UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
(Mark One)
For the fiscal year ended
or
For the transition period from______ to______
Commission File Number:
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. employer identification no.) |
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
(
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Formerly Columbia Care Inc.
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Title of each class
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Trading Symbol(s)
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Name of each exchange on which registered
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Shares
(Title of Class)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. ☐ Yes ☒
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. ☐ Yes ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer |
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Non-accelerated filer |
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Smaller reporting company |
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Emerging growth company |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.(1) Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). (1) Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No
Aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based upon the closing price of a common share of the registrant on June 30, 2023 as reported on the Cboe (Canada) Exchange on that date: USD$
As of March 11, 2024, there were
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
None.
THE CANNABIST COMPANY HOLDINGS INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains “forward-looking statements” regarding The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “The Cannabist Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”). We make forward-looking statements related to future expectations, estimates, and projections that are uncertain and often contain words such as, but not limited to, “may”, “would”, “could”, “should”, “will”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect” or other similar words or phrases. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to be materially different from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include those listed below:
The list of factors above is illustrative and by no means exhaustive. Additional information regarding these risks and other risks and uncertainties we face is contained in Part I of this Form 10-K under, Item 1A, “Risk Factors.” Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended.
We urge readers to consider these risks and uncertainties in evaluating our forward-looking statements. We caution readers not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.
3
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Background
The Company’s common shares are listed on the Cboe Canada (the “Cboe”) under the symbol “CBST” and are quoted on the OTCQX Best Market (the “OTCQX”) under the symbol “CBSTF” and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol “3LP”.
The Company’s principal business activity is the production and sale of cannabis as regulated by the regulatory bodies and authorities of the jurisdictions in which it operates.
The Company, through its subsidiaries, currently owns or manages interests in several state-licensed medical and/or adult use marijuana businesses in Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and West Virginia. The Company has exited its prior operations in Missouri, European Union and Puerto Rico markets.
The registered office of the Company is 1700, 666 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC V6C 2X8. The head office is located at 680 5th Ave., 24th Floor, New York, New York 10019. The Company’s telephone number is (212) 634-7100.
History of the Company
The Company was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) (the “OBCA”) on August 13, 2018 under the name “Canaccord Genuity Growth Corp.” as a special purpose acquisition corporation for the purpose of effecting an acquisition of one or more businesses or assets, by way of a merger, amalgamation, arrangement, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or any other similar business combination.
On October 17, 2018, the Company announced that it had entered into a letter of intent with Columbia Care LLC (“Old Columbia Care”) to exclusively negotiate a business combination between the two companies. On November 21, 2018, the Company announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement (the “Transaction Agreement”) with Old Columbia Care pursuant to which, among other things, the Company would acquire all of the membership interests of Old Columbia Care by way of a merger between Old Columbia Care and a newly-formed Delaware subsidiary of the Company (the “Business Combination”). The Business Combination constituted the Company’s qualifying transaction.
The Business Combination was completed on April 26, 2019, at which point Old Columbia Care became a 100% wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. In connection with the closing of the Business Combination, the Company was continued out of the jurisdiction of Ontario under the OBCA and into the jurisdiction of British Columbia under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (“BCBCA”).
Effective September 19, 2023, the Company changed its name from “Columbia Care Inc.” to “The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc.” (the “Name Change”). To effect the Name Change, the Company filed a Notice of Alteration with the British Columbia Registrar of Companies (the “Registrar”), pursuant to which the Registrar issued a new Notice of Articles and a Certificate of Change of Name to the Company. Other than the Name Change, no other changes were made to the Company’s Articles. Copies of the Articles and the Certificate of Change of Name are attached hereto as Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2, respectively.
In connection with the Name Change, on September 21, 2023, the Company’s Common Shares and warrants began trading under the ticker symbols “CBST” and “CBST.WT”, respectively, on the Cboe. The Company’s Common Shares began trading under ticker symbol “CBSTF” on the OTCQX on September 26, 2023.
General Development of the Business
The Cannabist Company has grown primarily by submitting responses to state-issued requests for proposals and obtaining cannabis licenses pursuant to such processes throughout the United States, where such activity is legal at the state-level. In 2020, 2021, and 2022, the Company also grew significantly from acquiring other leading cannabis operations. The Company also provides management services to licensed entities. As of March 11, 2024, The Cannabist Company holds, directly or indirectly, 130 licenses with 117 discrete facilities that are operational or in development.
4
2015-2023 Growth |
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2015 |
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2016 |
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2017 |
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2018 |
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2019 |
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2020 |
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2021 |
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2022 |
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2023 |
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2024(1) |
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Employees |
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59 |
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219 |
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279 |
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418 |
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697 |
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1,775 |
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2,586 |
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2,505 |
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2,191 |
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2,221 |
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Facilities |
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18 |
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21 |
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25 |
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54 |
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70 |
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107 |
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132 |
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131 |
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126 |
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117 |
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Jurisdictions |
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7 |
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10 |
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11 |
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15 |
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16 |
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16 |
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18 |
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17 |
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16 |
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15 |
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Notes:
The Cannabist Company’s cannabis license portfolio allows for an aggregate of approximately 2.039 million square feet of cultivation and manufacturing space within its currently leased or owned facilities and the potential to produce over 150,000 kilograms of dry flower annually, based on an assumed 65 grams per square foot of cultivation space and 5.2 harvests per year.
As a vertically-integrated company in the cannabis sector, where there may be material relationships or transactions that involve conflicts of interest, whether actual or perceived, the Company will disclose any commissions, incentives, or other fees earned by The Cannabist Company, its pharmacists or other consultants. The Company will also disclose risks associated with conflicts of interest, including but not limited to situations where The Cannabist Company, its clinics, pharmacists, or other consultants are paid a commission or education grant from a licensed producer or dispensary that is, or is related to, The Cannabist Company. The Cannabist Company does not currently have any material relationships or transactions that involve conflicts of interest, whether actual or perceived.
Recent Events
Development of The Cannabist Company’s Portfolio of Licenses
The following is a summary of the more recent material developments of The Cannabist Company’s growing portfolio of licenses. The Company, through its respective subsidiaries, primarily entered these markets after being selected by state governments through competitive processes. Please refer to prior public filings for details of material licenses since inception. Further details regarding The Cannabist Company’s licenses and regulatory framework are set out under “United States Regulatory Environment.”
Missouri
The Cannabist Company entered the Missouri market in 2020 and operated through a management services arrangement with Columbia Care MO LLC (“Columbia Care MO”). Columbia Care MO is licensed to operate a medical marijuana dispensary and a medical marijuana manufacturing facility. The Company provided management services to both the medical marijuana dispensary and the medical marijuana manufacturing facility of Columbia Care MO for a fee. On March 13, 2023, the Company executed a Definitive Agreement to sell the Missouri assets which are considered non-core. The transaction is pending regulatory approval.
Utah
The Cannabist Company entered the Utah market in 2020 and operates through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, CCUT Pharmacy LLC (“CCUT”) and Columbia Care UT LLC (“Columbia Care UT”). CCUT operates a dispensary in Springville, which opened in the second quarter of 2021. In 2020, CCUT also received an industrial hemp license from the Department of Agriculture and Food.
5
During 2023, the Company signed definitive agreements, subject to closing conditions, to divest CCUT Pharmacy LLC, its Utah license and retail location for $6.5 million. The sale of the Utah assets was completed on March 7, 2024.
West Virginia
Columbia Care Hemp West Virginia LLC was awarded a Research and Marketing Cultivation of Industrial Hemp from the State of West Virginia in 2020. This allows The Cannabist Company to cultivate industrial hemp in the State of West Virginia as well as to perform research.
In 2020, Columbia Care WV LLC (“Columbia Care WV”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, was awarded a medical cannabis grower license and medical cannabis processor license in West Virginia. Columbia Care WV operates a co-located cultivation and processing facility in Falling Waters. Columbia Care WV received final approval for cultivation operations in July 2021 and received final approval for processing operations in November 2021. In January 2021, Columbia Care WV LLC was awarded 5 dispensary permits in Williamstown, Fayetteville, Morgantown, Beckley and St. Albans. As of December 31, 2022, The Cannabist Company had 4 active dispensaries in the state, located in Beckley, Morgantown, St Albans, and Williamstown.
Colorado
In September 2020, The Cannabist Company acquired The Green Solution (“TGS”), one of the largest vertically integrated cannabis operators in Colorado, through a transaction initially valued at approximately $140 million, excluding certain performance-based milestone payments.
Founded in 2010, TGS operated twenty-three dispensaries, one manufacturing facility and four cultivation locations. In Denver, TGS operated a manufacturing facility, three cultivation facilities and three dispensaries. TGS operates one dispensary and one cultivation facility (consisting of five cultivation licenses) in Trinidad. TGS operates five dispensaries in Aurora, one dispensary in Sheridan and dispensaries in Adams County, Black Hawk, Edgewater, Fort Collins, Glendale, Glenwood Springs, Northglenn, Silver Plume, and Pueblo. In November 2021, The Cannabist Company acquired Futurevision 2020, LLC and Futurevision Holdings, Inc. d/b/a Medicine Man (“Medicine Man”). Medicine Man operated one dispensary and cultivation location in Denver, one dispensary in Aurora, and one dispensary in Thornton. The Cannabist Company also exercised its option to acquire Medicine Man Longmont, LLC and its one dispensary in Longmont.
Recent Development of The Cannabist Company’s Other Business Elements
2021
January 2021 Offering of Common Shares
In January 2021, the Company completed a bought deal public offering of Common Shares (the “January 2021 Offering”) for gross proceeds of C$149,508,625, which included the exercise in full of the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters, before deducting the underwriters’ fees and estimated offering expenses. The January 2021 Offering was conducted in each of the provinces of Canada, other than Québec, pursuant to a prospectus supplement to the Company’s base shelf prospectus dated September 2, 2020, and elsewhere outside of Canada on a private placement basis.
February 2021 Private Placement of Common Shares
In February 2021, the Company completed a bought deal private placement of Common Shares (the “February 2021 Offering”) for gross proceeds of C$28,980,000, which included the exercise in full of the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters, before deducting the underwriters’ fees and estimated offering expenses. The February 2021 Offering was conducted in certain provinces of Canada pursuant to applicable exemptions from the prospectus requirements of Canadian securities laws. The Common Shares were also sold in the United States and in certain jurisdictions outside of Canada and the United States, in each case in accordance with applicable laws.
April 2021 Conversion of June 2020 Convertible Notes
In April 2021, the Company offered an incentive program to the holders of its June 2020 Convertible Notes, pursuant to which, the Company issued to each holder of the June 2020 Convertible Notes that surrendered such June 2020 Convertible Notes for conversion on or before May 28, 2021, 20 Common Shares for each $1,000 aggregate principal amount of June 2020 Convertible Notes surrendered for conversion. The Company issued 4,550,139 Common Shares in connection with the conversion of the June 2020 Convertible Notes.
6
July 2021 Private Placement
In July 2021, the Company completed a private placement (the “July 2021 Convertible Note Private Placement”) of 6.00% secured convertible notes for gross proceeds of US$74,500,000.
2022
February 2022 Private Placement
On February 3, 2022, the Company closed a private placement of US$185,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 9.50% senior-secured first-lien notes due 2026 (the “2026 Notes”). The 2026 Notes are senior secured obligations of the Company and were issued at 100% of face value. The 2026 Notes accrue interest payable semi-annually in arrears and mature on February 3, 2026, unless earlier redeemed or repurchased. The Company may redeem the 2026 Notes at par, in whole or in part, on or after February 3, 2024, as more particularly described in the fourth supplemental trust indenture governing the 2026 Notes. In connection with the offering of the 2026 Notes, the Company received binding commitments to exchange approximately $31,750,000 of the Company’s existing 13% senior secured notes due 2023, pursuant to private agreements in accordance with the trust indenture, for an equivalent amount of 2026 Notes plus accrued but unpaid interest and any negotiated premium thereon. As a result of the note exchanges, the Company received aggregate gross proceeds of $153,250,000 in cash pursuant to the offering of the 2026 Notes.
VentureForth Acquisition and Settlement
On April 18, 2022, in connection with the acquisition and settlement of preexisting relationships, the Company issued 18,755,802 common shares (the “VentureForth Shares”) and, on April 18, 2022 and April 24, 2022 paid approximately $26,000,000 to acquire, by merger, VentureForth Holdings, LLC, which is the owner of VentureForth, LLC (“VentureForth”). VentureForth holds two licenses from the Washington D.C. Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (“ABRA”), specifically, one license to cultivate and manufacture medical cannabis and one license to dispense medical cannabis. The Company previously had a management services agreement with VentureForth. The shares issued and amounts paid also amicably resolved, with no admissions of liability and in exchange for releases, certain direct, indirect, derivative and indemnification claims relating to a confidential arbitration to which VentureForth, a separate subsidiary of the Company and certain members of the Company’s management team were respondent parties.
2023
September 2023 Private Placement
On September 18, 2023, the Company entered into subscription agreements with institutional investors (the “September 2023 Investors”) for the purchase and sale of 22,244,210 units of the Company (the “September 2023 Units”) at a price of C$1.52 per Unit (the “Issue Price”) pursuant to a private placement (the “September 2023 Offering”), for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately C$33.8 million or approximately US$25 million (the “Initial Tranche”). Each Unit consists of one Common Share (or Common Share equivalent) and one half of one warrant that entitles the holder to acquire one Common Share at a price of C$1.96 per Common Share, a 29% premium to issue, for a period of three years following the closing of the Initial Tranche (“September 2023 Warrant”). The Initial Tranche consisted of an aggregate of 21,887,240 Common Shares, 11,122,105 September 2023 Warrants and 356,970 pre-funded warrants that provide the holder the right to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price of C$0.0001 per Common Share (the “September 2023 Pre-Funded Warrants”). The September 2023 Pre-Funded Warrants are exercisable immediately and may be exercised at any time until the September 2023 Pre-Funded Warrants are exercised in full. The September 2023 Offering closed on September 21, 2023. ATB Capital Markets Inc. acted as sole placement agent for the Offering. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the September 2023 Offering to reduce its outstanding indebtedness and for general corporate purposes.
In connection with the transaction, the Company and the Investors entered into a customary registration rights agreement. The September 2023 Units were subject to limited lock-up requirements.
2024
January 2024 Debt Exchange
On January 22, 2024, the Company entered into an exchange agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”) with certain holders (the “Holders”) of the Company’s 6.0% senior secured convertible notes due June 2025 (the “2025 Convertible Notes”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to repurchase (the “Repurchase”) up to $25 million principal amount of the 2025 Convertible Notes in exchange for Common Shares.
7
Pursuant to the terms of the Exchange Agreement, the Holders shall:
In the event the conditions are fulfilled and the Holders fail to Transfer their 2025 Convertible Notes in accordance with the terms of the Exchange Agreement, the Company has the right, but not the obligation, to require the Holders to Transfer some or all of the portion of the $25 million principal amount of 2025 Convertible Notes still held by the Holders. Assuming all of the conditions are fulfilled, and the entire $25 million principal amount of 2025 Convertible Notes are Transferred for Common Shares issued at the minimum prices set out in the Exchange Agreement, a maximum of 68,564,698 Common Shares would be issued in connection with the Repurchase. Through March 11, 2024, $10 million of the potential $25 million exchange has been completed.
Description of the Business
Overview of the Company
The Cannabist Company is a U.S.-based, vertically-integrated consumer product, health and wellness cannabis company with cultivation, product development, production, home delivery and dispensary operations. The Company has built one of the broadest and longest operational records of any licensee in publicly administered medicinal and adult-use cannabis programs in the United States. It has developed proprietary branded products with intellectual property comprised of a variety of medical and adult-use form factors, including but not limited to proprietary formulations, precision manufactured dosing and cannabis flower and flower-derived products. The Company’s mission is to improve lives through product innovation, research and development and outstanding patient and consumer experience. The Cannabist Company’s vision is to address the world’s health and wellness needs through plant-based medicine and products.
The Company is one of the largest and most experienced cultivators, manufacturers and providers of cannabis products and services in the United States.
Figure 1: Company Footprint
8
The Cannabist Company actively operates or has under development, cultivation and/or production assets in Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Company’s existing U.S. license portfolio allows for (i) an aggregate of approximately 2,473,245 square feet of indoor cultivation and production footprint (including operational, in development and optioned space) within its currently leased or owned facilities (including options to expand within such facilities), with the potential to produce more than 150,000 kg of dry flower on an annual basis and (ii) an aggregate of approximately 61.5 acres of outdoor cultivation and production footprint (including operational and optioned space). This capacity does not include the potential yield from the Company’s outdoor marijuana and industrial hemp acreage, which will vary seasonally. Since the Company currently has operating facilities and projects under development across multiple jurisdictions in the United States, it is not substantially dependent on any individual cultivation facility or dispensary.
The table below describes each jurisdiction’s indoor and greenhouse cultivation and/or production operations as of December 31, 2023:
Jurisdiction |
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Approximate / |
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Status |
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Approximate Expansion |
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Arizona |
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28,000 |
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Operational |
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— |
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California |
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45,572 |
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Operational |
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— |
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Colorado |
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20,295 |
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Operational |
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— |
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Delaware |
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20,000 |
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Operational |
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— |
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Florida |
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13,845 |
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Operational |
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168,000 |
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Illinois |
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32,802 |
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Operational |
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— |
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Maryland |
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42,000 |
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Operational |
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— |
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Massachusetts |
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38,890 |
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Operational |
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— |
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New Jersey |
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50,274 |
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Operational |
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— |
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New York |
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58,346 |
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Operational |
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149,997 |
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Ohio |
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110,521 |
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Operational |
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— |
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Pennsylvania |
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274,000 |
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Operational |
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— |
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Virginia |
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65,765 |
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Operational |
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Washington, D.C. |
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7,100 |
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Operational |
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— |
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West Virginia |
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39,293 |
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Operational |
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— |
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Total |
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2,473,245 |
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517,997 |
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Notes:
The table below describes each jurisdiction’s outdoor cultivation and/or production operations:
Jurisdiction |
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Approximate Size |
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Status |
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Approximate Expansion |
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Colorado |
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11.5(1) |
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Non-Operational |
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32.3(3) |
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50(2) |
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Non-Operational |
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74.9 |
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Total |
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61.5 |
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107.2 |
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9
Notes:
The Company’s refined cultivation practices have experienced several iterations since its inception. Its cultivation expertise reflects years of operating experience and specialized input from agricultural, manufacturing, scientific and security experts. The Company has implemented the best practices employed at its nationwide locations in each new facility that it develops and expects to continue to improve and optimize its methods and infrastructure to ensure competitiveness and excellence.
The Company’s production platform is designed to cultivate and manufacture cannabinoid-based products that are used specifically for medical use or consumer wellness, and health and lifestyle products produced to assure consistency and quality. The Company engages national engineering consultants to design bespoke systems that follow industry best practices in order to produce its products. The Company does all of this to optimize product quality, reduce the risk of exposing patients and consumers to potentially harmful contaminants while increasing the effectiveness and consistency of the approved products delivered.
The Company believes that a clean and sanitized growing and processing environment is key to ensuring the integrity of products. These self-imposed disciplines are more resource intensive, but are designed to yield a safe, consistent, contaminant-free product that will lead the market in quality, safety and, where applicable, efficacy.
The Company’s growing process is designed to maximize quality, consistency and yield, while limiting contamination by fungal and bacterial diseases, insect and vertebrate pests, non-organic pesticides and other harmful contaminants. Each step in the Company’s cultivation process, including (i) germination/propagation; (ii) vegetation; (iii) bloom; and (iv) harvest is carefully executed using refined standard operating procedures and training protocols. The Company has standardized nutrient protocols, growing environments, water and irrigation strategies, growing mediums, climate controls, plant tracking, and staffing programs among other components of its cultivation and manufacturing operations. Its ultimate goal is to maximize the biomass output (grams per square foot) across all Company-operated facilities at the lowest cost possible without sacrificing product quality.
Extraction
The Company utilizes a number of well-established, regulatory-approved methods for cannabinoid extraction and performs extraction of the leaves, trimmings and flowers of female cannabis plants to produce an approved cannabinoid product form. Once extracted, the Company’s expert formulation staff formulates proprietary extracts into easily administered consumer products and medications for patient and consumer delivery by following protocol and state regulations.
Dispensaries
The Cannabist Company has, manages or is developing dispensaries in Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and West Virginia. All of the Company’s dispensaries have either licensed pharmacists or trained personnel on staff to ensure that customers and patients have access to knowledgeable personnel that can advise on the responsible use of cannabis including delivery formats and dosing schedules as applicable. The table below describes each jurisdiction’s dispensary operations as of December 31, 2023.
Jurisdiction
|
City
|
Status
|
Arizona |
Prescott Tempe |
Operational Operational |
|
|
|
California |
North Hollywood San Diego (2 locations) San Francisco Studio City |
Operational Operational Operational Operational |
|
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|
Colorado |
Adams County Aspen Aurora (6 locations) Black Hawk Denver (3 locations) Edgewater |
Operational Non-Operational Operational Operational Operational Operational |
10
Jurisdiction
|
City
|
Status
|
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Englewood Fort Collins Glendale Glenwood Springs Longmont Northglenn Sheridan Silver Plume Pueblo Trinidad Thornton |
Non-Operational Operational Operational Operational Operational Operational Operational Operational Operational Non-Operational Operational |
|
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Delaware |
Rehoboth Beach Smyrna Wilmington |
Operational Operational Operational |
|
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|
Florida |
Bonita Springs Bradenton Brandon Cape Coral Delray Beach Gainesville Jacksonville Longwood Melbourne Miami Orlando Sarasota St. Augustine Stuart |
Operational Operational Operational Operational Operational Operational Operational Operational Operational Operational Operational Operational Operational Operational |
|
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|
Illinois |
Chicago Villa Park |
Operational Operational |
|
|
|
Maryland |
Chevy Chase Frederick Rockville(1) Prince George’s County |
Operational Operational Operational Under Development |
Massachusetts |
Boston Greenfield Lowell |
Operational Operational Operational |
|
|
|
Missouri(2) |
Hermann |
Operational |
|
|
|
New Jersey |
Vineland Deptford May’s Landing |
Operational Operational Under development |
|
|
|
New York |
Brooklyn Manhattan Riverhead Rochester |
Operational Operational Operational Operational |
|
|
|
Ohio |
Dayton Logan Marietta Monroe Warren |
Operational Operational Operational Operational Operational |
|
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|
Pennsylvania |
Allentown Scranton Wilkes-Barre |
Operational Operational Operational |
|
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|
|
|
|
Utah |
Springville |
Operational |
|
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|
Virginia |
Portsmouth (co-located with cultivation and manufacturing operations) |
Operational
|
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Jurisdiction
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City
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Status
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Richmond (co-located with cultivation and manufacturing operations) Short Pump Virginia Beach Carytown Williamsburg Colonial Heights Hampton 2 Additional Locations |
Operational
Operational Operational Operational Operational Operational Operational Under development |
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Washington, D.C. |
Washington, D.C. |
Operational |
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West Virginia |
Beckley Huntington Morgantown St. Albans Williamstown |
Operational Operational Operational Operational Operational |
Notes:
Performance Indicators
As the Company seeks to manage its development, management currently uses key performance indicators (“KPIs”) to assess its rate of growth and performance. These KPIs, which are subject to change, include top-line revenue, growth in gross margin and Adjusted EBITDA margin (non-GAAP measure). These KPIs are further discussed under “Non-GAAP Measures” in Item 2.
Branding and Marketing
The Company employs a diverse and knowledgeable staff of pharmacists and trained personnel for its dispensaries that reflect and embody its brand. The Company has built its reputation on providing trusted, high-quality products to improve patients’ wellness journeys, which are also now available for adult-use consumption. The Company believes that it has become known in the jurisdictions in which it operates as a trusted mark for health and wellness cannabis by constantly innovating to provide the best solutions for its patients and customers.
In 2021, the Company launched its Cannabist retail ecosystem. The Cannabist retail experience is centered on making shopping for cannabis as simple and approachable as possible, accommodating the vast range of experience levels among patients and customers. Merchandising set-ups and store layouts are organized to help patients and customers move through the space with intent and become more comfortable in the process. Additionally, retail spaces are designed to encourage employees and customers to engage in conversations that enhance the shopping experience, whether through product recommendations or general education. To fully realize this goal, Cannabist staff undergo extensive training. Beyond the in-store experience, technology serves as a bridge across the retail ecosystem that enables a seamless shopping experience. Cannabist locations will continue to leverage technology solutions to help customers on their product discovery journey. Several dispensary locations in Utah, Arizona, Illinois, California, Massachusetts, Florida and New York were transformed into Cannabist locations during 2021 and 2022. A number of new store openings in Virginia and West Virginia since 2021 are also Cannabist locations.
Cannabis-based Product Selection and Offerings
The Company has continually been at the forefront of developing and introducing innovative and safe products to serve patients’ and customers' unique needs. The Company offers a competitive product portfolio in the jurisdictions in which it operates. Depending on the jurisdiction, the Company offers a variety of products, including, without limitation, flower, concentrates, edibles and/or accessories. The product mix varies between jurisdictions. As such, the Cannabist Company benefits from its diverse and expanding product portfolio.
The Company’s products have similar characteristics due to the same raw material ingredient (cannabis), similar nature of cultivation process, the type or class of customer and the regulatory nature of our industry. Revenues from transactions with no single external customer exceed 10% of the consolidated revenues. Revenue earned outside of the United States of America is immaterial for the
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years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021. Long-lived assets located outside of the United States of America are immaterial as at December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021.
The Cannabist Company has begun to bring its family of branded products to all jurisdictions where it has manufacturing operations. The Company’s focus is to develop proprietary formulations and delivery technologies that provide patients and adult-use customers with high quality and differentiated products.
In 2016, the Company announced the launch of its line of controlled-dose, solid-fill medicinal cannabinoid capsules. Formulated using the full range of active cannabinoid ingredients from plants grown in its cultivation facilities, these proprietary capsules offered a variety of concentrations in a more accessible and convenient delivery form to patients and customers.
The Company also introduced proprietary, controlled-dose, hard-pressed tablets in New York state. The tablets are manufactured by segregating and formulating precise combinations of active compounds derived from targeted strains of cannabis plants. From the formulation of these tablets, the Company introduced additional products to provide a spectrum of cannabinoid profiles to address the continuum of patient and consumer needs. This precisely engineered diversity of optimized cannabinoids includes the Company’s patent pending Ceed line of medicinal cannabis products, including TheraCeed tablets, EleCeed sublingual tinctures and ClaraCeed vaporization oil.
In 2020, the Company launched Seed & Strain, its first lifestyle cannabis brand. Available in a number of markets, products include flower, pre-rolls and concentrates. Other product and branded categories include but are not limited to confections, chocolate, drink mixes, condiments, kief, shatter, and wax/crumble. The Company launched Classix in five markets simultaneously in October 2021, and has since brought the brand to additional markets. Triple Seven has also been expanded from California to other operational markets.
The Cannabist Company intends to continue launching national brands across its medical and adult-use markets in order to maintain the consistency and quality of products that all patients and customers have come to expect from the Company.
None of the Company’s products have been shown to effectively treat or cure any disease. None of Cannabist Company’s products require approval by the FDA, and none of the Company’s products have been approved, reviewed or cleared by the FDA for any purpose.
Product Pricing
The Cannabist Company’s prices vary based on market conditions and product pricing from non-cannabis suppliers. As a result of different tastes, preferences and customer demographics across its core markets, average dispensary sales differ significantly from state to state.
Caring for The Community We Serve
Having completed well over 10 million sales transactions in multiple medicinal and adult-use cannabis markets since its inception, The Cannabist Company’s team has accumulated significant experience in the treatment of large consumer and specialized patient populations, addressing a wide range of unique combination of qualifying conditions, symptoms and risks. The Company has, at various times, dedicated funding for research collaborations and initiatives with leading academic medical centers across the country to enhance patient care, inform the policy debate and empower healthcare and wellness professionals with data on best practices and safe and efficacious cannabinoid use. Through its public policy efforts, the Company is also at the forefront of ensuring that social equity is a large part of legalization efforts across the United States.
The Cannabist Company has launched extensive patient care initiatives including utilizing anonymized patient data to facilitate product optimization and innovation on behalf of patient and consumer needs. The Company’s proprietary database is an important aspect of the Company’s product development as it invests in branded formulations and administration types that best respond to patient and consumer needs.
The Cannabist Company has distinguished itself over time by establishing research collaborations with renowned medical and research institutions globally. The collaborations are designed to improve product efficacy and assess the medical utility in its products while enhancing patient safety. The Company has developed innovative and collaborative working relationships with a number of leading academic, patient advocacy, research and healthcare organizations as well as partnerships with private, academic, agricultural, policy, sustainability and economic programs at various institutions in the pursuit of expanding the body of scientific knowledge related to cannabis. This focus is one of the principal foundations of The Cannabist Company’s corporate culture and has materially contributed to the Company’s position as one of the most qualified and experienced operators in certain regulated markets
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in the U.S. Some of the collaboration partners have previously included but are not limited to researchers affiliated with the following institutions: Mount Sinai Hospital, Columbia University, Arizona State University, Brandeis University, The Center for Discovery in New York, The Dana Farber Cancer Institute, New York University, Albert Einstein/Montefiore Medical Center, Stanford University and King’s College London.
Banking and Processing
The Cannabist Company deposits funds from its dispensary operations into bank accounts established with various banking partners. The Company ensures that the banks used are fully aware of the nature of the business and industry in which the Company operates. The Company currently accepts cash, cashless ATMs, and in certain locations the CNC card. The CNC card is the first store credit card in the cannabis industry, providing the Company’s customers an alternative payment method in participating markets, increasing access to the Company’s products. Payment methods currently vary by market.
During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company earned retail revenues of approximately $4.1 million and $4.5 million, respectively, from the CNC program. The Company does not consider the CNC store credit card program to be a material revenue stream.
Real Estate Strategy
In each market that the Company enters, it spends a significant amount of time and resources selecting real estate in highly desirable locations with convenient access to customers, healthcare communities and health and wellness providers and public transit, close proximity to major interstates and other traffic routes, ample parking, and the potential for significant foot traffic. The Company typically targets retail spaces with a footprint of 2,500 to 7,500 square feet and cultivation/manufacturing facilities with a footprint of 20,000 to 65,000+ square feet, depending on the market and available real estate inventory. The Company’s practice is to secure leases with a base term of five to ten years with extension options for renewal terms of five years.
In-Store Pickup and Delivery
The Cannabist Company is currently associated with certain third-party platforms that offer pre-ordering for in-store pickup, online payment processing and home delivery services, where allowed by law. Where required, patients are offered educational material and/or consultations regarding route of administration and dosing format.
Inventory Management
In the jurisdictions where the Company is operational, it has comprehensive inventory management practices that are compliant with applicable state laws and regulations. Such practices ensure control over the Company’s cannabis and cannabis product inventory using seed to sale tracking software. The Company’s practices are designed to avoid contamination and to ensure the safety and quality of the products dispensed.
Information Technology
The Cannabist Company strategically invests in information technology infrastructure. In fiscal year 2023, the Company initiated an effort to consolidate its operational systems, to provide national governance over business process and intelligence across merchandise planning, inventory management, production, costing, order management, accounting, reporting and analysis. These systems will provide the flexibility to support global and multi-channel expansion. The Company has invested in information technology security platforms which are designed to protect patient and customer records and personal information in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Research and Development
The Company has been tracking consented patient outcomes since 2013, and now has a research database of more than 20 million sales transactions across all sales locations. It is working with experts to analyze this anonymized data to devise new genetics and new products tailored to individual patient conditions and wellness states.
The Company has operated a product development and process development center in its Rochester, New York cultivation and manufacturing location since 2014, and now also conducts these activities in San Diego, California and Denver, Colorado. At these facilities, unit-dose formulations of proprietary cannabinoid combinations are created, and methods of extraction and separation are scaled. Additional work to add automation to these efforts and commercial manufacturing is ongoing.
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Employees
As of December 31, 2023, The Cannabist Company had 2,191 employees across its operating jurisdictions, compared to 2,505 employees as of December 31, 2022. As of March 11, 2024, the Company had approximately 2,221 employees.
The Cannabist Company is committed to:
The Cannabist Company is committed to all of the above without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, color, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniform service member and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state, provincial and local laws.
Company employees are highly talented individuals who have educational achievements ranging from doctorates to masters to undergraduate degrees in a wide range of disciplines, as well as staff who have been trained on the job to uphold the highest standards as set by the Company. It is currently a requirement that all of the Company’s employees pass background checks.
In addition, the safety of the Company’s employees is a priority and the Company is committed to the prevention of illness and injury through the provision and maintenance of a healthy workplace. The Company takes all reasonable steps to ensure staff are appropriately informed and trained to ensure the safety of themselves as well as others around them.
The Company strives to provide an equal opportunity for all its employees to pursue career advancement and to consistently look within its organization for potential job candidates prior to posting employment offerings externally. Importantly, it does not embrace these policies solely out of altruism or an obligation under state requirements, but because it has learned from experience that the organization thrives and becomes more productive by maintaining a culture of inclusion where everyone feels valued and their individual contributions are appreciated and rewarded.
Competition
The Cannabist Company competes with other retail, manufacturing and cultivation license holders across the states in which it operates, as well as additional states. Many of the Company’s competitors are smaller, local operators, as well as an increasing number of operators with a significant presence in multiple states that compete directly with the Company for regional market share. In certain markets, a number of dispensaries and cultivators operate illegally and compete directly with the Company. However, the Company expects that law enforcement will increasingly respond to illicit market operators. In addition to physical dispensaries, the Company also competes with third-party delivery services, which provide direct-to-consumer delivery services.
Further, as more U.S. jurisdictions pass legislation allowing adult-use of cannabis, the Company expects an increased level of competition in the U.S. market. A number of publicly-traded companies are expanding operations to states that have decriminalized cannabis consumption. The increasingly competitive U.S. state markets may adversely affect the financial condition and operations of the Company.
See “United States Regulatory Environment” for additional details as to the regulatory environment in which the Company operates. See Item 1A—“Risk Factors” with respect to competition.
Intellectual Property
The Cannabist Company pursues patent and trademark protection around the world directed to its product and product candidates in an effort to establish intellectual property positions regarding cannabinoid products and devices. Patent prosecution is a lengthy process, during which the scope of the claims initially submitted for examination to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office or foreign equivalents is often significantly narrowed by the time they are issued, if issued at all. The Company expects this may be the case with
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respect to its pending patent applications referenced below.
The Company’s intellectual property strategy seeks to provide protection for its product and product candidates, through the prosecution of different types of patent and trademark applications in the U.S. and worldwide.
The Company’s patent portfolio covers a number of its products and product candidates. As of March 3, 2023, this portfolio included 1 issued U.S. patent and at least 8 pending patent applications owned by the Company, filed in one or more of two jurisdictions, including Canada and the U.S., which have strong patent systems. The issued U.S. patent is projected to expire in 2037. The patent applications, if granted, are projected to expire between 2037 and 2040, excluding any extension of patent term that may be available in a particular country.
Our patent portfolio includes:
While the USPTO has granted many patents for cannabis-related technologies, none have yet been successfully enforced in court. Until U.S. courts definitively address the enforceability of cannabis-related patents, or cannabis products are legalized federally in the U.S., we cannot be certain that any of our patents can be effectively enforced against our competitors, even if their products infringe our patents, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
The USPTO may deny federal trademark registration if the trademark application covers goods or services that violate federal law, including cannabis products. However, certain hemp-derived goods, including some hemp-derived CBD products with a THC concentration of not more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis, as well as ancillary products or services, are considered lawful under federal law and may be eligible for federal trademark registration. Additionally, the USPTO may accept trademark applications for consulting services or goods that do not directly involve the cannabis flower, such as computer software, educational platforms, and brand apparel. Trademarks covering these lawful goods and services are generally enforceable in federal court. Cannabis goods and services that do not meet the USPTO standard for trademark registration may qualify for state trademark registration in states where such goods and services have been legalized, and are generally enforceable in state courts in those states.
No guarantee can be given that the Company will be able to successfully assert its trademark rights, nor can the company guarantee that its trademark registrations will not be invalidated, circumvented or challenged. Any such invalidity, particularly with respect to a product name, or a successful intellectual property challenge or infringement proceeding against the company, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.
In addition to patents and trademarks, the Company relies upon unpatented trade secrets and know-how to develop and maintain its competitive position. The Company has developed numerous proprietary technologies and processes. While actively exploring the patentability of these techniques and processes, the Company relies on non- disclosure/confidentiality arrangements and trade secret
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protection.
The Company seeks to protect its proprietary information, in part, by executing confidentiality agreements with third parties, its collaborators, and scientific advisors, and as well as non-disclosure and invention assignment agreements with its employees and consultants. The confidentiality agreements it enters into are designed to protect its proprietary information and the agreements or clauses requiring assignment of inventions to the Company are designed to grant it ownership of technologies that are developed through its relationship with the respective counterparty. The Company cannot guarantee, however, that these agreements will afford it adequate protection of its intellectual property and proprietary information rights.
Trade secrets and know-how can be difficult to protect. In particular, some of the Company’s trade secrets and know-how for which it decides to not pursue additional patent protection may, over time, be disseminated within the industry through independent development and public presentations describing the methodology.
UNITED STATES REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT
Federal Regulatory Environment
Controlled Substances Act and “Cole Memorandum”
The United States federal government regulates drugs through the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. § 811) (the “CSA”), which places controlled substances, including cannabis, in a schedule. Cannabis is classified as a Schedule I drug. Under United States federal law, a Schedule I drug or substance has a high potential for abuse, no accepted medical use in the United States, and a lack of accepted safety for the use of the drug under medical supervision. The United States Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) has approved Epidiolex, which contains a purified form of cannabidiol (“CBD”), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, for the treatment of seizures associated with two epilepsy conditions. The FDA has not approved cannabis or cannabis derived compounds as a safe and effective drug for any other indication.
In the United States, cannabis is largely regulated at the state level. State laws regulating cannabis are in direct conflict with the federal CSA, which makes cannabis use and possession federally illegal. Although certain states authorize medical or adult-use cannabis production and distribution by licensed or registered entities, under U.S. federal law, the possession, use, cultivation, and transfer of cannabis and any related drug paraphernalia is illegal, and any such acts are criminal acts under federal law. The Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution establishes that the United States Constitution and federal laws made pursuant to it are paramount and, in case of direct conflict between federal and state law, the federal law shall apply. The Company faces risks for operating in an industry that is illegal under federal law, including that third party service providers could suspend or withdraw services. See section entitled “Risk Factors” herein.
Until 2018, the federal government provided guidance to federal law enforcement agencies and banking institutions through a series of United States Department of Justice (“DOJ”) memoranda. The most significant of these memoranda was drafted by former Deputy Attorney General James Cole in 2013 (the “Cole Memo”).
The Cole Memo offered guidance to federal enforcement agencies as to how to prioritize civil enforcement, criminal investigations and prosecutions regarding marijuana in all states. The Cole Memo put forth eight prosecution priorities:
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On January 4, 2018, former United States Attorney General Jefferson Sessions rescinded the Cole Memo by issuing a new memorandum to all United States Attorneys (the “Sessions Memo”). Rather than establish national enforcement priorities particular to marijuana-related crimes in jurisdictions where certain marijuana activity was legal under state law, the Sessions Memo instructs that “[i]n deciding which marijuana activities to prosecute ... with the DOJ’s finite resources, prosecutors should follow the well-established principles that govern all federal prosecutions.” Namely, these include the seriousness of the offense, history of criminal activity, deterrent effect of prosecution, the interests of victims, and other principles.
The former Attorneys Generals who succeeded former Attorney General Sessions following his resignation have not provided a clear policy directive for the United States as it pertains to state-legal marijuana-related activities. It is still not yet known whether the DOJ under President Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland will re-adopt the Cole Memo or announce a substantive marijuana enforcement policy. Attorney General Garland stated at a confirmation hearing in 2021 before the United States Senate that “It does not seem to me a useful use of limited resources that we have, to be pursuing prosecutions in states that have legalized and that are regulating the use of marijuana, either medically or otherwise. I don’t think that’s a useful use.” Recently, in testimony in February of 2023 before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Attorney General Garland said the DOJ is “still working on a marijuana policy” and that policy – when issued – “will be very close to what was done in the Cole Memorandum.”[1]
Nonetheless, there is no guarantee that state laws legalizing and regulating the sale and use of marijuana will not be repealed or overturned, or that local governmental authorities will not limit the applicability of state laws within their respective jurisdictions. Unless and until the United States Congress amends the CSA with respect to marijuana (and as to the timing or scope of any such potential amendments there can be no assurance), there is a risk that federal authorities may enforce current U.S. federal law. Currently, in the absence of uniform federal guidance, as had been established by the Cole Memo, enforcement priorities are determined by respective United States Attorneys, and notwithstanding public statements to the contrary, federal law enforcement could enforce the CSA – and its criminal prohibition on commercial cannabis activity.
[1] John Schroyer, (2021 February 22) Attorney general nominee Garland signals friendlier marijuana stance, available at https://mjbizdaily.com/attorney-general-nominee-merrick-garland-signals-friendlier-marijuana-stance/
2018 Farm Bill
Following the passage of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (popularly known as the “2018 Farm Bill”), cannabis with a tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”) content below 0.3% dry weight volume is classified as hemp and has been removed from the CSA. Hemp and products derived from it that are lawfully cultivated or manufactured in accordance with the 2018 Farm Bill, U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations and applicable state laws may now be sold into commerce and transported across state lines. The 2018 Farm Bill explicitly preserves the authority of the FDA to regulate certain products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds such as CBD under the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (“FD&C Act”) and Section 351 of the Public Health Service Act. In conjunction with the enactment of the 2018 Farm Bill, the FDA released a statement about the regulatory status of CBD, noting the FDA’s position that it is unlawful to introduce food containing added CBD into interstate commerce, or to market CBD products as, or in, dietary supplements, regardless of whether the substances are hemp-derived. In January of 2023, the FDA issued a statement in connection with its denial of three citizen petitions requesting that the agency engage in rulemaking to establish regulations under which CBD derived from hemp could be legally marketed as a dietary ingredient in foods and dietary supplements. FDA stated that it is seeking assistance from Congress to create a new regulatory pathway that is better designed to regulate products that contain hemp derived cannabinoids, including CBD. In the interim, FDA stated that products (including dietary supplements, conventional foods, and animal foods) on the market are at risk of FDA enforcement as the agency deems “appropriate.” To date, the FDA’s enforcement actions against companies manufacturing CBD products has primarily been limited to the issuance of warning letters to companies whose products have made prohibited, misleading, and unapproved drug claims. Various states have also enacted state-specific laws pertaining to the handling, manufacturing, labeling, and sale of CBD and other hemp consumable products. While some states explicitly authorize and regulate the production and sale of hemp-derived CBD consumable products or otherwise provide legal protection for authorized individuals to engage in such activities, other states restrict the sale of CBD products or prohibit such products outright.
Financial Institutions and Banking
Due to the CSA categorization of marijuana as a Schedule I drug, federal law also makes it illegal for financial institutions that depend on the Federal Reserve’s money transfer system to take any proceeds from marijuana sales as deposits. Banks and other financial institutions could be prosecuted and possibly convicted of money laundering for providing services to cannabis businesses under the United States Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970 (the “Bank Secrecy Act”). Therefore, under 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 charged with money laundering or conspiracy.
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While there has been no change in U.S. federal banking laws to accommodate businesses in the large and increasing number of U.S. states that have legalized medical and/or adult-use marijuana, the Department of the Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”), in 2014, issued guidance to prosecutors of money laundering and other financial crimes (the “FinCEN Guidance”). The FinCEN Guidance advised prosecutors not to focus their enforcement efforts on banks and other financial institutions that serve marijuana-related businesses so long as that business is legal in their state and none of the federal enforcement priorities referenced in the Cole Memo are being violated (such as keeping marijuana away from children and out of the hands of organized crime). The FinCEN Guidance also clarifies how financial institutions can provide services to marijuana-related businesses consistent with their Bank Secrecy Act obligations, including thorough customer due diligence, but makes it clear that they are doing so at their own risk. The customer due diligence steps include:
With respect to information regarding state licensure obtained in connection with such customer due diligence, a financial institution may reasonably rely on the accuracy of information provided by state licensing authorities, where states make such information available.
Because most banks and other financial institutions are unwilling to provide any banking or financial services to marijuana businesses, these businesses can be forced into becoming “cash-only” businesses. While the FinCEN Guidance decreased some risk for banks and financial institutions considering serving the industry, in practice it has not substantially increased banks’ willingness to provide services to marijuana businesses. This is because, as described above, the current law does not guarantee banks immunity from prosecution, and it also requires banks and other financial institutions to undertake time-consuming and costly due diligence on each marijuana business they accept as a customer.
Those state-chartered banks and credit unions that do have customers in the marijuana industry charge marijuana businesses high fees to pass on the added cost of ensuring compliance with the FinCEN Guidance. Unlike the Cole Memo, however, the FinCEN Guidance from 2014 has not been rescinded. Despite the rescission of the Cole Memo in 2018, the Company continues to do the following towards ensuring compliance with the guidance provided by the Cole Memo, the FinCEN Guidance, and other best industry practices:
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Controlled Substances Act Rescheduling
There have been recent developments regarding the potential for cannabis to be removed from the most restrictive schedule under the CSA. On October 6, 2022, President Joe Biden requested that the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”), Xavier Becerra, and Attorney General Merick Garland initiate a scientific review of the basis for cannabis’ scheduling under the CSA. After approximately 11 months of review, on August 29, 2023, HHS Assistant Secretary of Health, Rachel Levine, sent a letter to Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) Administrator, Anne Milgram, recommending rescheduling marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the CSA. The recommendation was based on a scientific and medical review by the FDA with an analysis of the eight factors determinative of control of a substance under the CSA.
As a result, the DEA can now initiate a formal rule-making process that would potentially reschedule marijuana from its current Schedule I classification. The DEA is bound by the HHS recommendation in regard to the scientific and medical matters but can ultimately make a different scheduling decision. The DEA may also account for the United States’ treaty obligations, including the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotics. The DEA will consider several factors that include: (1) marijuana’s actual or relative potential for abuse, (2) scientific evidence of its pharmacological effect, (3) the state of current scientific knowledge; (4) history and current pattern of abuse, (5) scope, duration, and significance of abuse, (6) risks to public health, (7) psychic or psychological dependence liability, and (8) whether marijuana is an immediate precursor of a substance already controlled under the CSA. The DEA has not yet started a formal rule-making process, which would require a public hearing on the record with an administrative law judge(s) making the final decision whether to adopt the new regulation. The regulation would be subject to challenges and judicial review. The DEA is not under a required timeline to initiate and complete this process and has not yet initiated the process.
On September 13, 2023, the Congressional Research Service (“CRS”) published a report stating that the DEA is “likely” to reschedule marijuana according to the HHS recommendation. According to the CRS report, this would have “broad implications for federal policy” and potentially impact state medical and recreational programs. If rescheduling occurs, various federal agencies such as the DOJ, FDA, FinCEN, and the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) may issue additional memoranda providing further regulatory, tax, and enforcement priority instruction as it relates to marijuana that would replace the previous guidance.
Under federal law, cannabis having a concentration of THC greater than 0.3% by dry weight volume is marijuana. The scheduling of marijuana as a Schedule I drug is inconsistent with what the Company believes to be many valuable medical uses for marijuana accepted by physicians, researchers, patients, and others. As evidence of this, the FDA on June 25, 2018 approved Epidiolex (CBD) oral solution for the treatment of seizures associated with two rare and severe forms of epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, in patients two years of age and older. This is the first FDA-approved drug that contains a purified drug substance derived from marijuana. In this case, the substance is cannabidiol, or CBD, a cannabinoid found in both hemp and marijuana, which does not contain the intoxication properties of THC, the primary psychoactive component of marijuana. The Company believes the CSA categorization as a Schedule I drug is not reflective of the medicinal properties of marijuana or the public perception thereof, and numerous studies show cannabis is not able to be abused in the same way as other Schedule I drugs, has medicinal properties, and can be safely administered. Moreover, while certain published studies show that marijuana may be less harmful than alcohol, alcohol is not classified under the CSA. This disparity may reflect the comparative stigma associated with marijuana that factors into scheduling decisions by the DEA.
The federal position is also not necessarily consistent with democratic approval of marijuana at the state government level in the United States. As of December 31, 2023, 37 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands have passed laws broadly legalizing marijuana for medicinal use by eligible patients. In the District of Columbia, the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam and 24 of these states –Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington – marijuana is legal for adult-use regardless of medical condition, although not all of those jurisdictions have fully implemented their legalization programs.
Internal Revenue Code, Section 280E
An additional challenge to marijuana-related businesses is that the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, Section 280E (“Section 280E”), are being applied by the IRS to businesses operating in the medical and adult-use marijuana industry. Section 280E prohibits marijuana businesses from deducting ordinary and necessary business expenses, forcing them to pay higher effective federal tax rates than similar companies in other industries. As a result of Section 280E, the Company’s effective tax rate can be highly variable and depends on how large its ratio of non-deductible expenses is to its total revenues. Therefore, businesses in the legal cannabis industry
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may be less profitable than they would otherwise be. If rescheduling were to occur, it is anticipated that the IRS will provide additional guidance on Section 280E and its applicability to the Company’s business.
Federal Protections
Moreover, certain temporary federal legislative enactments that protect the medical marijuana industries have also been in effect for several years. For instance, certain marijuana businesses receive a measure of protection from federal prosecution by operation of temporary appropriations measures that have been enacted into law as amendments (or “riders”) to federal spending bills passed by Congress and signed by the past three presidents. For instance, in the Appropriations Act of 2015, Congress included a budget “rider” that prohibits DOJ from expending any funds to enforce any law that interferes with a state’s implementation of its own medical marijuana laws. The rider is known as the “Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment” after its original lead sponsors.
Notably, the Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment has applied only to medical marijuana programs and has not provided the same protections to enforcement against adult-use activities. While the Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment has been included in successive appropriations legislation or resolutions since 2015, its inclusion or non-inclusion is subject to political change.
There is a growing consensus among marijuana businesses and numerous congressmen and congresswomen that guidance and temporary legislation are an inappropriate way to protect cannabis businesses. Numerous bills have been introduced in Congress in recent years to decriminalize aspects of state-legal marijuana trades. This has led to a bipartisan Congressional Marijuana Working Group in Congress. In December 2022, the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate passed, and President Biden signed into law, the Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act, which provides for significantly broader opportunities to study cannabis. Other important measures have received successful votes in congressional committees or passage in the U.S. House of Representatives. For instance, the SAFE Banking Act, which had more than 200 cosponsors and would prevent federal banking regulators from taking adverse actions against financial institutions solely due to an institution’s provision of financial services to state-legal marijuana businesses, passed the U.S. House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support in 2019 and 2021, and again passed the House as an amendment to the America COMPETES Act in 2022. However, the SAFE Banking Act has failed to pass the U.S. Senate.
The Company’s objective is to capitalize on the opportunities presented as a result of the changing regulatory environment governing the cannabis industry in the United States. Accordingly, there are a number of significant risks associated with the business of the Company. Unless and until the U.S. Congress amends the CSA with respect to medical and/or adult-use cannabis (and as to the timing or scope of any such potential amendments there can be no assurance), there is a risk that federal authorities may enforce current federal law, and the business of the Company may be deemed to be producing, cultivating, extracting, or dispensing cannabis or aiding or abetting or otherwise engaging in a conspiracy to commit such acts in violation of the CSA and other federal laws in the United States.
For these reasons, the Company’s investments in the U.S. cannabis market may subject the Company to heightened scrutiny by regulators, stock exchanges, clearing agencies and other Canadian and U.S. authorities. See section entitled “Risk Factors” herein.
State Regulatory Environment
The following sections describe the legal and regulatory landscape in the states in which the Company operates. While The Cannabist Company works to ensure that its operations comply with applicable state laws, regulations, and licensing requirements, for the reasons described above and the risks further described under the heading “Risk Factors”, there are significant risks associated with the business of the Company. Readers are strongly encouraged to carefully read and consider all of the risk factors contained under the heading “Risk Factors” below.
Except as described above and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company is in material compliance with applicable law and has not received any citations or notices of violation which have a material impact on the Company’s licenses, business activities or operations.
ARIZONA
Arizona Regulatory Landscape
In 2010, Arizona passed Ballot Proposition 203, which amended Title 36 to the Arizona Revised Statutes. This amendment added Chapter 28.1, titled the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act (the “AMMA”). The AMMA is codified in Arizona Revised Statutes § 36-2801 et. seq. The AMMA also appointed the Arizona Department of Health Services (“ADHS”) as the regulator for the program and authorized ADHS to promulgate, adopt and enforce regulations for the AMMA. These ADHS regulations are embodied in the Arizona
21
Administrative Code Title 9 Chapter 17 (the “Medical Rules”). ARS § 36-2801(12) defines a “‘nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary’” as a not-for-profit entity that acquires, possesses, cultivates, manufactures, delivers, transfers, transports, supplies, sells or dispenses marijuana or related supplies and educational materials to cardholders.
The ADHS has established the medical marijuana program, which includes a vertically integrated license, meaning if allocated a Medical Marijuana Dispensary Registration Certificate (a “Certificate”), entities are authorized to dispense and cultivate medical cannabis. Each Certificate allows the holding entity to operate one on-site cultivation facility, and one off-site cultivation facility which can be located anywhere within the State of Arizona. An entity holding a Certificate is required to file an application to renew with the ADHS on a biannual basis, which must also include audited annual financial statements.
