5 ETFs to Watch as Restrictions on Marijuana Set to Ease

Core Insights - Cannabis stocks experienced a significant surge following the announcement that U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order to ease federal restrictions on marijuana [1][3]. Regulatory Changes - The executive order will reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I substance to Schedule III under the federal Controlled Substances Act, which will alter tax regulations favorably for cannabis companies [2]. - This reclassification is anticipated to facilitate more institutional investment and access to traditional banking services for the cannabis industry, which has been operating in a regulatory grey area [3]. Industry Impact - Analysts believe that the forthcoming executive order could transform the perception of cannabis companies, promoting business growth and signaling the start of a new era in public health policy [4]. - The reclassification is seen as a dismantling of outdated drug policies, aligning more closely with scientific and medical understanding [4]. Investment Opportunities - With cannabis stocks rising, investors are encouraged to explore associated ETFs, including AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF (MSOS), Roundhill Cannabis ETF (WEED), Amplify Seymour Cannabis ETF (CNBS), Amplify Alternative Harvest ETF (MJ), and AdvisorShares Pure Cannabis ETF (YOLO) [5]. - Following the news, CNBS saw a 35% increase, while the average return of the five ETFs outperformed the broader S&P 500 index by 43% year-to-date [6]. Thematic Investing - Thematic ETFs, including cannabis-focused funds, are showing signs of resurgence and are recommended as complementary growth amplifiers in investors' portfolios [7].