Canadian Cannabis Industry Hits New Sales High And Is Poised To Capitalise On Derivatives In 2020

When Canada legalized recreational marijuana in 2018 there was a lot of hype and fanfare regarding the legalization and most so this as a huge opportunity. Following the legalization, several cannabis operators listed stock exchange and this attracted several investors ready to pour money in the sector. However, with all this hype the industry had a terrible 2019 with most of the cannabis stocks burning a significant amount of investor wealth.

Canada hits new cannabis sales high

The main reason why most of the marijuana stocked plunged was that their underlying business was burning cash. For instance, in a recent quarterly report Canopy Growth Corp (NYSE: CGC) stated that it paid more in stock-based compensation compared to its net sales. Similarly with the entry of several growers in the industry, with a limited market, companies had to contend with price compression as the market floods.

Despite all these challenges, the Canadian cannabis industry is heading into the new decade with a lot of optimism. According to Statistics Canada, cannabis sales in November hit a new all-time high although this was expected considering the sector is still ramping up. Most importantly is that the monthly sales exceeded $100 million. Statistics Canada usually compiles monthly cannabis store data since the industry is highly regulated.

Cannabis derivatives and EU market to drive growth in sales

So far the Canadian cannabis industry has generated around $916.6 million in revenue since its October 2018 and sales keep growing. With the launch of cannabis derivatives last year the industry will likely make a major leap this year. Derivatives that include vapes, edibles, topicals, concentrates and infused beverages are high margin products that offer a new way of consumption without necessarily smoking.

Similarly, the international market has been growing and Canadian operators are importing more cannabis products. The market is expanding in Europe especially in Germany where the companies have been supplying their products to. Canopy Growth and Tilray (NASDAQ: TLRY) both have production facilities in Europe to enhance their supply. Recently Aphria Inc. (NYSE: APHA) received EU GMP certification which means its products will be available soon i9n the EU market.

TerrAscend cancels deal with Gravitas Nevada

Mergers and acquisitions have been a trend in the cannabis industry with companies seeing them as a way to consolidate assets and compete in the market while using them to gain market access to new markets. However, in recent months there has been a cancellation of various M&A agreements in the industry. This comes as cannabis stock prices have dipped with a shortage of outside capital becoming a challenge the companies have to contend with.

Recently Toronto based cannabis operator TerraAscend Corp (OTCMKTS: TRSSF) announced the termination of its $33.5 million deal with Gravitas Nevada. TerraAscend paid $3 million as per the stipulations of the purchase agreement but will not be able to pay the remaining balance of $30.5 million in cash as well 625,000 common shares

This article by Money News National is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Money News National has no position in the stocks mentioned. Thank you for reading.

__________________

This article may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “become,” “plan,” “will,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks as well as uncertainties, including those discussed in the following cautionary statements and elsewhere in this article and on this site. Although the Company may believe that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, the actual results that the Company may achieve may differ materially from any forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of the management of the Company only as of the date hereof. Additionally, please make sure to read these important disclosures.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here