Core Insights - The potential rescheduling of cannabis from a Schedule I to a lower classification could lead to significant tax savings for marijuana producers [1][7] - Recent optimism in the cannabis industry is driven by renewed hopes for regulatory changes, particularly under President Trump's administration [2][5] - Rescheduling cannabis does not equate to legalization or decriminalization, and while it may facilitate research, it does not guarantee imminent legal changes [4][6] Industry Overview - Cannabis is currently classified as a Schedule I substance, which includes drugs with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse [4] - President Trump is considering rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III, which would align it with substances like testosterone and ketamine [5] - The process of rescheduling can be lengthy, as seen with previous attempts under former President Biden [5] Company Impact - The most immediate benefit of rescheduling could be a reduction in tax liabilities for cannabis companies, particularly through the elimination of section 280E, which restricts tax deductions for cannabis businesses [7][8] - Curaleaf Holdings estimates potential annual savings of approximately $150 million if rescheduling occurs, highlighting the financial impact on multi-state operators [9] - Despite being a leading cannabis operator, Curaleaf reported a revenue decline of 8% year-over-year, with a net loss of $114 million in the first half of the year [10] Stock Performance - Curaleaf's shares increased to over $3, marking the highest level since the previous year, driven by positive news regarding potential rescheduling [11] - Other cannabis stocks, such as Tilray Brands, also experienced significant gains, with Tilray's stock rising by over 58% in a short period [12] - However, rescheduling will not allow companies like Tilray to transport products into the U.S., indicating that excitement around legalization may be premature [13]

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 companies [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 sectors [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 industries [5] - He holds a BA in Journalism from Concordia University, which has supported his diverse career trajectory [5]

Industry Overview - The US cannabis industry generated nearly $36 billion in legal sales in 2024, with projections to exceed $70 billion by 2030, indicating significant growth and demand for cultivation and retail facilities [1] - Recent federal rescheduling news, specifically the recommendation to move cannabis to Schedule III, is expected to reduce taxes for operators and improve profitability, potentially increasing tenant strength and enhancing REIT stability [1] Company Analysis: Innovative Industrial Properties (IIPR) - IIPR is the largest cannabis-focused REIT in the US, with a portfolio of over 100 properties across 19 states, totaling more than 9 million rentable square feet [3] - The company reported revenue of over $62 million in the latest quarter, with net income exceeding $25 million and earnings per share near $0.86, maintaining a quarterly dividend of $1.90 [5] - IIPR's strategic diversification includes a $270 million investment into a life sciences platform, with a blended yield exceeding 14% [5] Company Analysis: NewLake Capital Partners (NLCP) - NLCP owns 34 properties across 12 states, including 19 dispensary properties and 15 cultivation facilities, structured as long-term triple-net leases [6][8] - The company reported revenue of approximately $12.9 million and net income of $7.3 million in the second quarter, with a quarterly dividend of $0.43 per share [8] - NLCP's conservative approach and focus on leasing to licensed operators in limited-license states help reduce volatility and spread risk [6] Company Analysis: Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance (REFI) - REFI operates as a commercial mortgage REIT, originating senior secured loans totaling over $420 million across about 30 portfolio companies [9][12] - The company maintained a quarterly dividend of $0.47 per share, with distributable earnings per share at $0.51, indicating strong credit performance [12] - REFI emphasizes conservative lending standards and broad diversification, with a loan pipeline exceeding $650 million, reflecting strong demand for capital [12]

