Shares of HempFusion Wellness Inc rose 50% in their debut on the Toronto Stock Exchange on Wednesday, giving the hemp-derived health and wellness products maker a market value of about $176 million.
The hot debut could set the tone for a wave of cannabis companies eyeing initial public offerings this year in the United States and Canada.
The companies hope to cash in on renewed investor interest after the coronavirus pandemic created massive demand for cannabis’ relaxative properties.
Hemp-based health products maker Vertical Wellness told Reuters in October it was looking to debut its shares this year, while synthetic cannabinoid maker BioMedican has also laid out plans to go public in the first half of 2021.
HempFusion, which makes cannabidiol-based capsules, liquids, pain-relief creams and ointments, said on Tuesday it plans to pursue a future listing on the Nasdaq or the New York Stock Exchange in the future.
The Denver, Colorado-based company, which expects dietary supplements to be its early focus, is looking to expand into Europe, starting with Ireland.