In 2020, Arizona passed Ballot Proposition 207, which amended Title 36 to the Arizona Revised Statutes. This amendment added Chapter 28.2, titled the Smart and Safe Arizona Act (the “SSAA”). The SSAA is codified in Arizona Revised Statutes § 36-2850 et. seq. The SSAA appointed ADHS as the regulator for the program and required ADHS to promulgate, adopt, and enforce regulations for the SSAA. ADHS first published rules to administer the Adult- use Marijuana Program in the Arizona Administrative Code Title 9 Chapter 18 (the “Adult-use Rules;” together with the Medical Rules, the “Rules”). These Adult-use Rules became effective on January 15, 2021. ADHS promulgated additional amendments to the Adult-use Rules effective September 8, 2022, which make changes, among others, to the requirements for marijuana establishments preparing food or beverages and additional laboratory testing requirements. ARS § 36-2850 defines “marijuana establishment” as an entity licensed by the department to operate all of the following: a single retail location at which the licensee may sell marijuana and marijuana products to consumers, cultivate marijuana and manufacture marijuana products; a single off-site cultivation location at which the licensee may cultivate marijuana, process marijuana and manufacture marijuana products, but from which marijuana and marijuana products may not be transferred or sold to consumers; and a single off-site cultivation location at which the licensee may cultivate marijuana, process marijuana and manufacture marijuana products, but from which marijuana and marijuana products may not be transferred or sold to consumers.
The Cannabist Company (through its subsidiaries in the State of Arizona) follows applicable licensing requirements and the regulatory framework enacted by the State of Arizona.
Arizona Medical Marijuana Licensing Requirements
In order for an applicant to receive a Certificate, it must: (i) fill out an application on the form prescribed by ADHS, (ii) submit the applicant’s articles of incorporation and by-laws, (iii) submit fingerprints for each principal officer or board member of the applicant for a background check to exclude felonies, and (iv) submit a business plan and policies and procedures for inventory control, security, patient education, and patient recordkeeping that are consistent with the AMMA and the Medical Rules to ensure that the dispensary will operate in compliance. Certificates are renewed biannually so long as the dispensary is in good standing with ADHS, pays the renewal fee, and submits an independent third-party financial audit.
Once an applicant has been issued a Certificate, they are allowed to establish one physical retail dispensary location, one cultivation location which is co-located at the dispensary’s retail site (if allowed by local zoning) and one additional off-site cultivation location. None of these sites can be operational, however, until the dispensary receives an approval to operate from ADHS for the applicable site. This approval to operate requires the applicant submit certain information on proposed operations, such as, (i) an application on the ADHS form, (ii) demonstration of compliance with local zoning regulations, (iii) a site plan and floor plan for the applicable property, and (iv) an in-person inspection by ADHS of the applicable location to ensure compliance with the Medical Rules and consistency with the dispensary’s applicable policies and procedures.
Arizona Adult-use Marijuana Licensing Requirements
In order for an applicant to receive a marijuana facility agent license, it must submit to ADHS (i) the personal identification information prescribed by ADHS including a background check and fingerprints and (ii) the applicable fee as prescribed in the Adult-use Rules. The license must be renewed every two years. A licensee may seek renewal by submitting to ADHS, at least thirty calendar days before the license expiration, (a) information on the license, (b) updated personal information including a criminal records check, and (c) the applicable fee as prescribed in the Adult- use Rules.
Applicants that have a Certificate issued under the Medical Rules, the applicant may apply for a marijuana establishment license by submitting (i) an attestation from each principal officer and board member approving the application, (ii) the license number on the applicant’s dispensary registration certificate, (iii) whether the applicant wants to transfer the cultivation site under the registration certificate to the marijuana license, and (iv) the applicable fee.
A holder of a marijuana establishment license may apply for approval to operate a marijuana establishment by submitting, within 18 months after the marijuana establishment license was issued, the following: (i) an application on the form prescribed by ADHS, (ii)
22
documentation of local permission to use the property as a marijuana establishment (such as a certificate of occupancy, special use permit, or a conditional use permit), (iii) a list of activities the establishment is requesting, including cultivation, manufacturing, or preparation of edible products, (iv) a license of the location as a food establishment if preparing edible products, (v) a site plan, and (vi) a floor plan.
Marijuana establishment licenses must be renewed every two years.
Arizona Licenses
The table below describes the Certificates and approvals held by Salubrious Wellness Clinic, Inc. and 203 Organix, LLC.
Holding Entity |
|
Permit/License |
|
Registration Number |
|
City |
|
Expiration/Renewal Date (if applicable) (MM/DD/YY) |
|
Description |
Salubrious Wellness Clinic, Inc. |
|
Medical Dispensary Registration Certificate |
|
00000097DCGK00454998 |
|
Tempe, AZ |
|
08/07/24 |
|
The certificate allows the holder to cultivate, dispense, produce, process, extract, distribute and sell at retail and wholesale medical marijuana from the dispensary and one offsite cultivation facility. |
Salubrious Wellness Clinic, Inc. |
|
Approval to Operate cultivation at offsite location |
|
00000097DCGK00454998 |
|
Chino Valley, AZ |
|
08/07/24 |
|
Approval to operate cultivation offsite location |
Salubrious Wellness Clinic, Inc. |
|
Adult-Use Dispensary Registration Certificate |
|
00000071ESFP14031510 |
|
Tempe, AZ |
|
08/07/24 |
|
Approval to dispense adult-use cannabis |
203 Organix, LLC |
|
Medical Dispensary Registration Certificate |
|
00000074DCGW00540313 |
|
Prescott, AZ |
|
08/07/24 |
|
The certificate allows the holder to sell at retail and wholesale medical marijuana from the dispensary. |
203 Organix, LLC |
|
Adult-Use Dispensary Registration Certificate |
|
00000070ESCO78837103 |
|
Prescott, AZ |
|
08/07/24 |
|
Approval to dispense adult-use cannabis |
Before expiry, licensees are required to submit a renewal application. While renewals are granted annually, there is no ultimate expiry after which no renewals are permitted. Additionally, provided that the requisite renewal fees are paid, the renewal application is submitted in a timely manner, and there are no material violations noted against the applicable Certificate, The Cannabist Company would expect Salubrious Wellness Clinic, Inc. and 203 Organix, LLC to receive the applicable renewed Certificate in the ordinary course of business. 203 Organix’s Approval to Operate a cultivation facility in Wickenburg is not in use and is therefore not considered a material contract of The Cannabist Company.
Arizona Security Requirements for Dispensary Facilities
Any dispensary facility (both retail and cultivation) or marijuana establishment must abide by the following security requirements: (i) ensure that access to the facilities is limited to authorized agents of the dispensary who are in possession of a dispensary agent identification card, and (ii) equip the facility with: (a) intrusion alarms and surveillance equipment, (b) exterior and interior lighting to facilitate surveillance, (c) at least one 19-inch monitor for surveillance and a video capable of printing a high resolution still image, (d) high resolution video cameras at all points of sale, entrances, exits, and limited access areas, both in and around the building, (e) 30 days’ video storage, (f) failure notifications and battery backups for the security system, and (g) panic buttons inside each building.
Arizona Dispensing Requirements
In order to dispense medical marijuana to a qualifying patient or designated caregiver, a licensed dispensary is required to take certain steps, including, for example,(1) verify the qualifying patient’s or designated caregiver’s identity, (2) offer appropriate patient education or support materials, (3) make available testing results related to the product sought, if requested by the qualifying patient or
23
designated caregiver, (4) enter the qualifying patient’s or designated caregiver’s registry identification number on the identification card presented into the medical marijuana electronic verification system, (5) verify the validity of the identification card presented, (6) verify that the amount of marijuana product to be dispensed would not cause the qualifying patient to exceed the regulatory limit, and (7) enter information into the medical marijuana electronic verification system regarding the amount of medical marijuana dispensed, whether it was dispensed directly to the qualifying patient or to a caregiver, the date and time of dispensing, the registry identification number of the dispensary agent, and the dispensary’s registry identification number.
Arizona Storage Requirements
Any dispensary facility (both retail and cultivation) or marijuana establishment must abide by specified requirements for the storage of product: (i) product must be stored in an area that is separate from areas used to store toxic and flammable materials, (ii) product must be stored in a manner that is clean and sanitary, (iii) product must be protected from flies, dust, dirt, and any other contamination, and (iv) surfaces and objects used in the handling and storage of product must be cleaned daily.
Additionally, the Rules establish strict inventory protocols for tracking product from “seed to sale,” which requires product to be traceable to the original plants used to grow the cannabis used in the product.
Arizona Transportation Requirements
Dispensaries may transport medical cannabis and marijuana establishments may transport adult-use cannabis between their own sites or between their sites and another dispensary’s site and must comply with specified requirements, such as: (i) completing a trip plan (ii) using a vehicle with no cannabis identification, and (iii) t maintaining trip plan records for at least two years.
Arizona Adult-use Operating Requirements
Marijuana establishments must (i) ensure that the retail location is operating and available at least 30 hours a week between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. within 18 months after receiving the marijuana establishment license, (ii) develop, implement and regularly review and update, no less than once every 12 months, policies related to job descriptions and employment contracts, training of facility agents, and inventory control, (iii) ensure all principal officers, board members, employees, and volunteers maintain valid marijuana facility agent licenses and keep them in their possession when working with marijuana, (iv) inform ADHS within 10 days when a marijuana facility agent is no longer employed or volunteering with the marijuana establishment, (v) document loss or theft and (vi) post the marijuana establishment’s approval to operate, the license, hours of operation, and the applicable ADHS-prescribed warning signs.
Marijuana products to be sold at a marijuana establishment’s retail location must (i) comply with the packaging and labeling requirements in the SSAA, (ii) be labeled with the appropriate product information and warnings as prescribed by ADHS, and (iii) be placed in child-resistant packaging.
Prior to selling or transferring any marijuana product to a consumer, the marijuana facility agent must (i) verify the consumer’s age, (ii) make available the results of testing of the marijuana if requested, and (iii) ensure that the amount to be sold or transferred does not exceed one ounce, with not more than 5 grams being in the form of a marijuana concentrate.
A marijuana establishment that prepares, sells, or transfers marijuana-infused edible food products shall (i) obtain a license or permit as a food establishment under 9 A.A.C. 8, Article 1, (ii) ensure that the products are prepared according to the applicable requirements in 9 A.A.C. 8, Article 1, whether prepared on-site or by another marijuana establishment, and (iii) ensure that any sold products (a) are sold in accordance with 9 A.A.C. 8, Article 1, (b) contain no more total THC than 10 mg per serving or 100 mg per package, and (c) if packaged as more than one serving, are scored or delineated into standard serving size and consistent in THC disbursement.
ADHS Inspections and Enforcement
ADHS may inspect a medical facility at any time upon five (5) days’ notice to the dispensary. However, if someone has alleged that the dispensary is not in compliance with the AMMA or the Medical Rules, ADHS may conduct an unannounced inspection. ADHS will provide written notice to the dispensary of any violations found during any inspection and the dispensary then has 20 working days to take corrective action and notify ADHS.
ADHS must revoke a Certificate if a dispensary: (i) operates before obtaining approval to operate a dispensary from ADHS, (ii) dispenses, delivers, or otherwise transfers cannabis to an entity other than another licensed dispensary, a qualifying patient with a valid registry identification card, a designated caregiver with a valid registry identification card, or a laboratory with a valid laboratory
24
registration certificate, (iii) acquires usable cannabis or mature cannabis plants from any entity other than another licensed dispensary, a qualifying patient with a valid registry identification card, or a designated caregiver with a valid registry identification card, or (iv) if a principal officer or board member has been convicted of an excluded felony offense.
Furthermore, ADHS may revoke a Certificate if a dispensary does not: (i) comply with the requirements of AMMA or the Medical Rules, (ii) implement the policies and procedures or comply with the statements provided to ADHS with the dispensary’s application.
ADHS may inspect an adult-use facility at any time during regular hours of operation. ADHS must make at least one unannounced visit annually to each licensed facility.
ADHS may suspend or revoke a marijuana establishment license if (i) the marijuana establishment (a) provides false or misleading information to ADHS, (b) operates before obtaining approval to operate from ADHS, (c) diverts marijuana to an individual or entity not allowed to possess marijuana, or (d) acquires marijuana from an individual or entity not allowed to possess marijuana; (ii) a principal officer or board member (a) has been convicted of an excluded felony offense, or (b) provides false or misleading information to ADHS; (iii) the marijuana establishment does not (a) comply with the requirements in the SSAA or the Adult-use Rules, or (b) implement the policies or procedures or comply with the statements provided to ADHS in the marijuana establishment’s application.
CALIFORNIA
California Regulatory Landscape
In 1996, California was the first state to legalize medical marijuana through Proposition 215, the Compassionate Use Act of 1996. This legalized the use, possession and cultivation of medical marijuana by patients with a physician recommendation for treatment of cancer, anorexia, AIDS, chronic pain, spasticity, glaucoma, arthritis, migraine, or any other illness for which marijuana provides relief.
In 2003, Senate Bill 420 was signed into law establishing an optional identification card system for medical marijuana patients.
In September 2015, the California legislature passed three bills collectively known as the Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (“MCRSA”). The MCRSA established a licensing and regulatory framework for medical marijuana businesses in California. The system created multiple license types for dispensaries, infused products manufacturers, cultivation facilities, testing laboratories, transportation companies, and distributors. Edible infused product manufacturers would require either volatile solvent or non-volatile solvent manufacturing licenses depending on their specific extraction methodology. Multiple agencies would oversee different aspects of the program and businesses would require a state license and local approval to operate. However, in November 2016, voters in California overwhelmingly passed Proposition 64, the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (“AUMA”) creating an adult-use marijuana program for adults 21 years of age or older. AUMA had some conflicting provisions with MCRSA, so in June 2017, the California State Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 94, known as Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (“MAUCRSA”), which amalgamates MCRSA and AUMA to provide a set of regulations to govern a medical and adult-use licensing regime for cannabis businesses in the State of California. The four agencies that originally regulated marijuana at the state level were the Bureau of Cannabis Control (“BCC”), California Department of Food and Agriculture (“DFA”), California Department of Public Health (“DPH”), and California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. MAUCRSA went into effect on January 1, 2018.
On July 12, 2021, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill 141 (AB-141), which creates the Department of Cannabis Control (“DCC”). The DCC will consolidate the state’s cannabis program oversight from three of the existing agencies – the BCC, the DFA, and the DPH – under a single department in an effort to centralize and simplify regulatory and licensing oversight in California. DCC similarly announced its intention to create a single Licensing Division that would be responsible for licensing of all cannabis businesses. On or about September 15, 2021, the DCC filed emergency regulations to consolidate, clarify, and make consistent cannabis regulations to the California Office of Administrative Law. After a limited comment period, these consolidated emergency regulations were approved and became effective on or about September 27, 2021. These regulations created consistent standards for cannabis licensees across all license types, by aligning application requirements, unifying terminology, and clarifying ownership and financial interest requirements. Consolidated regulations became effective on a non-emergency basis on November 7, 2022 and have since been amended by DCC from time to time.
At present, to legally operate a medical or adult-use cannabis business in California, the operator must have both a local and state license. This requires license holders to operate in cities with marijuana licensing programs. Therefore, cities in California are allowed to determine the number of licenses they will issue to marijuana operators or can choose to outright ban marijuana.
The Cannabist Company (through its subsidiaries in the State of California) follows applicable licensing requirements and the regulatory framework enacted by the State of California.
25
California Licenses
The table below describes the licenses held by the Company subsidiaries in California. The granting of a temporary license does not guarantee that an annual license will subsequently be granted.
Holding Entity |
|
Permit/License |
|
City |
|
Expiration/ Renewal Date (if applicable) (MM/DD/YY) |
|
Description |
Mission Bay, LLC |
|
California Department of Cannabis Control - # C10-0000472-LIC |
|
San Diego |
|
07/18/24 |
|
Adult-Use and Medicinal Provisional Retailer License |
Focused Health, LLC |
|
California Department of Cannabis Control – CDPH- 10003760 |
|
San Diego |
|
07/29/24 |
|
Annual Manufacturing License – Type 7: Volatile Solvent Extraction |
Focused Health, LLC |
|
California Department of Cannabis Control – CCL19-0003852 |
|
San Diego |
|
06/01/24 |
|
Provisional Cannabis Cultivation License – Adult- Use Specialty Indoor - |
Focused Health, LLC |
|
California Department of Cannabis Control |
|
San Diego |
|
06/09/24 |
|
Adult-Use and Medicinal Provisional Distributor License |
The Healing Center of San Diego, LLC |
|
California Department of Cannabis Control |
|
San Diego |
|
06/13/24 |
|
Adult-Use and Medicinal provisional Retailer License |
PHC Facilities, Inc. |
|
California Department of Cannabis Control CCL18-0003760 |
|
Los Angeles |
|
04/26/24 |
|
Provisional Cannabis Cultivation License – Adult-Use Medium Indoor |
PHC Facilities, Inc. |
|
California Department of Cannabis Control |
|
Los Angeles |
|
05/09/24 |
|
Adult-Use and Medicinal Provisional Distributor License |
PHC Facilities, Inc. |
|
California Department of Cannabis Control |
|
Los Angeles |
|
05/09/24 |
|
Adult-Use and Medicinal provisional Retailer License |
Resource Referral Services, Inc. |
|
California Department of Cannabis Control |
|
North Hollywood |
|
06/04/24 |
|
Adult-Use and Medicinal Provisional Retailer License |
Access Bryant SPC |
|
California Department of Cannabis Control |
|
San Francisco |
|
07/28/24 |
|
Adult-Use and Medicinal Provisional Retailer License |
The Wellness Earth Energy Dispensary, Inc. |
|
California Department of Cannabis Control |
|
Studio City |
|
06/24/24 |
|
Adult-Use and Medicinal Provisional Retailer License |
California Licensing Requirements
A medicinal retailer license permits the sale of medicinal cannabis and cannabis products to a medicinal cannabis patient in California who possesses a physician’s recommendation. Only certified physicians may provide medicinal marijuana recommendations. An adult-use retailer license permits the sale of cannabis and cannabis products to any individual age 21 years of age or older who presents a valid government-issued photo identification.
An adult-use or medicinal cultivation license permits cannabis cultivation activity which means any activity involving the planting, growing, harvesting, drying, curing, grading or trimming of cannabis. Such licenses further permit the production of a limited number of non-manufactured cannabis products and the sales of cannabis to certain licensed entities within the state of California for resale or manufacturing purposes.
An adult-use or medical manufacturing license permits the manufacturing of cannabis products. Manufacturing includes the compounding, blending, extracting, infusion, packaging or repackaging, labeling or relabeling, or other preparation of a cannabis product.
In the state of California, only cannabis that is grown in the state can be sold in the state. Although California is not a vertically-integrated system, the state allows licensees to make wholesale purchase of cannabis from, or a distribution of cannabis and cannabis product to, another licensed entity within the state.
26
Holders of marijuana licenses in California are subject to a detailed regulatory scheme encompassing: security, staffing, sales, manufacturing standards, inspections, inventory, advertising and marketing, product packaging and labeling, records and reporting, and more. As with all jurisdictions, the full regulations, as promulgated by each applicable state agency, should be consulted for further information about any particular operational area.
California Dispensary Requirements
Cannabis retailers may only sell cannabis products that were received by the retail licensee from a licensed distributor or licensed microbusiness authorized to engage in distribution, and the licensed retailer must verify that the cannabis goods have not exceeded their best-by, sell-by, or expiration date if one is provided. The goods must have undergone appropriate laboratory testing, and the batch number labeled on the package of cannabis goods must match the batch number on the corresponding certificate of analysis for regulatory compliance testing. The packaging and goods must comply with all applicable laws in order for the goods to be sold at the retail location.
California Reporting Requirements
The state of California uses METRC as the state’s track-and-trace (“T&T”) system used to track commercial cannabis activity and movement across the distribution chain for all state-issued annual licensees. The system allows for other third-party system integration via application programming interface. Only licensees have access to METRC.
California Storage, Transportation, and Security Requirements
To ensure the safety and security of cannabis business premises and to maintain adequate controls against the diversion, theft, and loss of cannabis or cannabis products, California’s marijuana businesses are required to do the following:
DCC Inspections
The DCC, and its authorized representatives, shall have full and immediate access to inspect and enter onto any premises licensed by the DCC. Prior notice of an inspection, investigation, review, or audit is not required. The DCC may also test any vehicle or equipment possessed by, in control of, or used by a licensee or their agents and employees for the purpose of conducting commercial cannabis activity. Moreover, it may test any cannabis goods or cannabis-related materials, or products possessed by, in control of, or used by a licensee or their agents and employees for the purpose of conducting commercial cannabis activity. The DCC may also copy any materials, books, or records of any licensee or their agents and employees. Failure to cooperate with and participate in any DCC investigation pending against the licensee may result in a licensing violation subject to discipline.
COLORADO
Colorado Regulatory Landscape
On November 7, 2000, Colorado voters approved Amendment 20, which amended the state constitution to allow the use of marijuana in the state by approved patients with written medical consent. On November 6, 2012, Colorado voters approved Amendment 64,
27
which amended the state constitution to establish an adult use cannabis program in Colorado and permit the commercial cultivation, manufacture and sale of marijuana to adults 21 years of age or older. The commercial sale of marijuana for adult use to the general public began on January 1, 2014 at cannabis businesses licensed under the regulatory framework. As of January 1, 2020, medical and adult use marijuana are regulated together under a single statute – the Colorado Marijuana Code.
Under the Colorado Marijuana Code, the Marijuana Enforcement Division of the Colorado Department of Revenue is empowered to grant licenses to both adult use and medical marijuana businesses, including cultivation facilities, products manufacturers, testing facilities, transporters, researchers and developers, and (in the adult use context) accelerator cultivators, accelerator stores, and hospitality businesses. The MED generally promulgates amendments to its regulations each year.
Cannabis businesses must also comply with local licensing requirements. Colorado localities are allowed to limit or prohibit the operation of marijuana businesses.
The Cannabist Company in Colorado follows the regulatory framework enacted by the State of Colorado.
Colorado License Requirements
An application for a marijuana business in Colorado requires submission of certain information which is subject to change, including, for example, (1) a copy of any local license required for the marijuana business, (2) a certificate of good standing from the jurisdiction in which the business was formed, (3) the identity and address of the registered agent in Colorado, (4) organizational documents such as articles of incorporation, bylaws, articles of organization, and similar documents, (5) corporate governance documents, (6) a deed, lease, or similar document establishing the applicant’s ability to use the proposed premises, (7) a facility diagram, (8) findings of suitability with respect to the business’ owners, (8) information regarding securities listings (if the business is publicly traded), (9) financial statements, and documents related to payments of taxes. A business is required to obtain permission from its locality as part of the licensing process.
Colorado Licenses
The Cannabist Company operates marijuana establishments as detailed below.
Holding Entity |
|
Permit/License |
|
City |
|
Expiration or Renewal Date (if applicable) |
|
Description |
The Green Solution LLC |
|
Cannabis retail license |
|
Aurora, Colorado |
|
10/01/24 |
|
Authorizes retail of cannabis. |
The Green Solution LLC |
|
Cannabis retail license |
|
Aurora, Colorado |
|
10/01/24 |
|
Authorizes retail of cannabis. |
The Green Solution LLC |
|
Cannabis retail license 402R-00297 |
|
Aurora, Colorado |
|
10/01/24 |
|
Authorizes retail of cannabis. |
The Green Solution LLC |
|
Cannabis retail license |
|
Aurora, Colorado |
|
10/01/24 |
|
Authorizes retail of cannabis. |
The Green Solution LLC |
|
Cannabis retail license |
|
Aurora, Colorado |
|
05/01/24 |
|
Authorizes retail of cannabis. |
The Green Solution LLC |
|
Cannabis retail license |
|
Denver, Colorado |
|
06/24/24 |
|
Authorizes retail of cannabis. |
The Green Solution LLC |
|
Cannabis retail license |
|
Black Hawk, Colorado |
|
12/15/24 |
|
Authorizes retail of cannabis. The regulator has provided a letter confirming renewal receipt and continuing validity of license. |
The Green Solution LLC |
|
Cannabis retail license |
|
Denver (Grape Street) |
|
01/01/25 |
|
Authorizes retail of cannabis. The regulator has provided a letter confirming renewal receipt and continuing validity of license. |
The Green Solution LLC |
|
Cannabis retail license |
|
Denver, Colorado |
|
01/01/25 |
|
Authorizes retail of cannabis. The regulator has provided a letter confirming renewal receipt and continuing validity of license. |
The Green Solution LLC |
|
Cannabis retail license |
|
Denver, Colorado |
|
05/20/24 |
|
Authorizes retail of cannabis. |
The Green Solution LLC |
|
Cannabis cultivation license 403R-00018 |
|
Denver, Colorado |
|
01/01/25 |
|
Authorizes cultivation of cannabis. The regulator has provided a letter confirming |
28
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
renewal receipt and continuing validity of license. |
The Green Solution LLC |
|
Cannabis cultivation license (medical) 403-00208 |
|
Denver, Colorado Grape Grow |
|
03/05/24* |
|
Authorizes cultivation of medical cannabis. |
The Green Solution LLC |
|
Cannabis retail license |
|
Edgewater, Colorado |
|
09/23/24 |
|
Authorizes retail of cannabis. |
The Green Solution LLC |
|
Cannabis retail license |
|
Fort Collins, Colorado |
|
09/23/24 |
|
Authorizes retail of cannabis. |
The Green Solution LLC |
|
Cannabis retail license (medical) 402-00839 |
|
Fort Collins, Colorado |
|
06/26/24 |
|
Authorizes retail of medical cannabis. |
The Green Solution LLC |
|
Cannabis retail license |
|
Glendale, Colorado |
|
03/13/24* |
|
Authorizes retail of cannabis. |
The Green Solution LLC |
|
Cannabis retail license 402R-00742 |
|
Glenwood Springs, Colorado |
|
03/29/24 |
|
Authorizes retail of cannabis. |
Columbia Care Co, Inc. |
|
Cannabis retail license |
|
Longmont, Colorado |
|
02/01/24 |
|
Authorizes retail of cannabis. |
The Green Solution LLC |
|
Cannabis retail license 402R-00014 |
|
Northglenn, Colorado |
|
01/01/25 |
|
Authorizes retail of cannabis. The regulator has provided a letter confirming renewal receipt and continuing validity of license. |
The Green Solution LLC |
|
Cannabis retail license 402R-00737 |
|
Sheridan, Colorado |
|
03/26/24 |
|
Authorizes retail of cannabis. |
The Green Solution LLC |
|
Cannabis retail license |
|
Sheridan, Colorado |
|
03/29/24 |
|
Authorizes retail of cannabis. |
The Green Solution LLC |
|
Cannabis retail license 402R-00299 |
|
Silver Plume, Colorado |
|
10/01/24 |
|
Authorizes retail of cannabis. |
The Green Solution LLC |
|
Cannabis retail license 402R-00670 |
|
Pueblo, Colorado |
|
05/12/24 |
|
Authorizes retail of cannabis. |
The Green Solution LLC |
|
Cannabis retail license 402R-00582 |
|
Trinidad, Colorado |
|
07/11/24 |
|
Authorizes retail of cannabis. |
The Green Solution LLC |
|
Cannabis retail license 402R-00583 |
|
Trinidad, Colorado (N. Commercial Street) |
|
07/11/24 |
|
Authorizes retail of cannabis. |
Rocky Mountain Tillage, LLC |
|
Cannabis cultivation license 403R-01151 |
|
Trinidad, Colorado |
|
05/28/24 |
|
Authorizes cultivation of cannabis. |
Rocky Mountain Tillage, LLC |
|
Cannabis cultivation license 403R-00892 |
|
Trinidad, Colorado |
|
02/15/24* |
|
Authorizes cultivation of cannabis. |
Rocky Mountain Tillage, LLC |
|
Cannabis cultivation license 403R-00893 |
|
Trinidad, Colorado |
|
02/15/24* |
|
Authorizes cultivation of cannabis. |
Rocky Mountain Tillage, LLC |
|
Cannabis cultivation license 403R-00894 |
|
Trinidad, Colorado |
|
02/15/24* |
|
Authorizes cultivation of cannabis. |
Rocky Mountain Tillage, LLC |
|
Cannabis cultivation license 403R-00895 |
|
Trinidad, Colorado |
|
02/15/24* |
|
Authorizes cultivation of cannabis. |
Rocky Mountain Tillage, LLC |
|
Cannabis cultivation license 403R-00020 |
|
Denver, Colorado |
|
01/01/25 |
|
Authorizes cultivation of cannabis. The regulator has provided a letter confirming renewal receipt and continuing validity of license. |
Rocky Mountain Tillage, LLC |
|
Cannabis cultivation license 403R-00836 |
|
Denver, Colorado |
|
01/25/25 |
|
Authorizes cultivation of cannabis. |
Infuzionz, LLC |
|
Cannabis processing license 404R-00003 |
|
Denver, Colorado (Washington Street) |
|
01/01/24* |
|
Authorizes manufacturing of cannabis products. The regulator has provided a letter confirming renewal receipt and continuing validity of license. |
Infuzionz, LLC |
|
Cannabis processing license (Medical) 404-00329 |
|
Denver, Colorado (Washington Street) |
|
01/28/24* |
|
Authorizes manufacturing of medical cannabis products. The regulator has provided a letter confirming renewal receipt and continuing validity of license. |
Futurevision Ltd |
|
Cannabis retail license |
|
Denver, Colorado |
|
01/01/25 |
|
Authorizes retail of cannabis |
Futurevision Ltd |
|
Cannabis retail license |
|
Denver, Colorado |
|
11/21/24 |
|
Authorizes retail of medical cannabis |
Futurevision Ltd |
|
Cannabis retail license |
|
Aurora, Colorado |
|
10/01/24 |
|
Authorizes retail of cannabis |
Columbia Care CO, Inc |
|
Cannabis retail license |
|
Thornton, Colorado |
|
02/06/24* |
|
Authorizes retail of cannabis |
29
Futurevision Ltd |
|
Cannabis cultivation license 403R-00040 |
|
Denver, Colorado |
|
01/01/25 |
|
Authorizes cultivation of cannabis |
Futurevision Ltd |
|
Cannabis cultivation license (medical) |
|
Denver, Colorado |
|
07/05/24* |
|
Authorizes cultivation of medical cannabis |
* Currently in the process of renewal
With respect to the renewal process, provided that the requisite renewal fees are paid, the renewal application is submitted in a timely manner, and no substantial violations exist, the Company would expect to receive the applicable renewed licenses in the ordinary course of business.
Regulatory Requirements
The regulations establish requirements applicable to all marijuana businesses, along with specific requirements for each type of business.
All marijuana businesses in Colorado are required to, for example and without limitation (1) create and enforce limited access areas for the protection of marijuana and marijuana products, (2) maintain security alarm systems installed and maintained by a licensed alarm installation company, as well as approved locks and surveillance equipment, (3) follow all applicable laws regarding waste disposal (including cannabis-containing wastes), (4) implement an inventory tracking system used for inventory tracking and recordkeeping, (5) comply with both state and local requirements as to hours of operation, (6) comply with sanitary requirements applicable to employees and production spaces, including sanitation audits, (7) comply with recordkeeping requirements, and (8) maintain and provide procedures for dealing with product recalls.
The Marijuana Enforcement Division and local licensing authorities may conduct announced or unannounced inspections of licensees to determine compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Licensees may also be subject to inspection of the licensed premises by the local fire department, building inspector, or code enforcement officer to confirm that no health or safety concerns are present.
Colorado uses METRC as the Marijuana Enforcement Division’s marijuana inventory tracking system for all medical and adult use licensees. Marijuana is required to be tracked and reported with specific data points from seed to sale through METRC for compliance purposes under Colorado marijuana laws and regulations.
DELAWARE
Delaware Regulatory Landscape
Delaware’s medical marijuana program is governed by the Delaware Medical Marijuana Act, 16 Del. C.
§ 4901A et seq., and the Department of Health and Social Services’ (the “Department”) implementing regulations, CDR 16-4000-4470. The program authorizes registered qualified patients to use marijuana.
In January 2024, House Bill 285, which expanded the medical marijuana program, became law. This legislation enhances patient access to medical marijuana through the removal of “debilitating medical conditions” and revamps the framework of the Delaware Medical Marijuana Act. Pursuant to this legislation, health care providers are allowed to determine whether the individual has a “diagnosed medical condition that would benefit therapeutically or palliatively” from cannabis use and permits patients aged 65 and older to “self-certify” for MMJ registry identification cards.
The medical marijuana program creates a licensing regime for medical marijuana compassion centers (“Compassion Centers”). Compassion Centers must be operated on a non-profit basis. Once registered, a Compassion Center may acquire, possess, cultivate, manufacture, deliver, transfer, transport, supply, or dispense marijuana strictly for the purpose of assisting registered patients or their designated caregivers with the medical use of marijuana. Compassion Centers are required to grow an amount of marijuana sufficient to meet demand but may not possess more than 1,000 pounds of usable marijuana without having a variance approved by the Department. Delaware prohibits Compassion Centers from purchasing marijuana from any person other than another Compassion Center.
On April 26, 2023, Governor Carney allowed House Bill 1 and House Bill 2 to be enacted into Delaware law without his signature. These two pieces of legislation removed all state-level civil and criminal penalties from simple marijuana possession and create a highly regulated industry to conduct recreational marijuana sales in Delaware. In June 2023, Delaware Gov. Carney installed longtime law enforcement official Robert Coupe as the state’s first marijuana commissioner. The Office of the Marijuana
30
Commissioner (“OMC”) is the agency responsible for regulating the recreational marijuana industry in Delaware, pursuant to the Delaware Marijuana Control Act, which became effective on July 5, 2023. The OMC will issue a total of 125 licenses, including 60 Cultivators, 30 Manufacturers, 30 Dispensaries and 5 Testing facilities. The OCM is expected to finalize rules and regulations by July 2024 and is expected to begin issuing licenses in October 2024.
The Cannabist Company (through its subsidiary in the State of Delaware) follows the regulatory framework enacted by the State of Delaware.
Delaware License Requirements
Applicants for a license to operate a Compassion Center must include a US$5,000 application fee along with identifying documentation about the proposed Compassion Center and information about the proposed facility and financial and organizational information which demonstrate compliance with the Department’s regulations. In 2022, the Delaware General Assembly amended the Delaware Medical Marijuana Act to require applicants with 20 or more employees to execute a labor peace agreement and Cannabist Company must submit a copy of an executed labor peace agreement with its next license renewal application in Q3 2024.
As of February 22, 2024, the OMC has not yet promulgated final regulations for adult-use licenses.
Delaware Dispensary Requirements
Registered Compassion Centers are required to keep detailed financial reports of proceeds and expenses; maintain inventory, sales, and financial records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; and provide Department or Department-contracted audit firms with access to its books and records. Registered Compassion Centers are required to comply with specified requirements, such as disposing of unusable marijuana, inventory system management, waste disposal, pesticides, storage of cannabis and verification of patient and caregiver identification cards.
The maximum amount a Compassion Center can dispense to a single patient is 3 ounces during a 14-day period.
As of February 2024, the OMC has not yet promulgated final regulations for adult-use dispensaries.
Delaware Licenses
The Cannabist Company operates through a management services arrangement with Columbia Care Delaware LLC, a non- profit affiliate that holds a Compassion Center license and operates a dispensary and a manufacturing center, as noted in the table below.
Holding Entity |
|
Permit/License |
|
City |
|
Expiration/Renewal Date (if applicable) (MM/DD/YY) |
|
Description |
Columbia Care |
|
Registration Certificate and Operation Permit for Medical Marijuana Compassion Center 2009-CC01 |
|
Milford, DE |
|
09/15/24 |
|
Cultivation and Manufacturing Facility |
Columbia Care |
|
Registration Certificate and Operation Permit for Medical Marijuana Compassion Center 2009-CC02 |
|
Smyrna, DE |
|
09/15/24 |
|
Dispensary |
Columbia Care Delaware LLC |
|
Registration Certificate and Operation Permit for Medical Marijuana Compassion Center 2009-CC06 |
|
Wilmington, DE |
|
09/15/24 |
|
Dispensary |
Columbia Care Delaware LLC |
|
Registration Certificate and Operation Permit for Medical Marijuana Compassion Center 2009-CC07 |
|
Rohoboth Beach, DE |
|
09/15/24 |
|
Dispensary |
Compassion Centers’ registrations expire every two years. A renewal application must be submitted between 90 and 30 days prior to the expiration of the current registration certificate. With respect to the renewal process, provided that the requisite renewal fees are
31
paid, the renewal application is submitted in a timely manner, and there are no material violations noted against the applicable license, Columbia Care Delaware LLC would expect to receive the applicable renewed licenses in the ordinary course of business.
Delaware Security, Storage, and Transportation Requirements
Compassion Centers must store marijuana and in compliance with specified requirements, such as in a locked area with adequate security to prevent the unauthorized entrance into areas containing marijuana and the theft of marijuana. The Department has also instituted a number of inventory controls. Compassion Centers must utilize a bar-coding inventory control system to track sales and inventory data; store marijuana in a locked area with adequate security; and conduct and document monthly inventory reviews and bi-annual comprehensive inventory reviews.
A registered Compassion Center agent must have documentation when transporting marijuana on behalf of the registered Compassion Center that specifies the amount of marijuana being transported, the date the marijuana is being transported, the registry ID certificate number of the registered Compassion Center or registered safety compliance facility, and a contact number to verify that the marijuana is being transported on behalf of the registered Compassion Center or registered safety compliance facility.
As of February 22, 2024, the OMC has not yet promulgated final regulations for security, storage and transportation of adult-use cannabis.
Department Inspections
Compassion Centers are also subject to inspections by the Department’s Office of Medical Marijuana and OMC. These inspections may include: a review of the Compassion Center’s financial and dispensing records; a review of the physical facility; an inspection for pesticides, fungus, or mold; and random sampling of marijuana plants. Moreover, the Department or an independent auditor with which it contracts shall at all times have access to all books and records kept by any Compassion Center.
FLORIDA
Florida Regulatory Landscape
In 2014, the Florida Legislature passed the Compassionate Use Act. The original Compassionate Use Act only allowed for low-THC cannabis to be dispensed and purchased by patients suffering from cancer and epilepsy. In 2016, the Legislature passed the Right To Try Act which allowed for full potency cannabis to be dispensed to patients suffering from a diagnosed terminal condition. The Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative, Amendment 2 (“Amendment 2”), and the expanded qualifying medical conditions, became effective on January 3, 2017. The Florida Department of Health, physicians, dispensing organizations, and patients are also subject to Article X Section 29 of the Florida Constitution and § 381.986 of the Florida Statutes. On June 9, 2017, Florida passed legislation that expanded the program by replacing large portions of the existing Compassionate Use Act. The law provided for another four licenses to be issued for every 100,000 patients added to the state’s medical marijuana registry and allows growers to open 25 dispensaries, plus an additional five dispensaries for every 100,000 patients. The 2017 legislation’s cap on dispensing facilities expired on April 1, 2020 and there is now no limit. There is also no state-imposed limitation on the permitted size of cultivation or processing facilities in Florida, nor is there a limit on the number of plants that may be grown. In Florida, medical marijuana may not be wholesaled, except for limited circumstances in which a medical marijuana treatment center that seeks to make a purchase of marijuana presents proof of harvest failure to the Florida Department of Health, Office of Medical Marijuana Use (“OMMU”).
The OMMU continues to expand the program and has issues one so-called “Pigford” (Qualified Black Farmer) license. Additional “Pigford” applicants have appealed OMMU’s denial of their license applications. Further, under emergency rules, the OMMU issued an application under which it will award up to 22 MMTC licenses to new applicants. The OMMU received 74 applications and has not yet issued its intent to award licenses.
The Florida Supreme Court heard oral arguments on November 8, 2023 for the case: Advisory Opinion to the Attorney General Re: Adult Use Personal Marijuana. The Florida Attorney General sought an advisory opinion whether a ballot initiative permitting adult personal use of marijuana shall be on the ballot after meeting the petitions requirements. The Florida Supreme Court is expected to issue its decision by April 1, 2024.
The Company (through its subsidiary in the State of Florida) follows the regulatory framework enacted by the State of Florida.
32
Florida Licenses
Subsection 381.986(8)(a) of the State of Florida Statutes provides a framework that requires licensed producers, which are statutorily defined as “Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers” (“MMTC”), to cultivate, process and dispense medical cannabis in a vertically integrated marketplace. The Florida Legislature amended the statute in 2022, among other things, to authorize OMMU to test samples from MMTCs and to require product recalls in certain instances. Licenses issued by the OMMU may be renewed biennially so long as the license meets the requirements of the law and the license holder pays a renewal fee. License holders can only own one license.
Under the terms of its MMTC license, the Company’s 100%-owned subsidiary, Columbia Care Florida, is permitted to sell medical cannabis only to qualified medical patients that are registered with the state. Only certified physicians who have successfully completed a medical cannabis educational program can register patients and their medical cannabis orders on the Florida Office of Compassionate Use Registry. Dispensaries also must comply with a local municipality’s zoning, which authorize such a use. The proposed site is zoned for a pharmacy and not within 500 feet of a church or school. In the State of Florida, only cannabis that is grown in the state can be sold in the state. As Florida is a vertically integrated system, Columbia Care Florida is able to cultivate, harvest, process and sell/dispense/deliver its own medical cannabis products.
Holding Entity |
|
Permit/License |
|
City |
|
Expiration/Renewal Date (if applicable) (MM/DD/YY) |
|
Description |
Columbia Care Florida LLC |
|
Medical Marijuana Treatment Center – MMTC-2017-0011 |
|
Multiple Locations |
|
05/20/24 |
|
Authorizes Columbia Care Florida to cultivate, process, transport and dispense cannabis for medical use |
Florida Reporting Requirements
OMMU requires that any licensee establish, maintain, and control a computer software tracking system that traces cannabis from seed to sale and allows real-time, 24-hour access by the OMMU to such data. The tracking system must allow for integration of other seed-to-sale systems and, at a minimum, include notification of when marijuana seeds are planted, when marijuana plants are harvested and destroyed, and when cannabis is transported, sold, stolen, diverted, or lost. Additionally, the OMMU also maintains a patient and physician registry and Cannabist Company must comply with requirements and regulations relative to providing required data or proof of key events to said system.
Florida Licensing Requirements
Licenses issued by the OMMU may be renewed biennially so long as the licensee meets requirements of the law and pays a renewal fee, which OMMU raised significantly by emergency rule in 2022. Provided that the requisite renewal fees are paid, the renewal application is submitted in a timely manner, and there are no material violations noted against the applicable license, Columbia Care Florida would expect to receive the applicable renewed license in the ordinary course of business.
MMTC license holders can only own one license. An MMTC applicant must demonstrate various requirements that include, but are not limited to, that: (i) they possess a valid certificate of registration issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture, (ii) they have the ability to secure the premises, resources, and personnel necessary to operate as an MMTC, (iii) they have the financial ability to maintain operations for the duration of the two-year approval cycle, including the provision of certified financial statements to the OMMU, and (iv) its owners, officers, board members and managers have passed a Level II background screening, inclusive of fingerprinting, and ensure that a medical director is employed to supervise the activities of the MMTC.
33
Florida Dispensary Requirements
An MMTC may not dispense to a patient more than a 70-day supply of cannabis within a 70-day period, except an MMTC may not dispense more than a 35-day supply of marijuana in a form for smoking within a 35-day period. A physician may not certify a patient for more than six 35-day supplies of smokable cannabis. By law, a 35-day supply is 2.5 ounces of whole flower. In 2022, OMMU passed emergency regulations further stating that marijuana in a form for smoking shall only be dispensed by an MMTC as usable whole flower, ground usable whole flower, or pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes and prohibiting dispensing usable flower through other routes of administration, including vaporization. OMMU’s emergency rules also set daily dose and 70-day dosage limits for other forms of administration, such as edibles, vaporizers, and topicals. The emergency rules further set a total 70-dosage limit of 24,500 mg of THC in any form. The emergency rules authorize OMMU to grant exceptions for patients.
The MMTC employee who dispenses the cannabis must enter into the registry his or her name or unique employee identifier and verify the qualified patient’s information and the amount, type, and limit of cannabis that can be dispensed. An MMTC may not dispense to a qualified patient younger than 18 years of age, only to such patient’s caregiver. An MMTC may not dispense or sell any other type of cannabis, alcohol, or illicit drug-related product, except a cannabis delivery device as specified in the physician certification.
In 2022, OMMU adopted emergency regulations establishing additional dispensing requirements in connection with website orders.
Florida Security, Transportation, and Storage Requirements
Each MMTC must comply with security, transportation, and storage requirements. These include, without limitation, maintaining a video surveillance system with specified features. MMTCs must retain video surveillance recordings for at least 45 days, or longer upon the request of law enforcement.
Cannabis must be stored in a secured, locked room or a vault. An MMTC must have at least two employees, or two employees of a security agency, on the premises at all times where cultivation, processing, or storing of cannabis occurs. MMTC employees must wear a photographic identification badge and visitors must wear a visitor pass at all times on the premises. An MMTC must report to law enforcement within 24 hours after the MMTC is notified of or becomes aware of the theft, diversion or loss of cannabis.
A cannabis transportation manifest must be maintained in any vehicle transporting cannabis or a cannabis delivery device. The manifest must be generated from the MMTC’s seed-to-sale tracking system. Cannabis and cannabis delivery devices must be locked in a separate compartment or container within the vehicle and employees transporting cannabis or cannabis delivery devices must have their employee identification on them at all times. Lastly, at least two people must be in a vehicle transporting cannabis or cannabis delivery devices, and at least one person must remain in the vehicle while the cannabis or cannabis delivery device is being delivered.
Florida Inspections
OMMU conducts announced and unannounced inspections of MMTCs to determine compliance with the laws and rules. OMMU shall inspect an MMTC upon receiving a complaint or notice that the MMTC has dispensed cannabis containing mold, bacteria, or other contaminants that may cause an adverse effect to humans or the environment. OMMU shall conduct at least a biennial inspection of each MMTC to evaluate the MMTC’s records, personnel, equipment, security, sanitation practices, and quality assurance practices.
ILLINOIS
Illinois Regulatory Landscape
The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act, which allows individuals diagnosed with a debilitating medical condition access to medical marijuana, became effective January 1, 2014 and has since been made permanent and retitled as the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act. There are over 35 qualifying conditions as part of the medical program. In January 2019, the Illinois Department of Health launched the Opioid Alternative Pilot Program, which provides access to medical marijuana for individuals who have or could receive a prescription for opioids.
Illinois enacted the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act in June 2019 (the “IL Act”). The IL Act legalized the adult use of marijuana effective January 1, 2020. Under the IL Act, Illinois residents aged 21 and older are allowed to possess approved forms of marijuana with quantity limitations. The IL Act also authorizes the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (“IDFPR”) to issue new licenses while existing medical dispensaries were able to apply for an “Early Approval Adult Use Dispensing Organization License” to serve adult users at an existing medical dispensary or at a secondary site. Cannabist Company (through its subsidiaries in
34
the state of Illinois) received licenses as Early Approval Adult Use Dispensing Organizations and is operating medical and adult use dispensaries in Illinois. No person can hold a financial interest in more than 10 dispensing organizations.
On July 15, 2021, Illinois modified the IL Act and the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act and establishing a more comprehensive criteria to award the adult-use licenses. Multiple lotteries and corrective lotteries for the adult-use licenses were held in 2021 and 2022.
The Illinois Department of Agriculture is authorized to make up to 30 cultivation center licenses available between the state’s medical and adult-use programs. As with existing medical dispensaries, existing cultivation centers were able to apply for an “Early Approval Adult Use Cultivation Center License.”. The cultivation centers are limited to 210,000 square feet of canopy space and are prohibited from discriminating in price when selling to dispensaries, craft growers, or infuser organizations. The Department is also permitted to license up to 40 craft growers and 40 infuser organizations by July 1, 2020 and another 60 of each license type by the end of 2021.
The IL Act imposes several operational requirements on adult-use licensees and requires prospective licensees to demonstrate their plans for complying with the requirements. These include, but are not limited to, an employee training plan, a security plan, recordkeeping and inventory plans, a quality control plan, and an operating plan.
Licensees must establish methods for identifying, recording, and reporting diversion, theft, or loss, correcting inventory errors, and complying with product recalls. Licensees also must comply with detailed inventory, storage, and security requirements. Adult use dispensary licenses will be renewed bi-annually, and cultivation licenses, craft grower licenses, infuser organization licenses, and transporter licenses will be renewed annually.
The Illinois Department of Agriculture is authorized to promulgate regulations for cultivators, craft growers, infuser organizations, and transporting organizations, and the IDFPR is authorized to regulate dispensaries. The Department of Agriculture’s final rules took effect on June 3, 2020, while the IDFPR has not yet issued comprehensive operational regulations for the adult- use program.
The Company (through its subsidiaries in the State of Illinois) follows applicable licensing requirements and the regulatory framework enacted by the State of Illinois.
Illinois Licenses
The table below lists the licenses issued to Cannabist Company with respect to its operations in Illinois. Under applicable laws, the licenses permit Cannabist Company to, collectively, cultivate and dispense marijuana pursuant to the terms of the licenses, which are issued by the IDOA and the IDFPR under the provisions of Illinois Revised Statutes 410 ILCS 130 and 410 ILCS 705. All licenses are, as of the date hereof, active with the State of Illinois.
There are two categories of medical cannabis licenses in Illinois: (1) cultivation/processing and (2) dispensary. The licenses are independently issued for each approved activity. Adult-use dispensary licenses must be renewed with the IDFPR prior to March 31 of every even-numbered year, while adult-use cultivation center licenses must be renewed annually.
Holding Entity |
|
Permit/License |
|
City |
|
Expiration/Renewal Date (if applicable) (MM/DD/YY) |
|
Description |
|
Curative Health LLC |
|
IL Dept. of Financial & Professional Regulation Certificate – 280.000044-DISP |
|
Chicago, IL |
|
08/29/24 |
|
Registered Medical Cannabis Dispensing Organization Certificate |
|
Curative Health LLC |
|
Il. Dept. of Financial & Professional Regulation – 284.000024-AUDO |
|
Chicago, IL |
|
03/31/24 |
|
Registered Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensing Organization Certificate |
|
Curative Health LLC |
|
Il. Dept. of Financial & Professional Regulation – 284.000065-AUDO |
|
Villa Park, IL |
|
03/31/24 |
|
Registered Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensing Organization Certificate |
|
Curative Health Cultivation, LLC |
|
IL Dept. of Agriculture Early Approval Adult Use Cultivation Center License #1512040751-EA |
|
Aurora, IL |
|
03/31/24 |
|
Early Approval Adult-Use Cultivation Center License |
|
Curative Health Cultivation, LLC |
|
IL Dept. of Agriculture Medical Cannabis Cultivation Permit #1512040751 |
|
Aurora, IL |
|
12/04/24 |
|
Medical Cannabis Cultivation Center Operating Permit |
|
Curative Health Cultivation LLC |
|
IL Dept. of Agriculture Registered Industrial Hemp Processor License – #1204-332 |
|
Aurora, IL |
|
12/31/25 |
|
Registered Industrial Hemp Processor License |
|
Curative Health Cultivation LLC |
|
IL Dept. of Agriculture Registered Cannabis Transporter License #1512040751-TR |
|
Aurora, IL |
|
07/14/24 |
|
Registered Cannabis Transporter License |
|
35
During 2022, in conjunction with the proposed transaction with Cresco Labs, the Company reclassified certain licenses as held for sale in its New York, Massachusetts, and Illinois locations. Refer to Note 20 of the financial statements for additional details.
Illinois License and Regulations
The medical marijuana retail dispensary license permits the Company to purchase marijuana and marijuana products from cultivation/processing facilities and allows the sale of marijuana and marijuana products to registered patients. The adult-use dispensing organization license permits the Company to acquire cannabis from a cultivation center, craft grower, processing organization, or another dispensary for the purpose of selling or dispensing cannabis, cannabis-infused products, cannabis seeds, paraphernalia, or related supplies to adult use purchasers and to qualified registered medical cannabis patients and caregivers.
The medical cultivation license permits the Company to acquire, possess, cultivate, manufacture/process into edible medical marijuana products and/or medical marijuana-infused products, deliver, transfer, have tested, transport, supply or sell marijuana and related supplies to medical marijuana dispensaries. The adult-use cultivation center license permits the Company to cultivate, process, and perform other necessary activities to provide cannabis and cannabis-infused products to cannabis business establishments.
Illinois Dispensary Requirements
Curative Health LLC must operate within Illinois’ regulated system. This includes, without limitation, operating in accordance with the representations made in its application and registration packet. Curative Health LLC must inspect and count product it receives before dispensing it. It may only accept cannabis products which come properly packaged and labeled from such cultivation center suppliers.
It is prohibited to sell cannabis or cannabis-infused products to a consumer unless the individual presents an active registered identification card issued by the Department of Public Health or presents valid government identification verified using an electronic scanning device and showing that the consumer is at least 21 years of age.
Curative Health LLC may not enter into an exclusive agreement with any supplier, and it must deal with all suppliers on the same terms. It may not contract with, pay, or have a profit-sharing arrangement with third party groups that assist individuals with finding a physician or completing the patient or participant application; nor may it pay a referral fee to a third-party group for sending it patients or participants. No more than 40% of its adult-use inventory may originate from a single supplier.
