California marijuana stocks are going to benefit from the $20.2 billion sales expected to hit The Golden State.
And that means this could be the last chance to buy marijuana penny stocks before they surge and shed their penny-stock status.
But investors also need to exercise caution before investing in cannabis stocks...
While some investors will be big winners, there will also be those who fall victim to scams and lose their hard-earned money.
That's why we had to make sure Money Morning readers know how to avoid scams when investing in penny stocks.
Once you know what to watch for, you can set yourself up to potentially profit from the huge $20.2 billion legal weed market in California.
Let's start with one of the most important tips every new cannabis investor should heed...
California Marijuana Stock Investment Tip No. 3: Limit Exposure
The best way to protect yourself from a scam is to limit your exposure.
Investors should never put more than 2% of a stock portfolio in penny stocks (stocks that sell at $5.00 per share or under).
Top Three California Pot Stocks to Watch for the Biggest Gains - Learn How to Cash In Here
Penny stocks are volatile investments subject to wild price swings. By limiting your exposure, you position yourself to benefit from the upside while also protecting yourself from large price drops.
California Marijuana Stock Investment Tip No. 2: Avoid Pump and Dumps
Unfortunately, a scam called a "pump and dump" is all too common in the penny stock market.
A pump-and-dump scheme is where holders of a penny stock encourage as many people as possible to buy into the stock, then sell it immediately after the price spikes.
In 2014, four people tried to artificially pump up the price of six total equities.
Two were marijuana stocks: GrowLife Inc. (OTCMKTS: PHOT) and Hemp Inc. (OTCMKTS: HEMP).
Here's what happened...
The price of PHOT traded at $0.15 on Jan. 2, 2014. By mid-March, it had skyrocketed to $0.78, a 420% gain.
Also, the HEMP stock price traded at $0.23 per share on Jan. 2, 2014, and rose to $3.13 by Feb. 6.
That was an astounding 1,260% gain in roughly a month.
But both prices collapsed later in the year.
So if you see prices skyrocket on what appears to be no news, keep a close eye on the situation. There may be increased volume just for the purpose of making the stock price climb.
But this could be the biggest tip-off that a marijuana stock scam is occurring...
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California Marijuana Stock Investment Tip No. 1: Watch Name Changes
Investors always need to thoroughly research the history of any company they buy.
And that's especially true with pot stocks...
Scammers often change the name of their companies so their activities can avoid detection. According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), companies that change their names often are fast becoming a leading sign of penny stock fraud.
One company, for example, has changed its name four times over the last decade.
FINRA notes that investors who review a company's quarterly reports and press releases, which are often on the company's website or findable on the web, will find out if a company has changed its name.
Investors who follow these three investment facts about California marijuana stocks will be positioned to protect themselves from the kind of volatility and scams that can surround penny stocks.
At the same time, savvy investors can be prepared to benefit from the upside of the growing California market in legal weed.
Top Three California Pot Stocks to Watch for the Biggest Gains
In a recent interview, Money Morning Defense and Tech Specialist - and marijuana stocks expert - Michael Robinson shared his insight on California's total cannabis legalization and delivered details on the huge gains you could enjoy... if you learn how to take advantage.
By getting in on the ground floor of these exceptional opportunities, you could have the chance to pocket life-changing windfalls thanks to this historic event.
Michael has his sights set on three stocks he expects to skyrocket thanks to this crucial announcement.