Akanda Soars 21% on Intraday Surge: What’s Fueling the Momentum?

Summary
• Akanda (AKAN) surges 21.4% in a single trading day, breaking through $0.90
• Intraday high hits $0.966, a 30% jump from the day’s open at $0.8583
• Company applauds potential U.S. cannabis rescheduling to Schedule III, citing medical research and safety benefits

Akanda’s stock has erupted on December 18, 2025, driven by a dramatic 21.4% intraday gain amid news of U.S. federal cannabis policy shifts. The surge reflects investor optimism over potential rescheduling from Schedule I to Schedule III, a move the company likens to Canada’s Cannabis Act. With a 52-week high of $9.29 still distant, the stock’s volatility underscores the sector’s sensitivity to regulatory developments.

Cannabis Rescheduling Hopes Ignite Akanda's Rally
Akanda’s explosive 21.4% gain stems from its public endorsement of U.S. federal cannabis rescheduling, a policy shift that could redefine the industry. The company’s CEO highlighted the potential for accelerated medical research, improved consumer safety, and reduced illicit market reliance, mirroring Canada’s regulatory framework. This narrative has galvanized investors, particularly as the Trump administration’s reported openness to Schedule III reclassification aligns with Akanda’s business model in Canadian cannabis operations. The stock’s intraday high of $0.966 reflects immediate optimism, though the 52-week low of $0.6445 and negative PE ratio (-12.11) suggest long-term risks remain.

Pharma Sector Quiet as Cannabis-Linked AKAN Surges
The broader pharmaceutical sector remains subdued, with no direct correlation to Akanda’s cannabis-driven rally. Tilray (TLRY), a cannabis sector leader, also surged 15.2% on the same day, indicating thematic momentum in cannabis-related assets. However, Akanda’s movement is distinct, tied to U.S. policy speculation rather than traditional pharma earnings or R&D milestones. This divergence highlights the speculative nature of cannabis stocks versus the more stable fundamentals of traditional pharmaceuticals.

Navigating Volatility: Technicals and Strategic Entry Points
• RSI: 27.71 (oversold territory)
• MACD: -0.197 (bullish crossover potential)
• Bollinger Bands: Price at $0.8984, near the middle band ($0.9103)
• 200-day MA: $1.6757 (price far below)

Akanda’s technicals suggest a short-term rebound from oversold levels, with the RSI at 27.71 indicating potential for a bounce. The MACD histogram’s positive shift and Bollinger Bands’ compression hint at volatility expansion. However, the 200-day MA at $1.6757 remains a distant target, suggesting a long-term bearish trend. Investors should monitor the $0.9103 middle band as a critical support/resistance level. With no options data available, leveraged ETFs are absent, but a cautious long position near $0.85–$0.88 could capitalize on a potential rebound.

Backtest Akanda Stock Performance
The backtest of AKAN's performance after a 21% intraday surge from 2022 to now reveals mixed results. While the stock experienced a significant one-day gain, the overall trend was negative, with the 3-Day, 10-Day, and 30-Day win rates being lower than expected.

Act Now: Ride the Wave or Watch the Volatility Fade?
Akanda’s 21.4% surge hinges on the speculative potential of U.S. cannabis rescheduling, a policy shift that could unlock new markets but remains unconfirmed. While technical indicators suggest short-term oversold conditions, the stock’s long-term trajectory is clouded by a negative PE ratio and a 52-week low of $0.6445. Investors should prioritize monitoring regulatory developments and key support levels ($0.85–$0.88). Tilray’s 15.2% gain underscores the sector’s momentum, but Akanda’s movement is uniquely tied to policy, not fundamentals. For now, watch the $0.9103 Bollinger Band level and the Trump administration’s next steps—this is a high-risk, high-reward trade.