Risk Factors Dashboard
Once a year, publicly traded companies issue a comprehensive report of their business, called a 10-K. A component mandated in the 10-K is the ‘Risk Factors’ section, where companies disclose any major potential risks that they may face. This dashboard highlights all major changes and additions in new 10K reports, allowing investors to quickly identify new potential risks and opportunities.
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Risk Factors - MRMD
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Item 1A. Risk Factors
The Company has processes for assessing, identifying, and managing material risks from cybersecurity threats. These processes are integrated into the Company’s overall risk management systems, as overseen by the Company’s Board of Directors, primarily through its Audit Committee. These processes also include overseeing and identifying risks from cybersecurity threats associated with the use of third-party service providers. The Company conducts security assessments of certain third-party providers before engagement and has established monitoring procedures in its effort to mitigate risks related to data breaches or other security incidents originating from third parties. The Company engaged a third party consulting firm to evaluate and test the Company’s risk management systems and to assess and remediate potential cybersecurity incidents as appropriate, which work is ongoing.
Under the oversight of the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, and as directed by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, the Vice President of Information Technology is primarily responsible for the assessment and management of material cybersecurity risks and establishing and maintaining adequate and effective internal controls covering cybersecurity matters. The Vice President of Information Technology has more than 20 years of experience with information technology and related systems security matters and processes.
Our business faces significant risks and uncertainties. Certain important factors may have a material adverse effect on our business prospects, financial condition and results of operations, and they should be carefully considered. Increased competition by larger and better-financed competitors could materially and adversely affect the business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of the Company. Accordingly, in evaluating our business, and a potential investment in our shares, we encourage you to consider the following discussion of risk factors in its entirety in addition to other information contained in or incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other public filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Other events that we do not currently anticipate or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to the Industry in Which We Operate
Cannabis remains illegal under United States federal law.
In the United States, cannabis is largely regulated at the state level. Each state in which we operate or that we are currently proposing to operate authorizes, as applicable, medical and/or adult use cannabis production and distribution by licensed or registered entities. More than 40 states have legalized cannabis in some form. However, under United States federal law, the possession, use, cultivation, and transfer of cannabis and any related drug paraphernalia are illegal, and any such acts are criminalized under the Controlled Substances Act, as amended, which we refer to as the “CSA.” Cannabis remains illegal under United States federal law and is considered a Schedule I controlled substance under the CSA. In 2022, former President Biden directed the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) to initiate an administrative process to review how cannabis is scheduled under federal law. HHS later recommended that cannabis be recategorized to Schedule III, and as of February 2025 the DEA was still reviewing the HHS recommendation, with preliminary hearings anticipated to commence this spring. Should cannabis be rescheduled, it would mean cannabis would be defined as having accepted medical use within federal law. There are several other important implications of rescheduling. It would increase consumer trust in cannabis, likely resulting in an increase in our sales. Absent rescheduling, cannabis is still perceived by many to have a high potential for abuse and it is not generally approved or accepted for medical use.
The concepts of “medical cannabis,” “retail cannabis” and “adult-use cannabis” do not exist under United States federal law. While we believe that our business activities are compliant with applicable state and local laws, strict compliance
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with state and local cannabis laws would not provide a defense to any federal proceeding that may be brought against us. The enforcement of applicable United States federal laws poses a significant risk to us.
Violations of any United States federal laws and regulations could result in significant fines, penalties, administrative sanctions, or settlements arising from civil proceedings conducted either by the United States federal government or private citizens. We may also be subject to criminal charges under the CSA and, if convicted, could face a variety of penalties including, but not limited to, disgorgement of profits, cessation of business activities, or divestiture. Any of these penalties could have a material adverse effect on our reputation and ability to conduct our business, our holding (directly or indirectly) of medical and adult-use cannabis licenses in the United States; our financial position; operating results; profitability; liquidity; or the market price of our publicly traded shares. In addition, it is difficult for us to estimate the time or resources that would be needed for the investigation, settlement, or trial of any such proceedings or charges, and such time or resources could be substantial.
Additionally, its rescheduling would eliminate IRS Tax Code 280E, a punitive tax stipulation imposed on businesses like ours that sells products categorized as Schedule I or II, Specifically, the code stipulates that “no deduction or credit shall be allowed for any amount paid or incurred during the taxable year in carrying on any trade or business if such trade or business (or the activities that comprise such trade or business) consists of trafficking in controlled substances within the meaning of Schedule I and II of the Controlled Substances Act, which is prohibited by federal law or the law of any state in which such trade or business is conducted,” This provision has been applied by the United States Internal Revenue Service, or the “IRS,” to cannabis operations, prohibiting them from deducting expenses directly associated with cannabis businesses. The elimination of 280E is anticipated to save the company several million dollars paid annually in federal taxes.
It has not yet been determined if and how federal agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) would be involved in the regulation of our industry should cannabis be rescheduled. Should the FDA be involved in the regulation of our industry, it is likely the agency would impose rules associated with good manufacturing practices related to the growth, cultivation, harvesting, and processing of cannabis. Clinical trials may be needed to verify efficacy and safety of our medical cannabis products. In the event that some or all of these regulations are imposed, the impact on the cannabis industry is uncertain and could include the imposition of new costs, requirements, and prohibitions. If we are unable to comply with the regulations and/or registration as required by the FDA, it may have an adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.
The cannabis industry is relatively new.