Illinois Reporting Requirements
The state of Illinois uses BioTrack as the state’s computerized track and trace system for seed-to-sale. Individual licensees, whether directly or through third-party integration systems, are required to push data to the state to meet all reporting requirements. Cannabist Company integrates its in-house tracking system with the state’s BioTrack program to capture the data points required by the Illinois Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act and the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act.
Illinois Storage and Security Requirements
As to its cultivation facility, the adult-use and medical-use laws and regulations require the Company to follow storage and security requirements such as storing marijuana and marijuana infused products in a safe, vault, or secured room in such a manner to prevent diversion, theft, or loss.
The cultivation facility must also have an operational 24-hour, seven-days-a-week, closed circuit television surveillance system on the premises that complies with certain regulatory minimum standards. Access to the surveillance area is restricted to those people who are essential to surveillance operations, law enforcement agencies, security system service personnel, and the regulator.
The Company must also maintain an alarm system at its cultivation facility. The cultivation facility must maintain and use a professionally monitored robbery and burglary alarm system that meets certain regulatory minimum standards. With respect to its Illinois dispensary, the Company must store inventory on site in a secured and restricted access area consistent with the security regulations and track its inventory in accordance with the inventory tracking regulations. Containers storing medical marijuana that have been tampered with or opened must be stored separately until disposed; such materials can only be stored at the dispensary for one week.
36
Illinois Transportation Requirements
Cultivation centers may transport cannabis in accordance with certain guidelines.
For medical marijuana, prior to transportation, a cultivation center must complete a shipping manifest using a form prescribed by the Department of Agriculture. Cannabis may only be transported in a locked storage compartment or container, and it must not be visible from outside the vehicle. Every delivery team member must have a secure means of contacting personnel at the cultivation center, as well as the ability to contact emergency personnel.
The requirements for adult-use cannabis transported by a licensed transporting organization are similar. Cannabis must be pre-packaged in a sealed cannabis container by the business shipping the cannabis. The transporting organization cannot open the container. The transporting organization must maintain a daily inventory of all cannabis that it transports, containing names of the agents and businesses shipping and receiving the cannabis and a notation of the traceable information located on the cannabis container, such as the type of cannabis and the weight.
Illinois Inspections
Dispensaries and cultivation centers are subject to random and unannounced inspections and cannabis testing. They must also make all records, logs, and reports immediately available for inspection upon request by the IDFPR or the Department of Agriculture, as applicable.
MARYLAND
The Maryland Cannabis Administration (the “MCA”) grants cannabis grower, processor, and dispensary, licenses. A licensee may hold a license in each category to obtain vertical integration. Maryland MCA’s application period for its latest round of additional license awards closed on December 12, 2023; additional licenses will be awarded by county (for standard dispensaries) or by region (for all other license types). The Company’s Maryland subsidiaries converted each of their prior medical cannabis licenses to standard cannabis business licenses on July 1, 2023, permitting the companies to participate in both the adult use and medical cannabis markets in Maryland.
Holding Entity |
|
Permit/License |
|
City |
|
Expiration/Renewal Date (if applicable) (MM/DD/YY) |
|
Description |
Columbia Care MD LLC |
|
Cannabis Establishment License #DA-23- 00087 |
|
Chevy Chase, MD |
|
06/30/28 |
|
Dispensary |
Green Leaf Medical, LLC |
|
Cannabis Establishment License #GA-23-00012 |
|
Frederick, MD |
|
06/30/28 |
|
Cultivation Facility |
Green Leaf Extracts, LLC |
|
Cannabis Establishment License #PA-23-00011 |
|
Frederick, MD |
|
06/30/28 |
|
Processor Facility |
Wellness Institute of Maryland, LLC |
|
Cannabis Establishment License #DA-23-00066 |
|
Frederick, MD |
|
06/30/28 |
|
Dispensary |
Sugarloaf Enterprises, LLC |
|
Cannabis Establishment License #DA-23-00092(1) |
|
Rockville, MD |
|
06/30/28 |
|
Dispensary |
Time for Healing LLC |
|
Pre-Approval Stage |
|
Prince George’s County |
|
Pre-Approval Stage |
|
Dispensary |
Note:
Dispensary licenses in Maryland are renewed every five years. Before expiry, licensees are required to submit a renewal application. While renewals are granted every five years, there is no ultimate expiry after which no renewals are permitted. Additionally, in respect of the renewal process, provided that the requisite renewal fees are paid, the renewal application is submitted in a timely manner, and there are no material violations noted against the applicable license, Cannabis Company would expect to have each of its future anticipated licenses renewed in the ordinary course of business. While the Company’s compliance controls have been developed to mitigate the risk of any material violations of a license arising, there is no assurance that licenses will be renewed in the future in a timely manner.
The Company (through its subsidiaries and affiliates in the State of Maryland) is in material compliance with applicable licensing requirements and the regulatory framework enacted by the State of Maryland.
37
Maryland Licensing Requirements
To become a licensed cannabis establishment, each applicant must submit an application detailing the location of the proposed cannabis establishment, the personal details of each principal officer or director, a capitalization table indicating all equity owners of the licensee, a business plan demonstrating a likelihood of success and sufficient business ability and experience on the part of the applicant, and providing for appropriate working conditions, a detailed diversity plan, and a detailed operating plan for the safe, secure, and effective cultivation, manufacture or dispensing of cannabis. Owners, members, shareholders, officers, and directors of dispensary holding a 5% or greater interest in the company must undergo a criminal and financial background checks. Employees, volunteers and personnel who will be working in the facility with access to the non-public areas are required to undergo background checks and register as a cannabis establishment agent with the MCA. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are placed into a pool according to license type and geographic area and conditional licenses are awarded on a lottery basis among those in the respective pools. Those awarded conditional licenses will have 18 months to operationalize such licenses.
Maryland Reporting Requirements
Once licensed, the cannabis licensee is required to submit to the MCA annual reports including the following information: (i) an Organization, Ownership and Control Disclosure, including a chart or table demonstrating the licensee’s ownership structure and an organizational table identifying the licensees principals, officers and directors; (ii) an Agent Verification Report to verify whether any registered agent employed by the licensee or registered ancillary business was convicted of a felony drug offense during the calendar year preceding the date on which the report is due; and (iii) an Annual Minority Report indicating the licensee’s minority ownership and employment data.
Maryland Inspections
Licensees must be inspected by the MCA prior to receiving approval from the MCA to be authorized to begin cultivation, processing, and/or dispensing. Spot-inspections may be performed at the licensed premises at any time and without advance notice.
Maryland Safety and Security Requirements
Cannabis establishments must maintain operating procedures consistent with the oversight regulations established by the MCA, including the following: (i) storage of cannabis and products containing cannabis only in enclosed and locked facilities; (ii) security features and procedures; (iii) how the licensee will prevent diversion; and (iv) safety procedures. The cannabis establishment premises must be constructed to prevent unauthorized entry, including a designation of a secured room meeting high-security requirements. All registered dispensary agents are trained on safety procedures, including responding to: (i) a medical emergency; (ii) a fire; (iii) a chemical spill; and (iv) a threatening event including: (a) an armed robbery, (b) an invasion, (c) a burglary, or (d) any other criminal incident.
Licensees must maintain its security and surveillance operations in consideration of the following: (i) an alarm system that covers perimeter entry points, windows, and portals at the premises that: (a) will be continuously monitored; (b) detects smoke and fire capabilities; (c) detects power loss capabilities; (d) includes panic alarm devices mounted at convenient, readily-accessible locations through the licensed premises; (e) inclusion of a second, independent alarm system to protect where records are stored on- and off-site and where any secure room holds medical cannabis; (f) equipped with auxiliary power to continue operation for at least 48 hours; (ii) a video surveillance system that: (a) records continuously for 24 hours per day for 365 days a year without interruption, (b) has cameras in fixed places that allow for the clear facial identification and of activities in the controlled areas of the premises, including where medical cannabis is packaged, tested, processed, stored, or dispensed, (c) has the capability of recording clear images and displays the time and date of the recording, and (d) demonstrates a plan for retention of recordings for at least 30 days.
Following issuance of a license, no major renovation or modification may be undertaken without notification to the MCA. Cannabis products are subject to testing for contaminants by an independent testing laboratory. In November 2019, the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission mandated enhanced testing requirements for vape cartridges and disposable vape pens. Such products must be screened for vitamin E acetate, and any product found to contain vitamin E acetate is prohibited from being sold to patients.
Maryland Record Keeping and Inventory Tracking
Maryland requires use of a seed-to-sale tracking system software operated by Metrc LLC (“METRC”). Licensees must create and use a perpetual inventory control system that identifies and tracks the stock of cannabis from the time it is delivered or produced to the time it is dispensed to a patient or qualified caregiver, or adult-use consumer.
38
The licensee must retain attendance records and ensure dispensary agents are trained on the record retention and standard operating procedure. MCA regulators have the authority to audit the records of licensees to ensure they comport with the reporting in METRC.
Maryland Transportation
Only licensed cannabis growers, processors, or dispensaries may transport business-to-business packages containing medical cannabis. Cannabis transport vehicles must be approved by the MCA and shall display current registration from the state, be insured, and may not display any sign or illustration related to cannabis or a licensee.
Electronic manifests must accompany shipments to record the chain of custody and includes (i) the name and address of the shipping licensee; (ii) the shipping licensees shipment identification number; (iii) the weight and description of each individual package that is part of the shipment, and the total number of individual packages; (iv) the name of the licensee agent that prepared the shipment; (v) the name and address of the receiving licensee; (vi) any special handling or storage instructions; (vii) the date and time the shipment was prepared; (viii) the date and time the package was placed in the secure transport vehicle; and (ix) a listing of any other people who had custody or control over the shipment, and the person’s identity, circumstances, duration and disposition.
Dispensary licensees in Maryland are currently authorized to perform home delivery directly to authorized medical cannabis patients only. To do so, the dispensary must (i) independently verify the patient’s identification and registration status, (ii) enter the transaction in METRC prior to delivery; (iii) perform the delivery through a registered dispensary agent; and (iv) confirm the transaction otherwise complies with other requirements regarding sale of medical cannabis under applicable regulations. All home deliveries must be performed using a properly registered and insured secure medical cannabis transport vehicle. The vehicle may not bear any markings related to medical cannabis. After July 1, 2024, dispensary licensees will no longer be permitted to perform home delivery directly to patients, and delivery of cannabis products will be limited to micro dispensary licensees.
MASSACHUSETTS
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has authorized the cultivation, possession and distribution of marijuana for medical and adult-use purposes by certain licensed Massachusetts marijuana businesses. The Medical Use of Marijuana Program (the “MUMP”) registers qualifying patients, personal caregivers, Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (“MMTCs”), and MMTC agents. The MUMP was established by Chapter 369 of the Acts of 2012, “An Act for the Humanitarian Medical Use of Marijuana”, following the passage of the Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Initiative, Ballot Question 3, in the 2012 general election. Additional statutory requirements governing the MUMP were enacted by the Legislature in 2017 and codified at G.L. c. 94I, et. seq. (the “Massachusetts Medical Act”). MMTC Certificates of Registration are vertically integrated licenses in that each MMTC Certificate of Registration entitles a license holder to one cultivation facility, one processing facility and one dispensary location. There is a limit of three (3) MMTC licenses per person/entity.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (“CCC”) regulations, 935 CMR 501.000 et seq. (“Massachusetts Medical Regulations”), provide a regulatory framework that requires MMTCs to cultivate, process, transport and dispense medical cannabis in a vertically integrated marketplace. Patients with debilitating medical conditions qualify to participate in the program. The CCC assumed control of the MUMP from the Department of Public Health on December 23, 2018.
Adult-use (recreational) marijuana has been legal in Massachusetts since December 15, 2016, following a ballot initiative in November of that year. The Cannabis Control Commission (the “CCC”), a regulatory body created in 2018, licenses adult use cultivation, processing and dispensary facilities (collectively, “Marijuana Establishments or “ME”) pursuant to 935 CMR 500.000 et seq. The first adult-use marijuana facilities in Massachusetts began operating in November 2018. In 2022, the Massachusetts Legislature amended the enabling legislation for the adult use program and MUMP to, among other things, render it unlawful for cannabis businesses to pay percentage-based fees to municipalities under the statutorily required Host Community Agreements with those municipalities.
On September 22, 2023, CCC voted to approve final changes to Massachusetts’ adult and medical use of marijuana regulations, including policies that will implement the agency’s oversight of host community agreements (HCAs), new municipal equity requirements, and suitability reform, in accordance with Chapter 180 of the Acts of 2022, An Act Relative to Equity in the Cannabis Industry.
39
The Company (through its subsidiary in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts) follows the requirements and the regulatory framework enacted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Licensing Requirements
The Massachusetts Medical Regulations delineate the licensing requirements for MMTCs in Massachusetts. Licensed entities must demonstrate the following: (i) they are licensed and in good standing with the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Department of Revenue, and the Department of Unemployment Assistance; (ii) no executive, member or any entity owned or controlled by such executive or member directly or indirectly controls more than three MMTC licenses and no person or entity can maintain more than 100,000 square feet of canopy; (iii) no person with an interest in an independent testing laboratory may have an interest in an MMTC; (iv) an MMTC may not cultivate, prepare or dispense medical cannabis from more than two locations statewide under a single license,
(v) dispensary agents must be registered with the CCC; (vi) an MMTC must have a program to provide reduced cost or free marijuana to patients with documented verifiable financial hardships; (vii) one executive of an MMTC must register with the Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services on behalf of the entity as an organization user of the Criminal Offender Record Information (iCORI) system; (viii) the MMTC applicant has at least US$500,000 in its control as evidenced by bank statements, lines of credit or equivalent; (ix) payment of the required application fee; and (x) activities authorized by the MMTC license must only be conducted at the address(es) specified for that license.
Once approved, the MMTC provisional license holder shall construct its facilities in conformance with the requirements of the Massachusetts Regulations. Once the CCC completes its inspections and issues approval for an MMTC of its facilities, the CCC shall issue a final license to the MMTC applicant. MMTC final licenses are valid for one year and shall be renewed by filing the required renewal application no later than sixty days prior to the expiration of the certificate of registration.
Existing MMTCs are given priority status over other applicants (except Economic Empowerment Priority Applicants) in applying for licensure as a Marijuana Establishment under the CCC’s adult use cannabis program. However, the CCC has limited the scope of the priority applicant status to the functions and locations that the MTC currently operates. The same material application requirements exist for a Marijuana Establishment license as an MTC application.
The adult-use license application process commenced on April 1, 2018 for existing MMTC license holders, and on July 1, 2018 for all non-MMTC license holders. Existing MMTC license holders that timely applied for an adult-use license on or before April 1, 2018 are eligible to receive three adult-use licenses per medical MMTC license. Namely, one integrated MMTC medical license is eligible, if awarded by the CCC, to receive three adult-use licenses as follows: one for cultivation, one for processing, and one for dispensary. Additionally, there are 11 tiers of cultivator licenses ranging from a maximum of 5,000 square feet (Tier 1) to between 90,001 to 100,000 square feet of canopy (Tier 11).
Patriot Care Corp. applied for adult-use licenses for facilities in Lowell, Massachusetts and Greenfield, Massachusetts in May and June 2018. On September 6, 2018, the CCC approved provisional licenses for retail, manufacturing, and cultivation in Lowell, Massachusetts, and retail in Greenfield, Massachusetts. On January 25, 2019, the CCC approved and thereafter issued final marijuana establishment licenses for retail, manufacturing and cultivation of adult-use marijuana in Lowell and retail of adult-use marijuana in Greenfield. Patriot Care Corp. applied for an adult use license from the CCC in Boston, Massachusetts in 2020. In January 2021, the CCC approved and thereafter issued a final ME license for adult use retail in Boston. Patriot Care Corp. Subsequently applied for adult-use retail licensure from the Boston Cannabis Board. The Boston Cannabis Board approved and thereafter issued final adult use retail licensure in September 2021.
40
Massachusetts Licenses
The final licenses allow Patriot Care Corp. to operate the MTC. The licenses are listed in the table below.
Holding Entity |
|
Permit/License |
|
City |
|
Expiration/Renewal Date (if applicable) (MM/DD/YY) |
|
Description |
Patriot Care Corp. |
|
Cannabis Control Commission “Certificate of Registration” #RMD165 |
|
Lowell, MA |
|
08/31/24 |
|
Medical Dispensary, Cultivation and Product Manufacturing |
Patriot Care Corp. |
|
Cannabis Control Commission “Certificate of Registration” #RMD727 |
|
Greenfield, MA |
|
11/13/24 |
|
Medical Dispensary, Cultivation and Product Manufacturing |
Patriot Care Corp. |
|
Cannabis Control Commission “Certificate of Registration” #RMD265 |
|
Boston, MA |
|
11/13/24 |
|
Medical Dispensary, Cultivation and Product Manufacturing |
The final licenses allow Patriot Care Corp. to operate the Marijuana Establishments. The licenses are listed in the table below.
Holding Entity |
|
Permit/License |
|
City |
|
Expiration/Renewal Date (if applicable) (MM/DD/YY) |
|
Description |
Patriot Care Corp. |
|
Final Marijuana Establishment License #MR281283 |
|
Lowell, MA |
|
09/16/24 |
|
Dispensary |
Patriot Care Corp. |
|
Final Marijuana Establishment License #MP281308 |
|
Lowell, MA |
|
07/17/24 |
|
Manufacturing |
Patriot Care Corp. |
|
Final Marijuana Establishment License #MC281265 |
|
Lowell, MA |
|
09/16/24 |
|
Cultivation |
Patriot Care Corp. |
|
Final Marijuana Establishment License #MR281282 |
|
Greenfield, MA |
|
09/16/24 |
|
Dispensary |
Patriot Care Corp. |
|
Provisional Marijuana Retail License #MR281284 |
|
Boston, MA |
|
02/12/24 |
|
Dispensary |
The licenses in Massachusetts are renewed annually. Before expiry, licensees are required to submit a renewal application. While renewals are granted annually, there is no ultimate expiry after which no renewals are permitted. Additionally, in respect of the renewal process, provided that the requisite renewal fees are paid, the renewal application is submitted in a timely manner, and there are no material violations noted against the applicable license, Patriot Care Corp. would expect to receive the applicable renewed license in the ordinary course of business.
Massachusetts Dispensary Requirements
An MMTC shall follow its written and approved operation procedures in the operation of its MMTC facilities. Operating procedures must include, but not limited to security measures; employee security policies; hours of operation and after-hours contact information; storage and waste disposal protocols; a description of the various strains of marijuana that will be cultivated and dispensed, and the forms that will be dispensed; procedures to ensure accurate recordkeeping plans for quality control; a staffing plan and staffing records; emergency procedures; alcohol, smoke, and drug-free workplace policies; a plan describing how confidential information will be maintained; a policy for the immediately dismissal of MMTC agents engaged in diversion or unsafe practices, or who has been the subject of certain criminal proceedings; disclosure of a list of all directors, members, and executives upon request; policies and procedures for the handling of cash on MMTC premises; standards and procedures related to pricing, price changes, and financial hardship; policies for energy efficiency and conservation; policies and procedures for workplace safety; and a description of the MMTC”s patient education activities.
The siting of MMTC locations is expressly subject to local/municipal approvals pursuant to state law, and municipalities control the permitting application process that an MMTC must comply with. Massachusetts Regulations require that MMTCs limit their inventory
41
of seeds, plants, and useable marijuana to reflect the projected needs of registered qualifying patients. An MMTC shall only dispense to a registered qualifying patient or caregiver who has a current valid certification.
Marijuana retailers are subject to certain operational requirements in addition to those imposed on ME generally. Dispensaries must immediately inspect patrons’ identification to ensure that everyone who enters is at least twenty-one years of age. Dispensaries may not dispense more than one ounce of marijuana or five grams of marijuana concentrate per retail customer per day. Dispensaries must also make patient education materials available to patrons.
Massachusetts Security and Storage Requirements
An MMTC shall implement sufficient security measures to deter and prevent unauthorized entrance into areas containing marijuana and theft of marijuana at the MMTC or ME. These measures must include: (i) allowing only registered qualifying patients, caregivers, adult use customers, dispensary agents, authorized persons, or approved outside contractors access to the MMTC or ME facility; (ii) preventing individuals from remaining on the premises ; (iii) disposing of marijuana or byproduct (iv) establishing limited access areas l; (v) storing finished marijuana in a secure locked safe or vault; (vi) keeping equipment, safes, vaults or secured areas securely locked; (vii) ensuring that the outside perimeter of the MMTC or ME is sufficiently lit to facilitate surveillance; and (viii) ensuring that landscaping or foliage outside of the MMTC or ME does not allow a person to conceal themselves. An MMTC or ME shall also utilize a security/alarm system that complies with applicable regulations.
Massachusetts Transportation Requirements
An MMTC, as an element of its License, is licensed to transport its marijuana to other licensed establishments. Marijuana may only be transported between licensed MMTCs by registered MMTC Agents. Licensed Marijuana Transporters may also transfer marijuana to or from an MMTC. The originating and receiving licensed MMTCs shall ensure that all transported Marijuana Products are linked to the Seed-to-sale tracking program. Any Marijuana Product that is undeliverable or is refused by the destination MMTC shall be transported back to the originating establishment. All vehicles transporting marijuana must be staffed with a minimum of two MMTC Agents. Prior to leaving an MMTC for the purpose of transporting marijuana, the originating MMTC must weigh, inventory, and account for, on video, all marijuana to be transported. Within eight hours after arrival at the destination MMTC, the destination MMTC must re-weigh, re-inventory, and account for, on video, the marijuana. The marijuana must be packaged in sealed, labeled, and tamper or child-resistant packaging prior to and during transportation. Transportation times and routes are randomized and all transport routes remain within the Commonwealth. If the transported product required temperature control, all vehicles and transportation equipment must provide adequate temperature control. Vehicles must also be equipped with a video system.
A vehicle used for transporting Marijuana Products must be: (i) owned or leased by the MMTC or otherwise licensed by the Commission as a third-party transporter; (ii) properly registered, inspected, and insured in the; (iii) equipped with an alarm system approved by the Commission; and (iv) equipped with functioning heating and air conditioning systems appropriate for maintaining correct temperatures for storage of marijuana. Marijuana must not be visible from outside the vehicle and a transport vehicle cannot bear any markings indicating that the vehicle is being used to transport marijuana. Once on board the vehicle, marijuana must be transported in a secure, locked storage compartment that is a part of the vehicle and cannot be easily removed. Vehicles must be equipped with a GPS meeting certain regulatory requirements, and agents must always have access to secure communication devices.
The transporting MMTC Agents must contact the originating location when stopping at and leaving any scheduled location, and regularly throughout the trip, at least every 30 minutes. The originating location must have an MMTC Agent assigned to monitoring the GPS unit and secure form of communication, who must log all official communications with MMTC Agents transporting marijuana. Unexpected stops or incidents, along with discrepancies in inventory, must be reported to the Commission and to law enforcement. A manifest must accompany all deliveries. The manifest must include certain information specified by regulation to identify the shipping, transporting, and receiving persons; the products being transported; and more. Prior to transport, the manifest shall be securely transmitted to the destination MMTC by facsimile or email. On arrival at the destination MMTC, an MMTC Agent must compare the manifest produced by the agents who transported the marijuana to the copy transmitted by facsimile or email. Manifests must be retained for at least a year and made available to the CCC upon request.
Transportation requirements for Marijuana Establishments are materially the same as is described above for MMTCs.
Massachusetts Department Inspections
The CCC or its agents may inspect an MMTC, Marijuana Establishment, and affiliated vehicles at any time without prior notice. An MMTC shall immediately upon request make available to the CCC information that may be relevant to a CCC inspection, and the CCC may direct an MMTC or Marijuana Establishment to test marijuana for contaminants. Any violations found will be noted in a
42
deficiency statement that will be provided to the MMTC or Marijuana Establishment, and the MMTC or Marijuana Establishment shall thereafter submit a Plan of Correction to the CCC outlining with particularity each deficiency and the timetable and steps to remediate the same. The CCC has the authority to suspend or revoke an MMTC or Marijuana Establishment license and to take other disciplinary actions against MMTC license holders.
NEW JERSEY
New Jersey Regulatory Landscape
New Jersey’s medical marijuana program is governed by the Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act, N.J. Stat. § 24:6l-1 et seq. (the “Medical Cannabis Law”), and the implementing regulations of the Cannabis Regulatory Commission (the “Commission”), N.J.A.C. 17:30A et seq. Pursuant to the Medical Cannabis Law, qualifying patients with specified debilitating medical conditions may become registered to use medical marijuana. . The Medical Cannabis Law creates a permitting regime for “alternative treatment centers” (“ATCs”), which are vertically-integrated medical marijuana businesses. In addition, the Commission’s regulations allow applicants for ATC permits to seek cultivation-, manufacturing-, or dispensing-specific licensure.
On July 2, 2019, New Jersey enacted the Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act that made several changes to the state’s medical marijuana program, including expansions to patient purchase limits, edible product form permission, removes sales tax on medical marijuana, authorizes home delivery to patients; and permitted ATCs to apply for up two additional satellite dispensing facilities, a right which expired as of January 2, 2021.
The Cannabist Company (through its subsidiary in the State of New Jersey) is in compliance with applicable licensing requirements and the regulatory framework enacted by the State of New Jersey for the medical marijuana program.
On February 22, 2021, the Governor of New Jersey signed into law an adult-use legalization bill entitled the “New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act,” which legalized personal use cannabis for certain adults, subject to State regulations (the “CREAMM Act”). The CREAMM Act provides ATCs specific expanded cultivation rights as well as the right to open up sales to the adult-use marketplace, subject to limited and specified conditions. As it relates to sales into the adult-use marketplace, the CREAMM Act permits ATCs to apply to the Commission for permission to operate as an Expanded ATC and permits ATCs to cultivate from up to two physical locations, provided that the ATC’s combined mature cannabis plant grow canopy between both locations does not exceed 150,000 square feet of bloom space.
On August 19, 2021, the Commission approved the first set of rules governing the state’s adult-use cannabis program. The rules allowed the CRC to begin licensing cannabis businesses. On November 23, 2021, the Executive Director of the Commission issued guidance to ATCs on the process for submitting Expanded ATC applications, Cannabist Company’s Expanded ATC application was approved by the Commission for its cultivation and manufacturing permits and two (2) retail dispensary locations in Vineland and Deptford on April 12, 2022, the Company was approved to operate a second cultivation facility in Vineland on May 25, 2022, which was also approved for Expanded ATC operations on August 3, 2022.
The Commission opened applications for Class 1 Cultivators and Class 2 Manufacturers on December 15, 2021, followed by applications for Class 5 Retailers on March 15, 2021. The Commission anticipates soliciting applications for Class 3 Wholesalers, Class 4 Distributors, and Class 6 Delivery licenses sometime in 2024. As of the February 15, 2024 Commission meeting, the Commission has issued notice of application approval for 1,765 cannabis licenses, including 66 Expanded ATCs. Of the 1,765 licenses issued, 209 licenses are operational.
New Jersey Regulations
ATC permits are awarded by a selection committee that evaluates applicants on the following general criteria: (1) submittal of mandatory organizational information; (2) ability to meet the overall health needs of qualified patients and safety of the public; (3) history of compliance with regulations and policies governing government-regulated marijuana programs; (4) ability and experience of applicant in ensuring an adequate supply of marijuana; (5) community support and participation; (6) ability to provide appropriate research data; (7) experience in cultivating, manufacturing, or dispensing marijuana in compliance with government-regulated marijuana programs; and (8) workforce and job creation plan. Information required to be submitted is wide-ranging, and includes identification information and background checks of principals, employees, directors, and other stakeholders, and evidence of compliance with certain state and local laws and ordinances. Cannabist Company was awarded a vertically integrated ATC permit as a result of the result of a 2018 Request for Applications (“2018 RFA”), along with five (5) other applicants selected for final approval
43
for vertically integrated ATC permits by the DOH.
In order for an ATC to become an Expanded ATC – selling into both the medical and adult-use market – it is required to certify to, among other things: (1) that the ATC has sufficient quantities of medicinal cannabis and medicinal cannabis products available to meet reasonably anticipated needs of registered qualifying patients, including through inventory data, projections, and supporting materials; (2) that the ATC will not make operational changes that reduce access to medicinal cannabis for currently and newly registered qualifying patients in order to operate a cannabis establishment, including through the submission of a detailed plan for prioritizing and meeting the needs of registered qualifying patients.
The Personal-Use Cannabis Rules (N.J.A.C 17:30) were last amended on March 6, 2023.
New Jersey Licenses
Holding Entity |
|
Permit/License |
|
City |
|
Expiration/Renewal Date (if applicable) (MM/DD/YY) |
|
Description |
Columbia Care New Jersey LLC |
|
MC000093 |
|
Vineland, NJ |
|
12/31/24 |
|
Medical Cultivation |
Columbia Care New Jersey LLC |
|
MC000005 |
|
Vineland, NJ |
|
12/31/24 |
|
Medical Cultivation |
Columbia Care New Jersey LLC |
|
MM000004 |
|
Vineland, NJ |
|
12/31/24 |
|
Medical Manufacturing |
Columbia Care New Jersey LLC |
|
MRE000010 |
|
Vineland, NJ |
|
12/31/24 |
|
Medical Dispensary |
Columbia Care New Jersey LLC |
|
MRE000011 |
|
Deptford, NJ |
|
12/31/24 |
|
Medical Dispensary |
Columbia Care New Jersey LLC |
|
C000005 |
|
Vineland, NJ |
|
04/20/24 |
|
Adult Use Cultivation |
Columbia Care New Jersey LLC |
|
C000093 |
|
Vineland, NJ |
|
08/02/24 |
|
Adult Use Cultivation |
Columbia Care New Jersey LLC |
|
M000004 |
|
Vineland, NJ |
|
04/17/24 |
|
Adult Use Manufacturing |
Columbia Care New Jersey LLC |
|
RE000010 |
|
Vineland, NJ |
|
04/20/24 |
|
Adult Use Dispensary |
Columbia Care New Jersey LLC |
|
RE000011 |
|
Deptford, NJ |
|
04/17/24 |
|
Adult Use Dispensary |
ATC Permits expire annually and require the submittal of a renewal application 60-days prior to the expiration of an ATC permit. Provided that the requisite renewal fees are paid, the renewal application is submitted in a timely manner, and there are no material violations noted against the permit, Columbia Care New Jersey would expect to receive a renewed permit in the ordinary course of business.
Adult-use licenses expire a year after issuance and require the submittal of a renewal application 90-days prior to the expiration of such licenses. For Expanded ATCs in particular, the first renewal application must be accompanied by a certification as to the continued material accuracy of the Expanded ATC’s previously approved license application, submission of new written approval from the municipality in which the ATC is located, and the approval of all required renewal fees. Columbia Care New Jersey would expect to receive all requisite renewed adult-use licenses in the ordinary course.
New Jersey Dispensary Requirements
ATCs and Expanded ATCs are subject to a number of regulations regarding their policies, procedures, records, and reporting, both under the medical and adult-use regulations. For example, ATCs and Expanded ATCs must develop oversight procedures including but not limited to procedures to ensure dispensing operations; security policies; inventory protocols; pricing standards; crime prevention plans general business records; detailed sales records; and detailed personnel and training records. ATCs and Expanded ATCs must provide substantial training for their employees and must maintain an alcohol and drug-free workplace.
Holders of an ATC and Expanded ATC permit are subject to a detailed regulatory scheme encompassing: security, staffing, point-of-sale systems, manufacturing standards, hours of operation, delivery, advertising and marketing, product labeling, records and reporting, age verification, and more.
New Jersey Storage, Security, and Transportation Requirements
Each ATC and Expanded ATCs is required to provide effective controls and procedures to guard against theft and diversion of cannabis including, when appropriate, systems to protect against electronic records tampering. ATCs and Expanded ATCs are required to conduct detailed monthly inventories and an annual comprehensive inventory.
Each ATC and Expanded ATC must install, maintain in good working order and operate a safety and security alarm system at its authorized physical addresses that will provide suitable protection 24 hours a day, seven days a week against theft and diversion and
44
that includes, but not limited to, (i) immediate automatic notification to alert state or local police agencies to an unauthorized breach of security; and (ii) a backup system that activates immediately and automatically upon a loss of electrical support and that immediately issues either automatically or electronic notification to state or local police agencies of the loss of electrical support. In the event of a failure of the security alarm system due to a loss of electrical support or mechanical malfunction that is expected to last longer than eight hours, an ATC must notify the Department and either provide alternative security measures or close the affected facilities until service is restored. Finally, each ATC must equip its interior and exterior premises with electronic monitoring, video cameras, and panic buttons.
Department Inspections
ATCs and Expanded ATCs are subject to inspection by the Department at any time, with or without notice. ATCs and Expanded ATCs must provide immediate access to all facilities, materials, and information requested by the Department. Failure to cooperate with an onsite assessment and or to provide the Department access to the premises or information may be grounds to revoke the permit of the ATC or Expanded ATCs and to refer the matter to state law enforcement agencies. If a problem is discovered, the ATC or Expanded ATCs must notify the Department in writing, with a postmark date that is within 20 business days of the date of the notice of violations, of the corrective actions the ATC has taken to correct the violations and the date of implementation of the corrective actions.
NEW YORK
New York Regulatory Landscape
In July 2014, the New York Legislature and Governor enacted the Compassionate Care Act (A06357E, S07923) (the “CCA”) to provide a comprehensive, safe and effective medical marijuana program to meet the needs of New Yorkers. The program allows ten (10) registered organizations (“Registered Organizations”) to hold vertically integrated licenses and service qualified patients and caregivers. Limited product types are allowed in the state and smoking of cannabis flower is prohibited. The New York State Department of Health (“NYSDOH”) was the regulatory agency overseeing the medical marijuana program at that time and has since been replaced by the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (“NYSOCM”) The Company (through its subsidiary in the State of New York) is in compliance with applicable licensing requirements and the regulatory framework enacted by the State of New York.
On March 31, 2021, New York became the 16th state to legalize the adult-use of marijuana with the enactment of Senate Bill S854A, also known as The Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (the “MRTA”). Under MRTA, the medical marijuana program was changed in several ways. A new Cannabis Control Board, and within it the Office of Cannabis Management (collectively as the “NYSOCM”)—an independent agency operating —is responsible for regulating the adult-use marijuana market, the medical marijuana program and hemp cannabinoid program. The list of medical conditions covered under the CCA are widened to include additional qualifying conditions, medical patients are no longer be restricted from smoking medical marijuana, and the limit on marijuana supply for medical patients was doubled. Medical marijuana license holders may also be allowed to double their existing number of dispensaries for up to a total of eight dispensaries, but no more than three of the dispensary locations will be permitted to serve as collocated adult-use marijuana retail stores, while the other five dispensaries will serve medical patients only. The legislation took effect immediately, though full implementation remains ongoing while the NYSOCM develops regulations for the adult-use marijuana program and revises medical regulations.
Under MRTA and regulations promulgated by the NYOCM, registered Organizations are permitted to convert into one (1) of two (2) adult-use license types should they wish to convert to adult-use: (1) Registered Organizations Non-Dispensing (“ROND”), which is a hybrid-medical adult-use Registered Organization that is authorized to operate as an adult-use cultivator, processor, wholesaler and distributor, but not as a collocated dispensary for adult use consumers; or (2) Registered Organization with Dispensing (“ROD”), which is authorized to engage in adult-use cultivation, processing, distribution, and retail, but is only permitted to co-locate for medical and adult-use in three (3) of its four (4) existing medical dispensaries. The application to operate as either a ROND or ROD license must be accompanied by: (1) a community impact plan; (2) an energy and environmental plan; (3) a medical patient prioritization plan; and (4) a co-location retail dispensary operating plan if applying as a ROD. In December 2023, NYSOCM approved nine of the ten operational Registered Organizations, including Columbia Care NY LLC, to expand into designated ROND or ROD licensure and those businesses have since operationalized their licenses. The total fee for registered organizations to expand their operations into adult use is $20 million with at least $5 million due at the time the ROD license is issued; and the remainder paid as follows: $5 million paid within 180 days of the opening of the ROD’s second co-located dispensary; and (b) $5 million installments paid within 30 days of each $100 million in revenue generated by the ROD, up to $200 million;
In February 2024, NYSOCM issued the first batch of adult-use licenses from its November 2023 application window, including 38 retailers, 26 microbusinesses, 24 cultivators, 12 processors, and 9 distributors. These are the first licenses issued in the state to those
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who did not qualify as a social equity applicant other than existing medical operators who transitioned to the adult-use market. Regulators are continuing to review just under 7,000 submitted applications and will continue issuing adult-use licenses over the coming months. To date, the NYSOCM has licensed 270 conditional cultivators, 40 conditional processors, distributors, and 75 adult-use retail dispensaries to grow, distribute, and sell adult use cannabis across New York State.
New York Licenses
Columbia Care NY LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, holds certificates of registration for cultivation and manufacturing in Rochester, New York, and Riverhead, New York and for dispensing in Riverhead, Brooklyn, New York (City), and Rochester, New York as well as a certificate of registration for cultivation and manufacturing of adult use cannabis in Rochester, New York and Riverhead, New York (collectively, the “New York Licenses”). Pursuant to the CCA and regulations by the NYSOCM , the New York Licenses collectively permit Columbia Care NY LLC to acquire, possess, manufacture, sell, transport, and distribute medical and adult use cannabis, and dispense medical cannabis at its four medical dispensaries in the State of New York. The table lists the licenses issued to Columbia Care NY LLC in respect of its operations in New York.
In December 2023, Columbia Care NY LLC received its Registered Organization Non-Dispensing (“ROND”) license that permits Columbia Care NYT LLC to acquire, possess, manufacture, sell transport and distribute adult use cannabis products at its Rochester and Riverhead cultivation and manufacturing facilities. Upon payment of a $5 million license conversion fee to the NYSOCM, Columbia Care NY LLC will receive approval to expand its adult use operations into collocated dispensing at one of its four existing dispensaries, without the need to submit additional applications to the NYSDOH or be subject to a public hearing. As early as July 1, 2024, and upon payment of another $5 million to NYSOCM, Columbia Care NY LLC could expand its adult use dispensing operations to collocating at three of its four existing dispensaries.
Holding Entity |
|
Permit/License |
|
City |
|
Expiration/Renewal Date (if applicable) (MM/DD/YY) |
|
Description |
Columbia Care NY LLC |
|
MM0301M |
|
Rochester, NY |
|
11/16/25 |
|
Cultivation and Manufacturing |
Columbia Care NY LLC |
|
MM0307M |
|
Riverhead, NY |
|
11/16/25 |
|
Cultivation and Manufacturing |
Columbia Care NY LLC |
|
MM0302D |
|
New York, NY |
|
11/16/25 |
|
Dispensary |
Columbia Care NY LLC |
|
MM0303D |
|
Riverhead, NY |
|
11/16/25 |
|
Dispensary |
Columbia Care NY LLC |
|
MM0306D |
|
Brooklyn, NY |
|
11/16/25 |
|
Dispensary |
Columbia Care NY LLC |
|
MM0305D |
|
Rochester, NY |
|
11/16/25 |
|
Dispensary |
Columbia Care NY, LLC |
|
New York Department of Health—Controlled Substances License No. 1000105 |
|
Rochester, NY |
|
12/10/25 |
|
Class 10 Exporter |
Columbia Care Industrial Hemp LLC |
|
OCM-HMPR-22-00914, -001 |
|
Brooklyn, NY |
|
04/20/23 |
|
Cannabinoid Hemp Retail |
Columbia Care Industrial Hemp LLC |
|
OCM-HMPR-22-00914, -002 |
|
Rochester, NY |
|
04/20/23 |
|
Cannabinoid Hemp Retail |
Columbia Care Industrial Hemp LLC |
|
OCM-HMPR-22-00914, -003 |
|
New York, NY |
|
04/20/23 |
|
Cannabinoid Hemp Retail |
Columbia Care Industrial Hemp LLC |
|
OCM-HMPR-22-00914, -004 |
|
Riverhead |
|
04/20/23 |
|
Cannabinoid Hemp Retail |
The New York Licenses are renewed every two years. Before the two-year period ends, licensees are required to submit a renewal application per guidelines published by the NYSDOH. While renewals are granted every two years, there is no ultimate expiry after which no renewals are permitted. Additionally, in respect of the renewal process, provided that the requisite renewal fees are paid, the renewal application is submitted in a timely manner, and there are no material violations noted against the applicable license, Columbia Care NY LLC would expect to receive the applicable renewed license in the ordinary course of business.
New York Regulations
The New York Licenses permit the sale of medical cannabis products to any qualified patient who possess a physician’s recommendation and the sale of adult use cannabis to any licensed business in New York State. Under the terms of the New York Licenses, Columbia Care NY LLC is permitted to sell NYSOCM approved medical marijuana manufactured products to any qualified patient, provided that the patient presents a valid government-issued photo identification and NYSOCM-issued registry identification card proving the patient or designated caregiver meets the statutory conditions to be a qualified patient or designated caregiver.
Only registered pharmacists can dispense medical marijuana to approved patients and caregivers.
In the state of New York, only cannabis that is grown and manufactured in the state can be sold in the state. As such, Columbia Care NY LLC is vertically integrated and has the capabilities to cultivate, harvest, process, transport, sell, and dispense cannabis products.
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Delivery is allowed from dispensaries to patients, upon approval by the NYSOCM . Columbia Care NY LLC obtained approval for its delivery plan in February 2017 and utilizes its 70% owned subsidiary, CC Logistics Services LLC, to provide home delivery services throughout the state.
New York Dispensary Requirements
Under New York State’s medical cannabis program, a qualified pharmacist must be present at a dispensary whenever medical marijuana products are being dispensed or handled. Medical dispensing facilities can only sell approved medical marijuana products, related products necessary for the approved forms of administration of medical marijuana, and items that promote health and well-being subject to disapproval of the department and only in such a manner as does not increase risks of diversion, theft or loss of approved medical marijuana products or risk physical, chemical or microbial contamination or deterioration of approved medical marijuana products.
No marijuana products may be consumed at a dispensary. Medical dispensaries must maintain patient confidentiality, including by keeping security footage secure. Medical dispensaries must affix a label to each medical marijuana product which (1) identifies the patient and caregiver (if any); (2) contains the name of the certifying practitioner, (3) identifies the dispensary name, address, and phone number; (4) provides the dosing and administration instructions; (5) gives the quantity and date dispensed; (6) lists any recommendation or limitation by the practitioner as to the use of medical marijuana; and (7) includes the expiration date of the product once opened. Each package must also include a safety insert approved by NYSOCM.
New York Reporting Requirements
The state of New York has selected BioTrackTHC’s solution as the state’s T&T system used to track commercial cannabis activity and seed-to-sale. The BioTrack system is required to serve as all Registered Organizations’ patient verification system but is optional as the Registered Organization facing tracking system. The NYOCM anticipated the NY-API to be available in early March 2024.
Every month the NYSOCM requests a dispensing report in Excel format, via email, showing the products dispensed for the month. All other data is pulled by the NYSOCM directly from Columbia Care NY LLC’s seed-to-sale tracking system. Registered Organizations are also required to submit quarterly cultivation and manufacturing reports to the NYSOCM.
New York Storage, Transportation and Security Requirements
Registered Organizations must comply with a range of storage and security measures designed to ensure the safety and security of the cannabis business premises and to maintain adequate controls against the diversion, theft, and loss of cannabis or cannabis products. Registered Organizations must work to ensure that manufacturing and dispensing facilities maintain all security system equipment and recordings in a secure location with access limited to surveillance personnel, law enforcement, security system service employees, the NYSOCM or its authorized representative, and others when approved by the NYSOCM. Security equipment must be kept in working order and periodically tested.
Marijuana must be stored in a secure area accessible to a minimum number of employees to prevent diversion, theft, loss, and contamination or deterioration of the product. Approved safes, vaults or any other approved equipment or areas used for the manufacturing or storage of marijuana and approved medical marijuana products must be securely locked or protected from entry, except for the actual time required to remove or replace marijuana or approved medical marijuana products.
Prior to transporting medical marijuana, Registered Organizations must complete a shipping manifest using a form determined by the NYSOCM. Registered Organizations are no longer required to submit shipping manifests to NYSOCM, but rather must maintain all shipping manifests and make them available to NYSOCM upon request. Pursuant to section 113.14(l)(2) of the regulations, manifests must be maintained for a minimum of 5 years. These records may be maintained electronically. This applies to all shipping manifests, including internal manifests, wholesale manifests, manifests to the lab and home delivery manifests. Registered Organizations are required to maintain compliance with all applicable regulations during the transport and delivery of cannabis and cannabis products, including but not limited to section 113.14(l).
Approved marijuana products must be transported in a locked storage compartment that is part of the vehicle transporting the marijuana and in a storage compartment that is not visible from outside the vehicle. Employees, when transporting approved marijuana products, travel directly to their destination(s) and may not make unnecessary stops in between. Delivery times must be randomized, transportation vehicles must be staffed by at least two employees, and a copy of the shipping manifest must be on hand while transporting or delivering approved medical marijuana products.
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NYSOCM Inspections
All cannabis businesses must make their books, records, and facilities available to NYSOCM for monitoring, on-site inspection, and audit purposes, including but not limited to periodic inspections and evaluations. If a problem is found by NYSOCM the registered organization must submit a plan of correction within 15 days.
New York Hemp
The NYSOCM also has regulatory authority over New York’s industrial hemp program. That program creates a licensing regime for growers, processors, retailers, and of industrial hemp and hemp cannabinoid products, and subjects such licensees to recordkeeping, product-quality testing, transportation, disposal, and security requirements. The NYSOCM has authority to inspect a registered premises as often and to the extent necessary to ensure compliance with hemp laws and regulations. Columbia Care NY LLC would expect to receive the applicable renewed license in the ordinary course of business.
OHIO
Ohio Regulatory Landscape
House Bill 523, effective on September 8, 2016, legalized medical marijuana in Ohio. The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program (“MMCP”) allows people with certain medical conditions, upon the recommendation of an Ohio- licensed physician certified by the State Medical Board, to purchase and use medical marijuana. House Bill 523 required that the framework for the MMCP would be in place no later than September 2018. This timeframe allowed for a deliberate process to ensure the safety of the public and to promote access to a safe product. Sales of medical marijuana in Ohio began in January 2019.
The Ohio Department of Cannabis Control is now responsible for overseeing medical marijuana cultivators, processors and testing laboratories, as well as medical marijuana retail dispensaries, the registration of medical marijuana patients and caregivers, the approval of new forms of medical marijuana. The State Medical Board of Ohio is responsible for certifying physicians to recommend medical marijuana and may add to the list of qualifying conditions for which medical marijuana can be recommended.
Several forms of medical marijuana are legal in Ohio, these include: inhalation of marijuana through a vaporizer (not direct smoking), oils, Tinctures, plant material, edibles, patches and any other forms approved by the department. In 2022, the Board of Pharmacy awarded provisional dispensary licenses and amended its regulations to, among other things, add new requirements for renewals of dispensary key employee registrations and dispensary financial audits submitted to the board. The Department of Commerce also amended its regulations in 2022 to, among other things, add new testing requirements and require patient caregivers to be Ohio residents. The Board of Pharmacy and the Department of Commerce have combined to form the Division of Cannabis Control, which oversees the Medical Marijuana Control Program.
On November 7, 2023, the Ohio voters passed Issue 2 approving an inferred statute that allows adults to purchase and consume marijuana. The Ohio legislature can make changes to the language of the inferred statute at any time. The Division of Cannabis Control will implement the frameworks for the non-cannabis program, including the issuance of new licenses, which must be issued by September 7, 2024, The Division of Cannabis Control will also propose and implement rules that govern the program.
The Company (through its subsidiary in the State of Ohio) follows the applicable licensing requirements and the regulatory framework enacted by the State of Ohio.
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Licenses in the State of Ohio
Holding Entity |
|
Permit/License |
|
City |
|
Expiration/Renewal Date (if applicable) (MM/DD/YY) |
|
Description |
Columbia Care OH LLC |
|
Certificate of Operation #MMCPC00024 |
|
Mount Orab, OH |
|
07/01/24 |
|
Certificate of Operation to Cultivate Medical Marijuana |
Columbia Care OH LLC |
|
Certificate of Operation #MMCPP00134 |
|
Mount Orab, OH |
|
02/19/25 |
|
Certificate of Operation to Plant-Only Processing of Medical Marijuana |
Cannascend Alternative LLC, dba Columbia Care |
|
Medical Marijuana Dispensary Certificate of Operation #MMD.0700073 |
|
Dayton, OH |
|
07/01/25 |
|
Medical Marijuana Dispensary Certificate of Operation |
Cannascend Alternative Logan, LLC dba Columbia Care |
|
Medical Marijuana Dispensary Certificate of Operation #MMD.0700071 |
|
Logan, OH |
|
07/01/25 |
|
Medical Marijuana Dispensary Certificate of Operation |
Cannascend Alternative LLC dba Columbia Care |
|
Medical Marijuana Dispensary Certificate of Operation #MMD.0700072 |
|
Monroe, OH |
|
07/01/25 |
|
Medical Marijuana Dispensary Certificate of Operation |
Cannascend Alternative LLC dba Columbia Care |
|
Medical Marijuana Dispensary Certificate of Operation #MMD.0700070 |
|
Marietta, OH |
|
07/01/25 |
|
Medical Marijuana Dispensary Certificate of Operation |
Corsa Verde LLC |
|
Certificate of Operation #MMCPP00039 |
|
Columbus, OH |
|
12/15/24 |
|
Certificate of Operation to Process Medical Marijuana |
Green Leaf Medical of Ohio II, LLC dba gLeaf |
|
Medical Marijuana Dispensary Certificate of Operation #MMD.0700074 |
|
Warren, OH |
|
07/01/25 |
|
Medical Marijuana Dispensary Certificate of Operation |
Ohio Operating Requirements
Cultivators must establish, maintain, and comply with the policies and procedures contained in the operations plans submitted as part of their applications. The operations plans must include policies and procedures for the production, storage, inventory, and transportation of medical marijuana. Cultivators must also submit and maintain a quality control plan, and they are limited to the use of pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemical approved by the Department of Cannabis Control. Moreover, cultivators are subject to recordkeeping and reporting requirements regarding their use of such chemicals.
Cultivators must follow strict regulations, such as cultivations may not sell marijuana to patients or caregivers, nor may they permit the consumption of marijuana on their premises. A cultivator may not grow a prohibited form of marijuana that is not registered and approved by the department. A cultivator shall not sell plant material that exceeds thirty-five per cent THC content. Finally, a licensed cultivator may not directly or indirectly discriminate in price between different processor or dispensary facilities that are purchasing a like grade, strain, brand, quality, and quantity of medical marijuana.
Dispensaries in Ohio may only dispense to qualified patients over the age of 18 or their caregiver. Each dispensary must use a scanner approved by the department to retrieve patient registry data by scanning patient or caregiver registry identification cards and government issued photographic identification. Dispensaries may only be open between the hours of 7 am and 9 pm and must be open for a minimum of 35 hours per week, must have at least two employees in the dispensary during all hours of operation, and must follow record keeping requirements pertaining to the business.
All records relating to the purchase or return, dispensing, distribution, destruction, and sale of medical cannabis must be maintained under appropriate supervision and control to restrict unauthorized access on the licensed premises for a five-year period.
Ohio Reporting Requirements
Ohio uses the METRC system as its seed-to-sale tracking system. Licensees are required to use METRC to push data to the state to meet all of the reporting requirements. Dispensaries must use METRC to provide data to the Department of Cannabis Control on a
49
real-time basis. A dispensary’s designated representative shall conduct the inventory at least once a week. Records of each day’s beginning inventory, acquisitions, sales, disposal and ending inventory shall be kept for a period of three years.
Ohio Storage, Transportation, and Security Requirements
Licensees must follow storage, transportation, and security requirements. This includes, but is not limited to, storing medical marijuana inventory at its cultivation facility in a designated, enclosed, locked facility identified in its plans and specifications that it submitted to the Department of Cannabis Control. A cultivation facility must install a commercial grade security alarm system to prevent and detect diversion, theft, or loss. The facility also must maintain surveillance equipment to capture the entire facility and provide direct access to the regulator on a real-time basis. Prior to transporting any medical marijuana, regardless of form, a medical marijuana entity must maintain a transportation log, in writing. A copy of this log must be sent to the receiving entity before the close of business on the business day prior to transport. A copy of the log must also be in the vehicle at all times while it is transporting medical marijuana products. All such logs must be maintained and provided to law enforcement upon request.
Vehicles used to transport marijuana must be insured as required by law and staffed with a minimum of two registered employees, with at least one employee remaining with the vehicle at all times that the vehicle contains medical marijuana. The marijuana must be kept in a locked container or compartment, and it must not be visible from outside the vehicle. The vehicle must be unmarked. The employees must notify the sending medical marijuana entity when the delivery has been completed.
Dispensaries must restrict access areas and keep stock of medical cannabis in secured area enclosed by a physical barrier with suitable locks and an alarm system capable of detecting entry at a time when licensed dispensary employees are not present. Medical cannabis must be stored at appropriate temperatures and under appropriate conditions to help ensure that its identity, strength, quality and purity are not adversely affected.
Additionally, dispensaries must have a security system that remains operational at all times and that uses commercial grade equipment to prevent and detect diversion, theft or loss of medical cannabis.
