Lunchtime ASX small cap wrap: Who’s committing to the cause today?

As those with an interest in cannabis would be aware, it hasn’t been a great year for pot stocks.

The bear market which kicked off in March has seen the North American Marijuana Index lose around 60 per cent of its value.

Canada — which was one of the first countries to legalise THC at the federal level — has felt the brunt of the impact.

But the country still views itself as a pioneer when it comes to marijuana regulation.

And to drive home that fact, the country’s 2019 Miss Universe contestant — 24-year old Alyssa Boston — attended this year’s event in a striking weed-inspired outfit.

Boston said she dressed up as “medical marijuana” because of Canada’s proactive approach to legalisation, and she is an advocate for the use of medicinal cannabis as a treatment for various health problems.

Local investors were slightly less committed to buying stocks today, as the ASX Small Ords index edged higher to 2,853.90 points at midday — a gain of 0.02 per cent.

GOING UP

Among the leaders was marine technology company Smart Marine Systems (ASX:SM8), which jumped by more than 15 per cent after announcing the acqusition of Advanced Offshore Streaming (AOS), “a market leader in remote communications technology”. To finance the deal, the company has made an initial payment of $3.5m to AOS shareholders.

Here are the best performing ASX small cap stocks at 12pm Wednesday December 11:

Swipe or scroll to reveal the full table. Click headings to sort.

GOING DOWN

Here are the worst performing ASX small cap stocks at 12pm Wednesday December 11:

Swipe or scroll to reveal the full table. Click headings to sort.