Item 1A. Risk Factors
The Company is subject to a number of risks potentially impacting its business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows, many of which are beyond its control. The risks and uncertainties described in this Form 10-K are those the Company currently believes to be material, but they are not the only ones faced by the Company. If any of the following risks, or any other risks and uncertainties not identified or currently not considered to be material, actually occur or become material risks, the Company's business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, and consequently the price of the Common Shares could be materially and adversely affected. In all these cases, the trading price of the Company's securities could decline, and investors could lose all or part of their investment.
Investors should carefully consider the risk factors set out below and consider all other information contained herein and in the Company’s other public filings when evaluating an investment decision.
Risks Relating to the Regulatory Environment
The regulatory environment surrounding hemp is uncertain, varies among jurisdictions, and is subject to change. The 2018 Farm Bill provides that states and Native American tribes may assume primary regulatory authority over the production of hemp in their jurisdictions through a hemp plan approved by the USDA. As of the date hereof, the USDA has approved over 90 state and tribal hemp production plans submitted after the USDA FR became effective. If a state does not elect to devise a hemp regulatory program, the USDA’s program will govern licensees in such states. Continued development of the hemp industry will depend on continued legislative authorization of hemp at the state level, and further amendment or supplementation of legislation at the federal level. Any number of events or occurrences could slow or halt progress all together in this space. Numerous factors may impact or negatively affect the legislative process(es) within the various states the Company has business interests in. Any one of these factors could slow or halt use of hemp or hemp cannabinoids such as CBD, which would negatively impact the Company’s business or growth, including possibly causing the Company to discontinue operations as a whole.
Legislative and regulatory uncertainties, along with difficulties concerning potential enforcement activities by U.S. federal, state and local governments (or discretion exercised thereby), also represent significant risks to the Company’s business activities. Possible risks include, but are not limited to:
• positions asserted by the FDA concerning products containing derivatives from hemp;
• uncertainty surrounding the characterization of cannabinoids as a dietary ingredient by the FDA; and
• enforcement activities by state and/or local law enforcement and regulatory authorities under the auspice of individual state law, regardless of any potential conflict thereby with federal law.
If the Company’s operations are found to be in violation of any of such laws or any other governmental regulations, or if applicable laws or regulations change or the enforcement of applicable laws or regulations changes, the Company may be subject to penalties, including,
without limitation, civil and criminal penalties, damages, fines, the curtailment or restructuring of the Company’s operations or asset seizures, any of which could adversely affect the Company’s business and financial results.
The future of hemp regulation at the Federal level is unclear. Federal regulations under the 2018 Farm Bill were promulgated in the USDA FR on January 19, 2021. The USDA FR governs the domestic production of hemp under the 2018 Farm Bill and also specifies the provisions that a state or tribal hemp plan must contain to be in compliance with the 2018 Farm Bill. DEA’s interpretation of the 2018 Farm Bill has been promulgated in the DEA IFR, published on August 21, 2020. The DEA IFR remains subject to change. FDA regulations have not been issued and it is not clear at this time how the FDA will treat hemp products. Additional unfavorable requirements from the DEA or FDA may have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371), enacted on November 12, 2025, ended a government shutdown but included a significant, controversial provision affecting the hemp industry. This act (Section 781) revised the federal definition of hemp with an effective date of November 12, 2026, giving the industry a one-year transition period to comply. Changes to the definition of hemp include limiting hemp and intermediate hemp-derived cannabinoid product to 0.3% total THC (including THCA) on dry weight basis, and limiting final hemp products intended for human or animal use (ingestion, inhalation, topical use) to no more than 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container, regardless of the container size. This would negatively impact a large percentage of existing full-spectrum hemp products in the market. Several legislative efforts are underway to repeal or amend these provisions before they take effect in November 2026. If these efforts are unsuccessful and the revised definition goes into effect in November 2026, it would have a have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Company’s products are subject to numerous and diverse regulatory requirements which may restrict the Company’s ability to sell its product, and regulatory compliance costs may affect the Company’s business and financial results. The production, labeling and distribution of the Company’s products are regulated by various federal, state and local agencies. These governmental authorities may commence regulatory or legal proceedings, which could restrict the permissible scope of the Company’s product claims or the ability to sell its products in the future.
The Company is subject to regulation by various agencies as a result of the manufacture and sale of its hemp-based wellness products. The shifting compliance environment, and the need to build and maintain robust systems to comply with different regulations in multiple jurisdictions, increases the possibility that the Company may violate one or more of the requirements. If the Company’s operations are found to be in violation of any of such laws or any other governmental regulations, or perceived to be in violation thereof, the Company may be subject to penalties or other negative effects, including, without limitation, civil and criminal penalties, damages, fines, the curtailment or restructuring of the Company’s operations or asset seizures and the denial of regulatory applications (including those regulatory regimes outside of the scope of the FDA's jurisdiction, but which may rely on the positions of the FDA in the application of its regulatory regime), any of which could affect the Company’s business and financial results. In addition, the FDA is expected to make determinations as to how certain CBD products will be regulated and is expected to, in the long term, consider modernization in its regulation of dietary supplements generally. The FDA and/or Congress may also develop a new regulatory pathway or pursue legislation that imposes requirements beyond those currently applicable to dietary supplements. There can be no assurance that any such new or additional regulations would not have a material effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
Failure to comply with FDA requirements may result in, among other things, injunctions, product withdrawals, recalls, product seizures, fines and criminal prosecutions. The Company’s advertising is subject to regulation by the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") under the Federal Trade Commission Act ("FTC Act") as well as subject to regulation by the FDA under the DSHEA. In previous years, the FTC has initiated numerous investigations of dietary and nutritional supplement products and companies based on allegedly deceptive or misleading claims, and also released guidance aimed at strengthening its substantiation requirements for health-related claims. At any point, enforcement strategies of a given agency can change as a result of other litigation in the space or changes in political landscapes, and could result in increased enforcement efforts, which could materially impact the Company’s business. Additionally, some states also permit advertising and labeling laws to be enforced by state attorneys general, who may seek relief for consumers, class action certifications, class wide and of products sold by the Company. Private may also seek relief for consumers, class action certifications, class wide and of products sold by the Company. Any actions the Company by governmental authorities or private could have a material impact on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
Compliance with changes in legal, regulatory and industry standards may adversely affect the Company’s business. The formulation, manufacturing, packaging, labelling, handling, distribution, importation, exportation, licensing, sale and storage of the Company’s
products are affected by extensive laws, governmental regulations, administrative determinations, court decisions and similar constraints. Such laws, regulations and other constraints may exist at the federal, state, or local levels. The interplay of these federal, state, and local regulatory frameworks creates a dynamic and often uncertain regulatory environment. The Company expects continued evolution in the laws governing hemp-derived cannabinoids, including potential congressional action, FDA rulemaking, state legislation, and state agency rulemaking.
At the state level, the regulatory environment for hemp-derived products is highly fragmented. States have adopted different definitions of allowable cannabinoids, potency limits, serving sizes, packaging and labeling requirements, testing mandates, age restrictions, and sales channel limitations. Several states have enacted specific rules governing hemp-derived Delta-9 THC products, including potency caps and restrictions on intoxicating formulations. Others have banned certain forms of hemp-derived cannabinoids altogether, citing public health concerns. These divergent laws may require reformulation, labeling adjustments, packaging updates, and market-specific strategies. Certain products may not be legal for sale in particular states, and the Company’s distribution decisions must account for these differences.
Failure by the Company to comply with the current or evolving regulatory framework at the federal, state, and local level could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Company is subject to regulations that could impact its ability to sell its product internationally. The Company has conducted sales in various international jurisdictions and the Company intends to expand internationally. As a result, it is and will become further subject to the laws and regulations of (as well as international treaties among) the foreign jurisdictions in which it operates or imports or exports products or materials. In addition, the Company may avail itself of proposed legislative changes in certain jurisdictions to expand its product portfolio, which expansion may include business and regulatory compliance risks as yet undetermined. Failure by the Company to comply with the current or evolving regulatory framework in any jurisdiction could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. There is the possibility that any such international jurisdiction could determine that the Company was not or is not compliant with applicable local regulations. If the Company’s historical or current sales or operations were found to be in violation of such international regulations, the Company may be subject to enforcement actions in such jurisdictions including, but not limited to civil and criminal penalties, , , the or of the Company’s operations or asset seizures and the of regulatory applications.
Cannabis-related financial transactions are subject to a variety of laws that vary by jurisdiction, many of which are unsettled and still developing. While the interpretations of these laws are unclear in some jurisdictions, financial benefit, directly or indirectly, arising from conduct that would be considered unlawful in such jurisdiction may be viewed to be within the purview of such laws, and persons receiving any such benefit, including investors in an applicable jurisdiction, may be subject to liability. Each prospective investor should contact their own legal advisor.
There has been an increasing movement in certain markets to increase the regulation of natural health products, which will impose additional restrictions or requirements. In addition, there has been increased regulatory scrutiny of nutritional supplements and marketing claims under existing and new regulations. Such anticipated regulatory and standards changes may introduce some risk and harm the Company’s operations if its products or advertising activities are found to violate existing or new regulations, or if the Company is not able to affect necessary changes to its products in a timely and efficient manner to respond to new regulations.
Entry into international markets diverts management attention and requires financial resources that could be spent elsewhere and poses increased costs due to numerous banking, compliance, financial, legal, market, and reputational issues. The Company’s entry into new international markets requires management attention and financial resources that would otherwise be spent on other parts of its business. The Company’s international sales could expose it to risks and expenses inherent in operating or selling products in foreign jurisdictions, and developing and emerging markets in particular where the risks may be heightened. These risks and expenses include:
• adverse currency exchange rate fluctuations;
• risks associated with complying with laws and regulations in the countries in which the Company’s products are sold, such as requirements to apply for and obtain licenses, permits or other approvals for the Company’s products, and the delays associated with obtaining such licenses, permits or other approvals;
• the costs of adapting products for sale in foreign countries, including changes to formulations, formats, labelling or packaging;
• multiple, changing, and often inconsistent enforcement of laws, rules and regulations, including regulations and standards relating to consumer health products;
• risks associated with the reliance on the Company’s international distributors, including the possible failure of its international distributors to appropriately understand, represent and effectively market and sell the Company’s products;
• damage to the Company’s reputation or brand if counterfeit versions of the Company’s products are introduced into its international markets;
• damage to the Company’s brand or reputation, or consumer confusion, if CBD products are categorized according to local regulation as marijuana, medical marijuana or a similar category;
• the imposition of additional foreign governmental controls or regulations, new or enhanced trade restrictions or non-tariff barriers to trade, or restrictions on the activities of foreign agents, representatives, employees and distributors;
• increases in taxes, tariffs, customs and duties, or costs associated with compliance with import and export licensing and other compliance requirements;
• downward pricing pressure on the Company’s products in international markets, due to competitive factors or otherwise;
• laws and business practices favoring local companies;
• political, social or economic unrest or instability, including, without limitation, disruptions due to armed conflicts;
• greater risk on credit terms, longer payment cycles and difficulties in enforcing agreements and collecting receivables through certain foreign legal systems;
• difficulties in enforcing or defending intellectual property rights; and
• the effect of disruptions caused by severe weather, natural disasters, outbreak of disease or other events that make travel to a particular region less attractive or more difficult.
The Company’s international efforts may not produce desired levels of sales. Furthermore, its experience with selling products in its current international markets may not be relevant or may not necessarily translate into favorable results if the Company sells in other international markets. If and when the Company enters into new markets in the future, it may experience different competitive conditions, less familiarity with its brands and/or different consumer tastes and discretionary spending patterns. As a result, the Company may be less successful than expected in expanding its sales in its current and targeted international markets. Sales into new international markets may take longer to ramp up and reach expected sales and profit levels, or may never do so, thereby affecting its overall growth and profitability. To build brand awareness in new markets, the Company may need to make greater investments in advertising and promotional activity than originally planned, which could negatively impact the profitability of its sales in those markets. These, or one or more of the factors listed above, may harm the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition. Any material decrease in the Company’s international sales or could also impact its business, results of operations or financial condition.
Additionally, the Company may expand its product offerings and/or expand into new international markets, each of which will require management attention and financial resources that would otherwise be spent on other parts of its business. Such expansion would expose the Company to risks and expenses inherent in selling new products and offering products in new foreign jurisdictions, which could increase its operational, regulatory, compliance, reputational and foreign exchange rate risks. The failure of the Company’s operating infrastructure to support such expansion could result in operational failures and regulatory fines or sanctions. Future product, market or international expansion could require the Company to incur a number of up-front expenses, including those associated with obtaining regulatory clearance or approvals, as well as additional ongoing expenses, including those associated with infrastructure, staff and regulatory compliance. Any expansion efforts will be subject to various laws, regulations and guidelines that are subject to change over time, and result in increased costs and risk associated with regulatory compliance. In addition, product and market expansion could impact the Company’s current product offerings, brand, and reputation, any of which could have a material adverse impact on its business, financial condition and results of operations.