We are operating in a relatively new industry and in a new market. We not only are subject to general business risks, but we must also build brand awareness in this industry and market share through significant investments in our strategy, production capacity, quality assurance, and compliance with regulations. Research in Canada, the United States and internationally regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, and dosing of cannabis or isolated cannabinoids (such as cannabidiol, or “CBD,” and tetrahydrocannabinol, or “THC”) remains in its early stages. Research in Canada, the United States and internationally regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, dosing and social acceptance of cannabis or isolated cannabinoids (such as CBD and THC) remains in early stages. Few clinical trials on the benefits of cannabis or isolated cannabinoids have been conducted. Although we believe that the articles, reports and studies support our beliefs regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, and dosing of cannabis, future research and clinical trials may result in opposing conclusions to statements contained in articles, reports, and studies currently favored or could reach different or negative conclusions regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, dosing, or other facts and perceptions related medical cannabis, which could adversely affect social acceptance of cannabis and/or the demand for our products and dispensary services.
Accordingly, there is no assurance that the cannabis industry and the market for medicinal and/or adult-use cannabis will continue to exist and grow as currently anticipated or function and evolve in a manner consistent with our expectations and assumptions. Any event or circumstance that adversely affects the cannabis industry, such as the imposition of further restrictions on sales and marketing or further restrictions on sales in certain areas and markets, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Finally, the emergence of adjacent adult-use segments remains an unknown with respect the legislation & regulations. These adjacent segments include, but are not limited to, hemp-derived Delta 9 cannabinoids and psilocybin mushrooms. The 2018 Farm Bill opened an unintended loophole for “legal” THC via an arbitrary measurement of THC by percentage not exceeding 0.3%. The result is an adjacent segment to state-regulated cannabis that is not legally compelled to the same arduous regulations such as no interstate commerce, strict testing, banking access and advertising & marketing restrictions. This emerging hemp-based segment is competing with similar products that, in many cases, are indistinguishable from state
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regulated legal cannabis and have greater access to a larger consumer base at lower costs. To a lesser extent, as psilocybin mushrooms continue to be studied at the federal and state levels it remains possible that they could be legalized in more states. This would create another “substitute” for state regulated legal cannabis.
We operate in a highly regulated sector and may not always succeed in complying fully with applicable regulatory requirements in all jurisdictions where we carry on business.
Our business and activities are heavily regulated in all jurisdictions where we conduct business. Our operations are subject to various laws, regulations and guidelines by state and local governmental authorities relating to the manufacture, marketing, management, transportation, storage, sale, pricing and disposal of cannabis and cannabis oil, and also including laws and regulations relating to health and safety, insurance coverage, the conduct of operations and the protection of the environment. Laws and regulations, applied generally, grant government agencies and self-regulatory bodies broad administrative discretion over our activities, including the power to limit or restrict business activities as well as impose additional disclosure requirements on our products and services. Achievement of our business objectives is contingent, in part, upon compliance with regulatory requirements enacted by these governmental authorities and obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals for the manufacture, production, storage, transportation, sale, import and export, as applicable, of our products. The commercial cannabis industry is still a new industry at the state and local level. The effect of relevant governmental authorities’ administration, application and enforcement of their respective regulatory regimes and delays in obtaining, or failure to obtain, applicable regulatory approvals which may be required may significantly delay or impact the development of markets, products and sales initiatives and could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition. Any failure to comply with the regulatory requirements applicable to our operations may lead to possible sanctions including the revocation or imposition of additional conditions on licenses to operate our business; the suspension or expulsion from a particular market or jurisdiction or of our key personnel; the imposition of additional or more stringent inspection, testing and reporting requirements; and the imposition of fines and censures. In addition, changes in regulations, more vigorous enforcement thereof or other unanticipated events could require extensive changes to our operations, increase compliance costs or give rise to material liabilities and/or revocation of our licenses and other permits, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Furthermore, governmental authorities may change their administration, application or enforcement procedures at any time, which may adversely impact our ongoing costs relating to regulatory compliance. Maintaining compliance with complex and ever-changing regulations, including sometimes unclear regulations and laws, can be a difficult task, and a materially compliant business can be found in violation of one or more laws, rules or regulations while remaining materially or substantially compliant with applicable state cannabis laws.
As a cannabis business, we may lack access to United States bankruptcy protections.
Many courts have denied cannabis businesses bankruptcy protections because the use of cannabis is illegal under federal law. In the event of a bankruptcy, it would be very difficult for lenders to recoup their investments in the cannabis industry. If bankruptcy protection was pursued by the Company, there is no guarantee that United States federal bankruptcy protections would be available to us, which would have a material adverse effect on us.
Cannabis businesses may be subject to civil asset forfeiture.
Any property owned by participants in the cannabis industry used in the course of conducting such business, or that is the proceeds of such business, could be subject to seizure by law enforcement and subsequent civil asset forfeiture because of the illegality of the cannabis industry under federal law. Even if the owner of the property is never charged with a crime, the property in question could still be seized and subject to an administrative proceeding by which, with minimal due process, it could be subject to forfeiture.
Risks Related to Our Current Operations and Our Expansion Plan
Our future growth is dependent on additional states legalizing cannabis.
