Industry Overview - The U.S. cannabis industry is experiencing significant growth, with legal retail sales reaching approximately $30 billion in 2024 and projected to grow over 13% to $34 billion in 2025. Long-term forecasts suggest the market could exceed $90 billion within the next decade [1] - Adult-use cannabis is now legal in 24 states, while medical programs are operational in 40 states. Recent regulatory changes, including delayed rollouts and new THC guidelines, present both opportunities and risks for investors [1] Company Analysis: Ayr Wellness - Ayr Wellness reported full-year 2024 revenue of about $463.6 million, remaining flat compared to 2023. The company incurred a net loss of $359.3 million, worsening by approximately 31.9% year-over-year, largely due to non-cash impairment charges [7] - Ayr opened 11 new dispensaries in Q4 2024, bringing its total to 97 stores nationwide, with expansions in Florida, Ohio, and Connecticut. The company received conditional approval to operate in Virginia, indicating growth amid regulatory shifts [3][7] Company Analysis: Verano Holdings - Verano Holdings reported full-year 2024 revenue of $879 million, down roughly 6% year-over-year. The company posted a net loss of $342 million, which is about 39% of revenue, but adjusted EBITDA was $264 million, equivalent to 30% of revenue [10] - As of mid-2024, Verano operates in 13 states with over 139 dispensaries and has expanded into Virginia, Arizona, and Ohio, indicating a broad geographic reach and commitment to regulatory compliance [8][10] Company Analysis: Planet 13 Holdings - Planet 13 reported trailing twelve-month revenue of approximately $117.3 million, reflecting an 18.2% increase over 2023. However, it posted a net loss of about $49.2 million for the same period [14] - The company operates the Planet 13 Las Vegas dispensary and has multiple retail stores across several states, focusing on upscale branding and experiential retail, although it continues to face challenges in achieving profitability [11][14] Market Dynamics - The cannabis penny stock market is characterized by high volatility, with traders advised to use technical analysis, including breakouts above resistance and volume spikes, to identify potential trading opportunities [2] - Recent discussions around federal reclassification of cannabis are fueling speculative rallies, but any delays could lead to sharp market declines, emphasizing the need for disciplined trading strategies [2][15]

Core Insights - Silver Scott Mines, Inc. has signed a development agreement with Everest Networks to redevelop Kanab.club into a cannabis-focused consumer social network [1] - The agreement includes the creation of the Kanab Token, aimed at enhancing user engagement and providing transactional utility on the platform [1] Company Developments - The partnership with Everest Networks signifies a strategic move towards integrating social networking and business tools specifically for the cannabis industry [1] - The redevelopment of Kanab.club is expected to cater to the needs of cannabis consumers and industry participants, potentially expanding the user base and increasing platform activity [1] Industry Implications - The introduction of the Kanab Token may facilitate transactions within the cannabis sector, promoting a more interactive and engaged community [1] - This dual-platform strategy could position the company favorably within the growing cannabis market, leveraging social networking to enhance business opportunities [1]

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Group 1 - NewLake Capital (NLCP) is recognized as one of the highest-yielding names in the REIT sector, maintaining a conservatively leveraged balance sheet with a net cash position [1] - The company has a significant concentration in the cannabis sector, which may present unique investment opportunities and risks [1] - The investment strategy employed by Julian Lin focuses on identifying undervalued companies with strong balance sheets and management teams in sectors with long-term growth potential [1] Group 2 - The investment group led by Julian Lin emphasizes stocks with a high probability of delivering substantial alpha compared to the S&P 500, combining growth-oriented principles with strict valuation criteria [1] - Features of the investment group include exclusive access to high-conviction stock picks, comprehensive research reports, real-time trade alerts, and macro market analysis [1]

Precious Metals - Gold and silver ETFs have performed well YTD, with the Wisdomtree Efficient Gold Plus Gold Miners Strategy Fund (GDMN) leading at a 127% increase [2] - The iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF (RING) and iShares MSCI Global Silver and Metals Miners ETF (SLVP) are up 98% and 97% respectively, while the Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF (SILJ) is up 89% [2] Defense & Space - Global instability and defense modernization are driving military spending, particularly in Europe, where NATO has increased spending goals from 2% to 5% of GDP [3] - The Select STOXX European Aerospace & Defense ETF (EUAD) has risen 75% YTD, while the Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) has a 67% YTD return [4] Critical Minerals & Metals - The theme of critical minerals and metals has shown strong returns, with the VanEck Rare Earth & Strategic Metals ETF (REMX) up 56% YTD and $750 million in assets [6] - The Sprott Critical Materials ETF (SETM) offers an alternative with only 4% exposure to China and a YTD return of 45% [6] Nuclear & Uranium - Nuclear energy is experiencing a revival due to rising electricity demand, with the Global X Uranium ETF (URA) up 52% YTD [8] - The VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR) and Range Nuclear Renaissance Index ETF (NUKZ) have also shown strong performance, up 46% and 42% respectively [9] Cannabis - Cannabis ETFs have rallied on the prospect of deregulation, with the AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF (YOLO) leading at a 35% increase YTD [11] - Other notable ETFs in this category include the Roundhill Cannabis ETF (WEED) and Amplify Seymour Cannabis ETF (CNBS) [11] Video Gaming - The video gaming sector has benefited from the success of the Nintendo Switch 2 and anticipated releases like Grand Theft Auto 6, with the Amplify Video Game Leaders ETF (GAMR) up 39% YTD [13] - Other ETFs in this space include the Global X Video Games & Esports ETF (HERO) and VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO), up 38% and 37% respectively [13] Electric Vehicles - Electric vehicle sales are surging, with a 21% YOY increase globally, driven by 50% market adoption in China [14] - The KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF (KARS) and Amplify Lithium & Battery Technology ETF (BATT) have seen YTD increases of 28% and 26% respectively [14]