The designation of cannabinoids as a New Dietary Ingredient (NDI) or as an impermissible adulterant are uncertain. The FD&C Act requires that manufacturers who wish to market dietary supplements that contain "new dietary ingredients" ("NDI") notify the FDA with their basis for concluding that a dietary supplement containing such dietary ingredient will reasonably be expected to be safe. There is substantial uncertainty and different interpretations among state and federal regulatory agencies, legislators, academics and businesses as to whether cannabinoids were present in the food supply and marketed prior to October 15, 1994, or whether such inclusion of cannabinoids are permissible dietary ingredients under the FD&C Act. The uncertainties cannot be resolved without further federal legislation, regulation, or a definitive judicial interpretation of existing legislation, regulation and rules. For instance, on July 23, 2021, the Company was advised by the FDA of its objection to a NDIN submitted by the Company earlier in 2021. The Company's submission was objected to on the basis that a full-spectrum hemp extract does not meet the definition of a dietary supplement because the FDA has taken the position that CBD was not marketed as a dietary supplement or conventional food prior to its authorization for investigation as a new drug. The Company disagrees with the FDA’s position that CBD was not marketed as dietary supplement or food prior to the of CBD as a new drug, and believes there are this position. There is no guarantee that federal legislation, regulation, or judicial action will override the FDA’s position and permit the use of CBD as an NDI, or as a dietary ingredient generally. If the FDA’s position is not modified, this would have a materially effect upon the Company and its business.
The FDA interpretation of IND Preclusion could be disruptive to the Company’s ability to sell its products. The FDA has taken the position that CBD cannot be added to food or marketed as a dietary supplement because it was the subject of investigation as a new drug (i.e., IND Preclusion). The FDA has asserted its IND Preclusion position in a Warning Letter to the Company. The Company responded to the Warning Letter with its position that CBD was marketed in a dietary supplement or food prior to substantial clinical investigations being instituted and being made public. Any attempt by the FDA to enforce the IND Preclusion could adversely impact the Company’s business and management focus as the Company would need to take appropriate actions to defend its position.
The FDA enforcement against the sale and marketing of CBD products under the FD&C Act could target the Company and adversely impact the Company’s business and financial position. The FDA continues to enforce against violations of the FD&C Act by issuing warning letters to companies marketing and selling hemp-derived CBD products. Over the past several years, the FDA has issued warning letters to companies marketing and selling unapproved hemp-derived CBD products. The letters reiterate the agency’s position that CBD cannot be added to food and dietary supplements and targeted companies whose products violated the FD&C Act’s prohibition against: i) marketing CBD as or in a dietary supplement, human and animal food, or food additives; ii) marketing a dietary supplement, human and animal food, or cosmetic with disease or drug claims (i.e., claims suggesting that a product is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease); iii) including a substance in human or animal food when that substance is not GRAS; and iv) selling products that are due to their to include "adequate directions for use by a layperson". On March 22, 2021, the agency issued letters to two companies for selling OTC products labeled as containing CBD, the products were marketed drugs and due to prominent featuring of CBD on the labeling, followed by additional letters issued in 2021 and 2022. The FDA’s enforcement the sale and marketing of CBD products has to date been limited to the issuance of letters, but other enforcement means are available to the FDA, including civil and . The FDA’s current prohibition on certain hemp-derived products and the unknowns and associated risks of potential future regulations governing hemp-derived CBD products create risk for the Company’s business.
On January 26, 2023, the FDA announced its conclusion that existing regulatory pathways are not appropriate for CBD and that a new regulatory pathway would benefit consumers by providing safeguards and oversight to manage and minimize risks related to CBD products. The agency also stated it is prepared to work with Congress on this matter and that it "will continue to take action against CBD and other cannabis-derived products to protect the public, in coordination with state regulatory partners, when appropriate" by "monitoring the marketplace, identifying products that pose risks and acting within our authorities." If the FDA does not work expeditiously with Congress to develop a new pathway, or if Congress does not proceed with its own legislative initiatives to advance a regulatory framework for CBD products, this could delay the development of a regulatory regime for CBD and have an adverse effect on the business of the Company. In addition, it is possible a new framework could impose additional regulatory requirements for the marketing of CBD products, which may have an adverse impact on the business of the Company.
The FTC may take enforcement actions against companies selling CBD products, including the Company. The FTC and the FDA often coordinate enforcement efforts where the agencies have overlapping jurisdiction, including with respect to the advertising, labeling, and promotion of food, cosmetics, medical devices, and OTC drugs. In the CBD product marketplace, the FTC has joined the FDA in the issuance of a number of warning letters to companies warning that the company’s advertisements were not supported by competent and reliable scientific evidence and thus violate the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. § 41 et. seq. The FTC has also issued independent warning letters to companies selling CBD products. These warning letters allege that companies make exaggerated or false and misleading claims about their CBD products without rigorous scientific evidence to substantiate the claims. On December 20, 2022, the FTC released a Health Products Compliance Guidance that covers all health-related product advertising and to substantiate health-related that emphasizes the need to support health-related with high quality randomized, placebo-controlled human clinical trials, which may signal the FTC is preparing to more closely such compared to previous years. The unknowns and associated risks of potential future FTC enforcement actions create risk for the Company’s business.
The DEA Interpretation of the 2018 Farm Bill could cause the DEA to take enforcement action against the Company’s intermediate hemp products. Through the DEA IFR, the DEA takes the position that material that exceeds 0.3% delta-9 THC remains controlled in Schedule I of the CSA, regardless of its status as in-process material that may only temporarily have a THC content over 0.3%. The DEA IFR may create risk for the Company’s business. Enforcement of the DEA IFR, or any Final Rule that carries forward the rulemaking in the DEA Rule, may result in, among other things, injunctions, product withdrawals, recalls, product seizures, fines, and criminal prosecutions. Additionally, enforcement of the DEA IFR could jeopardize the legality of the Company’s intermediate hemp products, such as in-process hemp extract that is incorporated in the Company’s finished products. Such enforcement would not only disrupt the Company’s operations, but it would also constrict the Company’s supply chain.
Any inability to obtain required regulatory approval and permits could limit the Company’s ability to conduct its business. The Company may be required to obtain and maintain certain permits, licenses, product registrations and approvals in the jurisdictions where its products are sold. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain or maintain any necessary licenses, product registrations or approvals. Any material delay or inability to receive these items is likely to delay and/or inhibit the Company’s ability to conduct its business, and would have an adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Company is subject to environmental, health and safety laws, compliance with such laws may be costly, and any failure to comply with such laws could negatively impact the Company’s results of operations or financial position. The Company is subject to environmental, health and safety laws and regulations in each jurisdiction in which the Company operates. Such regulations govern, among other things, emissions of pollutants into the air, wastewater discharges, waste disposal, the investigation and remediation of soil and groundwater contamination, and the health and safety of the Company’s employees. For example, the Company’s products and the raw materials used in its production processes are subject to numerous environmental laws and regulations. The Company may be required to obtain environmental permits from governmental authorities for certain of its current or proposed operations. The Company may not have been, nor may it be able to be at all times, in full compliance with such laws, regulations and permits. If the Company violates or fails to comply with these laws, regulations or permits, the Company could be fined or otherwise sanctioned by regulators.
As with other companies engaged in similar activities, or that own or operate real property, the Company faces inherent risks of environmental liability at its current and historical production sites. Certain environmental laws impose strict and, in certain circumstances, joint and several liability on current or previous owners or operators of real property for the cost of the investigation, removal or remediation of hazardous substances as well as liability for related damages to natural resources. In addition, the Company may discover new facts or conditions that may change its expectations, or be faced with changes in environmental laws or their enforcement that would increase its liabilities.
The Company’s costs of complying with current and future environmental and health and safety laws, liabilities arising from past or future releases of, or exposure to, regulated materials, or more vigorous enforcement of environmental and employee health and safety laws, may have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
Regulatory uncertainty with respect to anti-money laundering laws and regulations impact on the CBD and cannabis related businesses, if revised or resolved unfavorably to the Company’s interests, may have an adverse effect on the Company’s business. The Company is subject to a variety of laws and regulations in Canada and the United States and elsewhere that involve money laundering, financial recordkeeping and proceeds of crime, including the U.S. Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970 (commonly known as the "Bank Secrecy Act"), as amended by Title III of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 ("USA Patriot Act"), the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist
Financing Act (Canada), the Criminal Code ("Canada"), as amended and the rules and regulations thereunder, and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by governmental authorities in the United States and Canada.
In February 2014, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network ("FinCEN") of the U.S. Department of the Treasury issued a memorandum providing instructions to banks seeking to provide services to cannabis related businesses (the "FinCEN Memo"). The FinCEN Memo states that in some circumstances, it may not be appropriate to prosecute banks that provide services to cannabis related businesses for violations of federal money laundering laws. It refers to supplementary guidance that Deputy Attorney General Cole issued to federal prosecutors relating to the prosecution of money laundering offenses predicated on cannabis-related violations of the CSA. It is unclear at this time whether the current administration will follow the guidelines of the FinCEN Memo. Under U.S. federal law, banks or other financial institutions that provide a cannabis-related business with a checking account, debit or credit card, small business loan, or any other service could be found guilty of money laundering, aiding and abetting, or .
On December 3, 2019, the Federal Reserve Board, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, FinCEN, and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in consultation with the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, issued a statement to provide clarity regarding the legal status of commercial growth and production of hemp and relevant requirements for banks under the Bank Secrecy Act. The statement emphasized that banks were no longer required to file suspicious activity reports for customers solely because they are engaged in the growth or cultivation of hemp in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. On June 29, 2020, FinCEN issued a guidance document explaining how financial institutions can conduct due diligence for hemp-related businesses. Regulatory uncertainty in respect of the laws, rules, regulations and directives facing banks which provide services to CBD and cannabis industry participants, if revised or resolved unfavorably to the Company’s interest, may materially and adversely affect the business of the Company.
If any of the Company’s investments, or any proceeds thereof, any dividends or distributions therefrom, or any profits or revenues accruing from such investments in the United States or Canada were found to be in violation of money laundering legislation or otherwise, such transactions may be viewed as proceeds of crime under one or more of the statutes noted above or any other applicable legislation. This could restrict or otherwise jeopardize the ability of the Company to declare or pay dividends, effect other distributions or subsequently repatriate such funds back to Canada. Furthermore, while the Company has no current intention to declare or pay dividends on its Common Shares in the foreseeable future, the Company may decide or be required to suspend declaring or paying dividends without advance notice and for an indefinite period of time.
The Company could be adversely affected by violations of the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act (Canada), the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other similar anti-bribery laws. The Company's business is subject to the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act (Canada) and the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA") and other similar laws which generally prohibit companies and employees from engaging in bribery or other prohibited payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. In addition, the Company is or will be subject to the anti-bribery laws of any other countries in which it conducts business now or in the future. The Company's employees or other agents may, without its knowledge and despite its efforts, engage in conduct prohibited under its policies and procedures and under anti-bribery laws, for which it may be held responsible. The Company's policies mandate compliance with these anti- and anti- laws. However, there can be no assurance that the Company's internal control policies and procedures will always protect it from , behavior, or other acts committed by the Company's affiliates, employees, contractors or agents. If the Company's employees or other agents are found to have engaged in such practices, it could and other consequences that may have a material impact on its business, financial condition and results of operations.
As a cannabis-related business, the Company may have difficulty accessing banking services due to the illegality of marijuana under federal law. Since the production and possession of cannabis is currently illegal under U.S. federal law and the Company relies on exemptions promulgated pursuant to the 2018 Farm Bill, it is possible that banks may refuse to open bank accounts for the deposit of funds from businesses adjacent to the cannabis industry. The inability to open bank accounts with certain institutions could materially and adversely affect the business of the Company.
On December 3, 2019, the Federal Reserve Board, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, FinCEN, and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in consultation with the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, issued a statement to provide clarity regarding the legal status of commercial growth and production of hemp and relevant requirements for banks under the Bank Secrecy Act. The statement emphasized that banks were no longer required to file suspicious activity reports for customers solely because they are engaged in the growth or cultivation of hemp in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Regulatory uncertainty in respect of the laws, rules, regulations
and directives facing banks which provide services to CBD and cannabis industry participants, if revised or resolved unfavorably to the Company’s interest, may materially and adversely affect the business of the Company.
The Company may have difficulty accessing public and private capital and banking services, which could negatively impact its ability to finance its operations. The Company anticipates that funding sources may be available pursuant to private and public offerings of equity and/or debt and bank lending. However, if equity and/or debt financing was not available in the public capital markets, then the Company expects that it would have access to raise equity and/or debt financing through private placement including possible strategic partnerships. Commercial banks, private equity firms and venture capital firms have approached the cannabis industry cautiously to date. Although there has been an increase in the amount of financing available to companies in the cannabis industry over the last several years, there is neither a broad nor deep pool of institutional capital that is available to cannabis industry participants. There can be no assurance that additional financing, if raised privately or publicly, will be available to the Company when needed or on acceptable terms. The Company’s inability to raise financing to fund capital expenditures or acquisitions could limit its growth and may have a material adverse effect upon future profitability. If the Company cannot achieve , it may be to operations and investors may a total of investment.
