You might have thought that 2018 would have been a fantastic year for most marijuana stocks. Canada is on course to open its big recreational marijuana market in October. Global demand for medical marijuana is increasing. But the reality is that most marijuana stocks aren't performing nearly as well so far this year as they did at this point in 2017.
However, there have been some winning marijuana stocks at the halfway market through 2018. Shares of MariMed (NASDAQOTH:MRMD), iAnthus Capital Holdings (NASDAQOTH:ITHUF), and Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE:CGC) have soared. These three are the best marijuana stocks of 2018 so far for companies with current market caps of at least $200 million and that have a significant focus on the cannabis industry.
How have MariMed, iAnthus, and Canopy Growth emerged as the top year-to-date performers? And are these hot marijuana stocks smart picks now? Here's what you need to know.