ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Summary of Risk Factors
Our business is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties of which you should be aware before making a decision to invest in our Subordinate Voting Shares. This summary does not address all of the risks that we face. Additional discussion of the risks summarized in this risk factor summary; and other risks we face, can be found below under the heading “Risk Factors” and should be carefully considered, together with other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other filings with the SEC, before making a decision to invest in our Subordinate Voting Shares. These risks include, among others, the following:
Cannabis remains illegal under U.S. federal law, and enforcement of cannabis laws could change.
Future state regulation of cannabis is uncertain.
We may not be able to obtain or maintain necessary permits and authorizations.
We may face limitations on ownership of cannabis licenses.
We may become subject to U.S. Food and Drug Administration or Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives regulation.
As a cannabis business, we are subject to applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations and have restricted access to banking and other financial services.
We may face difficulties acquiring additional financing.
We operate in a highly regulated sector and may not always succeed in complying fully with applicable regulatory requirements in all jurisdictions where we carry on business.
We face intense competition.
We face competition from the illicit market as well as actual or purported 2018 Farm Bill compliant hemp products.
We are dependent on the popularity and of consumer acceptance of our brand portfolio, which we license from a third party.
We have limited trademark protection.
As a cannabis business, we are subject to unfavorable U.S. tax treatment and may incur significant tax liability.
We are subject to proceeds of crime statutes.
We face exposure to fraudulent or illegal activity.
We face risks due to industry immaturity or limited comparable, competitive or established industry best practices.
We face risks related to our products.
Our business is subject to the risks inherent in agricultural operations.
We face an inherent risk of product liability and similar claims.
Our products may be subject to product recalls.
We may face unfavorable publicity or consumer perception.
We may be adversely impacted by rising or volatile energy costs and availability.
We face risks related to our information technology systems and potential cyber-attacks and security breaches.
We rely on third-party software providers for numerous capabilities we depend upon to operate, and a disruption of one or more or more of these systems could adversely affect our business.
We rely on the expertise of our management team and other employees experienced in the cannabis industry, and the loss of key personnel could negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our voting control is concentrated.
Our capital structure and voting control may cause unpredictability.
Sales of substantial amounts of Subordinate Voting Shares by our shareholders in the public market may have an adverse effect on the market price of our Subordinate Voting Shares.
Risk Factors
Certain factors may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Investing in our shares involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the following risks, together with all of the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the sections titled “Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Any of the following risks could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results, or prospects and could cause the trading price of our common stock to decline, which would cause you to lose all or part of your investment. Our business, financial condition, operating results, or prospects could also be harmed by risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently do not believe are material.
Risks Related to Our Business
Cannabis remains illegal under U.S. federal law, and enforcement of cannabis laws could change.
The Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. § 811) classifies cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance, and as such, medical and adult-use cannabis use is illegal under U.S. federal law. In those states in which the use of cannabis has been legalized, its use remains a violation of federal law pursuant to the Controlled Substances Act. Even if cannabis is re-scheduled to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act by executive order or legislative action, medical and adult-use cannabis would remain illegal under U.S. federal law without additional statutory changes. Unless and until Congress amends the Controlled Substances Act with respect to cannabis (and the President approves such amendment), there is a risk that federal authorities may enforce current federal law. If that occurs, we may be deemed to be producing, cultivating or dispensing cannabis and drug paraphernalia in violation of federal law. Federal law regarding cannabis is a significant risk and would greatly harm our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
Our activities are, and will continue to be, subject to evolving regulation by governmental authorities. We are directly or indirectly engaged in the medical and adult-use cannabis industry in the United States where local and state law permits such activities. The legality of the production, cultivation, extraction, distribution, retail sales, transportation and use of cannabis differs among states in the United States. Due to the current regulatory environment in the United States, new risks may emerge, and management may not be able to predict all such risks.
As of December 31, 2025, 40 states (and the territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the District of Columbia) have legalized the cultivation and sale of cannabis for medical purposes. In 24 of those states, the sale and possession of cannabis is legal for both medical and adult-use, and the District of Columbia has legalized adult-use but not commercial sale. Ten of those states legalized adult-use sales within the last five years. In 2024 and 2025, two states legalized (Nebraska) or expanded (Texas) medical cannabis access.
Despite this, our activities in the medical and adult-use cannabis industry are illegal under the applicable federal laws of the United States. There can be no assurances that the federal government of the United States will not seek to enforce the applicable laws against us. The consequences of such enforcement would be materially adverse to us and our business, including our reputation, profitability and the market price of our publicly traded shares, and could result in the forfeiture or seizure of all or substantially all of our assets.
It is further possible that Department of Justice or an aggressive federal prosecutor could allege that Green Thumb Industries Inc., and members of our Board, our executive officers and, potentially, our shareholders, “aided and abetted” violations of federal law by providing finances and services to our portfolio cannabis companies. Under these circumstances, federal prosecutors could seek to seize our assets, and to recover the “illicit profits” previously distributed to shareholders resulting from any of our financing or services. In these circumstances, the Company’s operations would cease, shareholders may lose their entire investments and directors, officers and/or shareholders may be left to defend any criminal charges against them at their own expense and, if convicted, be sent to federal prison.
Additionally, there can be no assurance as to the position the current administration or any future administration may take on cannabis, and any administration could decide to enforce federal laws against state-regulated cannabis companies. Any enforcement of current federal cannabis laws could cause significant financial damage to us and our shareholders.
Violations of any federal laws and regulations could result in significant fines, penalties, administrative sanctions, convictions or settlements arising from civil proceedings conducted by either the federal government or private citizens, or criminal charges, including, but not limited to, disgorgement of profits, cessation of business activities or divestiture. These results could have a material adverse effect on us, including, but not limited to, our reputation and ability to conduct business, our holding (directly or indirectly) of cannabis licenses in the United States, the listing of our securities on various stock exchanges, our financial position,
operating results, profitability or liquidity or the market price of our Subordinate Voting Shares. In addition, it is difficult to estimate the time or resources that would be needed for the investigation or final resolution of any such matters because: (i) the time and resources that may be needed depend on the nature and extent of any information requested by the authorities involved, and (ii) such time or resources could be substantial.
Future state regulation of cannabis is uncertain.
There is no assurance that state laws legalizing and regulating the sale and use of cannabis will not be repealed or overturned, or that local governmental authorities will not limit the applicability of state laws within their respective jurisdictions. For example, in 2025, citizen ballot initiatives in three states have sought to repeal all or some portion of their state’s adult-use cannabis laws. If the U.S. federal government begins to enforce U.S. federal laws relating to cannabis in states where the sale and use of cannabis is currently legal, or if existing state laws are repealed or curtailed, the Company’s business or operations in those states or under those laws would be materially and adversely affected.
Maintaining compliance with complex and ever-changing regulations and laws, including sometimes unclear regulations and laws, can be a difficult task, and a materially compliant business can be found in violation of one or more laws, rules or regulations while remaining materially or substantially compliant with applicable state cannabis laws.
The rulemaking process at the state level that applies to cannabis operators in any state will be ongoing and result in frequent changes. As a result, a compliance program is essential to manage regulatory risk. All operating policies and procedures implemented by the Company are compliance-based and are derived from the state regulatory structure governing ancillary cannabis businesses and their relationships to state-licensed or permitted cannabis operators, if any. Notwithstanding the Company’s efforts and diligence, regulatory compliance and the process of obtaining and maintaining regulatory approvals can be costly and time-consuming. No assurance can be given that the Company will receive or be able to maintain the requisite licenses, permits or cards to continue operating our businesses.
In addition, local laws and ordinances could restrict the Company’s business activity. Although the Company’s operations are legal under the laws of the states in which the Company’s business operates, local governments have the ability to limit, restrict and ban cannabis businesses from operating within their jurisdiction. Land use, zoning, local ordinances and similar laws could be adopted or changed and have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business. As they amend or develop legislation and regulations, state and local regulators and legislatures may use the regulatory process to slow the growth of multistate operators like the Company, with the intent of creating increased opportunities for resident farmers and entrepreneurs, which could severely restrict our ability to operate in those jurisdictions.
Multiple states where medical and/or adult-use cannabis is legal have or are considering special taxes or fees on businesses in the cannabis industry. It is uncertain at this time whether other states are in the process of reviewing such additional taxes and fees. The implementation of special taxes or fees could have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
We may not be able to obtain or maintain necessary permits and authorizations.
Our subsidiaries may not be able to obtain or maintain the necessary licenses, permits, certificates, authorizations or accreditations to operate their respective businesses, or may only be able to do so at great cost. In addition, our subsidiaries may not be able to comply fully with the wide variety of laws and regulations applicable to the cannabis industry. Failure to comply with or to obtain the necessary licenses, permits, certificates, authorizations or accreditations could result in restrictions on a subsidiary’s ability to operate in the cannabis industry, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We may face limitations on ownership of cannabis licenses.
