Cresco Labs Announces Fourth Quarter & Full Year 2020 Results with Record Revenue, Adjusted EBITDA1 and Operating Cash Flow

Company affirms position as the largest wholesaler of branded products in the industry with $274.0 million in wholesale revenue for the year

  • Record full year 2020 revenue of $476.3 million, up 271% YoY
  • Record full year 2020 adjusted EBITDA 1 of $116.0 million
  • Record fourth quarter revenue of $162.3 million
  • Record fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA 1 of $50.0 million
  • Record fourth quarter retail revenue of $68.8 million from 19 stores, an average of $3.6 million per store 2

Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) (FSE: 6CQ) (" Cresco Labs " or the " Company "), one of the largest vertically integrated multi-state cannabis operators in the United States, today released its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2020. All financial information presented in this release is in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted.

Management Commentary

"2020 was a remarkable year for Cresco Labs. We dedicated our resources to the most strategic markets, grew our leadership as the number one wholesaler of branded cannabis products, executed high efficiency retail, and generated substantial operating leverage as we scaled. We laid out our objectives at the beginning of the year and we executed on what we set out to accomplish, resulting in the largest year-over-year revenue growth among tier one MSOs," said Charles Bachtell, Co-founder and CEO of Cresco Labs. "In 2021, cultivation expansions are underway and we are executing accretive M&A as we repeat our playbook in more states. Our best-in-class execution was on display in 2020 and it's what you can expect from Cresco Labs for years to come."

Financial Highlights

Full Year 2020 Operating Results

  • Revenue was $476.3 million , an increase of $347.7 million or a 271% increase over full year 2019 revenue. Growth was driven by cultivation expansion in Illinois and Pennsylvania as well as strong sequential same-store growth.
  • Operational Gross Profit 1 as a Percentage of Revenue was 51.5% as compared to 48.2% for full year 2019.
  • Adjusted EBITDA 1 was $116.0 million , an increase of $108.0 million over full year 2019 Adjusted EBITDA.

Fourth Quarter 2020 Operating Results

  • Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2020 was $162.3 million , an increase of $9.0 million or a 6% increase over the third quarter of 2020. Second half 2020 revenue grew 96% over first half of 2020 revenue.
  • Operational Gross Profit 1 as a Percentage of Revenue was 55% for the fourth quarter of 2020 as compared to 53% for the third quarter of 2020.
  • Adjusted EBITDA 1 was $50.0   million , an increase of 8% over the third quarter of 2020.
  • Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities was $21.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to $17.8 million provided in the third quarter of 2020.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity

  • As of December 31, 2020, current assets were $361.8 million, including cash and cash equivalents of $136.3 million. The Company had working capital of $167.1 million and total debt, net of issuance costs of $184.5 million.
  • Total shares on a fully converted basis were 384,801,220 as of December 31, 2020.

Summary of Cresco Labs' 2020 Social Equity and Education Development Program

Please click here to view our 2020 annual SEED Report.

Capital Markets and Financing

  • On December 14, 2020, the Company closed an agreement with lenders to extend maturity of senior secured term loan to 2023 and increased the facility to $200 million.
  • Subsequent to year end, on January 14, 2021, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with Bluma Wellness Inc. (CSE: BWEL.U) (OTCQX:BMWLF), a vertically integrated operator in Florida.
  • On January 14, 2021, the Company announced the commencement of a best efforts overnight marketed offering (the "Offering") of Subordinate Voting Shares of the Company. On January 15, 2021, the Company closed the Offering for total gross proceeds of approximately $125.0 million.
  • On February 16, 2021, the Company closed its acquisition of four Ohio dispensaries previously operated by Verdant Creations, LLC and its affiliates.
  • Lastly, on March 18, 2021, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all of the issued and outstanding equity interests in Cultivate Licensing LLC and BL Real Estate LLC, a vertically integrated Massachusetts operator.

Conference Call and Webcast

The Company will host a conference call and webcast to discuss its financial results and provide investors with key business highlights on Thursday, March 25, 2021, at 8:30am Eastern Time (7:30am Central Time). The conference call may be accessed via webcast or by dialing 1-855-979-6654 (US), 1-833-294-2546 (CA), 0800-640-6441 (UK), or 44-20-3936-2999 (Int'l) and providing conference ID 885607. Archived access to the webcast will be available for one year on the Cresco Labs' investor relations website .