The Company could be liable for fraudulent or illegal activity by its employees, contractors and consultants resulting in significant financial losses due to claims against the Company. The Company is exposed to the risk that its employees, independent contractors and consultants may engage in fraudulent or other illegal activity. Misconduct by these parties could include intentional, reckless and/or negligent conduct or disclosure of unauthorized activities to the Company that violates: (i) government regulations; (ii) manufacturing standards; (iii) U.S. federal fraud and abuse laws and regulations; or (iv) laws that require the true, complete and accurate reporting of financial information or data. It is not always possible for the Company to identify and by its employees and other third parties, and the precautions taken by the Company to detect and prevent this activity may not be in controlling unknown or unmanaged risks or or in protecting the Company from governmental or other actions or lawsuits stemming from a to be in compliance with such laws or regulations. If any such actions are instituted the Company, and it is not in itself or asserting its rights, those actions could have a significant impact on its business, including the imposition of civil, and administrative , , monetary , contractual , reputational , profits and future earnings, the of the Company’s operations or asset seizures, any of which could have a material impact on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Relating to the Company’s Business and Industry
The Company faces security risks related to its physical facilities. The Company may be an attractive target for criminals seeking to steal product, cash, or property, or to vandalize or destroy property or even cause physical harm to others. In particular, would-be criminals may confuse the Company’s products for marijuana, a controlled substance with an underground market, or take interest in the expensive equipment or technology used by the Company or its contract manufacturers. Accordingly, the Company’s operations may raise its profile and increase the probability of break-ins, theft, or vandalism, and there can be no assurance that the measures employed by the Company to prevent theft, vandalism, attack, or other criminal behavior will be successful. The Company may not be able to secure insurance coverage for losses incurred in connection with such activities on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. Any activities could have a impact on the Company and its businesses, and the or to obtain adequate insurance coverage would the impact.
The Company depends on the success of its products, and those products may not achieve the desired market acceptance. If the products the Company sells are not perceived to have the effects intended by the consumer, its business may suffer. Many of the Company’s products contain innovative ingredients or combinations of ingredients. There is limited long-term data with respect to potential therapeutic use or safety in humans or animals. As a result, the Company’s products could have certain side effects if not taken as directed or if taken by a consumer that has certain known or unknown medical conditions.
There is no assurance that the Company’s cash flows and debt or other financing will be sufficient to fund the Company’s operations. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company had total current liabilities of $8,659 and $15,936 respectively, and cash and cash equivalents of $8,035 and $22,618, respectively, to meet its current obligations. The Company’s ability to fund operating expenses and capital expenditures will depend on its future operating performance and there are no assurances that the Company will be able to access debt or other financing. If the Company is unable to achieve targeted operating performance or raise additional capital or debt financing on favorable terms, if at all, the Company may be forced to decelerate or curtail certain of its operations until such time as additional debt or capital financing becomes available.
See " Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources" for additional discussion regarding its liquidity position.
The Company’s products have a stated shelf life and product inventory may reach its expiration prior to sale. The Company holds goods in inventory and its products have a stated shelf life. Its inventory may reach its expiration date and not be sold. Although the Company manages its inventory, it may be required to write-down the value of any inventory that has reached its expiration date, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.
The Company’s quality control systems may not prove successful. The quality of the Company’s products is critical to the success of its business and operations. As such, it is imperative that the Company’s (and its service provider’s) quality control systems operate effectively and successfully. Quality control systems can be negatively impacted by their design, the quality training program, and adherence by employees to quality control guidelines. Although the Company strives to ensure that all of its service providers have implemented and adhere to high caliber quality control systems, any significant failure or deterioration of such quality control systems could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business and operating results.
The Company depends on various third parties for the supply, manufacture, and testing of some of the Company’s products. No assurance can be given that these relationships will continue on favorable terms, or at all. The Company intends to maintain a full supply chain for the material portions of the production and distribution process of its products. The Company’s suppliers, service providers and distributors may elect, at any time, to breach or otherwise cease to participate in supply, service or distribution agreements, or other relationships, on which the Company’s operations rely. Loss of its suppliers, service providers or distributors would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and operational results.
The Company currently relies on certain third-party manufacturers. Disruption of operations at any of these facilities could adversely affect inventory supplies and the Company’s ability to meet product delivery deadlines.
The Company currently relies on a single manufacturer, Aidance, to manufacture its CBD CLINIC and CBD MEDIC products. Accordingly, the Company is highly dependent on the uninterrupted and efficient operation of Aidance’s manufacturing facility. Aidance may not continue to maintain its FDA registration or continue or be willing or able to produce the products at reasonable prices, or at all. If for any reason Aidance discontinues production of the CBD CLINIC or CBD MEDIC products, it would likely result in significant delays in production of products and interruption of the Company’s sales as it seeks to establish a relationship and commence production with another manufacturer. The Company may be unable to make satisfactory production arrangements with another manufacturer on a timely basis or at all. If operations at Aidance’s manufacturing plant were to be disrupted as a result of equipment failures, natural disasters, fires, accidents, work , power or other reasons, the Company’s business, financial condition and/or results of operations could be materially affected.
In addition, the Company depends on third parties to obtain certain raw materials, including CBD necessary to develop and produce its products. The raw materials required to produce the Company’s products may not be available to the Company on favorable pricing terms in the future or at all when they are needed. If the Company is no longer able to obtain raw materials from one or more of its suppliers on terms reasonable to the Company, or at all, the Company’s revenues, business, financial condition, and operations would be negatively affected. This could also have a significant impact on the Company’s capacity to complete certain of its current or projected R&D projects and, accordingly, would negatively affect its projected commercial and financial growth. Any significant increase in the price of raw materials that cannot be passed on to the Company’s customers could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition. While potential alternative suppliers of raw materials may be identified, they must first pass intensive validation tests to ensure their compliance with product specifications. No assurance can be given regarding the successful outcomes of such tests or the Company’s ability to secure alternate sources of supply at competitive pricing and upon fair and reasonable contractual terms and conditions.
Part of the Company’s strategy is to enter into and maintain arrangements with third parties related to the development, testing, marketing, manufacture, distribution and commercialization of its products. The Company’s revenues are dependent on the successful efforts of these third parties, including the efforts of the Company’s distribution partners. Entering into strategic relationships can be a complex process and the interests of the Company’s distribution partners may not be or remain aligned with the Company’s interests. Some of the Company’s current and future distribution partners may decide to compete with the Company, refuse or be unable to fulfill or honor their contractual obligations to the Company, or change their plans to reduce their commitment to, or even abandon, their relationships with the
Company. There can be no assurance that the Company’s distribution partners will market the Company’s products successfully or that any such third-party collaboration will be on favorable terms.
The profit margins of the Company and the timely delivery of its products are dependent upon the ability of its outside suppliers and manufacturers to supply it with products in a timely and cost-efficient manner. The Company’s ability to develop its business, enter new markets, and sustain satisfactory levels of sales in each market depends upon the ability of its outside suppliers and manufacturers to produce the ingredients and products and comply with all applicable regulations. The failure of the Company’s primary suppliers or manufacturers to supply ingredients or produce its products could adversely affect its business operations.
The Company’s manufacturers and suppliers must meet cGMP requirements and failure on their part to do so could have adverse consequences for the Company. All manufacturers and suppliers must comply with applicable cGMP regulations for the manufacture of the Company’s products, which are enforced by the FDA through its facilities inspection program. The FDA may conduct inspections of the Company’s manufacturing facility or third-party manufacturers to assure they are in compliance with such regulations. These cGMP requirements include quality control, quality assurance and the maintenance of records and documentation, among other items. The Company’s manufacturing facility or third-party manufacturers may be unable to comply with these cGMP requirements and with other regulatory requirements. A failure to comply with these requirements may result in fines, product recalls or seizures and related publicity requirements, injunctions, total or partial suspension of production, civil penalties, warning or untitled letters, Form 483s, import or export or restrictions, and and . Any of these could or prevent the promotion, marketing or sale of certain of the Company’s products. If the safety of any products supplied to the Company is compromised due to a third-party manufacturer’s to adhere to applicable laws or for other reasons, the Company may not be to sell its products. The Company cannot that its third-party manufacturers will continue to reliably supply products to the Company at the levels of quality or the quantities it requires and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including cGMP requirements.
The Company’s manufacturers and suppliers must remain in compliance with the hemp production and manufacturing laws of the states in which they operate. State laws governing the production and manufacturing of hemp are different from state to state. The companies the Company contracts with as suppliers and manufacturers of its products are subject to the hemp-related laws and regulations of their state, as well as USDA regulations. Failure of any of the Company’s production or manufacturing partners to stay in compliance with the laws and regulations of their state may threaten their operations and the Company’s supply and manufacturing expectations. If any of the Company’s production or manufacturing partners must cease operations temporarily or permanently due to a regulatory violation or failure to maintain their permits and licenses in good standing, it could adversely affect the Company’s business operations.
If product liability claims are brought against the Company, it could incur substantial liabilities. The Company’s products will be produced for sale directly to end consumers, and therefore there is an inherent risk of exposure to product liability claims, regulatory action and litigation if the products are alleged to have caused loss or injury. In addition, the production and sale of the Company’s products involves the risk of injury to end consumers due to tampering by unauthorized third parties or product contamination. 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. The Company may be subject to various product liability claims, including, among others, that its products caused injury or illness, include instructions for use or include concerning possible side effects or interactions with other substances. A product liability claim or regulatory action the Company could result in increased costs, could affect the Company’s reputation, and could have a material effect on its business and operational results.
The Company's operations and industry may be subject to reputational risk. Public opinion and perception on the use of CBD is inconsistent and may be negatively influenced by future clinical research or media reports that may be unfavorable to CBD, which may have an adverse effect on public opinion and the demand for the Company’s products. The Company believes that the CBD industry (and the cannabis industry in general) is highly dependent upon consumer perception regarding the safety, efficacy and quality of the products. Consumer perception can be significantly influenced by scientific research or findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention and other publicity regarding the consumption of CBD or cannabis products. There can be no assurance that future scientific research, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention or other research findings or publicity will be favorable to the CBD or cannabis markets or any particular product, or consistent with currently held views. Future research reports, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention or other publicity that are perceived as less than, or that , earlier research reports, findings or publicity could have a material effect on the cannabis industry and demand for its products and services, which could impact the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations and cash flows. The Company’s dependence upon consumer perception means that scientific research reports, findings, regulatory proceedings, , media attention or other publicity, whether or
not accurate or with merit, could have a material adverse impact on the Company, its business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Further, adverse publicity, reports or other media attention regarding the safety, potential therapeutic use, and quality of CBD or cannabis in general, or the Company’s products specifically, or associating the consumption of CBD or cannabis with illness or other negative effects or events, could have a material adverse effect. Such adverse publicity reports or other media attention could arise even if the adverse effects associated with such products resulted from consumers’ failure to consume such products legally, appropriately, or as directed.
Certain international jurisdictions in which the Company may sell products may not differentiate between hemp and recreational or medical marijuana. In particular, the Company's products may be categorized and labelled as marijuana, medical marijuana or a similar category notwithstanding that the product is, by U.S. regulatory standards, an industrial hemp-based product. This may cause confusion among customers, industry partners such as financial institutions, institutional investors, retailers and distributors as well as other parties upon whom the Company's business relies.
The Company is dependent upon agricultural production of hemp for part of the Company’s operations, which are subject to seasonal and weather-related risks. The Company’s business can be affected by unusual weather patterns. The production of some of the Company’s products relies on the availability and use of live plant material, which is grown in Arizona, Colorado, Kentucky, New Mexico, and Canada. Growing periods can be impacted by weather patterns and these unpredictable weather patterns may impact the Company's ability to harvest its industrial hemp and produce products. In addition, severe weather, including drought, fire, hail and freezing temperatures, can destroy a crop, which could result in the Company having no or limited hemp to process. If the Company is unable to harvest hemp through its proprietary operations or contract farming arrangements, its ability to meet customer demand, generate sales, and maintain operations could be impacted. Given the proprietary nature of the Company’s crops, it may not be practicable for the Company to source adequate, or any, replacement hemp to produce some downstream products.
The Company’s business is dependent on the outdoor growth and production of hemp, an agricultural product. As such, the risks inherent in engaging in agricultural businesses apply. Potential risks include the risk that crops may become diseased or victim to insects, fungus or other pests or contaminants; subject to extreme weather conditions such as excess rainfall, hail, freezing temperature or drought; wild and domestic animal conflicts; and crop-raiding, sabotage or vandalism—all of which could result in low crop yields, decreased availability of industrial hemp, inadequate inventory levels for future expected growth, and higher acquisition prices. Climate change may increase the frequency or intensity of extreme weather such as storms, floods, heat waves, droughts and other events that could affect the quality, volume and cost of seed produced for sale as well as demand and product mix. Climate change may also affect the availability and suitability of arable land and contribute to unpredictable shifts in the average growing season and types of crops produced. The Company may also encounter difficulties with the importation of agro-inputs and securing a supply of spares and maintenance items. In the event of a in the delivery from suppliers of agro-inputs and machinery, the Company may be to its production targets. There can be no guarantee that an agricultural event will not impact the business and operating results.
