Is the Marijuana Industry Profitable? Best Stocks 2025

Hey there, fellow investors! If you’re eyeing the stock market for marijuana industry for 2025 this is the place to stop. This article is aiming to give some details on how the marijuana industry works. Including four top picks of the best marijuana stocks with a look at the companies, stock performance, analyst estimates, and how to get started investing.

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Is the Marijuana Industry Profitable?

The marijuana industry shows promise as legalization spreads but also comes with few challenges. It’s projected to reach a $57 billion global market by 2030. As of early 2025, 39 states in the United States and the District of Columbia permit the medical use of cannabis products. Recreational marijuana use is legal in 24 states and Washington, D.C.

Here is the time to mention that marijuana is in a process to be reclassified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) from Schedule 1 controlled substances, which have no recognized medicinal use and a high potential for abuse, to Schedule III controlled substances, which have a moderate to low risk for physical and psychological dependence. After this reclassification, tax relief and cash flow of the marijuana stocks companies could improve.

However, high taxes, federal illegality, and competition from the illegal market hinder profitability. Many companies struggle with cash flow due to limited banking access. But declining 2025 interest rates and potential banking reforms (e.g., SAFER Banking Act) could help with this challenge. It’s a risky play with potential, long-term rewards.

Top Marijuana Stocks to Watch in 2025

Marijuana Stocks: Green Thumb Industries (GTBIF)

Green Thumb Industries, Inc., based in Chicago, Illinois, was founded in 2014 by CEO Ben Kovler. It’s a multistate operator (MSO) with over 100 RISE dispensaries in 14 U.S. states, growing, processing, and selling cannabis products like flower, pre-rolls, vapes, and edibles under brands like Beboe and RHYTHM. Operating in Retail and Consumer Packaged Goods segments, it focuses on quality and community well-being with a 4,500-strong team.

Why It’s a Good Investment in 2025

Good Recent Numbers: In early 2025, Green Thumb made $280 million in revenue (up 1% from last year), with a $143.3 million gross profit (that’s a 51.3% margin). They also had $8 million in net profit, or $0.04 per share, showing they’re holding strong.

Smart Expansion Plans: They’re opening new stores (like their sixth one in Ohio in March 2025) and have a $50 million plan to buy back their own shares, which could make the stock price go up.

Making Money: They earned $12.68 million in profit in late 2024. This is rare for cannabis companies within marijuana industry. But watch out—there’s competition from illegal sellers, and the marijuana stock price can drop sometimes.

Stock Performance and Estimates

Price: ~$5.25 (June 5, 2025), 52-week range $4.63-$12.91.
5-Year Return: 53%, volatile with a recent 6-day drop.
Analyst Target: Range $15.50-$17.00.
Earnings: Q2 2025 EPS $0.04, revenue $282.17M (due August 4); full-year $0.25 EPS, $1.18B revenue. 100% sales beat rate, some EPS misses.
Valuation: $1.228B market cap (June 5, 2025).

How to Invest In Marijuana Stocks

Broker: Use Robinhood, Fidelity, eToro, or Public.com for OTCQX trading.
Account: Sign up with ID, verify with address proof, fund via bank/card.
Research: Check news on Yahoo Finance; Start small with $50-$100.
Purchase: Search “GTBIF,” buy shares (fractional available), use market/limit orders, set 15-20% stop-loss.
Monitor: Track via apps, diversify with safer assets.

Pros:

Consistent profitability, wide state coverage, strong in-house brands.

Cons:

Faces competition from big tobacco/alcohol, stock volatility (down 34% last year, up 44% recently), some debt.

Conclusion

GTBIF’s profitability, expansion, and policy potential make it a 2025 contender, with a $16.17 target. Volatility and competition are risks. Invest small, watch August 4 earnings, and consult an advisor.