Continued development of the cannabis market and our opportunities to expand into new markets is dependent upon continued legislative authorization of cannabis at the state and local level for medical and adult recreational use of cannabis. Any number of factors could slow or halt the growth of the cannabis market. Additionally, progress, while encouraging, is not assured and the process to authorize the sale of cannabis at the state and local levels normally encounters setbacks before achieving success, if at all. While there may be ample public support for legislative proposals to legalize the sale of cannabis on a state level, key support must be created in the legislative process. While there may be ample public support for legislative proposal, key support must be created in the legislative committee or a bill may never advance to a vote. Any one of these factors could slow or halt the progress of legalization of cannabis for medical and/or recreational purposes, which would
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limit the market for our products and negatively impact our ability to expand into new markets. These unknowns create a management risk as we are continually compelled to plan for multiple contingencies.
Our strategic growth plan is subject to regulatory hurdles.
Our strategy to expand our footprint into additional legal cannabis states through new applications and acquisitions of existing cannabis businesses is subject, in each respective jurisdiction, to the approval of a new license application or license transfer application. Such approvals are subject to numerous delays and uncertainties based upon administrative and legislative changes in what are typically, in light of the recent cannabis legalization status in most jurisdictions, new and untested rules and regulations. There is little interpretative guidance on how states will apply their respective licensing regulations and limited control over when an application will be acted upon. As a result, there is no assurance that our expansion plan will not be frustrated by regulatory delays, and no assurance that any license application or transfer application will be approved.
We face increasing competition that may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We face competition from companies that may have greater capitalization, access to public equity markets, more experienced management or more maturity as a business. The vast majority of both manufacturing and retail competitors in the cannabis market consists of localized businesses (those doing business in a single state) as well as multistate operators, with which we compete directly. Aside from this direct competition, out-of-state operators that are capitalized well enough to enter markets through acquisitions are also part of the competitive landscape. As we plan to grow our business, operators in future state markets will inevitably become direct competitors. We are likely to continue to face increasing and intense competition from these companies. Moreover, acquisitions and other consolidating transactions could harm us in a number of ways, including losing customers, revenue and market share, or forcing us to expend greater resources to meet new or additional competitive threats, all of which could harm our operating results. Increased competition by larger and better financed competitors could materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. Such competition could also intensify and place downward pressure on retail prices of our products and services, which could negatively impact our profitability.
If the number of users of adult-use and medical marijuana in the United States increases, the demand for products will increase. As a result, we believe that competition could become more intense as current and future competitors begin to offer an increasing number of diversified products to respond to such increased demand. To remain competitive, we will need to continue to invest in research and development, marketing, sales, and client support. We may not have sufficient resources to maintain sufficient levels of investment in these areas to remain competitive, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We are subject to limits on our ability to own the licenses necessary to operate our business, which could adversely affect our ability to grow our business and market share in certain states.
In certain states, the cannabis laws and regulations limit both the number of cannabis licenses issued as well as the number of cannabis licenses that one person or entity may own in that state. Such limitations on the acquisition of ownership of additional licenses within certain states may limit our ability to grow organically or to increase market share in such states.
We may not be able to obtain or maintain necessary permits and authorizations.
We may not be able to maintain the necessary licenses, permits, certificates, authorizations, or accreditations to operate our businesses, or may only be able to do so at great cost. Additionally, we may not be able to comply fully with the wide variety of laws and regulations applicable to the cannabis industry. Failure to comply with or to obtain the necessary licenses, permits, certificates, authorizations, or accreditations could result in restrictions on our ability to operate in the cannabis industry, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We may have difficulty accessing the service of banks, which may make it difficult for us to operate in certain markets.
As discussed above, the use of cannabis is illegal under United States federal law. Therefore, there are banks that will not accept for deposit funds from the sale of cannabis and may choose not to do business with the us. Therefore, there are banks that will not accept for deposit funds from sale of cannabis and may choose not to do business with our clients. While there is pending legislation in the United States Senate that will allow banks to transact business with state-authorized medical cannabis businesses, there can be no assurance his legislation will be successful, that banks will decide to do business with medical cannabis retailers, or that in the absence of legislation state and federal banking regulators will not create issues on banks
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handling funds generated from an activity that is illegal under federal law. Notwithstanding, we have been able to secure state-chartered banks that are in compliance with federal law and provide certain banking services to companies in the cannabis industry. Notwithstanding, the Company has been able to secure state-chartered banks that are in compliance with federal law and provide certain banking services to companies in the cannabis industry. Our inability to open accounts in our target market and otherwise use the service of banks may make it difficult for us to operate in those markets.
We are subject to constraints on and differences in marketing our products under varying state laws.
Certain of the states in which we operate have enacted strict regulations regarding marketing and sales activities on cannabis products. There may be restrictions on sales and marketing activities imposed by government regulatory bodies that could hinder the development of our business and operating results. Restrictions may include regulations that specify what, where and to whom product information and descriptions may appear and/or be advertised. Marketing, advertising, packaging, and labeling regulations also vary from state to state, potentially limiting the consistency and scale of consumer branding communication and product education efforts. The regulatory environment in the United States limits our ability to compete for market share in a manner similar to other industries. If we are unable to effectively market our products and compete for market share, or if the costs of compliance with government legislation and regulation cannot be absorbed through increased pricing of our products, our sales and operating results could be adversely affected.
We face risks relating to our products.