In certain states, the cannabis laws and regulations limit not only the number of cannabis licenses issued, but also the number of cannabis licenses that one person or entity may own. Such limitations on the ownership of additional licenses within certain states may limit the Company’s ability to grow in such states.
We may become subject to U.S. Food and Drug Administration or Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives regulation.
Cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance under U.S. federal law. If the federal government reclassifies cannabis to a Schedule III controlled substance, it is possible that the Food and Drug Administration would seek to regulate cannabis under the Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act of 1938. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration may issue rules and regulations, including
good manufacturing practices, related to the growth, cultivation, harvesting and processing of medical cannabis. Clinical trials may be needed to verify the efficacy and safety of cannabis. It is also possible that the Food and Drug Administration would require facilities where medical use cannabis is grown to register with the Food and Drug Administration and comply with certain federally prescribed regulations. In the event that some or all of these regulations are imposed, the impact they would have on the cannabis industry is unknown, including the costs, requirements and possible prohibitions that may be enforced. If the Company is unable to comply with the potential regulations or registration requirements prescribed by the Food and Drug Administration, it may have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
It is also possible that the federal government could seek to regulate cannabis under the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives may issue rules and regulations related to the use, transporting, sale and advertising of cannabis or cannabis products, including smokeless cannabis products.
We have investments in companies, including RYM, that produce, sell and/or market hemp-derived THC products. The Food and Drug Administration has not permitted the marketing of certain hemp-derived products, such as drinks, gummies, and other ingestible products. While the hemp-derived THC products we have invested in, to our knowledge, are not intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of a disease or condition, we can provide no assurance that those products or operations will be deemed in compliance with federal regulations, including those enforced by the Food and Drug Administration, which could severely impair or eliminate the value of our investments. More recently, the 2026 Appropriations Act, enacted on November 12, 2025, includes a provision (section 781) to amend the definition of hemp in the 2018 Farm Bill to effectively eliminate the currently commercialized hemp-derived THC products.
There can be no guarantee or assurance whatsoever that the upcoming federal prohibition of hemp-derived THC products will be resolved favorably for the hemp derived products industry. Additionally, various states and municipalities have declared that the sale of certain hemp-derived products are illegal. Aggressive law enforcement against the hemp-derived products industry by federal, state or local authorities and agencies may have a material adverse effect on the value of our investments in companies that produce hemp-derived products.
As a cannabis business, we are subject to applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations and have restricted access to banking and other financial services.
We are subject to a variety of laws and regulations in the United States that involve money laundering, financial record-keeping and proceeds of crime, including the U.S. Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, (which we refer to 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 (which we refer to as the USA Patriot Act), and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by governmental authorities in the United States. Accordingly, pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, banks or other financial institutions that provide a cannabis 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 conspiracy.
The United States Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, which we refer to as FinCEN, issued a memorandum on February 14, 2014, which we refer to as the FinCEN Memorandum, outlining the pathways for financial institutions to bank cannabis businesses in compliance with federal enforcement priorities. The FinCEN Memorandum states that in some circumstances, it is permissible for banks to provide services to cannabis-related businesses without risking prosecution for violation of federal money laundering laws.
While it has not done so in the more than ten years since the FinCEN Memorandum, the Department of Justice continues to have the right and power to prosecute crimes committed by banks and financial institutions, such as money laundering and violations of the Bank Secrecy Act, that occur in any state including states that have in some form legalized the sale of cannabis. Further, the conduct of the Department of Justice’s enforcement priorities could change for any number of reasons. A change in the Department of Justice’s priorities could result in the prosecution of banks and financial institutions for crimes that were not previously prosecuted.
If our operations, or proceeds thereof, dividend distributions or profits or revenues derived from our operations were found to be in violation of money laundering legislation or otherwise, such transactions may be viewed as proceeds from a crime (the sale of a Schedule I drug) under the Bank Secrecy Act’s money laundering provisions. This may restrict our ability to declare or pay dividends or effect other distributions.
The FinCEN Memorandum does not provide any safe harbors or legal defenses from examination or regulatory or criminal enforcement actions by the Department of Justice, FinCEN or other federal regulators. Thus, most banks and other financial institutions in the United States do not appear comfortable providing banking services to cannabis-related businesses or relying on this guidance given that it has the potential to be amended or revoked by the current or future administrations. In addition to the foregoing, banks may refuse to process debit card payments and credit card companies generally refuse to process credit card payments for cannabis-related businesses. As a result, we may have limited or no access to banking or other financial services in the United States. In addition, federal money laundering statutes and Bank Secrecy Act regulations discourage financial institutions from working with any organization that sells a controlled substance, regardless of whether the state it operates in permits cannabis sales. Our inability or limitation of our ability to open or maintain bank accounts, obtain other banking services and/or accept credit card and debit card payments may make it for us to operate and conduct our business as planned or to operate .
In the United States, the “SAFE Banking Act” which has been passed by the U.S. House of Representatives seven times, most recently on July 14, 2022 as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, would grant banks and other financial institutions immunity from federal criminal prosecution for servicing Marijuana-Related Businesses if the underlying cannabis business follows state law. However, while the U.S. Senate Banking Committee passed the “SAFER Banking Act” on a bipartisan vote of 14-9 in September 2023, that bill has yet to be brought to the U.S. Senate floor and faces an uncertain future in the U.S. House of Representatives. There is renewed interest in banking reform following President Trump’s Executive order directing the Department of Justice to reschedule cannabis, however, there can be no assurance that it will be passed as presently proposed or at all.
In both Canada and the United States, transactions involving banks and other financial institutions are both difficult and unpredictable under the current legal and regulatory landscape. Legislative changes could help to reduce or eliminate these challenges for companies in the cannabis space and would improve the efficiency of both significant and minor financial transactions.
We may face difficulties acquiring additional financing.
We may require equity and/or debt financing to support on-going operations, to undertake capital expenditures or to undertake acquisitions and/or other business combination transactions. There can be no assurance that additional financing will be available to us when needed or on terms which are acceptable. Our inability to raise financing through traditional banking to fund on-going operations, capital expenditures or acquisitions could limit growth and may have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
We lack access to U.S. bankruptcy protections.
Many courts have denied cannabis businesses bankruptcy protections because the use of cannabis is illegal under federal law. In the event of a bankruptcy, it would be very difficult for lenders to recoup their investments in the cannabis industry. If the Company were to experience a bankruptcy, there is no guarantee that U.S. federal bankruptcy protections would be available to us, which would have a material adverse effect on us.
We operate in a highly regulated sector and may not always succeed in complying fully with applicable regulatory requirements in all jurisdictions where we carry on business.
Our business and activities are heavily regulated in all jurisdictions where we conduct business. Our operations are subject to various laws, regulations and guidelines by state and local governmental authorities relating to the manufacture, marketing, management, transportation, storage, sale, pricing and disposal of cannabis and cannabis oil, and also including laws and regulations relating to health and safety, insurance coverage, the conduct of operations and the protection of the environment. Laws and regulations, applied generally, grant government agencies and self-regulatory bodies broad administrative discretion over our activities, including the power to limit or restrict business activities as well as impose additional disclosure requirements on our products and services. Achievement of our business objectives is contingent, in part, upon compliance with regulatory requirements enacted by these governmental authorities and obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals for the manufacture, production, storage, transportation, sale, import and export, as applicable, of our products. The commercial cannabis industry is still a new industry at the state and local level.
Furthermore, the effect of relevant governmental authorities’ administration, application and enforcement of their respective regulatory regimes and delays in obtaining, or failure to obtain, applicable regulatory approvals which may be required may significantly delay or impact the development of markets, products and sales initiatives and could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition. Any failure to comply with the regulatory requirements applicable to our operations may lead to possible sanctions including the revocation or imposition of additional conditions on licenses to operate our business; the suspension or expulsion from a particular market or jurisdiction or of our key personnel; the imposition of additional or more stringent inspection, testing and reporting requirements; and the imposition of fines and censures. In addition, changes in regulations, more vigorous enforcement thereof or other events could require extensive changes to our
operations, increase compliance costs or give rise to material liabilities and/or revocation of our licenses and other permits, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Noncompliance with state law could also make the Company a target for federal criminal enforcement. Additionally, governmental authorities may change their administration, application or enforcement procedures at any time, which may adversely impact our ongoing costs relating to regulatory compliance. Maintaining compliance with complex and ever-changing regulations, including sometimes unclear regulations and laws, can be a difficult task, and a materially compliant business can be found in violation of one or more laws, rules or regulations while remaining materially or substantially compliant with applicable state cannabis laws.
