Item 1A. Risk Factors
Investing in our Common Stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below, together with all of the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes, before making a decision to invest in our Common Stock. The risks and uncertainties described below may not be the only ones we face. If any of the risks actually occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects could be materially and adversely affected. In that event, the market price of our Common Stock could decline, and you could lose part or all of your investment.
Risks Relating to our Industry
The 2018 Farm Bill, which federally legalized hemp and hemp products, was amended in a way that would severely restrict or prohibit the Company’s hemp-derived THC products.
The 2018 Farm Bill, which is the legal basis for the Company’s entry into the hemp-derived THC product market, legally defined hemp as Cannabis Sativa L. containing less than 0.3% delta-9-THC on a dry weight basis, effectively legalizing hemp in the United States. The 2026 Appropriations Act includes a provision (section 781) to amend the definition of hemp in the 2018 Farm Bill to effectively prohibit currently commercialized hemp-derived THC products, including the Company’s products, although the change does not become effective until November 12, 2026. Efforts are underway to repeal, replace, or delay this amendment, but whether any change will occur is uncertain. This creates significant uncertainty for our business of selling hemp-derived THC products. It is unclear, for example, if states that have expressly allowed the commercialization of such products will continue to do so in spite of the changes to federal law. If the 365-day grace period expires without a legislative change, it will have a material adverse effect on the Company, including our business, financial condition, and results of operations. In that event, the market price of the Company’s common stock could decline.
States are passing their own laws regulating, restricting, or prohibiting hemp-derived THC products, creating a difficult regulatory patchwork within which to operate.
State and local authorities have been active over the last few years, implementing their own laws regulating the cultivation, manufacturing, testing, marketing, and sale of both intoxicating and non-intoxicating hemp products. Some states ban these products altogether. Other state laws permit hemp-derived THC products but impose new regulatory frameworks containing licensing and labeling requirements, age gates, amount and potency restrictions, allowable types of products, and restrictions on where the products may be sold. The varied state regulatory framework for hemp products poses risks to manufacturing, marketing, selling, and shipping hemp-derived THC products around the country, whether wholesale or direct to consumers via online or brick-and-mortar retail locations. Additionally, hemp legislation is pending at the state level around the country, creating additional risk to the sale and transport of products already produced under existing laws. Unforeseen regulatory obstacles or compliance costs related to state laws may hinder the Company’s ability to successfully compete in some markets for such products. Further, states in which the Company currently sells its hemp-derived THC products could decide in the future to ban these products altogether. If these regulatory changes occur, the revenue streams we expect to receive from our businesses and assets would be at risk and, as a result, such changes could have a material effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Hemp-derived THC products are not permitted under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
The Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has taken the position that ingestible products over which it has jurisdiction, including foods, beverages, and dietary supplements, that contain cannabinoids such as THC, including hemp-derived THC, are not permitted under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (“FDCA”). The FDA has not evaluated THC as a food ingredient, and therefore does not consider it to be GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) for use in foods, including beverages. The FDA has also found that because THC is in certain drugs approved by the FDA, it is precluded from use in foods/beverages or dietary supplements. The FDA has articulated its intention to focus enforcement on products claiming to prevent, diagnose, mitigate, treat, or cure diseases, and/or manufacturers who target products toward children. The FDA has issued warnings about products that resemble candy or other items appealing to children, emphasizing that such products could pose a risk of unintentional ingestion and potential harm due to the presence of cannabinoids. Thus far, such enforcement has been limited to sending warning letters to a relatively small number of companies. The FDA may decide in the future to increase enforcement activities, regardless of whether a company makes health related to its products or markets to children, which could impact the Company’s offering of hemp-derived THC beverages and materially impact operations and revenue.
The FDA could issue new regulations that prohibit or strictly limit the sale of hemp-derived THC products.
The FDA has previously declined to issue regulations for the manufacture and sale of hemp-derived THC products. For example, in 2023, the FDA denied three citizen petitions asking the FDA to conduct rulemaking to allow the marketing of CBD, another hemp-derived cannabinoid, as dietary supplements. In conjunction with these denials, the FDA has publicly stated that a new regulatory pathway should be created by Congress to regulate CBD and other cannabinoid products. The 2026 Appropriations Act directs the FDA to create and maintain lists of allowable and prohibited cannabinoids and promulgate other regulations further defining what items will qualify as a container for purposes of measuring cannabinoid content. The FDA could also decide to change or increase its enforcement of hemp products based on this new directive. New FDA regulations could materially and negatively impact the Company’s operations and revenue. New FDA regulations could also require the Company to make financial investments in additional compliance mechanisms which could impact our profitability and the market price for our Common Stock.
Other federal agencies may take enforcement actions against companies selling hemp-derived THC products.
The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) and FDA frequently collaborate on enforcement where their jurisdictions overlap, particularly in regulating the advertising, labeling, and promotion of food, cosmetics, medical devices, and OTC (over-the-counter) drugs. In the CBD market, the FTC has joined the FDA in issuing warning letters to companies that lacked competent and reliable scientific evidence supporting their advertisements, thereby violating the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. § 41 et seq. The FTC has also independently issued warning letters to CBD companies for making exaggerated or misleading claims without sufficient scientific backing. While FTC enforcement actions related to CBD were historically limited to warnings, in December 2020, the agency initiated its first formal enforcement action against six CBD companies for allegedly making unsupported health claims, leading to settlement agreements that required those companies to such and pay monetary judgments. In 2023 and 2024, the FTC sent and desist letters to companies marketing hemp-derived THC products that it determined appealed to children. Although the Company does not intend to make any regarding its products, the FTC may with our assessment of our . The regulatory landscape and potential for future FTC enforcement actions could pose an ongoing risk to the Company’s offering of hemp-derived THC products, especially if the Company’s products are targeted by the FTC, or the FTC and FDA together, in the future for any reason.
Hemp-derived THC products are federally illegal if they exceed 0.3% delta-9-THC on a dry weight basis.
Hemp-derived THC products which exceed a delta-9-THC concentration of 0.3% on a dry weight basis are federally illegal under the Controlled Substances Act (the “CSA”).
Any failure by the Company or our partners to keep the delta-9-THC in our hemp-derived THC products below 0.3% on a dry weight basis, either in the manufacturing process or in the final product, could subject us to action by regulatory authorities and/or to lawsuits by consumers. Certain hemp-derived THC products may, over time, gradually increase their delta-9-THC or total THC concentration, and this may ultimately cause such products to exceed the applicable concentration level, making such products illegal in certain jurisdictions. In addition, the approval of medical and recreational marijuana by many states has created a situation in which it may be difficult or impossible for regulators and courts to determine whether the delta-9-THC levels reflected in consumers’ blood tests are the result of hemp-derived THC products or marijuana products. This may result in regulatory actions or lawsuits. If any of these situations occur, we may be subject to regulatory action or lawsuits that could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
The Company is subject to regulations that could impact its ability to sell its product internationally.