Marijuana Stocks: Curaleaf Holdings (CURLF)

Company Details

Curaleaf Holdings, Inc., is a big player in the cannabis world, headquartered in New York, NY, with roots in Wakefield, Massachusetts. Founded in 2010, it operates as a holding company focused on medical and recreational cannabis. The company runs through two main segments:

Cannabis Operations, which handles growing, processing, and selling cannabis products like flower, pre-rolls, vapes (under the Select brand), and edibles, and
Non-Cannabis Operations, offering professional services like cultivation know-how and real estate leasing to other cannabis licensees.

With 151 dispensaries across 17 U.S. states and a presence in Europe and Canada, its brands (Curaleaf, Grassroots, JAMS) target medical and adult-use markets. Led by Chairman and CEO Boris Jordan, the company’s been pushing to expand into high-growth areas like New York and Ohio while optimizing its supply chain with automation and premium flower production. They lead in revenue ($1.3 billion in 2024) but aren’t profitable yet.

Why It’s a Good Investment in 2025

The marijuana industry is at a tipping point, and Curaleaf’s poised to benefit. Here’s why 2025 could be the right time to invest:

Potential Federal Reforms: The DEA might shift cannabis from a super-strict Schedule I to a less harsh Schedule III. That could mean lower taxes for Curaleaf (they’ve been hit hard by a rule called 280E) and easier access to banks, which would help their cash flow a ton—especially since they already made $1.34 billion in 2024.
Growing Market: The global cannabis market is projected to hit $57 billion by 2030, and the U.S. size was estimated at $38.5 billion in 2024—and it’s still going up! Curaleaf’s set up in 17 states, including hot markets like New York, so they’re ready to cash in on this growth.
Recent Performance Boost: In their last report for 2024, Curaleaf did better than expected, earning $0.02 per share when people thought they’d lose $0.07—that’s a huge 128.57% surprise! They also boosted their profit margins by 1.6% to 48%, even though their revenue stayed flat at $331 million.
Going Global: Curaleaf’s seeing big growth in Europe—73% more revenue there, hitting over $100 million! They’re tapping into Germany’s growing medical cannabis scene, which helps spread their risk beyond just the U.S.
Strategic Moves: They’re planning to spend less on big projects this year and focus on growing naturally in places like New York and Ohio. That should make them more efficient, especially since they already improved their yields by 19% per square foot in 2024.

That said, it’s not all sunshine. Curaleaf’s still unprofitable overall, with a high debt load (about half its 2024 revenue) maturing in December 2026, and it faces stiff competition from illegal markets and potential big tobacco entrants. But if federal reforms happen and they manage their debt, the upside could be huge.

Stock Performance and Estimates

Price: ~$0.86 (June 3, 2025), with a 52-week range of $0.675-$4.512.
YTD: -42.47%, but up 44% post-DEA hints.
Analyst Target: $4.25 average
Earnings: Q1 2025 EPS -$0.06 (due August 11); long-term forecasts suggest $8.93 (2030) to $41.67 (2050), speculative.
Revenue: $315.57M next quarter (vs. $319.19M), 50% sales beat rate.

The stock’s undervalued per some analyses, but its high short interest (0.97% of float, 5.4 days to cover) and past EPS misses signal caution. Still, positive sentiment on social media and analyst upgrades suggests a potential turnaround.

How to Invest in Curaleaf Holdings (CURLF)

Ready to dip your toes in? Here’s a simple guide to get started:

Choose a Broker: Since CURLF trades OTC, you’ll need a brokerage that handles over-the-counter stocks. Options include Robinhood, eToro, Fidelity, or Public.com. Look for low or zero-commission fees and regulatory oversight (e.g., SEC or FINRA).
Open an Account: Sign up online or via an app. You’ll need ID and bank details to fund it—link a bank account or use a debit card.
Research and Fund: Check Curaleaf’s latest news (e.g., earnings, policy updates) on sites like Yahoo Finance or TipRanks. Start small, like $50-$100.
Place a Trade: Search “CURLF” in your broker’s platform. Decide on shares (fractional shares are available) and use a market order for instant buys or a limit order to set your price. Consider a stop-loss (e.g., 15-20% below) to manage risk.
Monitor and Diversify: Track performance via apps or tools like MarketBeat. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Pair CURLF with safer assets like an ETF.