We are committed and expect to continue to commit significant resources and capital to develop and market existing products and new products. These products are relatively untested in the marketplace, and we cannot assure stockholders and investors that we will achieve market acceptance for these products, or other new products that we may offer in the future will gain acceptance. These existing and new products may be subject to significant competition with offerings by new and existing competitors in the industry. The failure to successfully develop, manage, and new-to-market products could seriously harm our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
Our insurance coverage may be inadequate to cover all significant risk exposures.
We are exposed to liabilities that are unique to the products and services we provide. While we intend to maintain insurance for certain risks, the amount of our insurance coverage may not be adequate to cover all claims or liabilities, and we may be forced to bear substantial costs resulting from risks and uncertainties in our business. It is also not possible to obtain insurance to protect against all operational risks and liabilities. Due to the nature of our business, we may have difficulty obtaining insurance because, compared to non-cannabis industries, (i) there are only a limited number of insurers willing to insure companies involved in the cannabis industry, (ii) there are fewer insurance products available to companies involved in the cannabis industry, (iii) insurance coverage generally is more expensive for companies involved in the cannabis industry, and (iv) available insurers, insurance products, and cost of coverage fluctuates frequently. Failure to obtain adequate insurance coverage on terms favorable to us, or at all, could have a material adverse effect on our prospects, business, financial condition and results of operations. We do not maintain business interruption insurance for most of our properties and operations. Any business disruption or natural disaster could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources.
It may be difficult to evaluate us based on our past performance because the cannabis industry is volatile and still evolving.
The legal cannabis industry is still relatively new and continues to rapidly evolve. As a result, state regulations are subject to frequent change, which can impose unforeseen costs associated with compliance with new or revised rules. These rules are generally associated with our operations, marketing, packaging, and other aspects of our business. Additionally, the entrance of new cultivators into certain states in which we operate, such as Massachusetts, has resulted in significant price volatility that we cannot control. As a result of these factors, it is more difficult to accurately forecast anticipated future revenues and expenses than businesses in a more mature consumer products sector. It also makes it difficult to compare and analyze our current performance with past performance.
We are subject to, and must be successful in addressing, the risks typically encountered by companies operating in the rapidly evolving cannabis marketplace, including those risks relating to:
•the failure to develop brand name recognition and reputation;
•the failure to achieve market acceptance of our products;
•a slowdown in general consumer acceptance of legalized cannabis; and
•an inability to grow and adapt our business to evolving consumer demand.
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If our goodwill or intangible assets become impaired, we may be required to record a significant charge to earnings.
As of December 31, 2024, we had $15.8 million of goodwill and $18.6 million of intangible assets. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment and, along with our intangible assets, is also reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors that may be considered a change in circumstances indicating that the carrying value of our goodwill or intangible assets may not be recoverable include significant underperformance relative to plan or long-term projections, strategic changes in business strategy, significant negative industry or economic trends, significant decline in our stock price for a sustained period and decline in our market capitalization to below net book value. Any material impairment of goodwill or intangible assets could adversely affect our results of operations.
Our quarterly revenue and operating results are unpredictable and may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and the trading price of our common stock.
Our revenue and operating results may vary significantly from quarter to quarter due to a number of factors, many of which are outside of our control and any of which may cause our stock price to fluctuate. Material factors that may affect our revenue and operating results include longer-than-anticipated time for approvals to operate in new facilities and/or states, ramp-up costs for new facilities with subsequent delays in state approvals, and other risks as discussed in this section. Consequently, our quarterly operating results may be difficult to predict, even in the short term, and a delay in an anticipated approval to commence operations at a location past the end of a particular quarter may negatively impact our results of operations for that quarter, or in some cases, that year. Therefore, we believe that quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our operating results are not a good indication of our future performance. If our revenue or operating results fall below the expectations of investors or securities analysts or below any guidance we may provide to the market, the price of our common stock could decline substantially. Such a stock price decline could also occur even if we meet our publicly stated revenue and/or earnings guidance.
Our medical marijuana business may be impacted by consumer perception of the cannabis industry, which we cannot control or predict.
We believe that the medical marijuana industry is highly dependent upon consumer perception regarding the safety, efficacy, and quality of medical marijuana distributed to those consumers. Consumer perception of our products may be significantly influenced by scientific research or findings, regulatory investigations, litigation, media, and other publicity regarding the consumption of medical marijuana products. There can be no assurance that future scientific research, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention or other research or publicity will be favorable to the medical marijuana market or any particular product, or consistent with earlier publicity. Future research reports, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention or other publicity that perceived as less favorable than, or that question, earlier research reports, findings, or publicity could have a material adverse effect on the demand for our products and our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Although the Company believes that the articles, reports and studies support its beliefs regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, dosing and social acceptance of cannabis, future research and clinical trials may prove such statements to be incorrect, or could raise concerns regarding, and perceptions relating to, cannabis.
We face inherent risks of product liability claims if anyone is harmed by the use of our products.
