Trump's Marijuana Order Is Stuck at the DEA. Here's What That Means for Canopy Growth.
Larger issues loom at home for the Canada-based cannabis company.
In December of last year, President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14370, aiming to expedite the rescheduling of marijuana to Schedule III. This rescheduling would have established federal regulatory clarity for the industry. Marijuana stocks, including Canopy Growth (CGC -3.06%), experienced a significant boost following the announcement, with Canopy Growth's share price rising from $1.15 to nearly $2 per share.
However, the recent lack of progress on rescheduling has led to a decline in Canopy Growth's stock price. Despite this decline, it's essential to note that there are other pressing factors impacting the company. In September, the Chief Administrative Judge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Derek C. Julius, temporarily halted the rescheduling process due to concerns raised by various parties regarding a report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO).
The judge granted Canopy Growth additional time to respond to the DEA's objections, but the company's stock price remains sensitive to developments in the U.S. rescheduling process. While investors may be focusing on this factor, it's crucial to remember that the Canadian recreational marijuana market is the primary concern for Canopy Growth.
Issues within this market are currently creating the most significant challenges for the company. Investors should concentrate on issues such as persistent operating losses and the risk of tapping further into its $200 million at-the-market (ATM) equity program when evaluating Canopy Growth's stock. It's advisable to weigh these considerations over the U.S. rescheduling news when making investment decisions.
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