There may be adverse consequences to the Company's end users should they test positive for trace amounts of THC attributed to use of the Company's products. The Company's products are made from cannabis, which contains THC. As a result, certain of the Company's products contain low levels of THC. THC is considered a banned substance in many jurisdictions. Moreover, the regulatory framework for legal amounts of consumed THC is evolving. Whether or not ingestion of THC (at low levels or otherwise) is permitted in a particular jurisdiction, there may be adverse consequences to end users who test positive for trace amounts of THC attributed to use of the Company's products. In addition, certain metabolic processes in the body may cause certain molecules to convert to other molecules which may negatively affect the results of drug tests. Positive tests may adversely affect the end user's reputation, ability to obtain or retain employment and participation in certain athletic or other activities. A claim or regulatory action against the Company based on such positive test results could affect the Company's reputation and could have a material effect on its business and operational results.
The Company may be unable to obtain or maintain farming contracts sufficient for its hemp cultivation needs. The Company may be unable to maintain or obtain farming contracts in sufficient acreage to support production levels or sustained accelerated growth. Moreover, where farmland is available in sufficient acreage, it may not be available at rental rates or otherwise on acceptable economic terms. Inability to obtain sufficient farmland for operations (with or without significant product demand growth) could negatively affect the Company’s operations and financial condition.
The agricultural landscape continues to evolve as a result of factors including farm and industry consolidation, agricultural productivity and development, and climate change. Farm consolidation in the United States and other developed markets has been ongoing for decades, It is expected to continue as grower demographics shift and advancements in innovative technology and equipment enable farmers to manage larger operations to create economies of scale in a lower-margin, more capital-intensive environment. Increased consolidation in the crop nutrient industry has resulted in greater resources dedicated to expansion and R&D opportunities, leading to increased competition in advanced product offerings and innovative technologies. Some of these competitors have greater total resources or are state-supported, which makes them less vulnerable to industry downturns and better positioned to pursue new expansion and development opportunities.
The advancement and adoption of technology and digital innovations in agriculture and across the value chain have increased and are expected to further accelerate as grower demographics shift and pressures from consumer preferences, governments and climate change initiatives evolve. The development of seeds that require less crop nutrients, development of full or partial substitutes for the Company’s products or developments in the application of crop nutrients such as improved nutrient use or efficiency through use of precision agriculture could also emerge, all of which have the potential to adversely affect the demand for the Company’s products and results of operations.
Climate change could exacerbate certain of the risks inherent in the Company’s agricultural operations. Climate change could result in increasing frequency and severity of weather-related events, fires, resource shortages, changes in rainfall and storm patterns and intensities, water shortages and changing temperatures, any of which can damage or destroy crops, resulting in the Company having no or limited hemp to process. If the Company is unable to harvest hemp through its proprietary operations or contract farming arrangements, its ability to meet customer demand, generate sales, and maintain operations will be impacted. Furthermore, severe weather-related events may result in substantial costs to the Company, including costs to respond during the event, to recover from the event, and to possibly modify existing or future infrastructure requirements to prevent recurrence. Climate change could also disrupt the Company’s operations by impacting the availability and costs of materials needed for production and could increase insurance and other operating costs.
A number of governments or governmental bodies have introduced or are introducing regulatory changes in response to concerns about the potential impact of climate change. The Company faces the risk that its operations could be subject to government initiatives aimed at countering climate change, which could impose constraints on the Company’s operations, for example, due to increased costs for fossil fuels, electricity and transportation and costs associated with monitoring and reporting.
Hemp is subject to specific agricultural risks, which could negatively impact the Company’s cultivation efforts. Hemp plants can be vulnerable to various pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, viruses and other miscellaneous pathogens. Such instances often lead to reduced crop quality, stunted growth and/or death of the plant. Moreover, hemp is phytoremediative, meaning that it may extract toxins or other undesirable chemicals or compounds from the ground in which it is planted. Furthermore, hemp is cultivated in agricultural growing regions across the US, which plant heavily in seed, row and vegetable crops. While the Company uses certified organic practices, conventional neighbors may use harmful chemicals that can cause drift or water contamination risk of unwanted contaminants in the Company's harvested hemp biomass. Various regulatory agencies have established maximum limits for pathogens, toxins, chemicals and other compounds that may be present in agricultural materials. If the Company’s hemp is found to have levels of pathogens, toxins, chemicals or other undesirable compounds that exceed established limits, the Company may have to destroy the applicable portions of its hemp crop. Furthermore, if the Company’s crops in any state in which it operates are tested by a regulator and found to contain more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis, significant portions of the crops may be ordered to be . Should the Company’s crops be due to pathogens, toxins, chemicals, other compounds, or regulatory enforcement, it may have a material impact on its business and financial condition.
The Company relies on third-parties for the transportation of its hemp and hemp-derived products; any delay or failure by these third-parties to meet the Company’s transport needs could impact the Company’s operations and financial performance. In order for the Company's customers to receive its product, the Company relies on third-party transportation services. This can cause logistical problems with, and delays in, end consumers obtaining fulfillment of their orders, which the Company cannot control. Any delay by third-party transportation services may adversely affect the Company’s financial performance.
The Company faces risks related to the transportation of hemp and hemp-derived products and its reliance on third-party transportation services. These risks include, but are not limited to, risks resulting from the continually evolving federal and state regulatory environment governing hemp production, THC testing, and transportation.
Moreover, transportation to and from the Company’s facilities is critical. A breach of security during transport could have material adverse effects on the Company’s business, financials and prospects. Any such breach could impact the Company’s operations and financial performance.
The Company faces intense competition. The number of competitors in the Company’s market segment has expanded and may continue to increase, which could negatively impact the Company’s market share and demand for products. The markets for businesses in the CBD and hemp extracts industries are competitive and evolving. In particular, the Company faces strong competition from both existing and emerging companies that offer similar but not full-spectrum products. Some of the Company’s current and potential competitors may have longer operating histories, greater financial, marketing and other resources, and larger customer bases.
Given the rapid changes affecting the global, national, and regional economies generally, and the hemp industry in particular, the Company may be unable to create and maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. The Company faces competition from companies outside the CBD and hemp oil industry from legitimate companies with more experience and financial resources than the Company has and from unlicensed and unregulated participants. In addition, the broader market for hemp-based products may soften, contract or remain stable, any of which may result in increased competition among market participants, including the Company. The Company’s success will depend on its ability to keep pace with any changes in the markets in which it operates, especially legal and regulatory changes and shifting consumer behavior. The Company’s success will also depend on its ability to respond to, among other things, changes in the economy, market conditions, and regulatory and competitive pressures. Any failure by the Company to anticipate or respond adequately to such changes could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, operating results, liquidity, cash flow and operational performance.
The introduction of a recreational model for marijuana production and distribution in various jurisdictions may cause producers in those jurisdictions to expand beyond the medical marijuana market and compete with the Company’s products. The impact of this potential development may be negative for the Company and could result in increased levels of competition in its existing market and/or the entry of new competitors into the overall hemp market in which the Company operates.
There is potential that the Company will face intense competition from other companies, some of which can be expected to have longer operating histories, more financial resources, and more manufacturing and marketing experience than the Company. Increased competition from larger and better-financed competitors could materially and adversely affect the business, financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
The Company also faces competition from producers who may not comply with applicable regulations. As a result, such producers may have lower operating costs, make impermissible claims and utilize other competitive advantages based on circumvention of regulatory requirements. The Company will require continued significant investment in R&D, marketing, sales, and customer support to remain competitive. The Company may not have sufficient resources to maintain R&D, marketing, sales, and customer support efforts on a competitive basis, which could materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of operations.
The legal landscape for the Company’s products is changing internationally. More countries have passed laws that allow for the production and distribution of cannabis in some form or another. Increased international competition might lower the demand for the Company’s products on a global scale.
Changing consumer preferences could impact the Company’s ability to attract and retain customers. As a result of changing consumer preferences, many dietary supplements and other innovative products attain financial success for a time. Even if the Company’s products find retail success, there can be no assurance that any of its products will continue to see extended financial success. The Company’s success will be depend on its ability to price, develop new, and improve product lines. Even if the Company successfully introduces new products or further develops current products, a failure to properly price or update products with compelling content could cause a decline in its popularity, reducing revenues and harming the Company’s business, operating results and financial condition. Failure to introduce new features and product lines and to and sustain market acceptance could result in the Company being to meet consumer preferences and generate revenue, which would have a material impact on its and financial results from operations.
The Company’s success depends on its ability to attract and retain customers. Many factors could impact the Company’s ability to attract and retain customers, including but not limited to the Company’s ability to continually produce desirable products, the successful implementation of the Company’s customer acquisition plan, and the continued growth in the aggregate number of people selecting CBD and botanical-based wellness products. The Company’s failure to acquire and retain customers could have a material adverse effect on its business, operating results and financial position.
The Company depends on the popularity and acceptance of its brand portfolio. Management believes maintaining and promoting the Company’s brand is critical to expanding its customer base. Maintaining and promoting the Company’s brand will depend largely on its ability to continue to provide quality, reliable and innovative products, which it may not do successfully. The Company may introduce new products that customers do not like, which may negatively affect the brands and reputation. Maintaining and enhancing the Company’s brands may require it to make substantial investments, which may not achieve the desired goals. If the Company fails to promote and maintain its brand successfully, or if there are excessive expenses in this effort, its business and financial results from operations could be materially adversely affected.
Supply chain issues, including significant price fluctuations or shortages of materials, and distribution challenges may increase the Company’s cost of goods sold and cause its results of operations and financial condition to suffer. If the Company is unable to secure materials at a reasonable price, it may have to alter or discontinue selling some of its products or attempt to pass along the cost to its customers, any of which could adversely affect its results of operations and financial condition.
Additionally, any significant interruption in or increasing labor, freight and energy costs could increase the Company’s and its suppliers’ cost of goods and have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition and results from operations. If the Company’s suppliers are affected by increases labor, freight and energy costs, they may attempt to pass these cost increases on to the Company. If the Company pays such increases, it may not be able to offset them through increases in its pricing. The direct and indirect impacts of the Company’s ability to secure materials and move products could adversely affect its results of operations and financial condition.
The Company may not be able to successfully implement its growth strategy on a timely basis, or at all. The Company’s future success depends, in part, on its ability to implement its growth strategy, including (i) brand product innovations within existing categories and growth into adjacent categories and continued growth of existing products in existing categories; (ii) further penetration into new products and channels; (iii) expansion into select international markets; and (iv) in support of its profitability targets, improvements in the Company’s operating income, gross profit and Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("EBITDA") margins. The Company’s ability to implement this growth strategy depends, among other things, on its ability to:
• selectively innovate with new products, product line extensions and formats that appeal to consumers and will be supported by retailers and distributors;
• increase consumer traffic to the Company's e-commerce sales portal through paid and earned media, SEO, and expanded consumer experiences;
• maintain and expand brand loyalty and brand recognition by effectively implementing its marketing strategy and advertising initiatives;
• maintain and improve its competitive position with the Company’s brands in the channels in which it competes through the growth of availability and customer-facing initiatives;
• identify and successfully enter and market the Company’s products in new consumer channels, geographic markets, and market segments and categories; enter into successful distribution arrangements with new distributors and retailers of its products;
• selectively develop and expand in new and existing international markets efficiently and cost-effectively with supportive distribution partners;
• maintain and, to the extent necessary, improve the Company’s high standards for product quality, safety and integrity;
• simplify, rationalize and maximize the Company's existing product portfolio;
• successfully and efficiently scale up operations in the Company’s manufacturing and distribution processes to buoy improvements in the Company’s operating income, gross profit and Adjusted EBITDA margins; and
• maintain sources for the required supply of quality raw ingredients to meet the Company’s growing demand.
The Company may not be able to successfully implement its growth strategy and reach its revenue and profitability improvement targets.
The market for the Company's products and industry is difficult to forecast due to limited and unreliable market data. The Company will need to rely largely on its own market research to forecast industry trends and statistics as detailed forecasts are, with certain exceptions, not generally available from other sources at this stage of the hemp industry. A failure in the demand for the Company’s products to materialize as a result of competition, technological change, change in the regulatory or legal landscape, or other factors could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Company depends on key personnel and its ability to attract and retain employees. The Company's success and future growth will depend, to a significant degree, on the continued efforts of the Company’s directors and officers to develop the business and manage operations and on their ability to attract and retain key technical, scientific, sales, and marketing staff or consultants. The loss of any key person or the inability to attract and retain new key personnel could have a material adverse effect on the business and financial results from operations. The U.S. hemp and cannabis industries may have more stringent requirements for personnel, including but not limited to requirements that they complete criminal background checks, submit financial information, and demonstrate proof of residency, which may make it more challenging for the Company to hire and retain employees. Competition for qualified technical, scientific, sales, and marketing staff, as well as officers and directors, can be intense, and no assurance can be provided that the Company will be able to attract or retain key personnel in the future. From time to time, share-based compensation may comprise a significant component of the Company’s compensation for key personnel. If the price of the Common Shares , it may be to recruit and retain such individuals.
Executive and other management transitions can be inherently difficult to manage, cause significant and costly disruption to the Company's business, lead to additional departures of existing personnel, and have a material adverse effect on its business, operating results, financial condition and internal controls over financial reporting.
