For the past few months, I’ve been telling readers about the latest version of my annual report of investment predictions over at Capital Wealth Letter.

As I’ve explained before, this is one of the most hotly-anticipated things we do all year. That’s because it’s also one of the most profitable…

After giving a brief rundown of my predictions, I’ve been gradually sharing more details about individual predictions — and why my staff and I believe they have the potential to deliver substantial profits to investors in 2023 (and beyond).

(I shared our bold prediction about the U.S. dollar here — and my shocking prediction about a cancer vaccine here.)

Today, I want to discuss one of the more controversial predictions in this year’s report.

Remember, my job is to present you with opportunities — not to make a moral judgment. That’s purely at your discretion. With that said, let’s get to it…

The Marijuana Movement Gains Steam

The pro-pot trend is accelerating. Missouri and Maryland just legalized pot in the November midterms last year. Marijuana is now decriminalized or flat-out legal in 44 states, covering 93% of the U.S. population.

_{Source: Statista}

As the number of legal markets keeps growing, so will sales. The tax revenues for state governments are just too good to pass up, and the few die-hard pot prohibitionists will cave. They will legalize marijuana the same way they are doing with gambling.

This is one of those investment “megatrends” that will unfold regardless of whether we’re in a bull or bear market, an economic expansion or recession.

We’ll see cannabis become a mainstream consumer product, with the introduction of a wide variety of marijuana-infused products. We’ll see especially fast growth in edibles and beverages infused with THC and CBD.

Senior citizens are increasingly embracing pot use. And medical marijuana patients will start using it recreationally as social taboos fall by the wayside.

Biotech companies will launch breakthrough marijuana medicines, causing medical marijuana usage to soar in 2023. Several companies working on cannabis-related medical treatments are receiving favorable results in clinical trials. These medicines are on the cusp of FDA approval, leading more doctors to prescribe medical marijuana.

Multiple Paths To Profit…

I don’t know if we’ll see federal legalization in 2023. But with multiple bills on the docket this year, it’s only a matter of time before Congress finally lifts restrictions… allowing pot businesses to open bank accounts, accept credit cards and access the mainstream financial system. This will unleash a tsunami of marijuana profits.

One way to play this is to “fish for bait.” As legal restrictions against marijuana are removed, big tobacco companies will buy out marijuana startups to tap into the mainstreaming of pot and to make up for declining cigarette sales. Holders of these takeover targets could pocket an overnight premium of 50% to 100%.

Admittedly, this method is a bit riskier. But I offer a couple of suggestions in this year’s report, available exclusively to Capital Wealth premium subscribers.

Another corner of the marijuana market that should see immediate success is in the “picks and shovels” plays.

These so-called “pick-and-shovel” plays can be reliable money-makers because they provide essential value-added services. What’s more, they usually enjoy a diversified roster of clients in several different industries. This buffers them from the volatility that characterizes the marijuana business.

Pick-and-shovel marijuana plays “don’t touch the plant.” As such, they’re less vulnerable to risk from federal anti-cannabis prosecution and must abide by fewer state and local regulations. They’re the picks, shovels, and blue jeans of the “green rush,” reminiscent of the 19th-century gold rush.

Investing in this angle is one of the safer bets out there for those who are interested.

Action To Take

Clearly, this is a trend that should continue gaining steam in the months and years to come. And these are some of the most explosive opportunities that we believe should do well in 2023 and beyond as the United States grows more comfortable with the legalization of marijuana.

In this year’s report, I offer a handful of picks for investors to profit from this trend. If you’d like to learn more and get access to these picks (and more), go here now.