We face intense competition.
We face intense competition from other companies, some of which have longer operating histories and more financial resources and manufacturing, retail and marketing experience than us. Additionally, if cannabis is rescheduled to a Schedule III drug, there may be a surge of additional competitors in the market, including from well-capitalized companies such as those in the pharmaceutical, tobacco, or alcohol industries. Increased competition by larger and better financed competitors could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Because of the early stage of the industry in which we operate, we face additional competition from new entrants. If the number of consumers of cannabis in the states in which we operate our business increases, the demand for products and qualified talent will increase and we expect that competition will become more intense, as current and future competitors begin to offer an increasing number of diversified products. To remain competitive, we will require a continued high level of investment in research and development, marketing, sales, talent retention and customer support. We may not have sufficient resources to maintain research and development, marketing, sales and customer support efforts on a competitive basis, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, as the number of available licenses increase in the markets in which we operate, additional competition and increased product availability may result in competitors undercutting our prices. From time to time, we may need to reduce our prices in response to competitive and customer pressures and to maintain our market share, which could materially reduce our revenues. A decline in the price of the Subordinate Voting Shares could affect our ability to raise further working capital and adversely impact our ability to continue operations.
A prolonged decline in the price of the Subordinate Voting Shares could result in a reduction in the liquidity of the Subordinate Voting Shares and a reduction in our ability to raise capital, if needed. Such reductions may force us to reallocate funds from other planned uses and may have a significant negative effect on our business plan and operations, including our ability to develop new products and continue our current operations. If our stock price declines, there can be no assurance that we will be able to raise additional capital or generate funds from operations sufficient to meet our obligations. If we are unable to raise sufficient capital in the future, we may not be able to have the resources to continue our normal operations.
We face competition from the illicit market as well as actual or purported 2018 Farm Bill compliant hemp products.
In addition to the competitor types discussed above, we face and expect to continue to face competition from hemp-derived THC products and illicit cannabis businesses, some of which are unlicensed and unregulated. At least until November 2026, hemp-derived THC products are generally not subject to the intensive and costly state-level regulatory regimes that medical and adult-use cannabis are subject to. These products generally are not produced in adherence with the same laws, regulations, rules, tax regimes and other restrictions that are applicable to us, which significantly reduces these producers’ costs, and may have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, although not subject to the same quality and health and safety regulations applicable to medical and adult-use cannabis businesses, if hemp-derived THC products cause harm to their users, that could result in a material adverse effect on the perception of cannabis use and its legality.
The competition presented by illicit cannabis businesses, and the inability or unwillingness of law enforcement authorities to enforce existing laws prohibiting the unlicensed or otherwise illegal cultivation and sale of cannabis, could result in the perpetuation of the illegal market for cannabis and/or have a material adverse effect on the perception of cannabis use.
We are dependent on the popularity of consumer acceptance of our brand portfolio, which we license from a third party.
Our ability to generate revenue and be successful in the implementation of our business plan is dependent on consumer acceptance of and demand for our products. Acceptance of our products depends on several factors, including availability, cost, ease of use, familiarity of use, convenience, effectiveness, safety and reliability. If these customers do not accept our products, or if such products fail to adequately meet customers’ needs and expectations, our ability to continue generating revenues could be reduced. As the number of available cannabis licenses increase in the markets in which we operate, and the illicit market and hemp-derived THC products proliferate, additional competition and increased product availability may result in competitors undercutting our prices. From time to time, we may need to reduce our prices in response to competitive and customer pressures and to maintain our market share, which could materially reduce our revenues.
We license our consumer packaged goods brands, including &Shine, Beboe, Dogwalkers, Doctor Solomon’s, Good Green, incredibles and RYTHM, from RYM, a third party of which we own approximately 33% of the outstanding common stock. We pay RYM a monthly license fee based on sales of products using the licensed intellectual property. Our license agreements with RYM automatically terminates upon certain insolvency events involving our indirect, wholly owned subsidiary, GTI Core, LLC, and may be terminated by GTI Core, LLC beginning on the five-year anniversary of the license agreement which is August 27, 2030. If the license agreement were to terminate, we may need to rebrand our products, which may necessitate a reduction in our prices, which could materially reduce our revenues, and our future growth may depend upon our ability to maintain our licensing arrangements with RYM.
We may face difficulties in enforcing our contracts.
Because our contracts involve cannabis and other activities that are not legal under federal law and in some state jurisdictions, we may face difficulties in enforcing our contracts in federal courts and certain state courts. We cannot be assured that we will have a remedy for breach of contract, which could have a material adverse effect on us.
We have limited trademark protection.
We are not able to register any federal trademarks for our cannabis products. Because producing, manufacturing, processing, possessing, distributing, selling and using cannabis is a crime under the Controlled Substances Act, the Patent and Trademark Office will not permit the registration of any trademark that identifies cannabis products. As a result, we likely will be unable to protect our cannabis product trademarks beyond the geographic areas in which we conduct business. The use of our trademarks outside the states in which we operate by one or more other persons could have a material adverse effect on the value of such trademarks.
We are and may continue to be subject to constraints on marketing our products.
Certain states in which we operate have enacted strict regulations regarding marketing and sales activities on cannabis products. There may be restrictions on sales and marketing activities imposed by government regulatory bodies that can hinder the development of the Company’s business and operating results. Restrictions may include regulations that specify what, where and to whom product information and descriptions may appear and/or be advertised. Marketing, advertising, packaging and labeling regulations also vary from state to state, potentially limiting the consistency and scale of consumer branding communication and product education efforts. The regulatory environment in the U.S. limits our ability to compete for market share in a manner similar to other industries. If we are unable to effectively market our products and compete for market share, or if the costs of compliance with government legislation and regulation cannot be absorbed through increased selling prices for our products, our sales and operating results could be adversely affected.
We face risks related to the results of future clinical research.
Research regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, dosing and social acceptance of cannabis or isolated cannabinoids (such as cannabidiol, commonly referred to as CBD and THC) remains in early stages. We need more double-blind placebo clinical trials in the U.S. to demonstrate the benefits of cannabis or isolated cannabinoids (such as CBD and THC), safe dosing, and safe and effective product formats for specific medical conditions. Although we believe that various articles, reports and studies support our beliefs regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, dosing and social acceptance of cannabis, future research and clinical trials may prove such statements to be incorrect, or could raise concerns regarding, and perceptions relating to, cannabis. Further, because of the federal illegality of cannabis and associated limits on our ability to properly fund and conduct research on cannabis and the lack of formal Food and Drug Administration oversight of cannabis, there is limited information about the long-term safety and efficacy of cannabis in it various forms, when combusted or combined with various cannabis and/or non-cannabis derived ingredients and materials or when ingested, inhaled or topically applied. Future research or oversight may reveal negative health and safety effects, which may significantly impact our reputation, operations and financial performance.
Given these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, prospective purchasers of Subordinate Voting Shares should not place undue reliance on such articles and reports. Future research studies and clinical trials may draw opposing conclusions to those stated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K or reach negative conclusions regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, dosing, social acceptance or other facts and perceptions related to cannabis, which could have a material adverse effect on the demand for our products, with the potential to have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
We are subject to taxation in Canada and the United States.
We are and will continue to be a Canadian corporation as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We are treated as a Canadian resident company (as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada)) subject to Canadian income taxes. We are also treated as a U.S. corporation subject to U.S. federal income tax pursuant to Section 7874 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (which we refer to as the “IRC”) and are subject to U.S. federal income tax on our income. As a result, we are subject to taxation both in Canada and the United States, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
It is unlikely that we will pay any dividends on the Subordinate Voting Shares in the foreseeable future. However, dividends received by shareholders who are residents of Canada for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) will be subject to U.S. withholding tax. Any such dividends may not qualify for a reduced rate of withholding tax under the Canada-United States tax treaty. In addition, a foreign tax credit or a deduction in respect of foreign taxes may not be available.
Dividends received by U.S. shareholders will not be subject to U.S. withholding tax but will be subject to Canadian withholding tax. Dividends paid by us will be characterized as U.S. source income for purposes of the foreign tax credit rules under the IRC. Accordingly, U.S. shareholders generally will not be able to claim a credit for any Canadian tax withheld unless, depending on the circumstances, they have an excess foreign tax credit limitation due to other foreign source income that is subject to a low or zero rate of foreign tax.
Dividends received by shareholders that are neither Canadian nor U.S. shareholders will be subject to U.S. withholding tax and will also be subject to Canadian withholding tax. These dividends may not qualify for a reduced rate of U.S. withholding tax under any income tax treaty otherwise applicable to our shareholders, subject to examination of the relevant treaty. Because the Subordinate Voting Shares are treated as shares of a U.S. domestic corporation, the U.S. gift, estate and generation-skipping transfer tax rules generally apply to a non-U.S. shareholder of Subordinate Voting Shares. Each shareholder should seek tax advice, based on such shareholder’s particular circumstances, from an independent tax advisor.
