Should The Liquor Industry Be Worried About Legal Cannabis?

By: Luke Jacobi

Marijuana legalization may already be putting pressure on alcohol companies.

The maker of Jack Daniels, Brown-Forman (NYSE: BF-A) (NYSE:BF-B), released its annual report on Thursday, which included a laundry list of risks -- among them, recreational marijuana.

"Consumer preferences and purchases may shift due to a host of factors, many of which are difficult to predict," it noted, "including… the potential legalization of marijuana use on a more widespread basis within the United States."

Recreational marijuana use is currently permitted in Colorado and Washington, while at least 22 states have legalized cannabis for medical use.

Related: Cannabis Investors Preparing For Industry Data From WeedStock

Cannabis stock specialist Alan Brochstein believes alcohol firms have reason to worry.

"Big Alcohol is watching marijuana legalization closely," he told Benzinga, "and its very likely that these companies are highly concerned. Cannabis legalization is likely to lead to a substitution effect." Continue reading "Should The Liquor Industry Be Worried About Legal Cannabis?"

14 Cannabis Stocks To Watch In 2014

By Alan Brochstein, The 420 Investor

The green rush is here.

More than 20 states have approved marijuana use for medicinal purposes and Colorado and Washington are opening up the plant for recreational use. Marijuana companies rose more than 50 percent in 2013 and opened 2014 with a bang, rising almost 150 percent in just three weeks.

This list gives an overview of publicly traded marijuana stocks worth over 50 million, including hydroponic companies, vaporizer producers and research houses for medicinal purposes.

Medbox - Medbox (OTC: MDBX) rose from $23 to $93 in a matter of five trading sessions, with the peak on January 8. This is a great example of uninformed investors pouring their money into a hot name. The company makes automated dispensing solutions for medications, including marijuana. Medbox has the largest market capitalization of cannabis focused stocks, close to 1.2 billion. It also does not file with the SEC. Continue reading "14 Cannabis Stocks To Watch In 2014"