Cannabis Investments: Analysts Share Vital Tools Investors Can't Afford To Overlook

Key Factors For Investors In The Cannabis Industry

Investors eyeing the cannabis industry should consider several critical factors to identify promising opportunities. In an exclusive interview with Benzinga, BDSA's principal analysts Michael Arrington and Brendan Mitchel-Chesebro share insights on growth drivers and market conditions to examine.

Market Growth Potential

The potential for market growth is a primary consideration. While some medical markets hold growth potential, adult-use markets generally outperform.

Arrington underscored the significance of adult-use markets in the cannabis industry. "In general, adult use is the thing; when launched, they generally do well, albeit with some challenges. Matured adult-use markets are experiencing slower growth, while newer markets show rapid expansion."

Newer adult-use markets launched after 2020 show an impressive compound annual growth rate of 17%, significantly higher than matured markets.

Licensing And Regulatory Environment

Investors should focus on the licensing and regulatory environment.

“The optimal balance is somewhere between licensing too few and too many businesses. An excessive number of licenses can lead to hyper-competitiveness, oversupply, and price drops, as witnessed in markets like Oregon,” Arrington added.

Efficiency And Profitability

Efficiency is crucial for cannabis companies, as the industry faces unique tax challenges, especially with restrictions on expense write-offs and higher taxes compared to traditional businesses. Companies that can control expenses are better positioned to turn a profit.

He underscored the impact of an efficient operation for cannabis companies. "Efficiency is paramount in the cannabis industry, as there's a significant cut in expenses due to tax challenges. Companies that can control expenses efficiently are better positioned to turn a profit."

Product Assortment And Pricing Strategies

Successful cannabis brands tend to offer product variety and have effective pricing strategies. Brands that can balance pricing with product quality while meeting diverse consumer needs have a higher chance of thriving.

"Brands that can balance pricing with product quality and meet consumer needs have a higher chance of thriving, whether they pursue premium or budget-focused strategies," said Mitchel-Chesebro.

Premium and budget-focused strategies are both viable approaches, with premium concentrates, flowers, edibles, and minor cannabinoids gaining traction.

Quality Control And Efficiency

Quality control and operational efficiency are paramount in every aspect of the cannabis industry, from cultivation and manufacturing to retail.

Efficient cultivation practices that minimize issues like pests and mold outbreaks are vital for consistent revenue streams. Maintaining quality throughout the production and distribution process is critical for long-term success.

Understanding the complexities of the cannabis market and its unique challenges is essential for making informed investment decisions both analysts concur.

Investors can maximize their potential returns by assessing these key factors and selecting companies that align with their investment goals and risk tolerance.

BDSA’s Tool Box For The Resourceful Investor

Mitchel-Chesebro explained that BDSA offers a range of tools to help customers identify market trends and make informed decisions.

These tools include:

• Market Dashboards: These provide a top-level overview of the market, offering data on consumer insights, forecasts, regulatory information, and retail sales tracking data.
• Market Forecast: This tool covers various states, territories, and countries, offering insights into how medical and adult-use markets are evolving, along with consumer demographics and population statistics.
• Consumer Insights: BDSA conducts biannual surveys to understand consumer behaviors, preferences, and demographics. This data helps customers identify consumer trends and market opportunities.
• Retail Sales Tracking: BDSA's retail sales tracking tool provides data on sales by market, product category, brand, and more. It helps businesses track sales trends and make informed decisions.
• Menu Analytics: This tool offers real-time insights into product availability, pricing, and promotions. It helps dispensaries manage their inventory and pricing strategies.
• Basket Analytics: This feature allows businesses to analyze consumer purchase behavior, including cross-buying trends, product preferences, and pricing strategies.
• Brand House Tool: It helps track the performance of brand houses in different markets, allowing businesses to understand which brands are gaining traction and why.
• Rapid Retail Sales: This tool offers faster, more frequent data updates on retail sales, allowing businesses to respond to market changes quickly.

Photo by Nina Mercado on Unsplash.