Core Viewpoint - LEEF Brands, Inc. reported a pivotal transition in Q2 2025, highlighted by the completion of its first planting at Salisbury Canyon Ranch and the acquisition of a New York cannabis license, which are expected to enhance margins and open new revenue streams starting in Q3 2025 [4]. Financial Highlights - Revenue for Q2 2025 reached $8.7 million, a 10% increase from $7.9 million in Q2 2024, driven by a 19% year-over-year increase in unit sales [7]. - Gross margin was reported at 24%, down from 34% in Q2 2024, attributed to higher input costs for clean extraction material, with expectations for improvement as the company begins processing material from Salisbury Canyon Ranch in Q3 2025 [7]. - The net loss for the quarter was $2.9 million, or ($0.02) per share, reflecting a 45% improvement from a $5.5 million loss in Q2 2024 [7]. - Adjusted EBITDA was reported at ($1.2) million, compared to $0.3 million in Q2 2024, impacted by lower gross margins and increased operating expenses related to the planting at Salisbury Canyon Ranch and ramping operations in New York [7]. Operational Highlights - The company successfully planted Salisbury Canyon Ranch, one of the largest cannabis farms globally, and has harvested the material, with a second crop replanted for fall harvest [7]. - The summer harvest exceeded expectations and is anticipated to drive significant margin improvements beginning in Q3 2025 [7]. - The acquisition of a New York cannabis license on June 9, 2025, is expected to enable the company to produce a full range of concentrates starting in Q3 2025, contributing to increased revenue and margins [7]. - Josh Keats joined as Chief Operating Officer in June 2025, bringing over 20 years of cannabis industry experience, which is expected to enhance operational excellence as the company scales cultivation and enters new markets [7].

Core Viewpoint - LEEF Brands, Inc. successfully closed a private placement offering, raising gross proceeds of C$2,090,890, which is approximately double the original expectation [1][4]. Group 1: Offering Details - The offering consisted of 8,363,560 units priced at C$0.25 per unit, with each unit comprising one common share and one common share purchase warrant [1][2]. - Each warrant allows the holder to purchase an additional common share at a price of C$0.30 for a period of 24 months from the closing date [2]. Group 2: Regulatory Compliance - The offering was conducted under the listed issuer financing exemption (LIFE Exemption) as per National Instrument 45-106, which allows for certain exemptions from prospectus requirements [3]. - Securities issued under this exemption are not subject to a statutory hold period under Canadian securities laws [3]. Group 3: Management Insights - The CEO expressed gratitude for investor support, highlighting plans to expand in New York and enhance production in California for long-term growth [4]. - The CFO noted that the financing positions the company to accelerate growth in key markets and capitalize on potential federal regulatory changes [4]. Group 4: Additional Issuances - The company issued 272,000 common shares to a service provider for services rendered and 36,000 common shares upon the exercise of employee stock options [5]. Group 5: Company Overview - LEEF Brands, Inc. is a leading cannabis operator based in California and New York, focusing on extraction and manufacturing with a comprehensive supply chain and innovative processes [6].

Group 1 - The cannabis sector is experiencing renewed interest due to President Trump's confirmation of an impending decision on marijuana rescheduling [1] - The decision is expected to be made within the coming weeks, which could significantly impact the industry [1] Group 2 - The article emphasizes the potential investment opportunities in undervalued companies within the cannabis sector [1] - The author's background in financial markets and institutions supports a thorough analysis of financial statements and market trends [1]

New leaders will be responsible for driving portfolio growth, operational improvements, and market expansion BOULDER, Colo., Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Canopy USA, LLC ("Canopy USA"), a brand-driven organization strategically positioned across the fastest growing states and highest potential segments of the U.S. cannabis market, today announced the appointment of a new executive team responsible for driving the Company's next phase of expansion. Drawing on extensive industry experience, these leaders wil ...

Core Insights - The company anticipates record revenue and adjusted EBITDA growth for Q3 2025, exceeding analyst forecasts, driven by a projected 7.4% increase in same-store sales, the fastest growth rate in two years [1][3][12] Financial Guidance - Revenue is expected to be between CAD 147.0 million and CAD 150.0 million, reflecting a quarter-over-quarter increase of 7% to 9% and a year-over-year increase of 12% to 14% [2] - Gross margin is projected to be between CAD 38.5 million and CAD 40.0 million, with a quarter-over-quarter increase of 9% to 13% and a year-over-year increase of 9% to 13% [2] - Adjusted EBITDA is expected to range from CAD 9.6 million to CAD 10.6 million, indicating a quarter-over-quarter increase of 19% and a year-over-year increase of 0% to 10% [2] Strategic Expansion - The company is expanding its operations internationally, notably through the acquisition of a majority stake in Remexian Pharma GmbH in Germany, positioning itself as a global cannabis powerhouse [3][10] Upcoming Events - Full financial and operational results for Q3 2025 will be released on September 15, 2025, followed by a conference call on September 16, 2025 [4][5]