As a cannabis business, we are subject to unfavorable U.S. tax treatment and may incur significant tax liability.
Under Section 280E of the IRC, no deduction or credit shall be allowed for any amount paid or incurred during the taxable year in carrying on any trade or business if such trade or business (or the activities which comprise such trade or business) consists of trafficking in controlled substances (within the meaning of Schedule I and II of the Controlled Substances Act) which is prohibited by Federal law or the law of any state in which such trade or business is conducted. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service has applied this provision to cannabis operations, prohibiting them from deducting certain expenses associated with cannabis businesses. While Section 280E may have a lesser impact on cannabis cultivation and manufacturing operations, it has outsized impacts on retail operations. Accordingly, unless and until cannabis is rescheduled to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act or other legislative change happens, Section 280E has a significant impact on the operations of cannabis companies and an otherwise profitable business may operate at a loss, after taking into account its U.S. income tax expenses. We have taken the position that Section 280E does not apply to our business and therefore have recorded a corresponding uncertain tax position starting with tax year 2024. There is a risk that the Internal Revenue Service could challenge the Company’s position, which could result in significant tax and other liabilities.
As a cannabis business, we may be subject to civil asset forfeiture.
Any property owned by participants in the cannabis industry used in the course of conducting such business, or that is the proceeds of such business, could be subject to seizure by law enforcement and subsequent civil asset forfeiture because of the illegality of the cannabis industry under federal law. Even if the owner of the property is never charged with a crime, the property in question could still be seized and subject to an administrative proceeding by which, with minimal due process, it could be subject to forfeiture.
We are subject to proceeds of crime statutes.
We are subject to a variety of laws that concern money laundering, financial recordkeeping and proceeds of crime. These include: the Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by Title III of the USA Patriot Act, the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (Canada), the rules and regulations under the Criminal Code of Canada and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by governmental authorities in the United States and Canada.
In the event that any of our license agreements, or any proceeds thereof, in the United States 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 have a material adverse effect on us, among other things, could restrict or otherwise jeopardize our ability to declare or pay dividends, effect other distributions or subsequently repatriate such funds back to Canada.
We face exposure to fraudulent or illegal activity.
We face exposure to the risk that employees, independent contractors or consultants may engage in fraudulent or other illegal activities. Misconduct by these parties could be intentional, reckless and/or negligent conduct. There may be disclosure of unauthorized activities that violate government regulations, manufacturing standards, healthcare laws, abuse laws and other financial reporting laws. Further, it may not always be possible for us to identify and deter misconduct by our employees and other third parties, and the precautions taken by us to detect and prevent these activities may not always be effective. As a result, we could face potential penalties and litigation.
Our internal controls over financial reporting may not be effective, and our independent auditors may not be able to certify as to their effectiveness, which could have a significant and adverse effect on our business.
We are subject to various SEC reporting and other regulatory requirements. We have incurred and will continue to incur expenses and, to a lesser extent, diversion of our management’s time, in our efforts to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act regarding internal controls over financial reporting. Effective internal controls over financial reporting are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and, together with adequate disclosure controls and procedures, are designed to prevent fraud. Any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation could cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. In addition, any testing by us conducted in connection with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, or the subsequent testing by our independent registered public accounting firm, may reveal deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses or that may require prospective or retrospective changes to our consolidated financial statements or identify other areas for further attention or . internal controls could also cause investors to confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a effect on the trading price of our Subordinate Voting Shares.
Material acquisitions, dispositions and other strategic transactions involve a number of risks for us .
Material acquisitions, dispositions and other strategic transactions involve a number of risks for us, including: (i) potential disruption of our ongoing business; (ii) distraction of management; (iii) increased financial leverage; (iv) the anticipated benefits and cost savings of those transactions may not be realized or may take longer to realize than anticipated; (v) increased scope and complexity of our operations; and (vi) loss or reduction of control over certain of our assets. Multiple non-material acquisitions, dispositions or strategic transactions that occur on or about the same time, even though not individually material, may present similar risks to the Company.
Additionally, we may issue additional Subordinate Voting Shares in connection with such transactions, which would dilute a shareholder’s holdings in the Company.
The presence of one or more material liabilities of an acquired company that are known, but believed to be immaterial, or unknown to us at the time of acquisition could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition. A strategic transaction may result in a significant change in the nature of our business, operations and strategy. In addition, we may encounter unforeseen obstacles or costs in implementing a strategic transaction or integrating any acquired business into our operations. These and other circumstances could also result in the impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets.
We may invest in companies which may not be able to meet anticipated development targets or otherwise be successful in the future .
We may make investments in companies with no significant sources of operating cash flow and no revenue from operations, that are in early stages of development, or that have high-risk profiles for reasons including, but not limited to, a rapidly changing regulatory environment. Our investments in such companies will be subject to risks and uncertainties that new companies with no or limited operating history may face. In particular, there is a risk that our investment in these companies will not be able to meet anticipated development targets or will not generate revenue at all. If these companies underperform or fail to continue to develop, their businesses may fail, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
Our use of joint ventures, strategic partnerships and alliances may expose us to risks associated with jointly owned investments.
We currently operate parts of our business through joint ventures with other companies, and we may enter into additional joint ventures and strategic alliances in the future. Joint venture investments may involve risks not otherwise present in investments made solely by us, including: (i) we may not control the joint ventures; (ii) our joint venture partners may not agree to distributions that we believe are appropriate; (iii) where we do not have substantial decision-making authority, we may experience impasses or disputes with our joint venture partners on certain decisions, which could require us to expend additional resources to resolve such impasses or disputes, including litigation or arbitration; (iv) our joint venture partners may become insolvent or bankrupt, fail to fund their share of required capital contributions or fail to fulfill their obligations as a joint venture partner; (v) the arrangements governing our joint ventures may contain certain conditions or milestone events that may never be or ; (vi) our joint venture partners may have business or economic interests that are with ours and may take actions to our interests; (vii) we may as a result of actions taken by our joint venture partners with respect to our joint venture investments; and (viii) it may be for us to exit a joint venture if an arises or if we desire to sell our interest for any reason. Any of the foregoing risks could have a material effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we may, in certain circumstances, be liable for the actions of our joint venture partners.
There can be no assurance that our current and future strategic alliances or expansions of scope of existing relationships will have a beneficial impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We currently have, and may in the future enter into, additional strategic alliances with third parties that we believe will complement or augment our existing business. Our ability to complete strategic alliances is dependent upon, and may be limited by, the availability of suitable candidates and capital. In addition, strategic alliances could present unforeseen integration obstacles or costs, may not enhance our business and may involve risks that could adversely affect us, including significant amounts of management time that may be diverted from operations in order to pursue and complete such transactions or maintain such strategic alliances. Future strategic alliances could result in the incurrence of additional debt, costs and contingent liabilities, and there can be no assurance that future strategic alliances will achieve, or that our existing strategic will continue to , the expected benefits to our business or that we will be to consummate future strategic on terms, if at all. Any of the foregoing could have a material effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Limitations related to the acquisition and leasing of properties suitable for the cultivation, production and sale of medical and adult-use cannabis may impede our ability to acquire or lease desirable properties at fair market rates, which could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.
We compete for the acquisition and leasing of properties suitable for the cultivation, production and sale of medical and adult-use cannabis with entities engaged in traditional agriculture, and those engaged in real estate investment activities and with other cannabis cultivators, producers and sellers. Furthermore, in many markets, local governments have placed tight restrictions on where cannabis cultivation, production and sale facilities may be located. In addition, due to the continued reluctance of the banking industry to support cannabis businesses, it may be difficult for us to obtain the rights to operate at preferred properties, and properties that are encumbered by loans from institutional banks. Property owners may violate their mortgages by leasing to us, and those property owners that are willing to allow use of their facilities for cannabis purposes may demand above fair market rents to reflect the scarcity of such locations and the perceived risks and costs of providing such facilities. All of these factors may prevent us from acquiring and leasing desirable properties, may cause an increase in the price we must pay for properties or may result in us having to lease our properties on less favorable terms than we expect.
Our competitors may adopt transaction structures similar to ours, which would decrease our competitive advantage in offering flexible transaction terms. In addition, due to a number of factors, the number of entities and the amount of funds competing for suitable investment properties may increase, resulting in increased demand and increased prices paid for these properties. If we pay higher prices for properties or enter into leases for such properties on less favorable terms than we expect, our profitability and ability to generate cash flow and make distributions to our stockholders may decrease.
Our reputation and ability to do business may be negatively impacted by the improper conduct by our business partners, employees or agents.
