 31, 2020 and filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov . This schedule does not contain all of the information in Aphria Inc.'s financial statements that is important to you. You should read the financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis carefully to obtain a comprehensive understanding of Aphria Inc.'s financial statements and notes thereto under IFRS and related information.

Aphria Inc.  
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income  
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts)







For the three months ended
August 31,







Note

2020

2019


Cannabis revenue




$  82,229

$  35,079


Distribution revenue




82,198

95,327


Insurance recovery




1,000

--


Excise taxes




(19,738)

(4,294)










Net revenue




145,689

126,112











Production costs



5

28,421

15,454


Cost of cannabis purchased




3,540

--


Cost of goods purchased




70,396

83,104










Gross profit before fair value adjustments




43,332

27,554











Fair value adjustment on sale of inventory



5

27,203

7,286


Fair value adjustment on growth of biological assets



6

(59,150)

(25,153)










Gross profit




75,279

45,421

Operating expenses:







General and administrative



21

28,353

22,305


Share-based compensation




22

4,261

4,956


Amortization




5,409

5,008


Selling




7,213

1,980


Marketing and promotion




6,107

5,834


Research and development




149

610


Transaction costs




3,048

735








54,540

41,428










Operating income




20,739

3,993











Finance income (expense), net



23

(7,203)

(5,257)


Non-operating income (expense), net



24

(17,323)

20,303

(Loss) income before income taxes




(3,787)

19,039










Income taxes (recovery)



13

1,308

2,598

Net (loss) income




(5,095)

16,441










Other comprehensive income (loss)







Other comprehensive income (loss)




2,476

(1,686)

Comprehensive (loss) income




$  (2,619)

$  14,755










Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to:







Shareholders of Aphria Inc.




(18,242)

14,926


Non-controlling interests



20

15,623

(171)








$  (2,619)

$  14,755










Weighted average number of common shares - basic




287,504,789

251,163,059

Weighted average number of common shares - diluted




287,504,789

252,741,610










(Loss) income per share - basic



26

$  (0.02)

$  0.07

(Loss) income per share - diluted



26

$  (0.02)

$  0.07

Aphria Inc.  
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position  
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)





Note

August 31,
2020

May 31,
2020

Assets




Current assets





Cash and cash equivalents


$  400,019

$  497,222


Accounts receivable


82,532

55,796


Prepaids and other current assets

4

51,313

42,983


Inventory

5

321,347

264,321


Biological assets

6

22,340

28,341


Current portion of convertible notes receivable

11

13,975

14,626






891,526

903,289


Capital assets

8

593,558

587,163


Intangible assets

9

362,129

363,037


Promissory notes receivable


3,000

--


Long-term investments

12

22,309

27,016


Goodwill

10

618,052

617,934






$  2,490,574

$  2,498,439

Liabilities




Current liabilities





Bank indebtedness

14

$  7,923

$  537


Accounts payable and accrued liabilities


124,410

152,750


Income taxes payable


21,587

6,410


Deferred revenue


--

902


Current portion of lease liabilities


1,278

1,315


Current portion of long-term debt

15

10,816

8,467






166,014

170,381

Long-term liabilities





Lease liabilities


5,739

5,828


Long-term debt

15

128,561

129,637


Convertible debentures

16

270,362

270,783


Deferred tax liability

13

69,698

83,468






640,374

660,097

Shareholders' equity





Share capital

17

1,860,353

1,846,938


Warrants

18

360

360


Share-based payment reserve


28,783

27,721


Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)


1,207

(1,269)


Deficit


(81,933)

(61,215)






1,808,770

1,812,535


Non-controlling interests

20

41,430

25,807






1,850,200

1,838,342






$  2,490,574

$  2,498,439




For the three months
ended August 31,



2020

2019


Net (loss) income



$  (5,095)

$  16,441


Income taxes



1,308

2,598


Finance expense, net



7,203

5,257


Non-operating (income) loss, net



17,323

(20,303)


Amortization



13,905

9,218


Share-based compensation



4,261

4,956


Fair value adjustment on sale of inventory



27,203

7,286


Fair value adjustment on growth of biological assets



(59,150)

(25,153)


Transaction costs



3,048

735


Adjusted EBITDA from businesses under development



2,820

4,234


Adjusted EBITDA from distribution business



(2,427)

(3,940)

Adjusted EBITDA from cannabis business



$  10,399

$  1,329




For the three months
ended August 31,



2020

2019


Adjusted EBITDA from cannabis business



$  10,399

$  1,329


Adjusted EBITDA from businesses under development



(2,820)

(4,234)


Adjusted EBITDA from distribution business



2,427

3,940

Adjusted EBITDA



$  10,006

$  1,035


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A State-by-State Guide to Cannabis in Australia

Australia federally legalised medicinal cannabis in 2016, and Australia's cannabis market has seen major growth since then.

Medical cannabis approvals were up by 120 percent in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Statista forecasts that Australian cannabis revenue will reach AU$3.73 billion in 2024 and grow at an annual rate of 3.22 percent, culminating in market volume worth AU$4.53 billion by 2029.

However, Australia’s cannabis industry is still young. Despite there being a strong case for a regulated market, which was outlined in a July 2024 report by the Penington Institute, recreational use is not legal and medical access remains limited and regulated.

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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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