Consolidated Financial Statements

The financial information reported in this press release is based on unaudited management prepared financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020. The Company expects to file its audited consolidated financial statements on SEDAR by March 26, 2021. Accordingly, such financial information may be subject to change. All financial information contained in this press release is qualified in its entirety with reference to such financial statements. While the Company does not expect there to be any material changes between the information contained in this press release and the consolidated financial statements it files on SEDAR, to the extent that the financial information contained in this press release is inconsistent with the information contained in the Company's financial statements, the financial information contained in this press release shall be deemed to be modified or superseded by the Company's filed financial statements. The making of a modifying or superseding statement shall not be deemed an admission for any purposes that the modified or superseded statement, when made, constituted a misrepresentation for purposes of applicable securities laws. Further, the reader should refer to the additional disclosures in the Company's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019, previously filed on SEDAR.

Cresco Labs references certain non-IFRS financial measures throughout this press release, which may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Please see the "Non-IFRS Financial Measures" section at the end of this press release for more detailed information.

Non-IFRS Financial Measures

Operational gross profit, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, net of impact of biological assets, are non-IFRS measures and do not have standardized definitions under IFRS. The Company has provided these non-IFRS financial measures, which are not calculated or presented in accordance with IFRS, as supplemental information and in addition to the financial measures that are calculated and presented in accordance with IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. These supplemental non-IFRS financial measures are presented because management has evaluated the financial results both including and excluding the adjusted items and believes that the supplemental non-IFRS financial measures presented provide additional perspective and insights when analyzing the core operating performance of the business. These supplemental non-IFRS financial measures should not be considered superior to, as a substitute for or as an alternative to, and should only be considered in conjunction with, the IFRS financial measures presented herein. Accordingly, the Company has included below reconciliations of the supplemental non-IFRS financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with IFRS.

About Cresco Labs Inc.

Cresco Labs is one of the largest vertically integrated, multistate cannabis operators in the United States, with a mission to normalize and professionalize the cannabis industry. Employing a consumer-packaged goods ("CPG") approach, Cresco Labs is the largest wholesaler of branded cannabis products in the U.S. Its brands are designed to meet the needs of all consumer segments and comprised of some of the most recognized and trusted national brands including Cresco, High Supply, Mindy's Edibles, Good News, Remedi, Wonder Wellness Co. and FloraCal Farms. Sunnyside*, Cresco Labs' national dispensary brand, is a wellness-focused retailer created to build trust, education and convenience for both existing and new cannabis consumers. Recognizing that the cannabis industry is poised to become one of the leading job creators in the country, Cresco Labs operates the industry's largest Social Equity and Educational Development initiative, SEED, which was established to ensure that all members of society have the skills, knowledge and opportunity to work and own businesses in the cannabis industry. Learn more about Cresco Labs at www.crescolabs.com .

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company's control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as, ‘may,' ‘will,' ‘should,' ‘could,' ‘would,' ‘expects,' ‘plans,' ‘anticipates,' ‘believes,' ‘estimates,' ‘projects,' ‘predicts,' ‘potential' or ‘continue' or the negative of those forms or other comparable terms. The Company's forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to those risks discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2020 expected to be filed on March 26, 2021, and other documents filed by the Company with Canadian securities regulatory authorities; and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Because of these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. No assurances are given as to the future trading price or trading volumes of Cresco Labs' shares, nor as to the Company's financial performance in future financial periods. The Company does not intend to update any of these factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the Company's forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of new information, any future event or otherwise. Except as otherwise indicated, this press release speaks as of the date hereof. The distribution of this press release does not imply that there has been no change in the affairs of the Company after the date hereof or create any duty or commitment to update or supplement any information provided in this press release or otherwise.

1 See "Non-IFRS Financial Measures" at the end of this press release for more information regarding the Company's use of non-IFRS financial measures. Adjusted EBITDA is presented net of impact of biological assets.

2 Includes only revenue from the 19 cannabis stores open for the entire quarter.

Cresco Labs Inc.

