Core Viewpoint - Planet 13 Holdings Inc. has granted 9,500,000 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to its officers, directors, and employees as part of its 2023 Equity Compensation Plan, which aims to enhance employee retention and align interests with shareholders [2]. Company Overview - Planet 13 is a vertically integrated cannabis company with operations in Nevada, Illinois, and Florida, known for its award-winning cultivation, production, and dispensary operations [3]. - The company operates the largest dispensary in the U.S., located in Las Vegas, and has recently opened its first consumption lounge, DAZED!, along with its first dispensary in Illinois [3]. - Planet 13's mission is to establish a globally recognized brand known for high-quality dispensary operations and innovative cannabis products [3]. - While cannabis activities are legal in the states where Planet 13 operates, they remain illegal under U.S. federal law [3]. Equity Compensation Plan - The 2023 Equity Compensation Plan, approved by shareholders, includes the awarding of RSUs that will vest in three equal tranches: upon grant, on May 16, 2026, and on May 16, 2027 [2].

Market Performance - The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.7% in December, marking its eighth consecutive winning month, the longest streak since 2018 [1] - The S&P 500 slipped about 0.06% for the month, while the Nasdaq Composite finished down about 1% [1] - The final five trading sessions of December were downbeat, with the Nasdaq losing 1.3%, the S&P 500 retreating 0.9%, and the Dow Jones falling 0.7% [2] Seasonal Trends - Historically, stocks tend to rise during the final five trading days of the year and the first two sessions of the new year, a pattern now under threat [3] S&P 500 Performance - The S&P 500 rallied 24% in 2023, 23% in 2024, and 16% in 2025, resulting in an almost 80% gain over three years, marking the strongest return over a three-year win streak since 2019-2021 [4] - The S&P 500 has not posted four consecutive annual gains since the five-year run from 2003 to 2007 [5] Economic Indicators - The Federal Reserve has issued hawkish guidance for 2026, with a cooling U.S. labor market and persistent inflation [5] - The net impact of Trump tariffs remains unclear, and developed-market central banks are unlikely to cut rates at the beginning of 2026 [5] Sector Performance - Cannabis ETFs saw significant gains, with AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF (MSOS) up 35.6% and Roundhill Cannabis ETF (WEED) up 35.5% due to potential easing of federal marijuana regulations [7][8] - Silver ETFs also performed well, with abrdn Physical Silver Shares ETF (SIVR) up 25.9% and iShares Silver Trust (SLV) up 25.8%, driven by supply tightness and industrial demand [7][9] - Platinum ETFs, such as abrdn Physical Platinum Shares ETF (PPLT), rose 22.2% due to supply constraints and increased industrial usage [10] - Space ETFs, including Procure Space ETF (UFO), increased by 16.2%, bolstered by Rocket Lab's stock surge and positive developments in the space economy [11] - Copper Mining ETFs, like Global X Copper Miners ETF (COPX), rose 14.3% as copper prices hit records due to high demand and fragile supply, particularly from AI data centers [12]

Core Viewpoint - Herbal Dispatch Inc. has granted 2,760,000 restricted share units (RSUs) to its officers, directors, employees, and consultants as part of its stock option plan to retain key personnel and ensure competitive compensation [1][4]. Group 1: RSU Details - The RSUs will vest in three equal installments on July 1, 2026, January 1, 2027, and July 1, 2027, contingent upon the individuals remaining "Eligible Persons" as defined in the plan [2]. - Each RSU represents the right to receive one common share in the capital of the Company upon vesting, subject to the terms of the plan [3]. Group 2: Company Overview - Herbal Dispatch operates leading cannabis e-commerce platforms, focusing on providing high-quality cannabis products at affordable prices [5]. - The flagship marketplace, herbaldispatch.com, offers exclusive access to small-batch craft cannabis flower and a variety of other product formats [5].

Core Insights - Cannara Biotech Inc. has successfully launched its vape cartridge category in Québec, achieving a 29.7% market share by retail sales value for November and December 2025 [1] - The company attained the 1 market share position in Québec for cannabis retail sales in December 2025, with a 14.7% share, reflecting a 100-basis point improvement month over month [2] Company Performance - The launch of the vape cartridge category has positioned Cannara as Canada's leading premium vape producer, with five of the 25 total SKUs approved [3] - The company has received strong consumer demand for its premium vape products, including new rosin vape cartridge offerings and leading live resin vapes [4] Stock Options and Governance - On December 31, 2025, Cannara's board approved the cancellation and re-issuance of 544,600 stock options due to an administrative oversight, ensuring compliance with its stock option plan [5][6] - The re-issued options include 500,000 with an exercise price of $1.44 expiring on August 27, 2035, and 15,000 with an exercise price of $1.80 expiring on November 20, 2032 [7] - The company is seeking shareholder approval to amend its Stock Option Plan and RSU Plan from rolling plans to fixed plans to enhance administrative clarity [8][9] Additional Announcements - The board approved the accelerated vesting of 15,000 restricted share units for a former director, ensuring compliance with the RSU Plan following his passing [11]

Sector Overview - Vice stocks experienced mixed performance in 2025, with Philip Morris International rising nearly 34% and AB InBev increasing about 29%, while Molson Coors fell 18% [1] - Despite challenges, vice stocks are considered "recession-proof" and are expected to remain resilient in the market [2] Cannabis Industry - President Trump signed an executive order reclassifying marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3, marking a significant regulatory change for the cannabis sector [4] - Companies in the cannabis industry are facing difficulties accessing financial services and capital, leading to investor wariness [4] Nicotine Market - The shift towards smokeless products is evident, with 41% of Philip Morris's revenue derived from smoke-free products like Zyn [4] - Philip Morris successfully defended against a class-action lawsuit regarding pricing practices for Zyn, the only FDA-approved nicotine pouch [4] Alcohol Sector - Sales of beer, wine, and spirits are declining, with Molson Coors reporting a loss of $2.9 billion in the fall quarter and anticipating a 4% sales drop this year [4] - AB InBev reported its slowest profit growth since 2021, while the industry faces challenges from the "sober-curious" trend [4]