The Company currently sells certain of its products in Canada and may conduct sales in other international markets in the future. Doing so would subject the Company to the statutes, regulations, and international treaties of the countries where it operates or engages in trade. Failure to adhere to existing or evolving laws in any jurisdiction could materially impact the Company’s business. There is also a risk that authorities in these jurisdictions may determine that the Company was or is not in compliance with their laws. If its past or present activities are found to violate such laws, the Company could face enforcement actions, including civil or criminal penalties, fines, damages, operational restrictions or restructuring, asset seizures, and the denial of regulatory approvals.
Third parties with whom we do business may perceive themselves as being exposed to reputational, and even legal, risk because of their relationship with us due to our hemp- and limited cannabis-related licensing activities and may, as a result, refuse to do business with us.
The third parties with whom we do business may perceive that they are exposed to reputational, or possibly even legal, risk because of our hemp- or limited cannabis-related business activities. Any third-party service provider or customer could suspend or withdraw its business if it perceives that the potential risks exceed the potential benefits of doing business with us. Specifically, while we have banking relationships and believe that the services we rely on can be procured from other institutions, we may, in the future, have difficulty maintaining existing or securing new bank accounts or clearing services. Our failure to establish or maintain business relationships could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We face competition from the illicit market as well as larger competitors and licensed medical and adult-use cannabis dispensaries.
The U.S. cannabis and hemp industries are, and are expected to continue to be, competitive. A number of other companies engage in, and may in the future engage in, cannabis or hemp-related businesses, operate businesses in competition with us, and purchase businesses and assets or make investments that we will also seek to purchase or make. We face and expect to continue to face competition from state-licensed medical and adult-use dispensaries as well as the illicit market. Additionally, if the Attorney General reschedules cannabis to Schedule III, competition from state-licensed cannabis companies could intensify as the industry becomes more normalized.
Large chain stores, manufacturers, retailers, and beverage and other consumer products companies that also recognize the potential for financial success through acquisitions and investment in the hemp-derived THC industry could strategically acquire competitors or invest in creating their own brands. In doing so, these larger competitors could produce and sell competing products at a lower price and establish a larger brand presence than we have. We may lack the personnel, products, marketing, and distribution capabilities, and/or financial resources to compete effectively against such larger competitors.
We also face competition from the illicit market and illegal dispensaries and cultivation operations that are unlicensed, not regulated and that are selling cannabis or hemp-derived products. Any inability or unwillingness of law enforcement authorities to enforce existing laws prohibiting the unlicensed production and sale of cannabis or hemp-derived products could result in increased competition for us. Additionally, illicit products may be unsafe, and negative press caused by such products could impact the reputation of our products with consumers who may not distinguish between responsible suppliers like the Company and illicit operators. Any or all these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Inconsistent public opinion and perception of the cannabis and hemp industries may hinder market growth and state regulation, which would adversely impact our growth plans and current operations and result in an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Public opinion and support for cannabis and hemp-derived THC products has traditionally been inconsistent and varies from state to state. While public opinion and support has historically been increasing in the U.S. for legalizing cannabis and for continued access to hemp-derived THC products, opposition to legalization remains, and the support could diminish. Inconsistent public opinion and perception of cannabis and hemp hinder growth of the hemp industry, which could have a material adverse effect on our business plans, financial condition, and results of operations.
Consumer perception of our products may be significantly influenced by scientific research or findings, regulatory investigations, litigation, media attention, and other publicity regarding the consumption of cannabis and hemp-derived THC products. There can be no assurance that future scientific research and findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention, or other research findings or publicity will be favorable to the cannabis or hemp markets or any particular product, or consistent with earlier publicity. Future research reports, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention, or other publicity that is perceived as less favorable than, or questions earlier research reports, findings, or publicity, could have a material adverse effect on the demand for our products. Our dependence upon consumer perceptions means that such adverse reports, whether or not accurate or with merit, could ultimately have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. Further, publicity reports or other media attention regarding the safety, efficacy, and quality of hemp-derived THC products in general, or our products specifically, or associating the consumption of cannabis or hemp-derived THC products with illness or other effects or events, could have a material effect. A or of quality control processes and procedures could result in consumer perception of our products or legal us. publicity reports or other media attention could arise even if the effects associated with such products resulted from consumers’ to consume such products appropriately or as directed.
Hemp-derived THC products may be shown to have negative health and/or safety impacts upon consumers.
The health and safety impacts of hemp-derived THC products have not yet been established via traditional scientific and/or clinical studies. The FDA appears to believe that certain CBD products may have significant adverse health impacts upon human beings, especially in regard to potential liver toxicity or liver damage. If the FDA, scientific research and/or clinical studies ultimately demonstrate negative health and/or safety impacts of cannabis or hemp-derived THC products on consumers, our business and the trading price of our Common Stock could be materially adversely affected.
We face risks due to industry immaturity or limited comparable, competitive, or established industry best practices.
Because the hemp-derived THC industry is new, there are relatively few operators in the industry whose business models we can follow or build upon. Similarly, there is no or limited information about comparable companies available for potential investors to review in making a decision about whether to invest in us.
Shareholders and investors should consider, among other factors, our prospects for success in light of the risks and uncertainties encountered by companies, like us, that are in their early stages. For example, unanticipated expenses and problems or technical difficulties may occur, which may result in material delays in the operation of our business. We may fail to successfully address these risks and uncertainties or successfully implement our operating strategies. If we fail to do so, it could materially harm our business to the point of having to cease operations and could impair the value of our Common Stock to the extent that investors may lose their entire investment.
The cannabis and hemp industries could face strong opposition from other industries.
We believe that established businesses in other industries may perceive strong economic interests in opposing the development of the cannabis and hemp industries. Cannabis and hemp may be seen by companies in other industries as an attractive alternative to their products, such as alcohol, and as an alternative to various commercial pharmaceuticals. Many industries that could view the emerging cannabis and hemp industries as economic threats are well established, with vast economic and federal and state lobbying resources. It is reported that companies within these industries may have played a role in the recent federal legislation to reverse the 2018 Farm Bill’s legalization of certain hemp products, and it is possible these industries play similar roles in anti-cannabis efforts. Any inroads these companies make in halting or impeding legislative initiatives that would be beneficial to the cannabis and hemp industries could have a detrimental impact on some of our customers and, in turn, on our operations.
Our business depends in part on our customers obtaining and/or maintaining appropriate licensing.
Our business is partly dependent on certain of our customers obtaining various licenses from various municipalities and state licensing agencies. There can be no assurance that any or all licenses necessary for our customers to operate their businesses will be obtained, retained, or renewed. If a licensing body were to determine that a customer of ours had violated applicable rules and regulations, there is a risk the license granted to that customer could be revoked, which could adversely affect our revenue streams from such clients. There can be no assurance that our existing customers will be able to retain their licenses going forward, or that the Company would be able to acquire new customers to sell its products in those markets.
