ScottsMiracle-Gro

SMG

Market cap $3.11B

The U.S. cannabis industry continues to grow rapidly as legalization momentum spreads across new states. According to recent data, the market is projected to exceed $35 billion in annual sales by 2025. Additionally, analysts expect the industry to reach over $70 billion by 2030 as federal reform progresses. Last week, renewed discussions in Congress surrounding cannabis rescheduling lifted investor optimism. The Department of Health and Human Services' recommendation to reclassify cannabis also fueled market speculation. As a result, many ancillary stocks—those supporting growers with equipment, nutrients, and hydroponic systems—saw a spike in trading activity. These companies remain essential for industry expansion, offering investors exposure without the risks of direct plant handling.

Most marijuana stock investors are keeping a core focus on the future. At one point in time, most cannabis stocks had fast turnarounds for making a profit. However, this has not been the case for a long while. In fact, since the pandemic, there has been an overwhelming drop in trading in that sector. Now, with a bigger push for federal reform and other rules and regulatory issues being worked on in the last few months, cannabis stocks have been on the rise.

The U.S. cannabis industry continues to expand, with annual sales expected to surpass 40 billion dollars in 2025. Market forecasts suggest long-term growth as more states approve medical and recreational use. Recent discussions on federal legalization have also reignited investor interest. These developments provide a favorable backdrop for ancillary companies, which support the industry without directly handling cannabis. Because they supply cultivators and dispensaries with essential tools, these businesses often face less regulatory risk.

For cannabis investors, watching the industry's growth brings hope. Especially with how volatile the sector can get, even when public companies do well as a business, it does not resonate in the stock market. In recent news, Q2 earnings have been released for most publicly traded cannabis companies. Some companies have reported that they are still generating decent revenue. For others, beyond showing profitability, more partnerships and deals are being made.

Marijuana stock investors are awaiting to hear what will come of cannabis rescheduling. Historically, when news on the matter is released that shows progress, most cannabis stocks begin to trade up. This is what speculation can do. No one wants to be late to invest or miss the chance to be in an emerging sector. Legal cannabis has been on the rise for many years. Facing many roadblocks and still finds a way to forge ahead.

Company also reached over 157 million people through environmental partnerships devoted to the preservation of water resources, pollinator protection and habitat restoration Company also reached over 157 million people through environmental partnerships devoted to the preservation of water resources, pollinator protection and habitat restoration

I am upgrading SMG to a 'buy' as its turnaround gains momentum, with improving margins, healthy retail inventories, and market share gains. Core lawn and garden business shows resilience, with positive consumer sales, effective marketing, and e-commerce growth offsetting Hawthorne's weakness. Debt reduction and margin expansion are on track, supporting a secure 4.25% dividend and potential for share buybacks as leverage falls.

The company created a line of products for legal cannabis growers, a bet that for a time looked like genius.

The U.S. cannabis industry remains a powerful economic force, generating over $30 billion in annual sales in 2024. Industry analysts project sales could exceed $50 billion by 2030, driven by expanding legalization and rising consumer demand. Recently, headlines have focused on federal reform momentum after bipartisan discussions in Congress. These talks aim to improve banking access for cannabis businesses, which could boost profitability. Ancillary cannabis companies, which supply products and services to cultivators and retailers, continue to benefit from sector growth. They avoid direct plant-touching risks while capturing steady revenue from equipment, supplies, and technology demand. Consequently, these stocks can provide diversified exposure to the market.

As marijuana stocks are stuck at bottom prices, what are shareholders to do? For new investors intrigued by legal cannabis, how should they proceed? All valid and good questions, it is not so much that all is a loss, it's more so the strategy. Right now, the game is the long game, especially with the continuation of this volatile downtrend. Even with top companies looking attractive to people as marijuana stocks to buy, there is more to it.