Cannabis Stocks on the Rise: Key Players to Watch Now

Market Movers: U.S. Pot Stocks Gaining Momentum

The U.S. cannabis industry continues to gain momentum as more states legalize marijuana for recreational and medical use. As of this week, over 20 states now allow adult-use cannabis, and more states are actively exploring legislation. The market is expected to reach over $45 billion in total value by 2025. This sustained growth creates new opportunities for investors looking to enter the space. Recently, there has been renewed discussion about federal reform. Lawmakers are revisiting cannabis rescheduling and expanding access to banking for cannabis businesses. These headlines have sparked renewed interest in marijuana stocks. As a result, traders are now watching several U.S. cannabis companies that could benefit from regulatory momentum.

However, identifying strong opportunities requires more than reading the news. Technical analysis is essential when evaluating short-term entries in volatile sectors like cannabis. Traders should look for patterns, volume spikes, and key support levels. It’s also critical to use proper risk management. Stop losses, trade sizing, and clear entry targets can help limit downside. Even the strongest chart setup can fail without discipline. As the week unfolds, combining these strategies with a solid watchlist may help traders stay focused and avoid emotional decision-making.

In May 2025, investors will continue searching for companies with strong growth potential, strategic positioning, and improving financials. Three marijuana stocks stand out this month: Glass House Brands Inc. (GLASF), The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc. (CBSTF), and Ascend Wellness Holdings Inc. (AAWH). Each company brings unique strengths to the table, including strong retail footprints, cultivation capabilities, and innovative branding. Below is a detailed breakdown of each company’s market presence and financial performance.

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Top U.S. Marijuana Stocks to Watch in May 2025

  1. Glass House Brands Inc. (OTC: GLASF)
  2. The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc. (OTC: CBSTF)
  3. Ascend Wellness Holdings Inc. (OTC: AAWH)

Glass House Brands Inc. (GLASF)

Glass House Brands Inc. is a vertically integrated cannabis company based in California. The company owns and operates several dispensaries across the state under various banners, including The Farmacy and Natural Healing Center. One of its most notable assets is a massive greenhouse cultivation facility located in Ventura County. This facility is among the largest in the United States, spanning over five million square feet. The company uses this facility to produce high-quality cannabis at scale.

GLASF

Currently, Glass House operates more than a dozen dispensaries across California. The company’s primary focus remains on the California adult-use market, where it sees significant long-term opportunity. By combining large-scale cultivation with branded retail outlets, Glass House continues to build its presence in one of the most competitive cannabis markets in the U.S. Additionally, its retail strategy includes premium positioning and community-focused stores that appeal to both newcomers and experienced users.

Financially, Glass House has made considerable progress. In recent quarters, the company posted year-over-year revenue growth, driven by an increase in both wholesale and retail sales. The company has also focused on reducing its cost per pound of production. By operating its large-scale greenhouse efficiently, it has improved margins significantly. This focus on cost control has helped the company generate positive adjusted EBITDA in recent quarters.

Additionally, Glass House expects continued growth throughout 2025. Management has projected increased output from its cultivation facility and additional store openings. These developments are expected to drive revenue to new highs. The company is also investing in branded product lines, which offer higher margins and stronger customer loyalty. Despite challenges in the California market, Glass House remains well-positioned due to its scale and brand strength.

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The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc. (CBSTF)

The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc., formerly known as Columbia Care, is a multi-state operator with a wide footprint across the U.S. The company operates dispensaries under the Cannabist brand in both medical and adult-use markets. It is currently active in 14 states and manages nearly 100 facilities. This includes more than 70 dispensaries and over 20 cultivation and processing centers. The Cannabist brand aims to deliver a premium cannabis experience to consumers through innovative retail design and curated product offerings.

The company’s largest presence includes states like Florida, New York, and Virginia. It serves both medical patients and recreational customers with a broad selection of flower, edibles, tinctures, and concentrates. Additionally, it owns and distributes several in-house brands. These include Seed & Strain, Triple Seven, and Hedy, each targeting different consumer segments. Through its wide reach and vertical integration, the Cannabist Company seeks to maximize efficiencies and build brand recognition nationwide.

On the financial side, the company has faced some recent headwinds. Revenue saw a modest decline year-over-year due to regulatory delays and pricing pressure in several markets. However, the company has taken action to improve its balance sheet. Management has focused on debt restructuring and improving operational efficiencies. The extension of certain credit terms has allowed the company to reduce financial pressure and plan more effectively for long-term growth.

Although margins tightened slightly in 2024, cost-cutting measures and better inventory management have helped stabilize earnings. Additionally, management is targeting future profitability through improved dispensary performance and streamlined operations. As new adult-use markets open and regulations ease, the Cannabist Company may be well-positioned to regain revenue momentum. It remains a stock to watch closely, especially if broader cannabis reform gains traction at the federal level.

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Ascend Wellness Holdings Inc. (AAWH)

Ascend Wellness Holdings Inc. is another top-tier cannabis operator with a strong footprint in limited-license states. The company operates in seven states: Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Ascend owns and operates cultivation facilities, processing centers, and over 30 retail dispensaries across these markets. The company is known for its vertically integrated structure and diverse product portfolio, which includes edibles, concentrates, flower, and vapes.

AWH

Ascend’s retail strategy focuses on high-traffic locations and premium store layouts. The company’s in-house brands include Ozone and Simply Herb. These brands cater to both value-conscious customers and those seeking premium products. Ascend also has a strong wholesale operation, supplying products to third-party dispensaries in addition to its own stores. The company’s strategic positioning in high-growth, tightly regulated markets gives it a competitive edge.

From a financial perspective, Ascend has delivered consistent top-line growth. In 2024, the company posted an annual revenue increase compared to the prior year. This growth was supported by new store openings and increased cultivation yields. However, like many cannabis operators, Ascend reported a net loss as it continued to invest in infrastructure and expansion. Despite this, management emphasized a strong focus on achieving profitability through margin improvements and operating leverage.

The company also initiated a share repurchase program in late 2024. This was seen as a sign of management’s confidence in long-term value creation. In 2025, Ascend is expected to continue expanding in New Jersey and Maryland, where adult-use markets are gaining traction. These expansions could significantly boost revenue and brand visibility. With disciplined growth and operational improvements underway, Ascend remains a strong candidate for long-term investors in the cannabis sector.

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Capitalizing on Cannabis Gains: Investment Approaches Post-Upside

As the U.S. marijuana industry matures, companies with strong fundamentals and strategic market positions are beginning to emerge as clear leaders. Glass House Brands, The Cannabist Company, and Ascend Wellness each offer a different path to growth. Whether through large-scale cultivation, nationwide branding, or disciplined state expansion, these companies are positioned to capitalize on the evolving regulatory and consumer landscape. For investors looking at cannabis exposure in May 2025, these three stocks are well worth a spot on the watchlist.

 


MAPH Enterprises, LLC | (305) 414-0128 | 1501 Venera Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33146 | new@marijuanastocks.com
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