The article talks about how much money people spent on buying cannabis (a plant that some people use to feel relaxed or high) during the special day called 4/20. It also looks at what this spending tells us about how much cannabis is being sold in different states where it's legal. Read from source...

- The title is misleading and sensationalist, as it implies that billions of dollars are spent on cannabis every year, which is not true. According to the report by BDS Analytics cited in the article, the U.S. legal cannabis market was worth $14 billion in 2019 and is projected to grow to $37 billion by 2023, with an annual growth rate of 26%. This means that only a fraction of the total cannabis spending is related to the legal market.
- The article does not provide any data or sources for its claims about the sales performance in key states, such as California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington. It relies on anecdotal evidence from interviews with dispensary owners, industry analysts, and consumers, which are not reliable indicators of market trends.
- The article uses emotional language and hyperbole to describe the cannabis industry, such as "skyrocketing", "exploding", "surge", and "booming". These words convey a sense of urgency and excitement, but do not reflect the reality of the market dynamics or the challenges faced by operators and investors.
- The article ignores the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the cannabis industry, such as supply chain disruptions, reduced consumer demand, increased operating costs, and regulatory uncertainties. It also does not mention the potential risks and challenges associated with federal legalization, such as taxation, banking, and social equity issues.
- The article lacks objectivity and balance in its presentation of different perspectives and viewpoints on the cannabis industry. It only quotes positive and supportive opinions from dispensary owners, consumers, and advocates, but does not include any critical or dissenting voices from law enforcement, public health, or social justice groups.
- The article ends with a promotional pitch for WM Tech, a cannabis technology company that provides software solutions for operators and retailers. This creates a conflict of interest and undermines the credibility of the author and the publication.

The article discusses the billions of dollars spent on cannabis in key states, which indicates strong sales and growth potential for the industry. Based on this information, I would recommend considering the following investments:

1. WM Tech (NASDAQ:MAPS): A leader in the cannabis technology sector that provides software solutions and e-commerce platforms for cannabis retailers and cultivators. The company has a strong presence in key states with legalized cannabis, such as California, Colorado, and Florida. MAPS stock offers both growth potential and income opportunities through its dividend yield of 3%.

2. Trulieve Cannabis Corp (CSE:TRUL) (OTCQX:TCNNF): A leading cannabis producer and retailer in the U.S., with operations in Florida, Pennsylvania, and California. The company has a dominant market share in its core markets and focuses on high-quality products and customer service. TRUL stock offers exposure to growth in these key states and has a strong balance sheet to support expansion plans.

3. Curaleaf Holdings (CSE:CURA) (OTCQX:CURLF): A leading vertically integrated cannabis company with operations across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. The company has a diverse product portfolio and a strong brand presence in key states such as Florida, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. CURLF stock offers exposure to multiple markets and growth opportunities through its M&A strategy and expanding distribution network.

4. Green Thumb Industries (CSE:GTII) (OTCQX:GTBIF): A leading cannabis operator in the U.S., with operations in 15 states and Puerto Rico. The company has a diversified product portfolio that includes flower, concentrates, edibles, and vaporizers. GTBIF stock offers exposure to growth in both medical and recreational markets and benefits from its experienced management team and strong cash position.

Risks: Investing in the cannabis sector is still subject to regulatory risks at both the federal and state levels, as well as market volatility due to changing consumer preferences and competition. Additionally, the industry faces challenges related to taxation, banking, and access to capital. Therefore, it is important to monitor these factors and consider the impact on your investments.