We face risks related to our insurance coverage and uninsurable risks.
Our business is subject to a number of risks and hazards generally, including adverse environmental conditions, accidents, labor disputes, and changes in the regulatory environment. Such occurrences could result in damage to assets, personal injury or death, environmental damage, delays in operations, monetary losses, and possible legal liability.
Although we intend to continue to maintain insurance to protect against certain risks in such amounts as we consider to be reasonable, our insurance will not cover all the potential risks associated with our operations. We may also be unable to maintain insurance to cover these risks at economically feasible premiums, particularly given changes to federal law under the 2026 Appropriations Act. Insurance coverage may cease to be available or may not be adequate to cover any resulting liability. Moreover, insurance against certain hazards encountered in our operations may not be generally available on acceptable terms. We might also become subject to liability for pollution or other hazards which we may not be insured against or which we may elect not to insure against because of premium costs or other reasons. Losses from these events may cause us to incur significant costs that could have a material adverse effect upon our financial performance and results of operations.
We participate in an evolving and volatile industry.
The hemp industry is still new, and many aspects of the industry’s development and evolution cannot be accurately predicted. While we have attempted to identify many risks specific to the hemp industry, you should carefully consider that there are other risks that cannot be foreseen or are not described in this report, which could materially and adversely affect our business and financial performance. We expect that the hemp and cannabis markets and our business will continue to evolve in ways that are difficult to predict. Our long-term success may depend on our ability to successfully adjust our strategy to meet the changing market dynamics. If we are unable to successfully adapt to changes in the hemp and cannabis industries, our operations could be adversely affected.
Banking regulations could limit access to banking services.
Since the use of cannabis is illegal under federal law, and hemp-derived THC may become illegal under the 2026 Appropriations Act, there may be a compelling argument that banks cannot lawfully accept or deposit funds from businesses involved with cannabis, or, after November 12, 2026, hemp-derived THC. Consequently, businesses involved in the cannabis industry often have, and the hemp industry may have, trouble finding a bank willing to accept their business. The inability to open bank accounts may make it difficult for some of our customers or licensees to operate and their reliance on cash can result in a heightened risk of theft, which could harm their businesses and, in turn, harm our business. Although the proposal of the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation Banking Act, also referred to as the SAFER Banking Act, would allow banks to work with cannabis businesses and prevent federal banking regulators from intervening or punishing those banks, the legislation still requires the approval of the U.S. House and Senate. There can be no assurance that the SAFER Banking Act or any similar legislation will become law in the U.S.
Risks Related to Our Business
We have a relatively short operating history, which makes it difficult to evaluate our business and future prospects .
We have a relatively limited operating history, which may make it difficult to evaluate our business and future prospects. Although we were formed in June 2016, we have since discontinued our cultivation and extraction operations and have recently entered new lines of business, including the development and commercialization of hemp-derived THC products and the licensing of consumer packaged goods brands. These newer business lines have a limited operating history, which increases the uncertainty associated with assessing our performance and future results. We have encountered, and will continue to encounter, risks and difficulties frequently experienced by growing companies in rapidly changing industries, including those related to:
market acceptance of our current and future products and services;
changing regulatory environments and costs associated with compliance, particularly as related to our operations in the cannabis- and hemp-related sectors;
our ability to compete with other companies offering similar products and services;
our ability to effectively market our products and services and attract new customers;
the amount and timing of operating expenses, particularly sales and marketing expenses, related to the maintenance and expansion of our business, operations, and infrastructure;
our ability to control costs, including operating expenses;
our ability to manage organic growth and growth fueled by acquisitions;
public perception and acceptance of cannabis- and hemp-related products and services generally; and
general economic conditions and events.
If we do not manage these risks successfully, our business and financial performance will be adversely affected.
We may require additional financing to achieve our goals, and a failure to obtain this necessary capital when needed on acceptable terms, or at all, may force us to delay, limit, reduce, or terminate our product manufacturing and development, and other operations.
As of December 31, 2025, we had approximately $32.2 million of cash and cash equivalents. Our operating plan may change because of factors currently unknown to us, and we may need to seek additional funds sooner than planned. Even if we are able to substantially increase revenue and reduce operational expenditures, we may need to raise additional capital, either through borrowings, private offerings, public offerings, or some type of business combination, such as a merger or buyout, and there can be no assurance that we will be successful in such pursuits. Accordingly, if we are unable to generate adequate cash from operations, and if we are unable to find sources of funding, it may be necessary for us to sell one or more lines of business or all or a portion of our assets, enter into a business combination, or reduce or eliminate operations. These possibilities, to the extent available, may be on terms that result in significant dilution to our shareholders or that result in our investors losing all of their investment in our company.
If we are able to raise additional capital, we do not know what the terms of any such capital raising would be. In addition, any future sale of our equity securities would dilute the ownership and control of investors’ shares and could be at prices substantially below prices at which our shares currently trade. Our inability to raise capital could require us to significantly curtail or terminate our operations. We may seek to increase our cash reserves through the sale of additional equity or debt securities. The sale of convertible debt securities or additional equity securities could result in additional and potentially substantial dilution to our shareholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased debt service obligations and could result in operating and financing covenants that would restrict our operations and liquidity, and ability to pay dividends. In addition, our ability to obtain additional capital on acceptable terms is subject to a variety of uncertainties. We cannot assure you that financing will be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all. Any failure to raise additional funds on favorable terms could have a material effect on our liquidity and financial condition.
We face exposure to fraudulent or illegal activity, and our reputation may be negatively impacted by improper conduct by our business partners, employees or agents.
We face exposure to the risk that employees, independent contractors, or consultants may engage in fraudulent or other illegal activities. Misconduct by these parties could be intentional, reckless and/or negligent conduct. There may be disclosure of unauthorized activities that violate government regulations, manufacturing standards, health care laws, abuse laws, and other financial reporting laws. Further, it may not always be possible for us to identify and deter misconduct by our employees and other third parties, and the precautions taken by us to detect and prevent these activities may not always be effective. As a result, we could face potential penalties and litigation.
Furthermore, we cannot provide assurance that our internal controls and compliance systems will protect us from acts committed by our employees, agents, or contracted third parties in violation of U.S. federal or state or local laws. Any misconduct or even allegations could damage our reputation and subject us to civil or criminal investigations and shareholder lawsuits, could lead to substantial civil and criminal monetary and non-monetary penalties or damages, and could cause us to incur significant legal and investigatory fees.
We face risks associated with strategic acquisitions.
Since our inception, we have strategically acquired several businesses, and we may continue to make strategic acquisitions, some of which may be material. These acquisitions may involve a number of financial, accounting, managerial, operational, legal, compliance, and other risks and challenges, including the following, any of which could adversely affect our results of operations:
any acquired business could under-perform relative to our expectations and the price that we paid for it, or not perform in accordance with its anticipated timetable;
we may incur or assume significant debt in connection with our acquisitions;
acquisitions could cause our results of operations to differ from our own or the investment community’s expectations in any given period, or over the long term; and
acquisitions could create demands on our management that they may be unable to effectively address, or for which we may incur additional costs
Additionally, following any business acquisition, we could experience difficulty in integrating personnel, operations, financial and other systems, and in retaining key employees and customers.
