MJ vs. YOLO

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MJ (ETFMG Alternative Harvest ETF) and YOLO (AdvisorShares Pure Cannabis ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MJ is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Prime Alternative Harvest Index, while YOLO is a Cannabis fund actively managed by AdvisorShares. MJ is passively managed, while YOLO is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, MJ returned -36.20%/yr vs -32.93%/yr for YOLO. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.75% expense ratio.

Performance

MJ vs. YOLO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ETFMG Alternative Harvest ETF (MJ) and AdvisorShares Pure Cannabis ETF (YOLO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with MJ having a -20.17% return and YOLO slightly higher at -19.39%.

MJ

• 1D: -2.02%
• 1M: -4.80%
• YTD: -20.17%
• 6M: -24.21%
• 1Y: 45.98%
• 3Y*: -9.19%
• 5Y*: -36.20%
• 10Y*: —

YOLO

• 1D: -5.00%
• 1M: -8.90%
• YTD: -19.39%
• 6M: -20.12%
• 1Y: 51.14%
• 3Y*: 2.29%
• 5Y*: -32.93%
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

MJ vs. YOLO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
MJ ETFMG Alternative Harvest ETF	-20.17%	13.07%	-23.97%	-24.18%	-61.55%	-22.79%	-16.18%	-49.78%
YOLO AdvisorShares Pure Cannabis ETF	-19.39%	36.36%	-17.81%	-15.10%	-72.21%	-20.48%	47.17%	-51.27%

Correlation

The correlation between MJ and YOLO is 0.90, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 18, 2019	0.88

The correlation between MJ and YOLO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

MJ vs. YOLO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MJ	YOLO
Healthcare	76.4%	29.7%
Consumer Defensive	18.9%	10.2%
Real Estate	2.8%	0.7%
Consumer Cyclical	1.0%	0.8%
Technology	0.6%	-
Financial Services	0.3%	43.1%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Energy	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

MJ vs. YOLO — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

MJ

MJ Risk / Return Rank: 23
MJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
MJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
MJ Omega Ratio Rank: 27
MJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
MJ Martin Ratio Rank: 16

YOLO

YOLO Risk / Return Rank: 26
YOLO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
YOLO Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
YOLO Omega Ratio Rank: 29
YOLO Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
YOLO Martin Ratio Rank: 20

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

MJ vs. YOLO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ETFMG Alternative Harvest ETF (MJ) and AdvisorShares Pure Cannabis ETF (YOLO). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	MJ	YOLO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.53	0.69	-0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.58	1.64	-0.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.19	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.95	1.25	-0.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.63	2.25	-0.62

MJ vs. YOLO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MJ Sharpe Ratio is 0.53, which is comparable to the YOLO Sharpe Ratio of 0.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MJ and YOLO, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

MJ vs. YOLO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MJ drawdown since its inception was -96.55%, roughly equal to the maximum YOLO drawdown of -94.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MJ and YOLO.

Drawdown Indicators

	MJ	YOLO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-96.55%	-94.68%	-1.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-48.66%	-41.09%	-7.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-69.73%	-66.45%	-3.28%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-92.93%	-92.37%	-0.56%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-94.85%	-90.57%	-4.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-69.34%	-69.06%	-0.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	28.30%	22.81%	+5.49%

Volatility

MJ vs. YOLO - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ETFMG Alternative Harvest ETF (MJ) is 12.22%, while AdvisorShares Pure Cannabis ETF (YOLO) has a volatility of 13.47%. This indicates that MJ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than YOLO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MJ	YOLO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.22%	13.47%	-1.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	40.25%	38.34%	+1.91%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	86.93%	75.07%	+11.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	59.96%	53.79%	+6.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	55.65%	51.30%	+4.35%

MJ vs. YOLO - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both MJ and YOLO have an expense ratio of 0.75%.

Dividends

MJ vs. YOLO - Dividend Comparison

MJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.49%, while YOLO has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
MJ ETFMG Alternative Harvest ETF	2.49%	1.98%	13.80%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
YOLO AdvisorShares Pure Cannabis ETF	0.00%	0.00%	3.57%	1.17%	0.55%	3.93%	2.03%	4.52%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MJ and YOLO in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, MJ and YOLO move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, MJ or YOLO?

YOLO has higher volatility (13.47%) compared to MJ (12.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MJ dropped -96.55% vs YOLO's -94.68%.

Which ETF is better, MJ or YOLO?

On 5-year performance, YOLO leads with -32.93% vs -36.20% for MJ. Both ETFs have the same 0.75% expense ratio. On volatility, MJ has been the lower-risk option at 12.22%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MJ or YOLO?

Over the 5-year period, YOLO has performed better with a -32.93% return vs -36.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MJ or YOLO?

MJ and YOLO have the same expense ratio: 0.75% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MJ or YOLO?

MJ has the higher dividend yield at 2.49%, compared with 0.00% for YOLO.

What is the main difference between MJ and YOLO?

MJ is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while YOLO is Cannabis. They also come from different issuers: ETFMG and AdvisorShares.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

YOLO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.69 vs 0.53), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.