With 25 retail locations opening throughout Ontario on April 1, 2019, several cannabis retailers are set to see tremendous growth in the near future.

While the competition in Ontario remains tough, Alberta has no laws setting a limit to the number of retail stores.

Moreover, the cannabis retail industry is evolving as consumers prefer purchasing products instore rather than online.

The four Canadian cannabis stocks we’ve chosen today are some companies that have an early retail advantage.

Westleaf Inc. (TSXV:WL) – $2.94
Cannabis

Westleaf is focused on cultivation, production and extraction of cannabis, which began trading on January 9, 2019. The Company is rolling out a retail store footprint called Prairie Records, which aims to merge the tie between recreational cannabis and music to redefine the purchasing experience. Stores are planned for British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and potentially Ontario. WL is targeting to open between 20-30 retail stores over the next 12 to 24 months.

On January 24, the Company announced it had acquired Canndra Canada, a cannabis retail company with over 50 prospective retail locations in Canada for $48.4M. On January 28, 2019, Westleaf announced it had acquired a 50% interest in the Delta West extraction facility from Delta 9 Cannabis (TSXV:NINE), which is a planned 60,000 sq. ft facility, including R&D, processing, extraction, and fulfillment. Currently Phase I construction of ~15,000 sq. ft has begun and is expected to be completed and operational by the summer of 2019, with the remaining 45,000 sq. ft to be operational by 2020.

• Market Cap: $479.3M
• 7-Day Total Return: -10.5%
• 30-Day Total Return: -16.3%

Choom Holdings Inc. (CSE:CHOO) – $0.79
Cannabis

Choom Holdings is an emerging cannabis company, which has secured one of the largest retail networks in Canada. The Company is committed to growing high-grade, handcrafted, strains for the recreational consumer that retains the quality and brand image of 1970s Hawaii. The Company currently has four ACMPR licenses in late-stage review, with two acquired and two under review. As of August 2018, Choom had approximately 37,300 sq. ft. of greenhouse space with capacity to produce 3,700 kgs of cannabis annually. Construction is underway to increase the production platform to 700,000 sq. ft. with a capacity of 7,000 kgs by 2021. On March 12, the Company announced a Letter of Intent to enter into the U.S. market through an investment in a New Jersey-based medical retail dispensary.

• Market Cap: $143.5M
• 7-Day Total Return: +48.0%
• 30-Day Total Return: +66.3%

Solo Growth Corp. (TSXV:SOLO) – $0.06
Cannabis

Solo Growth is a cannabis retailer in Canada. Since its commencement in June 2018, the Company has built a strategic portfolio of locations. On March 12, the Company provided an operational update, announcing that three of its Alberta locations have been inspected by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission, and is nearing completion of its four additional stores.

• Market Cap: $40.2M
• 7-Day Total Return: -7.7%
• 30-Day Total Return: +9.1%

Fire & Flower Holdings Corp. (TSXV:FAF) – $1.48
Cannabis

Fire & Flower Holdings is a Canada-based cannabis company that provides customers with curated product selection and an excellent customer experience. Founded by leading legal cannabis entrepreneurs, the Company has provincial licences to operate seven retail cannabis stores in Alberta. The Company is currently pursuing additional licenses in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. On February 19, the Company announced it has entered into agreements with two of the 25 applicants that have been selected by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario to supply cannabis in Eastern Ontario.

• Market Cap: $152.3M
• 7-Day Total Return: -6.5%
• 30-Day Total Return: +0.0%