We depend on third-party suppliers to produce and timely ship our orders. Products purchased from our suppliers are resold to our customers. These suppliers could fail to produce products to our specifications or quality standards and may not deliver units on a timely basis. Any changes in our suppliers to resolve production issues could impact our ability to fulfill orders and could also disrupt our business due to delays in finding new suppliers.
Furthermore, we cannot provide assurance that our internal controls and compliance systems will protect us from acts committed by our employees, agents or business partners in violation of U.S. federal or state or local laws. Any improper acts or allegations could damage our reputation and subject us to civil or criminal investigations and related shareholder lawsuits, could lead to substantial civic and criminal monetary and non-monetary penalties and could cause us to incur significant legal and investigatory fees.
We face risks due to industry immaturity or limited comparable, competitive or established industry best practices.
As a relatively new industry, there are not many established operators in the medical and adult-use cannabis industries whose business models we can follow or build upon. Similarly, there is no or limited information about comparable companies available for potential investors to review in making a decision about whether to invest in us.
Shareholders and investors should consider, among other factors, our prospects for success in light of the risks and uncertainties encountered by companies, like us, that are in their early stages. For example, unanticipated expenses and problems or technical difficulties may occur, which may result in material delays in the operation of our business. We may fail to successfully address these risks and uncertainties or successfully implement our operating strategies. If we fail to do so, it could materially harm our business to the point of having to cease operations and could impair the value of the Subordinate Voting Shares to the extent that investors may lose their entire investment.
We face risks related to our products.
We have committed and expect to continue committing significant resources and capital to develop and market existing products and new products and services. These products are relatively untested in the marketplace, and we cannot assure shareholders and investors that we will achieve market acceptance for these products, or other new products and services that we may offer in the future, or that our products that achieve market acceptance will be able to maintain that acceptance over time. Moreover, these and other new products and services may be subject to significant competition with offerings by new and existing competitors in the business. In addition, new products and services may pose a variety of challenges and require us to attract additional qualified employees. The failure to successfully develop and market these new products and services could seriously harm our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition. As discussed above under Item 1—“Business - Competitive Conditions and the Company’s Position in the Industry - Competition”, the Company also faces competition from products that are not subject to testing or regulation by state agencies, not subject to the same taxes, and otherwise to be priced significantly lower than the Company’s products.
Our business is subject to the risks inherent in agricultural operations.
The Company’s business involves the growing of cannabis, an agricultural product. The Company’s business is subject to the risks inherent in the agricultural business, such as insects, plant diseases and similar agricultural risks. Although the Company’s cultivation is substantially completed indoors under climate control, some cultivation is completed outdoors, and there can be no assurance that natural elements will not have a material adverse effect on any future production.
We face an inherent risk of product liability and similar claims.
As a producer, distributor and retailer of products designed to be ingested by humans, we face an inherent risk of exposure to product liability claims, regulatory action and litigation if our products are alleged to have failed to meet expected standards or to have caused significant loss or injury. In addition, the sale of our products involves the risk of injury to consumers due to tampering by unauthorized third parties or product contamination. Previously unknown adverse reactions resulting from human consumption of our products alone or in combination with other medications or substances could occur. We may be subject to various product liability claims, including, among others, that our products caused injury, illness or death, include inadequate instructions for use or include inadequate concerning possible side effects or interactions with other substances. As an agricultural product, the quality of cannabis is inherently variable, and consumers may raise that our quality control or labeling processes have not sufficiently ensured that our grown and manufactured processes are sufficient to meet expected standards. A product liability claim or regulatory action us could result in increased costs, could affect our reputation with our clients and consumers generally and could have a material effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. There can be no assurances that we will be to obtain or maintain product liability insurance on acceptable terms or with adequate coverage potential liabilities. Such insurance is expensive and may not be available in the future on acceptable terms, or at all. The to obtain sufficient insurance coverage on reasonable terms or to otherwise protect potential product liability could prevent or inhibit the commercialization of our potential products.
Our products may be subject to product recalls.
Manufacturers, distributors and retailers of products are sometimes subject to the recall or return of their products for a variety of reasons, including product defects, such as contamination, unintended harmful side effects or interactions with other substances, packaging safety and inadequate or inaccurate labeling disclosure. If any of our products or products sold at our retail stores are recalled due to an alleged product defect or for any other reason, we could be required to incur the unexpected expense of the recall and any legal proceedings that might arise in connection with the recall. We may lose a significant amount of sales and may not be able to replace those sales at an acceptable margin, if at all. In addition, a product may require significant management attention. Although we have detailed procedures in place for testing our products and requiring compliant labeling of third-party products we sell, there can be no assurance that any quality, potency or contamination will be detected in time to avoid product , regulatory action or lawsuits. Additionally, if any of our brands were subject to , our image and the image of that brand could be . A for any of the foregoing reasons could lead to decreased demand for our products and could have a material effect on the results of our operations and financial condition. Additionally, product may lead to increased of our operations by the Food and Drug Administration, or other regulatory agencies, requiring further management attention and potential legal fees and other expenses.
We may face unfavorable publicity or consumer perception.
Management believes the medical and adult-use cannabis industry is highly dependent upon consumer perception regarding the safety, efficacy and quality of the cannabis produced. Consumer perception of our products may be significantly influenced by scientific research or findings, regulatory investigations, litigation, media attention and other publicity regarding the consumption of cannabis 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 cannabis market or any particular product, or consistent with earlier publicity. Future research reports, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention or other publicity that is perceived as less favorable than, or questions earlier research reports, findings or publicity could have a material adverse effect on the demand for our products. Our dependence upon consumer perceptions means that such adverse reports, whether or not accurate or with merit, could ultimately have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Further, publicity reports or other media attention regarding the safety, efficacy and quality of cannabis in general, or our products specifically, or associating the consumption of cannabis with illness or other effects or events, could have such a material effect. Although the Company uses quality control processes and procedures to ensure our consumer packaged goods meet our standards, a or of such processes and procedures could result in consumer perception of our products or legal us. publicity reports or other media attention could arise even if the effects associated with such products resulted from consumers’ to consume such products appropriately or as directed.
Certain of our products are e-vapor or “vape” products. The use of vape products and vaping may pose health risks. According to the Centers for Disease Control, vape products may contain ingredients that are known to be toxic to humans and may contain other ingredients that may not be safe. Because clinical studies about the safety and efficacy of vape products have not been submitted to the Food and Drug Administration, and the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease control continue to conduct ongoing investigations, consumers currently have no way of knowing whether they are safe for their intended use or what types or concentrations of potentially harmful chemicals or by-products are found in these products. It is also uncertain what implications the use of vape or other inhaled products, such as flower that is smoked, may have on respiratory illnesses. Adverse findings, regulatory investigations, litigation, media attention, new regulatory requirements and other publicity regarding the consumption of vape or other inhaled products, including adverse publicity regarding underage use of vape or other inhaled products, may adversely affect the Company.
We may be adversely impacted by rising or volatile energy costs and availability.
The Company’s cannabis growing operations require energy supply, which makes it vulnerable to rising energy costs. Accordingly, rising or volatile energy costs may adversely affect the business of the Company and our ability to operate profitably. Further, from time to time in some markets in which we operate, our demand for energy may exceed the available supply. In limited circumstances, we have had to rely on alternative power sources such as generators to power our cultivation and processing facilities. A more prolonged disruption in our ability to maintain sufficient power to operate our facilities could result in a significant disruption of our operations, damage to our agricultural products or equipment, and result in a material adverse effect to our business.
We may encounter unknown environmental risks.
There can be no assurance that the Company will not encounter hazardous conditions, such as asbestos or lead, at the sites of the real estate used to operate our businesses, which may delay the development of our businesses. Climate change or significant weather events may accelerate or exacerbate environmental conditions in ways that adversely affect the business due to potential negative effects on agricultural conditions, increased difficulty in construction projects to support our operations, and ownership or
leasing of real property generally. Upon encountering a hazardous condition, work at the facilities of the Company may be suspended. If the Company receives notice of a hazardous condition, it may be required to correct the condition prior to continuing construction. If additional hazardous conditions were present, it would likely delay construction and may require significant expenditure of the Company’s resources to correct the conditions. Such conditions could have a material impact on the investment returns of the Company.
In addition, the operations of the Company are subject to environmental regulation in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. These regulations mandate, among other things, the maintenance of air and water quality standards and land reclamation. They also set forth limitations on the generation, transportation, storage and disposal of solid and hazardous waste. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner which will require stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects and a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and their officers, directors (or the equivalent thereof) and employees. There is no assurance that future changes in environmental regulation, if any, will not adversely affect the operations of the Company.
We face risks related to our information and operational technology systems, and potential cyber-attacks and security breaches.