Our products are designed to be ingested by humans and are produced for sale directly to end consumers. As a result, we face an inherent risk of exposure to product liability claims, regulatory action and litigation if the products are alleged to cause or have caused any significant loss or injury. In addition, the production and sale of our products involve risk of injury to end users due to tampering by unauthorized third parties or product contamination. In addition, the production and sale of the Company’s products involves the risk of injury to end users due to tampering by unauthorized third parties or product contamination. Previously unknown adverse reactions resulting from human or animal consumption of our products alone or in combination with other medications or substances could occur. Previously unknown adverse reactions resulting from human or animal consumption of the Company’s products alone or in combination with other medications or substances could occur. We may be subject to various product liability claims, including, among others, that our products cause injury or illness, include inadequate instructions for use, or include inadequate warnings concerning possible side effects or interactions with other substances. The Company may be subject to various product liability claims, including, among others, that its products caused injury or illness, include inadequate instructions for use or include inadequate warnings concerning possible side effects or interactions with other substances. While we have product liability insurance coverage and works with third party providers to ensure they do as well, a product liability claim or regulatory action against us, whether or not successful, could result in materially increases costs, adversely affect our reputation with our clients and consumers generally, and/or exceed our insurance coverage. While the Company has product liability insurance coverage in place and works with third party providers to ensure they do as well, a product liability claim or regulatory action against the Company could exceed our insurance coverage, and could adversely affect the Company’s reputation and have a material adverse effect on its business and operational results. Any of these scenarios could have a material adverse effect on our business and operational results.
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Product recalls could result in a material and adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Manufacturers and distributors of products are sometimes subject to the recall or return of their products for a variety of reasons, including product defects, such as contamination, unintended harmful side effects or interactions with other substances, packaging safety, and inadequate or inaccurate labelling disclosure. If any of our products are recalled due to an alleged product defect or for any other reason, we could be required to incur the unexpected expense of the recall and any legal proceedings that might arise in connection with the recall. We may lose a significant number of sales and we may not be able to replace those sales at an acceptable margin or at all. Additionally, a product recall may require significant management attention. Although we comply with all state mandated requirements for the testing of our products, there can be no assurance that any quality, potency or contamination problems will be detected in time to avoid unforeseen product recalls, regulatory action, or lawsuits. Moreover, if one of our top brands was subject to a recall, the image of such brand and that of our company generally could be harmed. Any recall could lead to decreased demand for our products and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Product recalls may also lead to increased scrutiny of our operations by regulatory agencies, which would then require further management attention and potential legal fees and other expenses.
We are subject to risks related to growing an agricultural product.
Our business involves the growing of cannabis, an agricultural product. Such business is subject to the risks inherent in the agricultural business, such as loss due to infestation by insects, plant diseases, or similar agricultural risks. While all of our cannabis plants are grown indoors, there can be no assurance that natural elements will not have a material adverse effect on our future production.
Our business is subject to compliance with environmental regulations, which can be onerous and costly.
Our operations are subject to environmental regulation in the various jurisdictions in which it operates. These regulations mandate, among other things, the maintenance of air and water quality standards and land reclamation, and also set forth limitations on the generation, transportation, storage and disposal of solid and hazardous waste. These regulations mandate, among other things, the maintenance of air and water quality standards and land reclamation. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner which will require stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects, and a heightened degree of responsibility for affected companies and their officers, directors and employees. There is no assurance that future changes in environmental regulation, if any, will not adversely affect our operations.
In the event we require additional financing and access to capital, the covenants and restrictions in our existing debt agreement may limit our options.
Our ability to raise additional capital and finance our expansion plan will be subject to contractual restrictions in instruments governing our indebtedness, including our Needham Bank credit facility. The contractual restrictions in the instrument governing such loan include restrictive covenants that limit our discretion with respect to certain business matters. These covenants place restrictions on, among other things, our ability to create liens or other encumbrances, to pay distributions, or to make certain other payments, and to sell or otherwise dispose of certain assets. A failure to comply with such obligations could result in a default, which, if not cured or waived, could permit acceleration of the relevant indebtedness. These restrictions could impair our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, or acquisitions; and all or part of our cash flow from operations may be dedicated to the payment of the principal of, and interest on, our indebtedness, thereby reducing funds available for operations. These factors may adversely affect our cash flow. If we are unable to satisfy our debt obligations due to insufficient cash flow or if we cannot refinance our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all, then our business, results of operations, and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
Anti-Money Laundering Laws in the United States may limit access to funds from banks and other financial institutions.
In February 2014, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or “FinCEN,” bureau of the United States Treasury Department issued guidance, which is not law, with respect to financial institutions providing banking services to cannabis businesses, including burdensome due diligence expectations and reporting requirements. While the guidance advised prosecutors not to focus their enforcement efforts on banks or other financial institutions that serve marijuana-related businesses, so long as they meet certain conditions, this guidance does not provide any safe harbors or legal defenses from examination or regulatory or criminal enforcement actions by the United States Department of Justice, or the “DOJ,”
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FinCEN, or other federal regulators. As a result of this guidance and the fact that such guidance may be amended or revoked at any time, most banks and other financial institutions have not been willing to provide banking services to cannabis-related businesses. Additionally, banks may refuse to process debit card payments and credit card companies generally refuse to process credit card payments for cannabis-related businesses. Accordingly, we may have only limited access to banking or other financial services in the United States and may have to rely solely upon state-chartered banks. If we are unable or limited in our ability to open or maintain bank accounts, obtain other banking services, or accept credit card and debit card payments, it may be difficult for us to operate and conduct our business as planned. While we are actively pursuing alternatives that ensure our operations will continue to be compliant with the FinCEN guidance, including requirements related to disclosures about cash management and United States federal tax reporting, we may not be able to meet all applicable requirements.
Failure to hire and retain key personnel, or the loss of any of our executive officers, could negatively impact our ability to meet our business objectives and impair our future growth.
