One of John Lem’s first hints that the technology behind his DNA testing company Spartan Bioscience could be a hit with cannabis users came years ago when an executive asked him if genetics could have caused a bad reaction to pot.

The question intrigued Lem so much that he eventually applied Spartan’s technology to a new Toronto-based venture called Lobo Genetics. Through Lobo, he created a genetic testing device that fits in the palm of a hand and uses cells obtained through a cheek swab to measure a person’s ability to metabolize THC — the main psychoactive component in cannabis — and determine someone’s predisposition to short- and long-term side effects.

Job-seeker interest spiked ahead of legalization of marijuana

On Oct. 17 marijuana became legal in Canada, and the Canadian cannabis industry has exited the black market and is making some legal green. As hiring plans continue to evolve for companies within this industry, increased media buzz surrounding the sector has caught the attention of Canadian job seekers.

When Mackenzie Mroz was a teenager, she dealt with constant back pain and lockjaw. The pain was so severe she started taking Advil to the point she'd faint after playing hockey while her stomach bled.

"I was so focused on trying to excel in hockey that I was ruining and deteriorating my health," she said.

Mroz, now 23, started searching for a remedy she could use to get rid of the pain that would allow her to go on to play college hockey. It didn't take long to find the medicine she was looking for. Her solution was cannabis.

So impressed by the medicinal benefits, Mroz decided to start sketching out plans for a marijuana business with her business partner and boyfriend Kolten Sinkovits in 2015.

Legal recreational marijuana sales in Canada haven't had the effect on stock prices that investors had been hoping for. Shares of CannTrust Holdings (NASDAQOTH:CNTTF) and Aurora Cannabis (NYSE:ACB) have tumbled 37% and 44%, respectively since the rollout began, and careful shoppers are wondering which is a better deal at recent prices.

Although the path to cannabis riches is going to be a lot more complicated than many investors expected, these two players could have what it takes. Here's a closer look at both to find out which is the better stock now.

The marijuana industry has taken the stock market by storm in 2018 -- and for good reason.

A little more than a month ago, Canada became the first industrialized country in the world to legalize recreational cannabis, which paves the way for Canadian pot stocks to grab their piece of what might be a $5-billion-plus pie.

Mind you, this sales estimate from Wall Street doesn't take into account the potential for Canadian-based marijuana stocks to find new overseas sales channels, so it's likely conservative.

If you're looking to invest in marijuana stocks, one of the first decision you'll have to make is whether to buy a pure-play marijuana stock or a stock with ties to the cannabis industry but a primary focus in another industry. One top example of the former category is Cronos Group (NASDAQ:CRON). A good example of the latter is Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ).

So far in 2018, Cronos Group has turned in a better performance than Constellation has. But the future is more important than the past when it comes to investing. Which of these two stocks is the better pick now? Here's how Cronos Group and Constellation Brands compare.

Poor Aurora Cannabis (NYSE:ACB) and Canopy Growth(NYSE:CGC). They're the two biggest marijuana producers in the world in terms of capacity. They've both built major operations in Canada, Europe, and across the world. But neither of the companies can do business in the biggest marijuana market of all -- the U.S.

Other than being marijuana stocks, Aphria (NYSE:APHA) and KushCo Holdings (NASDAQOTH:KSHB) might not appear to have much in common. The two companies focus on different segments of the cannabis industry supply chain. They focus on different geographical markets. One of these stocks -- KushCo -- has generated a nice gain so far in 2018. Aphria is down significantly year to date.

Both Aphria and KushCo Holdings offer the potential for solid returns over the long run. But which is the better buy right now?

CBD Oil has become very popular in the market due to its various health benefits. This is a chemical extracted from the cannabis plant. CBD stands for cannabidiol and has all the benefits of cannabis extract minus the high.

Terra Tech Corp (OTCMKTS: TRTC) – is a really exciting company that has its supporters and its detractors especially after the last quarterly report but nobody can dispute the incredible transformation that has taken place with Terra Tech over the last few years led by founder and CEO Derek Peterson. When TRTC first hit the OTCBB 5 years ago the Company had big plans but no revenues and no real business just like so many other over the counter cannabis stocks of the day. That is certainly not that case now with Terra Tech; last quarter aside Terra Tech has made something of itself.