Our operations depend, in part, on how well we and our suppliers protect networks, equipment, information technology, which we refer to as IT, systems and software against damage and threats, including, but not limited to, cable cuts, damage to physical plants, natural disasters, intentional damage and destruction, fire, power loss, hacking, computer viruses, vandalism, fraud and theft. Our operations also depend on the timely maintenance and replacement of network equipment, IT systems and software, as well as pre-emptive expenses to mitigate associated risks. Given the nature of our products and the lack of legal availability outside of channels approved by the federal government, as well as the concentration of inventory in our facilities, there remains a risk of shrinkages, as well as theft. If there was a in security and we fell victim to theft, , cyber-attack or robbery, the of cannabis plants, cannabis oils, cannabis flowers and cultivation and processing equipment, or if there was a or in information systems, it could affect our reputation and business continuity. or other access, theft, modification or of confidential patient, customer, employee or other confidential information that is stored in our systems could affect our business.
Additionally, we may store and collect personal information about patients and customers and are responsible for protecting that information from privacy breaches that may occur through procedural or process failure, IT malfunction or deliberate unauthorized intrusions. Any such theft or privacy breach, or one that involved competitively sensitive or other protected information, would have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
We could experience a cyber incident, which generally refers to any intentional attack or an unintentional event that results in unauthorized access to systems to disrupt operations, corrupt data or steal or expose confidential information or intellectual property, or a ransomware attack, which is a type of malicious software that infects a computer and restricts users' access to it until a ransom is paid to unlock it. Any such incident that compromises the information stored on our systems could result in widespread negative publicity, damage to our reputation, a loss of patients and customers, disruption of our business and legal liabilities. If any of our critical suppliers is the subject of a cyber or ransomware attack, we could experience a significant in our supply chain and possibly of key resources.
We are subject to laws, rules and regulations in the United States such as the California Privacy Rights Act, Connecticut Personal Data Privacy and Online Monitoring Act (CPDPOMA), New Jersey Data Privacy Act (NJDPA) and the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (VCDPA), and those of other jurisdictions relating to the collection, processing, storage, transfer and use of personal data. Our ability to execute transactions and to possess and use personal information and data in conducting our business subjects us to legislative and regulatory burdens that may require us to notify regulators and customers, employees and other individuals of a data security breach. Evolving compliance and operational requirements under applicable privacy laws, rules and regulations of other jurisdictions in which we operate impose significant costs that are likely to increase over time. In addition, non-compliance could result in proceedings against us by governmental entities and/or significant fines, could negatively impact our reputation and may otherwise adversely impact our business, financial condition and operating results.
We rely on third parties to provide numerous capabilities that we depend upon on to operate, and a disruption of these systems could adversely affect our business.
We are dependent on vendors and third-party software providers, such as our seed-to-sale tracking software providers and point of sale transaction processing providers to operate our business. A serious disruption to any of these could significantly limit our ability to serve our customers and operate profitably. The failure of one or more such providers to provide the expected services, provide them on a timely basis or provide them at the prices we expect, or otherwise meet our performance standards and expectations (including with respect to data security, compliance and data privacy and protection laws) may adversely affect our business. Further,
if we found it necessary to replace any such service provider, disruptions arising from the transition of functions to an alternative provider, or the costs developing our own software if we were unable to find an alternate provider, may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. Any disruption could cause our business and competitive position to suffer and cause our operating results to be reduced.
We face risks related to our insurance coverage and uninsurable risks.
Our business is subject to a number of risks and hazards generally, including adverse environmental conditions, accidents, labor disputes, destruction from civil unrest and changes in the regulatory environment. Such occurrences could result in damage to assets, personal injury or death, environmental damage, delays in operations, monetary losses and possible legal liability.
Although we intend to continue to maintain insurance to protect against certain risks in such amounts as we consider to be reasonable, our insurance will not cover all the potential risks associated with our operations, and our insurance coverage may not effectively mitigate the material impact on our financial position or results of operations resulting from claims or liabilities against us. We may also be unable to maintain insurance to cover these risks at economically feasible premiums. Insurance coverage may not continue to be available or may not be adequate to cover any resulting liability. Moreover, insurance against risks such as environmental pollution or other hazards encountered in our operations is not generally available on acceptable terms. We might also become subject to liability for pollution or other hazards which the Company may not be insured against or which we may elect not to insure against because of premium costs or other reasons. Losses from these events may cause us to incur significant costs that could have a material effect upon our financial performance and results of operations.
We are dependent on key inputs, suppliers and skilled labor; and fluctuations in the cost or availability of materials we use in our products and supply chain could negatively affect our results.
The cannabis business is dependent on a number of key inputs and their related costs, including raw materials and supplies related to growing operations, as well as electricity, water and other local utilities. Any significant interruption or negative change in the availability or economics of the supply chain for key inputs, such as the raw material cost of cannabis, materials we use in our products and for the construction and development of our facilities, or natural or other disruptions to power or other utility systems, could materially impact our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects. Some of these inputs may only be available from a single supplier or a limited group of suppliers, or be sourced abroad. If a sole source supplier was to go out of business, we might be unable to find a replacement for such source in a timely manner, or at all. If a sole source supplier were to be acquired by a competitor, that competitor may elect not to sell to us in the future. Manufacturing delays or unexpected transportation delays, particularly from materials we source abroad, can also cause us to incur significantly increased costs. Any of these fluctuations may increase our cost of products and have an effect on our profit margins, results of operations and financial condition. Any to secure required supplies and services, or to do so on appropriate terms, could have a materially impact on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operations and financial condition.
Our ability to compete and grow will be dependent on us having access, at a reasonable cost and in a timely manner, to skilled labor, equipment, parts and components. No assurances can be given that we will be successful in maintaining our required supply of skilled labor, equipment, parts and components.
We rely on the expertise of our management team and other employees experienced in the cannabis industry, and the loss of key personnel could negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our success largely depends upon the continued services of our executive officers and management team members. If one or more of our executive officers or management members is unable or unwilling to continue in their present position, we may not be able to replace such individual readily, if at all. Additionally, we may incur additional expenses to recruit and retain new executive officers and management members and personnel with experience in the cannabis industry. We do not maintain “key person” life insurance on any of our executive officers. Because of these factors, the loss of the services of any key persons could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We must attract and maintain key personnel or our business will fail.
Our success is dependent upon the ability, expertise, judgment, discretion and good faith of our senior management and key personnel. We compete with other companies both within and outside the cannabis industry to recruit and retain competent employees. If we cannot maintain qualified employees to meet the needs of our anticipated growth, or do so affordably, our business and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
Our sales are difficult to forecast.
As a result of recent and ongoing regulatory and policy changes in the medical and adult-use cannabis industries, laws that prevent widespread participation in and otherwise hinder market research in the medical and adult-use cannabis industry, and unreliable levels of market supply, the market data available is limited and unreliable. We must rely largely on our own market research to forecast sales, as detailed forecasts are not generally obtainable from other sources in the states in which our business operates. Additionally, any market research and our projections of estimated total retail sales, demographics, demand and similar consumer research, are based on assumptions from limited and unreliable market data. A failure in the demand for our products to materialize as a result of competition, technological change, failure of states to enforce cannabis regulations, the use of hemp-derived THC products or other factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We may be subject to growth-related risks.
We may be subject to growth-related risks, including capacity constraints and pressure on our internal systems and controls. Our ability to manage growth effectively will require us to continue to implement and improve our operational and financial systems and to expand, train and manage our employee base. Our inability to deal with this growth may have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
We may be subject to litigation.
We may become party to litigation from time to time in the ordinary course of business, which could adversely affect our business. Should any litigation in which we become involved be determined against us, such a decision could adversely affect our ability to continue operating and the market price for the Subordinate Voting Shares and could potentially use significant resources. Even if we are involved in litigation and win, litigation can redirect significant resources of Green Thumb Industries Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.
We may be exposed to infringement or misappropriation claims by third parties, which, if determined adversely to us, could subject us to significant liabilities and other costs.
Our success may depend on our ability to use and develop new extraction technologies, recipes, know-how and new strains of cannabis without infringing the intellectual property rights of third parties. We cannot assure that third parties will not assert intellectual property claims against us. We are subject to additional risks if entities licensing intellectual property to us do not have adequate rights to the licensed materials. If third parties assert copyright or patent infringement or violation of other intellectual property rights against us, we will be required to defend ourselves in litigation or administrative proceedings, which can be both costly and time consuming and may significantly divert the efforts and resources of management personnel. An adverse determination in any such or proceedings to which we may become a party could subject us to significant liability to third parties, require us to seek licenses from third parties, require us to pay ongoing royalties or subject us to that may prohibit the development and operation of our applications.
