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AMRS is top for value and performance, and GWPH is top for growth
By Matthew Johnston
Updated Jun 30, 2020
The marijuana industry includes companies directly related to the research, development, and distribution of cannabis products, as well as companies that indirectly support these operations. As a growing number of U.S. states and countries around the world legalize marijuana in one or more forms, traditional stock market indices like the Nasdaq have begun to include more companies from the marijuana industry. Now, companies like Village Farms International Inc. (VFF) and OrganiGram Holdings Inc. (OGI) are being traded on the Nasdaq and other U.S. exchanges rather than the over-the-counter market.1 2
Many companies in the young industry are losing money due both to the economic downturn and as they invest heavily to focus on rapidly expanding revenue.
Marijuana Stocks, as represented by the ETFMG Alternative Harvest ETF (MJ), have dramatically underperformed the broader market with a total return of -56.4% compared to the S&P 500's total return of 5.6% over the past 12 months.3 These market performance numbers and the statistics in the tables below are as of June 29.
Here are the top 3 marijuana stocks on the Nasdaq stocks with the best value, the fastest sales growth, and the best performance.
Best Value Marijuana Stocks on the NASDAQ
These are the marijuana stocks on the Nasdaq with the lowest 12-month trailing price-to-sales (P/S) ratio. For young companies that have not reached profitability, this can provide an idea of how much business you’re getting for each dollar invested.
Best Value Marijuana Stocks on the NASDAQ
Price ($)
Market Cap ($M)
12-Month Trailing P/S Ratio
Amyris Inc. (AMRS)
4.23
827.7
3.1
Tilray Inc. (TLRY)
7.95
992.7
4.2
GW Pharmaceuticals PLC (GWPH)
120.20
3,736
9.5
Source: YCharts
Amyris Inc.: Amyris is a biotechnology company that produces high performance products for the health and wellness, clean beauty, and flavor and fragrance markets. The company uses cannabis in some of its products. Amyris reported sales growth of 102.7% for Q1 2020, which ended March 31, 2020. CEO John Melo said that the company's sales remain strong and that COVID-19 has had a limited impact on the company's performance.4
Tilray Inc.: Tilray is a pharmaceutical company focused on the development of cannabis-based medicines, drugs, drops, and oil products. The company is headquartered in Canada but serves clients worldwide. Tilray announced in late May that it was closing its High Park Gardens facility in Ontario, which will realize an estimated annualized net savings of about $7.5 million.5
GW Pharmaceuticals PLC: GW Pharmaceuticals is a U.K.-based biopharmaceutical company that engages in the research and development of cannabinoid medicines for the treatment of cancer pain, Multiple Sclerosis, and neuropathic pain. On May 11, the company reported that it is continuing to post strong sales in the U.S. and Europe of its of its Epidiolex brand, which contains the drug cannabidiol (CBD) and treats seizures related to two forms of epilepsy.6 The company reported revenue growth of 207.4% for Q1 2020, which ended March 31, 2020.7
Fastest Growing Marijuana Stocks on the NASDAQ
These are the marijuana stocks on the Nasdaq with the highest year over year (YOY) sales growth for the most recent quarter. Rising sales show that a company’s business is growing. This is often used to measure growth of young companies that have not yet reached profitability.
Fastest Growing Marijuana Stocks on the NASDAQ
Price ($)
Market Cap ($
Revenue Growth (%)
GW Pharmaceuticals PLC (GWPH)
120.20
3.7
207.4
Cronos Group Inc. (CRON)
6.00
2.1
180.7
Tilray Inc. (TLRY)
7.95
1.0
126.2
Source: YCharts
GW Pharmaceuticals PLC: See above for company description.
Cronos Group Inc.: Cronos Group is a Canada-based diversified cannabis company that produces and distributes medical cannabis products as well as cannabis oils. The company reported revenue growth of 180.7% for Q1 2020, which ended March 31, 2020. Cronos Group said that its distribution channels continued to see disruptions globally related to the COVID-19 pandemic.8
Tilray Inc.: See above for company description.
Best Performing Marijuana Stocks on the NASDAQ
These are the marijuana stocks on the Nasdaq that had the best returns or smallest declines in total return over the past 12 months out of the companies we looked at.
Best Performing Marijuana Stocks on the NASDAQ
Price ($)
Market Cap ($M)
12-Month Trailing Total Return (%)
Amyris Inc. (AMRS)
4.23
827.7
26.7
Cara Therapeutics Inc. (CARA)
17.03
796.9
-15.3
GW Pharmaceuticals PLC (GWPH)
120.20
3,736
-28.8
S&P 500
N/A
N/A
5.6
ETFMG Alternative Harvest ETF (MJ)
N/A
N/A
-56.4
Source: YCharts
Amyris Inc.: See above for company description.
Cara Therapeutics Inc.: Cara Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company engaged in the research, development, and commercialization of pharmaceutical products. The company offers novel drugs used to treat human diseases associated with pain and inflammation. Cara Therapeutics reported revenue growth of 84.7% for Q1 2020 ended March 31, 2020.9
GW Pharmaceuticals PLC: See above for company description.