Financial Information and Non-IFRS Reconciliations

(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)

Consolidated Statements of Operations

For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2020, September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019

and

Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

For the Three Months Ended

For the Year Ended

Dec 31,
2020

Sep 30,
2020

Dec 31,
2019

Dec 31,
2020

Dec 31,
2019

($ in thousands)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Audited)

Revenue

$

162,317

$

153,298

$

41,382

$

476,251

$

128,534

Cost of sales - production costs

(89,346

)

(74,148

)

(27,676

)

(270,529

)

(82,904

)

Gross profit before fair value adjustments

72,971

79,150

13,706

205,722

45,630

Realized changes in fair value of inventory sold

(75,983

)

(72,560

)

(34,657

)

(214,901

)

(91,080

)

Unrealized gain on changes in fair value of biological assets

98,712

78,041

28,601

293,119

109,531

Gross profit

95,700

84,631

7,650

283,940

64,081

GP%

59.0

%

55.2

%

18.5

%

59.6

%

49.9

%

Expenses:

Selling, general and administrative

68,136

46,763

32,166

206,738

94,118

Depreciation and amortization

5,584

5,800

1,361

21,361

4,219

Total expenses

73,720

52,563

33,527

228,099

98,337

Income (loss) from operations

21,980

32,068

(25,877

)

55,841

(34,256

)

Other expense:

Interest expense, net

(10,361

)

(11,319

)

(4,275

)

(39,493

)

(7,875

)

Other expense, net

(19,809

)

(2,983

)

(10,606

)

(8,009

)

(8,647

)

Loss from investment in associates

(927

)

(134

)

(170

)

(1,181

)

(63

)

Total other expense, net

(31,097

)

(14,436

)

(15,051

)

(48,683

)

(16,585

)

Income (loss) before income taxes

(9,117

)

17,632

(40,928

)

7,158

(50,841

)

Income tax expense

(14,256

)

(12,690

)

(4,288

)

(43,720

)

(14,461

)

Net income (loss) 1

$

(23,373

)

$

4,942

$

(45,216

)

$

(36,562

)

$

(65,302

)

1 Net income (loss) includes amounts attributable to non-controlling interests.

Cresco Labs Inc.

Summarized Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019

December 31,

2020

2019

($ in thousands)

(Unaudited)

(Audited)

Cash and cash equivalents

$

136,339

$

49,102

Other current assets

225,415

110,236

Property and equipment, net

195,231

155,839

Intangible assets, net

195,518

94,206

Goodwill

451,861

137,719

Other non-current assets

128,760

69,452

Total assets

$

1,333,124

$

616,554

Total current liabilities

194,640

150,169

Total long-term liabilities

413,726

143,762

Total shareholders' equity

724,758

322,623

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

$

1,333,124

$

616,554

Cresco Labs Inc.

Unaudited Revenue and Gross Profit Metrics

For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2020, September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019

and

Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

For the Three Months Ended

For the Year Ended

Dec 31,
2020

Sep 30,
2020

Dec 31,
2019

Dec 31,
2020

Dec 31,
2019

($ in thousands)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Audited)

Revenue

$

162,317

$

153,298

$

41,382

$

476,251

$

128,534

Cost of sales – production costs 1

(89,346

)

(74,148

)

(27,676

)

(270,529

)

(82,904

)

Realized changes in fair value of inventory sold

(75,983

)

(72,560

)

(34,657

)

(214,901

)

(91,080

)

Unrealized gain on changes in fair value of biological assets

98,712

78,041

28,601

293,119

109,531

Gross profit

$

95,700

$

84,631

$

7,650

$

283,940

$

64,081

Cultivation costs expensed under IAS 41 2

4,549

(3,934

)

2,807

10,616

8,837

Net impact of fair value of biological assets

(22,729

)

(5,481

)

6,056

(78,218

)

(18,451

)

Expansion, relaunch and rebranding costs 3

9,669

2,693

3,380

20,859

6,259

COVID-19 related expenses

785

846

3,518

Adjustments for acquisition and other non-core costs

545

545

Fair value markup for acquired inventory

1,843

1,273

4,063

1,273

Operational gross profit (Non-IFRS)

$

88,519

$

80,598

$

21,166

$

245,323

$

61,999

Operational GP%

54.5

%

52.6

%

51.1

%

51.5

%

48.2

%

1 Production (cultivation, manufacturing, and processing) costs related to products sold during the period.

2 Costs would be capitalized under IAS 2 and do not reflect cost of inventory sold in the period.

3 Costs related to non-recurring third-party product costs, start-up costs, discontinued inventory, and samples/discounts to expand footprint and relaunch in certain markets.