We may record goodwill, intangible assets or other assets on our consolidated balance sheet in connection with our acquisitions. If we are not able to realize the value of these assets, we may be required to incur charges relating to the impairment of these assets, which could materially impact our results of operations.
There can be no assurance that our current and future strategic alliances or expansions of scope of existing relationships will have a beneficial impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We currently have, and may in the future enter into, additional strategic alliances with third parties that we believe will complement or augment our existing business. In particular, we currently have shared services agreements with Green Thumb for significant legal, accounting and operational support, including sales and marketing support. Our ability to complete strategic alliances is dependent upon, and may be limited by, the availability of suitable candidates and capital. In addition, strategic alliances could present unforeseen integration obstacles or costs, may not enhance our business and may involve risks that could adversely affect us, including significant amounts of management time that may be diverted from operations in order to pursue and complete such transactions or maintain such strategic alliances. Future strategic alliances could result in the incurrence of additional debt, costs and contingent liabilities, and there can be no assurance that future strategic alliances will , or that our existing strategic will continue to , the expected benefits to our business or that we will be to consummate future strategic on terms, if at all. of any strategic , including our shared services agreement with Green Thumb, could significantly our business. Any of the foregoing could have a material effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Past and potential future divestitures or other transactions could adversely affect our costs, revenues, profitability and financial position.
In order to position our business to take advantage of particular future growth opportunities and/or consolidate our more capable businesses, we have in the past and may in the future pursue a strategy of focusing on one or more specialized facets of our products and services. These actions may require that we abandon or divest certain assets or businesses that no longer fit within our evolving strategic direction, as we did with the sale of our cultivation business and exit of our extraction business. Abandoning or divesting certain assets or businesses may entail engaging in discussions, evaluating opportunities and entering into agreements, potentially resulting in transactions involving significant risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. We may not be able to find potential buyers on favorable terms, we may experience disruption to our business and/or we may management attention from other business , key employees and possibly retain certain liabilities related to these potential transactions.
We have substantial debt and other financial obligations, and we may incur even more debt. Any failure to meet our debt and other financial obligations or maintain compliance with related covenants could harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
From November 2024 through August 2025, we issued multiple Notes of which $80.0 million in principal is outstanding as of December 31, 2025. The Notes, which rank on parity, are senior secured obligations. The Notes impose certain customary affirmative and negative covenants upon us, including relating to ranking and reservation of shares.
If an event of default under the Notes occurs and is not waived, the holder can elect to accelerate all or a portion of the then-outstanding principal amount of the applicable Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, including default interest, which accrues at a rate per annum equal to 14% from the date of a default or event of default. This immediate payment may negatively impact our financial condition. In addition, any failure to make scheduled payments of interest and principal on our outstanding indebtedness would likely harm our ability to incur additional indebtedness on acceptable terms. Our cash flow and capital resources may be insufficient to pay interest and principal on our debt in the future. If that should occur, our capital raising or debt restructuring measures may be unsuccessful or inadequate to meet our scheduled debt service obligations, which could cause us to on our obligations and further our liquidity.
Our ability to make scheduled payments on our debt and other financial obligations depends on our financial and operating performance. Our financial and operating performance will continue to be subject to prevailing economic conditions and to financial, business, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. Failure within any applicable grace or cure periods to make such payments, or comply with any covenant, would create a default under the Notes. Our cash flow and existing capital resources may be insufficient to repay our debt at maturity, in which case we would have to extend such maturity date, or otherwise repay, refinance, and/or restructure the obligations under the Notes, including with proceeds from the sale of assets, and additional equity or debt capital. If we are unsuccessful in obtaining such extension, or entering into such repayment, refinance, or restructure prior to maturity, or any other default existed under the Notes, the holder could accelerate the indebtedness under the Notes, foreclose against its collateral, or seek other remedies, which would our ability to continue our current operations and raise substantial about the Company’s ability to continue as a going .
We are dependent on key inputs and suppliers; and fluctuations in the cost or availability of materials we use in our products and supply chain could negatively affect our results.
Our business is dependent on a number of key inputs and their related costs, including raw materials, parts and supplies. Any significant interruption or negative change in the availability or economics of the supply chain for key inputs could materially impact our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects. Some of these inputs may only be available from a single supplier or a limited group of suppliers, or be sourced abroad. If a limited source supplier was to go out of business, we might be unable to find a replacement for such source in a timely manner, or at all. If a limited source supplier were to be acquired by a competitor, that competitor may elect not to sell to us in the future. Manufacturing delays or unexpected transportation delays, particularly from materials we source abroad, can also cause us to incur significantly increased costs. Any of these fluctuations may increase our cost of products and have an adverse effect on our profit margins, results of operations and financial condition. Any inability to secure required supplies and services, or to do so on appropriate terms, could have a materially impact on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operations and financial condition.
Our sales are difficult to forecast.
Market data for the industries in which we operate is limited and unreliable. We must rely largely on our own market research to forecast sales, as detailed forecasts are not generally obtainable from other sources. Additionally, any market research and our projections of estimated total retail sales, demographics, demand and similar consumer research, are based on assumptions from limited and unreliable market data and a rapidly evolving market. A failure in the demand for our products to materialize as a result of competition, technological change, failure of states to enforce regulations, state or federal adoption of new regulations or enforcement of regulations previously not enforced, or other factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We may be subject to growth-related risks.
We may be subject to growth-related risks, including capacity constraints and pressure on our internal systems and controls. Our ability to manage growth effectively will require us to continue to implement and improve our operational and financial systems and to expand, train and manage our employees and contractors. Our inability to deal with this growth may have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
We rely on third parties for certain products sold to our customers, which could limit our control over the quality of the products .
The products sold by our hemp-derived beverage business are co-manufactured by third parties. We do not typically have any direct control over these third-party co-manufacturers. These third-party co-manufacturers could experience quality control issues, equipment problems, data loss, and other events relating to the products they produce that could impact the quality of those products. Should the third-party co-manufacturers we rely upon not deliver at standards we expect and desire, acceptance of our products could suffer, which would have an adverse effect on our business and financial performance. Further, we cannot be assured of entering into agreements with such third-party co-manufacturers on economically favorable terms.
We face an inherent risk of product liability and similar claims.
