The AdvisorShares Pure Cannabis ETF (YOLO) is an exchange-traded fund designed to provide exposure to companies operating across the global cannabis industry. The ETF is managed by AdvisorShares and trades under the ticker YOLO on the NYSE Arca.

Classified as a thematic equity ETF, the fund invests in companies involved in multiple areas of the cannabis value chain, including cultivation, production, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, research, equipment, and related services. 

Its strategy seeks to capture opportunities within a rapidly evolving industry shaped by regulatory developments and expanding commercial and medical applications.

The ETF follows an active management approach, allowing portfolio managers to adjust holdings in response to changes within the industry, market conditions, and regulatory environments across different jurisdictions.

Diversification and sector exposure

YOLO provides exposure primarily associated with:

• Cannabis.

• Medical cannabis.

• Biotechnology.

• Pharmaceuticals.

• Agriculture.

• Consumer products.

• Life sciences.

• International companies.

The portfolio includes companies from multiple countries participating throughout the cannabis supply chain, including cultivators, producers, pharmaceutical developers, and businesses providing products, technology, and services to the industry.

The ETF’s performance is closely tied to the continued development of the global cannabis market, which remains heavily influenced by regulatory changes, the adoption of medical and recreational cannabis, and expanding demand across different regions.

Structure and costs

YOLO shares trade on the secondary market on the NYSE Arca during regular trading hours. Share creation and redemption occur through authorized participants, a mechanism intended to help align the ETF's market price with its net asset value (NAV).

Because the fund is actively managed, portfolio managers have the flexibility to adjust holdings as investment opportunities within the cannabis industry evolve.

The ETF charges a management fee as outlined in its prospectus and does not apply a performance fee. Dividends received from portfolio holdings may be distributed periodically to shareholders according to the fund's distribution policy.

History and evolution of the ETF

The AdvisorShares Pure Cannabis ETF was launched in 2019 as one of the first actively managed U.S. ETFs dedicated exclusively to the global cannabis industry.

Since inception, the fund has tracked the expansion of the sector, including regulatory progress across multiple jurisdictions, growth in medical applications, and the continued development of cannabis-related businesses.

In recent years, the industry's performance has continued to be shaped by regulatory developments, scientific research, industry consolidation, and the evolving demand for both medical and recreational cannabis products.

Additional Information

AdvisorShares Pure Cannabis ETF (United States) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF), with assets under management totaling $29.95 million.

Over the past 12 months, AdvisorShares Pure Cannabis ETF recorded a return of 5.96%, with its price trading between $2.36 and $4.21 during the same period.

The ETF is traded under the ticker YOLO.