> So it’s hardly surprising that Thiel’s Founders Fund has become the first institutional investor to make an investment in the nascent cannabis industry – a business that isn't even legal in half of the states in the country.<p>That is some awful fact checking. Last year there were 4 funds that I know of that invested in marijuana companies. I'm sure the actual number is an order of magnitude larger.<p>I guess this head line gets readers though:)<p>There are already marijuana companies that list, MJNA US Equity, TWD CN Equity and SUN CN Equity are three that come to mind. All of which have institutional investors.
I suspect that the national market for legal cannabis is likely maybe ~$25 billion.<p>Cannabis is inexpensive to produce. Easy to stores and ship. The price will be driven more by taxation than production costs.<p>It just seems like too small a market for venture capital.
<i>"If there is one figure closely identified with cannabis, it’s probably the late reggae legend Bob Marley – and late last year, Privateer signed a 30-year agreement to use his name on what is likely to be the world’s first global marijuana brand, Marley Natural."</i><p>Bob evidently keeps his promises even beyond the grave.
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zErP5QoMA3w" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zErP5QoMA3w</a>
Is there an avenue for a Joe Schmo investor like me to get some exposure to the marijuana market? I'd definitely put some dollars behind the future of that commodity.
Disclaimer: I work at MandJclub.com<p>Branding is probably the key factor in whether this industry is able to generate wide-spread user adoption. It is interesting that Privateer decided to choose the Marley brand to associate with. However, that still targets a specific demographic that is currently exposed to cannabis, but it won't help draw new users into the segment as recreational marijuana becomes legalized nationwide.
> "Every time the tide recedes, we are able to take a step forward" in building Privateer’s existing businesses and in seeking out new investments, Kennedy said.<p>I'm not certain the "tide" metaphor is the best choice here...
It never occured to me that cannabis would be a next booming industry. I've noticed there are a few traded companies already: CVE:BED, CVE:TWD ...<p>Anyone know other investment (tradable) vehicules out there ?
> They have a strong first-mover advantage,” – that’s Silicon Valley speak for planting your flag first<p>Glad that we have articles like this to explain that obscure Silicon Valley jargon to us.
I have this mental image of a baked Peter Thiel and Elon Musk stumbling out of a crashed space-ship, on Mars.<p>"Duuuuuude. Whoa!"
"Seriously!"<p>It makes me happy.