Future Prospects

Growth in New York and Europe, plus federal reforms, could stabilize finances if profitability improves.

Pros

Top revenue, global reach, recent 44% stock jump post-DEA news.

Cons

Unprofitable, high debt, volatile (down 34% yearly).

The Bottom Line

Curaleaf Holdings (CURLF) could be a good 2025 investment if you’re okay with risk and believe in cannabis’ future. Its scale, international growth, and potential policy tailwinds (like Schedule III) are compelling, especially with a $5.24 analyst target offering over 300% upside. But the lack of profits, debt concerns, and market volatility mean it’s not for the faint-hearted. Start small, stay updated on DEA moves and earnings (next on August 11), and consider it a long-term play. As always, chat with a financial advisor to tailor this to your goals and frequently check stockpicksguru.com for updates.

Cresco Labs (CRLBF)

Cresco Labs, based in Chicago, Illinois, started in 2013 and is led by CEO Charles Bachtell. They’re a multistate operator (MSO), which means they grow, make, and sell cannabis products across several U.S. states. They’ve got over 70 dispensaries under their Sunnyside brand in 8 states like Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. Their products include flower, vape pens, edibles, and extracts sold under brands like Cresco, High Supply, Good News, and Remedi. They also have a workforce of thousands, focused on making cannabis more normal and professional through community work and their SEED program, which helps people affected by past cannabis laws find jobs in the industry.

Cresco’s big on quality and has a strong presence in some of the biggest cannabis markets in the U.S. They’re known for being efficient, especially in growing cannabis in places like Illinois and Pennsylvania, which helps them keep costs down and profits up.

Why It’s a Good Investment in 2025

Cresco Labs looks like a promising bet for 2025 for a few reasons besides the big market growth and the possible rule changes:

Solid Cash Flow: In Q1 2025, Cresco had $30 million in operating cash flow and ended with $162 million in cash—their strongest cash position in 3 years! That’s a good sign they can handle tough times.
Smart Plans: They’re focusing on key markets like Pennsylvania (where they’re opening their 18th store soon) and Illinois, where they hold the #1 spot. They’re also working on new products and being careful about who they sell to, which keeps them stable.
Undervalued Stock: Cresco’s stock is trading at a low price compared to its potential, with some experts saying it could have big growth if things go well with laws and markets.

There are risks, though—competition from illegal sellers, some recent revenue drops, and they’re not fully profitable yet. But their strong cash position and focus on big markets make them a good pick for 2025 if you’re okay with a bit of risk.

Stock Performance and Estimates

Here’s how Cresco’s stock (CRLBF) is doing as of beginning of June 2025:

Current Price: Around $0.53 (based on recent data), with a 52-week range of $0.493 to $2.05. It’s been a bumpy ride, up today but down overall recently.
Year-to-Date: In 2025 this marijuana stock is down, partly due to changes in Illinois’ system, but it spiked 8% after their Q1 2025 earnings report, showing good news can lift it.
Longer-Term Trend: Over the past year, it fell significantly, worse than the overall marijuana industry market, but it’s starting to show signs of recovery with better cash flow.
Analyst Thoughts: Most analysts give it a Strong Buy rating, which is a good sign.
Earnings Outlook: Q2 2025 EPS is estimated at -$0.03, with revenue around $164.7 million (due August 8, 2025). They beat sales estimates 25% of the time last year but missed EPS estimates 50% of the time.
Valuation: With a market cap of about $186.955 million and trading at a low enterprise value, some say it’s undervalued, meaning there’s room to grow if things improve.

The stock can be volatile, with a 5.63% daily price swing recently, and there’s a 68% chance of financial stress in the next few years if things don’t go well. But their strong cash position and analyst optimism make it a potential winner.

Pros:

Undervalued P/S ratio, focused strategy, decent state presence.

Cons:

Thin revenue growth, unprofitable, oversupply risks.