Video cameras at a dispensary must be positioned at each point of egress and each point of sale. The cameras must capture the sale, the individuals and the computer monitors used for the sale. Video surveillance recording must operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Recording from all video cameras during hours of operation must be made available for immediate viewing by the Department of Cannabis Control and must be maintained for at least six months.
Department of Cannabis Control Inspections
The Ohio Department of Cannabis Control may, at any time it determines an inspection is needed, with or without notice, conduct an inspection of a cultivator to ensure compliance with the facility’s application and state laws and regulations. An inspection of a cultivator may include, without limitation, investigation of standards for safety from fire on behalf of the department by the local fire protection agency. If a local fire protection agency is not available, the division of state fire marshal may conduct the inspection after the cultivator pays the appropriate fee to the division of state fire marshal for such inspection. If a problem is detected during an inspection, the cultivator must produce a plan of correction within ten business days. Likewise, the Department of Cannabis Control may conduct unannounced dispensary inspections and testing of medical marijuana samples. The department may enter dispensaries and conduct inspections of all areas and of all pertinent equipment, containers and materials and data.
PENNSYLVANIA
Pennsylvania Regulatory Landscape
The Pennsylvania medical marijuana program was signed into law on April 17, 2016 under Act 16 and provided access to state residents with one of 17 qualifying conditions, including epilepsy, chronic pain, and PTSD. The state, which consists of over 12 million U.S. citizens and qualifies as the fifth largest population in the US, operates as a high- barrier market with very limited market participation. The state originally awarded only 12 licenses to cultivate/process and 27 licenses to operate retail dispensaries (which entitled holders to up to three medical dispensary locations).
The program was expanded in 2018 through the issuance of 13 additional cultivation/processing licenses and 23 additional dispensary licenses. The program saw further expansion in 2018 and 2019 when the Pennsylvania Department of Health expanded the list of qualifying medical conditions to include conditions such as cancer remission therapy, opioid addiction therapy, Tourette syndrome and anxiety disorders. In the introductory months of the program, Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana dispensaries experienced supply shortages that rendered the market unable to keep up with demand. It was announced on April 17, 2018 that dry flower would be
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included in the regulations as an approved product form for sale and consumption (in addition to the already approved forms of concentrates, pills, and tinctures).
Subsequent updates to the medical marijuana program in 2021 saw expansion of the caregiver program and an increase in patient supply purchasing limits from 30-days to 90-days. The Pennsylvania Department of Health promulgated final regulations for the medical marijuana program that became effective on March 4, 2023. These final regulations were substantially the same form as the temporary and proposed permanent regulations previously governing the medical marijuana program, but contained additional language addressing employee training and permitting licensed Grower Processors to obtain hemp and hemp-derived CBD from hemp licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The Company (through its subsidiary in the State of Pennsylvania) follows applicable licensing requirements and the regulatory framework enacted by the State of Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Licenses
Under applicable laws, the grower/processor license permits Cannabis Company to cultivate, manufacture and process marijuana and marijuana products and sell such products to dispensaries, and the dispensary license permits the Company to purchase marijuana and marijuana products from cultivation/processing facilities, and to sell marijuana and marijuana products to registered patients pursuant to the terms of the license. The license is issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (the “Department”) under the provisions of the Medical Marijuana Act (35 P.S. §§ 10231.101—10231.2110) and Chapters 1141, 1151 and 1161 of the Pennsylvania regulations. The license is, as of the date hereof, active with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
All dispensaries and grower/processors must register with the Department. Registration certificates are valid for a period of one year and are subject to annual renewals after required fees are paid and the business remains in good standing. Renewal requests are typically communicated through email and include a renewal form. Provided that the requisite renewal fees are paid, the renewal application is submitted in a timely manner, and there are no material violations noted against the applicable license, the Company would expect to receive the applicable renewed license in the ordinary course of business.
Holding Entity |
|
Permit/License |
|
City |
|
Expiration/Renewal Date (if applicable) (MM/DD/YY) |
|
Description |
Columbia Care |
|
Permit D-2009- 17 |
|
Allentown, PA |
|
06/29/24 |
|
Dispensary |
Green Leaf |
|
Permit GP-18-3005 |
|
Saxton, PA |
|
07/31/24 |
|
Grower Processor |
Pennsylvania Dispensary and Grower/Processor Requirements
In order to maintain its permit, a dispensary or grower/processor must continue to meet all of the qualifications for obtaining such permit. Dispensaries must purchase marijuana only from authorized growers and processors. They may sell devices related to the use of medical marijuana, but only with the Department’s prior written approval. Dispensaries must require a valid identification card from each patient or caregiver and verify it via electronic tracking system before dispensing any product. A dispensary may not dispense (1) a quantity of marijuana greater than the amount indicated on a patient’s certification, (2) a form or dosage of product that is listed as a restriction or limitation on the patient certification, (3) or a form of medical marijuana product which is not permitted by law or regulation. Dispensaries cannot dispense more than a 90-day supply at one time, and subject to additional requirements in the Department of Health’s final regulations. Moreover, dispensaries are subject to certain advertising and promotional restrictions. A dispensary may not permit a patient to self- administer medical marijuana products at the facility unless the patient is also an employee of the dispensary, and the dispensary permits self-administration of medical marijuana products at the facility by the employees.
Licensed grower/processors may grow, process, possess, sell or offer to sell seeds, immature medical marijuana plants, medical marijuana plants, medical marijuana or medical marijuana products to other medical marijuana organizations, as applicable. A grower/processor shall have security and surveillance systems, utilizing commercial-grade equipment, to prevent unauthorized entry and to prevent and detect an adverse loss, including: (i) a professionally-monitored security alarm system; (ii) a professionally-monitored security and surveillance system that is operational 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and records continuously in images capable of clearly revealing facial detail; (iii) the ability to record and store all images captured by each surveillance camera for a minimum of 180 days, unless otherwise required for investigative or litigation purposes, in a format that may be easily accessed for investigative purposes; and (iv) a security alarm system separate from the facility’s primary security system covering the limited
51
access area or other room where the recordings are stored. The grower/processor shall designate employees to continuously monitor the security and surveillance systems at the facility.
Licensees must maintain their facilities in sanitary condition. Generally, employees working in direct contact with medical marijuana products must comply with the food-handling regulations of Pennsylvania. Employees and visitors must have access to adequate hand-washing facilities and sanitary lavatories. Licensees may not employ individuals under the age of eighteen.
Pennsylvania Reporting Requirements
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania uses MJ Freeway as the state’s computerized T&T system for seed-to-sale. Individual licensees are required to use MJ Freeway to push data to the state to meet all reporting requirements. Columbia Care Pennsylvania LLC integrates its in-house software with the state’s MJ Freeway program to capture the data points required by the Pennsylvania medical marijuana laws and regulations.
Pennsylvania Storage, Transportation, and Security Requirements
The regulations require a dispensary to have a locked limited access area for the storage of medical marijuana that is expired, damaged, deteriorated, mislabeled, contaminated, recalled or whose containers or packages have been opened or breached until such product is returned to the grower/processor.
Licensees must have a security system with professional monitoring, 24-hours a day and seven days a week, and fixed cameras on the interior and exterior of the facilities. The surveillance system must store data for a period of four years in a readily available format for investigative purposes.
Unless otherwise approved by the Department, a dispensary may deliver medical marijuana products to a medical marijuana organization only between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. for the purposes of transporting medical marijuana products among the permittee’s dispensary locations and returning medical marijuana products to a grower/processor. Dispensaries may not transport medical marijuana products outside of Pennsylvania, and they must use a global positioning system to ensure safe, efficient delivery of the medical marijuana products to a medical marijuana organization. Dispensaries may not offer delivery of medical marijuana. Dispensaries must have an enclosed, secure area out of public sight for the loading and unloading of medical marijuana products into and from a transport vehicle.
All vehicles used in the transport of marijuana must be unmarked and equipped with a secure lockbox or locking cargo area. Products must be appropriately packaged and labeled. If transporting perishable medical marijuana products, they must be temperature controlled. They must display current inspection stickers and be insured for a commercially reasonable amount. Each vehicle must be staffed with at least two people while transporting marijuana, with at least one team member remaining in the vehicle at all times. Each team member must have access to a secure form of communication with the dispensary and have a valid driver’s license. Team members must not wear clothing or symbols related to marijuana, and they must carry an identification badge or card at all times and produce it to law enforcement upon request. The team must also carry a transportation manifest and provide a copy to the recipient of the medical marijuana products.
Department Inspections
The Department may conduct announced or unannounced inspections or investigations to determine the medical marijuana organization’s compliance with its permit and all relevant laws and regulations. Such inspection or investigation may include (1) inspection of a medical marijuana organization’s site, facility, vehicles, books, records, papers, documents, data, and other physical or electronic information; (2) questioning of employees, principals, operators, financial backers, authorized agents of, and any other person or entity providing services to the medical marijuana organization; and (3) inspection of a grower/processor facility’s equipment, instruments, tools and machinery that are used to grow, process and package medical marijuana, including containers and labels. Failure to provide immediate access to any of the materials, information, or individuals listed above may result in the imposition of a civil monetary penalty, suspension or revocation of the medical marijuana organization’s permit, or an immediate cessation of its operations pursuant to a cease-and-desist order issued by the Department.
UTAH
Utah Regulatory Landscape
On December 3, 2018, Utah lawmakers passed House Bill 3001: Utah Medical Cannabis Act (the “UT Act”). The Utah Act directs the Utah Department of Health (the “Utah Department”) to issue medical cannabis cards to patients, register medical providers who wish to recommend medical cannabis treatment for their patients, and license medical cannabis pharmacies. The Act and subsequent
52
amendments thereto authorized the Department to license and regulate up to 14 private entities to dispense medical cannabis products through medical cannabis pharmacies. The Utah Department has issued regulations governing medical cannabis pharmacies’ operations.
On January 3, 2020, the Department announced its intent to award 14 medical cannabis pharmacy licenses to companies selected from over 130 applicants. Cannabist Company was selected to open a medical cannabis pharmacy in Springville, Utah, which is located just south of Provo. The Company (through its subsidiary in the State of Utah) is in compliance with applicable licensing requirements and the regulatory framework enacted by the State of Utah. Additionally, Utah law required the 15th pharmacy license to be given to a business located in specific rural counties. On November 18, 2021, the Department awarded the state’s 15th medical cannabis pharmacy license to an existing Utah medical cannabis pharmacy operator that will open its facility in Price, Utah.
Utah License Requirements
The Utah Department announced its plans to award the 14 medical cannabis pharmacy licenses across four regions of the state. The Company applied for a license in Region 3, which encompasses Utah County, where Springville is situated. The application process required the Company to pay an application fee and to submit information regarding its ownership and directors, its finances, and a description of any past disciplinary actions for cannabis-related operations in any jurisdiction. the Company was also required to submit highly detailed information regarding its experience, operating plan, strategic plan, local connections, and ability to keep the cost of medical cannabis low for patients. Such information included, for example: a list of all states in which the Company operates; details of the Company’s proposed facility; a floor plan depicting the facility’s security features; information about principles and key employees’ credentials, including a Utah licensed pharmacist; training and customer service information; storage protocols; a description of all medical cannabis products the Company intends to offer; a financial plan; and the Company’s local connections to Utah.
License applications were then evaluated and scored by a committee based on several criteria, including: experience in the medical cannabis or other highly regulated industries, disciplinary action or investigation in other jurisdictions, an operating plan that will best ensure the safety and security of cardholders and the community, the extent to which an applicant can reduce the cost of medical cannabis, connections to the local community, and a strategic plan that has a high likelihood of success. Of the 14 licenses awarded by the Utah Department, an initial group of eight pharmacies were given the option to open as soon as March 1, 2020, while the remaining six are allowed to open as early as July 1, 2020. Successful applicants were required to obtain a land-use permit for their medical cannabis pharmacy within 120 days of the license award if required by their county or locality. Final licensure is also subject to applicants’ owners passing criminal background checks and the Utah Department approval of the applicants’ operating plans. The Company satisfied these requirements and was issued a medical cannabis pharmacy license on April 22, 2021 authorizing the Company to operate the pharmacy and received a conditional license award. However, the Cannabist Company has since notified UDAF that it does not intend to move forward and is not currently pursuing a processing license.
Utah Operating Requirements
Medical cannabis pharmacies in Utah are subject to several highly detailed operational requirements. The requirements impose restrictions on who may enter a pharmacy, who may be employed by a pharmacy, and on consuming cannabis on site. They require pharmacies to maintain sophisticated security infrastructure and policies designed to minimize the risk of diversion and to minimize access to cannabis products. These include, for example, maintenance of a physical surveillance system with video cameras located throughout the facility, a fail-safe backup system to support the system in the event of a power-outage; installation of an alarm system; and maintenance of safes and vaults for storing medical cannabis.
The operational requirements also govern the dispensing procedure. All cannabis sold must meet certain labeling requirements and transactions are subject to a number of verification, inventory, and record-keeping requirements. Unusable cannabis products must be properly disposed. The UT Act imposes limitations on the amount of cannabis a pharmacy can dispense to a single patient in a 28-day period. That amount is capped at the lesser of (a) a 30-day supply for treatment; (b) 113 grams of unprocessed cannabis; or (c) 20 grams of total composite THC. Utah law also allows pharmacies to dispense medical cannabis via home delivery.
Medical cannabis pharmacies are required to employ a pharmacist-in-charge (“PIC”). The duties of the PIC generally include ensuring: the safe, informed, and appropriate distribution of medical cannabis and cannabis devices; protection, recording, and maintenance of patient records; education and training of pharmacy personnel; procurement of cannabis products and educational materials; appropriate disposal and storage of cannabis; controls against theft or diversion; compliance with applicable laws and regulations; quality assurance; maintenance of the point-of-sale system and integration with the state’s inventory systems; and safe operation of the facility. Pharmacies must also be supervised by at least one licensed medical cannabis pharmacy medical provider (“PMP”) who must be present during all hours of operation.
53
Utah Licenses
Holding Entity |
|
Permit/License |
|
City |
|
Expiration/Renewal Date (if applicable) (MM/DD/YY) |
|
Description |
CCUT Pharmacy LLC |
|
Medical Cannabis Pharmacy License 0010-270 |
|
Springville, UT |
|
04/22/24 |
|
Dispensary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
On January 3, 2020, the Utah Department announced its intent to award 14 medical cannabis pharmacy licenses to companies selected from over 130 applicants. the Company was selected to open a medical cannabis pharmacy in Springville, Utah and on April 22, 2021 was issued a Cannabis Pharmacy License authorizing the Company to operate the cannabis pharmacy. Licenses must be renewed annually. While the Company’s compliance controls have been developed to mitigate the risk of any material deviations from Utah Department and/or UDAF requirements, there is no assurance that the license will be annually renewed.
Utah Inspections
The Company’s Utah facility and records are subject to inspection from UDAF at any time during business hours.
VIRGINIA
Virginia Regulatory Landscape
In 2017, Virginia commenced a program to allow registered patients to use CBD oil or THC-A oil. The program is governed by Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-3442.5 et seq., and by emergency regulations enacted by the Virginia Board of Pharmacy (the “Virginia Board”) at 18 VAC 110-60-10 et seq. “Registered patients” means any Virginia resident who has received a written certification for the use of CBD oil or THC-A oil from a practitioner (which includes nurse practitioners and physician assistants) to alleviate the symptoms of any diagnosed condition or disease, and who has been issued a registration by the Virginia Board. Virginia’s program allows the Virginia Board to license “pharmaceutical processors,” which are vertically integrated operations that can cultivate, process, and dispense CBD oil and THC-A oil in concentrations to be established by the Virginia Board that cannot exceed 10 mg of THC per dose. The oils can be processed into other formulations, such as capsules or lozenges. The state has limited licensure to one pharmaceutical process per “health service area,” as defined by the State Board of Health. There are currently five health service areas. Following an initial cultivation period, pharmaceutical processors cannot maintain more than 12 cannabis plants per patient and cannot maintain CBD oil or THC-A oil in excess of what is required for normal operations.
In 2020, the Virginia Board amended Title 18 of the Virginia Administrative Code 110-60, et. seq. and in February 2021, the Virginia Board adopted emergency rules amending Title 18 of the Virginia Administrative Code 110-60, et. seq. effective February 8, 2021 through August 7, 2022. These rules and emergency rules implement the changes as laid out in the Amendment. “Cannabis dispensing facility” means a facility that (i) has obtained a permit from the Board pursuant to § 54.1-3442.6; (ii) is owned, at least in part, by a pharmaceutical processor; and (iii) dispenses cannabis oil produced by a pharmaceutical processor to a registered patient, his registered agent, or, if such patient is a minor or an incapacitated adult as defined in § 18.2-369, such patient’s parent or legal guardian. “Temporarily resides” means a person that does not maintain a principal place of residence within Virginia but resides in Virginia on a temporary basis as evidenced by documentation substantiating such temporary residence.
On April 7, 2021, a majority of both houses of the Virginia legislature voted to legalize adult-use marijuana. Virginia Senate Bill 1406/House Bill 2312 legalizes the retail sale of marijuana products to adults over the age of 21 and establishes the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority to oversee the cultivation, manufacture, wholesale, and retail sale of marijuana and marijuana products. Under the new law, home cultivation and personal possession of marijuana became legal July 1, 2021, but retail sales will not begin until January 1, 2024.
In 2022 and 2023, the Virginia General Assembly passed and Governor Glenn Youngkin signed into law a series of statutory amendments to the adult use cannabis legislation and affecting the medical cannabis program. Among other things, the amendments transfer oversight and administration of the medical cannabis program from the Board of Pharmacy to the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority, establish new restrictions on advertising, with criminal penalties for violations,, allows pharmacists employed by pharmaceutical processors to issue written certifications subject to oversight by the processor’s medical director and under other conditions, adds labeling requirements, and recriminalizes possession of more than four (4) ounces of cannabis in public.
Effective January 1, 2024, oversight and administration of the Virginia medical cannabis program has been transferred from the Virginia Board to the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (“Virginia CCA”).
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The Company (through its subsidiaries in the Commonwealth of Virginia) follows the regulatory framework enacted by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Virginia License Requirements
The pharmaceutical processor permit application process includes three stages: initial application, awarding of conditional approval, and granting of a permit. In the first stage, the applicant must submit an application fee and an application that includes: identifying information regarding the applicant and its owners; the location within the health service area that is to be operated under such permit; financial information to demonstrate its capacity to build and operate a facility; a detailed security plan; documents establishing the applicant’s ability to conduct business in Virginia and its compliance with applicable ordinances and codes; information necessary for the Virginia CCA to conduct criminal background checks; information about any previous or current involvement in the medical CBD oil or THC-A oil industry; information about any prior applications for medical CBD oil or THC-A oil licensure in any state; business or marketing plans; text and graphic materials showing the exterior appearance of the proposed facility; building documents including a detailed blueprint; documents related to any compassionate need program the pharmaceutical processor intends to offer; information about the applicant’s expertise in agriculture and other production techniques required to produce CBD oil or THC-A oil and to safely dispense such products; and other documents required by the Virginia CCA. As part of the initial application process, the Virginia CCA conducts criminal background checks on applicants.
Following review, the Virginia CCA notifies applicants of denial or conditional approval. If granted conditional approval, an applicant has one year to complete all requirements for issuance of a permit to include employment of a Pharmacist-in-Charge (“PIC”) and other personnel necessary for operation of a pharmaceutical processor, the construction or remodeling of a facility, installation of equipment, and securing local zoning approval.
If an applicant has been awarded a pharmaceutical processor permit and has not commenced operation of such facility within 180 days of being notified of the issuance of a pharmaceutical processor permit, the Virginia CCA may rescind the permit, unless such delay was caused by circumstances beyond the control of the permit holder. If a permit is so rescinded, the Virginia CCA may award a pharmaceutical processor permit to another qualified applicant. Once the permit is issued, cannabis may not be grown or held in the pharmaceutical processor earlier than two weeks prior to the opening date designated on the application. Once cannabis has been placed in the pharmaceutical processor, a pharmacist shall be present during hours of operation to ensure the safety, security, and integrity of the cannabis. If there is a change in the designated opening date, the pharmaceutical processor shall notify the Virginia CCA, and a pharmacist shall continue to be on site on a daily basis.
The Virginia CCA may issue up to five cannabis dispensing facility permits in each health service area. A permit may be issued to a facility that is owned, at least in part, by the pharmaceutical processor located in that health service area for dispensing cannabis oil that has been cultivated and produced on the premises of the processor. Each dispensing facility shall be located within the same health service area as the pharmaceutical processor.
The Virginia CCA will conduct an inspection of the facility prior to issuing a permit. The permit shall not be awarded until any deficiency with the facility has been corrected and the facility has been satisfactorily inspected. The cannabis dispensing facility must be operational within 90 days of the date the permit is issued or the Virginia CCA will either rescind or extend the permit.
Virginia Operating Requirements
Pharmaceutical processors and cannabis dispensing facilities are required to designate a PIC to manage its operation, and to have a supervising pharmacist on duty during its hours of operation. The PIC of a pharmaceutical processor may authorize certain employees’ access to secured areas designated for cultivation even when the pharmacist is not on the premises. Numerous tasks involving the handling of CBD oil or THC-A oil must be performed by a pharmacist or a pharmacy technician acting under a pharmacist’s supervision. Those tasks include, for example, labeling oils, removing oils from inventory, measuring oils for dispensing, and selling oils. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians must have current licenses, and the ratio of pharmacists to pharmacy technicians cannot exceed 4-to-1. The Virginia CCA has also imposed certain educational requirements for the cultivation of cannabis plants and the extraction of oils. And, the Virginia CCA requires significant employee training, both upon initial employment and continuously thereafter.
A pharmaceutical processor or cannabis dispensing facility must operate for a minimum of 35 hours per week. Access to a pharmaceutical processor or cannabis dispensing facility is limited to employees performing their job duties (who must display ID badges) and patients (and their parents or guardians). It must sell oils in a child-resistant container (with some exceptions). Pharmacists must counsel registered patients, parents, and legal guardians regarding the use of CBD oil or THC-A oil, including information related proper use and storage.
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Pharmaceutical processors and cannabis dispensing facilities are subject to advertising restrictions; cannot sell products aside from CBD oil or THC-A oil; cannot cultivate, produce, or dispense oils anywhere except its designated facility; and cannot provide samples. Pharmaceutical processors and cannabis dispensing facilities may wholesale products to other pharmaceutical processors and may transport wholesale products to other pharmaceutical processors and cannabis dispensing facilities. A pharmaceutical processor wholesale distributing products must create a record of the transaction and provide the receiver of the products with a copy of the lab results for the product. They may also deliver CBD or THC-A oil to a registered patient in accordance with certain regulatory requirements.
The cultivation and dispensing processes are subject to numerous Virginia CCA requirements. For cultivation: pesticides are prohibited (with some exception); oil extraction methods must meet industry standards; products must be branded, tested, and registered with the Virginia CCA before they are dispensed; products must be labeled to disclose certain product identifying information; and samples from batches must be made available to independent laboratories for testing prior to sale. For dispensing: the pharmacist or pharmacy technician must view the patient’s ID before filling any portion of the patient’s prescription; the pharmaceutical processor or cannabis dispensing facility must maintain detailed dispensing records for three years; and the processor or dispensing must implement and comply with a quality assurance program, meeting several requirements, to prevent dispensing errors. Finally, unused cannabis and its oils must be disposed of in a manner that makes the cannabis and its oils unrecoverable.
As of March 2023, the Board allows pharmaceutical processors to sell whole flower to patients.
Virginia Licenses
On September 25, 2018, the Virginia Board announced the conditional approval of pharmaceutical processor permits for each of Virginia’s five health service areas. Columbia Care Eastern Virginia LLC was awarded conditional approval for Health Services Area V and was granted a final permit to operate a facility in that area on April 6, 2020.
Holding Entity |
|
Permit/License |
|
City |
|
Expiration/Renewal Date (if applicable) (MM/DD/YY) |
|
Description |
Columbia Care Eastern Virginia LLC |
|
Pharmaceutical Processor Permit #0240000002 |
|
Portsmouth, VA |
|
04/30/24 |
|
Cultivation, Processing and Dispensary |
Columbia Care Eastern Virginia, LLC |
|
Cannabis Dispensing Facility #0247000004 |
|
Virginia Beach, VA |
|
12/31/24 |
|
Dispensary |
Columbia Care Eastern Virginia, LLC |
|
Cannabis Dispensing Facility Permit #0247000010 |
|
Williamsburg, VA |
|
11/30/24 |
|
Dispensary |
Columbia Care Eastern Virginia, LLC |
|
Cannabis Dispensing Facility Permit #0247000012 |
|
Hampton, VA |
|
01/31/25 |
|
Dispensary |
Columbia Care Eastern Virginia, LLC |
|
Cannabis Dispensing Facility Permit #0247000014 |
|
Norfolk, VA |
|
03/31/24 |
|
Dispensary |
Columbia Care Eastern Virginia, LLC |
|
Cannabis Dispensing Facility Permit #0247000017 |
|
Suffolk, VA |
|
07/31/24 |
|
Dispensary |
Green Leaf Medical of Virginia, LLC |
|
Pharmaceutical Processor Permit #0240000003 |
|
Richmond, VA |
|
05/31/24 |
|
Cultivation, Processing and Dispensary |
Green Leaf Medical of Virginia, LLC |
|
Cannabis Dispensing Facility #0247000003 |
|
Glen Allen, VA |
|
11/30/24 |
|
Dispensary |
Green Leaf Medical of Virginia, LLC |
|
Cannabis Dispensing Facility Permit #0247000013 |
|
Colonial Heights, VA |
|
02/29/24 |
|
Dispensary |
Green Leaf Medical of Virginia, LLC |
|
Cannabis Dispensing Facility Permit #0247000009 |
|
Richmond, VA |
|
10/31/24 |
|
Dispensary |
Virginia Security, Transportation, and Storage Requirements
Pharmaceutical processors and cannabis dispensing facilities are subject to a number of inventory and security requirements. They must conduct an initial comprehensive inventory; establish ongoing inventory controls and procedures; conduct the requisite inventory reviewed (weekly inventory reviews for pharmaceutical processors and perpetual inventory for cannabis dispensing facilities); and prepare an annual inventory report. Inventory records must be made available to the Virginia CC and its agents. All parts of the cannabis plant and its oils must be stored in a locked and secured vault or safe with appropriate access limitations, and the pharmaceutical processor or cannabis dispensing facility must maintain a sophisticated security system meeting certain Virginia CC criteria. Storage of cannabis and its oils must generally be clean, sanitary, safe, and subject to a number of conditions. The pharmaceutical processor’s or cannabis dispensing facility’s video system must cover areas where cannabis or its oils are handled.
56
Recordings must be stored for 30 days and made available for the Virginia CC’s immediate review upon request. Security events must be reported to the Virginia CC. Pharmaceutical processors and cannabis dispensing facilities may not transport cannabis or its oils to any other facility, except for the wholesale purposes specified above.
Virginia CC Inspections
At all times, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians at the pharmaceutical processor or cannabis dispensing facility must have their current license or registration available for inspection by the Virginia CC or its agents.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Washington, D.C. Regulatory Landscape
Washington, D.C.’s medical cannabis program is governed by D.C. Code § 7-1671.01 et seq. and the implementing regulations, CDCR 22-C100 et seq. The program authorizes all registered, qualified patients and caregivers to purchase medical cannabis from any licensed dispensary in the District. Registrations cards for District residents are valid for two years from the date of issuance. The program also authorizes medical cannabis cardholders from other states to purchase medical cannabis from any licensed dispensary in the District. The program accepts medical cannabis cards from any state or U.S. territory that has an active medical cannabis program and issues either a card or state-issued document evidencing the patient’s participation in the program as long as that state or territory extends reciprocity to the District. The program also allows non-District residents to apply for a 30-day temporary registration.
The medical cannabis program creates licensing regimes for dispensaries and cultivation centers. A dispensary registered to operate in the District of Columbia may (a) possess and sell medical cannabis to registered qualified patients and caregivers; and (b) manufacture, purchase, possess, and distribute paraphernalia and cigarette rolling papers to registered qualified patients and caregivers. All medical cannabis sold by a licensed dispensary must be provided by a District-licensed and located medical cannabis cultivator. A cultivation center registered to operate in the District of Columbia may: (a) possess, manufacture, grow, cultivate, and distribute medical cannabis for sale to registered dispensaries; and (b) manufacture, purchase, possess, and distribute paraphernalia and cigarette rolling papers to registered dispensaries. The number of dispensaries in the District of Columbia is capped at 8, while the number of cultivation centers is capped at 14. Currently, there are seven operating dispensaries and six operating cultivation centers. An application processes for an additional dispensary license, two additional cultivation centers, and two testing laboratories was completed on September 28, 2022.
On January 30, 2023, the Mayor of Washington, D.C. signed the Medical Cannabis Amendment Act of 2022 that includes substantial changes to the medical cannabis program, including removing the caps on licenses, establishing a process for unlicensed establishment to obtain a medical cannabis business license, creating new license categories and endorsement, allowing qualifying patients to self-certify and creating a civil enforcement mechanism for businesses distributing or selling cannabis without a license. The Act is currently being reviewed by Congress. According to the D.C. City Council, the “Projected Law Date is Mar 28, 2023” unless Congress passes a Resolution of Disapproval.
The Company (through its subsidiaries in Washington, D.C.) follows the regulatory framework enacted by Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. License Requirements
Before issuing or renewing a registration or permit for either a business applicant or an individual applicant, the Director of the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (“ABRA”) shall determine that the applicant meets all of the following criteria: the applicant is of good character and generally fit for the responsibilities of registration; the applicant is at least twenty-one (21) years of age; the applicant has not been convicted of any felony before filing the application; the applicant has not been convicted of a misdemeanor for a drug-related offense before filing the application; the applicant has paid the annual fee; the applicant is not a licensed physician making patient recommendations; the applicant is not a person whose authority to be a caregiver or qualified patient has been revoked by the ABRA; and the applicant has complied with the relevant laws and regulations. The application process is extensive and requires dispensaries to submit information about the proposed facility; a security plan; an inventory plan; a product safety and labeling plan; a business and marketing plan; comments from a neighborhood commission; and an educational materials plan. Cultivation centers must similarly submit information about the proposed facility; a security plan; a cultivation plan; a product safety and labeling plan; a business plan; comments from a neighborhood commission; and an environmental plan.
Applicants’ leadership team and personnel are also subject to scrutiny during the application process. Applicants must identify all of its directors, officers, members, or incorporators on its application. Those individuals and other agents of the applicant must submit to a registration process which includes (a) written statements or evidence establishing to the satisfaction of the ABRA that the applicant meets all of the registration qualifications; (b) a copy of the applicant’s medical marijuana training and education certificate, and (c) a criminal background check. An applicant’s managers and employees are subject to a similar registration process that involves a criminal background check.
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Washington, D.C. Security, Storage, and Transportation Requirements
Dispensaries and cultivation centers must comply with a number of security measures. Medical marijuana located on the premises must be stored in a separate storage area which is securely closed and locked when the establishment is prohibited from operating or is closed. The storage area shall have a volumetric intrusion detection device(s) installed and connected to the facility intrusion detection system. A cultivation center or dispensary must also install and use a highly secured safe for overnight storage of any processed marijuana, transaction records, and cash on the registered premises.
A dispensary or cultivation center must operate and maintain in good working order a 24/7 closed-circuit television surveillance system on the premises that complies with several minimum standards, including: (1) the system must visually record and monitor the entire facility including entrances and exits, parking lots, limited access areas, and areas where medical marijuana is cultivated, stored, dispensed, or destroyed; (2) cameras must be adequate for the lighting, produce digital, time stamped video, and capable of producing a DVD; (3) the system must be in good working order, and malfunctions must be reported; (4) footage must be stored for 30 days. Upon request, recordings must be turned over to police or the ABRA. A dispensary or cultivation center must also install, maintain, and use a professionally monitored robbery and burglary alarm system meeting certain requirements.
Unused surplus marijuana must be weighed, documented, and submitted to the police for destruction. Stolen or lost marijuana must be reported to the police within 24 hours of becoming aware of the theft or loss.
In order to transport marijuana within the District, a cultivation center must obtain a transport permit from the ABRA. Each vehicle used for the transportation of marijuana must have its own original permit. Only cultivation center employees, directors, officers, members, incorporators, agents, or contracted agents may transport marijuana.
Washington D.C. Operational Requirements
Applicants for a cultivation center or dispensary must submit a proposed staffing plan; a proposed security plan meeting a number of criteria specified in CDCR 22-C5406.2 or C5405.2, respectively; a cultivation plan that covers where medical marijuana will be cultivated and stored (for cultivators); a product safety and labeling plan that satisfies several criteria specified in CDCR 22-C 5607; a written statement regarding the suitability of the proposed facility for the medical marijuana operation; and a notarized written statement from the applicant that they have read the District of Columbia’s medical marijuana law and have knowledge of the District of Columbia and federal laws relating to marijuana. Two or more cultivation centers may operate in the same building, provided that they maintain separate books and records and their own secure premises. And, a cultivation center and a dispensary may operate in the same building so long as they have the same ownership, maintain separate books and records, maintain separate secure space, and provided that patients and caregivers are prohibited from entering the cultivation area.
Department Inspections
ABRA may conduct announced and unannounced investigations and inspections of cultivation centers and dispensaries. During such inspections and investigations, the ABRA may review the cultivation center’s confidential records, and failure by a dispensary or cultivation center to provide the ABRA with immediate access to requested information may result in a civil fine and further sanctions.
Washington D.C. Licenses
The Company operates in Washington D.C., through a wholly-owned subsidiary, Columbia Care DC, and through a management services arrangement with VentureForth LLC. The table below describes the Cultivation Center Registration held by Columbia Care DC and the Dispensary Registration and Cultivation Center Registration held by VentureForth LLC.
Holding Entity |
|
Permit/License |
|
City |
|
Expiration/Renewal Date (if applicable) (MM/DD/YY) |
|
Description |
Columbia Care DC |
|
Cultivation Center Registration #MMP00231 |
|
Washington D.C. |
|
12/31/25 |
|
Cultivation |
VentureForth LLC |
|
Dispensary Registration #MMP00067 |
|
Washington D.C. |
|
02/29/24 |
|
Dispensary |
VentureForth LLC |
|
Cultivation Center Registration #MMP00049 |
|
Washington D.C. |
|
12/31/25 |
|
Cultivation |
Registration renewals in Washington D.C. are granted annually. Prior to the third renewal, an advisory neighborhood commission is entitled to a comment period during which they can submit an objection to the renewal. Provided that the requisite renewal fees are paid, the renewal application is submitted in a timely manner, and there are no material violations noted against the applicable
58
registrations, Columbia Care DC and VentureForth LLC entities would expect to receive the applicable renewed registrations in the ordinary course of business.
WEST VIRGINIA
Regulatory Landscape
Senate Bill 386, signed into law on April 19, 2017, by Governor Jim Justice, created the Medical Cannabis Act that allows for cannabis to be used for certified medical use by a West Virginia resident with a serious medical condition and is limited to the following forms: pill; oil; topical forms including gels, creams or ointments; a form medically appropriate for administration by vaporization or nebulization, dry leaf or plant form; tincture; liquid; or dermal patch. The medical cannabis program is administered by the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health, Office of Medical Cannabis (the “WV Bureau”). The Office has authority to (1) issue and oversee permits that authorize businesses to grow, process, or dispense medical cannabis in compliance with state law and regulations, (2) register medical practitioners who certify patients as having qualifying serious medical conditions, and (3) register and oversee patients with qualifying conditions. Medical cannabis may only be dispensed to a patient who receives a certification from a practitioner and is in possession of a valid identification card issued by the WV Bureau ; and a caregiver who is in possession of a valid identification card issued by the Bureau. Products packaged by a grower/processor or sold by a dispensary shall only be identified by the name of the grower/processor, the name of the dispensary, the form and species of medical cannabis, the percentage of tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabinol contained in the product.
A dispensary that has been issued a permit may lawfully dispense medical cannabis to a patient or caregiver upon presentation to the dispensary of a valid identification card for that patient or caregiver. Dispensaries are prohibited from dispensing cannabis products to anyone other than a registered patient or caregiver who presents a valid identification card from the Office. Dispensing amounts are limited to those indicated in a registered patient’s certification by his/her medical practitioner, and in any event a dispensary may not dispense more than a 30-day supply at a given time.
The WV Bureau and the Department of Revenue must monitor the price of medical cannabis sold by growers, processors and by dispensaries, including a per-dose price. If the WV Bureau and the Department of Revenue determine that the prices are unreasonable or excessive, the WV Bureau may implement a cap on the price of medical cannabis being sold for a period of six months.
The WV Bureau’s Office of Medical Cannabis (the “WV Office”) received applications for medical cannabis growers, processors, dispensaries, and laboratories in Spring 2020. The Office of Medical Cannabis issued 10 grower permits on October 3, 2020. It issued 10 processor permits on November 13, 2020. It issued 100 dispensary permits on January 29, 2021, and announced that, beginning February 3, 2021, West Virginia residents with serious medical conditions would be able to begin to submit applications to become registered patients.
Permits issued by the Office of Medical Cannabis are effective for one year from the date of issuance and may be renewed by applicants in good standing with the terms of a currently-effective permit. Permits may be suspended or revoked on the basis of failure to prevent diversion of medical cannabis, or violation of laws and rules applicable to medical cannabis businesses.
Successful Applications in West Virginia
On October 2, 2020, the Office announced the successful applicants for medical cannabis grower permits and Columbia Care WV, LLC was selected for a site in Falling Water, Berkley County, WV. On November 13, 2020, the WV Office announced the successful applicants for medical cannabis processor permits Columbia Care WV, LLC was selected for a site in Falling Water, Berkley County, WV.
On January 29, 2021, Columbia Care WV, LLC was awarded dispensary permits with respect to dispensary locations in Fayetteville, St. Albans, Morgantown, Beckley, and Williamstown.
Permit Requirements
In awarding a cannabis permit, the WV Bureau must make a determination: that the applicant will maintain effective control of and prevent diversion of medical cannabis; the applicant will comply with all applicable laws of West Virginia; if the applicant is a business entity, majority ownership in the business entity must be held by a state resident or residents; whether the applicant possesses the ability to obtain in an expeditious manner sufficient land, buildings, and equipment to properly grow, process, or dispense medical cannabis; and whether the applicant is able to implement and maintain security, tracking, recordkeeping, and surveillance systems
59
relating to the acquisition, possession, growth, manufacture, sale, delivery, transportation, distribution, or the dispensing of medical cannabis as required by the WV Bureau. A permit is nontransferable. The fee for a permit as a grower/processor is $50,000.
Holding Entity |
|
Permit/License |
|
City |
|
Expiration/Renewal Date (if applicable) (MM/DD/YY) |
|
Description |
Columbia Care WV LLC |
|
Medical Cannabis Grower Permit G020003 |
|
Falling Waters, WV |
|
09/30/24 |
|
Cultivation |
Columbia Care WV LLC |
|
Medical Cannabis Processor Permit P020004 |
|
Falling Waters, WV |
|
11/12/24 |
|
Processor |
Columbia Care WV LLC |
|
Medical Cannabis Dispensary Permit D540058 |
|
Williamstown, WV |
|
01/28/25 |
|
Dispensary |
Columbia Care WV LLC |
|
Medical Cannabis Dispensary Permit D100059 |
|
Huntington, WV |
|
01/28/25 |
|
Dispensary |
Columbia Care WV LLC |
|
Medical Cannabis Dispensary Permit D310060 |
|
Morgantown, WV |
|
01/28/25 |
|
Dispensary |
Columbia Care WV LLC |
|
Medical Cannabis Dispensary Permit D410061 |
|
Beckley, WV |
|
01/28/25 |
|
Dispensary |
Columbia Care WV LLC |
|
Medical Cannabis Dispensary Permit D200062 |
|
St. Albans, WV |
|
01/28/25 |
|
Dispensary |
Reporting Requirements
A medical cannabis organization must implement an electronic inventory tracking system which shall be directly accessible to the WV Bureau through its electronic database that electronically tracks all medical cannabis on a daily basis. The system shall include tracking of all of the following: for a grower or processor, a seed-to-sale tracking system that tracks the medical cannabis from seed to plant until the medical cannabis is sold to a dispensary; for a dispensary, medical cannabis from purchase from the grower/processor to sale to a patient or caregiver and that includes information that verifies the validity of an identification card presented by the patient or caregiver; for a medical cannabis organization, a daily log of each day’s beginning inventory, acquisitions, amounts purchased and sold, disbursements, disposals and ending inventory.
Inspections
The Office is permitted to conduct announced or unannounced inspections of permittees to determine their compliance with West Virginia law and regulations, and may inspect a permittee’s site, records, and other data, and may interview employees, principals, operators, and financial backers of the permittee. The Office will have free access to review and, if necessary, make copies of books, records, papers, documents, data, or other physical or electronic information that relates to the business of the medical cannabis organization, including financial data, sales data, shipping data, pricing data, and employee data. The Office will have free access to any area within a site or facility that is being used to store medical cannabis for testing purposes and are permitted to collect test samples for testing at an approved laboratory.
Security, Transportation, and Storage Requirements
Permittees must have security and surveillance systems, utilizing commercial-grade equipment, to prevent unauthorized entry and to
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prevent and detect an adverse loss. The security systems must incorporate a professionally monitored security alarm system that is operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and records all activity in images capable of clearly revealing facial detail; have the ability to clearly and accurately display the date and time; record all images captured by each surveillance camera for a minimum of 180 days in a format that may be easily accessed for investigative purposes; and utilize a security alarm system separate from the facility’s primary security system covering the limited access area or other room where the recordings are stored. Access to rooms containing security and surveillance monitoring equipment must be limited to persons who are essential to maintaining security and surveillance operations; federal, state and local law enforcement; security and surveillance system service employees; the bureau or its authorized agents; and other persons with the prior written approval of the Office.
A permittee is permitted to transport and deliver medical cannabis to a medical cannabis organization or an approved laboratory. A grower/processor may deliver medical cannabis to a medical cannabis organization or an approved laboratory only between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. A grower/processor may contract with a third-party contractor for delivery so long as the contractor complies with the Office’s rules and regulations. A grower/processor must use a global positioning system to ensure safe, efficient delivery of the medical cannabis to a medical cannabis organization or an approved laboratory. Vehicles permitted to transport medical cannabis must be equipped with a secure lockbox or locking cargo area, have no markings that would either identify or indicate that the vehicle is being used to transport medical cannabis, be capable of being temperature-controlled for perishable medical cannabis, as appropriate, display current state inspection stickers and maintain a current state vehicle registration, and be insured in an amount that is commercially reasonable and appropriate. Medical cannabis stored inside the transport vehicle may not be visible from the outside of the transport vehicle. A transport vehicle is subject to inspection by the bureau or its authorized agents, law enforcement, or other federal or state officials, if necessary, to perform the government officials’ functions and duties.
Available Information
Our website address is https://cannabistcompany.com. Through this website, our filings with the SEC, including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports, will be accessible (free of charge) as soon as reasonably practicable after materials are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. The information provided on our website is not part of this document.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Certain factors may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. 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 “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our financial statements and the related notes thereto 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 shares of our common shares 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
Marijuana remains illegal under federal law, and enforcement of cannabis laws could change.
The Company both directly and indirectly engages in the cannabis industry in the United States where local and state laws permit such activities. Investors are cautioned that in the United States, cannabis is largely regulated at the state level. To the Company’s knowledge, as of December 31, 2023, 37 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands have passed laws broadly legalizing marijuana for medicinal use by eligible patients. In the District of Columbia, the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam and 21 of these states, marijuana has been legalized for adult use, although not all of those jurisdictions have fully implemented their legalization programs. These include the states and territories in which the Company operates. Notwithstanding the permissive regulatory environment of cannabis at the state level, cannabis continues to be categorized as a Schedule 1 controlled substance under the CSA and as such, cultivation, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis violates federal law in the United States. The inconsistency between federal and state laws and regulations is a major risk factor.
Federal prosecutors are free to utilize their prosecutorial discretion to decide whether to prosecute cannabis activities despite the existence of state-level laws that may be inconsistent with federal prohibitions. It is not yet known whether the Department of Justice under President Biden and Attorney General Garland will re- adopt the Cole Memo or announce a substantive marijuana enforcement policy. Attorney General Garland stated at a confirmation hearing before the United States Senate that “It does not seem to me a useful use of limited resources that we have, to be pursuing prosecutions in states that have legalized and that are regulating the use of marijuana, either medically or otherwise. I don’t think that’s a useful use.”1 Garland reiterated this view at a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing on April 26, 2022. When asked by Senator Brian Schatz whether he intended to reissue guidance encouraging
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federal prosecutors to use discretion in marijuana cases in states that have legalized. “I laid this out in my confirmation hearing, and my view hasn’t really changed since then,” Garland replied. “The Justice Department has almost never prosecuted use of marijuana, and it’s not going to be.”2 Marijuana prosecutions are “not an efficient use of the resources given the opioid and methamphetamine epidemic that we have,” he said. However, Garland declined to comment on whether the Department of Justice intended to formally re-adopt the Cole Memo. Recently, in testimony in February of 2023 before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Attorney General Garland said the DOJ is “still working on a marijuana policy” and that policy – when issued – “will be very close to what was done in the Cole Memorandum.” Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that the federal government will not seek to prosecute cases involving cannabis businesses that are otherwise compliant with state law. Federal law is separate from state law in these circumstances; therefore, the federal government can assert criminal violations of federal law despite state law. If the current administration was to aggressively pursue financiers or equity owners of cannabis-related businesses, and United States Attorneys followed such Department of Justice policies through pursuing prosecutions, then the Company could face (i) seizure of its cash and other assets used to support or derived from its cannabis subsidiaries; and (ii) the arrest of its employees, directors, officers, managers and investors, who could face charges of ancillary criminal violations of the CSA for aiding and abetting and conspiring to violate the CSA by virtue of providing financial support to state-licensed or permitted cultivators, processors, distributors, and/or retailers of cannabis.
The Department of Justice under the current administration or an aggressive federal prosecutor could allege that the Company and the Board and, potentially its shareholders, “aided and abetted” violations of federal law by providing finances and services to its operating subsidiaries. Under these circumstances, it is possible that the federal prosecutor would seek to seize the assets of the Company, and to recover the “illicit profits” previously distributed to shareholders resulting from any of the foregoing financing or services. In these circumstances, the Company’s operations would cease, the Company securityholders may lose their entire investment and directors, officers and/or the Company’s shareholders may be left to defend any criminal charges against them at their own expense and, if convicted, be sent to federal prison. Violations of any federal laws 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. This could have a material adverse effect on the Company, including its reputation and ability to conduct business, its holding (directly or indirectly) of cannabis licenses in the United States, the listing of its securities on the Exchanges or other applicable exchanges, its financial position, operating results, profitability or liquidity or the market price of its listed securities.
Overall, an investor’s contribution to and involvement in the Company’s activities may result in federal civil and/or criminal prosecution, including forfeiture of his, her or its entire investment.
There is no guarantee that the Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment will be renewed.
The Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment has been adopted by U.S. Congress in successive budgets since 2015. The Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment prohibits the Department of Justice from spending funds appropriated by Congress to enforce the tenets of the CSA against the medical cannabis industry in states which have legalized such activity. This amendment has historically been passed as an amendment to omnibus appropriations bills, which by their nature expire at the end of a fiscal year or other defined term. Notably, Rohrabacher-Farr has applied only to medical marijuana programs and has not provided the same protections to enforcement against adult-use activities. There is no guarantee that the Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment will be included in future legislation.
There is a risk of civil asset forfeiture of the Company’s assets.
Since the cannabis industry remains illegal under U.S. federal law, any property owned by participants in the cannabis industry which are either used in the course of conducting such business, or are the proceeds of such business, could be subject to seizure by law enforcement and subsequent civil asset forfeiture. Even if the owner of the property was 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.
The Company is subject to anti-money laundering laws and regulations.
The Company is subject to a variety of laws and regulations that relate to money laundering, financial recordkeeping and proceeds of crime, including the Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by Title III of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (USA PATRIOT Act), Sections 1956 and 1957 of U.S.C. Title 18 (the Money Laundering Control Act), the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (Canada), as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder, the Criminal Code (Canada) and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by governmental authorities in the United States and Canada. Banks often refuse to provide banking services to businesses involved in the U.S. cannabis industry due to the present state of the laws and regulations governing financial institutions in the United States. The lack of banking and financial services presents unique and significant challenges to businesses in
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the cannabis industry. The potential lack of a secure place in which to deposit and store cash, the inability to pay creditors through the issuance of checks and the inability to secure traditional forms of operational financing, such as lines of credit, are some of the many challenges presented by the unavailability of traditional banking and financial services.
In February 2014, FinCEN, a division of the U.S. Department of Treasury, issued the FinCEN Guidance, providing instructions to banks seeking to provide services to cannabis-related businesses. The FinCEN Guidance 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. It refers to supplementary guidance that former Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole issued to federal prosecutors relating to the prosecution of money laundering offenses predicated on cannabis-related violations of the CSA. While the FinCEN Guidance has not been rescinded by the Department of Justice at this time, it remains unclear whether the current administration will follow its guidelines. Overall, 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 in states that have legalized the applicable conduct, and the Department of Justice’s current enforcement priorities could change for any number of reasons, including a change in the opinions of the President of the United States or the United States Attorney General. A change in the Department of Justice’s enforcement priorities could result in the Department of Justice prosecuting banks and financial institutions for crimes that previously were not prosecuted.
In the event that any of the Company’s operations, or any proceeds thereof, any dividends or distributions therefrom, or any profits or revenues accruing from such operations 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 restrict or otherwise jeopardize the ability of the Company to declare or pay dividends, effect other distributions or subsequently repatriate such funds back to Canada. Furthermore, while there are no current intentions to declare or pay dividends on the Common Shares in the foreseeable future, in the event that a determination was made that the Company’s proceeds from operations (or any future operations or investments in the United States) could reasonably be shown to constitute proceeds of crime, the Company may decide or be required to suspend declaring or paying dividends without advance notice and for an indefinite period of time.
U.S. border officials could deny entry into the U.S. to employees of, or investors in companies with cannabis operations in the United States.
Since cannabis remains illegal under U.S. federal law, those employed at or investing in legal and licensed cannabis companies could face detention, denial of entry or lifetime bans from the U.S. for their business associations with U.S. cannabis businesses. Entry happens at the sole discretion of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers on duty, and these officers have wide latitude to ask questions to determine the admissibility of a foreign national. The Government of Canada has warned travelers on its website that previous use of cannabis, or any substance prohibited by U.S. federal laws, could mean denial of entry to the U.S. In addition, business or financial involvement in the legal cannabis industry in the United States could also be reason enough for U.S. border guards to deny entry. On September 21, 2018, U.S. Customs and Border Protection released a statement outlining its current position with respect to enforcement of the laws of the United States. It stated that U.S. Customs and Border Protection enforcement of United States laws regarding controlled substances has not changed and because cannabis continues to be a controlled substance under United States law, working in or facilitating the proliferation of the legal cannabis industry in U.S. states where it is deemed legal may affect admissibility to the U.S. As a result, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has affirmed that, a Canadian citizen working in or facilitating the proliferation of the legal cannabis industry in Canada, coming to the U.S. for reasons unrelated to the cannabis industry, will generally be admissible to the U.S.; however, if a traveler is found to be coming to the U.S. for reasons related to the cannabis industry, they may be deemed inadmissible.
The Company may lack access to U.S. bankruptcy protections.
Since the use of cannabis is illegal under federal law, many courts have denied cannabis businesses bankruptcy protections, thus making it very difficult for lenders to recoup their investments in the cannabis industry in the event of a bankruptcy. If the Company were to experience a bankruptcy, there is no guarantee that U.S. federal bankruptcy protections would be available to the Company’s United States subsidiaries and operations, which could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition and prospects of the Company and on the rights of lenders to and securityholders of the Company.
The Company may face heightened scrutiny by regulatory authorities.
For the reasons set forth above, the Company’s existing operations in the United States, and any future operations or investments, may become the subject of heightened scrutiny by regulators, stock exchanges and other authorities in Canada and the U.S. As a result, the Company may be subject to significant direct and indirect interaction with public officials. There can be no assurance that this
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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 restrictions described herein. It had been reported in Canada that the Canadian Depository for Securities Limited was considering a policy shift that would see its subsidiary, CDS Clearing and Depository Services Inc. (“CDS”), refuse to settle trades for cannabis issuers that have activities in the United States. CDS is Canada’s central securities depository, clearing and settling trades in the Canadian equity, fixed income and money markets. The TMX Group, the owner and operator of CDS, subsequently issued a statement on August 17, 2017 reaffirming that there is no CDS ban on the clearing of securities of issuers with cannabis related activities in the United States, despite media reports to the contrary and that the TMX Group was working with regulators to arrive at a solution that will clarify this matter, which would be communicated at a later time.
On February 8, 2018, following discussions with the Canadian Securities Administrators and recognized Canadian securities exchanges, the TMX Group announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with the NEO Exchange (now Cboe”), the CSE, the Toronto Stock Exchange, and the TSX Venture Exchange. 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 exchanges to review the conduct of listed issuers.
As a result, there is no CDS ban on the clearing of securities of issuers with cannabis-related activities in the United States. However, there can be no guarantee that this approach to regulation will continue in the future. If such a ban were to be implemented at a time when the Common Shares or other securities of the Company are listed on a stock exchange, it would have a material adverse effect on the ability of holders of Common Shares or such other securities to make and settle trades. In particular, the Common Shares or such other securities would become highly illiquid as until an alternative was implemented. Investors would have no ability to effect a trade of the Common Shares or such other securities through the facilities of the applicable stock exchange.