From time to time, the Company may rely on debt financing for some of its business activities, and there can be no assurance the Company will be able to access such credit, or that it will be able to comply with the terms of such credit. From time to time, the Company may attempt to rely on debt financing for a portion of its business activities, including capital and operating expenditures. There are no assurances that the Company will be able to comply at all times with the covenants applicable under such types of debt arrangements; nor are there assurances that the Company will be able to secure new financing that may be necessary to finance its operations and capital growth program. Any failure of the Company to secure financing, to obtain new financing or to comply with applicable covenants could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial results. Further, any inability of the Company to obtain new financing may limit its ability to support future growth.
The Company may have difficulty obtaining insurance to cover its operational risks. Due to the Company’s involvement in the hemp industry, it may have difficulty obtaining the various insurances that are desired to operate its business, which may expose the Company to additional risk and financial liability. Insurance that is otherwise readily available, such as general liability and directors’ and officers’ insurance, may be more difficult to find and more expensive because of the regulatory regime applicable to the industry. There are no guarantees that the Company will be able to find such insurance coverage in the future or that the cost will be affordable. If the Company is unable to obtain insurance coverage on acceptable terms, it may prevent it from entering into certain business sectors, may inhibit growth, and may expose the Company to additional risk and financial liabilities.
The Company may be subject to growth-related risks, including capacity constraints and pressure on its internal systems and controls. The ability of the Company to manage growth effectively will require it to continue to implement and improve its operational and financial systems and to expand, train and manage its employee base. The inability of the Company to deal with this growth may have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects. In addition, specific risks are inherent in the growth of the Company’s business-to-business distribution and direct-to-consumer sales, including increased competition and risks related to the use of the Company’s information systems.
The Company may acquire other companies, which could divert management’s attention, result in additional dilution to the Company’s Shareholders and otherwise disrupt the Company and harm its operating results. The Company may acquire, partner, or otherwise transact with other companies in the future, and there are risks inherent in any such activities. Specifically, there could be unknown or undisclosed risks or liabilities of such companies for which the Company is not sufficiently indemnified. Any such unknown or undisclosed risks or liabilities could materially and adversely affect the Company’s financial performance and results of operations. The Company could encounter additional transaction and integration-related costs or experience an impact on its operations or results of operation as a result of the failure to realize all of the anticipated benefits from such acquisitions or partnerships or an inability to integrate an acquisition as anticipated successfully. All of these factors could cause dilution to the Company’s earnings per Common Share or
decrease or delay the anticipated accretive effect of the acquisition or partnership and cause a decrease in the market price of the Company’s securities or have a material adverse impact on the Company’s operations or results from operations. The Company may be unable to successfully integrate and combine the operations, personnel, and technology infrastructure of any such acquired company with its existing operations. As a result of integration efforts, the Company may experience interruptions in its business activities, deterioration in its employee and customer relationships, increased costs of integration and harm to its reputation, all of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. The Company may experience difficulties combining corporate cultures, maintaining employee morale and retaining key employees. Integrating any such acquired companies may also impose substantial demands on the management of the Company. There is no assurance that these acquisitions will be successfully integrated in a timely manner or without additional expenses being incurred. In addition, the Company may be responsible for any legacy liabilities of businesses it acquires or be subject to additional liability in connection with other strategic transactions. The existence or amount of these liabilities may not be known at the time of acquisition or other strategic transactions and may have a material effect on the Company's business.
In respect of potential future acquisitions or partnerships, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to identify acquisition or partnership opportunities that meet its strategic objectives or that it will be able to negotiate acceptable terms to the extent such opportunities are identified.
The Company’s intellectual property may be difficult to protect. The Company’s success is heavily dependent upon its intangible property and technology. The Company relies upon copyrights, patents, trade secrets, unpatented proprietary know-how and continuing innovation to protect the intangible property, technology and information that is considered important to the development of the business. The Company relies on various methods to protect its proprietary rights, including confidentiality agreements with consultants, service providers and management that contain terms and conditions prohibiting unauthorized use and disclosure of confidential information. However, despite efforts to protect intangible property rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy or replicate intangible property, technology or processes. There can be no assurances that the steps taken by the Company to protect its intangible property, technology and information will be adequate to prevent misappropriation or independent third-party development of the Company’s intangible property, technology or processes. Other companies can likely duplicate a production process similar to the Company’s. Other companies may also be able to materially duplicate the Company’s proprietary plant . To the extent that any of the above would occur, revenue could be affected. In the future, the Company may have to to enforce its intangible property rights, which could result in substantial costs and management’s attention and the Company's resources.
The Company’s ability to successfully implement its business plan depends in part on its ability to obtain, maintain and build brand recognition using its trademarks, service marks, trade dress, domain names and other intellectual property rights, including the Company’s names and logos. If the Company’s efforts to protect its intellectual property are unsuccessful or inadequate, or if any third party misappropriates or infringes on its intellectual property, the value of its brands may be harmed, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and might prevent its brands from achieving or maintaining market acceptance.
The Company may be unable to obtain registrations for its intellectual property rights for various reasons, including refusal by regulatory authorities to register trademarks or other intellectual property protections, prior registrations of which it is not aware, or it may encounter claims from previous users of similar intellectual property in areas where it operates or intends to conduct operations. This could harm its image, brand or competitive position and cause the Company to incur significant penalties and costs.
The United States has enacted and implemented wide-ranging patent reform legislation. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled on several patent cases in recent years, either narrowing the scope of patent protection available in certain circumstances or weakening the rights of patent owners in certain situations. In addition to increasing uncertainty with regard to the Company's ability to obtain patents in the future, this combination of events has created uncertainty with respect to the value of patents, once obtained. Depending on actions by the U.S. Congress, the federal courts and the USPTO, the laws and regulations governing patents could change in unpredictable ways that would weaken the Company's ability to obtain new patents or to enforce patents that it has licensed or that it might obtain in the future. Similarly, changes in patent law and regulations in other countries or jurisdictions or changes in the governmental bodies that enforce them or changes in how the relevant governmental authority enforces patent laws or regulations may weaken the Company's ability to obtain new patents or to enforce patents that it has licensed or that it may obtain in the future. For example, the complexity and uncertainty of European patent laws have also increased in recent years. In Europe, a new unitary patent system was introduced in 2023, significantly impacting European patents, including those granted before the introduction of the new system. Under the unitary patent system, European applications can become a Unitary Patent upon the grant of a patent, which will be subject to the jurisdiction of the Unitary Patent Court (UPC). As the UPC is a new court system, there is no precedent for the court, increasing the uncertainty of any . Patents granted
before the implementation of the UPC have the option of opting out of the jurisdiction of the UPC and remaining as national patents in the UPC countries. Patents that remain under the jurisdiction of the UPC will be potentially vulnerable to a single UPC-based revocation challenge that, if successful, could invalidate the patent in all countries that are signatories to the UPC. The Company cannot predict with certainty the long-term effects of these changes.
Further, under certain circumstances, patent term covering the Company's products or product candidates may be extended for time spent during the pendency of the patent application in the U.S. PTO (referred to as PTA, or Patent Term Adjustment). The laws and regulations underlying how the PTO calculates the PTA are subject to change, and a third party could challenge any such PTA. If the Company does not prevail under such a challenge, the PTA may be reduced or eliminated, resulting in a shorter patent term, which may negatively impact its ability to exclude competitors. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit recently handed down a decision in the In re Cellect case that introduces particular uncertainty around PTA calculations. In that case, the court determined that patents with a term that exceeded the term of other patents in the same family—due to a PTA extension—were invalid for obvious-type double patenting. If that decision is not overturned or reversed by Congress, then any PTA in a patent that the Company has or will obtain in the future could be vulnerable to similar invalidity challenges based on other earlier-expiring patents. While the In re Cellect case focused on such from patents in the same family, the court did not address to a PTA from patents in other families that the Company or others may own, and this creates additional uncertainty with respect to PTA calculations. Because a PTA added to the term of patents covering biological or pharmaceutical products and methods of their use have particular value, the Company's business may be affected if a third party the PTA, and its ability to exclude competitors is reduced or eliminated. In addition, for issued patents where the Company has a PTA, it may determine that it is prudent not to file additional applications in that family to preserve that PTA. Such a decision would impact the Company's ability to obtain patents with a different scope from the same patent family, even though the Company could be otherwise entitled to such patent protection. If the Company does not obtain patents on all the subject matter that it is entitled to in its patent applications, the Company's ability to exclude competitors may be .
In addition to changes in patents laws, geopolitical dynamics may also impact the Company's ability to obtain and enforce patents in particular jurisdictions. If the Company is unable to obtain and enforce patents as needed in particular markets, its ability to exclude competitors in those markets may be reduced.
Companies in the retail and wholesale consumer packaged goods industries frequently own trademarks and trade secrets and often enter into litigation based on allegations of infringement or other violations of intangible property rights. The Company may be subject to intangible property rights claims in the future, and its products may not be able to withstand any third-party claims or rights against their use. Any intangible property claims, with or without merit, could be time-consuming and expensive to litigate or settle and could divert management resources and attention. An adverse determination also could prevent the Company from offering its products to others and may require it to procure substitute products or services for these members.
With respect to any intangible property rights claim, the Company may have to pay damages or stop using intangible property found to violate a third party’s rights. The Company may have to seek a license for the intangible property, which may not be available on reasonable terms and may significantly increase operating expenses. The technology also may not be available for license at all. As a result, the Company may also be required to pursue alternative options, which could require significant effort and expense. If the Company cannot license or obtain an alternative for the infringing aspects of its business, it may be forced to limit product offerings and be unable to compete effectively. These results could harm the Company’s brand and prevent it from generating sufficient revenue or achieving profitability.
If the Company is unable to protect the confidentiality of its trade secrets, the value of its technology could be materially adversely affected and the business would be harmed. The Company seeks to protect its confidential proprietary information, in part, by confidentiality agreements and invention assignment agreements with its employees, consultants, scientific advisors, contractors and collaborators. These agreements are designed to protect the Company's proprietary information. However, the Company cannot be certain that such agreements have been entered into with all relevant parties, and cannot be certain that its trade secrets and other confidential proprietary information will not be disclosed, or that competitors will not otherwise gain access to its trade secrets, or independently develop substantially equivalent information and techniques. For example, any of these parties may breach the agreements and disclose the Company's proprietary information, including its trade secrets, and the Company may not be able to obtain adequate remedies for such . The Company also seeks to preserve the and confidentiality of its confidential proprietary information by maintaining physical security of its premises and physical and electronic security of its information technology systems, but it is possible that these security measures could be . If any of the Company's confidential proprietary information were to be lawfully obtained or
independently developed by a competitor, the Company would have no right to prevent such competitor from using that technology or information to compete with it, which could harm its competitive position.
Obtaining and maintaining patent protection depends on compliance with various procedural, document submission, fee payment and other requirements imposed by governmental patent agencies and the Company's patent protection could be reduced or eliminated for non-compliance with these requirements. The USPTO and various foreign governmental patent agencies require compliance with a number of procedural, documentary, fee payment and other similar provisions during the patent application process. In addition, periodic maintenance fees on issued patents often must be paid to the USPTO and foreign patent agencies over the lifetime of the patent. While an unintentional lapse can in many cases be cured by payment of a late fee or by other means in accordance with the applicable rules, there are situations in which noncompliance can result in premature abandonment or lapse of the patent or patent application, resulting in partial or complete loss of patent rights in the relevant jurisdiction. Non-compliance events that could result in abandonment or lapse of a patent or patent application include, but are not limited to, to respond to official actions within prescribed time limits, non-payment of fees and to properly legalize and submit formal documents. If the Company to maintain the patents and patent applications covering its products, it may not be to stop a competitor from marketing competing products that are the same as or similar to its products, which would have a material effect on the business.
The Company may become involved in lawsuits to protect or enforce its patents or other intellectual property rights, which could be expensive, time-consuming and unsuccessful. Competitors may infringe the Company's patents or other intellectual property. Although the Company is not currently involved in any litigation, if it were to initiate legal proceedings against a third party to enforce a patent covering its product candidates, the defendant could counterclaim that the patent covering its products is invalid and/or unenforceable. In patent litigation in the United States, defendant counterclaims alleging invalidity and/or unenforceability are commonplace. Grounds for a validity challenge could be an alleged to meet any of several statutory requirements, including of novelty, obviousness, written description or non-enablement. Grounds for an unenforceability assertion could be an that someone connected with of the patent withheld relevant information from the USPTO, or made a statement, during . The outcome following legal of and unenforceability is .
Interference or derivation proceedings provoked by third parties or brought by the Company or declared by the USPTO may be necessary to determine the priority of inventions with respect to its patents or patent applications. An unfavorable outcome could require the Company to cease using the related technology or to attempt to license rights to it from the prevailing party. The business could be harmed if the prevailing party does not offer the Company a license on commercially reasonable terms or at all, or if a non-exclusive license is offered and its competitors gain access to the same technology. The Company's defense of litigation or interference or derivation proceedings may fail and, even if successful, may result in substantial costs and distract management and other employees. In addition, the uncertainties associated with could have a material effect on the Company's ability to raise the funds necessary to continue clinical trials, continue research programs, license necessary technology from third parties, or enter into development partnerships that would help bring its products to market.
Furthermore, because of the substantial amount of discovery required in connection with intellectual property litigation, there is a risk that some of the Company's confidential information could be compromised by disclosure during this type of litigation. There could also be public announcements of the results of hearings, motions, or other interim proceedings or developments. If securities analysts or investors perceive these results to be negative, it could have a material adverse effect on the price of its common stock.