We may have increased labor costs based on union activity.
Labor unions are working to organize workforces in the cannabis industry in general, and regulators are increasingly requiring us to enter into labor peace agreements with unions as a condition of receiving a license. Currently, approximately 20% of our total workforce has elected to be represented by a labor organization for purposes of collective bargaining. However, it is possible that greater portions of our workforce at retail and/or manufacturing locations will be organized in the future, which could lead to work stoppages or increased labor costs and adversely affect our business, profitability and our ability to reinvest into the growth of our business. We cannot predict how stable our relationships with U.S. labor organizations will remain or whether we can meet any unions’ requirements without impacting our financial condition. Labor unions may also limit our flexibility in dealing with our workforce. Work stoppages and instability in our union relationships could delay the production and sale of our products, which could strain relationships with customers and cause a of revenues which would affect our operations.
We are a holding company.
We are a holding company and essentially all of our assets are the capital stock of our subsidiaries in our fourteen markets, including California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia. As a result, investors in the Company are subject to the risks attributable to our subsidiaries. As a holding company, we conduct substantially all of our business through our subsidiaries, which generate substantially all of our revenues. Consequently, our cash flows and ability to complete current or desirable future enhancement opportunities are dependent on the earnings of our subsidiaries and the distribution of those earnings to us. The ability of these entities to pay dividends and other distributions depends on their operating results and is subject to applicable laws and regulations, which require that solvency and
capital standards be maintained by the subsidiaries and contractual restrictions are contained in the instruments governing their debt. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization of any of our material subsidiaries, holders of indebtedness and trade creditors may be entitled to payment of their claims from the assets of those subsidiaries before us.
We may be subject to heightened scrutiny by Canadian regulatory authorities.
The business, operations and investments of the Company in the United States, and any future business, operations or investments, may become the subject of heightened scrutiny by regulators, stock exchanges and other authorities in Canada and the United States. There can be no assurance that this heightened scrutiny will not in turn lead to the imposition of certain restrictions on the Company’s ability to operate or invest in the United States or any other jurisdiction, in addition to those described herein.
The Canadian Securities Administrators ’ , Staff Notice 51-352 describes the Canadian Securities Administrators’ disclosure expectations for specific risks facing issuers with cannabis-related activities in the U.S. Staff Notice 51-352 confirms that a disclosure-based approach remains appropriate for issuers with U.S. cannabis-related activities. Staff Notice 51-352 includes additional disclosure expectations that apply to all issuers with U.S. cannabis-related activities, including those with direct and indirect involvement in the cultivation and distribution of cannabis, as well as issuers that provide goods and services to third parties involved in the U.S. cannabis industry.
On February 8, 2018, following discussions with the Canadian Securities Administrators and recognized Canadian securities exchanges, the TMX Group, which is the owner and operator of CDS Clearing Depository for Securities Limited (“CDS”), announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Aequitas NEO Exchange Inc. (now CBOE Canada), the CSE, the Toronto Stock Exchange and the TSX Venture Exchange (“TSXV”). The MOU outlines the parties’ understanding of Canada’s regulatory framework applicable to the rules, procedures and regulatory oversight of the exchanges and CDS as it relates to issuers with cannabis-related activities in the United States. The MOU confirms, with respect to the clearing of listed securities, that CDS relies on the Canadian securities exchanges to review the conduct of listed issuers. The MOU notes that securities regulation requires that the rules of each of the exchanges must not be contrary to the public interest and that the rules of each of the exchanges have been approved by the securities regulators. Pursuant to the MOU, CDS will not ban accepting deposits of or transactions for clearing and settlement of securities of issuers with cannabis-related activities in the United States. Even though the MOU indicated that there are no plans to ban the settlement of securities through CDS, there can be no guarantee that this approach to regulation will continue in the future. If such a ban were implemented at a time when Subordinate Voting Shares are listed on a Canadian stock exchange, it would have a material adverse effect on the ability of holders of Subordinate Voting Shares to make and settle trades in Canada.
We are subject to general economic risks and risks of continued inflation.
Our operations could be affected by the economic context should the unemployment level, interest rates or inflation reach levels that influence consumer trends and spending and, consequently, impact our sales and profitability. A continued upward rate of inflation could influence the profits that we generate from our business. When the rate of inflation rises, the operational costs of running our company also increases, such as labor costs, raw materials and public utilities, thus affecting our ability to provide our products at competitive prices. An increase in the rate of inflation could force our customers to search for other products, causing us to lose business and revenue. As the number of available licenses increase in the markets in which we operate, additional competition and increased product availability may result in competitors undercutting our prices. From time to time, we may need to reduce our prices in response to competitive and customer pressures and to maintain our market share, which could materially reduce our revenues.
We may be negatively impacted by challenging global economic conditions.
Our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow may be negatively impacted by challenging global economic conditions. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. and other world economies experienced turmoil, which resulted in global economic uncertainty, supply chain disruptions and other issues.
A global economic slowdown would cause disruptions and extreme volatility in global financial markets, increased rates of default and bankruptcy and declining consumer and business confidence, which can lead to decreased levels of consumer spending. These macroeconomic developments could negatively impact our business, which depends on the general economic environment and levels of consumer spending. As a result, we may not be able to maintain our existing customers or attract new customers, or we may be forced to reduce the price of our products. We are unable to predict the likelihood of the occurrence, duration or severity of such disruptions in the credit and financial markets or adverse global economic conditions. Any general or market-specific economic downturn could have a material effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.
Additionally, the U.S. has imposed and may impose additional quotas, duties, tariffs, retaliatory or trade protection measures or other restrictions or regulations and may adversely adjust prevailing quota, duty or tariff levels, which can affect both the materials that we use to package our products and the sale of finished products. For example, the tariffs imposed by the U.S. on materials from China are impacting materials that we import for use in packaging in the U.S. Measures to reduce the impact of tariff increases or trade restrictions, including geographical diversification of our sources of supply, adjustments in packaging design and fabrication or increased prices, could increase our costs, delay our time to market and/or decrease sales. General uncertainty about the state of tariffs for various markets and rapid changes in U.S. foreign trade policy can also create disruptions that impact the prices we must pay for these foreign products. Other governmental action related to tariffs or international trade agreements has the potential to adversely impact demand for our products and our costs, customers, suppliers and global economic conditions and cause higher volatility in financial markets. While we actively review existing and proposed measures to seek to assess the impact of them on our business, changes in tariff rates, import duties and other new or augmented trade restrictions could have a number of impacts on our business, including higher consumer prices and reduced demand for our products and higher input costs.
We may be required to disclose personal information of our owners, investors, officers, managers, and directors to regulators and failure to do so could endanger our ability to expand, endanger our licenses, or cause the Company to incur costs to redeem securities held by uncooperative shareholders.
Ownership in and applications for cannabis licenses can entail lengthy disclosures of personal information to the relevant regulatory authorities. The obligation often extends to all persons holding an ownership interest in the license, whether direct, indirect, present, or future, and often includes those with a mere nominal interest. Analogous disclosures are often required from persons with managerial authority or control over the licenses, as well, including officers, directors, and managers. Disclosures can include providing personal information needed to satisfy extensive criminal history reports and investigations (e.g., fingerprints, address and employment history), tax returns, social security numbers, a history of personal addresses, employment agreements, and other personal information. While some states allow exceptions for individuals with ownership in publicly traded companies like the Company, not all states provide such exceptions. If these requirements were applied to all persons with ownership in the Company, all such persons would be required to comply or the Company would risk losing the opportunity to apply for or renew the license(s), or similarly face the possibility that the license may be revoked.
We are subject to risks arising from epidemic diseases.
A public health epidemic, such as the COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2020, or the fear of a potential epidemic or pandemic, poses the risk that we or our employees, contractors, suppliers, and other partners may be prevented from conducting business activities for an indefinite period of time, including due to shutdowns or other preventative measures that may be requested or mandated by governmental authorities. Although our operations continued during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the cultivation, processing and sale of cannabis products was considered an essential business by all states in which we operated with respect to all customers when shutdowns were imposed, there can be no assurances that would be the case in any future actual or anticipated epidemic disease outbreak or pandemic. Our ability to continue to operate without any significant negative operational impact from any future public health crisis will in part depend on our ability to protect our employees, customers and supply chain.
While it is not possible at this time to estimate the impact any actual or potential pandemic could have on our business, measures taken by the governments of countries affected could disrupt the supply chain and the manufacture or shipment or sale of our products and adversely impact our business, financial condition or results of operations. It could also affect the health and availability of our workforce at our facilities, as well as those of our suppliers, particularly those in China and India. Such an event, and any measures taken to avert significant health crises may also have an adverse impact on global economic conditions which could have an adverse effect on our business and financial condition. Because cannabis remains federally illegal, it is possible that we would not be eligible to participate in any government relief programs (such as federal loans or access to capital) resulting from any actual or potential pandemic.