As a producer and distributor of products designed to be ingested by humans, we face an inherent risk of exposure to product liability claims, regulatory action and litigation if our products are alleged to have failed to meet expected standards or to have caused significant loss or injury. In addition, the sale of our products involves the risk of injury to consumers due to tampering by unauthorized third parties or product contamination. Previously unknown adverse reactions resulting from human consumption of our 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 caused injury, illness or death, include inadequate instructions for use or include inadequate concerning possible side effects or interactions with other substances. As an agricultural product, the quality of hemp is inherently variable, and consumers may raise that our quality control or labeling processes have not sufficiently ensured that our grown and manufactured processes are sufficient to meet expected standards. A product liability claim or regulatory action us could result in increased costs, could affect our reputation with our clients and consumers generally and could have a material effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. There can be no assurances that we will be to obtain or maintain product liability insurance on acceptable terms or with adequate coverage potential liabilities. Such insurance is expensive and may not be available in the future on acceptable terms, or at all. The to obtain sufficient insurance coverage on reasonable terms or to otherwise protect potential product liability could prevent or inhibit the commercialization of our potential products.
Our products may be subject to product recalls.
Manufacturers, distributors and retailers 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 labeling 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 amount of sales and may not be able to replace those sales at an acceptable margin, if at all. In addition, a product may require significant management attention. There can be no assurance that any quality, potency or contamination will be detected in time to avoid product , regulatory action or lawsuits. Additionally, if any of our brands were subject to , our image and the image of that brand could be . A for any of the foregoing reasons could lead to decreased demand for our products and could have a material effect on the results of our operations and financial condition. Additionally, product may lead to increased of our operations by the FDA, or other regulatory agencies, requiring further management attention and potential legal fees and other expenses.
The growth and success of our business are significantly affected by the continued contributions of personnel employed by Green Thumb, as well as our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel .
Our growth and success are significantly affected by the continued contributions made by our Chairman of the Board and Interim Chief Executive Officer, Benjamin Kovler, by our Chief Financial Officer, Brad Asher and by other individuals who are employees of Green Thumb and who provide services to us under a shared services agreement. We rely on Mr. Kovler’s expertise in business operations and the cannabis and hemp industries when we are developing or acquiring new products and services and on Mr. Asher’s financial and reporting expertise. If Mr. Kovler or Mr. Asher cannot serve us or are no longer willing to do so, or if Green Thumb no longer provides personnel support to us under the shared services agreements, we may not be able to find alternatives in a timely manner or at all. This may have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, our growth and success will depend to a significant extent on our ability to identify, attract, hire, train and retain qualified professional, creative, technical and managerial personnel. Competition for experience and qualified talent can be intense. We may not be successful in identifying, attracting, hiring, training and retaining such personnel in the future. If we are to hire, assimilate and retain qualified personnel in the future, such could affect our operations.
We rely on third parties, including our largest shareholder, to provide numerous capabilities that we depend upon to operate, and a disruption of these systems could adversely affect our business.
We are dependent on vendors and third-party providers, including the services of the employees of Green Thumb, our largest shareholder, under shared services agreements. A serious disruption to any of these could significantly limit our ability to serve our customers. The failure of one or more such providers to provide the expected services, provide them on a timely basis or provide them at the prices we expect, or otherwise meet our performance standards and expectations (including with respect to data security, compliance and data privacy and protection laws) may adversely affect our business. Further, if we found it necessary to replace any such service provider, disruptions arising from the transition of functions to an alternative provider, or the costs of developing our own functions if we were unable to find an alternate provider, may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. Any disruption could adversely impact our results of operations and the trading price of our common stock.
Our success depends in part upon our ability to protect our intellectual property and protecting and defending against intellectual property claims may have a material adverse effect on our business
Our ability to compete depends, in part, upon the successful protection of our intellectual property, including the core brands we own and license to related parties: Señorita, RYTHM, incredibles, Beboe, Dogwalkers, Doctor Solomon’s, &Shine, and Good Green. We seek to protect our intellectual property rights through a combination of copyright and trademark laws, common law rights, trade secret and unfair competition laws, non-disclosure agreements, confidentiality procedures, and other contractual rights, as well as procedures governing internet and domain name registrations. However, there can be no assurance that these measures will be successful in any given case. We may be unable to prevent the misappropriation, infringement or violation of our intellectual property rights, breach of any contractual obligations to us, or independent development of intellectual property that is similar to ours, any of which could reduce or eliminate any competitive advantage we have developed, adversely affecting our revenues or otherwise our business.
We generally control access to and use of our intellectual property and other confidential information through the use of internal and external controls, including contractual protections with employees, contractors, customers, and partners, and our software is protected by U.S. copyright laws.
Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights through intellectual property laws, licenses and confidentiality arrangements, unauthorized parties may still copy or otherwise obtain and use our trademarks, recipes or other intellectual property. Companies frequently enter into litigation based on allegations of infringement, misappropriation, or violations of intellectual property rights or other laws. Enforcement of our intellectual property rights would be costly, and there can be no assurance that we will have the resources to undertake all necessary action to protect our intellectual property rights or that we will be successful. Any infringement of our material intellectual property rights could require us to redirect resources to actions necessary to protect same and could distract management from our underlying business operations. An infringement of our material intellectual property rights and resulting actions could affect our operations.
Further, from time to time, we may face allegations that we have infringed the trademarks, copyrights, patents, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights of third parties, including competitors or that we have failed to protect our licensees from such infringement claims, resulting in indemnification. If it became necessary for us to resort to litigation to protect these rights, any proceedings could be burdensome, costly and divert the attention of our personnel, and we may not prevail. In addition, any repeal or weakening of laws or enforcement in the U.S. or internationally intended to protect intellectual property rights could make it more difficult for us to adequately protect our intellectual property rights, negatively impacting their value and increasing the cost of enforcing our rights.
We have obtained and applied for certain U.S. and state trademark and service mark registrations and will continue to evaluate the registration of additional trademarks and service marks or, as appropriate. We cannot guarantee that any of our pending trademark applications will be approved by the applicable governmental authorities. Specifically, the federal registrability of ingestible hemp-derived products is difficult to predict given the evolving regulatory landscape for hemp and the USPTO’s reaction to the same. Moreover, even if the trademark applications are approved, third parties may seek to oppose or otherwise challenge these registrations. A failure to obtain registrations for our trademarks could dilute the value of our brands or limit and impede our marketing efforts.
We have licensed the intellectual property for certain of our brands for use by state-licensed cannabis operators. While we do not engage in any cannabis-(or “marijuana-”) related activity under the Controlled Substances Act, changes in state regulations of cannabis, changes in U.S. federal cannabis enforcement policy, or a failure of any licensee to comply with the terms of its license agreement or applicable state and local laws and regulations could impair our Licensing Revenue we generate from any licensee and could also impair the value of our brands.
