Top Cannabis Stocks to Watch This Week: AYRWF, AAWH, and CRLBF
The U.S. cannabis industry continues to expand, even as federal reform remains uncertain. Legal sales are projected to hit nearly $46 billion in 2025. Growth should continue at a steady 14% compound annual rate through 2030. This expansion comes from new recreational markets, wider medical access, and growing consumer demand. Jobs and tax revenue also keep climbing, adding momentum.
Yet federal legalization still hasn’t arrived. Lawmakers continue debating the SAFE Banking Act, and regulators are reviewing possible rescheduling. Both moves could reshape access to financing and reduce industry headwinds. For now, however, companies must operate under tough conditions.
Meanwhile, volatility in cannabis stocks remains high. Prices often swing sharply after earnings or policy headlines. Traders frequently turn to technical analysis—using support levels, moving averages, and volume—to time entries. Risk management is just as important. Stop-loss orders and diversification help protect against sudden downturns. With that in mind, three U.S. multi-state operators (MSOs) stand out this week: Ayr Wellness (AYRWF), Ascend Wellness (AAWH), and Cresco Labs (CRLBF).
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- Ayr Wellness Inc. (OTC: AYRWF)
- Ascend Wellness Holdings Inc. (OTC: AAWH)
- Cresco Labs Inc. (OTC: CRLBF)
Ayr Wellness Inc. (OTC: AYRWF)
Market Presence and Footprint
Ayr Wellness has built one of the largest cannabis footprints in the U.S., operating over 90 dispensaries. Florida is its strongest base, supported by a loyal medical patient population. The company also has a strong retail presence in New Jersey and Massachusetts.
Ayr follows a vertical model. It cultivates, processes, and sells its own products, giving it tighter control over costs and quality. This structure also helps it manage inventory across multiple states. Its brands range from budget-friendly to premium offerings, appealing to different customer segments.
However, expansion has carried heavy costs. The company grew rapidly and stretched operations too thin. Management has since pivoted. Ayr is trimming weaker assets, consolidating markets, and focusing on profitability. This shift suggests a move from aggressive growth to survival mode. Investors appear cautious, waiting to see if these changes improve stability.
Latest Financial Performance
Recent results highlight the challenges. Sales softened in several markets, particularly wholesale, where competition has increased. Retail sales also faced price compression, putting more pressure on margins.
Gross margins remain weak. Rising operating expenses and debt obligations continue to weigh on results. Management has responded with cost-cutting. It has reduced staffing, consolidated operations, and exited underperforming markets. These steps could help improve cash flow.
The stock trades near $0.04. At this level, sentiment is clearly cautious. Analysts suggest it is fairly valued, but uncertainty remains very high.
From a trading view, AYRWF is volatile. Sharp bursts of volume occasionally lift the price, but rallies often fade. Technical traders might find short-term opportunities, yet strict stop-loss strategies are essential. Without disciplined risk management, losses can pile up quickly.
[Read More] Top Multi-State Operator Cannabis Stocks in the U.S. — August 2025 Watchlist
Ascend Wellness Holdings Inc. (OTC: AAWH)
Market Presence and Footprint
Ascend Wellness currently operates 36 dispensaries across six states. Illinois, Michigan, Massachusetts, and New Jersey are its largest markets. The company also maintains a presence in Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Ascend focuses heavily on limited-license states. These markets restrict the number of operators, which helps keep competition lower. In New Jersey, recreational demand has surged, and Ascend has benefited from that trend. Its flagship locations continue to post strong sales.
The company has also invested in cultivation facilities. Vertical integration supports supply consistency, but Ascend keeps its focus on retail growth. Stores are placed in high-traffic urban areas, giving it steady demand.
Unlike some peers, Ascend has avoided excessive debt. Its expansion strategy is measured, which reduces financial risk. Management seems focused on balance and sustainability rather than chasing aggressive market share. This careful approach positions Ascend as one of the steadier MSOs in the sector.
Latest Financial Performance
Ascend’s financials reflect modest but steady progress. Revenue increased in the latest quarter, driven by growth in New Jersey and Illinois. Wholesale sales in Massachusetts also improved, adding another revenue stream.
However, profitability remains an issue. High taxes and regulatory expenses continue to limit margins. Net losses persist, but debt levels are more manageable compared to peers. This gives Ascend more breathing room in a tough industry.
Shares trade near $0.65. Analysts generally call the stock fairly valued. Market watchers see potential upside if Northeast states continue expanding recreational markets. Still, they remain cautious given the lack of immediate catalysts.
Technically, AAWH trades in a narrow channel. Support is visible near $0.50, while resistance sits slightly above current levels. Breakouts often follow policy updates or quarterly earnings. Traders using moving averages and volume analysis may spot short-term signals. Still, risk controls are critical here too.
[Read More] Top Multi-State Operator Cannabis Stocks in the U.S.—August 2025 Watchlist
Cresco Labs Inc. (OTC: CRLBF)
Market Presence and Footprint
Cresco Labs operates 70 Sunnyside dispensaries across the country, giving it one of the largest U.S. retail networks. Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Florida remain core markets.
Beyond retail, Cresco leads in wholesale distribution. Its branded products appear in more than 1,000 dispensaries nationwide. This dual strategy—retail plus wholesale—provides multiple revenue streams. It also builds strong brand recognition.
Cresco’s portfolio spans premium and value-focused products. It offers flower, edibles, concentrates, and vape products, covering nearly every consumer segment. The company’s emphasis on branding makes it stand out from many competitors.
Scale is Cresco’s biggest advantage. Few MSOs can match its combined retail and wholesale reach. This broad footprint also provides stability by spreading risk across multiple state markets. As a result, Cresco looks well-positioned for long-term growth.
Latest Financial Performance
Cresco posted $164.3 million in sales last quarter. Analysts expect the next quarter to come in around $164.7 million. While not explosive, these numbers show consistency in a difficult market.
Earnings remain negative, but losses are narrowing. Forecasts suggest EPS could improve from –$0.05 to –$0.03. Better cost management is helping keep operations on track.
The stock trades near $0.98. Analysts estimate fair value closer to $1.44, which suggests some upside. Market sentiment is more optimistic here than with many peers.
On charts, CRLBF is consolidating near $1. Strong support exists around $0.90, while resistance sits closer to $1.10. A breakout above that level could draw momentum traders. As always, volatility is high, so stop-losses are important. Still, Cresco appears stronger than many competitors.
U.S. Cannabis Industry Growth
The cannabis sector remains volatile, but opportunities are emerging. State markets continue to grow, even while federal reform lags. For investors, that creates both risk and potential.
Ayr Wellness (AYRWF) looks highly speculative. It is restructuring and fighting to stabilize.
Ascend Wellness (AAWH) offers steady growth in limited-license states, though margins remain thin.
Cresco Labs (CRLBF) combines retail scale with wholesale reach, making it the most balanced option.
Technical analysis can help traders time entries. Meanwhile, risk management remains critical. With disciplined strategies, investors can navigate the swings and capture potential upside.
MAPH Enterprises, LLC | (305) 414-0128 | 1501 Venera Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33146 | new@marijuanastocks.com
