Best U.S. Marijuana Stocks to Follow as February 2026 Begins

Industry Overview - The U.S. cannabis sector is at a critical inflection point as of February 2026, with improved market sentiment but selective investor interest [1] - Long-term demand for cannabis continues to grow despite price volatility, with state-level legalization expanding and medical programs remaining stable [2] - Profitability is now prioritized over rapid expansion, leading companies to tighten operations and protect margins [3] Company Highlights Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (TCNNF) - Trulieve is a dominant cannabis operator in the U.S., operating a vertically integrated business model across cultivation, processing, distribution, and retail sales [4] - The company has a significant presence in Florida, which serves as its core revenue engine, while also expanding into states like Pennsylvania, Arizona, Maryland, Ohio, and Connecticut [5] - As of early 2026, Trulieve operates over 230 dispensaries nationwide, enhancing brand visibility and customer loyalty [7] - The company focuses on disciplined expansion, targeting profitable markets to remain competitive during industry slowdowns [9] - Financially, Trulieve emphasizes cash flow and balance sheet strength, with stable revenue and healthy gross margins despite pricing pressure [10] - Management has taken steps to address near-term debt obligations, improving liquidity and reducing financial risk [11] - Trulieve continues generating meaningful EBITDA and maintains sufficient cash reserves for selective growth [12] - The company is well-positioned for future growth as regulatory clarity improves [13] Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. (CURLF) - Curaleaf is the largest cannabis company in the U.S. by revenue, operating across numerous states and markets, providing diversification and risk mitigation [13] - The company operates over 160 dispensaries, with a significant retail presence in Florida and strong positions in New Jersey, New York, Arizona, and Illinois [14] - Curaleaf focuses on operational efficiency, optimizing existing assets rather than aggressive expansion, which helps preserve margins [17] - Financially, Curaleaf generates over a billion dollars in annual revenue, with recent trends showing stabilization and improved gross margins [18] - The company is focused on reducing expenses and streamlining operations, with debt management being a priority [19] - While net profitability remains elusive, losses have narrowed, reflecting disciplined spending and operational focus [20] Verano Holdings Corp. (VRNOF) - Verano is a vertically integrated cannabis operator with a footprint in key markets such as Illinois, Florida, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Arizona [21] - The company operates retail dispensaries under brands like Zen Leaf and MÜV, maintaining a strategically placed retail network [22] - Verano emphasizes product quality and consistent branding to attract loyal customers, balancing retail growth with operational discipline [24] - Financially, Verano has faced revenue pressure but has focused on cost control to protect margins [25] - The company has significant net losses due to ongoing investments and restructuring costs, but prioritizes operational efficiency [26] - Verano is considered a higher-risk, higher-reward operator, with potential upside if market conditions improve [26]