We do not cultivate, distribute or dispense marijuana as that term is defined by the CSA. We have licensed the use of the intellectual property for certain of our brands to be used in the cannabis industry under state law programs legalizing such activities through state-regulated licenses, although such activities remain illegal under U.S. federal law. While state regulation in certain U.S. states may take a permissive approach to medical and/or adult-use of cannabis, the CSA may still be enforced by U.S. federal law enforcement officials against individuals and companies operating in those states for activity that is legal under state law. In exchange for Licensing Revenue, we license our brands to be used by a state licensed licensee whose operations, while compliant with state laws, are not permitted under federal law. A change in U.S. federal policy on cannabis enforcement and strict enforcement of federal cannabis laws against any licensee could materially impair the Licensing Revenue we receive, if the licensees’ ability to sell their products is materially impaired by such change. It may also impair the value of the brands licensed to such licensees and our operating results and/or financial condition.
While our intellectual property license agreements require that our licensees conduct their business activities in a manner compliant with the applicable state and local laws, regulations and other requirements, we cannot guarantee that the licensees will do so. As a result, federal, state or local government authorities may seek to bring criminal, administrative or regulatory enforcement actions against licensee(s), which could have a material adverse effect on our Licensing Revenue, which in turn could have an adverse effect on our operating results or financial condition.
Licensees in the cannabis industry face challenges unique to that industry that can impact their financial health and long-term viability. If licensees struggle financially or do not remain viable, that can negatively impact our ability to generate Licensing Revenue. As a licensor of brands to cannabis operators, we are not responsible for licensees’ compliance with applicable laws or regulations.
Our intellectual property is subject to repurchase rights, which, if exercised, could materially adversely affect our business.
Under the MC Brands and VCP purchase agreements, Green Thumb or its affiliates may repurchase some or all of the assets we acquired from MC Brands and/or VCP within five years of the respective transaction dates upon the occurrence of specified eligibility conditions, all of which are outside the control of both the Company and Green Thumb. The 2026 Appropriations Act includes an amendment to the definition of hemp under the 2018 Farm Bill that, if implemented as enacted, could materially restrict the commercialization of certain hemp-derived THC products beginning 365 days after enactment. If the amendment becomes effective in its current form and is not repealed, replaced, or otherwise modified prior to its effective date, one of the eligibility conditions under the MC Brands and VCP purchase agreements that could permit the repurchase right to become exercisable would be satisfied. However, the exercise of the repurchase option remains solely within the discretion of Green Thumb and its affiliates. The full eligibility conditions are set forth in the MC Brands and VCP purchase agreements filed on May 22, 2025 and August 27, 2025, respectively.
Licensing Revenue represents, and is expected to continue to represent, a significant portion of our total revenue. If a repurchase option were exercised, we could lose a material source of revenue, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. In such event, the market price of our common stock could decline. The purchase agreements also grant Green Thumb or its affiliates certain rights of first refusal and rights of first offer with respect to specified transactions.
Because we do not control licensees’ actions and we depend on licensees for a substantial portion of our earnings from operations, their conduct could harm our business.
We license to licensees in the cannabis industry the rights to produce and market certain products sold with our trademarks, and we do not exercise any operational or financial control over the licensees’ businesses. If the quality, focus, image or distribution of our licensed brands diminish, consumer acceptance of and demand for our brands could decline. This could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations. Our Licensing Revenue constitutes a substantial portion of our revenue. A decrease in customer demand for any of our licensed brands could have a material adverse effect on our operating results or financial condition. In addition, our inability to replace any existing licensee, if necessary, could adversely affect our revenues and results of operations.
Our ability to use our net operating losses to offset future taxable income may be subject to certain limitations .
The utilization of our net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards is subject to limitations under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC” or the “Code”) of 1986, and similar state tax provisions due to ownership change limitations that may have occurred previously or that could occur in the future. In general, under Section 382, a corporation that undergoes an “ownership change” (as defined under Section 382 of the Code and applicable Treasury Regulations) is subject to limitations on its ability to utilize its pre-change NOLs to offset its future taxable income.
During the quarter ended June 30, 2025, the Company completed an analysis of ownership changes. The analysis identified multiple historical ownership changes that significantly limit the utilization of federal NOLs through the date of the most recent change on November 5, 2024, subjecting them to a minimal annual limitation. The Company is in the process of conducting a similar analysis for state income tax purposes. NOLs generated after November 5, 2024 are not currently subject to this limitation and may be available to offset future taxable income, although any future ownership changes could impose additional limitations. The Company continues to maintain a full valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets, including NOLs, due to the Section 382 limitations resulting from historical ownership changes and the uncertainty surrounding the Company’s ability to generate sufficient taxable income to utilize the remaining NOLs before they expire. Any NOLs that cannot be utilized due to limitations resulting from future ownership changes or a lack of future taxable income would adversely affect our ability to reduce future tax liabilities using past .
Failure by our co-manufacturers to comply with food safety, environmental or other laws and regulations, or with the specifications and requirements of our products, may disrupt our supply of products and adversely affect our business.
If any of our suppliers or co-manufacturers fail to comply with food safety, environmental, health and safety or other laws and regulations, or face allegations of non-compliance, their operations may be disrupted, and our reputation could be harmed. Additionally, our suppliers and co-manufacturers are required to maintain the quality of our products and to comply with our standards and specifications. In the event of actual or alleged non-compliance, we might be forced to find alternative suppliers or co-manufacturers, and we may be subject to lawsuits and/or regulatory enforcement actions related to such non-compliance by the suppliers and co-manufacturers. As a result, our supply of raw materials or finished inventory could be disrupted or our costs could increase, which would adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. The failure of any co-manufacturer to produce products that conform to our standards could adversely affect our reputation in the marketplace and result in product , product liability , government or third-party actions and economic . Additionally, actions we may take to mitigate the impact of any or potential in our supply of raw materials or finished inventory, including increasing inventory in anticipation of a potential supply or production , may affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may not be able to obtain or maintain necessary permits and authorizations.
We may not be able to obtain or maintain the necessary licenses, permits, certificates, authorizations or accreditations to operate our business, or may only be able to do so at great cost. In addition, we may not be able to comply fully with the wide variety of laws and regulations applicable to the hemp-derived products 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 hemp-derived products industry, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We are dependent on the popularity of consumer acceptance of our brand portfolio.
Our ability to generate revenue and be successful in the implementation of our business plan is dependent on consumer acceptance of and demand for our products. Acceptance of our products depends on several factors, including availability, cost, ease of use, familiarity of use, convenience, effectiveness, safety and reliability. If customers do not accept our products, or if such products fail to adequately meet customers’ needs and expectations, our ability to continue generating revenues could be reduced. Additional competition and increased product availability may result in competitors undercutting our prices. From time to time, we may need to reduce our prices in response to competitive and customer pressures and to maintain our market share, which could materially reduce our revenues.
We are and may continue to be subject to constraints on marketing our products.
States have enacted strict regulations regarding marketing and sales activities on hemp-derived products. There may be restrictions on sales and marketing activities imposed by government regulatory bodies that can 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 U.S. 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 selling prices for our products, our sales and operating results could be adversely affected.
Our business and asset portfolio are not highly diversified by either industry or geographically. If our business and assets underperform, our business, financial condition and results of operations would be negatively impacted.
