The Week In Cannabis: Marijuana Stocks Outperform S&P Again As Weed Is Deemed ‘Essential’ In COVID-19 Times


coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to spread, more and more states in the U.S. decide to declare cannabis an “essential” good, just like basic groceries and traditional pharmaceutical medications. Interestingly, a majority of Americans seem to agree with these decisions.” data-reactid=”19″>As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to spread, more and more states in the U.S. decide to declare cannabis an “essential” good, just like basic groceries and traditional pharmaceutical medications. Interestingly, a majority of Americans seem to agree with these decisions.

CGC) commented on the issue, arguing “cannabis companies need and deserve the same economic relief extended to other industries.”

firing its employees in bulk?” data-reactid=”23″>Now, despite the lack of federal support, cannabis companies have been thriving in recent weeks, with most stocks up considerably, as sales hit record highs amid the coronavirus outbreak. So, why are so many of them, from Leafly to The Flowr Corporation (TSX.V: FLWR) (OTC: FLWPF) to The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. (TSX: TGOD) (OTC: TGODF) been firing its employees in bulk?

“It’s true that many cannabis companies have been laying off employees lately,” said Green Market Report’s Debra Borchardt. “Is that really due to the virus or is the virus just cover for poor management decisions?

“Several dispensaries have reported big increases in sales, so it’s hard to unpack who is really struggling. What we do know is that employees laid off during a crisis with little severance pay are the ones who are really struggling.”

Psyched;” and cannabis, hemp and psychedelics news in Spanish on El Planteo.” data-reactid=”26″>Check out our new bi-monthly psychedelics news roundup, “Psyched;” and cannabis, hemp and psychedelics news in Spanish on El Planteo.

As mentioned above, cannabis stocks had a strong week nonetheless. Over the last five trading days:

  • ETFMG Alternative Harvest ETF (NYSE: MJ) gained 24.7%.
  • AdvisorShares Pure Cannabis ETF (NYSE: YOLO) rose 23.2%.
  • Cannabis ETF (NYSE: THCX) spiked 28.3 %.
  • Amplify Seymour Cannabis ETF (NYSE: CNBS) traded up 22.2%.
  • SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE: SPY) closed the period up 10.75%.

TLRY) closed the week up almost 150%, while Aurora Cannabis Inc (NYSE: ACB) posted gains of more than 41%.

While reasons were not totally clear, sources pointed toward a sector rebound, wider economic recovery, and “speculation that states could accelerate legalization as a way to recoup losses.”

More News From The Week

“The Endocanna Health Science Board was formed to look at the role of plant medicine in modern therapeutics as they pertain to genomics. We believe the Science Board will also help us identify and get involved with research that investigates the link between genotypes, the endocannabinoid system and personalized endo-compatibility.”

CWBHF) and Abacus Health Products Inc. (CSE: ABCS) (OTC: ABAHF) agreed to a CA$99 million ($68.2 million) merger. On the heels of this major M&A announcement, the former reported its fourth quarter and full-year 2019 financial results, with quarterly revenue of $22.8 million, compared to $21.5 million in the same period of the prior year. For the full year, Charlotte’s Web disclosed revenue of $94.6 million, versus $69.5 million in 2018.

SHRMF) — a developer of formulations made with medicinal mushrooms and mushroom-infused products — acquired Novo Formulations Ltd. The deal provides Vancouver, Canada-based Champignonwith access to Novo Formulations’licensed facilities.

Novo is operated by a team of PhD’s and has IP for many different novel formulations and delivery methods for therapeutic Ketamine.

PHCG) said it plans to buy 51% of the outstanding membership interest in a Michigan-based medical marijuana processor, How Smooth It Is, Inc.

CURLF) posted record fiscal year 2019 revenue of $221 million, up by 187% from the previous year. The earnings report comes on the heels of an expansion effort for the Wakefield, Massachusetts-based company. That same day, Curaleaf announced that it will purchase three Arrow Alternative Care dispensaries in Connecticut.

MMNFF) hired Errol Schweizer to its board of directors. Prior to joining MedMen, Schweizer spent 15 years at Whole Foods Market Inc.

HRVSF) and Verano Holdings LLC said they are no longer planning to merge, at least for the foreseeable future.

CANF) reported its full-year 2019 financial results, showing a net loss of $9.59 million, versus a loss of $6.57 million in 2018. The company’s revenue for 2019 hovered$2million, compared to $3.8 million for the prior year.

Top Stories Of The Week

Check out the top stories on Benzinga Cannabis this week:

  • Marijuana Use And The Coronavirus Outbreak: Safety Guidelines From NORML
  • How Legalizing Cannabis Could Ease Government Shortfalls Once Coronavirus Pandemic Is Over
  • Arketamine: A Fast-Acting Antidepressant Without Dissociative Effects?
  • These Are The Most Pivotal Players Within Cannabis And Hemp Infused Beverages
  • Temp Staffing Spikes In Cannabis Sector During COVID-19 Pandemic
  • A Snapshot Of America’s Medical Marijuana Markets: Massachusetts
  • Hemp Shows Economic Promise For Native American Communities: ‘We Want This Industry To Grow Here’
  • ‘How To Do The Pot’ Podcast Returns Featuring Guests Vanessa Lavorato, Katie Heaney
  • Cash Payments In Cannabis Largely Driven By Fee Avoidance, Hypur Survey Shows
  • Coronavirus And Cannabis: Law Enforcement Officials, Medical Professionals And Clergy Call For Stopping Arrests, Releasing Prisoners
  • Read The Letter That 14 Public Health Organizations Sent To US Governors: Patients Need Cannabis Amid COVID-19 Outbreak
  • Lessons From Women’s History Month Amid The COVID-19 Pandemic
  • The Resilience Of Cannabis Amid COVID-19 Volatility: Is Marijuana An Investor Safe-Haven?

Events Calendar

Northern California sustainable cannabis producers Aster Farms have partnered with Ganja Yoga and California Bay Area cannabis delivery companies Sweet Flower and Sava to provide a much needed health and wellness break during these trying times.

“We’re hoping to provide some needed relaxation and exercise for our community while sheltering-in-place,” says Aster Farms President Sam Ludwig. To join Aster Farms x Ganja Yoga, please visit: @ganjayoga on IG Live during the scheduled.

Author: CSN