Global X Also Plans Marijuana ETF

Recently, Global X joined a growing trend and filed for an ETF that will target marijuana-related stocks.

The Global X Marijuana ETF will invest in the stocks and depositary receipts of companies that derive at least half of their revenue, operating income or assets from the marijuana industry, which is fairly widely defined in the standards set forth by the fund’s prospectus as a “value chain.”

The filing did not include a ticker, expense ratio or listing exchange.

The marijuana industry value chain includes companies that legally grow and distribute products derived from marijuana or industrial hemp; that provide financial services related to the industry such as insurance, property leasing and investments; that offer pharmaceutical applications of the drug; that produce cannabidiol and related products’ and that provide products that facilitate marijuana consumption.

Methodology

According to the prospectus, companies that expect half of their revenue, operating income or assets to be related to the marijuana industry can also be included in the index, but their aggregate weight will be capped.

The proposed fund’s underlying index will be weighed by modified market capitalization and can include companies from across the size spectrum, the document says.

Two marijuana-focused ETFs are currently already trading on U.S. exchanges, including the $1.1 billion ETFMG Alternative Harvest ETF (MJ) and the recently launched $56 million AdvisorShares Pure Cannabis ETF (YOLO). Several other ETF providers are also looking to launch funds, including Amplify, Innovation Shares and Cambria.

Contact Heather Bell at [email protected]