Our current business is focused on hemp-derived THC products and licensing our intellectual property consumer packaged goods brands. Thus, we have, and are expected to have, limited industry diversity as to asset type and revenue generation. Additionally, our hemp-derived THC business is geographically concentrated in the states in which such products are permitted, and new federal, state or local regulations, interpretations, or enforcement actions could limit our ability to manufacture and sell hemp-derived THC products. Our Licensing Revenue is currently limited to Green Thumb for use in their state-licensed cannabis operations. This lack of industry and geographic diversification increases the risk associated with the revenue stream we expect to receive from our businesses and assets and, as a result, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We face risks related to our products.
We have committed and expect to continue committing significant resources and capital to develop and market existing products and new products and services. These products are relatively untested in the marketplace, and we cannot assure shareholders and investors that we will achieve market acceptance for these products, or other new products and services that we may offer in the future, or that our products that achieve market acceptance will be able to maintain that acceptance over time. Moreover, these and other new products and services may be subject to significant competition with offerings by new and existing competitors in the business. In addition, new products and services may pose a variety of challenges. The failure to successfully develop and market these new products and services could seriously harm our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
Risks Related to Ownership of our Common Stock
Concentration of ownership may prevent new investors from influencing significant corporate decisions .
Green Thumb beneficially owns approximately 33% of our outstanding shares of common stock and has the right to acquire more through the exercise of warrants and conversion of notes. As a result, Green Thumb may have the ability to significantly influence matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors, amendment of our articles of incorporation and approval of significant corporate transactions. In addition, our bylaws permit stockholders to act by written consent. Accordingly, this concentration of ownership may have the effect of delaying or preventing or influencing a change of control of our company or changes in management and may make it more difficult to approve certain transactions without the support of Green Thumb. Conversely, this ownership concentration may allow Green Thumb to influence the outcome of transactions that other shareholders do not support.
A large number of shares eligible for public sale could depress the market price of our common stock .
We have filed registration statements to register the shares of common stock underlying outstanding options and shares reserved for future issuance under our equity compensation plans. Upon effectiveness of those registration statement, subject to the satisfaction of applicable exercise periods and subject to our insider trading policy, the shares of common stock issued upon exercise of outstanding options will be available for immediate resale in the U.S. in the open market.
Sales of our common stock as restrictions end or pursuant to registration rights may make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and at a price that we deem appropriate. These sales also could cause our stock price to fall and make it more difficult for you to sell shares of our common stock.
Our failure to meet the continued listing requirements of Nasdaq could result in a de-listing of our common stock.
If we fail to satisfy the rules and continued listing requirements of Nasdaq, such as the requirements relating to corporate governance, shareholder approval, shareholders’ equity or our minimum closing bid price, Nasdaq will take steps to delist our common stock. Such a de-listing would likely have a negative effect on the price of our common stock and would impair stockholders’ ability to sell or purchase our common stock when they wish to do so, as well as adversely affect our ability to issue additional securities and obtain additional financing in the future. In the past, we have received deficiency letters relating to our minimum bid price, committee composition, and shareholders’ equity. While we have regained compliance with those requirements, there can be no assurance that we will remain in compliance or that Nasdaq will interpret shareholder approval requirements consistent with our interpretations.
The exercise of all or any number of outstanding warrants or the issuance of stock-based awards may dilute your holding of shares of our Common Stock.
We have issued several securities providing for the right to purchase our common stock. Investors could be subject to increased dilution upon the exercise of our warrants. A total of approximately 10.9 million warrants were issued and outstanding as of March 3, 2026.
Investors may experience dilution in the value of their investment upon the exercise of the warrants and any equity awards that may be granted or issued pursuant to the 2022 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan.
Provisions in our articles of incorporation, our by-laws and Nevada law might discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company or changes in our management and, therefore, depress the trading price of our Common Stock .
Provisions of our articles of incorporation, our by-laws and Nevada law may have the effect of deterring unsolicited takeovers or delaying or preventing a change in control of our company or changes in our management, including transactions in which our stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares over then current market prices. In addition, these provisions may limit the ability of stockholders to approve transactions that they may deem to be in their best interests. These provisions include:
the inability of stockholders to call special meetings; and
the ability of our board of directors to designate the terms of and issue new series of preferred stock without stockholder approval, which could include the right to approve an acquisition or other change in our control or could be used to institute a rights plan, also known as a poison pill, that would work to dilute the stock ownership of a potential hostile acquirer, likely preventing acquisitions that have not been approved by our board of directors.
The existence of the forgoing provisions and anti-takeover measures could limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our Common Stock. They could also deter potential acquirers of our company, thereby reducing the likelihood that you could receive a premium for your Common Stock in an acquisition.
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act, and a “smaller reporting company” within the meaning of the Securities Act, and we cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies or smaller reporting companies will make our Common Stock less attractive to investors.
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act. For as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we may take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies, including (1) not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, (2) reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in this report and our periodic reports and proxy statements and (3) exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. In addition, as an emerging growth company, we are only required to provide two years of audited consolidated financial statements and two years of selected financial data in this report. We could be an emerging growth company for up to five years, although circumstances could cause us to lose that status earlier, including if the market value of our Common Stock held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of any March 31 before that time or if we have total annual gross revenue of $1.0 billion or more during any fiscal year before that time, after which, in each case, we would no longer be an emerging growth company as of the following December 31 or, if we issue more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during any three-year period before that time, we would cease to be an emerging growth company immediately.
Additionally, we are a “smaller reporting company” as defined in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K. Smaller reporting companies may take advantage of certain reduced disclosure obligations, including, among other things, providing only two years of audited consolidated financial statements. We will remain a smaller reporting company until the last day of the fiscal year in which (1) the market value of our shares of Common Stock held by non-affiliates exceeds $250 million as of the prior June 30, or (2) our annual revenues exceeded $100 million during such completed fiscal year and the market value of our ordinary shares held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the prior June 30. To the extent we take advantage of such reduced disclosure obligations, it may also make comparison of our consolidated financial statements with other public companies difficult or impossible.
After we are no longer a “smaller reporting company,” or “emerging growth company” we expect to incur additional management time and cost to comply with the more stringent reporting requirements applicable to companies that are deemed accelerated filers or large accelerated filers, including complying with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We cannot predict or estimate the amount of additional costs we may incur or the timing of such costs.
We have not and do not expect to declare any dividends to our shareholders in the foreseeable future .
We have not and do not anticipate declaring any cash dividends to holders of our Common Stock in the foreseeable future. Consequently, investors may need to rely on sales of their Common Stock after price appreciation, which may never occur, as the only way to realize any future gains on their investment. Investors seeking cash dividends should not purchase our Common Stock.
As a public company, we are obligated to develop and maintain proper and effective internal control over financial reporting. These internal controls may not be determined to be effective, which may adversely affect investor confidence in our company and, as a result, the value of our Common Stock .