Residents of the United States may be unable to settle trades of the Company’s securities.
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 United States cannabis industry which may prohibit or significantly impair the ability of securityholders in the United States to trade the securities of the Company. In the event residents of the United States are unable to settle trades of the Company 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.
The cannabis industry may experience legal, regulatory or political change.
The success of the business strategy of the Company depends on the legality of the cannabis industry. The political environment surrounding the cannabis industry in general can be volatile and the regulatory framework remains in flux. To the Company’s knowledge, there are to date a total of at least 37 states, and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam that have legalized cannabis in some form; however, the risk remains that a shift in the regulatory or political realm could occur and have a drastic impact on the industry as a whole, adversely impacting the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition or prospects. Delays in enactment of new state or federal regulations could restrict the ability of the Company to reach strategic growth targets and lower return on investor capital. The strategic growth strategy of the Company is reliant upon certain federal and state regulations being enacted to facilitate the legalization of cannabis. If such regulations are not enacted, or enacted but subsequently repealed or amended, or enacted with prolonged phase-in periods, the growth targets of the Company, and thus, the effect on the return of investor capital, could be detrimental. The Company is unable to predict with certainty when and how the outcome of these complex regulatory and legislative proceedings will affect its business and growth.
Further, there is no guarantee 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. If the federal government begins to enforce federal laws relating to cannabis in states where the sale and use of cannabis is currently legal, or if existing applicable state laws are repealed or curtailed, the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects would be materially adversely affected. It is also important to note that local and city ordinances may strictly limit and/or restrict the sale of cannabis in a manner that will make it extremely difficult or impossible to transact business that is necessary for the continued operation of the cannabis industry. Federal actions against individuals or entities engaged in the cannabis industry or a repeal of applicable cannabis related legislation could adversely affect the Company and its business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.
States where medical and/or adult use cannabis is legal, currently have or are considering special taxes or fees on businesses in the cannabis industry The implementation of additional taxes and/or fees could have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition or prospects.
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Overall, the cannabis industry is subject to significant regulatory change at the local, state and federal levels. The inability of the Company to respond to the changing regulatory landscape may cause it to be unsuccessful in capturing significant market share and could otherwise harm its business, results of operations, financial condition or prospects.
The Company may have difficulty accessing the services of banks, which may make it difficult to operate its business.
Financial transactions involving proceeds generated by cannabis-related conduct can form the basis for prosecution under the federal money laundering statutes, unlicensed money transmitter statute and the Bank Secrecy Act. Previous guidance issued by the FinCEN clarifies how financial institutions can provide services to cannabis-related businesses consistent with their obligations under the Bank Secrecy Act. Prior to the DOJ’s announcement in January 2018 of the rescission of the Cole Memo and related memoranda, supplemental guidance from the DOJ directed federal prosecutors to consider the federal enforcement priorities enumerated in the Cole Memo when determining whether to charge institutions or individuals with any of the financial crimes described above based upon cannabis-related activity. It is unclear if the rescission of the Cole Memo will have an impact, but federal prosecutors may increase enforcement activities against institutions or individuals that are conducting financial transactions related to cannabis activities. The increased uncertainty surrounding financial transactions related to cannabis activities may also result in financial institutions discontinuing services to the cannabis industry.
Consequently, those businesses involved in the regulated cannabis industry continue to encounter difficulty establishing banking relationships, which may increase over time. The Company’s inability to maintain its current bank accounts would make it difficult for the Company to operate its business, increase its operating costs, and pose additional operational, logistical and security challenges and could result in its inability to implement its business plan.
The Company may have difficulty accessing public and private capital.
The Company has historically and will continue to have access to equity financing from the public capital markets by virtue of its status as a reporting issuer in each of the provinces and territories of Canada (other than Quebec).
The Company has historically, and continues to have, access to equity and debt financing from the prospectus exempt (private placement) markets in Canada and the U.S. The Company also has relationships with sources of private capital (such as funds and high net worth individuals) that could provide financing at a higher cost of capital.
While the Company is not able to obtain bank financing in the U.S. or financing from other U.S. federally regulated entities, it currently has access to equity financing through the private markets in Canada and the U.S. Since the use of cannabis is illegal under U.S. federal law, and in light of concerns in the banking industry regarding money laundering and other federal financial crime related to cannabis, U.S. banks have been reluctant to accept deposit funds from businesses involved with the cannabis industry. Consequently, businesses involved in the cannabis industry often have difficulty finding a bank willing to accept their business. Likewise, cannabis businesses have limited access, if any, to credit card processing services. As a result, cannabis businesses in the U.S. are to a significant degree cash based. This complicates the implementation of financial controls and increases security issues.
Commercial banks, private equity firms and venture capital firms have approached the cannabis industry cautiously to date. However, there are increasing numbers of high-net-worth individuals and family offices that have made meaningful investments in companies and businesses similar to the Company. Although there has been an increase in the amount of private financing available over time, there is neither a broad nor deep pool of institutional capital that is available to cannabis license holders and license applicants. There can be no assurance that additional financing, if raised privately, will be available to the Company when needed or on terms which are acceptable to the Company. The Company’s inability to raise financing to pay debts or to fund capital expenditures or acquisitions could limit its growth and may have a material adverse effect upon future profitability.
The Company may face unfavorable publicity or consumer perception.
The Company believes the cannabis industry is highly dependent upon consumer perception regarding the safety, efficacy and quality of the cannabis produced. Consumer perception of the Company’s products can 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. The Company’s dependence upon consumer perceptions means that adverse scientific research reports, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention or other publicity, whether or not accurate or with merit, could have a material adverse effect on the Company, the demand for products, and the business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows of the Company. Further, adverse publicity reports or other media attention regarding the safety, efficacy and quality of medical cannabis in general, or the Company’s products specifically, or associating the consumption of medical cannabis with illness or other negative effects or
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events, could have a material adverse effect. Such adverse publicity reports or other media attention could arise even if the adverse effects associated with such products resulted from consumers’ failure to consume such products legally, appropriately or as directed.
The results of future clinical research may have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Research regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, dosing and social acceptance of cannabis or isolated cannabinoids (such as CBD and THC) remains in early stages. There have been relatively few clinical trials on the benefits of cannabis or isolated cannabinoids (such as CBD and THC). Future research studies and clinical trials may 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 the Company’s products with the potential to lead to a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
Expansion into the adult-use cannabis market may subject the Company to additional regulation.
The Company has obtained and may continue in the future to pursue licenses to permit the sale of adult-use cannabis where local or state law permits such activities. Any change in the Company’s strategy would involve the adoption of new local or state regulations which are evolving rapidly. Sometimes new risks emerge and management may not be able to predict all of them or be able to predict how they may cause actual results to be different from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Failure to comply with the requirements of local or state law or any failure to maintain its licenses could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business, financial condition and operating results. In addition, with each new market that the Company enters, it will incur ongoing costs and obligations related to regulatory compliance. Failure to comply with regulations may result in additional costs for corrective measures, penalties or restrictions imposed on its operations. In addition, changes in regulations, more vigorous enforcement thereof or other unanticipated events could require extensive changes to the Company’s operations, increased compliance costs or give rise to material liabilities, which could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations and financial condition. Additionally, adult use cannabis businesses are not protected by the Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment, meaning the risk of federal prosecution are higher for adult use businesses.
The Company’s business is subject to a variety of laws, regulations and guidelines.
The Company’s business is subject to a variety of laws, regulations and guidelines relating to the cultivation, manufacture, management, transportation, processing, storage and disposal of cannabis, including laws and regulations relating to health and safety, the conduct of operations and the protection of the environment. Achievement of the Company’s business objectives are contingent, in part, upon compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and obtaining all requisite regulatory approvals. Changes to such laws, regulations and guidelines due to matters beyond the control of the Company may cause material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects.
The Company is required to obtain or renew government permits and licenses for its current and contemplated operations. Obtaining, amending or renewing the necessary governmental permits and licenses can be a time- consuming process potentially involving numerous regulatory agencies, involving public hearings and costly undertakings on the Company’s part. The duration and success of the Company’s efforts to obtain, amend and renew permits and licenses are contingent upon many variables not within its control, including the interpretation of applicable requirements implemented by the relevant permitting or licensing authority. the Company may not be able to obtain, amend or renew permits or licenses that are necessary to its operations. Any unexpected delays or costs associated with the permitting and licensing process could impede the ongoing or proposed operations of the Company. To the extent necessary permits or licenses are not obtained, amended or renewed, or are subsequently suspended or revoked, the Company may be curtailed or prohibited from proceeding with its ongoing operations or planned development and commercialization activities. Such curtailment or prohibition may result in a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects.
While the Company’s compliance controls have been developed to mitigate the risk of any material violations of any license or certificate it holds arising, there is no assurance that the Company’s licenses or certificates will be renewed by each applicable regulatory authority in the future in a timely manner. Any unexpected delays or costs associated with the licensing renewal process for any of the licenses or certificates held by the Company could impede the ongoing or planned operations of the Company and have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects.
The Company may face penalties for regulatory violations
The Company’s business and activities are heavily regulated in all jurisdictions where it conducts business. Our operations are subject to various laws, regulations and guidance by state and local governmental authorities relating to the manufacture, marketing,
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management, transportation, storage, sale, pricing and disposal of cannabis and cannabis, as well as other federal, state, and local laws, regulations and guidance. While the Company follows the law in all jurisdictions where it conducts business and pays attention to continuing compliance, any failure to comply with the statutory, regulatory, or other requirements of the Company’s operations may lead to possible sanctions including the revocation of licenses, suspension of licenses, or imposition of additional conditions on licenses or the imposition of fines or other penalties. Maintaining compliance with complex and often-changing regulations increases the risk that even 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 local or state cannabis laws. For these reasons, the Company could face penalties for regulatory violations that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects.
The Company may face risks related to FDA and FTC enforcement.
The manufacture, labeling and distribution of the Company’s products is or may become regulated by various federal, state and local agencies including, without limitation, the FDA, the FTC and analogous state agencies. If and when applicable, failure to comply with FDA requirements may result in, among other things, injunctions, product withdrawals, recalls, product seizures, fines and criminal prosecutions.
Our advertising activities are also or may become subject to regulation by the FTC under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Additionally, some states also permit advertising and labeling laws to be enforced by state attorney generals, who may seek relief for consumers, seek class-action certifications, seek class-wide damages and product recalls of the Company’s products. Any actions against us by any governmental authorities or private litigants could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Company may become involved in a number of government or agency proceedings, investigations and audits. The outcome of any regulatory or agency proceedings, investigations, audits, and other contingencies could harm the Company’s reputation, require the Company to take, or refrain from taking, actions that could harm its operations or require the Company to pay substantial amounts of funds, harming its financial condition. There can be no assurance that any pending or future regulatory or agency proceedings, investigations and audits will not result in substantial costs or a diversion of management’s attention and resources or have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects.
Cannabis businesses are subject to unfavorable tax treatment as a result of Section 280E.
Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code generally prohibits businesses from deducting or claiming tax credits with respect to expenses paid or incurred 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 CSA) which is prohibited by U.S. federal law or the law of any state in which such trade or business is conducted. Section 280E currently applies to businesses operating in the cannabis industry, irrespective of whether such businesses are licensed and operating in accordance with applicable state laws. The application of Section 280E generally causes such businesses to pay higher effective tax rates than most industries. As a result of Section 280E, the Company’s effective tax rate can be highly variable and depends on how large its ratio of non-deductible expenses is to its total revenues. The application of Section 280E to the Company may adversely affect the Company’s profitability and, in fact, may cause the Company to operate at a loss. There have been efforts at reforming federal cannabis law, however, none removing the impact or scope of Section 280E have passed into law and Section 280E will continue to apply to the Company indefinitely. While recent legislative proposals or executive branch initiatives, if enacted into law, could eliminate or diminish the application of Section 280E to cannabis businesses, the enactment of any such law or executive branch initiatives are uncertain. Accordingly, Section 280E may to apply to the Company indefinitely.
The Company’s service providers may suspend or withdraw their services.
As a result of any adverse change to the approach in enforcement of United States cannabis laws, adverse regulatory or political change, additional scrutiny by regulatory authorities, adverse change in public perception in respect of the consumption of cannabis or otherwise, third party service providers to the Company could suspend or withdraw their services, which may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, revenues, operating results, financial condition or prospects.
The Company may be unable to enforce its contracts.
It is a fundamental principle of law that a contract will not be enforced if it involves a violation of law or public policy. Since cannabis remains illegal in the United States at a federal level, judges in multiple U.S. states have on a number of occasions refused to enforce contracts for the repayment of money when the loan was used in connection with activities that violate federal law, even if there is no
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violation of state law. There remains doubt and uncertainty that the Company will be able to legally enforce contracts it enters into if necessary. The Company cannot be assured that it will have a remedy for breach of contract, which would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, revenues, operating results, financial condition and prospects.
Ability to grow the Company’s business depends on state laws pertaining to the cannabis industry.
Continued development of the cannabis industry depends upon continued legislative authorization of cannabis at the state level. The status quo of, or progress in, the regulated cannabis industry is not assured and any number of factors could slow or halt further progress in this area. While there may be ample public support for legislative action permitting the manufacture and use of cannabis, numerous factors impact the legislative process. For example, many states that voted to legalize medical and/or adult-use cannabis have seen significant delays in the drafting and implementation of industry regulations and issuance of licenses. In addition, burdensome regulation at the state level could slow or stop further development of the cannabis industry, such as limiting the medical conditions for which medical cannabis can be recommended by physicians for treatment, restricting the form in which cannabis can be consumed, imposing significant registration requirements on physicians and patients or imposing significant taxes on the growth, processing and/or retail sales of cannabis, which could have the impact of dampening growth of the cannabis industry and making it difficult for cannabis businesses to operate profitably in those states. Any one of these factors could slow or halt additional legislative authorization of cannabis, which could harm the Company’s business, revenues, operating results, financial condition and prospects.
Reliable data on the cannabis industry is not available.
As a result of recent and ongoing regulatory and policy changes in the cannabis industry, the market data available is limited and unreliable. Federal and state laws prevent widespread participation and hinder market research. Therefore, market research and projections by the Company of estimated total retail sales, demographics, demand, and similar consumer research, are based on assumptions from limited and sometimes unreliable market data.
Conversions and potential future sales of shares could adversely affect prevailing market prices for the common shares.
Subject to the restrictions set forth in the articles of the Company (the “Articles”), Common Shares may at any time, at the option of the holder, be converted into Proportionate Voting Shares on the basis of 100 Common Shares for one Proportionate Voting Share. Subject to the restrictions set forth in the Company’s Articles, each issued and outstanding Proportionate Voting Share may at any time, at the option of the holder, be converted into 100 Common Shares.
Further, the Company cannot predict the size of future issuances of Common Shares or the effect, if any, that future issuances and sales of Common Shares will have on the market price of the Common Shares. Sales of substantial amounts of Common Shares, or the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices for the Common Shares. The market price of the Common Shares could be adversely affected upon the expiration of lock up periods applicable to certain Cannabist Company shareholders.
Additional issuances of Common Shares, Proportionate Voting Shares, and Preferred Shares may result in dilution.
The Company may issue additional equity or convertible debt securities in the future, which may dilute existing shareholder’s holdings. The Articles permit the issuance of an unlimited number of Common Shares, Proportionate Voting Shares, and Preferred Shares (as defined herein), and existing shareholders will have no pre-emptive rights in connection with such further issuances. The 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 Subordinated Voting Shares.
The Company cannot predict the size or nature of future issuances or the effect that future issuances and sales of Common Shares, Proportionate Voting Shares, and Preferred Shares will have on the market price of the Common Shares registered hereunder. Issuances of a substantial number of additional Common Shares, Proportionate Voting Shares, and Preferred Shares, or the perception that such issuances could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices for the Common Shares. With any additional issuance of Common Shares, Proportionate Voting Shares, and Preferred Shares, investors will suffer dilution to their voting power and economic interest in the Company.
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The Company’s Articles provides that the Supreme Court of the Province of British Columbia, Canada and the appellate Courts therefrom are the sole and exclusive forum for any derivative action brought on behalf of the Company, which may limit our investors’ flexibility in selecting a forum for any future disputes.
The Company’s Articles provides that the Supreme Court of the Province of British Columbia, Canada and the appellate Courts therefrom are the sole and exclusive forum for any derivative action brought on behalf of the Company. The choice of forum provision may limit an investor’s ability to bring a derivative claim in a judicial forum of its choosing.
The Company may grow low quality cannabis.
The Company currently operates in an early-stage market which has a small representation of medical or adult-use cannabis consumers. Should the Company be unable to grow a quality product demanded by the consumers, this could have a material impact on the Company’s revenues and average price per gram.
The Company faces risks inherent in the agricultural business.
The Company’s business involves the growing of cannabis, which is an agricultural product. As such, the business is subject to the risks inherent in the agricultural business, including but not limited to, pests, plant diseases, crop failure and similar agricultural risks. Although the Company grows some of its products indoors under climate-controlled conditions and carefully monitors the growing conditions of its products with trained personnel, there can be no assurance that natural elements will not have a material adverse effect on the volume, quality and consistency of its products and consequently on the Company’s sales, profitability and financial condition.
Climate change could exacerbate certain of the risks inherent in the Company’s agricultural operations.
Climate change could result in increasing frequency and severity of weather-related events, resource shortages, changes in rainfall and storm patterns and intensities, water shortages and changing temperatures, and of which can damage or destroy crops, resulting in the Company having no or limited cannabis flower to process. If the Company is unable to harvest cannabis flower through its proprietary operations, its ability to meet customer demand, generate sales, and maintain operations will be impacted. Furthermore, severe weather-related events may result in substantial costs to the Company, including costs to respond during the event, to recover from the event, and to possibly modify existing or future infrastructure requirements to prevent recurrence. Climate changes could also disrupt the Company’s operations by impacting the availability and costs of materials needed for production and could increase insurance and other operating costs.
The Company may be directly or indirectly exposed to climate change risk from natural disasters, changes in weather patterns and severe weather, which may result in physical damage to the Company’s cultivation and processing facilities. Such damage may result in disrupted operations, and it may be difficult for the Company to continue its business for a substantial period of time, which could materially adversely impact the Company’s business, financial condition or operating results and could cause the market value of its Common Shares to decline. In addition, climate change has continued to attract the focus of governments, the scientific community and the general public as an important threat, given the emission of greenhouse gases and other activities continue to negatively impact the planet. The Company faces the risk that its operations will be subject to government initiatives aimed at countering climate change, which could impose increased costs or constraints on its operational flexibility.
The Company may face risks related to its third-party product manufacturers.
From time to time, some of the Company’s products maybe produced, packaged, and labeled by third-party vendors. The Company relies on its third-party vendors to obtain and maintain certain permits, licenses or other approvals from regulatory agencies in the jurisdictions in which they operate, including, in the case of certain jurisdictions, the ability to demonstrate compliance with current good manufacturing practice standards. Failure of a third-party vendor to maintain the requisite permits, licenses or other approvals, or otherwise conform to the strict regulatory requirements of any applicable regulatory authority may result in delays, interruptions in supply, product recalls or withdrawals, and could expose the Company to potential product liability claims, damage our reputation and the reputation of our brands or otherwise harm our business.
The Company is exposed to product liability claims.
As a distributor of products designed to be ingested by humans, the Company faces an inherent risk of exposure to product liability claims, regulatory action and litigation if its products are alleged to have caused significant loss or injury. In addition, the sale of the Company’s products involves the risk of injury to consumers due to tampering by unauthorized third parties or product contamination.
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Previously unknown adverse reactions resulting from human consumption of the Company’s products alone or in combination with other medications or substances could occur. the Company may be subject to various product liability claims, for which insurance coverage may not be available, including, among others, that the Company’s products caused injury or illness, include inadequate instructions for use or include inadequate warnings concerning possible side effects or interactions with other substances. A product liability claim or regulatory action against the Company could result in increased costs, could adversely affect the Company’s reputation with consumers generally, and could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations and financial condition of the Company.
The Company’s products may be subject to product recalls.
Manufacturers and distributors of products are sometimes subject to the recall or return of their products for a variety of reasons, including product defects, such as contamination, unintended harmful side effects or interactions with other substances, packaging safety and inadequate or inaccurate labelling disclosure. If any of the Company’s products are recalled due to an alleged product defect or for any other reason, the Company could be required to incur the unexpected expense of the recall and any legal proceedings that might arise in connection with the recall. The Company may lose a significant amount of sales and may not be able to replace those sales at an acceptable margin or at all.
Significant failure or deterioration of the Company’s quality control systems could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
The quality and safety of the Company’s products are critical to the success of its business and operations. As such, it is imperative that the Company’s quality control systems operate effectively and successfully. Quality control systems can be negatively impacted by the design of the quality control systems, the quality training program, and adherence by employees to quality control guidelines. Although the Company strives to ensure that it and any of its service providers have implemented and adhere to high caliber quality control systems, any significant failure or deterioration of such quality control systems could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects.
The Company is subject to environmental risk and regulation.
The Company’s operations are subject to environmental regulation in the various jurisdictions in which it operates. These regulations mandate, among other things, the maintenance of air and water quality standards and land reclamation. 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 Company’s operations.
Government approvals and permits are currently, and may in the future, be required in connection with the Company’s operations. To the extent such approvals are required and not obtained, the Company may be curtailed or prohibited from its current or proposed production, manufacturing or sale of cannabis or from proceeding with the development of its operations as currently proposed.
Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permitting requirements may result in enforcement actions thereunder, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities causing operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment, or remedial actions. the Company may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of its operations and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violations of applicable laws or regulations.
Amendments to current laws, regulations and permits governing the production or manufacturing of cannabis, or more stringent implementation thereof, could have a material adverse impact on the Company and cause increases in expenses, capital expenditures or production or manufacturing costs or reduction in levels of production or manufacturing or require abandonment or delays in development.
The Company has limited operating history.
As a growth enterprise in the emerging cannabis industry, the Company has a limited history of profitability. The Company is therefore subject to many of the risks common to early-stage enterprises, including under-capitalization, cash shortages, limitations with respect to personnel, financial, and other resources and lack of earnings. There is no assurance that the Company will be successful in achieving a return on shareholders’ investment and the likelihood of success must be considered in light of the early stage of operations.
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The Company had negative net losses during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, the Company sustained net losses and reported a small positive cash flow from operating activities. The Company’s cash balance as of December 31, 2023 was approximately $35.8 million. Although the Company reported positive cash flow from operating activities of $7.5 million, to the extent that the Company has negative cash flow in any future period, its cash balance or any proceeds from future offerings of securities of the Company may be used to fund such negative cash flow from operating activities.
The Company faces intense competition from other companies.
There is potential that the Company will face intense competition from other companies, some of which can be expected to have longer operating histories and more financial resources and experience than the Company. Increased competition by larger and better financed competitors could materially and adversely affect the business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of the Company. As a result of the early stage of the industry in which the Company operates, the Company expects to face additional competition from new entrants. To become and remain competitive, the Company will require research and development, marketing, sales and support. The Company may not have sufficient resources to maintain research and development, marketing, sales and support efforts on a competitive basis which could materially and adversely affect the business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of the Company.
The cannabis industry is undergoing rapid growth and substantial change, which has resulted in an increase in competitors, consolidation and formation of strategic relationships. Acquisitions or other consolidating transactions could harm the Company in a number of ways, including losing customers, revenue and market share, or forcing the Company to expend greater resources to meet new or additional competitive threats, all of which could harm the Company’s operating results. As competitors enter the market and become increasingly sophisticated, competition in the Company’s industry may intensify and place downward pressure on retail prices for its products and services, which could negatively impact its profitability.
New well-capitalized entrants into the cannabis industry may develop large-scale operations.
Currently, the cannabis industry generally is comprised of individuals and small to medium-sized entities; however, the risk exists that large conglomerates and companies who also recognize the potential for financial success through investment in this industry could strategically purchase or assume control of larger or a larger number of dispensaries and cultivation and production facilities. In doing so, these larger competitors could establish price setting and cost control practices which would effectively “price out” many of the individuals and small to medium-sized entities who currently make up the bulk of the participants in the varied businesses operating within and in support of the cannabis industry. While the approach in most state laws and regulations seemingly deters this type of takeover, this industry remains nascent and as indicated above, the future landscape remains largely unknown, especially as relates to the potential for interstate commerce in the cannabis industry in the United States, which might potentially be more advantageous to large conglomerates and companies as compared to the Company.
The Company is vulnerable to rising energy costs.
Cannabis growing operations consume considerable energy, making the Company potentially vulnerable to rising energy costs. Rising or volatile energy costs may adversely impact the business, results of operations, financial condition or prospects of the Company.
The Company is reliant is on key inputs.
The cannabis business is dependent on a number of key inputs (and impacted by 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 could materially impact the business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of the Company. Some of these inputs may only be available from a single supplier or a limited group of suppliers. If a sole source supplier was to go out of business, the Company 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 the Company in the future. Any inability to secure a replacement for such source in a timely manner or at all could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of the Company.
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The Company is reliant on suppliers and skilled labor.
The ability of the Company to compete and grow will be dependent on it having access, at a reasonable cost and in a timely manner, to skilled labor, equipment, parts and components. No assurances can be given that the Company will be successful in maintaining its required supply of skilled labor, equipment, parts and components. It is also possible that the final costs of the major equipment contemplated by the Company’s capital expenditure plans may be significantly greater than anticipated by the Company’s management and may be greater than the funds available to the Company, in which circumstance the Company may curtail, or extend the timeframes for completing, its capital expenditure plans. This could have an adverse effect on the business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of the Company.
The Company’s sales are difficult to forecast.
The Company must rely largely on its own market research to forecast sales as detailed forecasts are not generally obtainable from other sources at this early stage of the cannabis industry. A failure in the demand for its products to materialize as a result of competition, technological change or other factors could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, financial condition or prospects of the Company.
The Company faces intellectual property risks.
Cannabist Company may have certain proprietary intellectual property, including but not limited to patents and proprietary processes, and plans for trademarks that are not yet public. The Company will rely on this intellectual property, know- how and other proprietary information, and require employees, consultants and suppliers to sign confidentiality agreements. However, these confidentiality agreements may be breached, and the Company may not have adequate remedies for such breaches. Third parties may independently develop substantially equivalent proprietary information without infringing upon any proprietary technology. Third parties may otherwise gain access to the Company’s proprietary information and adopt it in a competitive manner. Any loss of intellectual property protection may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition or prospects.
As long as cannabis remains illegal under U.S. federal law as a Schedule I controlled substance pursuant to the CSA, the benefit of certain federal laws and protections which may be available to most businesses, such as federal trademark and patent protection regarding the intellectual property of a business, may not be available to the Company. As a result, the Company’s intellectual property may never be adequately or sufficiently protected against the use or misappropriation by third parties. In addition, since the regulatory framework of the cannabis industry is in a constant state of flux, the Company can provide no assurance that it will ever obtain any protection of its intellectual property, whether on a federal, provincial, state or local level. While many states do offer the ability to protect trademarks independent of the federal government, patent protection is wholly unavailable on a state level, and state-registered trademarks provide a lower degree of protection than would federally-registered marks.
The Company may not be able to protect its patents.
If some or all of the Company’s patents expire or are invalidated or are found to be unenforceable, or if some or all of its patent applications do not contain patentable subject matter because the claims are determined to lack utility, novelty, or non-obviousness, or do not result in issued patents or result in patents with narrow, overbroad, or unenforceable claims, or claims that are not supported in regard to written description or enablement by the specification, the Company may be subject to competition from third parties with products in the same class as its own products or devices, including in those jurisdictions in which the Company has no patent protection.
Even if the Company’s products, devices, and/or the processes are covered by valid and enforceable patents and have claims with sufficient scope, disclosure and support in the specification, the patents will provide protection only for a limited amount of time. The Company’s ability to obtain patents can be highly uncertain and involve complex and in some cases unsettled legal issues and factual questions. Furthermore, different countries have different procedures for obtaining patents, and patents issued in different countries provide different degrees of protection against the use of a patented invention by others. Therefore, the scope and enforceability of the Company’s patents may differ across those countries in which the Company is seeking patent protection, and the Company’s ability to protect its intellectual property in some countries may be limited accordingly. Changes in either patent laws or in interpretations of patent laws in the United States and other countries may materially diminish the value of our intellectual property or narrow the scope of our patent protection.
The Company may be subject to competition from third parties with products or devices in the same class as its products or devices in those jurisdictions in which it has no patent protection. Even if patents are issued to the Company regarding its products, devices, and/or methods of using them, those patents can be challenged by its competitors who can argue such patents are invalid or unenforceable, lack utility, lack sufficient written description or enablement, or should be limited or narrowly construed. Patents also
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will not protect the Company’s product candidates if competitors devise ways of making or using these product candidates without legally infringing the Company’s patents.
The Company also relies on trade secrets to protect its technology, especially where it does not believe that patent protection is appropriate or obtainable. However, trade secrets are difficult to protect. The Company’s employees, consultants, contractors, outside scientific collaborators and other advisors may unintentionally or willfully disclose its confidential information to competitors, and confidentiality agreements may not provide an adequate remedy in the event of unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. Enforcing a claim that a third party illegally obtained and is using the Company’s trade secrets is expensive and time-consuming, and the outcome is unpredictable. Moreover, the Company’s competitors may independently develop equivalent knowledge, methods and know-how. Failure to obtain or maintain trade secret protection could adversely affect the Company’s competitive business position.
The Company may not be able to protect its trademarks.
Apart from the federal illegality issues discussed above, the Company’s trademark applications may encounter other obstacles, including refusals or oppositions based on third party rights or issues such as the “mere descriptiveness” of a proposed trademark. In that event, the Company has opportunities to respond, but may not be able to overcome the refusals or challenges. Once a trademark is registered, third parties can also bring cancellation proceedings, which may be successful in cancelling the Company’s registrations. Unregistered trademarks can be more challenging to protect and enforce, and an adverse decision with respect to registration, based on third party rights, can increase the risk of an infringement action.
The Company may infringe on intellectual property rights of third parties.
There is a risk that the Company is infringing the proprietary rights of third parties because numerous United States and foreign issued patents and pending patent applications, which are owned by third parties, exist in the fields that are the focus of the Company’s development and manufacturing efforts. Others might have been the first to make the inventions covered by one or more of its pending patent applications and/or might have been the first to file patent applications for these inventions. Furthermore, because of historical policies and laws disfavoring the patenting and publication of cannabis-related technologies, prior art relevant to the Company’s or its competitors’ patents and patent applications may not be readily identified during normal patent examination processes, resulting in the issuance of claims that might not have issued in a better documented field. In addition, because patent applications take many months to publish and patent applications can take many years to issue, there may be currently pending applications, unknown to the Company, which may later result in issued patents that cover the production, manufacture, synthesis, commercialization, formulation or use of the Company’s products. In addition, the production, manufacture, synthesis, commercialization, formulation or use of the Company’s products may infringe existing patents of which the Company is not aware. Similarly, a third party could take the position that the Company is infringing its trademark rights, based on other registered or unregistered trademarks. Even if the Company ultimately defeats a third party’s claims, defending itself against third-party claims, including litigation in particular, would be costly and time consuming and would divert management’s attention from its business, which could lead to delays in the Company’s development or commercialization efforts. If third parties are successful in their claims, the Company may have to pay substantial damages, including the potential for treble damages if willful infringement is found, or take other actions that are adverse to the Company’s business.
The Company faces competition from synthetic production and technological advances.
The pharmaceutical industry may attempt to dominate the cannabis industry through the development and distribution of synthetic products which emulate the effects and treatment of organic cannabis. If they are successful, the widespread popularity of such synthetic products could change the demand, volume and profitability of the cannabis industry. This could adversely affect the ability of the Company to secure long-term profitability and success through the sustainable and profitable operation of its business.
The Company may face constraints on marketing products.
The development of the Company’s business and operating results may be hindered by applicable restrictions on sales and marketing activities imposed by governmental regulatory bodies. The regulatory environment in the United States limits companies’ abilities to compete for market share in a manner similar to other industries. If the Company is unable to effectively market its 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 its products, the Company’s sales and results of operations could be adversely affected.
The Company may be exposed to risk of fraudulent or illegal activity by employees, contractors and consultants.
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The Company is exposed to the risk that its employees, independent contractors and consultants may engage in fraudulent or other illegal activity. Misconduct by these parties could include intentional, reckless and/or negligent unauthorized conduct that violates: (i) government regulations; (ii) manufacturing standards; (iii) federal, state and provincial healthcare fraud and abuse laws and regulations; (iv) laws that require the true, complete and accurate reporting of financial information or data; or (v) contractual arrangements, including confidentiality requirements. It may not always be possible for the Company to identify and deter misconduct by its employees and other third parties, and the precautions taken by the Company to detect and prevent this activity may not be effective in controlling unknown or unmanaged risks or losses or in protecting the Company from governmental investigations or other actions or lawsuits stemming from a failure to be in compliance with applicable laws or regulations or contractual requirements. If any such actions are instituted against the Company, and it is not successful in defending itself or asserting its rights, those actions could have a significant impact on the Company’s business, including the imposition of civil, criminal and administrative penalties, damages, monetary fines, contractual damages, reputational harm, diminished profits and future earnings, and curtailment of the Company’s operations, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects.
Certain jurisdictions currently prohibit public company ownership of cannabis businesses.
Certain jurisdictions in the United States prohibit persons that are declared unqualified to hold a cannabis establishment license, which can include any publicly-traded company. In such circumstances, the prohibition against the issuance of a cannabis establishment business license may not be limited to the direct licensee but extend to owners of such licensees including parent-companies. As such, a publicly-traded company may be denied the issuance of a cannabis establishment business license in such jurisdictions which could limit the Company’s ability to expand.
The Company depends on information technology systems and may experience cyber-attacks.
The Company’s operations depend, in part, on how well it and its suppliers protect networks, equipment, information technology systems and software against damage from a number of 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 and theft. The Company’s operations also depend on the timely maintenance, upgrade and replacement of networks, equipment, information technology systems and software, as well as pre-emptive expenses to mitigate the risks of failures. Any of these and other events could result in information system failures, delays and/or increase in capital expenses. The failure of information systems or a component of information systems could, depending on the nature of any such failure, adversely impact the Company’s reputation and results of operations. The Company has not experienced any material losses to date relating to cyber-attacks or other information security breaches, but there can be no assurance that the Company will not incur such losses in the future. The Company’s risk and exposure to these matters cannot be fully mitigated because of, among other things, the evolving nature of these threats. As a result, cyber security and the continued development and enhancement of controls, processes and practices designed to protect systems, computers, software, data and networks from attack, damage or unauthorized access is a priority. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the Company may be required to expend additional resources to continue to modify or enhance protective measures or to investigate and remediate any security vulnerabilities. See Item 1C – “Cybersecurity” for more information.
A security breach may have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Given the nature of the Company’s products and its lack of legal availability outside of channels approved by local and state governments, as well as the concentration of inventory in its facilities, despite meeting or exceeding all legislative security requirements, there remains a risk of shrinkage as well as theft. A security breach at one of the Company’s facilities could expose the Company to additional liability and to potentially costly litigation, increase expenses relating to the resolution and future prevention of these breaches and may deter potential customers from choosing the Company’s products. In addition, the Company collects and stores personal information about its customers and is responsible for protecting that information from privacy breaches. A privacy breach may occur through procedural or process failure, information technology malfunction, or deliberate unauthorized intrusions. Theft of data for competitive purposes, particularly customer lists and preferences, is an ongoing risk whether perpetrated via employee collusion or negligence or through deliberate cyber-attack. Any such theft or privacy breach would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
We have been, and expect to continue to be, a target of cyberattacks. If our internal networks, systems, or data are or are perceived to have been compromised, our reputation may be damaged and our financial results may be negatively affected.
We have in the past been, and may in the future be, specifically targeted by bad actors for attacks intended to circumvent our security capabilities or to exploit our platform as an entry point into customers’ endpoints, networks, or systems. We are also susceptible to inadvertent compromises of our systems and data, including those arising from process, coding, or human errors. We also utilize
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third-party service providers to, among other things, host, transmit, or otherwise process electronic data in connection with our business activities, including our supply chain, operations, and communications. Our third-party service providers and other vendors have faced and may continue to face cyberattacks, compromises, interruptions in service, or other security incidents from a variety of sources. A successful attack or other incident that results in an interruption of service or that compromises our or our service providers’ internal networks, systems, or data could have a significant negative effect on our operations, reputation, financial resources, and the value of our intellectual property. We cannot assure you that any of our efforts to manage this risk, including adoption of a comprehensive incident response plan and process for detecting, mitigating, and investigating security incidents that we regularly test through table-top exercises, testing of our security protocols through additional techniques, such as penetration testing, debriefing after security incidents, to improve our security and responses, and regular briefing of our leadership on our cybersecurity risks, preparedness, and management, will be effective in protecting us from such attacks. It is virtually impossible for us to entirely eliminate the risk of such attacks, compromises, interruptions in service, or other security incidents affecting our internal systems or data, or that of our third-party service providers and vendors. Organizations are subject to a wide variety of attacks on their supply chain, networks, systems, and endpoints, and techniques used to sabotage or to obtain unauthorized access to networks in which data is stored or through which data is transmitted change frequently. Furthermore, employee error or malicious activity could compromise our systems. As a result, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate measures to prevent an intrusion into our networks, which could result in unauthorized access to customer data, intellectual property, or lead to cyberattacks or other intrusions, litigation, governmental audits and investigations and significant legal fees, any or all of which could damage our relationships with our existing customers and could have a negative effect on our ability to attract and retain new customers. We have expended, and anticipate continuing to expend, significant resources in an effort to prevent security breaches and other security incidents impacting our systems and data. See Item 1C – “Cybersecurity” for more information.
In addition, while we maintain insurance policies that may cover certain liabilities in connection with a cybersecurity incident, we cannot be certain that our insurance coverage will be adequate for liabilities actually incurred, that insurance will continue to be available to us on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, or that any insurer will not deny coverage as to any future claim. The successful assertion of one or more large claims against us that exceed available insurance coverage, or the occurrence of changes in our insurance policies, including premium increases or the imposition of large deductible or co-insurance requirements, could have a material adverse effect on our business, including our financial condition, results of operations and reputation.
The Company is subject to high bonding and may face difficulty obtaining insurance coverage.
There is a risk that a greater number of state regulatory agencies will begin requiring entities engaged in certain aspects of the business or industry of cannabis to post a bond or significant fees when, for example, applying for a dispensary license or renewal as a guarantee of payment of sales and franchise taxes. The Company is not able to quantify at this time the potential scope for such bonds or fees in the states in which it currently or may in the future operate. Any bonds or fees of material amounts could have a negative impact on the ultimate success of the Company’s business.
The Company’s business is subject to a number of risks and hazards generally, including adverse environmental conditions, accidents, labor disputes and changes in the regulatory environment. Such occurrences could result in damage to assets, personal injury or death, environmental damage, delays in operations, monetary losses and possible legal liability. Although the Company maintains insurance to protect against certain risks in such amounts as it considers to be reasonable, its insurance does not cover all the potential risks associated with its operations. The Company 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 the operations of the Company is not generally available on acceptable terms. The Company might also become subject to liability for pollution, fire, explosion or other hazards which it may not be insured against or which the Company may elect not to insure against because of premium costs or other reasons. Losses from these events may cause the Company to incur significant costs that could have a material adverse effect upon its business, results of operations, financial condition or prospects.
Due to the Company’s involvement in the cannabis industry, it may have a difficult time obtaining the various insurances that are desired to operate its business, which may expose the Company to additional risk and financial liability. Insurance that is otherwise readily available, such as general liability, and directors and officer’s insurance, may be more difficult to find, and more expensive, because of the regulatory regime applicable to the industry. There are no guarantees that the Company will be able to find such insurance coverage in the future, or that the cost will be affordable. If the Company is forced to go without such insurance coverage, it may prevent it from entering into certain business sectors, may inhibit growth, and may expose the Company to additional risk and financial liabilities.
The Company may not pay dividends.
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The declaration and payment of dividends or distributions by the Company will be at the discretion of the Board subject to restrictions under applicable laws, and may be affected by numerous factors, including the Company’s revenues, financial condition, acquisitions, capital investment requirements and legal, regulatory or contractual restrictions. A failure to pay dividends or a reduction or cessation of the payment of dividends could materially adversely affect the trading price of Common Shares.
The Company may be subject to international regulations.
The Company is subject to the laws and regulations of (as well as international treaties among) the foreign jurisdictions in which it operates or imports or exports products or materials. Failure by the Company to comply with the current or evolving regulatory framework in any jurisdiction could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. There is the possibility that any such international jurisdiction could determine that the Company was not or is not compliant with applicable local regulations. If the Company’s sales or operations were found to be in violation of such international regulations the Company may be subject to enforcement actions in such jurisdictions including, but not limited to civil and criminal penalties, damages, fines, the curtailment or restructuring of the Company’s operations or asset seizures and the denial of regulatory applications.
The Company’s use of customer information and other personal and confidential information may have an adverse impact.
The Company collects, processes, maintains and uses data, including sensitive information on individuals (with consent when applicable) available to the Company through online activities and other customer interactions with its business. The Company’s current and future programs may depend on its ability to collect, maintain and use this information, and its ability to do so is subject to evolving international, U.S. and Canadian laws and enforcement trends. The Company strives to comply with all applicable laws and other legal obligations relating to privacy, data protection and customer protection. It is possible, however, that these requirements may be interpreted and applied in a manner that is inconsistent from one jurisdiction to another, conflict with other rules, conflict with the Company’s practices or fail to be observed by its employees or business partners. If so, the Company may suffer damage to its reputation and be subject to proceedings or actions against it by governmental entities or others. Any such proceeding or action could hurt the Company’s reputation, force it to spend significant amounts to defend its practices, distract its management or otherwise have an adverse effect on its business.
The Company is subject to taxation in both Canada and the United States.
The Company is treated as a U.S. domestic corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Section 7874(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. Consequently, the Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax on its worldwide taxable income. Since the Company is a resident of Canada for purposes of the Tax Act, the Company is also subject to Canadian income tax. Consequently, the Company is liable for both U.S. and Canadian income tax, which could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations, and could inhibit efficient use of its capital.
The Company may be subject to net operating loss and certain other tax attribute limitations.
Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code contains rules that limit for U.S. federal income tax purposes the ability of a corporation that undergoes an “ownership change” to utilize its net operating losses (and certain other tax attributes) existing as of the date of such ownership change. Under these rules, a corporation is treated as having had an “ownership change”’ if there is a cumulative change of more than 50 percentage points in stock ownership by one or more “five percent shareholders,” within the meaning of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, during a rolling three-year period. If finalized, Treasury Regulations currently proposed under Section 382 of the Code may further limit the Company’s ability to utilize its pre-change net operating losses or other tax attributes if the Company were to undergo a future ownership change. The Company may have experienced ownership changes in the past, and it may experience ownership changes in the future and/or subsequent shifts in its stock ownership (some of which may be outside the control of the Company). Thus, the Company’s ability to utilize carryforwards of its net operating losses and other tax attributes to reduce future tax liabilities may be substantially restricted. At this time, the Company has not completed a study to assess the impact, if any, of ownership changes on its net operating losses and certain other tax attributes under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Dividends may be subject to Canadian and/or United States withholding tax.
It is unlikely the company will pay dividends on its voting shares in the foreseeable future. However, in the unlikely event of a dividend, such dividends may not be eligible for foreign tax credits and may be subject to complex and unfavorable withholding tax laws and may not qualify for a reduced rate of withholding under the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention (1980) as amended.
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Transfers of Common Shares may be subject to United States gift, estate and transfer taxes.
Because the Common Shares will be treated as shares of a U.S. domestic corporation, the U.S. gift, estate and generation-skipping transfer tax rules generally will apply to a Non-U.S. Holder of Common Shares.
Changes in tax laws may affect the Company and its shareholders.
There can be no assurance that that the Canadian and U.S. general and industry specific tax laws and regulations of the Company or an investment in the Company will not be modified, prospectively or retroactively, by legislative, judicial or administrative action, in a manner adverse to the Company or its shareholders.
Market price of the common shares may be highly volatile.
Market prices for cannabis companies have at times been volatile and subject to substantial fluctuations. The stock market, from time-to-time, experiences significant price and volume fluctuations unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. Future announcements concerning the Company or its competitors, including those pertaining to financing arrangements, government regulations, developments concerning regulatory actions affecting the Company, litigation, additions or departures of key personnel, cash flow, and economic conditions and political factors in the United States may have a significant impact on the market price of the Common Shares. In addition, there can be no assurance that the Common Shares will continue to be listed on the Exchanges.
The market price of the Common Shares could fluctuate significantly for many other reasons, including as a result of the Arrangement or for reasons unrelated to the Company’s specific performance, such as reports by industry analysts, investor perceptions, or negative announcements by its subscribers, competitors or suppliers regarding their own performance, as well as general economic and industry conditions. For example, to the extent that other large companies within its industry experience declines in their stock price, the share price of the Common Shares may decline as well. In addition, when the market price of a company’s shares drops significantly, shareholders often institute securities class action lawsuits against the company. A lawsuit against the Company could cause it to incur substantial costs and could divert the time and attention of its management and other resources.
Further equity financing may dilute the interests of the Company shareholders and depress the price of the common shares.
If the Company raises additional financing through the issuance of equity securities (including securities convertible or exchangeable into equity securities) or completes an acquisition or merger or resolves litigation by issuing additional equity securities, such issuance may substantially dilute the interests of shareholders of the Company and reduce the value of their investment. The Company’s Articles permit the issuance of an unlimited number of Common Shares, and the Company shareholders will have no pre-emptive rights in connection with a future issuance. The Board has the discretion to determine the price and the terms of issue of future issuances. Moreover, additional Common Shares may be issued by the Company on the exercise of awards under the Company’s Omnibus Plan and upon the exercise of certain outstanding CGGC Warrants (as defined herein). The market price of the Common Shares could decline as a result of issuances of new shares or sales by shareholders of Common Shares in the market or the perception that such sales could occur. Sales by shareholders of the Company might also make it more difficult for the Company itself to sell equity securities at a time and price that it deems appropriate.
Conflicts of interest may exist between the Company and its directors or officers.
Certain of the Company’s directors and officers are, and may continue to be, or may become, involved in other business ventures through their direct and indirect participation in, among other things, corporations, partnerships and joint ventures, that are or may become competitors of the products and services the Company provides or intends to provide. Situations may arise in connection with potential acquisitions or opportunities where the other interests of these directors and officers conflict with or diverge from the Company’s interests. In accordance with applicable corporate law, directors who have a material interest in a contract or transaction or a proposed contract or transaction with the Company that is material to the Company are required, subject to certain exceptions, to disclose that interest and generally abstain from voting on any resolution to approve the transaction. In addition, the directors and officers are required to act honestly and in good faith with a view to the Company’s best interests.
However, in conflict-of-interest situations, the Company’s directors and officers may owe the same duty to another company and will need to balance their competing interests with their duties to the Company. Circumstances (including with respect to future corporate opportunities) may arise that may be resolved in a manner that is unfavorable to the Company.
77
Certain remedies may be limited.
The Company’s governing documents may provide that the liability of its members of the Board and its officers is eliminated to the fullest extent permitted under the laws of the Province of British Columbia. Thus, the Company and its Shareholders may be prevented from recovering damages for certain alleged errors or omissions made by the members of the Board and its officers. The Company’s governing documents may also provide that the Company will, to the fullest extent permitted by law, indemnify members of its Board and its officers for certain liabilities incurred by them by virtue of their acts on behalf of the Company.
General Risk Factors
The Company is reliant on management.
The success of the Company is dependent upon the ability, expertise, judgment, discretion and good faith of its senior management. While employment agreements or management agreements are customarily used as a primary method of retaining the services of key employees, these agreements cannot assure the continued services of such employees. Any loss of the services of such individuals could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, operating results, financial condition or prospects.
The Company may become party to litigation from time to time.
The Company is a party to litigation from time to time in the ordinary course of business which could adversely affect its business. Should any litigation in which the Company is or becomes involved be determined against the Company, such a decision could adversely affect the Company’s ability to continue operating and the market price for the Common Shares and other listed securities of the Company. Even if the Company is involved in litigation and wins, litigation can redirect significant company resources. Litigation may also create a negative perception of the Company’s brand. See Item 3 – “Legal Proceedings” for more information.
The Company may be unable to manage its growth effectively.
The Company may be subject to growth-related risks including capacity constraints and pressure on its internal systems and controls. The ability of the Company to manage growth effectively will require it to continue to implement and improve its operational and financial systems and to expand, train and manage its employee base. The inability of the Company to deal with this growth may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects.
The Company is subject to significant costs of being a public company.
As a public issuer, the Company is subject to the reporting requirements and rules and regulations under applicable U.S. and Canadian securities laws and the rules of any stock exchange on which the Company’s securities may be listed from time to time. Additional or new regulatory requirements may be adopted in the future. The requirements of existing and potential future rules and regulations may increase the Company’s legal, accounting and financial compliance costs, make some activities more difficult, time-consuming or costly and may also place undue strain on its personnel, systems and resources, which could adversely affect its business and financial condition. In particular, the Company is subject to reporting and other obligations under applicable U.S. and Canadian securities laws. These reporting and other obligations place significant demands on the Company as well as on the Company’s management, administrative, operational and accounting resources. Effective internal controls, including financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures, are necessary for the Company to provide reliable financial reports, to effectively reduce the risk of fraud and to operate successfully as a public company. Failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation, could harm the Company’s results of operations or cause it to fail to meet its reporting obligations. If the Company or its auditors discover a material weakness, the disclosure of that fact, even if quickly remedied, could reduce the market’s confidence in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and materially adversely affect the trading price of the Common Shares and of other listed securities of the Company.
The trading market for common shares is influenced by securities industry analyst research reports.
The trading market for Common Shares is influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts publish about the Company. If covered, a decision by an analyst to cease coverage of the Company or fail to regularly publish reports on the Company could cause the Company to lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause the stock price or trading volume to decline. Moreover, if an analyst who covers the Company downgrades its stock, or if operating results do not meet analysts’ expectations, the stock price could decline.
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Past performance may not be indicative of future results.
The prior operational performance of the Company is not indicative of any potential future operating results of the Company. There can be no assurance that the historical operating results achieved by the Company or its affiliates will be achieved by the Company, and the Company’s future performance may be materially different.
Financial projections may prove materially inaccurate or incorrect.
Any of the Company’s financial estimates, projections and other forward-looking information or statements included herein were prepared by the Company without the benefit of reliable historical industry information or other information customarily used in preparing such estimates, projections and other forward-looking information or statements. Such forward-looking information or statements are based on assumptions of future events that may or may not occur, which assumptions may not be disclosed herein. Investors should inquire of the Company and become familiar with the assumptions underlying any estimates, projections or other forward-looking information or statements. Projections are inherently subject to varying degrees of uncertainty and their achievability depends on the timing and probability of a complex series of future events. There is no assurance that the assumptions upon which these projections are based will be realized. Actual results may differ materially from projected results for a number of reasons including increases in operation expenses, changes or shifts in regulatory rules, undiscovered and unanticipated adverse industry and economic conditions, and unanticipated competition. Accordingly, investors should not rely on any projections to indicate the actual results the Company might achieve.
Global financial conditions may have an adverse impact on the Company.
Following the onset of the global credit crisis in 2008, global financial conditions were characterized by extreme volatility and several major financial institutions either went into bankruptcy or were rescued by governmental authorities. While global financial conditions subsequently stabilized, there remains considerable risk in the system given the extraordinary measures adopted by government authorities to achieve that stability. Global financial conditions could suddenly and rapidly destabilize in response to future economic shocks, as government authorities may have limited resources to respond to future crises.
Future economic shocks may be precipitated by a number of causes, including a rise in the price of oil, geopolitical instability and natural disasters. Any sudden or rapid destabilization of global economic conditions could impact the Company’s ability to obtain equity or debt financing in the future on terms favorable to the Company. Additionally, any such occurrence could cause decreases in asset values that are deemed to be other than temporary, which may result in impairment losses. In such an event, the Company’s operations and financial condition could be adversely impacted.
Furthermore, general market, political and economic conditions, including, for example, unemployment levels, inflation, interest and currency exchange rates, structural changes in the cannabis industry, supply and demand for commodities, political developments, legislative or regulatory changes, social or labor unrest and stock market trends will affect the Company’s operating environment and its operating costs and profit margins and the price of its securities. Any negative events in the global economy could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects.
Disease outbreaks may negatively impact the Company
A local, regional, national or international outbreak of a contagious disease, including the novel coronavirus COVID-19, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, H1N1 influenza virus, avian flu or any other similar illness, could decrease the willingness of the general population to travel, cause staff shortages, reduced customer traffic, supply shortages, and increased government regulation all of which may negatively impact the business, financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
The risk of a pandemic, or public perception of the risk, could cause customers to avoid public places, including retail properties, and could cause temporary or long-term disruptions in our supply chains and/or delays in the delivery of our inventory. Further, such risks could also adversely affect the Company’s customers’ financial condition, resulting in reduced spending for the merchandise we sell. Moreover, an epidemic, pandemic, outbreak or other public health crisis, such as COVID-19, could cause employees to avoid Company properties, which could adversely affect the Company’s ability to adequately staff and manage its businesses. “Shelter-in-place” or other such orders by governmental entities could also disrupt our operations, if employees who cannot perform their responsibilities from home, are not able to report to work. Risks related to an epidemic, pandemic or other health crisis, such as COVID-19, could also lead to the complete or partial closure of one or more of our stores, facilities or operations of the Company’s sourcing partners.