Core Insights - Jeremy Szafron has joined Kitco News as an anchor and producer, bringing a wealth of experience in journalism, particularly in finance and commodities [1][5] Background and Career Development - Jeremy began his journalism career in 2006 at CTV, initially focusing on entertainment before transitioning to business reporting, particularly in mining and small-cap sectors [2] - He gained recognition for his macro-financial and market trends analysis, becoming a sought-after commentator on CTV Morning Live and CTV News Network [2] - A significant highlight of his career was covering the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games, which led to the development of an online video news program for PressReader, a digital newsstand with 8,000 editions in 60 languages [3] Digital Media and Industry Engagement - In 2012, Jeremy launched The Green Scene Podcast, which quickly attracted over 400,000 subscribers, establishing him as a prominent voice in the cannabis industry [4] - Following this success, he created Investor Scene and Initiate Research, platforms that provide exclusive market insights and deal-flow opportunities in mining and Canadian small-cap markets [4] Professional Expertise - Jeremy has experience as a market strategist and investor relations consultant for various publicly traded companies across mining, energy, consumer packaged goods (CPG), and technology sectors [5] - He holds a BA in Journalism from Concordia University, which has supported his diverse career trajectory [5]

Thailand’s cannabis industry is hoping for a revival under new Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul https://t.co/MDZazmV37S ...

Industry Overview - The global cannabis industry has made significant progress, with countries like Canada leading in full legalization, which is expected to influence the U.S. and Europe positively [1] - The movement towards legal cannabis has been a collective effort, with smaller players playing a crucial role in shaping the industry [2] Legislative Impact - Ongoing voting on laws aims to support both smaller operators and larger companies in the cannabis market, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in legitimizing cannabis as a product [3] Company Highlights Jushi Holdings Inc. - Jushi Holdings reported total revenue of $65.0 million for Q2 2025, with a gross profit of $28.9 million and a gross profit margin of 44.5% [7] - The company experienced a net loss of $12.3 million and an adjusted EBITDA of $13.7 million, reflecting a margin of 21.1% [7] - Cash and cash equivalents stood at $25.2 million at the end of the quarter [7] Planet 13 Holdings Inc. - Planet 13 reported revenue of $26.9 million for Q2 2025, a decrease of 13.6% from $31.1 million [11] - The gross profit was $11.7 million, with a gross profit margin of 43.4%, down from 50.9% [11] - The company faced a net loss of $13.3 million, compared to a net loss of $8.1 million in the previous period [11]

Group 1 - Christina Lake Cannabis Corp. has amended the terms of its convertible debentures totaling $710,000, with a new maturity date set for September 7, 2026 [1][2] - The interest rate on the debentures will remain unchanged, and repayments will now occur quarterly starting December 7, 2025, ensuring full repayment by the new maturity date [2] - Holders who did not enter into the amending agreements are expected to be repaid according to the original maturity dates of their debentures [2] Group 2 - Christina Lake Cannabis is a licensed cannabis producer under the Cannabis Act, with a standard cultivation license and a research and development license from Health Canada [3] - The company's facilities include a 32-acre property with over 950,000 square feet of outdoor grow space, and a 342-acre property with approximately 100 acres of licensed outdoor grow space [3] - Christina Lake Cannabis focuses on producing high-quality outdoor flower, extracts, and distillate for its B2B client base [3]

Core Insights - Cronos Group's stock reached $2.50, nearing its 52-week high of $2.77, driven by hopes of U.S. federal reforms and strong international sales growth [1] - The stock has outperformed the industry, rising 17% over the past year compared to the industry's 4% growth [2] Financial Performance - In Q2 2025, Cronos' total revenues increased by 21% year-over-year to $33.5 million, primarily due to strong international sales in Germany and Israel [5] - Gross margin improved to 43%, nearly doubling from 23% a year ago, while operating expenses decreased by 9% to $19.8 million [7] - Despite revenue growth, the company reported a net loss of $40 million, significantly wider than the $8.8 million loss from the previous year, largely due to unfavorable currency movements and regulatory costs [8][11] Market Position - Cronos holds strong positions in the Canadian market, with the Spinach brand at 2 with a 4.7% market share and Lord Jones leading the hash-infused pre-roll segment with a 28.5% market share [6] - The company has a robust cash balance of $834 million and no debt, allowing for investments in adjacent opportunities, such as an $18.5 million investment in High Tide [9] Competitive Landscape - Cronos faces stiff competition from peers like Curaleaf Holdings and Tilray Brands, both pursuing international expansion and cost optimization [13] - The competitive landscape remains challenging, potentially limiting Cronos' ability to sustain market share gains [14] Analyst Outlook - Loss estimates for 2025 have widened significantly over the past 60 days, despite the recent share price rally [15] - The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating limited upside and elevated risk for conservative investors [20]