Third parties may initiate legal proceedings alleging that the Company is infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating their intellectual property rights, the outcome of which would be uncertain and could have a material adverse effect on the success of the business. The Company's commercial success depends upon its ability to develop, manufacture, market, and sell CBD products without infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating the intellectual property and other proprietary rights of third parties. There is a considerable amount of intellectual property litigation in the hemp genetics and CBD extraction and formulation industries. The Company may become party to, or threatened with, infringement litigation claims regarding its products and technology, including from competitors or from non-practicing entities that have no relevant product revenue and whom its own patent portfolio may have no effect. Moreover, the Company may become party to future proceedings or regarding its patent portfolio or the patents of third parties. Such proceedings could also include post-grant proceedings such as , inter-parties review, reexamination, , or derivation proceedings before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office or foreign patent offices.
The legal threshold for initiating litigation or contested proceedings is low, so that even lawsuits or proceedings with a low probability of success might be initiated and require significant resources to defend. Litigation and contested proceedings can also be expensive and time-
consuming, and the Company's adversaries in these proceedings may have the ability to dedicate substantially greater resources to prosecuting these legal actions than it can. Third parties may assert infringement claims against the Company based on existing patents or patents that may be granted in the future. The Company may not be aware of all such intellectual property rights potentially relating to its products, their manufacture, and their uses. Thus, the Company does not know with certainty that any of its products or the development and commercialization thereof, do not and will not infringe or otherwise violate any third-party’s intellectual property.
If the Company is found to infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate a third-party’s intellectual property rights, it could be required to obtain a license from such third-party to continue developing, manufacturing, marketing and selling any products, if and when approved, products and technology. However, the Company may not be able to obtain any required license on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Even if the Company were able to obtain a license, it could be non-exclusive, thereby giving competitors access to the same technologies licensed to the Company and could require it to make substantial licensing and royalty payments. The Company could be forced, including by court order, to cease commercializing the infringing technology, or products. In addition, it could be found liable for monetary damages, including treble damages and attorneys’ fees, if it is found to have willfully a patent and could be to indemnify its customers or . A finding of could also result in an that the Company from commercializing its products or forces it to some business operations, which could materially the business. In addition, the Company may be to redesign its products, seek new regulatory approvals and indemnify third parties pursuant to contractual agreements. that the Company has the confidential information or trade secrets of third parties could have a similar impact on the business.
The Company is involved in litigation, including class action litigation, and there may be additional litigation in the future in which it will be involved. The Company is currently involved in ordinary litigation. An adverse decision in any litigation could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations. The Company may become party to litigation from time to time in the ordinary course of business, which could adversely affect the Company’s business. Should any litigation in which the Company becomes involved be determined against it, such a decision could materially adversely affect the Company’s ability to continue operating and the market price for the Common Shares and could use significant resources.
Furthermore, as a manufacturer, processor and distributor of products designed to be ingested by humans, the Company faces an inherent risk of exposure to product liability claims, regulatory action and litigation if its products are alleged to have caused significant loss or injury. In addition, the manufacture and sale of the Company’s products involve the risk of consumer injury due to tampering by unauthorized third parties or product contamination. Previously unknown adverse reactions resulting from human consumption of the Company’s products alone or combined with other medications or substances could occur. Although the Company will have quality control procedures in place, it may be subject to various product liability claims, including, among others, that the products produced by the Company, or the products the Company will purchase from third-party licensed producers, caused injury, illness or death, include inadequate instructions for use or include concerning possible side effects or interactions with other substances. A product liability claim or regulatory action the Company could result in increased costs, affect the Company’s reputation with its customers and consumers generally, and have a material effect on its business, results of operations and financial condition. There can be no assurances that the Company can 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 the Company’s potential products.
Monitoring and defending against legal actions, whether or not meritorious, is time-consuming for management and detracts from management’s ability to focus internal resources on business activities fully. In addition, legal fees and costs incurred in connection with such activities may be significant. In the future, the Company could be subject to judgments or enter into settlements of claims for significant monetary damages. A decision adverse to the interests of the Company could result in the payment of substantial damages. It could have a material adverse effect on cash flow, results of operations and financial position. With respect to any litigation, the Company’s insurance may not reimburse or be sufficient to reimburse the Company for the expenses or losses it may suffer in contesting and concluding such litigation. Even if , substantial costs may impact the Company’s business, operating results or financial condition.
Trade Secrets may be difficult to protect. The Company’s success depends upon the skills, knowledge and experience of its scientific and technical personnel, consultants, advisors, and contractors. Because the Company operates in a highly competitive industry, it relies in part on trade secrets to protect its proprietary products and processes. However, trade secrets are difficult to protect. The Company enters into confidentiality or non-disclosure agreements with its corporate partners, employees, consultants, outside scientific collaborators,
developers, and other advisors. These agreements generally require that the receiving party keep confidential and not disclose to third parties confidential information developed by the receiving party or made known to the receiving party by the Company during the receiving party’s relationship with the Company. These agreements also generally provide that inventions conceived by the receiving party while rendering services to the Company will be its exclusive property, and the Company enters into assignment agreements to perfect its rights.
These confidentiality, inventions and assignment agreements, where in place, may be breached and may not effectively assign intellectual property rights to the Company. The Company’s trade secrets could also be independently discovered by competitors, in which case the Company would not be able to prevent its competitors' use of such trade secrets. The enforcement of a claim alleging that a party illegally obtained and was using the Company’s trade secrets could be difficult, expensive, and time-consuming, and the outcome could be unpredictable. Failure to obtain or maintain effective trade secret protection could adversely affect the Company’s competitive position.
The Company’s status as a public benefit company may not result in the benefits that the Company anticipates. The Company has elected to be classified as a "Benefit Company" under the BCBCA, in connection with which it will pursue the public benefits identified in its Articles. There is no assurance, however, that the expected positive impact from being a benefit company will be realized.
As a benefit company, the Company is required to disclose to Shareholders an annual benefit report outlining how the Company conducts its business responsibly and sustainably and how it promotes its public benefit. In addition, the Company’s directors and officers are required to act honestly and in good faith conduct business responsibly and sustainably, and to promote the Company’s public benefits, which must be balanced with their duty under the BCBCA to act honestly and in good faith in the best interests of the Company. If the Company is unable to provide this report in a timely manner, or if the report is not viewed favorably by the parties with which the Company does business, its regulators, or others reviewing its credentials, its reputation and status as a benefit company may be harmed.
As a public benefit company, the Company has a duty to balance a variety of interests that may result in actions that do not maximize Shareholder value. As a benefit company, the Company is required to balance the financial interests of its Shareholders with the best interests of those stakeholders materially affected by its conduct, including particularly those affected by the specific benefit purposes set forth in the Company’s Articles. Accordingly, being a benefit company and complying with the related obligations could negatively impact the Company’s ability to provide the highest possible return to its Shareholders.
As a benefit company under British Columbia law, the Company’s directors and officers are required to act honestly and in good faith with a view to conducting business responsibly and sustainably, and to promoting the Company’s public benefits, which must be balanced with their duty under the BCBCA to act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Company. While the Company believes its public benefit designation and obligation will benefit Shareholders, in balancing these interests, the Board of Directors may take actions that do not maximize Shareholder value. Any benefits to Shareholders resulting from the Company’s public benefit purposes may not materialize within the expected timeframe, or at all, and may have negative effects. For example:
• the Company may choose to revise its policies in ways that it believes will be beneficial to its stakeholders, including but not limited to, the Company’s Shareholders, employees, suppliers, creditors and consumers, as well as the government and the environment and the community and society in which the Company operates, even though the changes may be costly;
• the Company may take actions, such as making contributions to non-profit organizations and charities, which are made on an ad hoc basis, concentrating first on those entities that have historically supported the business through education of existing and potential customers. The Company also supports non-profits that it believes can utilize the wellness aspects of its products (i.e., military veterans, adaptive athletes, educational organizations, etc.). By doing so, the Company believes that socially oriented action will ultimately have a positive impact on the Company, even though these actions may be more costly than other alternatives;
• the Company may be influenced to pursue programs and services to demonstrate its commitment to the communities it serves even though there is no immediate return to its Shareholders; or
• in responding to a possible proposal to acquire the Company, the Board of Directors may be influenced by the interests of the Company’s stakeholders, including its employees, customers, the environment, and the communities where its employees live and where it does business, whose interests may be different from the interests of the Company’s Shareholders.
The Company may be unable or slow to realize the benefits it expects from actions taken to benefit its stakeholders, including farmers, suppliers, crew members and local communities, which could adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations, which in turn could cause the Company’s share price to decline. In the event of a conflict or dispute regarding the Company’s Board of Directors’ balancing of interests and the duty to act responsibly and sustainably, there is uncertainty as to how such a conflict may be resolved as British Columbia courts have not yet developed as substantive a body of law on this topic as with traditional director duties.
As a public benefit company, the Company may be subject to increased legal proceedings concerning its duty to balance Shareholder and public benefit interests, the occurrence of which may have an adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. As a British Columbia benefit company, the Company’s Shareholders (if they, individually or collectively, own at least 2% of the Company’s outstanding capital stock or shares having at least C$2 million in market value (whichever is less)) are entitled to commence a legal proceeding claiming that the Company’s directors failed to balance Shareholder and public benefit interests. However, the BCBCA clarifies that despite any rule of law to the contrary, a court may not order monetary damages in relation to any breach by the Company’s directors of these additional duties. This potential liability does not exist for traditional corporations. As a new class of corporate entity, there is uncertainty over how British Columbia courts would view a board’s balancing of interests as little jurisprudence exists to offer insights or guidance. Therefore, the Company may be subject to increased legal proceedings, which would require management's attention and, as a result, may impact management’s ability to execute the Company’s strategy effectively. Any such derivative may be and have an impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
The Company contracts with certain third parties for portions of its operations; should a third party be subject to insolvency or otherwise be unable or unwilling to perform their obligations to the Company, it could negatively impact the Company's operations. The Company's business relies on full compliance under applicable laws and regulations relating to selling its products across the United States and internationally. The regulation of third-party suppliers may significantly impact the Company's business. Any enforcement activity or any additional uncertainties that may arise in the future could cause substantial interruption or cessation of the Company's business, including adverse impacts to the Company's supply chain and distribution channels and other civil and/or criminal penalties at the federal level.
The Company is party to business relationships, transactions and contracts with various third parties, pursuant to which such third parties have performance, payment and other obligations to the Company. If any of these third parties were to become subject to bankruptcy, receivership or similar proceedings, the Company's rights and benefits in relation to its business relationships, contracts and transactions with such third parties could be terminated, modified in a manner adverse to the Company, or otherwise impaired. The Company cannot make any assurances that it could arrange alternate or replacement business relationships, transactions or contracts on terms as favorable as existing business relationships, transactions or contracts, if at all. Any inability on the Company's part to do so could have a material adverse effect on its business and results of operations.
While discussing potential business relationships or other transactions with third parties, the Company may disclose confidential information relating to its business, operations or affairs. Although confidentiality agreements are to be signed by third parties before disclosing confidential information, a breach of such an agreement could put the Company at competitive risk and cause significant damage to its business. The harm to the Company's business from a breach of confidentiality cannot presently be quantified but may be material and may not be compensable in damages. There can be no assurance that, in the event of a breach of confidentiality, the Company will be able to obtain equitable remedies, such as injunctive relief from a court of competent jurisdiction in a timely manner, if at all, in order to prevent or mitigate any damage to its business that such a breach of confidentiality may cause.
Tariffs on imported packaging materials could increase costs. While the Company's hemp materials and hemp products are produced in the U.S., it relies on certain packaging materials for its products that are sourced from foreign suppliers. In March and April 2025, the Trump Administration announced a series of additional special tariffs, some of which have been temporarily paused. As a result of the increases in the U.S. tariffs, the Company may experience higher costs that it may not be able to pass on to consumers, which could result in the loss of customers, harm to operating performance, and a negative impact on profit margins. Additionally, the imposition of tariffs could disrupt the Company’s supply chain, result in delays or shortages of materials, or require it to seek alternative suppliers at potentially higher costs. The increase or continued imposition of tariffs, potential trade restrictions between countries as a result of tariffs, and similar constraints could result in a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, operations, and financial condition.
Risks Relating to the Company’s Securities
The Company has a history of losses and may continue to incur losses in the future. The Company has incurred both operating and net losses in each of its last fiscal years, and may continue to incur losses in the future as it continues to build its brand and invest in its products. This lack of profitability limits the resources available to the Company to fund its operations and to invest in new products and services and otherwise improve its business operations. The Company cannot assure that it will be able to operate profitably or generate positive cash flows. If the Company cannot achieve profitability, it may be forced to cease operations and investors may a total of investment.
Debt and the Convertible Debenture Agreement that the Company has in place may limit other future potential strategic investor interests. Effective as of November 14, 2022, the Company entered into the Subscription Agreement with BT DE Investments, Inc. a wholly-owned subsidiary of BAT Group (LSE: BATS and NYSE: BTI), providing for the issuance of an approximately $56.8 million (C$75.3 million) debenture convertible into 19.9% ownership of the Company’s Common Shares at a conversion price of C$2.00 per Common Share of the Company on the TSX. The debenture will accrue interest at an annualized rate of 5% until such time that there is federal regulation permitting the use of cannabidiol, a phytocannabinoid derived from CBD as an ingredient in food products and dietary supplements in the United States. Following federal regulation of CBD, the annualized rate of interest shall reduce to 1.5%. The maturity date for the debenture is November 2029.