The success of the Company’s business is currently dependent, in large part, on key managerial personnel, including Messrs. Jon R. Levine and Timothy Shaw, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, respectively. Moreover, our anticipated growth may require additional expertise and the addition of new qualified personnel. Qualified individuals within the cannabis industry are in high demand and we may incur significant costs to attract and retain qualified managerial personnel, or be unable to attract or retain personnel necessary to operate or expand our business. The loss of the services of existing personnel or our failure to recruit additional key managerial personnel in a timely manner, or at all, could have a material adverse effect on our business and our ability to manage day-to-day operations, attract collaboration partners, attract and retain other employees, and generate revenue. Any inability to attract and retain qualified management and other key personnel could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to grow its business and operations. Any inability to attract and retain qualified management and other personnel would have a material adverse effect on our ability to grow our business and operations. Any inability to attract and retain qualified management and other personnel would have a material adverse effect on our ability to grow our business and operations.
Failure to hire and retain key personnel, or the loss of any of our executive officers, could negatively impact our ability to meet our business objectives and impair our future growth.
Our business depends upon highly skilled technical, managerial, sales and marketing and customer support personnel with industry expertise. Qualified individuals within the cannabis industry are in high demand and we may incur significant costs to attract and retain qualified managerial personnel, or be unable to attract or retain personnel necessary to operate or expand our business. The loss of the services of existing personnel or our failure to recruit additional key managerial personnel in a timely manner, or at all, could have a material adverse effect on our business and our ability to manage day-to-day operations, attract collaboration partners, attract and retain other employees, and generate revenue. Any inability to attract and retain qualified management and other key personnel could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to grow its business and operations. Any inability to attract and retain qualified management and other personnel would have a material adverse effect on our ability to grow our business and operations. Any inability to attract and retain qualified management and other personnel would have a material adverse effect on our ability to grow our business and operations.
Our future success also depends upon the continued services of our executive officers who have critical industry experience and relationships that we rely on to implement our business plan. None of our officers or key employees is bound by an employment agreement for any specific term. The loss of the services of any of our executive officers or key employees could delay the development and introduction of, and negatively impact our ability to sell, our products and achieve our business objectives.
Our business is subject to potential risks related to, and arising from, acquiring or merging with companies or technologies.
Our success will depend, in part, on our ability to grow our business in response to the demands of consumers and other constituents within the cannabis industry as well as competitive pressures. In some circumstances, we may determine to do so through the acquisition of complementary businesses rather than through internal development. The identification of suitable acquisition candidates can be difficult, time-consuming, and costly, and we may not be able to successfully complete identified acquisitions. In addition, we may not realize the expected benefits from completed acquisitions.
The risks we face in connection with acquisitions include:
•diversion of management time and focus from operating our business to addressing acquisition integration challenges;
•coordination of research and development and sales and marketing functions;
•retention of employees from the acquired company;
•cultural challenges associated with integrating employees from the acquired company into our organization;
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•integration of the acquired company’s accounting, management information, human resources, and other administrative systems;
•the need to implement or improve controls, procedures, and policies at a business that prior to the acquisition may have lacked effective controls, procedures, and policies;
•potential write-offs of intangible assets or other assets acquired in transactions that may have an adverse effect on our operating results in a given period;
•liability for activities of the acquired company before the acquisition, including patent and trademark infringement claims, violations of laws, commercial disputes, tax liabilities, and other known and unknown liabilities; and
•litigation or other claims in connection with the acquired company, including claims from terminated employees, consumers, former stockholders, or other third parties.
Our failure to address these risks or other problems encountered in connection with any future acquisitions or investments could cause us to fail to realize the anticipated benefits of these acquisitions or investments, cause us to incur unanticipated liabilities, and harm our business generally. Future acquisitions could also result in the incurrence of debt, contingent liabilities, amortization expenses, or the impairment of goodwill, any of which could harm our financial condition.
Cybersecurity Risks
We employ information including operational technology systems to support our business and to collect, store, and/or use proprietary and confidential information. Security and data breaches, cyberattacks, and other cybersecurity incidents involving our information technology systems, networks and infrastructure could disrupt or interfere with our operations; result in the compromise and misappropriation of proprietary and confidential information belonging to us, our customers, suppliers, or employees; and expose us to numerous expenses, liabilities, and other negative consequences, any or all of which could adversely impact our business, reputation, and results of operations.
In the ordinary course of business, we rely on centralized and local information technology networks and systems, some of which are provided, hosted, or managed by vendors and other third parties, to process, transmit, and store electronic information, and to manage or support various aspects of our business. Additionally, we collect and store certain data, including proprietary business information, and has access to confidential or personal information in certain of our businesses that is subject to privacy and cybersecurity laws, regulations, and other controls. Third parties and threat actors, including organized criminals, nation-state entities, and/or nation-state supported actors, regularly attempt to gain unauthorized access to information and operational technology networks and infrastructure, data, and other information, and many such attempts are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Despite our cybersecurity counter measures (including employee and third-party training, monitoring of networks and systems, patching, maintenance, and backup of systems and data), our information and operational technology systems, networks and infrastructure are still potentially susceptible to cyber-attack, insider threat, compromise, damage, disruption, or shutdown, including as a result of the exploitation of known or unknown hardware or software vulnerabilities, or zero day attacks, in our systems or the systems of our vendors and third-party service providers, the introduction of computer viruses, malware or ransomware, service or cloud provider disruptions or security breaches, phishing attempts, employee error or malfeasance, power outages, telecommunication or utility failures, systems failures, natural disasters, or other catastrophic events. Despite our cybersecurity counter measures, it is possible for security vulnerabilities or a cyberattack to remain undetected for an extended time period, up to and including several months, and the prioritization of decisions with respect to security measures and remediation of known vulnerabilities that we and the vendors and other third parties upon which we rely make may prove inadequate to protect against these attacks. Any cybersecurity incident or information or operational technology network disruption could result in numerous negative consequences, including the risk of legal claims or proceedings, investigations or enforcement actions by regulators; liabilities or penalties under applicable laws and regulations, including privacy laws and regulations in the United States interference with the our operations; the incurrence of remediation costs; loss of intellectual property protection; the loss of customer, supplier, or employee relationships; and damage to our reputation, any of which could adversely affect the our business.
