The marijuana industry is expected to triple in the next five years -- and many investors are looking to profit.

As states and entire countries decriminalize or legalize cannabis and/or its components, there are loads of opportunities for entrepreneurs and existing companies.

But as in any nascent industry, there are also loads of risks and bad actors. Whether you're a first-time investor or a seasoned veteran, it pays to understand all of the moving parts.

Crude oil, also known as petroleum, is a liquid found in the Earth and it is made of hydrocarbons, organic compounds, and tiny amounts of metal.

There are many types of crude produced around the world and the quality characteristics are reflected in the value. The most important characteristic is the sulfur content, which can be defined as sweet or sour, and density ranges from heavy to light.

The higher priced crudes are usually light (lower density) and sweet (low sulfur amounts). It is less expensive to produce , such as and diesel, using a light sweet crude oil. These grades are wanted more since they can be processed with refineries requiring less energy.