Federal marijuana prohibition has opened a short window of opportunity for investors willing to stomach the risk
- Marijuana is one of the fastest-growing industries in the US. It's also illegal.
- Federal prohibition has given rise to a number of dedicated funds that are looking to capitalize on the "short window" of opportunity before institutional investors start writing checks.
- Investors who are patient and willing to take on the risk stand to make huge gains.
Legal marijuana is one of the fastest-growing industries in the US. It generates hundreds of millions in tax revenue in states where selling the drug is legal, and it's expected to become a $32 billion global market in the next four years. It's also considered illegal by the federal government.
But for a few cannabis-specific funds, federal marijuana prohibition is the opportunity of a lifetime.
While many of the biggest Wall Street banks and institutional investors may want to do business in the cannabis industry, their limited partners - typically large pension funds or insurance companies - are spooked by federal prohibition.
Jon Trauben, a partner at the New York City-based Altitude Investment Management, which manages around $25 million, told Business Insider in a recent interview that the firm is taking advantage of that short "window of opportunity" to invest in marijuana before prohibition recedes and the big institutional players jump into the sector.
"It's unique, timely, and you can't ignore it," Trauben said. ...
Sponsored: If you enjoyed reading this story so far, why don't you join Business Insider PRIME? Business Insider provides visitors from MSN with a special offer. Simply click here to claim your deal and get access to all exclusive Business Insider PRIME benefits.