The occurrence of cybersecurity incidents, or a deficiency in our cybersecurity or in those of any of our third-party service providers, could negatively impact our business by causing a financial loss, significant disruption to our operations, a compromise or corruption of our confidential information or damage to our business relationships or reputation, all of which could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In September 2023, we experienced a cybersecurity incident resulting from a fraudulent email sent to our finance department which resulted in our initiating a $0.7 million electronic payment to a fraudulent bank account. As a result of
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this incident, we immediately launched an internal investigation, and engaged a cybersecurity consultant to fully assess the incident and recommend remediation measures, which have been implemented.
As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate any security vulnerabilities. While we have implemented the remediation measures recommended by our cybersecurity consultant, such measures may not prevent all such events in the future. We will continually assess cybersecurity threats and make investments to increase internal protection, detection, and response capabilities to address this risk. To date, we have not experienced any material impact to the business or operations resulting from cybersecurity attacks, including the incident mentioned above. However, because of the frequently changing attack techniques, along with the increasing volume and sophistication of the attacks, there is the potential for us to be adversely impacted. This impact could result in reputational, competitive, operational or other business harm as well as financial losses and costs, all of which could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Although we maintain insurance coverage for certain cybersecurity risks, there can be no guarantee that all costs, damages, expenses or losses incurred will be fully insured.
While we maintain insurance policies that may cover certain liabilities in connection with a cybersecurity incident, we cannot be certain that our insurance coverage will be adequate for cyber security related liabilities actually incurred, that insurance will be available to us on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, or that any insurer will not deny coverage as to any present or future cyber claim. The incurrence of material damages as a result of a cyber incident or the successful assertion of one or more large claims against us that exceed available insurance coverage, or the occurrence of changes in our insurance policies, including premium increases or the imposition of large deductible or co-insurance requirements, could have a material adverse effect on our business, including our financial condition, results of operations and reputation.
Risks Related to Our Common Stock
The market for our common stock may be limited for holders of our securities who live in the United States.
Given the heightened risk profile associated with cannabis in the United States, capital market participants may be unwilling to assist with the settlement of trades for United States resident securityholders of companies with operations in the United States cannabis industry, which may prohibit or significantly impair the ability of securityholders in the United States to trade our securities. In the event residents of the United States are unable to settle trades of our securities, this may affect the pricing of such securities in the market, the transparency and availability of trading prices and the liquidity of these securities.
Possible issuances of our capital stock would cause dilution to our existing stockholders.
At December 31, 2024 we had 381.5 million shares of common stock outstanding and are authorized to issue up to 700 million shares. Therefore, we are still authorized to issue a substantial number of additional shares of common stock without obtaining shareholder approval. In addition, we currently have outstanding 4,908,333 shares of Series B preferred stock (which convert on a one-for-one basis into shares of our common stock) and 1,155,274 shares of Series C preferred stock (which convert on a five-for-one basis into shares of our common stock). Our Board of Directors is authorized to issue up to a total of 50 million shares of preferred stock (including the previously issued shares) with terms it designates without any further shareholder approval. In the event we elect to issue additional shares of common stock in connection with any financing, acquisition or otherwise or issue additional shares of preferred stock, current stockholders could find their holdings substantially diluted, which means they would own a smaller percentage of our company. In the event the Company elects to issue additional shares of common stock in connection with any financing, acquisition or otherwise, current shareholders could find their holdings substantially diluted, which means they will own a smaller percentage of the Company.
The exercise or conversion of outstanding warrants and options into common stock will dilute the percentage ownership of our other stockholders. Additionally, the sale of such common stock or other common stock in the open market could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. The sale of such common stock or other common stock in the open market could adversely affect the market price of the Company’s common stock.
As of December 31, 2024, there were potentially dilutive securities convertible into shares of common stock comprised of stock options convertible into 34,271,921 shares of common stock; warrants convertible into 38,089,476 shares of common stock; shares of Series B preferred stock convertible into 4,908,333 shares of common stock; shares of Series C preferred stock convertible into 5,776,370 shares of common stock; and restricted stock units convertible into 7,706,125 shares of common stock. Additional convertible securities will likely be granted to our officers, directors, employees, or consultants as part of their compensation and such convertible securities will likely be issued in connection with financings. The exercise of outstanding stock options and warrants and the conversion of our notes and debentures will dilute the
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percentage ownership of our other stockholders. Sales, or the expectation of sales, of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the private or public markets could adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common stock. Sales, or the expectation of sales, of a substantial number of shares of the Company’s common stock in the private or public markets could adversely affect the prevailing market price of the Company’s common stock.
