Canopy Growth Corp. Could Crash Over Use of Banned Pesticides

Canopy Growth Corp. (TSX:WEED) is destroying a ton of tainted marijuana. Is it time to take profits off the table?

| More on:
The Motley Fool

Canopy Growth Corp. (TSX:WEED) has been the go-to stock for many speculative investors over its astronomical growth potential. Many pundits believe that marijuana stocks are in a bubble and are uninvestable at current levels. Some even compared today’s marijuana stocks to the tech stocks of 1999. There’s no question that Canopy had a huge run and there’s a ton of potential, but could a scandal over the use of banned pesticides send the company crashing as hard as Valeant Pharmaceuticals Intl Inc.?

Over a $1 million worth of cannabis has been destroyed over fears that the cannabis has been tainted by the use of banned pesticides. Recently acquired Mettrum Ltd. stated that it wrote off $800,000 of costs owing to a series of recalls over the use of a banned pesticides. The staff at Mettrum feared detection from authorities, so they hid the pesticides in the office’s ceiling tiles.

There’s no question that the use of banned pesticides has been a growing concern over the past few months, but trying to cover up the fact that you’re using a carcinogenic substance on marijuana is taking it to a whole new level of corruption. Mettrum has also played down the problem by telling clients the pesticides were approved for use on fruit and were completely safe to use.

These are indeed shady business practices. Mettrum is now owned by Canopy, but are they really responsible for such practices?

Health Canada administers random tests, so there’s no real way of seeing how much dry cannabis is actually tainted. Going forward, it may be required that all marijuana producers must properly test their product to hold their licenses. Health Canada has a zero-tolerance policy for banned pesticides, and we could see more regulations introduced in the near future.

Canopy could be headed for a correction over the short to medium term, as there is a real possibility that more negative headlines will drag the stock into the abyss. There’s also the possibility of having even more cannabis destroyed, which will be a huge blow to earnings.

It’s too early to tell what the fate of Canopy and other marijuana stocks will be after these concerning events. But one thing is for certain: the stakes have been raised, and the risks associated with an investment are even larger than before. Although Canopy has great long-term prospects, I would take profits off the table, as excessive optimism could be replaced by pessimism in a hurry.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Joey Frenette has no position in any stocks mentioned. Tom Gardner owns shares of Valeant Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool owns shares of Valeant Pharmaceuticals.

More on Investing

An investor uses a tablet
Investing

4 Value Stocks That Are Must Buys for Canadians in November

Whether you want to add growth or defence to your portfolio, these four stocks are some of the best Canadian…

Read more »

Oil industry worker works in oilfield
Energy Stocks

Is Suncor Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

Suncor stock looks undervalued as the company continues to increases cash flows, earnings, and shareholder returns.

Read more »

monthly desk calendar
Dividend Stocks

This 7.8% Dividend Stock Pays Out Every Month

Not all monthly dividend stocks are created equal. And this top stock is certainly a strong choice for passive income.

Read more »

Canada national flag waving in wind on clear day
Investing

Top Canadian Small-Cap Stocks to Buy Now

These top Canadian small-cap stocks offer higher growth potential and could deliver stellar returns over time.

Read more »

A worker gives a business presentation.
Dividend Stocks

Is TMX Group Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

TMX Group (TSX:X) stock has been a consistent wealth-builder, generating 4,630% in total returns since 2002. Should you buy, sell,…

Read more »

calculate and analyze stock
Tech Stocks

1 Stock That’s Just as Hot as Nvidia (Without All the Hype)

Nvidia stock may look like a strong option, but its valuation is through the roof. Enter this other under-the-radar stock.

Read more »

Man data analyze
Dividend Stocks

2 Deeply Undervalued Dividend Stocks to Buy in November

Here are two stocks that I view as deeply undervalued this November.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

The 2 Best Canadian Blue-Chip Stocks to Buy Now

Blue-chip stocks can be some of the best stocks to have in any portfolio. But when they're trending upwards, investors…

Read more »