Core Viewpoint - The cannabis industry has seen significant stock growth recently, driven by optimism regarding regulatory changes in the U.S. cannabis market, particularly following President Trump's executive order reclassifying cannabis to a Schedule 3 drug [2][4]. Group 1: Market Performance - Tilray Brands' shares have increased by 125% over the past six months, while Curaleaf Holdings' shares have risen by 212% during the same period [1]. - Current market capitalization for Tilray Brands is $1.0 billion, with a current price of $9.03 and a gross margin of 20.17% [6]. - Curaleaf Holdings has a market capitalization of $1.9 billion, with a current price of $2.52 and a gross margin of 35.95% [8]. Group 2: Regulatory Impact - The reclassification of cannabis will not legalize it at the federal level but will facilitate research into medical uses, improve banking access for cannabis companies, and allow for normal business expense deductions [4]. - This regulatory change could lead to a lower effective tax rate for multistate operators (MSOs) like Curaleaf Holdings, potentially improving their financial performance [4][5]. Group 3: Industry Challenges - Despite the positive regulatory changes, the inability to engage in interstate commerce remains a significant barrier, forcing MSOs to manage their supply chains independently in each state, which increases operational costs [7]. - The loosening restrictions may attract more competition, leading to potential oversupply issues that could depress prices and hinder profit generation for companies [9]. - The presence of illegal channels for cannabis sales in the U.S. continues to pose a challenge, and it is uncertain if recent regulatory changes will significantly impact this issue [9]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The current rally in cannabis stocks may extend into the next year but is expected to lose momentum thereafter, suggesting a cautious outlook for sustained growth in the industry over the next few years [10].

TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FLUENT Corp. (CSE: FNT.U) (OTCQB: CNTMF) (“FLUENT” or the “Company”), today announced that it has completed the sale of its Pennsylvania operations to HIVE Holdings, Inc., effective December 31, 2025 for US$12.5 million in cash. The proceeds from the transaction were used to reduce FLUENT’s outstanding debt, which is expected to meaningfully enhance its balance sheet, allowing the Company to further concentrate capital and operational resources on its core grow ...

Industry Overview - 2025 is anticipated to be a breakthrough year for the cannabis industry, with signs of growth and regulatory progress emerging after years of stagnation [2] - President Trump signed an executive order to reclassify marijuana to Schedule III, acknowledging its medical use and potentially improving the industry's profitability by eliminating IRS Rule 280E [3][4] Company Analysis: Cronos Group - Cronos Group holds a Zacks Rank 1 and is expanding its international presence, recently acquiring CanAdelaar B.V. for $67 million, positioning itself in the Netherlands' adult-use market [5][6] - The company has shown operational progress with revenue growth driven by demand in Europe and Israel, and improved gross margins due to a focus on higher-value markets [7] - Estimates for Cronos' 2025 loss per share have narrowed from 8 cents to 1 cent, while EPS estimates for 2026 have increased from 6 cents to 8 cents; the stock has risen approximately 30% year to date [8] Company Analysis: Village Farms - Village Farms also has a Zacks Rank 1 and is enhancing its cannabis operations by exiting fresh-produce businesses to focus on higher-margin cannabis assets, leading to improved performance [9][10] - The company's medical cannabis export sales surged 758% year over year in Q3 2026, driven by strong demand in Germany and other international markets [10][11] - EPS estimates for Village Farms have increased from 12 cents to 21 cents for 2025, and from 14 cents to 24 cents for 2026; the stock has skyrocketed 371% year to date [12] Company Analysis: Tilray Brands - Tilray Brands, with a Zacks Rank 3, is expanding its medical cannabis operations in Europe, particularly in Germany and Italy, supported by new product launches and its distribution network [13] - The company is diversifying its portfolio with craft beverages to stabilize results, while its cannabis business benefits from stronger Canadian adult-use demand and growth in international medical sales [14] - Loss estimates per share for Tilray's fiscal 2026 have improved from 27 cents to 25 cents, although shares have declined by 32% this year [15]

Core Viewpoint - Organigram Global Inc. has announced an expansion of its innovation investment in Phylos Bioscience Inc., reinforcing its leadership in seed-based cannabis genetics [1] Group 1: Company Developments - Organigram is recognized as Canada's 1 cannabis company by market share [1] - The company has secured priority access to Phylos' autoflower genetics pipeline through an amended loan and product agreement [1] - The new agreement includes preferential economic terms and long-term benefits for Organigram [1]

Group 1 - The article provides a market analysis focusing on Canopy Growth Corp and Tilray Inc, highlighting their performance and market trends in the cannabis industry [1] - Canopy Growth Corp has shown significant growth in revenue, with a reported increase of 20% year-over-year, reaching $150 million [1] - Tilray Inc has also experienced a positive trend, reporting a 15% increase in sales, totaling $120 million for the last quarter [1] Group 2 - The cannabis industry is witnessing a shift towards more regulated markets, which is expected to drive further growth and investment opportunities [1] - Both companies are expanding their product lines and exploring new markets, indicating a strategic focus on diversification [1] - The competitive landscape is intensifying, with new entrants and existing players increasing their market share, necessitating continuous innovation [1]