The material investment by BT DE Investments, Inc. and the resulting significant ownership interest in the Company may have the effect of delaying or preventing change of control transactions, including transactions that some or all of the Company's Shareholders might consider to be desirable.
The Company has required and, in the future, may require additional financing to operate its business, and it may face difficulties acquiring additional financing on terms acceptable to the Company, if at all. Given its lack of profitability, the Company has required, and in the future may require, additional capital to continue operations at its cultivation and production facilities, expansion of its product lines, development of its intellectual property base, increasing production capabilities and expanding its operations in states where it currently operates and states where it currently does not have operations. The Company may not be able to obtain additional financing on terms acceptable to it, or at all. If the Company fails to raise additional capital, as needed, its ability to implement its business model and strategy could be compromised.
The capital needs of the Company will depend on numerous factors including: (i) profitability; (ii) the release of competitive products by competitors; (iii) the level of investment in R&D; (iv) operating expenses; and (v) the amount of the Company’s capital expenditures, including acquisitions. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain capital in the future to meet its needs.
The Company is continually assessing a range of public and private financing options, including secured and unsecured debt, equity, and convertible debt. Although the Company has accessed private financing in the past, there is neither a broad nor deep pool of institutional capital that is available to companies in the U.S. hemp industry. There can be no assurance that additional financing, if raised privately, will be available to the Company when needed or on terms which are acceptable.
The Company has discretion in the use of proceeds from its securities issuances. Generally, when the Company issues securities, management of the Company will have broad discretion with respect to the application of net proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the securities and may spend such proceeds in ways that do not improve the Company’s results of operations or enhance the value of the securities issued and outstanding from time to time. Any failure by management to apply these funds effectively could result in financial losses that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business or cause the price of the securities of the Company issued and outstanding from time to time to decline.
There is a limited market for the Company’s Common Shares. The Common Shares are listed on the TSX under the symbol "CWEB". However, there can be no assurance that an active and liquid market for the Common Shares or warrants will be maintained and an investor may find it difficult to resell any securities of the Company.
The market price of the Company’s Common Shares and other listed securities may be volatile. The market price of the Common Shares may be volatile and subject to wide fluctuations in response to numerous factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control. This volatility may affect the ability of holders of the Common Shares to sell their securities at an advantageous price. Such volatility could be subject to significant fluctuations in response to numerous factors including:
• the public’s reaction to the Company’s press releases, announcements and filings with regulatory authorities and those of its competitors;
• fluctuations in broader stock market prices and volumes or adverse changes in general market conditions or economic trends;
• changes in market valuations of similar companies;
• investor perception of the Company, its prospects or the industry in general;
• additions or departures of key personnel;
• commencement of or involvement in litigation;
• changes in the regulatory landscape applicable to the Company, the dietary supplement and/or the hemp industry;
• media reports, publications or public statements relating to, or public perceptions of, the regulatory landscape applicable to the Company, the dietary supplement and/or the hemp industry, whether correct or not;
• announcements by the Company or its competitors of strategic alliances, significant contracts, new technologies, acquisitions, dispositions, commercial relationships, joint ventures or capital commitments;
• variations in the Company’s quarterly results of operations or cash flows or those of other comparable companies;
• revenues and operating results failing to meet the expectations of securities analysts or investors in a particular quarter;
• downward revision in securities analysts’ estimates;
• changes in the Company’s pricing policies or the pricing policies of its competitors;
• future issuances and sales of Common Shares or other securities of the Company, including as a result of the conversion of Proportionate Voting Shares and sale of Common Shares issuable thereafter;
• sales of Common Shares by insiders of the Company;
• third party disclosure of significant short positions;
• demand for and trading volume of Common Shares and other listed securities of the Company;
• changes in securities analysts’ recommendations and their estimates of the Company’s financial performance;
• short-term fluctuation in share price caused by changes in general conditions in the domestic and worldwide economies or financial markets;
• changes in global financial markets and global economics and general market conditions, such as interest rates and product price volatility; and
• the other risk factors described in this Form 10-K.
The realization of any of these risks and other factors beyond the Company’s control could cause the market price of the Common Shares to decline significantly.
In addition, broad market and societal factors, as well as political, social and economic instability globally or in the markets the Company serves may harm the market price of the Common Shares and other listed securities of the Company. Hence, the price of the Common Shares and such other securities 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 Shares or such other securities regardless of the Company’s operating performance. Additionally, these factors, as well as other related factors, may cause decreases in asset values that are deemed to be other than temporary, which may result in impairment losses. There can be no assurance that continuing fluctuations in price and volume will not occur. If such increased levels of volatility and market turmoil continue, the Company’s operations could be adversely impacted, and the trading price of the Common Shares or other listed securities of the Company may be materially adversely affected.
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 the Company were involved in any similar litigation, it could incur substantial costs, management’s attention and resources could be diverted and it could harm the Company’s business, operating results and financial condition.
The Company does not intend to pay dividends on its Common Shares and, consequently, the ability of investors to achieve a return on their investment will depend entirely on appreciation in the price of the Company’s Common Shares. The Company does not anticipate paying cash dividends on the Common Shares in the foreseeable future. The Company currently intends to retain all future earnings to fund the development and growth of its business. Any payment of future dividends will be at the discretion of the directors and will depend on, among other things, the Company’s earnings, financial condition, capital requirements, level of indebtedness, statutory and contractual restrictions applying to the payment of dividends, and other considerations that the directors deem relevant. Investors must rely on sales of their Common Shares after price appreciation, which may never occur, as the only way to realize a return on their investment.
The Company is a holding company and its earnings depend on the earnings and distributions of its subsidiaries. The Company is a holding company and substantially all of its assets consist of shares of Charlotte’s Web, Inc. and Abacus Health Products, Inc. (including its subsidiaries). As a result, investors are subject to the risks attributable to Charlotte’s Web, Inc. and any and all future affiliates. The Company does not have any significant assets and conducts substantially all of its business through its subsidiaries, which generate all or substantially all of the Company’s revenues. The ability of the Company’s subsidiaries to distribute funds to the Company will depend on their operating results, tax considerations (both domestic and cross-border) and will be subject to applicable laws and regulations which require that solvency and capital standards be maintained by these subsidiaries and contractual restrictions contained in the instruments governing their debt, existing or if incurred. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization of one or more of the Company’s subsidiaries, or any other future subsidiary, holders of indebtedness and trade creditors will generally be entitled to payment of their claims from the assets of those subsidiaries before any assets are made available for distribution to the Company.
Future sales of Common Shares by Shareholders, directors or officers could create volatility in the Company’s share price. Subject to compliance with applicable securities laws and the terms of any applicable lock-up arrangements, the Company’s officers, directors, promoters and their affiliates may sell some or all of their Common Shares in the future. No prediction can be made as to the effect, if any, such future sales of Common Shares will have on the market price of the Common Shares prevailing from time to time. However, the future sale of a substantial number of Common Shares by the Company’s officers and directors, promoters and their affiliates, or the perception that such sales could occur, could materially adversely affect prevailing market prices for the Common Shares of the Company and other listed securities of the Company.
All of the currently outstanding Common Shares are, subject to applicable securities laws, generally immediately available for resale in the public markets. Additional Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options may also become available for sale in the public market, which may also cause the market price of the Common Shares to fall. Accordingly, if substantial amounts of Common Shares are sold in the public market, the market price could fall.
A small number of Shareholders may exercise significant influence on matters submitted to Shareholders for approval. The Company has a small number of Shareholders who, to the knowledge of the Company, own, in the aggregate, in excess of 5.0% equity interest in the Company. Although such Shareholders may not have an agreement to act in concert, such Shareholders may have the ability to exercise significant influence over matters submitted to Shareholders for approval, whether subject to approval by a majority of the Shareholders or special resolution. On June 16, 2023, a group of three Shareholders filed a statement on Schedule 13D with the SEC indicating that they, collectively, held over 5% interest in the Company and had taken certain steps with the objective of replacing certain members of the Company’s Board of Directors.
The Company may issue an unlimited number of shares, and additional issuances could dilute a Shareholder’s holdings. The Company may issue additional Common Shares in the future which may dilute a Shareholder’s holdings in the Company. The Articles permit the issuance of an unlimited number of Common Shares, and an unlimited number of Preferred Shares issuable in series, and Shareholders
have no preemptive rights in connection with any further issuances. The directors of the Company have the discretion to determine the provisions attaching to the Common Shares and the price and the terms of issue of further Common Shares.
Additional equity financing, including pursuant to an at-the-market offering, may be dilutive to Shareholders and could contain rights and preferences superior to those of the Common Shares. Debt financing may involve restrictions on the Company’s financing and operating activities. Debt financing may be convertible into other securities of the Company which may result in immediate or resulting dilution. In either case, additional financing may not be available to the Company on acceptable terms or at all. If the Company is unable to raise additional funds as needed, the scope of its operations or growth may be reduced and, as a result, the Company may be unable to fulfil its long-term goals. In this case, investors may lose all or part of their investment. Any default under such debt instruments could have a material adverse effect on the Company, its business, or the results of operations.
Purchasers of the Company’s Common Shares may experience immediate and substantial dilution of their investment. The offering price of Common Shares may significantly exceed the net tangible book value per share of the Common Shares. Accordingly, a purchaser of Common Shares may incur immediate and substantial dilution of his, her or its investment. If outstanding options and warrants to purchase Common Shares are exercised or securities convertible into Common Shares are converted, additional dilution will occur. The Company has disclosed the dilutive effect of the BAT convertible debenture within the notes of the financial statements. The Company may sell additional Common Shares or other securities that are convertible or exchangeable into Common Shares in future offerings or may issue additional Common Shares or other securities to finance future acquisitions.
The Company cannot predict the size or nature of future sales or issuances of securities or the effect, if any, that such future sales and issuances will have on the market price of the Common Shares. Sales or issuances of substantial numbers of Common Shares or other securities that are convertible or exchangeable into Common Shares, or the perception that such sales or issuances could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices of the Common Shares. With any additional sale or issuance of Common Shares or other securities that are convertible or exchangeable into Common Shares, investors will suffer dilution to their voting power and economic interest in the Company. Furthermore, to the extent holders of the Company’s stock options or other convertible securities convert or exercise their securities and sell the Common Shares they receive, the trading price of the Common Shares on the TSX may decrease due to the additional amount of Common Shares available in the market.
The elimination of monetary liability against the Company’s directors, officers, and employees under British Columbia law and the existence of indemnification rights for the Company’s obligations to its directors, officers, and employees may result in substantial expenditures by the Company and may discourage lawsuits against its directors, officers, and employees. The Company’s Articles contain a provision permitting the Company to eliminate the personal liability of its directors to the Company and its Shareholders for damages incurred as a director or officer to the extent provided by British Columbia law. The Company also has contractual indemnification obligations under employment agreements with certain of its officers and agreements entered into with its directors. The foregoing indemnification obligations could result in the Company incurring substantial expenditures to cover the cost of settlement or damage awards against directors and officers, which the Company may be unable to recoup. These provisions and the resulting costs may also discourage the Company from bringing a lawsuit against directors and officers for of their fiduciary duties, and may similarly the filing of derivative by the Company’s Shareholders the Company’s directors and officers even though such actions, if , might otherwise the Company and its Shareholders.
The Company’s Articles provide that the Supreme Court of British Columbia, Canada and the Court of Appeal of British Columbia, Canada shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for derivative actions, actions relating to breaches of fiduciary duty, and other matters, creating a conflict with U.S. federal securities laws, which may limit the ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with the Company. The Company’s Articles contain a forum selection provision, which, among other things, identifies British Columbia courts as the exclusive forum for certain litigation. Given that, under United States law, investors cannot waive compliance by the Company with U.S. federal securities laws, it is uncertain whether the forum selection provision applies to actions arising under U.S. federal securities laws, and if it does, whether British Columbia Courts would enforce such provision. It is also uncertain whether a breach of U.S. securities law in and of itself would give rise to a direct cause of action in British Columbia Courts, although indirect causes of action may arise thereunder as a result of, without , or . In the event it was determined that the forum selection provision applies to actions arising under U.S. federal securities laws or, if British Columbia Courts to enforce such provisions, if a of U.S. securities law did not give rise to a cause of action in British Columbia Courts, there is a risk that the Company would be required to any such in a jurisdiction which is less to the Company which could result in additional costs and financial that could have a material effect on the Company’s business. These provisions may limit the Company’s Shareholders’ ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum they find for with the Company or its
directors, officers, or other employees, which may discourage lawsuits against the Company and its directors, officers, and other employees.
The Company is subject to U.S. and other income tax and is treated as a U.S. domestic company for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Company takes the position that the Company is treated as a U.S. domestic Company for U.S. federal income tax purposes under section 7874 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and this treatment is expected to continue indefinitely. As a result, the Company is, and anticipates that it will continue to be, subject to U.S. income tax on its worldwide income.