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The ultimate extent of the impact of any epidemic, pandemic or other health crisis on our business, financial condition and results of operations will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including new information that may emerge concerning the severity of such epidemic, pandemic or other health crisis and actions taken to contain or prevent their further spread, among others. These and other potential impacts of an epidemic, pandemic or other health crisis, such as COVID-19, could therefore materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
There may not be an active, liquid market for the Common Shares.
There may not be an active, liquid market for the Common Shares. There is no guarantee that an active trading market for the Common Shares will be maintained on Cboe and/or the OTCQX. Investors may not be able to sell their Common Shares quickly or at the latest market price if trading in the Common Shares is not active.
Return on the Common Shares is not guaranteed.
There is no guarantee that the Common Shares will earn any positive return in the short term or long term. A holding of any such security 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. An investment in any of the Common Shares is appropriate only for holders who have the capacity to absorb a loss of some or all of their investment.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.
ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY
Risk Management and Strategy
We continue to make significant investments in our information technology systems pursuant to our operations. We believe that these investments, including additional technology changes to implement our strategic plan, are essential to enhance our overall customer experience, to support our compliance, internal controls and efficiency initiatives, to expand our capabilities to offer new products, and to provide scale for future growth and acquisitions. Our program ensures that we operate with greater efficiency.
The Company is actively engaged in identifying and managing cybersecurity risks. Protecting company data, non-public customer and employee data, and the systems that collect, process, and maintain this information is deemed critical. The Company has an enterprise-wide Information Security Program (“Security Program”), which is designed to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of customer non-public information. The Security Program was also designed to protect our operations and assets through a continuous and comprehensive cybersecurity detection, protection and prevention program. This program includes an information security governance structure and related policies and procedures, security controls, protocols governing data and systems, monitoring processes, and processes to ensure that the information security programs of third-party service providers are adequate. Our Security Program also continuously promotes cybersecurity awareness and culture across the organization.
The Company also has a business continuity/disaster recovery plan (the “BCP”), which it actively manages to prepare for any business continuity challenges it may face. Our BCP provides for the resiliency and recovery of our operations and services to our customers. The plan is supported and complemented by a robust business continuity governance framework, a life safety program as well as an enterprise-wide annual exercise and training to keep the program and strategies effective, scalable and understood by all employees. We believe both the Security Program and BCP adhere to industry best practices and are subject to periodic testing and independent audits.
Cybersecurity Risk
In 2018, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) published interpretive guidance to assist public companies in preparing disclosures about cybersecurity risks and incidents. These SEC guidelines, and any other regulatory guidance, are in addition to notification and disclosure requirements under state and federal laws and regulations. If we fail to observe this regulatory guidance or standards, we could be subject to various regulatory sanctions, including financial penalties.
State regulators have been increasingly active in implementing privacy and cybersecurity standards and regulations. Recently, several states have adopted regulations requiring certain financial institutions to implement cybersecurity programs and providing detailed requirements with respect to these programs, including data encryption requirements. Many states have also recently implemented or modified their data breach notification, information security and data privacy requirements. We expect this trend of state-level activity
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in those areas to continue and are continually monitoring developments where our customers are located.
Risks and exposures related to cybersecurity attacks, including litigation and enforcement risks, are expected to be elevated for the foreseeable future due to the rapidly evolving nature and sophistication of these threats, as well as due to the expanding use of Internet banking, mobile banking, and other technology-based products and services by us.
Governance
The risks from cybersecurity threats are monitored and managed by the Company’s information systems team members who have relevant expertise with such potential threats, and who operate in collaboration with other Company functions. The Company’s Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing cybersecurity risk and are informed in a timely manner of any incidents considered potentially serious, together with details on the prevention, detection, mitigation and remediation of such incidents.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The following tables set forth the Company’s principal physical properties.
Corporate Properties
|
||
Type
|
Location
|
Lease / Own
|
Headquarters |
New York, NY |
Lease |
Shared Service Center |
Chelmsford, MA |
Lease |
Former TGS Headquarters |
Denver, CO |
Lease |
|
||
|
||
Production Properties
|
||
Type
|
Location
|
Lease / Own
|
Chino Cultivation Facility |
Chino, AZ |
Lease |
San Diego Cultivation Facility |
San Diego, CA |
Lease |
Denver Cultivation Facility 1 |
Denver, CO |
Lease |
Denver Cultivation Facility 2 |
Denver, CO |
Lease |
Denver Cultivation Facility 3 |
Denver, CO |
Lease |
Denver Manufacture Facility |
Denver, CO |
Lease |
Denver Warehouse |
Denver, CO |
Lease |
Trinidad Cultivation Facility 1 |
Trinidad, CO |
Lease |
|
||
|
||
Production Properties
|
||
Type
|
Location
|
Lease / Own
|
Trinidad Cultivation Facility 2 |
Trinidad, CO |
Lease |
Milford Cultivation Facility 1 |
Milford, DE |
Lease |
Milford Cultivation Facility 2 |
Milford, DE |
Own |
Alachua Cultivation Facility |
Alachua, FL |
Lease |
Arcadia Cultivation Facility |
Arcadia, FL |
Own |
Lakeland Cultivation Facility |
Lakeland, FL |
Lease |
Aurora Cultivation Facility |
Aurora, IL |
Lease |
Lowell Cultivation Facility |
Lowell, MA |
Lease |
Frederick Cultivation Facility |
Frederick, MD |
Own |
Vineland Cultivation Facility 1 |
Vineland, NJ |
Lease |
Vineland Cultivation Facility 2 |
Vineland, NJ |
Own |
Rochester Cultivation Facility |
Rochester, NY |
Lease |
Riverhead Cultivation Facility* |
Riverhead, NY |
Own |
Mount Orab Cultivation Facility |
Mount Orab, OH |
Lease |
Columbus Manufacturing Facility |
Columbus, OH |
Own |
Pennsylvania Cultivation Facility |
Saxton, PA |
Lease |
Portsmouth Cultivation Facility |
Portsmouth, VA |
Lease |
Richmond Cultivation Facility |
Richmond, VA |
Lease |
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Capital City Cultivation Facility |
Washington, D.C. |
Lease |
Falling Waters Cultivation Facility |
Falling Waters, WV |
Lease |
|
||
Retail Properties
|
||
Type
|
Location
|
Lease / Own
|
SWC Prescott |
Prescott, AZ |
Lease |
Cannabist Tempe |
Tempe, AZ |
Lease |
Cannabist San Diego |
San Diego, CA |
Lease |
The Healing Center San Diego |
San Diego, CA |
Lease |
The WEED Powered by Project Cannabis |
Studio City, CA |
Lease |
Project Cannabis San Francisco |
San Francisco, CA |
Lease |
The Green Solution Ft. Collins |
Ft. Collins, CO |
Lease |
The Green Solution Southeast Aurora |
Aurora, CO |
Lease |
The Green Solution East Aurora |
Aurora, CO |
Lease |
The Green Solution Central Aurora |
Aurora, CO |
Lease |
The Green Solution W Aurora |
Aurora, CO |
Lease |
The Green Solution South Aurora |
Aurora, CO |
Lease |
The Green Solution Northglenn |
Northglenn, CO |
Lease |
The Green Solution Glendale |
Glendale, CO |
Lease |
The Green Solution North Denver |
Denver, CO |
Lease |
The Green Solution Union Station |
Denver, CO |
Lease |
The Green Solution Westminster |
Denver, CO |
Lease |
The Green Solution West Denver |
Denver, CO |
Lease |
The Green Solution Sheridan |
Sheridan, CO |
Lease |
The Green Solution Edgewater |
Edgewater, CO |
Lease |
The Green Solution Pueblo |
Pueblo, CO |
Lease |
The Green Solution Black Hawk |
Black Hawk, CO |
Lease |
The Green Solution Trinidad |
Trinidad, CO |
Lease |
Clearance Cannabis Trinidad |
Trinidad, CO |
Lease |
The Green Solution Silver Plume |
Silver Plume, CO |
Lease |
The Green Solution Aspen |
Aspen, CO |
Lease |
The Green Solution Glenwood Springs |
Glenwood Springs, CO |
Lease |
Medicine Man Denver |
Denver, CO |
Lease |
Medicine Man Aurora |
Aurora, CO |
Lease |
Medicine Man Thornton |
Thornton, CO |
Lease |
Medicine Man Longmont |
Longmont, CO |
Lease |
Columbia Care Rehoboth Beach |
Rehoboth Beach, DE |
Lease |
Columbia Care Smyrna |
Smyrna, DE |
Lease |
Columbia Care Wilmington |
Wilmington, DE |
Lease |
Cannabist Bonita Springs |
Bonita Springs, FL |
Lease |
Cannabist Care Bradenton |
Bradenton, FL |
Lease |
Cannabist Care Brandon |
Brandon, FL |
Lease |
Cannabist Cape Coral |
Cape Coral, FL |
Lease |
Cannabist Delray Beach |
Delray Beach, FL |
Lease |
Cannabist Gainesville |
Gainesville, FL |
Lease |
Cannabist Jacksonville |
Jacksonville, FL |
Lease |
Cannabist Longwood |
Longwood, FL |
Lease |
Cannabist Melbourne |
Melbourne, FL |
Lease |
Cannabist Miami |
Miami, FL |
Lease |
Cannabist Orlando |
Orlando, FL |
Lease |
Cannabist Sarasota |
Sarasota, FL |
Lease |
Cannabist St. Augustine |
St. Augustine, FL |
Lease |
Cannabist Stuart |
Stuart, FL |
Lease |
Cannabist Chicago |
Chicago, IL |
Lease |
Cannabist Villa Park |
Villa Park, IL |
Lease |
Columbia Care Chevy Chase |
Chevy Chase, MD |
Lease |
gLeaf Frederick |
Frederick, MD |
Lease |
gLeaf Rockville |
Rockville, MD |
Lease |
Cannabist Boston |
Boston, MA |
Lease |
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Patriot Care Greenfield |
Greenfield, MA |
Lease |
Cannabist Lowell |
Lowell, MA |
Lease |
Cannabist Missouri* |
Hermann, MO |
Lease |
Cannabist Vineland |
Vineland, NJ |
Lease |
Cannabist Deptford* |
Deptford, NJ |
Lease |
Cannabist Brooklyn |
Brooklyn, NY |
Lease |
Columbia Care Manhattan |
Manhattan, NY |
Lease |
Columbia Care Riverhead |
Riverhead, NY |
Lease |
Columbia Care Rochester |
Rochester, NY |
Lease |
Columbia Care Dayton |
Dayton, OH |
Own |
Columbia Care Logan |
Logan, OH |
Own |
Columbia Care Marietta |
Marietta, OH |
Own |
Columbia Care Monroe |
Monroe, OH |
Own |
gLeaf Warren |
Warren, OH |
Lease |
Columbia Care Allentown |
Allentown, PA |
Lease |
Retail Properties
|
||
Type
|
Location
|
Lease / Own
|
Columbia Care Scranton |
Scranton, PA |
Lease |
Columbia Care Wilkes-Barre |
Wilkes-Barre, PA |
Lease |
Cannabist Springville |
Springville, UT |
Lease |
Cannabist Hampton |
Hampton, VA |
Lease |
Cannabist Norfolk |
Norfolk, VA |
Lease |
Columbia Care Portsmouth |
Portsmouth, VA |
Lease |
gLeaf Richmond |
Richmond, VA |
Lease |
gLeaf Short Pump |
Short Pump, VA |
Lease |
Cannabist Suffolk |
Suffolk, VA |
Lease |
Cannabist Virginia Beach |
Virginia Beach, VA |
Lease |
Capital City Care Washington D.C. |
Washington, D.C. |
Lease |
Cannabist Williamstown |
Williamstown, WV |
Lease |
Cannabist Huntington |
Huntington, WV |
Lease |
Cannabist Morgantown |
Morgantown, WV |
Lease |
Cannabist Beckley |
Beckley, WV |
Lease |
Cannabist St. Albans |
St. Albans, WV |
Lease |
* Not operational
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Legal Proceedings
The Green Leaf Transaction closed on June 11, 2021. By letters dated April 22, 2022, June 1, 2022 and March 14, 2023, the Company notified the shareholder representative (“SRS”) for the former Green Leaf shareholders, including a director of the Company, that the Company was seeking indemnification of approximately $11 million for certain preclosing taxes paid by the Company on behalf of the former Green Leaf shareholders. By letter dated July 14, 2022, SRS notified the Company that the former Green Leaf shareholders were making an indemnification claim to the Company for $17.6 million related to alleged damages arising out of certain alleged undisclosed and under-disclosed litigation matters. By letter dated October 6, 2022, SRS sent an updated demand letter seeking in excess of $75 million from the Company. In addition to the claims raised in SRS’s July 14, 2022 letter, SRS demanded payment of at least $58 million for Green Leaf’s purported achievement of a milestone payout contemplated in the Green Leaf Transaction for the time period July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. The Company, based on a third-party assessment, determined that the milestone was not achieved. The parties engaged in preliminary negotiations, including a non-binding mediation, about the possibility of entering into a global resolution of outstanding disputes. On March 2, 2023, SRS filed a complaint in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland against the Company, a Company subsidiary, the Company’s Chairman, CEO and CFO, as well as the third-party firm that prepared the aforementioned assessment, seeking in excess of $72 million in damages, in addition to punitive damages, based on asserted legal claims of breach of contract, fraud and intentional misrepresentation, negligent misrepresentation, tortious interference with a contract, breach of a fiduciary duty, aiding and abetting a breach of a fiduciary duty and civil conspiracy. On August 29, 2023, the Court dismissed all claims in the Complaint other than the breach of contract claim, thereby resulting in the Company’s Chairman, CEO and CFO, as well as the third-party firm that prepared the aforementioned assessment, no longer being
83
parties in the lawsuit. On October 20, 2023, SRS as well as certain former Green Leaf executives, as individuals and on behalf of former Green Leaf shareholders, filed an amended complaint against the Company and a subsidiary of the Company asserting breach of contract claims. At present, a stay has been entered in the case while the parties attempt to globally resolve outstanding disputes, which now also includes disputes relating to a dispensary located in Rockville, MD. If such global resolution is not achieved, the Company will assert defenses with respect to the claims in the amended complaint. However, there can be no assurance that such defenses will be successful and, if they are not successful, that the direct or indirect losses will not be material. Similarly, in the absence of a global resolution, the Company intends to continue to pursue legal recourse against the former Green Leaf shareholders with respect to the approximately $11 million owed to the Company for certain preclosing tax payments.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Trading Price and Volume
The Company’s common shares are listed on the Cboe Canada (the “Cboe”) under the symbol “CBST” and are quoted on the OTCQX Best Market (the “OTCQX”) under the symbol “CBSTF” and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol “3LP”.
Shareholders
As of March 11, 2024, there are 422 holders of record of our common shares.
Dividends
The Company has not declared cash dividends on the common shares in the past. The Company currently intends to reinvest all future earnings to finance the development and growth of its business. As a result, the Company does not intend to pay dividends on the common shares in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to pay distributions will be at the discretion of the Board and will depend on the financial condition, business environment, operating results, capital requirements, any contractual restrictions on the payment of distributions and any other factors that the Board deems relevant. The Company is not bound or limited in any way to pay dividends in the event that the Board determines that a dividend is in the best interest of its shareholders.
Exchange Controls
There are no governmental laws, decrees or regulations in Canada that restrict the export or import of capital, including foreign exchange controls, or that affect the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to nonresident holders of the securities of the Company, other than Canadian withholding tax. See “Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations for Non-Residents of Canada,” below.
Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations for Non-Residents of Canada
The following is, as of the date hereof, a summary of the principal Canadian federal income tax considerations generally applicable under the Income Tax Act (Canada) and the regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Tax Act”) to a holder who acquires, as beneficial owner, our Common Shares, and who, for purposes of the Tax Act and at all relevant times: (i) holds the Common Shares as capital property; (ii) deals at arm’s length with, and is not affiliated with, us; (iii) is not, and is not deemed to be resident in Canada; and (iv) does not use or hold and will not be deemed to use or hold, our Common Shares in a business carried on in Canada (a “Non-Resident Holder”). Generally, our Common Shares will be considered to be capital property to a Non-Resident Holder provided the Non-Resident Holder does not hold our Common Shares in the course of carrying on a business of trading or dealing in securities and has not acquired them in one or more transactions considered to be an adventure or concern in the nature of trade. Special rules, which are not discussed in this summary, may apply to a Non-Resident Holder that is an insurer that carries on an insurance business in Canada and elsewhere or is an authorized foreign bank (as defined in the Tax Act). Such Non-Resident Holders should seek advice from their own tax advisors.
This summary is based upon the provisions of the Tax Act in force as of the date hereof, all specific proposals, or the Proposed Amendments, to amend the Tax Act that have been publicly and officially announced by or on behalf of the Minister of Finance
84
(Canada) prior to the date hereof and management’s understanding of the current administrative policies and practices of the Canada Revenue Agency (the “CRA”) published in writing by it prior to the date hereof. This summary assumes the Proposed Amendments will be enacted in the form proposed. However, no assurance can be given that the Proposed Amendments will be enacted in their current form, or at all. This summary is not exhaustive of all possible Canadian federal income tax considerations and, except for the Proposed Amendments, does not take into account or anticipate any changes in the law or any changes in the CRA’s administrative policies or practices, whether by legislative, governmental, or judicial action or decision, nor does it take into account or anticipate any other federal or any provincial, territorial or foreign tax considerations, which may differ significantly from those discussed herein.
Non-Resident Holders should consult their own tax advisors with respect to an investment in our Common Shares. This summary is of a general nature only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed to be, legal or tax advice to any prospective purchaser or holder of our Common Shares, and no representations with respect to the income tax consequences to any prospective purchaser or holder are made. Consequently, prospective purchasers or holders of our Common Shares should consult their own tax advisors with respect to their particular circumstances.
Currency Conversion
Generally, for purposes of the Tax Act, all amounts relating to the acquisition, holding, or disposition of our Common Shares must be converted into Canadian dollars based on the exchange rates as determined in accordance with the Tax Act. The amounts subject to withholding tax and any capital gains or capital losses realized by a Non-Resident Holder may be affected by fluctuations in the Canadian-U.S. dollar exchange rate.
Disposition of Common Shares
A Non-Resident Holder will not generally be subject to tax under the Tax Act on a disposition of a Common Share, unless the Common Share constitutes “taxable Canadian property” (as defined in the Tax Act) of the Non-Resident Holder at the time of disposition and the Non-Resident Holder is not entitled to relief under an applicable income tax treaty or convention.
Provided the Common Shares are listed on a “designated stock exchange,” as defined in the Tax Act at the time of disposition, the Common Shares will generally not constitute taxable Canadian property of a Non-Resident Holder at that time, unless at any time during the 60-month period immediately preceding the disposition the following two conditions are satisfied concurrently: (i) (a) the Non-Resident Holder; (b) persons with whom the Non-Resident Holder did not deal at arm’s length; (c) partnerships in which the Non-Resident Holder or a person described in (b) holds a membership interest directly or indirectly through one or more partnerships; or (d) any combination of the persons and partnerships described in (a) through (c), owned 25% or more of the issued shares of any class or series of our shares; and (ii) more than 50% of the fair market value of our shares was derived directly or indirectly from one or any combination of: real or immovable property situated in Canada, “Canadian resource properties”, “timber resource properties” (each as defined in the Tax Act), and options in respect of, or interests in or for civil law rights in, such properties (whether or not such property exists). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in certain circumstances set out in the Tax Act, the Common Shares could be deemed to be taxable Canadian property. Even if the Common Shares are taxable Canadian property to a Non-Resident Holder, such Non-Resident Holder may be exempt from tax under the Tax Act on the disposition of such Common Shares by virtue of an applicable income tax treaty or convention. A Non-Resident Holder contemplating a disposition of Common Shares that may constitute taxable Canadian property should consult a tax advisor prior to such disposition.
Receipt of Dividends
Dividends received or deemed to be received by a Non-Resident Holder on our Common Shares will be subject to Canadian withholding tax under the Tax Act. The general rate of withholding tax is 25%, although such rate may be reduced under the provisions of an applicable income tax convention between Canada and the Non-Resident Holder’s country of residence. For example, under the Treaty, the rate is generally reduced to 15% where the Non-Resident Holder beneficially owns such dividends and is a resident of the United States for the purposes of, and is fully entitled to the benefits of, the Treaty.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
There have been no securities sold by the Company for the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K which were not registered under the Securities Act. Included are new issues, securities issued upon conversion from other share classes, and securities issued in exchange for property, services, or other securities.
85
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
None.
ITEM 6. [RESERVED]
86
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
This management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) of the financial condition and results of operations of The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries (“The Cannabist Company”, the “Company”, “us”, “our” or “we”) is supplemental to, and should be read in conjunction with, the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes for the years ended December 31, 2023, December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021. Except for historical information, the discussion in this section contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Future results could differ materially from those discussed below for many reasons, including the risks described in “Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” Item 1A-Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The Company’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Financial information presented in this MD&A is presented in thousands of United States dollars (“$” or “US$”), unless otherwise indicated.
OVERVIEW OF THE CANNABIST COMPANY
Our principal business activity is the production and sale of cannabis. We strive to be the premier provider of cannabis-related products in each of the markets in which we operate. Our mission is to improve lives by providing cannabis-based health and wellness solutions in connection with community partnerships, research, education and the responsible use of our products as a natural means to improve the quality of life of our patients and customers.
COMPANY OBJECTIVES AND FACTORS AFFECTING OUR PERFORMANCE
As one of the largest fully integrated operators in the cannabis industry, our strategy to grow our business is comprised of the following key components:
Our performance and future success are dependent on several factors. These factors are also subject to inherent risks and challenges, some of which are discussed below.
Branding
We have established a national branding strategy across each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. Maintaining and growing our brand appeal is critical to our continued success. Effective September 2023, the Company changed its name from “Columbia Care Inc.” to “The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc.” reflecting the Company's "Cannabist" national retail brand that was established in 2021.
Regulation
We are subject to the laws in the jurisdictions in which we operate. We hold all required licenses for the production and distribution of our products in the jurisdictions in which we operate and continuously monitor changes in laws, regulations, treaties and agreements.
Product Innovation and Consumer Trends
Our business is subject to changing consumer trends and preferences, and is dependent, in part, on continued consumer interest in new products. The success of new product offerings, depends upon a number of factors, including our ability to (i) accurately anticipate customer needs; (ii) develop new products that meet these needs; (iii) successfully commercialize new products; (iv) price products competitively; (v) produce and deliver products in sufficient volumes and on a timely basis; and (vi) differentiate product offerings from those of competitors.
Growth and Profitability Strategies
87
We have a successful history of growing revenue and we believe we have a strong strategy aimed at continuing our history of expansion in both current and new markets. Our future depends, in part, on our ability to implement our growth strategies including (i) product innovations; (ii) penetration of new markets; (iii) growth of wholesale revenue through third party retailers and distributors; (iv) future development of e-commerce and home delivery distribution capabilities; and (v) expansion of our cultivation and manufacturing capacity. Our ability to implement these strategies depend, among other things, on our ability to develop new products that appeal to consumers, maintain and expand brand loyalty, maintain and improve product quality and brand recognition, maintain and improve competitive position in our current markets, and identify and successfully enter and market products in new geographic areas and segments.
SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following tables set forth selected consolidated financial information derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, the consolidated financial statements, and the respective accompanying notes prepared in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
During the periods discussed herein, our accounting policies have remained consistent. The selected and summarized consolidated financial information below may not be indicative of our future performance.
Statement of Operations:
|
|
For the Year Ended |
|
|
2023 vs. 2022 |
|
|
2022 vs. 2021 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
$ Change |
|
|
% Change |
|
|
$ Change |
|
|
% Change |
|
|||||||
Revenues |
|
$ |
511,327 |
|
|
$ |
511,578 |
|
|
$ |
460,080 |
|
|
$ |
(251 |
) |
|
|
(0 |
)% |
|
$ |
51,498 |
|
|
|
11 |
% |
Cost of sales related to inventory production |
|
|
(331,359 |
) |
|
|
(310,163 |
) |
|
|
(258,402 |
) |
|
|
(21,196 |
) |
|
|
7 |
% |
|
|
(51,761 |
) |
|
|
20 |
% |
Cost of sales related to business combination fair value adjustments to inventories |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(204 |
) |
|
|
(7,663 |
) |
|
|
204 |
|
|
|
(100 |
)% |
|
|
7,459 |
|
|
|
(97 |
)% |
Gross profit |
|
|
179,968 |
|
|
|
201,211 |
|
|
|
194,015 |
|
|
|
(21,243 |
) |
|
|
(11 |
)% |
|
|
7,196 |
|
|
|
4 |
% |
Goodwill impairment |
|
|
(19,274 |
) |
|
|
(170,642 |
) |
|
|
(72,328 |
) |
|
|
151,368 |
|
|
|
(89 |
)% |
|
|
(98,314 |
) |
|
|
136 |
% |
Intangible impairment |
|
|
(46,248 |
) |
|
|
(169,479 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
123,231 |
|
|
|
(73 |
)% |
|
|
(169,479 |
) |
|
|
100 |
% |
Fixed asset impairment |
|
|
(20,095 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(20,095 |
) |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
|
|
(199,591 |
) |
|
|
(277,330 |
) |
|
|
(232,052 |
) |
|
|
77,739 |
|
|
|
(28 |
)% |
|
|
(45,278 |
) |
|
|
20 |
% |
Operating expenses |
|
|
(285,208 |
) |
|
|
(617,451 |
) |
|
|
(304,380 |
) |
|
|
332,243 |
|
|
|
(54 |
)% |
|
|
(313,071 |
) |
|
|
103 |
% |
Other (expense) income, net |
|
|
(63,658 |
) |
|
|
(16,454 |
) |
|
|
(36,349 |
) |
|
|
(47,204 |
) |
|
|
287 |
% |
|
|
19,895 |
|
|
|
(55 |
)% |
Income tax (expense) benefit |
|
|
(5,389 |
) |
|
|
11,213 |
|
|
|
(139 |
) |
|
|
(16,602 |
) |
|
|
(148 |
)% |
|
|
11,352 |
|
|
|
(8167 |
)% |
Net loss |
|
|
(174,287 |
) |
|
|
(421,481 |
) |
|
|
(146,853 |
) |
|
|
247,194 |
|
|
|
(59 |
)% |
|
|
(274,628 |
) |
|
|
187 |
% |
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest |
|
|
1,425 |
|
|
|
(5,476 |
) |
|
|
(3,756 |
) |
|
|
6,901 |
|
|
|
(126 |
)% |
|
|
(1,720 |
) |
|
|
46 |
% |
Net loss attributable to The Cannabist Company |
|
$ |
(175,712 |
) |
|
$ |
(416,005 |
) |
|
$ |
(143,097 |
) |
|
$ |
240,293 |
|
|
|
(58 |
)% |
|
$ |
(272,908 |
) |
|
|
191 |
% |
Loss per share attributable to The Cannabist Company—based and diluted |
|
$ |
(0.44 |
) |
|
$ |
(1.06 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.42 |
) |
|
$ |
0.62 |
|
|
|
(59 |
)% |
|
$ |
(0.64 |
) |
|
|
151 |
% |
Weighted average number of shares outstanding—basic and diluted |
|
|
402,776,616 |
|
|
|
392,571,102 |
|
|
|
338,754,694 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Summary of Balance Sheet items:
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
||
Total Assets |
|
$ |
823,111 |
|
|
$ |
994,726 |
|
Total Liabilities |
|
$ |
757,759 |
|
|
$ |
787,823 |
|
Total Long-Term Liabilities |
|
$ |
597,715 |
|
|
$ |
584,705 |
|
Total Equity |
|
$ |
65,352 |
|
|
$ |
206,903 |
|
88
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
The following tables summarize our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021:
|
|
For the Year Ended |
|
|
2023 vs. 2022 |
|
|
2022 vs. 2021 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
$ |
|
|
% |
|
|
$ |
|
|
% |
|
|||||||
Revenues |
|
$ |
511,327 |
|
|
$ |
511,578 |
|
|
$ |
460,080 |
|
|
$ |
(251 |
) |
|
|
(0 |
)% |
|
$ |
51,498 |
|
|
|
11 |
% |
Cost of sales related to inventory production |
|
|
(331,359 |
) |
|
|
(310,163 |
) |
|
|
(258,402 |
) |
|
|
(21,196 |
) |
|
|
7 |
% |
|
|
(51,761 |
) |
|
|
20 |
% |
Cost of sales related to business combination fair value adjustments to inventories |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(204 |
) |
|
|
(7,663 |
) |
|
|
204 |
|
|
|
(100 |
)% |
|
|
7,459 |
|
|
|
(97 |
)% |
Gross profit |
|
|
179,968 |
|
|
|
201,211 |
|
|
|
194,015 |
|
|
|
(21,243 |
) |
|
|
(11 |
)% |
|
|
7,196 |
|
|
|
4 |
% |
Goodwill impairment |
|
|
(19,274 |
) |
|
|
(170,642 |
) |
|
|
(72,328 |
) |
|
|
151,368 |
|
|
|
(89 |
)% |
|
|
(98,314 |
) |
|
|
136 |
% |
Intangible impairment |
|
|
(46,248 |
) |
|
|
(169,479 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
123,231 |
|
|
|
(73 |
)% |
|
|
(169,479 |
) |
|
|
100 |
% |
Fixed asset impairment |
|
|
(20,095 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(20,095 |
) |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
|
|
(199,591 |
) |
|
|
(277,330 |
) |
|
|
(232,052 |
) |
|
|
77,739 |
|
|
|
(28 |
)% |
|
|
(45,278 |
) |
|
|
20 |
% |
Operating expenses |
|
|
(285,208 |
) |
|
|
(617,451 |
) |
|
|
(304,380 |
) |
|
|
332,243 |
|
|
|
(54 |
)% |
|
|
(313,071 |
) |
|
|
103 |
% |
Loss from operations |
|
|
(105,240 |
) |
|
|
(416,240 |
) |
|
|
(110,365 |
) |
|
|
311,000 |
|
|
|
(75 |
)% |
|
|
(305,875 |
) |
|
|
277 |
% |
Other (expense) income, net |
|
|
(63,658 |
) |
|
|
(16,454 |
) |
|
|
(36,349 |
) |
|
|
(47,204 |
) |
|
|
287 |
% |
|
|
19,895 |
|
|
|
(55 |
)% |
Loss before provision for income taxes |
|
|
(168,898 |
) |
|
|
(432,694 |
) |
|
|
(146,714 |
) |
|
|
263,796 |
|
|
|
(61 |
)% |
|
|
(285,980 |
) |
|
|
195 |
% |
Income tax (expense) benefit |
|
|
(5,389 |
) |
|
|
11,213 |
|
|
|
(139 |
) |
|
|
(16,602 |
) |
|
|
(148 |
)% |
|
|
11,352 |
|
|
|
(8167 |
)% |
Net loss |
|
|
(174,287 |
) |
|
|
(421,481 |
) |
|
|
(146,853 |
) |
|
|
247,194 |
|
|
|
(59 |
)% |
|
|
(274,628 |
) |
|
|
187 |
% |
Net loss attributable to non-controlling |
|
|
1,425 |
|
|
|
(5,476 |
) |
|
|
(3,756 |
) |
|
|
6,901 |
|
|
|
(126 |
)% |
|
|
(1,720 |
) |
|
|
46 |
% |
Net loss attributable to The Cannabist Company. |
|
$ |
(175,712 |
) |
|
$ |
(416,005 |
) |
|
$ |
(143,097 |
) |
|
$ |
240,293 |
|
|
|
(58 |
)% |
|
$ |
(272,908 |
) |
|
|
191 |
% |
Year Ended December 31, 2023 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2022
Revenue
The decrease in revenue of $251 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the prior year period was primarily driven by price compression offset by maturing markets and regulation changes in key states, most notably the legalization of adult-use sales in Maryland.
Cost of Sales
The increase in cost of sales of $20,992 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the prior year period was primarily driven by increased volume from our existing retail and wholesale network, new store openings in Virginia and West Virginia, and legalization of adult-use sales in Maryland.
Gross Profit
The decrease in gross profit of $21,243 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the prior year period was directly attributable to the flat revenue and increased cost of sales as described above. The decline in gross margin (percent) was primarily driven by production facilities poised for future economies of scale and price compression.
Operating Expenses
The decrease of $332,243 in operating expenses was primarily attributable to goodwill and intangible impairment charges of $151,368 and $123,231 during the year ended December 31, 2023, and $77,739 in selling, general and operating expenses; this was offset by an increase in fixed asset impairments of $20,095, as compared to the prior year period. The decrease in selling, general and operating expenses was primarily attributable to a decrease in salary and benefits of $35,400, depreciation and amortization of $24,112, professional fees of $5,918, advertising and promotion expenses of $8,787, and other fees and expenses of $3,383; as we expanded our operations and increased the size and scope of our administrative functions.
Other Expense (Income), Net
89
The increase in other expense (income), net for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the prior year, was primarily due to a remeasurement of contingent consideration of $37,362 as discussed in our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022; there was also a favorable change in fair value of derivative liability of $6,444 as a result of the conversion of convertible debt during the year; a loss on disposal group of $6,122; a decrease in rental income of $1,143; net reduction in interest expense and other of $6,714, and a loss on restructuring of $2,307.
Income Tax Benefit and Provisions
The Company recorded income tax expense of $5,389 for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to income tax benefit of $11,213 for the year ended December 31, 2022.
The net tax expense of $5,389 for the year ended December 31, 2023 includes current tax expense of $31,385, deferred tax benefit of $33,032 and change in valuation allowances of $7,036.
The increase in current tax expense is a direct result of the Company’s reduction in losses. The Company is subject to Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code and is forced to disallow costs not attributable to cost of goods sold in its cannabis businesses. Current tax expense is largely offset by the significant deferred tax liabilities recorded as part of the Company’s acquisition activity.
These deferred tax liabilities are exhausted over time with current year activity resulting in deferred tax benefit which reduces overall tax expense.
Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2021
Revenues
The increase in revenue of $51,498 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the prior year period was primarily driven by the expansion of our retail network and full year impact of our recent acquisitions.
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, when compared to the prior period we experienced an organic revenue decrease of $5,985 in our Legacy Company network and prior acquisitions of The Green Solution, Project Cannabis and The Healing Center. Our existing wholesale and retail network contributed to a revenue decrease of $28,241 and the expansion of new wholesale and retail facilities contributed to a revenue growth of $22,256 as compared to the prior period. The full year impact of acquisitions of Cannascend, Corsa Verde, Green Leaf Medical, and Medicine Man contributed to an additional $57,483 of revenue during the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the prior period.
Cost of Sales
The increase in cost of sales of $44,302 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the prior year period was primarily driven by the expansion of our retail network and full year impact of our recent acquisitions.
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, when compared to the prior period we experienced a cost of sales increase of $7,230 due to organic growth which includes our Legacy Company network as well as full year impact from our acquisitions of The Green Solution, Project Cannabis and The Healing Center. Our existing wholesale and retail network contributed to a cost of sales decrease of $6,218 and the expansion of new wholesale and retail facilities contributed to a cost of sales growth of $13,448 as compared to the prior period. The full year impact of our acquisitions of Cannascend, Green Leaf Medical, and Medicine Man contributed to an additional $37,072 of cost of sales during the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the prior period.
Gross Profit
The increase in gross profit of $7,196 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the prior year period was primarily driven by the expansion of our retail network and our recent acquisitions.
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, we experienced a gross profit decrease of $13,215 when compared to the prior period due to organic decrease in our Legacy Company network as well as from prior acquisitions of The Green Solution and Project Cannabis and The Healing Center. Our existing wholesale and retail network contributed to a gross profit decrease of $22,023 and the expansion of new wholesale and retail facilities contributed to a gross profit growth of $8,808 as compared to the prior period. The full year impact of acquisitions of Cannascend, Green Leaf Medical, and Medicine Man contributed to an additional $20,411 of gross profit during the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the prior period.
90
Operating Expenses
The increase of $313,071 in operating expenses was primarily attributable to an increase in salary and benefits of $18,621, depreciation and amortization of $23,149, an increase in impairment of goodwill of $98,314, an increase in the impairment of intangible assets of $169,479, and an increase in operating facility costs of $11,069, as we expanded our operations and increased the size and scope of our administrative functions. This is offset by decrease in operating office and general expenses of $4,812, professional fees of $2,232, and advertisement and promotion of $2,082.
Other Expense (Income), Net
The increase in other expense (income), net for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the prior year, was primarily due to an increase in interest expense on debt of $20,753, increase in amortization of debt issuance costs of $1,923, decrease in gain on remeasurement of contingent consideration of $22,000, a decrease in favorable change in fair value of derivative liability of $6,726 as a result of conversion of convertible debt during the year, other expenses of $6,857, and a loss on restructuring in the amount of $3,089, which is partially offset by acquisition and settlement of pre-existing relationships of $75,655 for the year ended December 31, 2021 which was not incurred in current year, decrease in loss on conversion of convertible notes of $1,580 and increase in rental income of $3,564.
Income Tax Benefit and Provisions
The Company recorded income tax benefit of $11,213 for the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to income tax expense of $139 for the year ended December 31, 2021.
The net tax benefit of $11,213 for the year ended December 31, 2022 includes current tax expense of $58,070, deferred tax benefit of $73,609 and change in valuation allowances of $4,326.
Total provision for income taxes has decreased by $11,352 for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in current tax expense is related to an increase in expenses that are not tax deductible under 280E as well as increasing gross profit. The Company is subject to Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code and is forced to disallow costs not attributable to cost of goods sold in its cannabis businesses. The increase in current tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2022 was offset by significant reductions of deferred tax liabilities related to acquisition activity and the impairment thereof.
Our future financial results are subject to significant potential fluctuations caused by, among other things, growth of sales volume in new and existing markets and our ability to control operating expenses. In addition, our financial results may be impacted significantly by changes to the regulatory environment in which we operate, both on a local, state and federal level.
Non-GAAP Measures
We use certain non-GAAP measures, referenced in this MD&A. These measures are not recognized measures under GAAP and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Accordingly, these measures should not be considered in isolation from nor as a substitute for our financial information reported under GAAP. We use non-GAAP measures such as EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin which may be calculated differently by other companies. These non-GAAP measures and metrics are used to provide investors with supplemental measures of our operating performance and liquidity and thus highlight trends in our business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on GAAP measures. These supplemental non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered superior to, as a substitute for, or as an alternative to, and should be considered in conjunction with, the GAAP financial measures presented. We also recognize that securities analysts, investors and other interested parties frequently use non-GAAP measures in the evaluation of companies within our industry. Finally, we use non-GAAP measures and metrics in order to facilitate evaluation of operating performance comparisons from period to period, to prepare annual operating budgets and forecasts and to determine components of executive compensation.
91
The following table provides a reconciliation of net loss for the period to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021:
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|||||||||
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|||
Net loss |
|
$ |
(174,287 |
) |
|
$ |
(421,481 |
) |
|
$ |
(146,853 |
) |
Income tax |
|
|
5,389 |
|
|
|
(11,213 |
) |
|
|
139 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
62,729 |
|
|
|
84,788 |
|
|
|
53,002 |
|
Interest expense, net and debt amortization |
|
|
54,865 |
|
|
|
52,542 |
|
|
|
30,014 |
|
EBITDA (Non-GAAP measure) |
|
$ |
(51,304 |
) |
|
$ |
(295,364 |
) |
|
$ |
(63,698 |
) |
Adjustments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Share-based compensation |
|
|
5,465 |
|
|
|
27,930 |
|
|
|
25,018 |
|
Goodwill impairment |
|
|
19,274 |
|
|
|
170,642 |
|
|
|
72,328 |
|
Intangible impairment |
|
|
46,248 |
|
|
|
169,479 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Impairment on fixed assets |
|
|
20,095 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Fair-value mark-up for acquired inventory |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
204 |
|
|
|
7,663 |
|
Adjustments for acquisition and other non-core costs* |
|
|
16,371 |
|
|
|
34,969 |
|
|
|
9,954 |
|
Fair-value changes on derivative liabilities |
|
|
(116 |
) |
|
|
(6,560 |
) |
|
|
(13,286 |
) |
Loss on conversion of Convertible notes |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
1,580 |
|
Loss on Restructuring |
|
|
6,088 |
|
|
|
3,089 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Impairment on disposal group |
|
|
4,249 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
2,000 |
|
Gain on remeasurement of contingent consideration |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(37,362 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
Acquisition and settlement of pre-existing relationships |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
75,655 |
|
Loss on deconsolidation |
|
|
3,275 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Earnout liability accrual |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
349 |
|
|
|
(59,362 |
) |
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP measure) |
|
$ |
69,645 |
|
|
$ |
67,376 |
|
|
$ |
57,852 |
|
Revenue |
|
$ |
511,327 |
|
|
$ |
511,578 |
|
|
$ |
460,080 |
|
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP measure) |
|
|
69,645 |
|
|
|
67,376 |
|
|
|
57,852 |
|
Adjusted EBITDA margin (Non-GAAP measure) |
|
|
13.6 |
% |
|
|
13.2 |
% |
|
|
12.6 |
% |
Revenue |
|
$ |
511,327 |
|
|
$ |
511,578 |
|
|
$ |
460,080 |
|
Gross profit |
|
|
179,968 |
|
|
|
201,211 |
|
|
|
194,015 |
|
Gross margin |
|
|
35.2 |
% |
|
|
39.3 |
% |
|
|
42.2 |
% |
* Acquisition and other non-core costs include costs associated with acquisitions, litigation expenses and COVID-19 expenses.
Adjusted EBITDA
The increase in Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the prior year period, was primarily driven by improved leverage of revenues across selling, general and administrative expenses such as facility costs, salary and benefits costs.
The increase in Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the prior year period, was primarily driven by improved gross profit and improved leverage of revenues across selling, general and administrative expenses such as facility costs, salary and benefits costs.
The increase in Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to the prior year, was primarily driven by improved gross margins offset by increases in facility costs, salary and benefits costs.
Our future financial results are subject to significant potential fluctuations caused by, among other things, growth of sales volume in new and existing markets and our ability to control operating expenses. In addition, our financial results may be impacted significantly by changes to the regulatory environment in which we operate, on a local, state and federal level.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary need for liquidity is to fund working capital requirements of our business, capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes. Historically, we have relied on external financing as our primary source of liquidity. Our ability to fund our operations and to make capital expenditures depends on our ability to successfully secure financing through issuance of debt or equity, as well as our ability to improve our future operating performance and cash flows, which are subject to prevailing economic conditions and financial, business and other factors, some of which are beyond our control.
We are currently meeting our obligations as they become due and are earning revenues from our operations. However, we have sustained losses since inception and may require additional capital in the future. We estimate that based on our current business
92
operations and working capital, we will continue to meet our obligations as they become due. As we continue to seek growth through expansion or acquisition, our cash flows requirements and obligations could materially change. As of December 31, 2023, we did not have any significant external capital requirements.
Recent Financing Transactions
February 2022 Private Placement
On February 3, 2022, the Cannabist Company closed a private placement of $185,000 aggregate principal amount of 9.50% senior-secured first-lien notes due 2026 (the “2026 Notes”) and received aggregate gross proceeds of $153,250. The 2026 Notes are senior secured obligations of the Company and were issued at 100.0% of face value. The 2026 Notes accrue interest in arrears which is payable semi-annually and mature on February 3, 2026, unless earlier redeemed or repurchased. The Company may redeem the 2026 Notes at par, in whole or in part, on or after February 3, 2024, as more particularly described in the fourth supplemental trust indenture governing the 2026 Notes. In connection with the offering of the 2026 Notes, the Company exchanged $31,750 of the Company’s existing 13.0% Term Debt, pursuant to private agreements in accordance with the trust indenture, for an equivalent amount of 2026 Notes plus accrued but unpaid interest and any negotiated premium thereon.
The premium and paid interest were paid out of funds raised from the February 2022 Private Placement. The total unamortized debt and debt issuance costs of $2,153, related to the modified portion of the 13.0% Term Debt, will be amortized over the term of the 2026 Notes using the effective interest method. The Company incurred $7,189 in creditor fees in connection with the modified 13.0% Term Debt and 2026 Notes and $301 in third-party legal fees related to 2026 Notes which were capitalized and will be amortized over the term of the 2026 Notes using the effective interest rate method.
September 2023 Offering
On September 18, 2023, the Company entered into subscription agreements with the September 2023 Investors for the purchase and sale of 22,244,210 September 2023 Units at a price of C$1.52 per September 2023 Unit pursuant to a private placement, for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately C$33.8 million or approximately $25 million. Each September 2023 Unit consists of one Common Share (or Common Share equivalent) and one half of one September 2023 Warrant that entitles the holder to acquire one Common Share at a price of C$1.96 per Common Share, a 29% premium to issue, for a period of three years following the closing of the Initial Tranche. The Initial Tranche consisted of an aggregate of 21,887,240 Common Shares, 11,122,105 September 2023 Warrants and 356,970 September 2023 Pre-Funded Warrants that provide the holder the right to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price of C$0.0001 per Common Share. The September 2023 Offering closed on September 21, 2023.
The Company used the proceeds from the September 2023 Offering to reduce its outstanding indebtedness.
The September 2023 Investors had the option to purchase $25 million in additional September 2023 Units at a price equal to the Issue Price, upon written notice to the Company at any time up to November 2, 2023, which was not exercised. In connection with the September 2023 Offering, the Company and the September 2023 Investors entered into a customary registration rights agreement, pursuant to which the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-1 on October 17, 2023 to register the resale of the Common Shares underlying the September 2023 Units. The September 2023 Units were subject to limited lock-up requirements.
2024
January 2024 Debt Exchange
On January 22, 2024, the Company entered into the Exchange Agreement with certain Holders of the Company’s 6.0% senior secured 2025 Convertible Notes, pursuant to which the Company agreed to the Repurchase of up to $25 million principal amount of the 2025 Convertible Notes in exchange for Common Shares.
Pursuant to the terms of the Exchange Agreement, the Holders shall:
93
In the event the conditions are fulfilled and the Holders fail to Transfer their 2025 Convertible Notes in accordance with the terms of the Exchange Agreement, the Company has the right, but not the obligation, to require the Holders to Transfer some or all of the portion of the $25 million principal amount of 2025 Convertible Notes still held by the Holders. Assuming all of the conditions are fulfilled, and the entire $25 million principal amount of 2025 Convertible Notes are Transferred for Common Shares issued at the minimum prices set out in the Exchange Agreement, a maximum of 68,564,698 Common Shares would be issued in connection with the Repurchase. Through March 11, 2024, $10 million of the potential $25 million exchange has been completed.
Mortgages
In December 2021, the Company entered into a term loan and security agreement with a bank. The agreement provides for $20,000 mortgage on real property in New York and carries interest at a variable rate per annum equal to Wall Street prime rate (“Index”) plus 2.25%. The debt is repayable in 59 monthly installments and a final balloon payment due on January 1, 2027, which is estimated at $18,006 as of December 31, 2023. In connection with this Mortgage, the Company incurred financing costs of $655.
In June 2022, the Company entered into a term loan and security agreement with a bank. The agreement provides for $16,500 mortgage on real property in New Jersey and carries interest at a variable rate per annum equal to Wall Street prime rate (“Index”) plus 2.25%. The debt is repayable in 59 monthly installments and a final balloon payment due on July 15, 2027, which is estimated at $15,623 as of December 31, 2023. In connection with this Mortgage, the Company incurred financing costs of $209.
On August 10, 2023, the Company entered into two term loans and security agreements with a bank as follows:
Cash Flows
Net cash provided in operating, investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, were as follows:
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|||||||||
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|||
Net cash provided by / (used) in operating activities |
|
$ |
7,471 |
|
|
$ |
(111,401 |
) |
|
$ |
(523 |
) |
Net cash (used) in investing activities |
|
|
(3,499 |
) |
|
|
(75,327 |
) |
|
|
(191,350 |
) |
Net cash (used in) / provided by financing activities |
|
|
(14,124 |
) |
|
|
153,684 |
|
|
|
202,437 |
|
Net (decrease) / increase in cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
(10,152 |
) |
|
$ |
(33,044 |
) |
|
$ |
10,564 |
|
Operating Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2023, operating activities provided $7,471 of cash, primarily resulting from net changes in operating assets and liabilities of $24,991, depreciation and amortization of $62,729, intangible impairment charges of $46,248, impairment on fixed assets of $20,095, goodwill impairment charges of $19,274, debt amortization cost of $9,352, provision for
94
obsolete inventory and other assets of $8,143, loss on disposal group of $6,122, equity-based compensation of $5,465, and other assets of $5,433. This was partially offset by a net loss of $174,287 and deferred taxes of $25,978.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, operating activities used $111,401 of cash, primarily resulting from net loss of $421,481, change in derivative liability of $6,560, deferred taxes of $69,243, gain on remeasurement of contingent consideration of $37,362, net changes in operating assets and liabilities of $50,545, and partially offset by depreciation and amortization of $84,788, equity-based compensation expense of $27,930, debt amortization expense of $8,588, goodwill impairment of $170,642, intangible assets impairment of $169,479, and provision for obsolete inventory and other assets of $11,267.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, operating activities used $523 of cash, primarily resulting from net loss of $146,853, gain on remeasurement of contingent consideration of $59,362, change in derivative liability of $13,286, and decrease in deferred taxes of $26,112, partially offset by goodwill impairment charge of $72,328, depreciation and amortization of $53,002, equity-based compensation expense of $25,018, debt amortization expense of $6,068 and impairment on disposal group of $2,000 and net changes in operating assets and liabilities of $81,424.
Investing Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2023, investing activities used $3,499 of cash, consisting of purchases of property and equipment of $9,966; partially offset by proceeds from sale of property of $6,229, and cash received on deposits of $238.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, investing activities used $75,327 of cash, consisting of purchases of property and equipment of $72,741, and cash paid for other assets of $2,973.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, investing activities used $191,350 of cash, consisting of cash paid for acquisitions of $50,762, purchases of property and equipment of $117,506, cash paid for other assets of $15,792, and cash paid for deposits of $7,019.
Financing Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2023, financing activities used $14,124 of cash, consisting of repayment of debt of $30,692, payment of lease liabilities of $6,515, costs of issuance of common shares of $1,128, purchase of non-controlling interest of $960, repayment of acquisition related real estate notes and note payable of $5,109, and repayment of seller's note of $1,500. This was partially offset by issuance of common shares of $25,000 and proceeds from mortgage note of $8,050.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, financing activities provided $153,684 of cash, consisting of $153,250 in net proceeds received from issuance of debt, and proceeds from issue of mortgage note of $16,500 partially offset by debt repayment of $7,699, sellers note repayment of $1,875, and lease liability payments of $5,815.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, financing activities provided $202,437 of cash, consisting of $133,195 and $90,655 in net proceeds received from issuance of common shares and debt, respectively, partially offset by debt repayment of $9,950 and lease liability payments of $9,664.
95
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
The following table summarizes contractual obligations as of December 31, 2023 and the effects that such obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flows in future periods:
|
|
Payments Due by Period |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Total |
|
|
Year 1 |
|
|
Year 2 |
|
|
Year 3 |
|
|
Year 4 |
|
|
Year 5 |
|
|
Year 6 |
|
|||||||
Lease commitments |
|
$ |
387,761 |
|
|
$ |
33,758 |
|
|
$ |
32,694 |
|
|
$ |
30,118 |
|
|
$ |
29,684 |
|
|
$ |
27,510 |
|
|
$ |
233,997 |
|
Sale-Leaseback commitments |
|
|
221,298 |
|
|
|
10,081 |
|
|
|
10,407 |
|
|
|
10,743 |
|
|
|
11,090 |
|
|
|
11,449 |
|
|
|
167,528 |
|
2026 Notes |
|
|
185,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
185,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Term debt (principal) |
|
|
13,228 |
|
|
|
13,228 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Interest on term debt |
|
|
44,800 |
|
|
|
18,436 |
|
|
|
17,576 |
|
|
|
8,788 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Convertible debt (principal) |
|
|
74,500 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
74,500 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Interest on convertible debt |
|
|
6,705 |
|
|
|
4,470 |
|
|
|
2,235 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Mortgage notes (principal) |
|
|
43,500 |
|
|
|
574 |
|
|
|
653 |
|
|
|
16,459 |
|
|
|
18,100 |
|
|
|
7,714 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Mortgage notes (interest) |
|
|
16,578 |
|
|
|
4,726 |
|
|
|
4,646 |
|
|
|
4,571 |
|
|
|
2,005 |
|
|
|
630 |
|
|
|
|
|
Closing promissory note (principal) |
|
|
1,500 |
|
|
|
1,500 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Closing promissory note (interest) |
|
|
75 |
|
|
|
75 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Total contractual obligations |
|
$ |
994,945 |
|
|
$ |
86,848 |
|
|
$ |
142,711 |
|
|
$ |
255,679 |
|
|
$ |
60,879 |
|
|
$ |
47,303 |
|
|
$ |
401,525 |
|
The above table excludes purchase orders for inventory in the normal course of business.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of the date of this filing, we do not have any off-balance-sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future effect on the results of our operations or financial condition, including, and without limitation, such considerations as liquidity and capital resources.