Core Insights - Rubicon Organics Inc. reported record-breaking financial results for Q2 2025, achieving net revenue of $15.0 million, a 24% increase year-over-year, and a year-to-date (YTD) net revenue of $27.4 million, reflecting a 30% increase compared to the same period last year [3][8][9] Financial Performance - The company generated Adjusted EBITDA of $1.4 million for Q2 2025 and $2.1 million for the first half of 2025, marking positive Adjusted EBITDA for five consecutive quarters [3][9] - Operating profit reached $1.0 million for Q2 2025, with a net profit of $0.8 million, compared to a net loss of $0.5 million in the same quarter of the previous year [3][21] - Gross profit before fair value adjustments was $5.1 million for Q2 2025, with a gross profit margin of 34.2%, up from 30.2% in Q2 2024 [21] Production and Capacity Expansion - The acquisition of the Hope Facility was completed, increasing total production capacity by over 40%, bringing the total annual capacity to 15,500 kg of premium cannabis [8][12] - The Delta Facility is fully operational with an annual production capacity of 11,000 kg, and the company is focused on improving yield and quality [11][12] Market Position and Brand Strategy - Rubicon Organics holds a national market share of 5.2% in premium flower and pre-rolls, 15.1% in resin vapes, and 26.2% in premium edibles [9] - The company emphasizes its commitment to quality and innovation, with a focus on expanding its genetic portfolio and launching new products under its trusted brands [6][18] Future Outlook - The company anticipates continued growth in net revenue and Adjusted EBITDA for 2025, despite expected one-time costs associated with the Hope Facility [20] - Rubicon Organics aims to meet increasing domestic and international demand for premium cannabis while maintaining its focus on brand loyalty and consumer trust [10][14]

Core Insights - Canadian cannabis firms with U.S. exposure are gaining attention due to their ability to bridge both markets, which positions them advantageously as U.S. policy shifts may provide new momentum for growth [1][2][24] - The U.S. legal cannabis market is projected to grow from approximately $37 billion in 2024 to over $91 billion by 2033, indicating a strong annual growth rate of more than 10 percent [2][24] - Recent headlines regarding potential federal reclassification of marijuana have fueled optimism, leading to a rally in cannabis stocks as traders seek follow-through momentum [3][24] Company Summaries Tilray - Tilray is one of the largest cannabis companies globally, focusing on cannabis-adjacent consumer goods in the U.S., with its beverage division being a key growth driver [5][6] - The company reported annual revenue exceeding $820 million, but also a significant net loss of over $2 billion, highlighting the need for tighter cost control despite strong performance in certain divisions [9][11] - The beverage segment achieved gross margins of around 40 percent, indicating strong consumer demand and pricing power [10] Village Farms International - Village Farms operates large-scale greenhouses, supplying cannabis in both Canada and the U.S., with a focus on efficient production rather than retail [12][14] - The company emphasizes wholesale supply to licensed retailers, which reduces capital costs and lowers risk while controlling significant production volumes [12][14] - Recent financial results show steady progress, with Canadian cannabis sales increasing year over year, benefiting from rising demand and improving margins [15][16] Canopy Growth - Canopy Growth is known for its broad product portfolio, including flower, pre-rolls, edibles, and wellness products, and has a presence in the U.S. through licensing and partnerships [17][20] - The company reported strong growth in Canadian medical cannabis sales, reaching $77 million, while international sales showed slight declines [21][22] - Canopy's gross margins expanded by 300 basis points year over year, and it reduced total debt by nearly 50 percent, indicating progress in strengthening its balance sheet [21][22] Market Outlook - The U.S. cannabis market's expansion presents significant opportunities for Canadian firms with U.S. exposure, particularly as potential rescheduling of marijuana could reduce restrictions and enhance valuations [2][24] - Volatility in the sector remains high, making technical analysis and risk management essential for investors looking to participate in the growth story [4][25]