The market price of our common stock has been historically volatile and could continue to be volatile.
The market price of our common stock could be subject to significant fluctuations. Some of the factors that may cause the market price of the common stock to fluctuate include:
•the public’s reaction to our press releases, announcements and filings with regulatory authorities and those of our competitors;
•fluctuations in broader stock market prices and volumes;
•changes in market valuations of similar companies;
•investor perception of us, our prospects or the cannabis industry in general;
•additions or departures of key personnel;
•commencement of, or involvement, in litigation;
•changes in the regulatory landscape applicable to us, any dietary supplements, and/or the cannabis and hemp industries;
•media reports, publications or public statements relating to, or public perceptions of, the regulatory landscape applicable to us, the cannabis and/or the hemp industries, whether accurate or not;
•announcements by us or our competitors of strategic alliances, significant contracts, new technologies, acquisitions, commercial relationships, joint ventures or capital commitments;
•variations in our quarterly results of operations or cash flows or those of other comparable companies;
•revenue and operating results failing to meet the expectations of securities analysts or investors in a particular period;
•changes in our pricing policies or the pricing policies of our competitors;
•future issuances and sales of our common stock;
•sales of our common stock by members of our Board of Directors or members of our management team;
•third party disclosure of significant short positions;
•demand for and trading volume of our common stock;
•changes in securities analysts’ recommendations and their estimates of our financial performance;
•short-term fluctuation in stock price caused by changes in general conditions in the domestic and worldwide economies or financial markets; and
•the other risks and risk factors described in this section or other sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The realization of any of these risks and other factors beyond our control could cause the market price of our common stock to decline significantly.
In addition, broad market and industry factors may harm the market price of our common stock. In addition, broad market and industry factors may harm the market price of the Company’s common stock. Accordingly, the price of the common stock could fluctuate based upon factors that have little or nothing to do with us, and these fluctuations could materially reduce the price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance. Hence, the price of the common stock could fluctuate based upon factors that have little or nothing to do with the Company, and these fluctuations could materially reduce the price of the common stock regardless of the Company’s operating performance. In the past, following a significant decline in the market price of a company’s securities, there have been instances of securities class action litigation having been instituted against that company. If we were involved in any similar litigation, it could incur substantial costs and significant efforts of our management could be diverted, which in turn could harm our business, operating results and financial condition.
We are an “emerging growth company” and will be able to take advantage of reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies, which could make our common stock less attractive to investors.
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act and, for as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we intend to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies, but not to emerging growth companies, including but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of (a) December 31, 2026, (b) the last day of the first fiscal year in which our annual gross revenue is $1.235 billion or more; (c) the date that we become a “large accelerated filer” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act, which would occur if the market value of our common stock that are held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter; or (d) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible
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debt during the preceding fiscal year period. We expect to take advantage of these reporting exemptions described above until we are no longer an emerging growth company. Under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies can also delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies.
We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive if we choose to rely on these exemptions. If some investors find that our common stock is less attractive as a result of any choices to reduce future disclosures, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and the price of our stock may be more volatile.
Our internal controls over financial reporting may not be effective, and our independent auditors may not be able to certify as to their effectiveness, which could have a significant and adverse effect on our business.
We are subject to various SEC reporting and other regulatory requirements. We have incurred, and will continue to incur, expenses and, to a lesser extent, diversion of management of our management’s time in our effects to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 regarding internal control over financial reporting. Effective internal controls over financial reporting are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and, together with adequate disclosure controls and procedures, are designed to prevent fraud. Any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation could cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. In addition, any testing by us conducted in connection with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the subsequent testing by our independent registered public accounting firm when required, may reveal deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses or that may require prospective or retrospective changes to our consolidated financial statements or identify other areas for further attention or improvement. Inferior internal controls could cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of our common stock.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 1C. Cybersecurity
Risk Management and Strategy
Governance
Board of Directors
The Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, with the input of management, oversees the Company’s internal controls, including internal controls designed to assess, identify, and manage material risks from cybersecurity threats. The Audit Committee is informed of material risks from cybersecurity threats by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Information Technology . Updates on cybersecurity matters, including material risks and threats, are provided to the Company’s Audit Committee, and the Audit Committee provides updates to the Company’s Board of Directors at regular Board meetings. The Vice President of Information Technology also provides updates annually or more frequently as appropriate to the Company’s Board of Directors.
Management
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The Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, with the assistance of the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Information Technology, is responsible for overseeing the establishment and effectiveness of controls and other procedures, including controls and procedures related to the public disclosure of material cybersecurity matters.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company experienced a cybersecurity incident that resulted in a $0.7 million loss as a result of a term loan payment being initiated in error to an account provided in a fraudulent email the Company received. As a result of this incident, with the assistance of an outside independent consultant, the Company reviewed and strengthened its procedures in and around the approval of wire transfers of funds, and believe that these enhanced procedures will protect the Company against the reoccurrence of such incidences in future periods.
As of the date of this report, other than the foregoing, the Company is not aware of any cybersecurity incidents that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company, including its business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition and that are required to be reported in this report. For further discussion of the risks associated with cybersecurity incidents, see the cybersecurity risk factors in Item 1A. Risk Factors in this report.
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