Cresco Labs Inc.

Unaudited Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA

For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2020, September 30, 2020, and December 31, 2019

and

Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

For the Three Months Ended

For the Year Ended

Dec 31,
2020

Sep 30,
2020

Dec 31,
2019

Dec 31,
2020

Dec 31,
2019

($ in thousands)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Audited)

Net income (loss) 1

$

(23,373

)

$

4,942

$

(45,216

)

$

(36,562

)

$

(65,302

)

Depreciation and amortization

11,194

10,831

3,925

40,019

11,911

Interest expense, net

10,361

11,319

4,275

39,493

7,875

Income tax expense

14,256

12,690

4,288

43,720

14,461

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation  
and amortization (EBITDA) (Non-IFRS)

$

12,438

$

39,782

$

(32,728

)

$

86,670

$

(31,055

)

Expansion, relaunch and rebranding costs 2

9,669

2,693

3,380

20,859

6,259

COVID-19 related expenses

1,040

956

4,644

Other expense, net

19,809

2,983

10,606

8,009

8,647

Loss from investment in associates

927

134

170

1,181

63

Fair value markup for acquired inventory

1,843

1,273

4,063

1,273

Cultivation costs expensed under IAS 41 3

4,549

(3,934

)

2,807

10,616

8,837

Adjustments for acquisition and other non-core costs

18,233

4,424

7,179

39,705

17,549

Management incentive compensation (share-based)

6,019

3,033

4,122

18,494

14,867

Adjusted EBITDA (Non-IFRS)

$

72,684

$

51,914

$

(3,191

)

$

194,241

$

26,440

Net impact of fair value of biological assets

(22,729

)

(5,481

)

6,056

(78,218

)

(18,451

)

Adjusted EBITDA (non-IFRS), net of impact of biological assets

$

49,955

$

46,433

$

2,865

$

116,023

$

7,989

1 Net income (loss) includes amounts attributable to non-controlling interests.

2 Costs related to non-recurring third-party product costs, start-up costs, discontinued inventory, and samples/discounts to expand footprint and relaunch in certain markets.

3 Costs would be capitalized under IAS 2 and do not reflect cost of inventory sold in the period.

Cresco Labs Inc.

Summarized Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2020, September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019

and

Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

For the Three Months Ended

For the Year Ended

Dec 31,
2020

Sep 30,
2020

Dec 31,
2019

Dec 31,
2020

Dec 31,
2019

($ in thousands)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Audited)

Net provided by (used in) operating activities

$

21,379

$

17,770

$

(6,551

)

$

(10,831

)

$

(25,189

)

Net cash used in investing activities

(8,214

)

(12,147

)

(21,694

)

(44,113

)

(107,596

)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

68,752

(18,869

)

645

142,674

48,909

Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash

(760

)

(1,005

)

(1,108

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

$

81,157

$

(14,251

)

$

(27,600

)

$

86,622

$

(83,876

)

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period

59,617

73,868

81,752

54,152

138,028

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period

$

140,774

$

59,617

$

54,152

$

140,774

$

54,152

Media  
Jason Erkes, Cresco Labs
Chief Communications Officer
press@crescolabs.com
312-953-2767  

Investors  
Jake Graves, Cresco Labs
Investor Relations Manager
investors@crescolabs.com

For general Cresco Labs inquiries:
312-929-0993
info@crescolabs.com

News Provided by Business Wire via QuoteMedia

The Conversation (0)
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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.

Medical cannabis patients have access to various forms of the drug, including flower, oils and tinctures. However, only two medicinal cannabis products, Sativex and Epidyolex, are registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration, and none are subsidised through the country’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Patients who want access to medicinal cannabis must go through special pathways, and doctors who want to prescribe medicinal cannabis have to apply to do so.

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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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