Furthermore, the Company is subject to Canadian and Israel income tax. Consequently, the Company is, and anticipates that it will continue to be, liable for U.S., Canadian and Israel income tax, which could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations.
General Risk Factors
Investment in the Company’s Common Shares is speculative, involves risk, and there is no guarantee of a return. There is no guarantee that the Common Shares will earn any positive return in the short term or long term. A holding of Common Shares is speculative and involves a high degree of risk and should be undertaken only by holders whose financial resources are sufficient to enable them to assume such risks and who have no need for immediate liquidity in their investment. A holding of Common Shares is appropriate only for holders who have the capacity to absorb a loss of some or all of their holdings.
Product recalls and returns could adversely affect the Company’s operating results and financial condition. 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 labeling disclosure. If any of the Company’s products are recalled, the Company could incur the unexpected expense relating to the recall and any legal proceedings that might arise in connection with the recall. The Company may lose revenue due to loss of sales and may not be able to compensate for or replace that revenue.
In addition, a product recall may require significant management attention. Recall of products could lead to adverse publicity, decreased demand for the Company’s products and could have significant reputational and brand damage. Although the Company has detailed procedures in place for testing its 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. A recall for any product could lead to adverse publicity, decreased demand for the Company’s products and could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations and financial condition of the Company. Additionally, product recalls may lead to increased scrutiny of the Company’s operations by regulatory agencies, requiring further management attention and potential legal fees and other expenses.
In addition, product returns are a customary part of the Company's business. Products may be returned for various reasons, including expiration dates or lack of sufficient sales volume. Any increase in product returns could negatively impact the Company's results of operations.
The Company may be subject to impairment of intangible and long-lived assets, which could adversely impact the Company’s financial results. Intangible and long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that fair value has been reduced to less than its carrying value. Determining the fair value is judgmental and requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including revenue growth rates, strategic plans, and future market conditions, among others. There can be no assurance that the Company’s estimates and assumptions made for purposes of the impairment will prove to be accurate predictions of the future. Adverse market conditions, including a decrease in the Company’s market capitalization, temporary or permanent loss of key customers and distribution channels, among other factors, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations and could result in impairment of the Company's intangible and long-lived assets.
Certain employees or directors of the Company may have interests that conflict with those of the Company. Certain of the employees and directors of the Company may also be directors, officers, consultants or stakeholders of other companies or enterprises, some of which may be in similar sectors, and conflicts of interest may arise between their duties to the Company and their duties to or interests in such other companies or enterprises. Certain of such conflicts may be required to be disclosed in accordance with, and subject to, such procedures and remedies as applicable under the BCBCA and applicable securities laws, however, such procedures and remedies may not fully protect the Company.
The future growth of the Company depends on the effectiveness and efficiency of its advertising and promotional expenditures to attract and retain customers. The Company’s future growth and profitability will depend on the effectiveness and efficiency of advertising and promotional expenditures, including its ability to: (i) create greater awareness of its products; (ii) determine the appropriate creative message and media mix for future advertising expenditures; and (iii) effectively manage advertising and promotional costs in order to maintain acceptable operating margins. There can be no assurance that advertising and promotional expenditures will result in revenues in the future or will generate awareness of the Company’s technologies, products or services. Specifically, ineffective marketing could reduce e-commerce traffic, which will reduce new consumer acquisition place overreliance on existing consumers. In addition, no assurance can be given that the Company will be able to manage its advertising and promotional expenditures on a cost-effective basis.
In addition, periodic changes to search engine algorithms, which retrieve data from search indices and deliver ranked search results, produce changes in search engine results pages. Any changes to these algorithms or in how these algorithms are applied, and therefore search engine results pages, could reduce visibility of, and traffic on, the Company’s e-commerce website and negatively impact the Company’s financial position and results of operations.
The use of customer information and other personal and confidential information creates compliance risks. The Company collects, processes, maintains and uses data, including sensitive information on individuals, available to the Company through online activities and other customer interactions with its business. The Company’s current and future marketing programs may depend on its ability to collect, maintain and use this information, and its ability to do so is subject to evolving international, U.S. and Canadian laws and enforcement trends. The Company strives to comply with all applicable laws and other legal obligations relating to privacy, data protection and customer protection, including those relating to the use of data for marketing purposes. It is possible, however, that these requirements may be interpreted and applied in a manner that is inconsistent from one jurisdiction to another, conflict with other rules, conflict with the Company’s practices or fail to be observed by its employees or business partners. If so, the Company may suffer damage to its reputation and be subject to proceedings or actions against it by governmental entities or others. Any such proceeding or action could the Company’s reputation, it to spend significant amounts to its practices, its management or otherwise have an effect on its business.
Certain of the Company’s marketing practices rely upon e-mail, social media and other means of digital communication to communicate with consumers on its behalf. The Company may face risk if its use of e-mail, social media or other means of digital communication is found to violate applicable laws. The Company posts its privacy policy and practices concerning the use and disclosure of user data on its websites. Any failure by the Company to comply with its posted privacy policy or other privacy-related laws and regulations could result in proceedings which could potentially harm its business. In addition, as data privacy and marketing laws change, the Company may incur additional costs to ensure it remains in compliance. If applicable data privacy and marketing laws become more restrictive at the international, federal, provincial or state levels, the Company’s compliance costs may increase, its ability to effectively engage customers via personalized marketing may decrease, its investment in its e-commerce platform may not be fully realized, its opportunities for growth may be curtailed by its compliance burden and its potential reputational harm or liability for security may increase.
The Company faces risks related to its information technology systems and potential cyber-attacks and security and privacy breaches. The Company’s operations depend, in part, on how well it and its third-party service providers protect networks, equipment, information technology ("IT") systems and software against damage from a number of threats, including, but not limited to, cable cuts, natural disasters, intentional damage and destruction, fire, power loss, hacking, computer viruses, vandalism and theft. The Company’s operations also depend on the timely maintenance, upgrade and replacement of networks, equipment, IT systems and software, as well as preemptive expenses to mitigate the risks of failures. Any of these and other events could result in information system failures, delays and/or increase in capital expenses. The of information systems or a component of information systems could, depending on the nature of any such , impact the Company’s reputation and results of operations.
The Company or its third-party service providers collect, process, maintain and use sensitive personal information relating to its customers and employees, including customer financial data (e.g., credit card information) and their personally identifiable information, and rely on third parties in connection with the operation of its e-commerce site and for the various social media tools and websites it uses as part of its marketing strategy. Any perceived, attempted or actual unauthorized disclosure of customer financial data (e.g., credit card information) or personally identifiable information regarding the Company’s employees, customers or website visitors could harm its reputation and credibility, reduce its e-commerce sales, impair its ability to attract website visitors, reduce its ability to attract and retain customers and could result in litigation against the Company or the imposition of significant fines or penalties.
Recently, data security breaches suffered by well-known companies and institutions have attracted a substantial amount of media attention, prompting new foreign, federal, provincial and state laws and legislative proposals addressing data privacy and security. As a result, the Company may become subject to more extensive requirements to protect the customer information that it processes in connection with the purchase of its products, resulting in increased compliance costs.
The Company’s IT systems and online activities, including its e-commerce websites, also may be subject to denial of service, malware or other forms of cyber-attacks. While the Company has taken measures to protect against those types of attacks, those measures may not adequately protect its online activities from such attacks. If a denial-of-service attack or other cyber event were to affect the Company’s e-commerce sites or other IT systems, its business could be disrupted, it may lose sales or valuable data, and its reputation may be adversely affected. The Company’s risk and exposure to these matters cannot be fully mitigated because of, among other things, the evolving nature of these threats. As a result, cyber security and the continued development and enhancement of controls, processes and practices designed to protect systems, computers, software, data and networks from attack, damage or access is a priority. As cyber continue to evolve, the Company may be required to expend additional resources to continue to modify or protective measures or to and remediate any security .
Demand for the Company’s products and services are influenced by general economic and consumer trends beyond the Company’s control. There can be no assurance that the Company’s business and corresponding financial performance will not be adversely affected by general economic or consumer trends. In particular, global economic conditions remain constrained, and if such conditions continue, recur or worsen, this may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, the recent trends towards rising inflation may also materially adversely the Company's business and corresponding financial position and cash flows.
Furthermore, such economic conditions have produced downward pressure on share prices and on the availability of credit for financial institutions and corporations. If current levels of market disruption and volatility continue, the Company might experience reductions in business activity, increased funding costs and funding pressures, as applicable, a decrease in the market price of the Common Shares, a decrease in asset values, additional write-downs and impairment charges and lower profitability.
Future crises may be precipitated by any number of causes, including natural disasters, public health crises, geopolitical instability, or sovereign defaults. These factors may impact the Company’s operations and the ability of the Company to obtain equity or debt financing in the future and, if obtained, on terms favorable to the Company. Increased levels of volatility and market turmoil can adversely impact the Company’s operations and share price.
The costs of being a public company in both Canada and the United States are high and may strain the Company’s resources. The Company incurs significant legal, accounting, insurance and other expenses as a result of being a public company in both Canada and the United States, which may negatively impact its performance and could cause its results of operations and financial condition to suffer. Compliance with applicable securities laws in Canada and the United States and the rules of the TSX and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") (including, but not limited to, preparation and delivery of prescribed continuous disclosure forms, payment of listing fees, potential costs associated with Shareholder actions or dissenting Shareholder activity, costs associated with regulatory reviews and costs associated with changes in laws or regulations) constitutes a significant expense, including legal and accounting costs, and makes some activities more time-consuming and costly. Reporting and other obligations as a public company may place a strain on the Company’s financial and management systems, processes and controls, as well as on personnel.
The Company’s internal controls over financial reporting may not be effective, and the Company’s independent auditors may be unwilling or unable to provide the Company, when required, with an attestation report on the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Company is subject to reporting and other obligations under applicable Canadian securities laws and rules of any stock exchange on which the Common Shares are listed, including National Instrument 52-109 – Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings of the Canadian Securities Administrators, and is subject to U.S. securities reporting and regulatory requirements. These reporting and other obligations place significant demands on the Company’s management, administrative, operational and accounting resources. If the Company is unable to accomplish any such necessary objectives in a timely and effective manner, the Company’s ability to comply with its financial reporting obligations and other rules applicable to reporting issuers could be impaired. Moreover, any failure to maintain effective internal controls could cause the Company to to its reporting obligations or result in material in its financial statements. If the Company cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent , its reputation and operating results could be materially affected which could
also cause investors to lose confidence in the Company’s reported financial information, which could result in a reduction in the trading price of the Common Shares.
The Company does not expect that its disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting will prevent all error or fraud. Due to the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues within an organization are detected. The inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple errors or mistakes. Controls can also be circumvented by individual acts of certain persons, by collusion of two or more people or by management override of the controls. Due to the inherent limitations in a control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and may not be detected in a timely manner or at all.
The Company may have to amend prior financial reporting. The Company's auditors (former and current) are subject to standard review by the Canadian Public Accountability Board, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and similar oversight bodies and regulatory authorities in Canada and the United States. Such reviews could result in the Company being required to amend prior financial reporting, which could divert Company resources to such process.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish or cease publishing research or reports, or publish misleading, inaccurate or unfavorable research about the Company, its business or its market, its share price and trading volume could decline. The trading market for Common Shares could be influenced by the research and reports that industry and/or securities analysts may publish about the Company, its business, the market or competitors. If any of the analysts who may cover the Company’s business change their recommendation regarding the Common Shares adversely, or provide more favorable relative recommendations about its competitors, the Company's share price would likely decline. If any analyst who may cover the Company’s business were to cease coverage or fail to regularly publish reports on the Company, it could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause the share price or trading volume to .
Changes in tax laws could require the Company to pay additional tax amounts, decreasing the amount of capital available to the Company. New income, sales, use or other tax laws, statutes, rules, regulations or ordinances could be enacted at any time. Further, existing tax laws, statutes, rules, regulations or ordinances could be interpreted, changed, modified or applied adversely to the Company. These enactments and events could require the Company to pay additional tax amounts on a prospective or retroactive basis, thereby substantially increasing the amount of taxes the Company is liable to pay in the relevant tax jurisdictions. Accordingly, these events could decrease the capital that the Company has available to operate its business. Any or all of these events could harm the business and financial performance of the Company.
Recent macroeconomic trends, including inflation, a recession or slowed economic growth, may adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. Rising inflation could have an adverse impact on expenses, as these costs could increase at a higher rate than revenues. The Company's costs are subject to fluctuations, particularly due to changes in the prices of raw product and packaging materials and the costs of labor, transportation and energy. Inflation pressures could also result in increases in these input costs. Therefore, The Company's business results depend, in part, on its continued ability to manage these fluctuations through pricing actions, cost saving projects and sourcing decisions, while maintaining and improving margins and market share. Failure to manage these fluctuations could adversely impact the Company's results of operations or cash flows. In addition, unfavorable macroeconomic conditions, such as a recession or continued slowed economic growth, could affect consumer demand for cannabis products, which consequently, may affect the results of operations. Under economic conditions, consumers may seek to reduce discretionary spending by forgoing purchases of cannabis products, impacting the Company's net sales and margins. Softer consumer demand for cannabis products could reduce the Company's and could affect its overall financial performance.
