The Top Marijuana Companies to Watch Now

top marijuana companies Marijuana legalization has dominated headlines since November 2016. That's when Massachusetts, Maine, and California voted to legalize recreational marijuana.

And as more states vote for legalization, we want to make sure our readers know about the top marijuana companies to watch now.

These aren't recommendations because cannabis is still illegal under federal law. That makes pot stocks speculative investments. But because sales in North America reached $6.7 billion in 2016, it's important for investors to know about the top cannabis companies.

And the first marijuana stock on our list has climbed 95.58% so far in 2017...

Top Marijuana Companies No. 7: Mentor Capital Inc.

Mentor Capital Inc. (OTCMKTS: MNTR) was founded in 1985 and is based out of California.

It's a private-equity firm that specializes in acquisitions and investments in emerging growth industries. Mentor provides funding and liquidity to medical and recreational marijuana companies.

According to Yahoo Finance, Mentor Capital prefers to invest in companies with sales greater than $40 million.

Brilliant: Celebrity Marijuana Strains Are the Newest Trend to Watch for Pot Stocks

MNTR stock trades for roughly $2 per share, and the MNTR stock price has climbed 95.58% so far this year.

Top Marijuana Companies No. 6: Cannabis Sativa Inc.

Cannabis Sativa Inc. (OTCMKTS: CBDS) develops, manufactures, and sells herbal-based skin products across the globe.

Cannabis Sativa sells a relief ointment for migraines and sinus headaches. Cannabis Sativa also researches, develops, and licenses marijuana products like edibles, topicals, recipes, and delivery systems.

Gary Johnson was the CEO before running for president in 2016.

So far in 2017, the CBDS stock price is up 1.86%.

Top Marijuana Companies No. 5: Kush Bottles Inc.

Some of the top marijuana companies sell products related to pot consumption rather than pot itself.

For risk-averse investors, this is one way to play the cannabis industry.

One such company is California-based Kush Bottles Inc. (OTCMKTS: KSHB). It sells packaging materials for both medical and recreational users.

The KSHB stock price has been volatile over the last 52 weeks, trading between $0.90 and $5 per share. So far in 2017, KSHB has dropped 3.35%.

The next marijuana stock to watch on our list has climbed over 260% in the last 12 months and could continue those gains...

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Top Marijuana Companies No. 4: General Cannabis Corp.

General Cannabis Corp.'s (OTCMKTS: CANN) is located in Colorado.

It leases cultivation space and provides security and transportation services. As part of the security and transportation business, it provides security for cash transfers, video surveillance, and office space.

General Cannabis also provides consultation services.

Over the last 12 months, the CANN stock price has climbed 260.32%.

Top Marijuana Companies No. 3: CV Sciences Inc.

CV Sciences Inc. (OTCMKTS: CVSI) manufactures, markets, and sells plant-based CBD products. The products include specialty foods, beauty care, and vaping smoke products.

CV Sciences is currently working on synthetically formulated cannabidiol-based medicine that will need approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

According to its website, CV Sciences has achieved promising results from preclinical trials using cannabinoid medicines for treating a range of medical conditions.

The CVSI stock price has been volatile over the last 52 weeks, trading between $0.19 and $0.99 per share.

Top Marijuana Companies No. 2: MassRoots Inc.

MassRoots Inc. (OTCMKTS: MSRT) is a social media platform for marijuana users.

It has a robust 900,000 active users who can use either a mobile app or the Internet to access the site.

Among other tasks, the users can track news related to the legalization of pot, share their own content, and look up dispensaries.

So far in 2017, the MSRT stock price has fallen 11.7%.

Top Marijuana Companies No. 2:  Growblox Sciences Inc.

Growblox Sciences Inc. (OTCMKTS: GBLX) researches and develops medical cannabis drugs and treatments.

Growblox produces measurable medical-grade marijuana, marijuana concentrates, and cannabinoid therapies through technologies in plant biology cultivation.

It focuses on what it feels is the most urgent need for patient relief. Glowblox uses its research to address pancreatic cancer, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and epilepsy.

Over the last 12 months, the GBLX stock price has climbed 53.33%.

Top Marijuana Companies No. 1: Scotts Miracle-Gro Co.

Most investors wouldn't think of Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. (NYSE: SMG) as a marijuana stock.

But Money Morning Director of Tech & Venture Capital Research Michael A. Robinson thinks it's a pot stock to watch in 2017.

That's because Scotts CEO Jim Hagedorn is expanding his core business to the marijuana industry...

He invested $120 million in a hydroponics equipment company in July 2016, and Hagedorn bought two companies that sell fertilizer and accessories for marijuana growers in 2015.

SMG shareholders receive a dividend of $0.50 per share, which is a yield of 2.17%. The SMG stock price has climbed over 26% in the last 12 months. In comparison, the Dow Jones Industrial Average has climbed just 16.05%.

Marijuana Investing: What You Need to Know... The legal marijuana market is going ballistic. Right now marijuana stocks are on fire, with peak gains quadrupling in value. And these are mostly small companies trading for under $10. Click here to learn more...

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