Changes In or Adoption of Accounting Practices
The following U.S. GAAP standards have been recently issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board.
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements
In January 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-01, Investments—Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815)—Clarifying the Interactions between Topic 321, Topic 323, and Topic 815. The update among other things clarifies that a company should consider observable transactions that require a company to either apply or discontinue the equity method of accounting under Topic 323, Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures, for the purposes of applying the measurement alternative in accordance with Topic 321 immediately before applying or upon discontinuing the equity method. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021. The Company is evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, “Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity” (“ASU 2020-06”), which simplifies the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity, including convertible instruments and contracts in an entity’s own equity. Among other changes, ASU 2020-06 removes from U.S. GAAP the liability and equity separation model for convertible instruments with a cash conversion feature, and as a result, after adoption, entities will no longer separately present in equity an embedded conversion feature for such debt. Similarly, the embedded conversion feature will no longer be amortized into income as interest expense over the life of the instrument. Instead, entities will account for a convertible debt instrument wholly as debt unless (1) a convertible instrument contains features that require bifurcation as a derivative under ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, or (2) a convertible debt instrument was issued at a substantial premium. Among other potential impacts, this change is expected to reduce reported interest expense, increase reported net income, and result in a reclassification of certain conversion feature balance sheet amounts from stockholders’ equity to liabilities as it relates to the Company’s convertible senior notes. Additionally, ASU 2020-06 requires the application of the if-converted method to calculate the impact of convertible instruments on diluted earnings per share (EPS), which is consistent with the Company’s accounting treatment under the current standard. ASU 2020-06 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and can be adopted on either a fully retrospective or modified retrospective basis. The Company early adopted the new standard on January 1, 2021. The adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848. This update defers the Sunset Date of ASC Topic 848, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848), which provides temporary optional relief in
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accounting for the impact of Reference Rate Reform. This update is effective upon issuance and generally can be applied through December 31, 2024. The Company is evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements.
Accounting pronouncements not yet adopted
In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-01, Leases (Topic 842): Common Control Arrangements. The FASB amended ASC 842 to provide a practical expedient that allows private companies and certain not-for-profits to use the written terms and conditions of a common control arrangement to determine whether a lease exists and to classify and account for the lease. The amendments also require all lessees, including public business entities, to amortize leasehold improvements associated with common control leases over their useful life to the common control group and account for them as a transfer of assets between entities under common control at the end of the lease. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements.
In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-02, Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures using the Proportional Amortization Method. The FASB issued final guidance allowing entities to apply the proportional amortization method to equity investments in all tax credit programs that meet the conditions in ASC 323-740, rather than just investments in qualified affordable projects that generate low income housing tax credits, as was required under the legacy guidance. The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements.
In July 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-03, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205), Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480), Equity (Topic 505), and Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718). This ASU amends various SEC paragraphs within the codification to conform to past announcements and guidance issued by the SEC. This ASU does not provide any new guidance; as such, there is not a transition date or effective date associated with it. The Company is evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2023, the FASB issued 2023-05, Business Combinations-Joint Venture Formations (Subtopic 805-60); Recognition and Initial Measurement. This ASU contains guidance requiring certain joint ventures to apply a new basis of accounting upon formation by recognizing and initially measuring most of their assets and liabilities at fair value. This guidance is effective for all joint venture formations with a formation date on or after January 1, 2025. Early adoption is permitted. Joint Ventures formed before the effective date have the option to apply it retrospectively, while those formed after the effective date are required to apply it prospectively. The Company is evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements.
In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-06, Disclosure Improvements, “Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative.” This ASU amends the disclosure or presentation requirements related to various subtopics in the FASB codification. This applies to all entities within the scope of the amended subtopics.
Codification subtopics include:
-ASC 230-10 “Statement of Cash Flows”
-ASC 250-10 “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections”
-ASC 260-10 “Earnings Per Share”
-ASC 270-10 “Interim Reporting”
-ASC 440-10 “Commitments”
-ASC 470-10 “Debt”
-ASC 505-10 “Equity”
-ASC 815-10 “Derivatives and Hedging”
-ASC 860-30 “Transfers and Servicing: cured Borrowing and Collateral”
-ASC 932-235 “Extractive Activities-Oil and Gas: Notes to Financial Statements”
-ASC 946-20 “ Financial Services-Investment Companies: Investment Company Activities”
-ASC 974-10 “ Real Estate Investment Trusts”
The effective date for each amendment will be the date on which the SEC’s removal of that related disclosure from Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K becomes effective, with early adoption prohibited. For all other entities, the amendments will be effective two years later. The amendments in this Update should be applied prospectively. For all entities, if by June 30, 2027, the SEC has not removed the applicable requirement from Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K, the pending content of the related amendment will be removed from the Codification and will not become effective for any entity. The Company is evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280). This ASU requires public entities to provide
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disclosures of significant segment expenses and other segment items. It also requires public entities to provide in interim periods all disclosures about a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets that are currently required annually. Public entities with a single reportable segment will have to provide all the disclosures required by ASC 280, including the significant segment expense disclosures. This guidance is applied retrospectively to all periods presented, unless it is impractical. This ASU applies to all public entities and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740). This ASU requires public business entities to disclose in their rate reconciliation table additional categories of information about income taxes paid, including certain disclosures that would be disaggregated by jurisdiction and other categories. This ASU is effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2025. For all other entities, this ASU is effective for fiscal years after December 15, 2024 and for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2026. Early adoption would be permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements.
Critical Accounting Estimates
We make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the future that affect reporting of assets and liabilities, and revenues and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires us to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and revenue and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.
Judgements estimates and assumptions with the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements are described below.
Business Combinations
We account for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting, which requires us to recognize separately from goodwill, the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at their acquisition date fair values. While we use our best estimates and assumptions to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date as well as contingent consideration, where applicable, our estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, we record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the values of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recognized in our consolidated statements of operations. Accounting for business combinations requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially at the acquisition date including estimates for intangible assets, contractual obligations assumed, pre-acquisition contingencies, and contingent consideration, where applicable. Although we believe the assumptions and estimates we have made in the past have been reasonable and appropriate, they are based, in part, on historical experience and information obtained from the management of the acquired companies and are inherently uncertain. Critical estimates in valuing certain acquired intangible assets under the income approach include growth in future expected cash flows from product sales, customer contracts, revenue growth rate, customer ramp-up period and discount rates. Unanticipated events and circumstances may occur that may affect the accuracy or validity of such assumptions, estimates or actual results.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair value of net identifiable assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized and is tested for impairment at least annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. In the valuation of goodwill, we make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows to be derived from our business. If these estimates or their related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record impairment for these assets.
We have the option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. However, we may elect to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the quantitative impairment tests. The first step of the impairment test involves comparing the fair value of the reporting unit to its net book value,
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including goodwill. If the net book value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we would perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to determine the amount of the impairment loss. We perform an annual assessment of our goodwill during the fourth quarter, or more frequently, to determine if any events or circumstances exist, such as an adverse change in business climate or a decline in overall industry demand, that would indicate that it would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount, including goodwill. If events or circumstances do not indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit is below its carrying amount, then goodwill is not considered to be impaired and no further testing is required, if otherwise, we compare the fair value of our reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, the amount by which the carrying value of the goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, if any, is recognized as an impairment loss. We monitor the indicators for goodwill impairment testing between annual tests.
Recoverability of Long-lived Assets
We evaluate the recoverability of our long-lived tangible and intangible assets with finite useful lives for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. Such trigger events or changes in circumstances may include: a significant decrease in the market price of a long-lived asset, a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which a long-lived asset is being used, a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate, including those resulting from technology advancements in the industry, the impact of competition or other factors that could affect the value of a long-lived asset, a significant adverse deterioration in the amount of revenue or cash flows we expect to generate from an asset group, an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or development of a long-lived asset, current or future operating or cash flow losses that demonstrate continuing losses associated with the use of a long-lived asset, or a current expectation that, more likely than not, a long-lived asset will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life. We perform impairment testing at the asset group level that represents the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable and the expected undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the asset group are less than the carrying amount of the asset group, an impairment loss equal to the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its fair value is recorded. Fair value is determined based upon estimated discounted future cash flows. We recognized impairment loss of $20,095 for long-lived assets for the year ended December 31, 2023. Assets to be disposed of or held for sale would be separately presented on the balance sheets and reported at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and would no longer be depreciated or amortized.
Deferred Tax Asset
The Company recognizes deferred tax assets to the extent that it believes these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. If the Company determines that it would not be able to realize all or a portion of its deferred tax assets in the future, a valuation allowance is recorded. If the company later realizes it would be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future in excess of the net recorded amount, it would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and other current assets, accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other current liabilities, derivative liability, debt and lease liabilities. The fair values of cash, accounts receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities, short-term debt and lease liabilities approximate their carrying values due to the relatively short-term to maturity or because of the market rate of interest used on initial recognition. The Cannabist Company classifies its derivative liability as fair value through profit and loss (FVTPL).
Financial instruments recorded at fair value are classified using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs to fair value measurements. The three levels of contained within the hierarchy are:
Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; and
Level 3 – Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data.
Our assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include investments, assets and liabilities held for sale, long-lived assets and indefinite-lived intangible assets. We review the carrying amounts of such assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable or at least annually, for indefinite-lived intangible assets. Any resulting
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asset impairment would require that the asset be recorded at its fair value. The resulting fair value measurements of the assets are considered Level 3 measurements.
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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
Financial Risk Management
The Company is exposed in varying degrees to a variety of financial instrument related risks. The Board mitigates these risks by assessing, monitoring and approving the Company’s risk management processes.
Credit Risk
Credit risk is the risk of a potential loss to the Company if a customer or third party to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations. The Company does not have significant credit risk with respect to its customers.
The Company provides credit to its customers in the normal course of business. The Company has established credit evaluation and monitoring processes to mitigate credit risk but has limited risk as the majority of its sales are paid at the time of sale.
Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations associated with financial liabilities. The Company manages liquidity risk through the effective management of its capital structure. The Company’s approach to managing liquidity is to ensure that it will have sufficient liquidity at all times to settle obligations and liabilities when due.
Market Risk
Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates, foreign exchange, raw material and other commodity prices.
Currency Risk. The operating results and financial position of the Company are reported in U.S. dollars. Some of the Company’s financial transactions are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The results of the Company’s operations are subject to currency transaction risks. The Company has no hedging agreements in place with respect to foreign exchange rates. The Company has not entered into any agreements or purchased any instruments to hedge possible currency risks at this time.
Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. Cash and cash equivalents bear interest at market rates. The Company’s senior secured financial debts have fixed rates of interest and therefore expose the Company to a limited interest rate fair value risk.
Commodities Price Risk. Commodities Price risk is the risk of variability in fair value due to movements in equity or market prices. The primary raw materials used by the Company aside from those cultivated internally are labels and packaging. Management believes a hypothetical 10% change in the price of these materials would not have a significant effect on the Company’s consolidated annual results of operations or cash flows, as these costs are generally passed through to its customers. However, such an increase could have an impact on our customers’ demand for our products, and we are not able to quantify the impact of such potential change in demand on our combined annual results of operations or cash flows.
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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The financial information required by Item 8 is located beginning on page F-1 of this report.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Management of the Company, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the year covered by this Form 10-K. The term “disclosure controls and procedures” means controls and other procedures established by the Company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Based upon their evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as of December 31, 2023, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period ended December 31, 2023, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that during the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2023. In its evaluation effective as of December 31, 2021 management concluded that disclosure controls and procedures were not effective because of a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. This item was remediated during 2022 as discussed below.
Evaluation of Internal Control over Financial Reporting Under Canadian Law as of December 31, 2021
As a newly reporting company in the United States, the Company was subject to a transition period related to management’s assessment regarding internal control over financial reporting. However, as a public company in Canada, the Company undertook an analysis of our internal control over financial reporting in accordance with National Instrument 52-109 – Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
Based on this evaluation, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that, as of December 31, 2021, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective due to the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, relating to the lack of appropriate controls over management’s fair value modeling of complex accounting and financial reporting issues in the impairment testing of goodwill and intangible assets.
The material weakness related to a lack of certain controls, or improper execution of designed control procedures for review of complex accounting and financial reporting issues.
The combination of control deficiencies that resulted in these material weaknesses were related to insufficient resources to properly execute the designed controls or perform an effective review over certain manual controls related to the financial statement close process. In addition, certain control deficiencies related to the timely review of transactions that were infrequent in nature.
In response to the material weakness described above, the Company implemented a remediation plan to address the material weakness. Based on this remediation and our ongoing evaluation, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that, as of December 31, 2022, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
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The Company, including its CEO and CFO, does not expect that its internal controls and procedures will prevent or detect all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived or operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. Based upon their evaluation of the Company’s controls over financial reporting, as of December 31, 2023, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our controls over financial reporting as of the end of the period ended December 31, 2023, as required by paragraph (c) of § 240.13a-15 or 240.15d-15 of this chapter. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) to conduct the required assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that during the period covered by this report, our controls over financial reporting were effective as of December 31, 2023.
This Annual Report on Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered independent public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered independent public accounting firm as the Company qualifies as an “emerging growth company” under the Jumpstart Our Business Start-ups Act of 2012.
Management is continuously working to assess and enhance the control environment and internal controls. There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
David Hart Employment Agreement
As previously disclosed, on January 15, 2024, David Hart was promoted to the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Company. In connection with his promotion, Mr. Hart entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with the Company on March 11, 2024 (the “Hart A&R Employment Agreement”). Pursuant to the Hart A&R Employment Agreement, Mr. Hart will receive an annual base salary of $500,000, an annual discretionary bonus with a target percentage of 85% of Mr. Hart’s base salary and a target annual equity grant of $2,300,000. Mr. Hart will also be entitled to participate in the Company’s benefit plans and receive paid vacation.
For information regarding the termination and change of control benefits payable to Mr. Hart pursuant to the Hart A&R Employment Agreement, see Item 11 – “Executive Compensation – Termination and Change of Control Benefits.”
The foregoing description of the Hart A&R Employment Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Hart A&R Employment Agreement, which is filed as an exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference.
Jesse Channon Employment Agreement
As previously disclosed, on January 15, 2024, Jesse Channon was promoted to the role of President of the Company. In connection with his promotion, Mr. Channon entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with the Company on March 11, 2024 (the “Channon A&R Employment Agreement”). Pursuant to the Channon A&R Employment Agreement, Mr. Channon will receive an annual base salary of $410,000, an annual discretionary bonus with a target percentage of 85% of Mr. Channon’s base salary and a target annual equity grant of $1,300,000. Mr. Channon will also be entitled to participate in the Company’s benefit plans and receive paid vacation.
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For information regarding the termination and change of control benefits payable to Mr. Channon pursuant to the Channon A&R Employment Agreement, see Item 11 – “Executive Compensation – Termination and Change of Control Benefits.”
The foregoing description of the Channon A&R Employment Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Channon A&R Employment Agreement, which is filed as an exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference.
Nicholas Vita Release Agreement
As previously disclosed, on January 15, 2024, Nicholas Vita retired as Chief Executive Officer. In connection therewith, and pursuant to Mr. Vita’s employment agreement, the Company entered into a separation and release of claims agreement with Mr. Vita on March 13, 2024 (the “Vita Release Agreement”). The Vita Release Agreement provides that Mr. Vita will be entitled to cash severance payment in an amount equal to twenty-four (24) months of Mr. Vita’s base salary and target bonus as of January 15, 2024, less all applicable withholdings and deductions, paid over a twenty-four month period. The Vita Release Agreement further provides that Mr. Vita will continue to be subject to the restrictive covenants set forth in his employment agreement and that Mr. Vita releases all claims relating to his employment with the Company.
The foregoing description of the Vita Release Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Vita Release Agreement, which is filed as an exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS.
Not Applicable.
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PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
Directors and Executive Officers
The following table sets forth the directors and executive officers of the Company as of March 11, 2024 and their respective positions.
Name
|
Age
|
Position
|
Michael Abbott |
59 |
Chairman and Director |
Nicholas Vita |
51 |
Director |
Frank Savage |
85 |
Director |
James A.C. Kennedy |
70 |
Director |
Jonathan P. May |
57 |
Director |
Jeff Clarke |
62 |
Director |
Alison Worthington |
59 |
Director |
Julie Hill |
77 |
Director |
Dr. Rosemary Mazanet |
68 |
Director |
David Hart |
47 |
Chief Executive Officer |
Derek Watson |
53 |
Chief Financial Officer |
Jesse Channon |
39 |
President |
Bryan Olson |
50 |
Chief People and Administrative Officer |
David Sirolly |
49 |
Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel |
Director and Executive Officer Biographies
Michael Abbott, Chairman and Director
Michael Abbott co-founded Cannabist Company in 2012 and served as Executive Director and Chairman until 2023 when he became non-Executive Director and Chairman. Mr. Abbott joined Swiss Bank Corporation in 1990 as an Associate in Equity Capital Markets and was transferred to the Bank’s Chicago branch in 1993 to work with SBC O’Connor. In 1996, Mr. Abbott joined Goldman Sachs as a Vice President in the Convertible Trading and Sales Department and later led its Structured Product Trading and Origination Group. Mr. Abbott co-founded the foreign exchange trading hedge fund, Elysium Capital, in 2002. In 2006, he became Chief Executive Officer and head of the investment committee of Robeco Sage, a multibillion-dollar fund of hedge funds. He was also appointed Chief Investment Officer of the Cornell University endowment in 2010. In 2012, he became a Managing Director at the Raptor Group, a single family office based out of Boston and New York City. Mr. Abbott started his professional career in 1983 as a London police officer. Mr. Abbott has served as a director of Target Global Acquisition I Corp. (Nasdaq: TGAAU), a special purpose acquisition company, since 2021. Mr. Abbott matriculated at King’s College London’s School of Law, graduating in 1990 with a Bachelor of Laws degree. He serves on the Advisory Counsel of King’s College London Business School and was conferred a Fellowship of King’s College, London in December 2020.
Nicholas Vita, Director
Nicholas Vita co-founded The Cannabist Company in 2012 and served as Chief Executive Officer until January 2024, in addition to serving as a Director. Mr. Vita has over 25 years of experience serving in corporate leadership roles, investing capital, structuring and funding public/private partnerships and providing strategic advisory services to Fortune 500 companies throughout the U.S., Europe, Asia and Latin America. Prior to The Cannabist Company, Mr. Vita was a Partner and service as the Chairman of the Investment Committee at Apelles Investment Management, LLC, a private investment management company focused on the healthcare and privatized military infrastructure sectors. Before Appeles, Mr. Vita was a General Partner, member of the Investment Committee and the Portfolio Manager for the Healthcare Sector at ARX Investment Management. Previously, he worked in the Investment Banking Division at Goldman Sachs & Co. Inc. as an Analyst, Associate and Vice President in the Healthcare Department where he focused on mergers, raid defense and corporate finance. He is a graduate of Columbia College, Columbia University.
Frank Savage, Director
Frank Savage serves as the Managing Partner of Savage Holdings, LLC, a global financial services company and has previously held senior positions at Citibank, Equitable Life Assurance Corp. (now AXA Inc.) and Alliance Capital Management International as its Chairman. He currently serves on the board of directors of Bloomberg L.P., and has served on the boards of a number of
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corporations and non-profit organizations, including Lockheed Martin, Inc. and Qualcomm Inc. Mr. Savage earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Howard University, a Master of Arts degree from the Johns Hopkins Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, and was the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Hofstra University and an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Howard University. He serves as Chair Emeritus of Howard University and Trustee Emeritus of The Johns Hopkins University.
James A.C. Kennedy, Director
In December 2015, James A.C. Kennedy resigned from his role as President and Chief Executive Officer of T. Rowe Price Group, a global investment management organization, serving institutions and individuals around the world and retired from T. Rowe Price in March 2016. Mr. Kennedy spent 38 years with T. Rowe Price, including nine years as CEO, during which time the firm’s assets more than doubled to $763 billion. Previously Mr. Kennedy served as an investment analyst, as Director of Research, and as Head of Equities at the firm. Mr. Kennedy also served on the Board of T. Rowe Price for 20 years. Prior to earning his MBA at Stanford University, Mr. Kennedy participated in the Financial Management training program at General Electric. Mr. Kennedy currently serves on the board of United Airlines Holdings, Inc.
Jonathan P. May, Lead Director
Jonathan May is currently Co-Founder and Managing Director of Floresta Ventures, LLC. Floresta invests, owns and operates restaurant and retail concepts. He is also a co-founder and managing director of Floresta Partners, LLC, a consulting firm focusing on growing multi-unit restaurant and retail concepts. Prior to forming Floresta, Mr. May was Executive Director of Natural Capital Partners Holdings LLC. NCPH works with corporations to measure their environmental impact and deliver solutions for positive impact on carbon, renewable energy, water, biodiversity and communities. Previously Mr. May was a founder and Managing Director of Catalytic Capital LLC, a private equity firm focused on growing retail and consumer branded companies. Before co-founding Catalytic Capital, Mr. May was Senior Vice President of Corporate Development for Triarc Companies, Inc. where he was responsible for merger identification and execution, corporate finance, and strategic planning. Mr. May also served as Chief Executive Officer of Arby’s, Inc., where he managed the growth of 3,400 restaurants comprising $2.5 billion of global system-wide sales. Mr. May held a variety of strategic and operating roles at Arby’s before becoming CEO. Mr. May was the Lead Independent Director of INDUS Realty Trust, Inc., a publicly traded real estate company until it was sold in 2023. He is also a Director of Bridgewater Chocolate, LLC, a private chocolate manufacturer and retailer. Mr. May formerly was a board member of Sneaker Villa and Marketwatch.com.
Jeff Clarke, Director
Mr. Clarke previously served as the interim chief executive officer of Doxim, Inc., a private company. Prior to this Mr. Clarke served as executive chairman and interim chief executive officer of FTD, LLC, a private company. Prior to this Mr. Clarke served as chief executive officer of Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:KODK). Mr. Clarke has held numerous roles within the technology industry, including chief executive officer, chairman and executive chair positions at Travelport Limited, a private company. He has also served as chief operating officer of CA Software, executive vice president of Hewlett-Packard Company and chief financial officer of Compaq Computer. Mr. Clarke is a board member of Mondee, Inc, (NASDAQ:MOND), Co-Pilot IQ, a private company and Ellipsis Health, a private company. Mr. Clarke is a former director of the following publicly traded firms Autodesk, Compuware, Emerge Technology Acquisition Company, Red Hat and UTStarcom. He earned his MBA from Northeastern University and now serves as a Northeastern University Trustee.
Alison Worthington, Director
Alison Worthington is an innovative marketing leader with nearly three decades of experience transforming brands, product portfolios and P&Ls to deliver growth and ROI. Ms. Worthington held multiple senior level operating roles for The Coca-Cola Company, Starbucks and Microsoft as well as serving as the global Chief Marketing Officer for Method Home Products and a senior consultant at L.E.K. Consulting. She currently is Senior Vice President at Lyra Health, which helps leading companies improve access to effective, high-quality mental health care for their employees and their families. Ms. Worthington previously led a marketing consulting practice, where she was engaged as an interim Chief Marketing Officer and on demand advisor to high growth tech, consumer, life science, retail and e-commerce companies looking to reposition and scale their brands and products with new customer experiences and channels. She leveraged her background in building experiential lifestyle brands through compelling communication, disruptive product innovation, digital transformation and omnichannel marketing to put businesses on a path of purposeful growth and competitive differentiation. She was fortunate to work with great companies like GoPro, Ancestry, Bragg Live Foods and multiple startups. Ms. Worthington earned an MBA from the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration and an AB in Economics from Smith College.
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Julie Hill, Director
Julie Hill has spent more than two decades serving on a range of private and public corporate boards of directors. Most recently, Ms. Hill was a member of the board of directors of Anthem, a Fortune 50 company and the largest U.S. health insurance company by member. She is currently a member of the board of trustees of Lord Abbett, a $225 billion New Jersey-based mutual fund management firm. She was also previously on the board of Lend Lease, based in Sydney, Australia, a $9 billion international construction, development, investment and management firm, publicly traded on the Australian exchange, and Holcim (U.S.), the U.S. operation of a Swiss company, as well as several other public corporate boards. Prior to her last 20 years serving on boards of directors, she founded and ran multiple companies, mostly in the real estate investment and development industry, and was a senior executive at numerous publicly traded companies, including Mobil Land, a division of Mobil Oil, and UK-based Costain Group. Ms. Hill is currently Chair of the Board of Trustees of the University of California at Irvine (UCI), and is a board member of Leaders’ Quest, and the Alliance for SoCal Innovation. She is a member of the International Women’s Forum and Los Angeles Trusteeship, and is a prior member of the Women’s Leadership Board of the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in English from UCLA, and a master’s degree in marketing from the University of Georgia.
Dr. Rosemary Mazanet, Director
Rosemary Mazanet began advising the Company in 2013 and then joined its Scientific Advisory Board as its Chair in 2015 before becoming the Company’s Chief Scientific Officer in 2017. In September 2023, Dr. Mazanet transitioned from Chief Scientific Officer to a director of the Company. Since 2013, she has played an integral role of developing groundbreaking form factors specifically for palliative care, such as pressed tablets. She also oversaw the creation of the seminal cannabis observational database that has provided analysis used in peer-reviewed journals, such as JAMA and the Journal of Palliative Medicine and by many of the nation’s leading academic and medical institutions such as National Institutes of Health, Columbia University, New York University, Mount Sinai, University of Southern California, and RAND Corporation. Dr. Mazanet began her career in Internal Medicine and Oncology at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute before starting at Amgen in the early 1990s as the head of Clinical Research. Following her time at Amgen, she moved into public equity in 1998 when she joined Oracle Partners LLC in New York as a General Partner. Since that time, she has been a presence in public and private equity biotech and specialty pharma investments. In addition to the Company’s Board of Directors, Dr. Mazanet is also an Emeritus Trustee at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and the Co-Chair of the Leonard Davis Institute Executive Advisory Board at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Mazanet graduated magna cum laude from the University of Virginia and completed her graduate work at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School and Harvard Medical School.
David Hart, Chief Executive Officer
David Hart joined The Cannabist Company in 2016 and became Chief Operating Officer in 2018 and Chief Executive Officer in 2024. Prior to joining The Cannabist Company, David served as Chief Operating Officer of Abyrx, a venture capital-backed medical device company that developed, manufactured and commercialized a portfolio of intraoperative cross specialty hemostats. Prior to his time at Abyrx, David was Chief Financial Officer and Chief Investment Officer at Alpine Capital, a family investment office for the Ranawat Orthopedic Group at the Hospital for Special Surgery, where he was responsible for capital allocations, direct private investments and all healthcare investments. David was formerly Partner and Head of Healthcare Equity Investments at Apelles Investment Management. David started his career in the financial services industry in the Mergers and Acquisitions groups at Thomas Weisel Partners and Duff & Phelps. David has an MBA from Columbia University and is a graduate of Duke University, where he was a member of the Men’s Varsity Golf Team.
Derek Watson, Chief Financial Officer
Derek Watson joined The Cannabist Company in January 2022 as Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining the Company, Derek served as the Chief Financial and Commercial Officer at Tastes on the Fly, a private equity-backed national consumer retail company based in California, from September 2018 to January 2022. He has also held Chief Financial Officer roles at two other consumer companies, Starr Restaurants, from April 2016 to March 2018, and Samba Brands, and as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Schindler Elevator, the U.S. subsidiary of Schindler Holding AG (SCHN.SW). Derek began his career at KPMG where he spent 20 years providing audit and consulting services, including as a Partner and Practice Leader, and served private and Fortune 500 companies across a variety of industries while based in London, Prague, New York, and Philadelphia. He has experience in a range of leadership roles covering strategy, investor relations, information technology, tax, treasury, accounting, FP&A, operational improvement, and risk management. Derek is a Fellow at the Culinary Institute of America, a Board Member with the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Garden in New York and has served as a Board Advisor to a number of entrepreneurial start-ups.
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Derek is a Chartered Accountant with the ICAEW, holds an undergraduate degree in Finance & Accounting from Kingston University, London and an MBA from Columbia University.
Jesse Channon, President
Jesse Channon joined The Cannabist Company in December 2019 as Chief Growth Officer, became Chief Commercial Officer in 2023 and President in 2024. Mr. Channon is an accomplished leader with over a decade of experience in digital marketing, consumer targeting, grassroots campaigns and social media, having advised and worked with some of the largest brands and agencies in the world, including Microsoft, AT&T, Honda, Starbucks, NBC, Red Bull and more. A member of the founding team at PageLever, a Y Combinator-backed company, Mr. Channon oversaw all revenue and partnerships, working with companies such as YouTube, Intel and Toyota to build one of the first real-time applications on Facebook’s API and earning certification in the first wave of Preferred Marketing Developers. In 2013, PageLever sold to Unified, a New York City-based Ad Tech company, where Mr. Channon spent six years on the senior management team. After Unified, Mr. Channon served as chief revenue officer for Social Native, a custom content marketplace. He serves on the Entrepreneurship Advisory Board for the Harbert School of Business at Auburn University, the Marketing Board for UJA in New York City and mentors first-time founders of early stage start-ups.
Bryan Olson, Chief People & Administrative Officer
Bryan Olson joined The Cannabist Company as Chief Human Capital Officer in 2017. Prior to joining Cannabist Company, Mr. Olson was the Chief Human Resource Officer for global law firm K&L Gates and previously held senior HR executive positions at Aetna and United Technologies Corporation. Mr. Olson is a former practicing employee benefits and executive compensation attorney at Skadden Arps and started his career at Fidelity Investments.
David Sirolly, Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel
David Sirolly joined The Cannabist Company in 2021 as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel. Prior to joining Cannabist Company, Mr. Sirolly served as General Counsel, Corporate and Chief Compliance Officer of Integra LifeSciences Corporation, a publicly-traded global medical technology company, since 2010. Over his 11-year career at Integra, he held a variety of legal and compliance leadership roles which included accountability for corporate governance, securities laws, finance initiatives, healthcare compliance, employment law, litigation as well as legal support for a commercial division and information technology. Prior to Integra, Mr. Sirolly was Assistant General Counsel of ValueClick, Inc. (now Conversant, Inc.), a publicly-traded digital media company. David began his legal career at the international law firm of Hogan & Hartson LLP (now Hogan Lovells) based in Washington DC. At Hogan, he focused on supporting medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturers on complex legal and regulatory matters. Mr. Sirolly also spent several years at a leading regional law firm in Pennsylvania working on civil and administrative litigation. Mr. Sirolly has a JD from the University of Virginia School of Law and a degree in economics from Duke University.
Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company’s directors, executive officers, and persons who own more than 10% of the Company’s Common Shares to file initial reports of ownership and changes in ownership of the Company’s Common Shares with the SEC. These individuals are required by the regulations of the SEC to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely upon a review of Forms 3 and 4 and amendments thereto furnished to the Company during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, including those reports that we have filed on behalf of our directors and Section 16 officers, no director, Section 16 officer, beneficial owner of more than 10% of the outstanding common stock of the Company, or any other person subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, failed to file with the SEC on a timely basis during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, except that due to an administrative error, (i) Jesse Channon had one late Form 4 filing (constituting one late transaction), and (ii) Nicholas Vita had seven late Form 4 filings (constituting 12 late transactions).
Code of Ethics
The Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, as well as all other employees and directors. Our Code of Ethics is available on our website at https://investors.cannabistcompany.com/corporate-governance/governance-overview.
Audit Committee
The Board believes that the composition of the Audit Committee reflects financial literacy and expertise. Currently, all members of the Audit Committee have been determined by the Board to be “independent” and “financially literate” as such terms are defined under the corporate governance rules of the Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”). The Audit Committee consists of Jeff Clarke,
108
Jonathan P. May and Frank Savage. The Board has made these determinations based on the education as well as breadth and depth of experience of each member of the Audit Committee. The Board has also determined that all members of the Audit Committee meets the SEC definition of an audit committee financial expert.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
Executive Compensation
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth all compensation paid to or earned by the named executive officers (the “NEOs”) of the Company in the last two fiscal years.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-equity Incentive |
|
|
Long- |
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
Name and Principal Position |
|
Year |
|
Salary (5) |
|
|
Share-Based |
|
|
Option- |
|
|
Annual |
|
|
Long- |
|
|
All Other |
|
|
Total |
|
|||||||
Nicholas Vita |
|
2023 |
|
$ |
500,000 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
20,000 |
|
|
$ |
520,000 |
|
Director and Former CEO (1) |
|
2022 |
|
$ |
500,000 |
|
|
$ |
4,300,002 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
160,000 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
39,780 |
|
|
$ |
4,999,782 |
|
David Hart |
|
2023 |
|
$ |
375,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,145,455 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
175,000 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
12,200 |
|
|
$ |
1,707,655 |
|
CEO (2) |
|
2022 |
|
$ |
348,247 |
|
|
$ |
3,250,005 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
122,000 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
11,660 |
|
|
$ |
3,731,912 |
|
Jesse Channon |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
President (3) |
|
2023 |
|
$ |
347,917 |
|
|
$ |
763,636 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
162,500 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
1,274,053 |
|
|
Michael Abbott |
|
2023 |
|
$ |
85,000 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
2,040,000 |
|
|
$ |
2,125,000 |
|
Director and Former Executive |
|
2022 |
|
$ |
425,000 |
|
|
$ |
2,170,002 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
100,000 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
40,000 |
|
|
$ |
2,735,002 |
|
Notes:
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Outstanding Equity Awards Table
The following table sets forth information concerning the option-based and share-based awards granted to the Company’s NEOs that were outstanding as of December 31, 2023.
|
|
|
|
Share-based Awards |
|
|||||
Name and Principal Position |
|
|
|
Number of Shares or Units of Shares That Have Not Vested(5)(6) |
|
|
Market or Payout Value of Share-Based Awards That Have Not Vested(5)(6)(7) |
|
||
Nicholas Vita |
|
|
|
$ |
1,269,192 |
|
|
|
556,184 |
|
David Hart |
|
|
|
$ |
3,819,842 |
|
|
|
1,673,927 |
|
Jesse Channon |
|
|
|
$ |
2,726,058 |
|
|
|
1,194,610 |
|
Michael Abbott |
|
|
|
$ |
1,741,382 |
|
|
|
763,107 |
|
Notes:
Deferred Compensation Plans
The Company’s Board of Directors approved termination of the Income Incentive Plan (i.e., the deferred compensation plan under the Legacy Management Incentive Plan), effective April 1, 2020, and all outstanding deferred compensation will subsequently be paid out in shares of the Company between 12 and 24 months following plan termination per Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. The Company has no other deferred compensation plans.
Termination and Change of Control Benefits
Other than as described herein, the Company does not have any contract, agreement, plan or arrangement that provides for payments to a NEO at, following, or in connection with a termination (whether voluntary, involuntary or constructive), resignation, retirement, a change of control of the Company or a change in a NEO’s responsibilities. Note that the dollar value of potential accelerated equity in connection with a qualifying termination or change of control reflects an exchange rate of 1 CAD: 0.755550 USD.
Nicholas Vita
On April 26, 2019, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Vita (the “Vita Agreement”). In the event of termination without cause of Mr. Vita’s employment or if Mr. Vita resigns for good reason in connection with a change of control, Mr. Vita shall receive (i) an amount equal to thirty-six (36) months of the sum of Mr. Vita’s then base salary and target bonus paid over such 36-month period in installments on the Company’s regular payroll schedule following the termination date; (ii) the Company
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shall pay its share of Mr. Vita’s health insurance premiums to continue Mr. Vita’s health insurance coverage for thirty-six (36) months beyond the termination date; and (iii) Mr. Vita shall receive outplacement services for a period of one (1) year following the termination date. The change of control payments and benefits that would be made to Mr. Vita are conditioned on and subject to Mr. Vita signing and not rescinding the Vita Agreement, a non-disclosure agreement and an effective, general release of all claims in favor of the Company within no greater than 60 days following the termination date. Upon a qualifying termination in connection with a change of control, all of Mr. Vita’s RSUs and PSUs, will vest in full ; PSUs will vest based on actual performance if performance has been determined or is reasonably determinable as of the change of control event, otherwise will vest at target. The total estimated incremental payments, payables and benefits to Mr. Vita upon a qualifying termination in connection with a change of control, as if such event occurred on the last business day of the Company’s most recently completed financial year, is $3,462,941, with Mr. Vita’s health insurance coverage continuing for thirty-six (36) months from the termination date. In the event of a change in control without a qualifying termination, Mr. Vita’s outstanding RSUs and PSUs from grants made in fiscal year 2022 and fiscal year 2023 will vest in full; PSUs will vest based on actual performance if performance has been determined or is reasonably determinable as of the change of control event, otherwise will vest at target. The total estimated incremental payments, payables and benefits to Mr. Vita in the event of a change of control without a qualifying termination, as if such event occurred on the last business day of the Company’s most recently completed financial year, is $305,188.
In the event that the Company terminates Mr. Vita’s employment without cause or Mr. Vita resigns for good reason (other than due to a change of control), Mr. Vita shall receive (i) an amount equal to twenty-four (24) months of the sum of Mr. Vita’s then base salary and target bonus paid over such 24-month period in installments on the Company’s regular payroll schedule following the termination date; (ii) the Company shall pay its share of Mr. Vita’s health insurance premiums to continue Mr. Vita’s health insurance coverage for twenty-four (24) months beyond the termination date; and (iii) Mr. Vita shall receive outplacement services for a period of one (1) year following the termination date. The payments and benefits that would be made to Mr. Vita are conditioned on and subject to Mr. Vita signing and not rescinding the Vita Agreement, a non-disclosure agreement and an effective, general release of all claims in favor of the Company within no greater than 60 days following the termination date. Upon an involuntary termination without cause or a termination for good reason, Mr. Vita’s outstanding RSUs/PSUs will be forfeited. The total estimated incremental payments and payables to Mr. Vita in the event of termination of his employment without cause (other than due to a change of control), as if such event occurred on the last business day of the Company’s most recently completed financial year, is $1,937,838, with Mr. Vita’s health insurance coverage continuing for twenty-four (24) months from the termination date.
On January 15, 2024, Mr. Vita retired as Chief Executive Officer. In connection therewith (and as referenced in Item 9B), the Company entered into a separation and release of claims agreement with Mr. Vita on March 13, 2024.
Michael Abbott
On April 26, 2019, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Abbott (the “Abbott Employment Agreement”), which provided for certain payments to Mr. Abbott upon termination or change of control. On March 15, 2023, in connection with Mr. Abbott’s transition from Executive Chairman to Chairman of the Company, the Abbott Employment Agreement was terminated, and the Company and Mr. Abbott entered into a transition and release of claims agreement (the “Abbott Transition Agreement”). The Abbott Transition Agreement provides for vesting of Mr. Abbott’s outstanding equity awards, valued at $935,603 at time of transition (except for the performance-vested portion of the RSU that was granted to him on April 29, 2019 (“Post-Closing RSU Grant”) which will be forfeited on April 29, 2024 if the pre-determined performance criteria is not achieved), severance payments of $56,666.67 per month for 36 months and a discretionary bonus of $100,000.
David Hart
On April 26, 2019, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Hart, as amended on January 1, 2022 (the “Hart Agreement”). The Hart Agreement may be terminated at any time by Mr. Hart or the Company. In the event of termination without cause of Mr. Hart’s employment in connection with a change of control, Mr. Hart shall receive (i) an amount equal to twenty-four (24) months of Mr. Hart’s then base salary, plus target bonus, paid over such 24-month period in installments on the Company’s regular payroll schedule following the termination date; and (ii) the Company shall pay its share of Mr. Hart’s health insurance premiums to continue Mr. Hart’s health insurance coverage for twenty-four (24) months beyond the termination date. The change of control payments and benefits that would be made to Mr. Hart are conditioned on and subject to Mr. Hart signing and not rescinding the Hart Agreement, a non-disclosure agreement and an effective, general release of all claims in favor of the Company within no greater than 60 days following the termination date. Upon a qualifying termination in connection with a change of control, all of Mr. Hart’s outstanding RSUs and PSUs will vest in full; PSUs will vest based on actual performance if performance has been determined or is reasonably determinable as of the change of control event, otherwise will vest at target. The total estimated incremental payments, payables and benefits to Mr. Hart upon a qualifying termination in connection with a change of control, as if such event occurred on the last business day of the Company’s most recently completed financial year, is $2,761,649, with Mr. Hart’s health insurance coverage continuing for twenty-four (24) months from the termination date. . In the event of a change in control without a qualifying
111
termination, Mr. Hart’s outstanding RSUs and PSUs from grants made in fiscal year 2022 and fiscal year 2023 will vest in full; PSUs will vest based on actual performance if performance has been determined or is reasonably determinable as of the change of control event, otherwise will vest at target. The total estimated incremental payments, payables and benefits to Mr. Hart in the event of a change of control without a qualifying termination, as if such event occurred on the last business day of the Company’s most recently completed financial year, is $1,556,383.
In the event that the Company terminates Mr. Hart’s employment without cause (other than due to a change of control), Mr. Hart shall receive (i) an amount equal to eighteen (18) months of Mr. Hart’s then base salary, plus target bonus, paid over such 18-month period in installments on the Company’s regular payroll schedule following the termination date; and the Company shall pay its share of Mr. Hart’s health insurance premiums to continue Mr. Hart’s health insurance coverage for eighteen (18) months beyond the termination date. The severance payments and benefits that would be made to Mr. Hart are conditioned on and subject to Mr. Hart signing and not rescinding the Hart Agreement, a non-disclosure agreement and an effective, general release of all claims in favor of the Company within no greater than 60 days following the termination date. Upon an involuntary termination without cause, Mr. Hart’s outstanding RSUs and PSUs will be forfeited. The total estimated incremental payments and payables to Mr. Hart in the event of termination of his employment without cause (other than due to a change of control), as if such event occurred on the last business day of the Company’s most recently completed financial year, is $815,791, with Mr. Hart’s health insurance coverage continuing for eighteen (18) months from the termination date.
On January 15, 2024, Mr. Hart was promoted to the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Company. In connection with his promotion, Mr. Hart entered into a new employment agreement with the Company on March 11, 2024, which allows Mr. Hart to receive the termination-related benefits described above upon a termination for good reason in addition to a termination without cause.
Jesse Channon
On November 26, 2019, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Channon, as amended on January 1, 2022 (the “Channon Agreement”). The Channon Agreement may be terminated at any time by Mr. Channon or the Company. In the event of termination without cause of Mr. Channon’s employment in connection with a change of control, Mr. Channon shall receive (i) an amount equal to eighteen (18) months of Mr. Channon’s then base salary, plus target bonus, paid over such 18-month period in installments on the Company’s regular payroll schedule following the termination date; and (ii) the Company shall pay its share of Mr. Channon’s health insurance premiums to continue Mr. Channon’s health insurance coverage for eighteen (18) months beyond the termination date. The change of control payments and benefits that would be made to Mr. Channon are conditioned on and subject to Mr. Channon signing and not rescinding the Channon Agreement, a non-disclosure agreement and an effective, general release of all claims in favor of the Company within no greater than 60 days following the termination date. Upon a qualifying termination in connection with a change of control, all of Mr. Channon’s outstanding RSUs and PSUs will vest in full; PSUs will vest based on actual performance if performance has been determined or is reasonably determinable as of the change of control event, otherwise will vest at target. The total estimated incremental payments, payables and benefits to Mr. Channon upon a qualifying termination in connection with a change of control, as if such event occurred on the last business day of the Company’s most recently completed financial year, is $1,954,239, with Mr. Channon’s health insurance coverage continuing for eighteen (18) months from the termination date. In the event of a change in control without a qualifying termination, Mr. Channon’s outstanding RSUs and PSUs from grants made in fiscal year 2022 and fiscal year 2023 will vest in full; PSUs will vest based on actual performance if performance has been determined or is reasonably determinable as of the change of control event, otherwise will vest at target. The total estimated incremental payments, payables and benefits to Mr. Channon in the event of a change of control without a qualifying termination, as if such event occurred on the last business day of the Company’s most recently completed financial year, is $1,049,721.
In the event that the Company terminates Mr. Channon’s employment without cause (other than due to a change of control), Mr. Channon shall receive (i) an amount equal to twelve (12) months of Mr. Channon’s then base salary, plus target bonus, paid over such 12-month period in installments on the Company’s regular payroll schedule following the termination date; and the Company shall pay its share of Mr. Channon’s health insurance premiums to continue Mr. Channon’s health insurance coverage for twelve (12) months beyond the termination date. The severance payments and benefits that would be made to Mr. Channon are conditioned on and subject to Mr. Channon signing and not rescinding the Channon Agreement, a non-disclosure agreement and an effective, general release of all claims in favor of the Company within no greater than 60 days following the termination date. Upon an involuntary termination without cause, Mr. Channon’s outstanding RSUs and PSUs will be forfeited. The total estimated incremental payments and payables to Mr. Channon in the event of termination of his employment without cause (other than due to a change of control), as if such event occurred on the last business day of the Company’s most recently completed financial year, is $506,419, with Mr. Channon’s health insurance coverage continuing for twelve (12) months from the termination date.
On January 15, 2024, Mr. Channon was promoted to the role of President of the Company. In connection with his promotion, Mr. Channon entered into a new employment agreement with the Company on March 11, 2024, which, in the event of termination of his
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employment without cause (other than due to change of control) provides for eighteen (18) months of termination-related benefits instead of the twelve (12) months of benefits described above.
Director Compensation
The following table sets forth all compensation paid to or earned by each non-employee director of the Company during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
Name |
|
Fees |
|
|
Share- |
|
|
Option- |
|
|
Non-Equity |
|
|
All Other |
|
|
Total |
|
||||||
Jeff Clarke |
|
$ |
59,500 |
|
|
$ |
114,364 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
173,864 |
|
Julie Hill |
|
$ |
44,475 |
|
|
$ |
114,364 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
158,839 |
|
James A.C. Kennedy |
|
$ |
59,500 |
|
|
$ |
114,364 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
173,864 |
|
Jonathan P. May |
|
$ |
72,000 |
|
|
$ |
114,364 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
186,364 |
|
Frank Savage |
|
$ |
54,125 |
|
|
$ |
114,364 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
168,489 |
|
Alison Worthington |
|
$ |
38,500 |
|
|
$ |
114,364 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
152,864 |
|
Notes:
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, Frank Savage, James A.C. Kennedy, Alison Worthington and Jonathan P. May served as members of the Compensation Committee.
None of the Company’s executive officers served as a member of the compensation committee (or other board committee performing equivalent functions or, in the absence of any such committee, the entire board of directors) of another entity, one of whose executive officers served as a director of the Company or on the Compensation Committee, during fiscal 2023. None of the Company’s executive officers served as a director of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on the Compensation Committee, during fiscal 2023.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The following table sets forth the expected beneficial ownership of the Company’s securities as of March 11, 2024 for (i) each member of the Board of Directors, (ii) each NEO, (iii) each person known to the Company and expected to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Company’s securities and (iv) the members of the Board and the NEOs as a group. Beneficial ownership is determined according to the rules of the SEC. Generally, a person has beneficial ownership of a security if the person possesses sole or shared voting or investment power of that security, including any securities that a person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days. Information with respect to beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Company’s securities is based on information provided by such beneficial owners as of February 14, 2024. Except as indicated, all shares of the Company’s securities will be owned directly, and the person or entity listed as the beneficial owner has sole voting and investment power. The address for each director and executive officer is c/o The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc., 680 Fifth Ave., 24th Floor, New York, New York 10019.
113
|
|
Common Shares |
|
|
Proportionate |
|
|
Total (1) |
|
|||||||||||||||
Name, Position and Address of |
|
Number |
|
|
% of |
|
|
Number |
|
|
% of |
|
|
Total |
|
|
% of |
|
||||||
Michael Abbott, Chairman and Director |
|
|
2,402,764 |
|
|
|
0.53 |
% |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
0.00 |
% |
|
|
2,402,764 |
|
|
|
0.52 |
% |
Nicholas Vita, Director and Former CEO |
|
|
18,665,268 |
|
|
|
4.09 |
% |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
0.00 |
% |
|
|
18,665,268 |
|
|
|
4.03 |
% |
Frank Savage, Director |
|
|
248,097 |
|
|
|
0.05 |
% |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
0.00 |
% |
|
|
248,097 |
|
|
|
0.05 |
% |
James A.C. Kennedy, Director |
|
|
2,071,462 |
|
|
|
0.45 |
% |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
0.00 |
% |
|
|
2,071,462 |
|
|
|
0.45 |
% |
Jonathan P. May, Director |
|
|
238,804 |
|
|
|
0.05 |
% |
|
|
29,468 |
|
|
|
38.26 |
% |
|
|
3,185,604 |
|
|
|
0.69 |
% |
Jeff Clarke, Director |
|
|
702,947 |
|
|
|
0.15 |
% |
|
|
47 |
|
|
|
0.06 |
% |
|
|
707,647 |
|
|
|
0.15 |
% |
Alison Worthington, Director |
|
|
164,849 |
|
|
|
0.04 |
% |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
0.00 |
% |
|
|
164,849 |
|
|
|
0.04 |
% |
Julie Hill, Director |
|
|
182,934 |
|
|
|
0.04 |
% |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
0.00 |
% |
|
|
182,934 |
|
|
|
0.04 |
% |
Dr. Rosemary Mazanet, Director |
|
|
2,153,869 |
|
|
|
0.47 |
% |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
0.00 |
% |
|
|
2,153,869 |
|
|
|
0.46 |
% |
David Hart, Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
2,947,383 |
|
|
|
0.65 |
% |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
0.00 |
% |
|
|
2,947,383 |
|
|
|
0.64 |
% |
Jesse Channon, President |
|
|
1,819,997 |
|
|
|
0.40 |
% |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
0.00 |
% |
|
|
1,819,997 |
|
|
|
0.39 |
% |
Bryan Olson, Chief People and Administrative Officer |
|
|
1,477,296 |
|
|
|
0.32 |
% |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
0.00 |
% |
|
|
1,477,296 |
|
|
|
0.32 |
% |
Derek Watson, Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
1,057,885 |
|
|
|
0.23 |
% |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
0.00 |
% |
|
|
1,057,885 |
|
|
|
0.23 |
% |
David Sirolly, Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel |
|
|
931,847 |
|
|
|
0.20 |
% |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
0.00 |
% |
|
|
931,847 |
|
|
|
0.20 |
% |
All Board directors and named executive officers as a group |
|
|
35,065,402 |
|
|
|
7.69 |
% |
|
|
29,515 |
|
|
|
38.32 |
% |
|
|
38,016,902 |
|
|
|
8.20 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Five Percent Holders: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Nomura Holdings, Inc. (2) |
|
|
27,941,788 |
|
|
|
6.13 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes:
Equity Compensation Plans
The following table sets forth the number of Common Shares to be issued upon exercise of outstanding convertible securities, the weighted-average exercise price of such outstanding convertible securities and the number of Common Shares remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans as at December 31, 2023.
Plan Category |
|
Number of Common |
|
|
Weighted-average |
|
|
Number of Common Shares remaining |
|||||
Equity compensation plans approved by Shareholders |
|
|
32,882,507 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
29,518,134 |
|
|
Equity compensation plans not approved by Shareholders |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
Total |
|
|
32,882,507 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
29,518,134 |
|
|
Notes:
114
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.
Related Party Transaction Policy
The Company has not adopted a related party transaction policy.
Transactions with Related Persons
Since the beginning of the last fiscal year there have been none and there are no currently proposed transactions in which the Company was or is to be a participant and the amount involved exceeds $120,000, and in which any related person had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.
Promoters
No person or company has been at any time during the past five fiscal years a promoter of the Company.
Director Independence
For purposes of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the independence of our directors is determined under the corporate governance rules of the Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”). The independence rules of Nasdaq include a series of objective tests, including that an “independent” person will not be employed by us and will not be engaged in various types of business dealings with us. In addition, the Board is required to make a subjective determination as to each person that no material relationship exists with the Company either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with the Company. It has been determined that six of our directors are independent persons under the independence rules of Nasdaq: Frank Savage, James A.C. Kennedy, Jonathan P. May, Jeff Clarke, Alison Worthington and Julie Hill.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
The following table sets forth fees paid to the Company’s auditors, Davidson & Company LLP, in 2023 and 2022 for audit and non-audit services. All of the services described below were approved in accordance with the Company’s pre-approval policy, which is described in the next section.
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2022 |
|
||
Audit fees (1) |
|
$ |
1,365,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,300,000 |
|
Audit-related fees (2) |
|
$ |
147,784 |
|
|
$ |
375,000 |
|
Tax fees (3) |
|
$ |
5,775 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
All other fees (4) |
|
$ |
32,841 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
Notes:
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The Company’s Audit Committee has a policy related to pre-approval of all audit and permissible non-audit services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm. Pursuant to this policy, the Audit Committee must pre-approve all services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm. Pre-approvals for classes of services are granted at the start of each fiscal year and are applicable for such year. As provided
115
under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the SEC’s rules, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, may delegate to one or more of its members the authority to address certain requests for pre-approval in between regularly scheduled meetings of the Audit Committee, and such pre-approval decisions are reported to the Audit Committee at its next regular meeting. The policy is designed to help ensure that there is no delegation by the Audit Committee of authority or responsibility for pre-approval decisions to management.
116
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
(a)(1) Financial Statements
See the Index to Financial Statement listed on page F-1 of the Form 10-K.
(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules
Schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable, not material or because the information is included in the consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto.