Risks Related to Our Securities
A return on our securities is not guaranteed.
There is no guarantee that our Subordinate Voting Shares will earn any positive return in the short term or long term. A holding of Subordinate Voting 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. Holding of Subordinate Voting Shares is appropriate only for holders who have the capacity to absorb a loss of some or all of their holdings.
We may be affected by currency fluctuations.
We face exposure to significant currency fluctuations because of our present operations in the U.S. Recent events in the global financial markets have been coupled with increased volatility in the currency markets. All or substantially all of our revenue is earned in U.S. dollars, but our shares, and some of our warrants issued to holders of our notes are denominated in Canadian dollars which can provide variability for results of operations. We do not have currency hedging arrangements in place and there is no expectation that we will put any currency hedging arrangements in place in the future. Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position or results of operations.
Our voting control is concentrated.
Our senior executives exercise a significant majority of the voting power with respect to our outstanding shares because of the Super Voting Shares that they hold. These officials include Benjamin Kovler, our Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Grossman, our Head of Capital Markets, and Anthony Georgiadis, our President. Subordinate Voting Shares are entitled to one vote per share, Multiple Voting Shares are entitled to 100 votes per share, and Super Voting Shares are entitled to 1,000 votes per share. As a result, Mr. Kovler, Mr. Grossman and Mr. Georgiadis potentially have the ability to control the outcome of matters submitted to our shareholders for approval, including the election and removal of directors and any arrangement or sale of all or substantially all of our assets.
This concentrated control could delay, defer or prevent a change of control, arrangement or merger involving sale of all or substantially all of our assets that our other shareholders may support. Conversely, this concentrated control could allow the holders of the Super Voting Shares to consummate such a transaction our other shareholders do not support. In addition, the holders of the Super Voting Shares may make long-term strategic investment decisions and take risks that may not be successful and/or may seriously harm our business.
Our capital structure and voting control may cause unpredictability.
Although other Canadian-based companies have dual class or multiple voting share structures, given our unique capital structure and the concentration of voting control that is held by the holders of the Super Voting Shares, this structure and control could result in greater fluctuations in the trading price of our Subordinate Voting Shares, adverse publicity to us or other adverse consequences.
Additional issuances of Super Voting Shares, Multiple Voting Shares or Subordinate Voting Shares may result in dilution.
We may issue additional equity or convertible debt securities in the future, which may dilute an existing shareholder’s holdings. Our articles permit the issuance of an unlimited number of Super Voting Shares, Multiple Voting Shares and Subordinate Voting Shares, and existing shareholders will have no pre-emptive rights in connection with such further issuances. Our Board has discretion to determine the price and the terms of further issuances, and such terms could include rights, preferences and privileges superior to those existing holders of Subordinate Voting Shares. Moreover, additional Subordinate Voting Shares will be issued by us on the conversion of the Multiple Voting Shares and Super Voting Shares in accordance with their terms. To the extent holders of our options or other convertible securities convert or exercise their securities and sell Subordinate Voting Shares they receive, the trading price of the Subordinate Voting Shares may decrease due to the additional amount of Subordinate Voting Shares available in the market. We cannot predict the size or nature of future issuances or the effect that future issuances and sales of Subordinate Voting Shares will have on the market price of the Subordinate Voting Shares. Issuances of a substantial number of additional Subordinate Voting Shares, or the perception that such issuances could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices for the Subordinate Voting Shares. With any additional issuance of Subordinate Voting Shares, investors will suffer dilution to their voting power and economic interest in us.
Sales of substantial amounts of Subordinate Voting Shares by our shareholders in the public market may have an adverse effect on the market price of the Subordinate Voting Shares.
Sales of substantial amounts of Subordinate Voting Shares, or the availability of such securities for sale, could adversely affect the prevailing market prices for the Subordinate Voting Shares. A decline in the market prices of the Subordinate Voting Shares could impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of securities should we desire to do so.
The market price for the Subordinate Voting Shares may be volatile.
The market price for securities of cannabis companies generally are likely to be volatile. In addition, the market price for the Subordinate Voting Shares has been and may be subject to wide fluctuations in response to numerous factors beyond our control, including, but not limited to:
actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly results of operations;
recommendations by securities research analysts;
changes in the economic performance or market valuations of companies in the industry in which we operate;
addition or departure of our executive officers and other key personnel;
release or expiration of transfer restrictions on outstanding Subordinate Voting Shares;
sales or perceived sales of additional Subordinate Voting Shares;
operating and financial performance that varies from the expectations of management, securities analysts and investors;
regulatory changes affecting our industry generally and our business and operations both domestically and abroad;
announcements of developments and other material events by us or our competitors;
fluctuations in the costs of vital production materials and services;
changes in global financial markets, global economies and general market conditions, such as interest rates and pharmaceutical product price volatility;
significant acquisitions or business combinations, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments by or involving us or our competitors;
operating and share price performance of other companies that investors deem comparable to us or from a lack of market comparable companies; and
news reports relating to trends, concerns, technological or competitive developments, regulatory changes and other related issues in our industry or target markets.
Financial markets have at times historically experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that: (i) have particularly affected the market prices of equity securities of companies and (ii) have often been unrelated to the operating performance, underlying asset values or prospects of such companies. Accordingly, the market price of the Subordinate Voting Shares from time to time may decline even if our operating results, underlying asset values or prospects have not changed. Additionally, these factors, as well as other related factors, may cause decreases in asset values that may result in impairment losses to us. There can be no assurance that further fluctuations in price and volume of equity securities will not occur. If increased levels of volatility and market turmoil continue, our operations could be adversely impacted, and the trading price of the Subordinate Voting Shares may be materially adversely affected.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish or cease publishing research or reports or publish misleading, inaccurate or unfavorable research about us, our business or our market, our stock price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our Subordinate Voting Shares will be influenced by the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us, our business, our market or our competitors. If no or few securities or industry analysts cover our Corporation, the trading price and volume of our shares would likely be negatively impacted. If one or more of the analysts who covers us downgrades our shares or publishes inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, or provides more favorable relative recommendations about our competitors, our stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of us or fails to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our shares could decrease, which could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline.
We face liquidity risks.
Our Subordinate Voting Shares currently trade on the CSE and on over-the-counter markets in the U.S. We cannot predict at what prices the Subordinate Voting Shares will continue to trade, and there is no assurance that an active trading market will be sustained.
Our Subordinate Voting Shares do not currently trade on any U.S. securities exchange. In the event our Subordinate Voting Shares do trade on any U.S. securities exchange, we cannot predict at what prices the Subordinate Voting Shares will trade and there is no assurance that an active trading market will develop or be sustained. There is a significant liquidity risk associated with an investment in us.
We are subject to increased costs as a result of being a public company in Canada and the United States.
As a public company in Canada and the United States, we are subject to the reporting requirements, rules and regulations under the applicable Canadian and American securities laws and rules of stock exchanges on which the Company’s securities may be listed. The requirements of existing and potential future rules and regulations will increase our legal, accounting and financial compliance costs, make some activities more difficult, time-consuming or costly and may place undue strain on our personnel, systems and resources, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We face costs of maintaining a public listing.
As a public company, there are costs associated with legal, accounting and other expenses related to regulatory compliance. Securities legislation and the rules and policies of the CSE require listed companies to, among other things, adopt corporate governance and related practices, and to continuously prepare and disclose material information, all of which add to a company’s legal and financial compliance costs. We may also elect to devote greater resources than it otherwise would have on communication and other activities typically considered important by publicly traded companies.
We do not intend to pay dividends on our Subordinate Voting Shares and, consequently, your ability to achieve a return on your investment will depend on appreciation in the price of our Subordinate Voting Shares.
We have never declared or paid any cash dividend on our Subordinate Voting Shares and do not currently intend to do so in the foreseeable future. We currently anticipate that we will retain future earnings, if materialized, for the development, operation and expansion of our business and do not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Therefore, the success of an investment in our Subordinate Voting Shares will depend upon any future appreciation in their value. There is no guarantee that our Subordinate Voting Shares will appreciate in value or even maintain the price at which you purchased them.
The market for the Subordinate Voting Shares may be limited for holders of our securities who live in the United States.
Given the heightened risk profile associated with cannabis in the United States, capital markets participants may be unwilling to assist with the settlement of trades for U.S. resident securityholders of companies with operations in the U.S. cannabis industry, which may prohibit or significantly impair the ability of securityholders in the United States to trade our securities. In the event residents of the United States are unable to settle trades of our securities, this may affect the pricing of such securities in the secondary market, the transparency and availability of trading prices and the liquidity of these securities.