We are required, pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, to annually furnish a report by management on, among other things, the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. This assessment includes disclosure of any material weaknesses identified by our management in our internal control over financial reporting. If we identify one or more material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, we will be unable to assert that our internal controls are effective. If we are unable to assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, or if our auditors are unable to express an opinion on the effectiveness of our internal controls, we could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, which would have a material adverse effect on the price of our Common Stock.
General Risk Factors
Increases in costs, disruption of supply or shortage of raw materials could harm our business .
We may experience increases in the cost or a sustained interruption in the supply or shortage of raw materials. Any such increase or supply interruption could materially negatively impact our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results. We use various raw materials in our business including agricultural products that are subject to supply shortages resulting from, among other factors, weather conditions and tariffs. The prices for these raw materials fluctuate depending on market conditions and global demand for these materials and could adversely affect our business and operating results. Substantial increases in the prices for our raw materials increase our operating costs and could reduce our margins if we cannot recoup the increased costs through increased prices for our products and services.
Litigation may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations .
From time to time in the normal course of our business operations, we may become subject to litigation involving intellectual property, data privacy and security, consumer protection, commercial disputes and other matters that may negatively affect our operating results if changes to our business operation are required. Moreover, parties may attempt to file claims against us in connection with lines of business that we have divested, and our ability to recover such amounts through indemnification may be limited. Due to our manufacturing and sale of our products, we may also be subject to a variety of claims including product warranty, product liability, and consumer protection claims related to product defects, among other litigation. We may also be subject to claims involving health and safety, hazardous materials usage, other environmental impacts, or service or . The cost to such may be significant and may require a of our resources. There also may be publicity associated with that could affect customer perception of our business, regardless of whether the are valid or whether we are ultimately found liable. As a result, may affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, insurance may not cover existing or future , be sufficient to fully compensate us for one or more of such or continue to be available on terms acceptable to us. A claim brought us that is or could result in costs, thereby affecting our results of operations and resulting in a reduction in the trading price of our stock.
An active, liquid, and orderly trading market for our Common Stock may not develop, the price of our stock may be volatile, and you could lose all or part of your investment .
The trading price of our Common Stock may be highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors, some of which are beyond our control. Our stock price could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to a variety of factors, which include:
whether we achieve our anticipated corporate objectives;
actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly or annual operating results;
changes in our financial or operational estimates or projections;
our ability to implement our operational plans;
changes in the economic performance or market valuations of companies similar to ours; and
general economic or political conditions in the U.S. or elsewhere.
In addition, the stock market in general, and the market for cannabis and hemp-related companies, has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. Broad market and industry factors may seriously affect the market price of companies’ stock, including ours, regardless of actual operating performance. In addition, in the past, following periods of volatility in the overall market and the market price of a particular company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against these companies. This litigation, if instituted against us, could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our management’s attention and resources.
We incur increased costs and demands upon management as a result of complying with the laws and regulations affecting public companies, which could adversely affect our operating results .
As a public company, we incur significant legal, accounting, and other expenses, including costs associated with public company reporting and corporate governance requirements. These requirements include compliance with Section 404 and other provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as well as rules implemented by the Securities and Exchange Commission, or (“SEC”), and Nasdaq. We expect complying with these rules and regulations will substantially increase our legal and financial compliance costs, make some activities more difficult, time-consuming or costly and may place undue strain on our personnel, systems and resources, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
As a public company, we also expect that it may be more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and we may be required to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. As a result, it may be more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified individuals to serve on our board of directors or as our executive officers.
Data privacy and security concerns relating to our technology and our practices could damage our reputation, cause us to incur significant liability, and deter current and potential users or customers from using our products and services. Software bugs or defects, security breaches, and attacks on our systems could result in the improper disclosure and use of user data and interference with our users and customers’ ability to use our products and services, harming our business operations and reputation.
Concerns about our practices with regard to the collection, use, disclosure, or security of personal information or other data-privacy-related matters, even if unfounded, could harm our reputation, financial condition, and operating results. Our policies and practices may change over time as expectations regarding privacy and data change. Our products and services involve the storage and transmission of proprietary information, and bugs, theft, misuse, defects, vulnerabilities in our products and services, and security breaches expose us to a risk of loss of this information, improper use and disclosure of such information, litigation, and other potential liability. Systems and control failures, security breaches and/or inadvertent disclosure of user data could result in government and legal exposure, our reputation and brand and, therefore, our business, and our ability to attract and retain customers.
We may experience cyber-attacks and other attempts to gain unauthorized access to our systems. We may experience future security issues, whether due to employee error or malfeasance or system errors or vulnerabilities in our or other parties’ systems, which could result in significant legal and financial exposure. We may be unable to anticipate or detect attacks or vulnerabilities or implement adequate preventative measures. Attacks and security issues could also compromise trade secrets and other sensitive information, harming our business. As a result, we may suffer significant legal, reputational, or financial exposure, which could harm our business, financial condition, and operating results.
If our shares of Common Stock become subject to the penny stock rules, it would become more difficult to trade our shares .
The SEC has adopted rules that regulate broker-dealer practices in connection with transactions in penny stocks. Penny stocks are generally equity securities with a price of less than $5.00, other than securities registered on certain national securities exchanges or authorized for quotation on certain automated quotation systems, provided that current price and volume information with respect to transactions in such securities is provided by the exchange or system. If we do not retain a listing on Nasdaq and if the price of our Common Stock is less than $5.00, our Common Stock will be deemed a penny stock. The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, before a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from those rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document containing specified information. In addition, the penny stock rules require that before effecting any transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from those rules, a broker-dealer must make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive (i) the purchaser’s written acknowledgment of the receipt of a risk disclosure statement; (ii) a written agreement to transactions involving penny stocks; and (iii) a signed and dated copy of a written suitability statement. These disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing the trading activity in the secondary market for our Common Stock, and therefore stockholders may have difficulty selling their shares.
The financial and operational projections that we may make from time to time are subject to inherent risks .
The projections that our management may provide from time to time (including, but not limited to, those relating to potential peak sales amounts, production, and supply dates, and other financial or operational matters) reflect numerous assumptions made by management, including assumptions with respect to our specific as well as general business, economic, market and financial conditions and other matters, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. Accordingly, there is a risk that the assumptions made in preparing the projections, or the projections themselves, will prove inaccurate. There will be differences between actual and projected results, and actual results may be materially different from those contained in the projections. The inclusion of the projections in this report should not be regarded as an indication that we or our management or representatives considered or consider the projections to be a reliable prediction of future events, and the projections should not be relied upon as such.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about us, our business, or our market, or if they change their recommendations regarding our stock adversely, our stock price and trading volume could decline .
The trading market for our Common Stock will be influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts may publish about us, our business, our market or our competitors. If any of the analysts who may cover us change their recommendation regarding our stock adversely, or provide more favorable relative recommendations about our competitors, our stock price would likely decline. If any analyst who may cover us were to cease coverage of our company or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline.