Innovative Industrial Properties (IIPR)

Unlike other cannabis companies that grow or sell weed, IIPR supports the industry in a unique way. Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. (IIPR) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) based in Park City, Utah, but set up as a Maryland corporation. Started in 2016 by founders Alan D. Gold and Paul E. Smithers, they focus on buying and managing properties that they lease to state-licensed cannabis operators, mostly for medical-use cannabis growing facilities. Think of them as landlords for cannabis businesses—they own 109 properties across 19 states like Arizona, California, Florida, and Illinois, renting them out to big names like PharmaCann, Cresco Labs, and Ascend Wellness Holdings.

As a REIT, IIPR has to pay out most of its profits as dividends to shareholders, which is great if you’re looking for steady income. They started operating as a REIT in 2017 and have been growing their portfolio ever since. Their properties are worth about $2.5 billion in total investments, and they work with experienced tenants to keep things stable.

Why It’s a Good Investment in 2025

IIPR looks like a solid pick for 2025 for a few reasons:

Steady Income: IIPR offers a high dividend yield—around 13.6% recently—which means you get paid regularly just for holding the stock. They’ve paid out over $885 million in dividends since they started.
Strong Finances: In 2024, they made $308.5 million in revenue with a 52.4% profit margin, and their net income was $159.9 million ($5.52 per share). They also have $220 million in cash to handle any bumps in the road.
Safer Play in Cannabis: Unlike cannabis growers, IIPR doesn’t deal directly with the plant, so they face fewer risks from price swings or competition. Their business is more stable than other companies from marijuana industry since they just collect rent.

There are some risks, though. Some tenants have defaulted on rent recently, which has hurt their stock price. Also, if interest rates go up, it could make their borrowing more expensive. But with expected rate cuts in 2025 and their strong balance sheet, IIPR looks like a safer way to get into marijuana industry.

Stock Performance and Estimates

Here’s how IIPR’s stock is doing:

Current Price: Stock is trading around $54.77. It’s been a rough year, with a 52-week range of $45.44 to $138.35.
Year-to-Date: Down about 15.29% in 2025, underperforming compared to the S&P 500 (which gained 1.35%). But it’s showing signs of stabilizing.
Analyst Targets: Analysts are mixed but some see it as undervalued with a low price-to-earnings ratio of 10.55 compared to the industry average of 24.55.
Earnings Outlook: Q2 2025 EPS is estimated range $0.74 to $1.13, with revenue around $64.86 million (due August 4, 2025). In Q1 2025, they reported $1.03 EPS (missing the $1.21 forecast) and $71.72 million in revenue (below $72.98 million expected). They’ve beaten sales estimates 75% of the time in the past year but missed EPS estimates often.
Valuation: With a market cap of $1.534 billion and a high dividend yield, some analysts think it’s a good deal, but earnings are expected to drop for the next three years, so growth might be slow.

This one of marijuana stocks has been volatile, with tenant issues and market fears of dividend cuts, but its high yield and undervaluation make it attractive for income-focused investors.

Pros:

Stable dividendsр profitable ($39M net income Q1 2024), low risk.

Cons:

Sensitive to interest rates, tenant-dependent, limited upside if recreational booms.

The Bottom Line

Innovative Industrial Properties (IIPR) could be a great 2025 investment into marijuana industry if you’re looking for steady income and want a safer way to play the marijuana stocks boom. Their high, steady dividend yield, strong finances, and the growing cannabis market (potentially $44 billion in 2025) make them appealing. But watch out for tenant troubles, possible dividend cuts, and stock price swings. Start small, keep an eye on their next earnings (August 4), and maybe talk to a financial advisor to see if it fits your plan. Could IIPR be your ticket to marijuana stocks profits? Follow stockpickguru.com to see how 2025 unfolds!

Conclusion On Marijuana Stocks

The marijuana industry profitability hinges on 2025 policy shifts. Green Thumb and IIPR offer stability and profits, while Curaleaf and Cresco are speculative bets with turnaround potential. Risks include volatility and regulation, but rewards could be significant with smart, diversified investing.