(a)(3) Exhibits
The exhibits are incorporated by reference from the Exhibit Index attached hereto.
ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY.
None.
117
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
|
Description of Exhibit
|
|
|
2.1 |
|
|
|
2.2 |
|
|
|
2.3 |
|
|
|
2.4 |
|
|
|
3.2 |
|
|
|
4.1 |
|
|
|
4.2 |
|
|
|
4.3 |
|
|
|
4.4 |
|
|
|
4.5 |
|
|
|
4.6 |
|
|
|
4.7 |
|
|
|
4.8 |
|
|
|
4.9 |
|
|
|
4.10 |
|
|
|
4.11 |
|
|
|
118
Exhibit
|
Description of Exhibit
|
4.12 |
|
|
|
4.13 |
|
|
|
4.14 |
|
|
|
10.1 |
|
|
|
10.2 |
|
|
|
10.3 |
|
|
|
10.4 |
|
|
|
10.5 |
|
|
|
10.6# |
|
|
|
10.7# |
|
|
|
10.8# |
|
|
|
10.9# |
|
|
|
10.10# |
|
|
|
10.11# |
|
|
|
10.12# |
|
|
|
10.13# |
|
|
|
10.14 |
|
|
|
119
Exhibit
|
Description of Exhibit
|
10.15 |
|
|
|
10.16 |
|
|
|
10.17# |
|
|
|
10.18 |
|
|
|
10.19# |
|
|
|
10.20# |
|
|
|
10.21*# |
|
|
|
10.22*# |
|
|
|
10.23* |
|
|
|
10.24#* |
|
|
|
21.1* |
|
|
|
31.1* |
|
|
|
31.2* |
|
|
|
32.1 |
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
|
32.2 |
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
|
101.SCH |
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |
101.CAL |
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |
101.DEF |
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |
101.LAB |
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document |
101.PRE |
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |
104 |
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL Document |
* Filed herewith.
Document has been furnished, is not deemed filed and is not to be incorporated by reference into any of the Company’s filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in any such filing.
# Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K.
120
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on March 13, 2024.
THE CANNABIST COMPANY HOLDINGS INC. |
|
/s/ David Hart
|
By: David Hart Title: Chief Executive Officer
|
/s/ Derek Watson
|
By: Derek Watson Title: Chief Financial Officer |
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints David Hart and Derek Watson, jointly and severally, his or her attorney-in-fact, each with the full power of substitution, for such person, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might do or could do in person hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or his or her substitute, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated and on the dates indicated.
Name and Signature
|
Title
|
Date
|
|
|
|
/s/ David Hart
David Hart |
Chief Executive Officer |
March 13, 2024 |
|
|
|
/s/ Derek Watson
Derek Watson |
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
March 13, 2024 |
|
|
|
/s/ Michael Abbott
Michael Abbott |
Chairman and Director |
March 13, 2024 |
|
|
|
/s/ Nicholas Vita
Nicholas Vita |
Director |
March 13, 2024 |
|
|
|
/s/ Frank Savage
Frank Savage |
Director |
March 13, 2024 |
|
|
|
/s/ James A.C. Kennedy
James A.C. Kennedy |
Director |
March 13, 2024 |
|
|
|
/s/ Jonathan P. May
Jonathan P. May |
Director |
March 13, 2024 |
|
|
|
/s/ Jeff Clarke
Jeff Clarke |
Director |
March 13, 2024 |
|
|
|
121
Name and Signature
|
Title
|
Date
|
/s/ Alison Worthington
Alison Worthington |
Director |
March 13, 2024 |
|
|
|
/s/ Julie Hill
Julie Hill |
Director |
March 13, 2024 |
|
|
|
/s/ Dr. Rosemary Mazanet
Dr. Rosemary Mazanet |
Director |
March 13, 2024 |
|
|
|
122
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders of
The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc.
(formerly Columbia Care Inc.)
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc. (formerly Columbia Care Inc.) (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2023, and 2022, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023, and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2019.
/s/
(PCAOB ID:731) |
Chartered Professional Accountants |
March 13, 2024
F-2
THE CANNABIST COMPANY HOLDINGS INC. (formerly Columbia Care Inc.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
(expressed in thousands of US dollars, except for share and per share amounts) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
||
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Cash |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Inventory |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Assets held for sale |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Property and equipment, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Right of use assets - operating leases, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Right of use assets - finance leases, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Goodwill |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Intangible assets, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Deferred taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Notes Receivable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Other non-current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total assets |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Liabilities and Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Accounts payable |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Income tax payable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Current portion of lease liability - operating leases |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Current portion of lease liability - finance leases |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Current portion of long-term debt, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Liabilities held for sale |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total current liabilities |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Long-term debt, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Deferred taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Long-term lease liability - operating leases |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Long-term lease liability - finance leases |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Derivative liability |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Other long-term liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Stockholders' Equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Common Stock, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Preferred Stock, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Proportionate voting shares, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Additional paid-in-capital |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Accumulated deficit |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Equity attributable to The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Non-controlling interest |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Total equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total liabilities and equity |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-3
THE CANNABIST COMPANY HOLDINGS INC. (formerly Columbia Care Inc.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
(expressed in thousands of US dollars, except for share and per share amounts) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|||||||||
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
|
December 31, 2021 |
|
|||
Revenues, net of discounts |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Cost of sales related to inventory production |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Cost of sales related to business combination fair value |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
Gross Margin |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Goodwill impairment |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Intangible impairment |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Fixed asset impairment |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Total operating cost |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Loss from operations |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Other expense: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Interest (expense) income on leases, net |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Interest (expense) income, net |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Other (expense) income, net |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
Total other expense |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Loss before provision for income taxes |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Income tax (expense) benefit |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
Net loss and comprehensive loss |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
Net loss attributable to shareholders |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Weighted-average number of shares used in earnings per |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Loss attributable to shares (basic and diluted) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
THE CANNABIST COMPANY HOLDINGS INC. (formerly Columbia Care Inc.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except for number of shares and warrants) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
|
|
Common |
|
|
Proportionate |
|
|
Additional |
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
Total the Cannabist Company Holdings Inc. |
|
|
Non-Controlling |
|
|
Total |
|
|||||||
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Voting Shares |
|
|
Paid-in Capital |
|
|
Deficit |
|
|
Shareholders' Equity |
|
|
Interest |
|
|
Equity |
|
|||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2020 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|||||
Equity-based compensation (1) |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
||||
Issuance of shares, net |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
||||
Issuance of shares in connection |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
||||
Issuance of shares in connection with |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
||||
Conversion of convertible notes |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
||||
Conversion between classes of shares |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
Cancellation of restricted stock awards |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Warrants exercised |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
||||
Non-controlling interests buyouts |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
Net loss |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Balance as of December 31, 2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|||||
Equity-based compensation (1) |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
||||
Warrants exercised |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
||||
Issuance of shares in connection |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
||||
Cancellation of restricted stock awards |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Conversion between classes of shares |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
Non-controlling interest buyout |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
Net loss |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Balance as of December 31, 2022 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|||||
Equity-based compensation (1) |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
||||
Warrants exercised |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
Issuance of shares |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
||||
Conversion between classes of shares |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
Distributions to non-controlling interest holders |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Deconsolidation of subsidiary |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Net loss |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
Balance as of December 31, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
THE CANNABIST COMPANY HOLDINGS INC. (formerly Columbia Care Inc.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
(expressed in thousands of US dollars, except for units and shares) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Year ended |
|
|||||||||
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
|
December 31, 2021 |
|
|||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Net loss |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Equity-based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Debt amortization expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Loss on conversion of Convertible Notes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Provision for obsolete inventory and other assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Goodwill impairment charges |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Intangible impairment charges |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Impairment on disposal group |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Impairment on fixed assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Loss on disposal group |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Earnout adjustment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
(Gain) on remeasurement of contingent consideration |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
Deferred taxes |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Change in fair value of derivative liability |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Accounts receivable |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
Inventory |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Other assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Accounts payable |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Income taxes payable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Other long-term liabilities |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Net cash provided by / (used) in operating activities |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
Cash flows from investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired / Cash acquired due to acquisition |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
||
Purchases of property and equipment |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Cash paid for other assets |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
Proceeds from sale of property, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Cash received (paid) on deposits, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
||
Cash for loan under CannAscend and Corsa Verde agreements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
||
Net cash (used) in investing activities |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Proceeds from issuance of debt and warrants |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Proceeds from mortgage note |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Payment of debt issuance costs |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Repayment of debt |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Repayment of acquisition related real estate notes and note payable |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Repayment of sellers note |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Repayment of mortgage notes |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-6
Payment of lease liabilities |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Issuance of common shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Costs of issuance of common shares |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
Exercise of warrants |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Distributions to non-controlling interests |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Taxes paid on equity based compensation |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Net cash (used in) / provided by financing activities |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Net (decrease)/increase in cash |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Cash and restricted cash at beginning of the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Cash and restricted cash at end of year |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Cash paid for interest on other obligations |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Cash paid for income taxes |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Cash |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Restricted cash |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Cash and restricted cash, end of year |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Non-cash fixed asset additions within accounts payable and accrued expenses |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Shares issued in connection with conversion of Convertible Notes into equity, net |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Extinguishment of derivative liability upon conversion of Convertible Notes |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Debt incurred issued in connection with acquisition of property, plant and equipment |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Derivative liability recognized upon issuance of convertible debt |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Shares issued in connection with finalization of working capital on acquisition |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Shares issued in connection with satisfaction of contingent consideration |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Buyout of non-controlling interest by issuance of shares |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Deconsolidation of subsidiary |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Assets held for sale |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Liabilities held for sale |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-7
THE CANNABIST COMPANY HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023, 2022, AND 2021
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except for gram, share and per share amounts)
The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc. (“the Company”, “the Parent”, or "The Cannabist Company"), formerly known as Columbia Care Inc., was incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario on August 13, 2018. The Company's principal mission is to improve lives by providing cannabis-based health and wellness solutions and derivative products to qualified patients and consumers. The Company’s head office and principal address is 680 Fifth Ave. 24th Floor, New York, New York 10019. The Company’s registered and records office address is 666 Burrard St #1700, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 2X8.
On April 26, 2019, the Company completed a reverse takeover (“RTO”) transaction and private placement. Following the RTO, the Company’s Common Shares were listed on Cboe Canada (formerly known as the NEO Exchange), trading under the symbol “CCHW”. Effective September 19, 2023, the Company changed its name from “Columbia Care Inc.” to “The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc.” (the “Name Change”). In connection with the Name Change, on September 21, 2023, the Company’s Common Shares and warrants began trading under the ticker symbols “CBST” and “CBST.WT”, respectively, on Cboe Canada. On September 26, 2023, the Company’s Common Shares began trading on the OTCQX Best Market under the ticker symbol “CBSTF”. The Company’s Common Shares are also listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol “3LP”.
Recent Developments
Mutual Termination of Arrangement Agreement with Cresco Labs:
As previously disclosed, on March 23, 2022, the Company entered into a definitive arrangement agreement, as amended on February 27, 2023 (the “Arrangement Agreement) with Cresco Labs LLC (“Cresco Labs”), pursuant to which, Cresco Labs agreed, subject to the terms and conditions thereof, to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares and proportionate voting shares of the Company, pursuant to a statutory plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the “Arrangement”).
As previously disclosed, the Company and Cresco Labs were not able to complete the divestitures necessary to secure all necessary regulatory approvals to close the Arrangement by the outside date (June 30, 2023) specified in the Arrangement Agreement.
On July 31, 2023, the Company and Cresco Labs entered into a termination agreement (the “Termination Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company and Cresco Labs agreed to terminate the Arrangement Agreement. The Termination Agreement provides for the release by each party of certain claims arising from or relating to the Arrangement, the Arrangement Agreement, the transactions contemplated therein or the circumstances relating thereto. There are no penalties or fees related to the mutual agreement to terminate the Arrangement.
Voluntary Delisting of Common Shares from Canadian Securities Exchange:
The Company voluntarily delisted its Common Shares from the facilities of the Canadian Securities Exchange, effective as of market close on August 2, 2023. Cannabist Company's common shares will continue trading on the Cboe Canada, the new business name of the NEO Exchange. Cboe Canada will remain the Company’s primary securities exchange, as it has been since the Company’s initial public listing.
Basis of preparation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis which assumes that the Company will continue in operation for the foreseeable future and, accordingly, will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of operations as they come due, under the historical cost convention except for certain financial instruments that are measured at fair value, as detailed in the Company’s accounting policies. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company reported a consolidated net loss of ($
F-8
Basis of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly owned subsidiaries, its partially-owned subsidiaries, and those controlled by the Company by virtue of agreements, on a consolidated basis after the elimination of intercompany transactions and balances. Control exists when the Company has power over an investee, when the Company is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from the investee, and when the Company has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee. The financial statements of entities controlled by the Company by virtue of agreements are fully consolidated from the date that control commences and deconsolidated from the date control ceases.
Investment in affiliates
The Company has investments in business entities, including general or limited partnerships, contractual ventures, or other forms of equity participation. The Company determines whether such investments involve a variable interest entity (“VIE”) based on the characteristics of the subject entity. If the entity is determined to be a VIE and the Company is determined to be the primary beneficiary of the entity, the Company consolidates the VIE and the other party’s equity interest in the VIE is accounted for as a noncontrolling interest.
The Company generally accounts for investments it makes in VIEs in which it has determined that it does not have a controlling financial interest but has significant influence over and holds at least a
If an entity fails to meet the characteristics of a VIE, the Company then evaluates such entity under the voting model. Under the voting model, the Company consolidates the entity if they determine that they, directly or indirectly, have greater than 50% of the voting shares, and determines that other equity holders do not have substantive participating rights.
The Company assesses annually whether there is any objective evidence that its interest in associates is impaired. If impaired, the carrying value of the Company’s share of the underlying assets of associates is written down to its estimated recoverable amount (being the higher of fair value less costs of disposal, or value in use) and charged to the consolidated expense.
Non-controlling Interests
Non-controlling interests (“NCI”) represent equity interests owned by outside parties. The Company elected to measure each NCI at its proportionate share of the recognized amounts of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. The share of net assets attributable to NCI are presented as a component of equity. Their share of net income or loss and comprehensive income or loss is recognized directly in equity. Total comprehensive income or loss of subsidiaries is attributed to the shareholders of the Company and to the NCI, even if this results in the NCI having a deficit balance.
Segment, geographic areas and customers information
The Company has determined that it operates in a single operating and reportable segment, the production and sale of cannabis. This is consistent with how the chief operating decision maker allocates resources and assesses performance. The Company’s products have similar characteristics due to the same raw material ingredient (cannabis), similar nature of cultivation process, the type or class of customer and the regulatory nature of the industry. Revenues from transactions with no single external customer exceed
Revenue earned outside of the United States of America is immaterial for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021. Long-lived assets located outside of the United States of America are immaterial as on December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Significant concentrations
The following table lists the states where the revenue represented 10% or more of the total revenue in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations:
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
|
December 31, 2021 |
|
|||
Colorado |
|
|
% |
|
|
% |
|
|
% |
|||
Pennsylvania |
|
* |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
% |
|||
California |
|
* |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
% |
|||
Massachusetts |
|
* |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
% |
|||
Virginia |
|
|
% |
|
|
% |
|
* |
|
|||
New Jersey |
|
|
% |
|
* |
|
|
* |
|
* State’s revenue is not greater than or equal to
F-9
Functional currency
The Canadian dollar serves as the functional currency of the Parent. All of the Company’s subsidiaries have the U.S. dollar as their functional currency. These consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars. The translation adjustment that arises as a result of the functional currency of the Parent being different than the subsidiaries is de minimis. Also, transaction gains and losses are not material.
Contingencies
In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to loss contingencies, such as legal proceedings and claims arising out of its business, that cover a wide range of matters, including, among others, product and environmental liability. The Company records accruals for those loss contingencies when it is probable that a liability will be incurred, and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company records a contingent gain when all of the following conditions have been met: (a) the amount to be paid to the Company is known, (b) there is no potential for appeal or reversal, and (c) collectability is reasonably assured.
Business combinations
The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting, which requires it to recognize separately from goodwill, the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at fair value as of the acquisition date. While the Company uses its best estimates and assumptions to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date as well as contingent consideration, where applicable, estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, the Company may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the values of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Accounting for business combinations requires the Company to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially at the acquisition date including estimates for intangible assets, contractual obligations assumed, pre-acquisition contingencies, and contingent consideration, where applicable. Although the Company believes the assumptions and estimates it has made in the past have been reasonable and appropriate, they are based, in part, on historical experience and information obtained from the management of the acquired companies and are inherently uncertain. Critical estimates in valuing certain acquired intangible assets under the income approach include growth in future expected cash flows from product sales, customer contracts, revenue growth rate, customer ramp-up period and discount rates. Unanticipated events and circumstances may occur that could affect the accuracy or validity of such assumptions, estimates or actual results.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of cash and highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company did
Restricted cash
Restricted cash primarily consists of escrow deposits related to acquisition activity and other contractual obligations.
Inventory
Inventory is comprised of raw materials, finished goods and work-in-progress such as pre-harvested cannabis plants and by-products to be extracted. The costs of growing cannabis, including but not limited to labor, utilities, nutrition and irrigation, are capitalized into inventory until the time of harvest.
Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, with cost determined using standard cost. Cost includes costs directly related to manufacturing and distribution of the products. These costs include raw materials, packaging, direct labor, overhead, shipping and the depreciation of manufacturing equipment and production facilities determined at normal capacity. Manufacturing overhead and related expenses include salaries, wages, employee benefits, utilities, maintenance and property taxes.
Net realizable value is determined as the estimated average selling price in the ordinary course of business less the estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale. At the end of each reporting period, the Company performs an assessment of inventory obsolescence and to measure inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Factors considered in the determination of obsolescence include slow-moving or non-marketable items.
Assets and liabilities held for sale
The Company classifies its long-lived assets and related liabilities to be sold as held for sale in the period (i) it has approved and committed to a plan to sell the asset, (ii) the asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition, (iii) an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to sell the asset have been initiated, (iv) the sale of the asset is probable, (v) the asset is being actively marketed for
F-10
sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value, and (vi) it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. The Company initially measures a long-lived asset that is classified as held for sale at the lower of its carrying value or fair value less any costs to sell. Any loss resulting from this measurement is recognized in the period in which the held for sale criteria are met. Conversely, gains are not recognized on the sale of a long-lived asset until the date of sale. Upon designation as an asset held for sale, the Company no longer records depreciation expense on the asset. The Company assesses the fair value of a long-lived asset less any costs to sell at each reporting period and until the asset is no longer classified as held for sale.
Property and equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, if any. Depreciation of property and equipment is dependent upon estimates of useful lives which are determined through the exercise of judgment. The assessment of any impairment of these assets is dependent upon estimates of recoverable amounts, considering factors such as economic and market conditions and the useful lives of assets.
Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset using the following terms and methods:
|
|
Estimated Useful life |
Buildings |
|
|
Furniture and fixtures |
|
|
Equipment |
|
|
Computers and software |
|
|
Leasehold improvements |
|
Shorter of the life of the lease or economic life |
The assets’ residual values, useful lives and methods of depreciation are reviewed at the end of each reporting period and adjusted prospectively if appropriate. Construction in progress is measured at cost and reflects amounts incurred for property or equipment construction or improvements that have not been placed in service. Upon completion, construction in progress will be reclassified as building or leasehold improvements depending on the nature of the assets and depreciated over the estimated useful life of the asset.
An item of equipment is de-recognized upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected from its use. Any gain or loss arising from derecognition of the asset (calculated as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying value of the asset) is included in the statement of operations and comprehensive loss in the year the asset is de-recognized.
Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the terms of the leases when placed in service.
Intangible assets and goodwill
The Company records goodwill and intangible assets acquired in business combination at their fair values, which are derived primarily using market and income approach valuation techniques. These measurements include the following key assumptions: (1) forecasted revenues, expenses and cash flows, (2) terminal period revenue growth and cash flows, (3) an estimated weighted average cost of capital, (4) assumed discount rates depending on the asset, (5) royalty rates, (6) start-up costs, (7) customer recurring revenue rates and (8) a tax rate. These assumptions are consistent with those that hypothetical market participants would use. Because the Company is required to make estimates and assumptions when evaluating goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, actual transaction amounts may differ materially from these estimates. Additionally, if these estimates or their related assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to record impairment for these assets.
Subsequent to acquisition, intangible assets are recorded at net of accumulated amortization and impairment losses, if any.
|
|
Estimated Useful life |
Licenses and Permits |
|
|
Trademarks and Tradenames |
|
|
Customer relationships |
|
The estimated useful lives, residual values and amortization methods are reviewed at each year-end, and any changes in estimates are accounted for prospectively.
Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair value of net identifiable assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill is allocated to each identified reporting unit based on groups of assets within specific regions and states and economic factors.
F-11
Goodwill is not amortized and is tested for impairment at least annually or more often, if and when circumstances indicate that goodwill may be impaired. This includes but is not limited to significant adverse changes in the business climate, market conditions, or other events that indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value.
Goodwill impairment test
In accordance with the accounting standards, an entity has the option first to assess qualitative factors to determine whether events and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that goodwill or an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If after such assessment an entity concludes that the asset is not impaired, then the entity is not required to take further action. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to determine the fair value of the asset using a quantitative impairment test, and if impaired, the associated assets must be written down to fair value.
The quantitative impairment test for goodwill compares the fair value of a reporting unit with the carrying value of its net assets, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value of the reporting unit, an impairment charge would be recorded to the Company’s operations, for the amount in which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. The estimate of fair value requires the use of significant unobservable inputs, representative of a Level 3 fair value measurement. The Company determines fair values for each reporting unit using the income approach, when available and appropriate, the market approach, or a combination of both. The income approach involves forecasting projected financial information (such as revenue growth rates, profit margins, tax rates, working capital and capital expenditures) and selecting a discount rate that reflects the risk inherent in estimated future cash flows. Under the market approach, the fair value is based on observed market data. If multiple valuation methodologies are used, the results are weighted appropriately.
The Company performs an annual assessment of its goodwill in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, or more frequently, to determine if any events or circumstances exist, such as an adverse change in business climate or a decline in overall industry demand, that would indicate that it would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount, including goodwill.
Recoverability of Long-lived Assets
The Company evaluates the recoverability of its long-lived tangible and intangible assets with finite useful lives for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. Such trigger events or changes in circumstances may include: a significant decrease in the market price of a long-lived asset, a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which a long-lived asset is being used, a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate, including those resulting from technology advancements in the industry, the impact of competition or other factors that could affect the value of a long-lived asset, a significant adverse deterioration in the amount of revenue or cash flows expected to be generated from an asset group, an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or development of a long-lived asset, current or future operating or cash flow losses that demonstrate continuing losses associated with the use of a long-lived asset, or a current expectation that, more likely than not, a long-lived asset will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life. The Company performs impairment testing at the asset group level that represents the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable and the expected undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the asset group are less than the carrying amount of the asset group, an impairment loss equal to the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its fair value is recorded. Fair value is determined based upon estimated discounted future cash flows.
As further discussed in Note 19, the Company conducted an impairment analyses test at the Colorado, California and Pennsylvania reporting units level.
Income taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company routinely evaluates the likelihood of realizing the benefit of its deferred tax assets and may record a valuation allowance if, based on all available evidence, it determines that some portion of the tax benefit will not be realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.
The Company recognizes deferred tax assets to the extent that it believes these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. If the Company determines that it would not be able to realize all or a portion of its deferred tax assets in the future, a valuation allowance is recorded. If the company later realizes it would be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future in excess of the net recorded amount, it would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.
F-12
The Company records uncertain tax positions in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740 on the basis of a two-step process in which (1) it determines whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than- not recognition threshold, the Company would recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than
Irrespective of indemnification clauses pertaining to unrecognized tax benefits related to the Company’s acquisitions, the Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the income tax expense.
Advertising and promotion costs
Advertising and promotion costs are expensed as incurred. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 the Company incurred $
Sale-leaseback transactions
From time to time, the Company may enter into sale-leaseback transactions to finance certain property acquisitions and capital expenditures, pursuant to which the Company sells the property to a third party and agrees to lease the property back for a certain period of time. To determine whether the transfer of the property should be accounted for as a sale, the Company evaluates whether it has transferred control to the third party in accordance with the revenue recognition guidance set forth in ASC 606.
If the transfer of the asset is deemed to be a sale at market terms, the Company recognizes the transaction price for the sale based on the cash proceeds received, derecognizes the carrying amount of the underlying asset and recognizes a gain or loss in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for any difference between the carrying value of the asset and the transaction price. The Company then accounts for the leaseback in accordance with its lease accounting policy.
If the transfer of the asset is determined not to be a sale at market terms, the Company accounts for the transaction as a financing arrangement, and accordingly no equipment sale is recognized. The Company retains the historical costs of the property and the related accumulated depreciation on its books and continues to depreciate the property over the lesser of its remaining useful life or its initial lease term. The asset is presented within property and equipment, net on the consolidated balance sheets. All proceeds from these transactions are accounted for as finance obligations and presented as non-current obligation on the consolidated balance sheets. A portion of the lease payments is recognized as a reduction of the financing obligation and a portion is recognized as interest expense based on an imputed interest rate.
Right of use assets and lease liability
The Company has entered into lease agreements for certain facilities, vehicles and equipment, which provide the right to use the underlying asset and require lease payments over the term of the lease. At inception of the lease agreement, the Company assesses whether the agreement conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period in exchange for consideration, in which case it is classified as a lease. Each lease is further analyzed to check whether it meets the classification criteria of a finance or operating lease. All identified leases are recorded on the consolidated balance sheet with a corresponding lease right-of-use asset, net, representing the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term and the operating lease liabilities representing the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. The Company has elected not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases (leases with a term of 12 months or less) and leases of low-value assets. Lease right-of-use assets, net and lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date of the lease based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term and include options to extend or terminate the lease when they are reasonably certain to be exercised. The present value of lease payments is determined primarily using the incremental borrowing rate based on the information available as of the lease commencement date.
Lease expense for operating leases is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term and variable lease costs are recorded as incurred. The Company’s lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. Finance lease interest expense is recognized based on an effective interest method and depreciation of assets is recorded on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease term and useful life of the asset. Both operating and finance lease right of use assets are reviewed for impairment, consistent with other long-lived assets, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. After a right of use asset is impaired, any remaining balance of the asset is amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the remaining lease term or the estimated useful life.
F-13
Revenue recognition
Performance Obligations
The Company recognizes revenue from sales when it satisfies its performance obligations by transferring control of promised products to its customers, which occurs at a point in time when the customer obtains the ability to direct the use of and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits from the products. Revenue from the Company’s retail business is recognized when the customer takes physical possession of the products, which occurs at the point of sale for merchandise purchased at the Company’s own retail stores, or upon shipment for merchandise ordered through online websites. Such revenues are recorded net of estimated returns based on historical trends.
Revenue from the Company’s wholesale business is generally recognized upon shipment of products, at which point title passes and risk of loss is transferred to the customer.
The Company’s revenues are disaggregated as follows:
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|||||||||
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
|
December 31, 2021 |
|
|||
Dispensary |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Cultivation and wholesale |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
The Company recognizes revenue in an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to be entitled to in exchange for the performance obligations. Revenue is recorded net of discounts and unearned revenue from the Company’s loyalty programs. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, the Company netted discounts of $
Sales taxes collected from customers are remitted to the appropriate taxing jurisdictions as they become due, and are excluded from sales revenue as the Company considers itself a pass-through conduit for collecting and remitting sales taxes. Freight revenues on all product sales, when applicable, are also recognized, on a consistent manner, at a point in time. The term between invoicing and when payment is due is not significant and the period between when the entity transfers the promised good or service to the customer and when the customer pays for that good or service is one year or less.
The Company generates an immaterial amount of revenue from services such as management fee revenues and interest on overdue amounts on the Company’s National Credit card (“CNC Cards”). Management fee revenue is recognized over time as the recipient of management services derives value from the services provided. The interest on overdue amounts on the CNC Cards is recognized as interest income over time.
During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company earned revenue of $
Loyalty Points Reward Programs
In certain of its markets, the Company offers a loyalty reward program to its dispensary customers. The Company offers its customers loyalty points rewards program that allows its customers to earn discounts on future purchases. Loyalty points are earned when a qualifying purchase is made. When a customer attains a certain number of points, the customer can redeem the credits on his/her next in-store purchase, up to a certain annual minimum. Loyalty points not redeemed expire automatically after six months from the date which they were earned.
A portion of the revenue generated in a sale is allocated to the loyalty points earned. The amount allocated to the points earned is deferred until the loyalty points are redeemed or expire.
F-14
Deferred Income
Deferred income represents cash payments received in advance of the Company’s transfer of control of products or services to its customers and generally consists of unearned revenue from the Company’s loyalty programs. The Company’s deferred income balances were $
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recognized $
Accounts receivable, net
Accounts receivable consist of amounts billed and currently due from customers. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses. In determining the allowance, consideration includes the probability of recoverability based on historical collection experience, aging of receivables and other economic and industry factors. Certain accounts receivable may be fully reserved when the Company becomes aware of any specific collection issues.
Credit losses
The allowance for credit losses is based upon a number of factors, including the length of time accounts receivable are past due, the Company’s previous loss history, the specific customer’s ability to pay its obligation and any other forward-looking data regarding customers’ ability to pay which may be available.
Sales taxes
Sales taxes collected from customers are excluded from revenues.
Cost of goods sold
Cost of goods sold includes the amounts incurred to acquire and produce inventory for sale to the Company’s customers, including costs of purchased materials, freight charges, depreciation, direct labor and other employment costs, cultivation facility costs, excise taxes and changes in reserves for obsolescence and inventory realizability.
These costs are reflected in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss when the product is sold and net sales revenues are recognized or, in the case of inventory write-downs, when circumstances indicate that the carrying value of inventories is in excess of their recoverable value.
Equity-based payment arrangements
The Company measures all equity-based payment arrangements to employees and directors in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation–Stock Compensation. The Company’s stock-based compensation cost is measured based on the fair value at the grant date of the stock-based award. It is recognized as expense over the requisite service period, which generally represents the vesting period. Forfeitures are recognized as they occur. The Company estimates the fair value of each stock-based award on its measurement date using either the current market price of the stock, the Black-Scholes option valuation model or the Monte Carlo Simulation valuation model, whichever is most appropriate. The Black-Scholes and Monte Carlo Simulation valuation models incorporate assumptions such as expected term of the instrument, volatility of the Company’s future share price, risk free rates, future dividend yields and estimated forfeitures at the initial grant date, by reference to the underlying terms of the instrument, and the Company’s experience with similar instruments. Changes in assumptions used to estimate fair value could result in materially different results.
Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock price. The risk-free interest rates are based on quoted U.S. Treasury rates for securities with maturities approximating the awards’ expected lives. Expected lives are principally based on the Company’s historical exercise experience with previously issued awards. The expected dividend yield is zero as the Company has never paid dividends and does not currently anticipate paying any in the foreseeable future.
Expense for performance restricted stock awards is recognized based upon the fair value of the awards on the date of grant and the number of shares expected to vest based on the terms of the underlying award agreement and the requisite service period(s).
Equity classified common stock warrants
The Company classifies certain warrants for the purchase of shares of its common stock as equity on its consolidated balance sheets as these warrants are considered indexed to the Company’s shares of Common Stock. For warrants that do not meet the criteria of a liability
F-15
warrant and are classified on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as equity instruments, the Company uses the Black-Scholes model to measure the value of the warrants at issuance.
Convertible debt
The identification of convertible debt components is based on interpretations of the substance of the contractual arrangement and therefore requires judgement. The separation of the components affects the initial recognition of the convertible debt at issuance and the subsequent recognition of interest on the liability component. The determination of the fair value of the liability is also based on several assumptions, including contractual future cash flows, discount rates and the presence of any derivative financial instruments.
Financial instruments
The Company follows the guidance in FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, or ASC 820, which defines fair value and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
Level 1 – Inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level 2 – Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3 – Prices or valuations that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.
In estimating fair value, the Company uses market-observable data to the extent it is available. In certain cases where Level 1 inputs are not available the Company may engage third party qualified valuers to perform the valuation. To the extent that the valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant rather than an entity specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, the Company’s own assumptions are set to reflect those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. The Company uses prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including during periods of market dislocation. In periods of market dislocation, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many instruments. In estimating fair value, the Company uses market-observable data to the extent it is available. In certain cases where Level 1 inputs are not available the Company may engage third-party qualified valuers to perform the valuation. This condition could cause an instrument to be reclassified from Level 1 to Level 2 or Level 2 to Level 3.
A financial instrument is any contract that gives rise to a financial asset of one entity and a financial liability or equity instrument to another entity. Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at the time the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the financial instrument.
Initial measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities
Financial assets and liabilities are recognized at fair value upon initial recognition plus any directly attributable transaction costs when not subsequently measured at fair value through profit or loss.
Subsequent measurement
Measurement in subsequent periods is dependent on the classification of the financial instrument. The Company classifies its financial instruments in the following categories: at fair value through profit or loss, loans and receivables, held to maturity, available for sale, and other financial liabilities.
The Company’s Level 3 financial instruments include the derivative liability associated with the convertible note payable issued to stockholders (see Note 5).
Loss on conversion of Convertible Debt
Under the terms of the Company’s Convertible Debt, the Company is permitted to offer additional incentives to the convertible debtholders as an inducement to convert their convertible debt into common shares. The additional incentive offered to the convertible debt holders is accounted for by the Company by recognizing a loss on conversion equal to the fair value of additional shares that were issued as a result of
F-16
the incentive program. The difference between the net book value of the debt that is converted, and the inducement loss is credited to equity. The reduction in the derivative liability relating to the embedded conversion feature within the Convertible Debt is also credited to equity.
Accounting for Real Estate Asset Acquisitions
The Company’s real estate acquisitions are generally accounted for as asset acquisitions as substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets. The Company records the cost of assets acquired based on the cost of the acquisition, which is the consideration the transferred to the seller(s) and generally includes direct transaction costs related to the acquisition.
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements
In January 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-01, Investments—Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815)—Clarifying the Interactions between Topic 321, Topic 323, and Topic 815. The update among other things clarifies that a company should consider observable transactions that require a company to either apply or discontinue the equity method of accounting under Topic 323, Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures, for the purposes of applying the measurement alternative in accordance with Topic 321 immediately before applying or upon discontinuing the equity method. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021.
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, “Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity” (“ASU 2020-06”), which simplifies the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity, including convertible instruments and contracts in an entity’s own equity. Among other changes, ASU 2020-06 removes from U.S. GAAP the liability and equity separation model for convertible instruments with a cash conversion feature, and as a result, after adoption, entities will no longer separately present in equity an embedded conversion feature for such debt. Similarly, the embedded conversion feature will no longer be amortized into income as interest expense over the life of the instrument. Instead, entities will account for a convertible debt instrument wholly as debt unless (1) a convertible instrument contains features that require bifurcation as a derivative under ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, or (2) a convertible debt instrument was issued at a substantial premium. Among other potential impacts, this change is expected to reduce reported interest expense, increase reported net income, and result in a reclassification of certain conversion feature balance sheet amounts from stockholders’ equity to liabilities as it relates to the Company’s convertible senior notes. Additionally, ASU 2020-06 requires the application of the if-converted method to calculate the impact of convertible instruments on diluted earnings per share (EPS), which is consistent with the Company’s accounting treatment under the current standard. ASU 2020-06 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and can be adopted on either a fully retrospective or modified retrospective basis. The Company early adopted the new standard on January 1, 2021. The adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Accounting pronouncements not yet adopted
In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-01, Leases (Topic 842): Common Control Arrangements. The FASB amended ASC 842 to provide a practical expedient that allows private companies and certain not-for-profits to use the written terms and conditions of a common control arrangement to determine whether a lease exists and to classify and account for the lease. The amendments also require all lessees, including public business entities, to amortize leasehold improvements associated with common control leases over their useful life to the common control group and account for them as a transfer of assets between entities under common control at the end of the lease. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements.
In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-02, Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures using the Proportional Amortization Method. The FASB issued final guidance allowing entities to apply the proportional amortization method to equity investments in all tax credit programs that meet the conditions in ASC 323-740, rather than just investments in qualified affordable projects that generate low income housing tax credits, as was required under the legacy guidance. The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements.
In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848. This update defers the Sunset Date of ASC Topic 848, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848), which provides temporary optional relief in accounting for the impact of Reference Rate Reform. This update is effective upon issuance and generally can be applied through December 31, 2024. The Company is evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements.
In July 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-03, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205), Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480), Equity (Topic 505), and Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718). This ASU amends various SEC paragraphs within the codification to conform to past announcements and
F-17
guidance issued by the SEC. This ASU does not provide any new guidance; as such, there is not a transition date or effective date associated with it. The Company is evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2023, the FASB issued 2023-05, Business Combinations-Joint Venture Formations (Subtopic 805-60); Recognition and Initial Measurement. This ASU contains guidance requiring certain joint ventures to apply a new basis of accounting upon formation by recognizing and initially measuring most of their assets and liabilities at fair value. This guidance is effective for all joint venture formations with a formation date on or after January 1, 2025. Early adoption is permitted. Joint Ventures formed before the effective date have the option to apply it retrospectively, while those formed after the effective date are required to apply it prospectively. The Company is evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements.
In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-06, Disclosure Improvements, “Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative.” This ASU amends the disclosure or presentation requirements related to various subtopics in the FASB codification. This applies to all entities within the scope of the amended subtopics.
Codification subtopics include:
-ASC 230-10 “Statement of Cash Flows”
-ASC 250-10 “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections”
-ASC 260-10 “Earnings Per Share”
-ASC 270-10 “Interim Reporting”
-ASC 440-10 “Commitments”
-ASC 470-10 “Debt”
-ASC 505-10 “Equity”
-ASC 815-10 “Derivatives and Hedging”
-ASC 860-30 “Transfers and Servicing: cured Borrowing and Collateral”
-ASC 932-235 “Extractive Activities-Oil and Gas: Notes to Financial Statements”
-ASC 946-20 “ Financial Services-Investment Companies: Investment Company Activities”
-ASC 974-10 “ Real Estate Investment Trusts”
The effective date for each amendment will be the date on which the SEC’s removal of that related disclosure from Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K becomes effective, with early adoption prohibited. For all other entities, the amendments will be effective two years later. The amendments in this Update should be applied prospectively. For all entities, if by June 30, 2027, the SEC has not removed the applicable requirement from Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K, the pending content of the related amendment will be removed from the Codification and will not become effective for any entity. The Company is evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280). This ASU requires public entities to provide disclosures of significant segment expenses and other segment items. It also requires public entities to provide in interim periods all disclosures about a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets that are currently required annually. Public entities with a single reportable segment will have to provide all the disclosures required by ASC 280, including the significant segment expense disclosures. This guidance is applied retrospectively to all periods presented, unless it is impractical. This ASU applies to all public entities and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740). This ASU requires public business entities to disclose in their rate reconciliation table additional categories of information about income taxes paid, including certain disclosures that would be disaggregated by jurisdiction and other categories. This ASU is effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2025. For all other entities, this ASU is effective for fiscal years after December 15, 2024 and for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2026. Early adoption would be permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements.
Critical accounting estimates and judgments
The preparation of the Company’s financial statements requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. These estimates and judgements are subject to change based on experience and new information which could result in outcomes that require a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets or liabilities affecting future periods. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized prospectively.
Financial statement areas that require significant assessments and judgements are as follows:
F-18
(1) Estimated useful lives, impairment considerations and amortization of property and equipment, intangible assets – amortization of property and equipment and intangible assets is dependent upon estimates of useful lives based on management’s judgment.
(2) Goodwill and intangible asset impairment testing require management to make estimates in the impairment testing model. On at least an annual basis, the Company assesses whether goodwill is impaired. Impairment of definite long-lived assets is influenced by judgment in defining a reporting unit and determining the indicators of impairment, and estimates used to measure impairment losses.
(3) The reporting unit’s fair value is determined using discounted future cash flow models, which incorporate assumptions regarding future events, specifically future cash flows, growth rates and discount rates.
(4) Stock-based compensation – The fair value of stock-based compensation expenses is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and rely on a number of assumptions including the fair value of common shares on the grant date, risk-free rate, volatility rate, annual dividend yield, the expected term, and the estimated rate of forfeiture of options granted. Volatility is estimated by using the historical volatility of the Company.
(5) Deferred taxes- Valuation allowance estimates on deferred tax assets.
On November 21, 2018, CGGC entered into a merger agreement with Columbia Care LLC (the “Merger Agreement”) providing for the merger (the “Merger”) of Columbia Care LLC with a newly-formed subsidiary of CGGC. On
While CGGC was the legal acquirer of Columbia Care LLC, the RTO has been treated as a reverse asset acquisition and consequently Columbia Care LLC was identified as the acquirer for accounting purposes. The RTO was measured at the fair value of the shares deemed to have been issued by Columbia Care LLC in order for the ownership interest in the combined entity to be the same as if the transaction had taken the legal form of Columbia Care LLC acquiring
Net assets acquired |
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Cash |
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$ |
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Consideration paid |
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$ |
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$ |
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Value attributable to obtaining a listing status |
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$ |
|
For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company expensed $
Expected volatility |
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% |
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Expected term (years) |
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Expected dividends |
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% |
|
Risk-free interest rate |
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% |
Volatility was estimated by using the average historical volatility of comparable companies from a representative peer group of publicly traded cannabis companies.
The Company evaluated the warrants issued as a part of the purchase consideration under ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity and ASC 815-40, Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity. These warrants do not have a redemption feature and are traded separately from our common shares on the NEO exchange. They can be converted into shares, on a one-for-one conversion ratio prior to their expiry on April 26, 2024, upon payment of a fixed exercise price of $
F-19
settlement amount is subject to change in case of certain situations like future stock split, consolidation, stock dividend etc. These variables that could affect the settlement amount would be inputs to the fair value of a fixed-for-fixed forward or option on equity shares. As the Company early adopted the provisions of ASU 2017-11 in 2018, the value of the down round provision associated with a future rights issue would be recognized only when it is activated and there is an actual reduction of the strike price or conversion feature. The Company determined that these warrants are freestanding financial instruments that qualify for the scope exemption for being accounted as derivatives. Further, the warrant agreement does not prohibit settlement in unregistered shares and it does not contain any cash-settled top-off or make-whole provisions or provisions for cash payment by the Company in case it fails to file with the SEC. The Company has an unlimited number of authorized shares and it is not required to post a collateral at any point with respect to the warrant agreement. The rights of the warrant holders do not rank higher than the rights of the shareholders. The Company therefore concluded that the warrants meet the criteria to be classified in stockholders’ equity and should be measured at fair value on the date of RTO. No changes would be required to the measurement amount or the classification unless an event that requires a reclassification of the warrants out of the equity occurs. The Company reassessed the contract classification as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, noting no changes to the classification and / or measurement. The Company formally became an SEC registrant with the filing of its 2022 Form 10-K.
Details of the Company’s inventory are shown in the table below:
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December 31, 2023 |
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December 31, 2022 |
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Accessories and supplies |
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$ |
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$ |
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||
Work-in-process - cannabis in cures and final vault |
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||
Finished goods - dried cannabis, concentrate and edible products |
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Total inventory |
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$ |
|
|
$ |
|
The inventory values are net of inventory write-downs as a result of obsolescence or unmarketability charged to cost of sales. As a result of local market conditions in Colorado, there was a $
Current and long-term obligations, net, are shown in the table below:
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December 31, 2023 |
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December 31, 2022 |
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2026 Notes |
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$ |
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$ |
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Term debt |
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2025 Convertible Notes |
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Mortgage Note |
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2023 Convertible Notes |
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Acquisition related real estate notes |
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Acquisition related promissory notes |
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Acquisition related term debt |
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Unamortized debt discount |
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( |
) |
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( |
) |
Unamortized deferred financing costs |
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( |
) |
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( |
) |
Unamortized debt premium |
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Total debt, net |
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Less current portion, net* |
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( |
) |
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( |
) |
Long-term portion |
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$ |
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$ |
|
The following table summarizes the scheduled principal payments on the Company’s outstanding indebtedness as of December 31, 2023:
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2024 |
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2025 |
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2026 |
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2027 |
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2028 |
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Thereafter |
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Total |
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Term debt |
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|||||||
2025 Convertible Notes |
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2026 Notes |
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Mortgage Note |
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Acquisition related promissory notes (see note 6) |
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F-20
The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants and was not in default of any provisions under any of its debt arrangements as of December 31, 2023.
The following table presents information about the current and long-term debt obligations of the Company as of December 31, 2023:
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Balance, |
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Borrowing |
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Acquisition |
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Conversion/Exchanges |
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Repayments |
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Balance, |
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||||||
Term debt |
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$ |
|
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$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
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$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
||
2025 Convertible Notes |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
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— |
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||
Mortgage Note |
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|
|
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— |
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|
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— |
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( |
) |
|
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|||
2023 Convertible Notes |
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|
|
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— |
|
|
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— |
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|
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— |
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( |
) |
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||
2026 Notes |
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— |
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— |
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- |
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— |
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Acquisition related real estate notes (note 6) |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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( |
) |
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||
Acquisition related promissory notes (note 6) |
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|
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|
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— |
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— |
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|
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— |
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( |
) |
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||
Acquisition related note payable (note 6) |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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( |
) |
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||
|
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
— |
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$ |
— |
|
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$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
The following table summarizes the scheduled principal payments on the Company’s outstanding indebtedness as of December 31, 2022:
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||||||
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Balance, |
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Borrowing |
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Acquisition |
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Conversion |
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Repayments |
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Balance, |
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Term debt |
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$ |
|
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$ |
— |
|
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$ |
— |
|
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$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
— |
|
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$ |
|
||
2025 Convertible Notes |
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|
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|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
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|
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— |
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— |
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||
Mortgage Note |
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|
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|
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— |
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|
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— |
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|
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( |
) |
|
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|
|||
2023 Convertible Notes |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
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— |
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||
2026 Notes |
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— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
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|||
Acquisition related real estate notes (note 6) |
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|
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|
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— |
|
|
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— |
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|
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— |
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— |
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|
||
Acquisition related promissory notes (note 6) |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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( |
) |
|
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|
||
Acquisition related note payable (note 6) |
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— |
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— |
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|
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— |
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( |
) |
|
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||
|
|
$ |
|
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$ |
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$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants and was not in default of any provisions under any of its debt arrangements as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
2025 Convertible Notes
On June 29, 2021, the Company completed an offering of
The 2025 Convertible Notes require interest-only payments until June 29, 2025, at a rate of
F-21
an embedded derivative liability and measured at fair value of $
2023 Convertible Notes
On June 19, 2020, the Company completed the first tranche of an offering of senior secured convertible notes (“2023 Convertible Notes”) for an aggregate principal amount of $
Conversion of Convertible notes
In April 2021, the Company offered an incentive program to the holders of the 2023 Convertible Notes, pursuant to which,
Private Placement
On February 3, 2022, The Cannabist Company closed a private placement (the “February 2022 Private Placement”) of $
The premium and paid interest were paid out of funds raised from the February 2022 Private Placement. The total unamortized debt and debt issuance costs of $
F-22
Mortgages
In December 2021, the Company entered into a term loan and security agreement with a bank. The agreement provides for $
In June 2022, the Company entered into a term loan and security agreement with a bank. The agreement provides for $
On August 10, 2023, the Company entered into two term loans and security agreements with a bank as follows:
Term debt
On March 31, 2020 and April 23, 2020, the Company completed the first and second tranches of a private placement of notes (“Private Notes”) for an aggregate principal amount of $
On May 14, 2020, the Company completed a private placement of an aggregate of
On July 2, 2020, the Company completed a second private placement of an aggregate of
On October 29, 2020, November 10, 2020 and November 27, 2020, the Company completed private placements of an aggregate of
On November 30, 2020, the Company completed another private placement of an aggregate of
At the option of the holder, each Warrant could be exchanged for one Common Share. The Warrants expired unexercised on May 14, 2023.
The 2024 Notes require interest-only payments through May 14, 2024, at a rate of
F-23
Upon initial recognition, the Company recorded $
Debt Transactions
The Company entered into a non-binding agreement with the September 2023 Investors (as defined in Note 11 below) with respect to the repurchase by the Company of up to $
Partial Redemption of 13% Notes due 2024
As described further in Note 11, on October 23, 2023, the Company retired $
Total interest and amortization expense on the Company’s debt obligations for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:
|
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Year Ended |
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|||||||||
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
|
December 31, 2021 |
|
|||
Interest expense on debt |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Amortization of debt discount |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Amortization of debt premium |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
Amortization of debt issuance costs |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Other interest (expense) income, net |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
Total interest expense, net |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
The weighted average interest rate on the Company’s indebtedness was
On June 11, 2021, the Company acquired (the “Green Leaf Transaction”) a
Green Leaf was formed in April 2014 for the purpose of selling medicinal and recreational cannabis products in the states of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Virginia. Green Leaf owns and operates vertically integrated cultivation facilities, manufacturing facilities and retail dispensaries in the states of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Virginia. The Company executed the Green Leaf Transaction in order to continue to grow revenues; expand its cultivation facilities, manufacturing facilities and dispensaries; and enter, or expand in the Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Virginia markets.
The following table summarizes the fair value of total consideration transferred and the fair value of each major class of consideration for Green Leaf:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measurement |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As previously |
|
|
period |
|
|
||||
|
|
|
reported |
|
|
|
adjustments |
|
|
|
As adjusted |
|
|
Consideration transferred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash consideration |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||||
Less working capital adjustment |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
||
Closing shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Milestone shares after closing (contingent consideration) |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|||
Total unadjusted purchase price |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|||
Less: Cash and cash equivalents acquired |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
||
Total purchase price, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
Equity purchase consideration comprised
F-24
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, less cash and cash equivalents acquired:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measurement |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As previously |
|
|
|
period |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
reported |
|
|
|
adjustments |
|
|
|
As adjusted |
|
Purchase price allocation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets acquired: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable |
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
||||
Inventory |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|||
Property and equipment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Right of use assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Goodwill |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|||
Intangible assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Accounts payable |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
|
||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
Note payable |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
||
Lease liabilities |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
||
Other long-term liabilities |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
Consideration transferred |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
On June 11, 2021, prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of tenant improvement receivable of $
The purchase price allocations for the Green Leaf Transaction reflect various fair value estimates and analyses relating to the determination of fair values of certain tangible and intangible assets and liabilities acquired and residual goodwill. The purchase price allocations for the Green Leaf Transaction reflect various fair value estimates and analyses, which are subject to change within the respective measurement periods.
The contingent consideration, payable in Common Shares (the “Milestone Shares”) of the Company, was estimated considering certain metrics as of the June 11, 2021 acquisition date, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) entered into by the Company in connection with the Green Leaf Transaction. The fair value of the contingent consideration was estimated using a probability weighted expected return method (“PWERM”). This fair value measurement was based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market, and represent a level 3 fair value measurement, including those relating to discount factors and probabilities of achievement of the related milestones. Discounts of
Based on the financial results for the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company remeasured the contingent consideration at fair value and recorded a net gain of $
At the end of the First Milestone period through June 30, 2022, the Company engaged a third-party expert and determined that no Milestone Shares were payable for the First Milestone. Based on the financial results for the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company determined that no remaining contingent consideration would be due and recorded a net gain of $
The Company determined the estimated fair value of the acquired working capital, and identifiable intangible assets and goodwill after review and consideration of relevant information including discounted cash flow analyses, market data and management’s estimates, prepared by an independent valuation firm. The estimated fair value of acquired working capital was determined to approximate carrying value.
For leases acquired, the Company measured the lease liability at the present value of the remaining lease payments, as if the acquired lease were a new lease at the acquisition date. The Company measured the right-of-use asset at the same amount as the lease liability, adjusted to reflect favorable or unfavorable terms of the lease when compared with market terms.
The goodwill arising from the Green Leaf Transaction consists of expected synergies from combining operations of the Company and Green Leaf, and intangible assets not qualifying for separate recognition such as formulations, proprietary technologies and acquired know-how. None of the goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.
Green Leaf’s state licenses, trade name and wholesale customers represented identifiable intangible assets acquired in the amounts of $
As a part of this acquisition, the Company acquired a note payable issued in March 2018 for the purchase of real property. This note payable matures in April 2038 and bears interest at a rate of
F-25
In conjunction with the Green Leaf Transaction, the Company expensed $
$
Unaudited supplemental pro-forma information
Had the acquisition of Green Leaf been completed on January 1, 2020, the Company’s pro forma results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 would have been as follows:
|
Year Ended December 31, 2021 |
||
Revenue |
$ |
|
|
Net income attributable to shareholders |
|
( |
) |
Earnings attributable to shares (basic and diluted) |
|
( |
) |
Weighted-average number of shares used in earnings per share—basic and diluted |
|
|
The pro forma financial information which gives effect to certain transaction accounting adjustments, including amortization of acquired intangibles is not necessarily indicative of the operating results that would have occurred had the acquisition been consummated on January 1, 2020, nor is it necessarily indicative of future operating results.
On November 1, 2021, the Company acquired (the “Medicine Man Transaction”) a
Medicine Man was formed in 2010 for the purpose of selling medicinal and recreational cannabis products in the state of Colorado. Medicine Man owns and operates vertically integrated cultivation facilities, manufacturing facilities and retail dispensaries in the state of Colorado. The Company executed the Medicine Man Transaction in order to continue to grow revenues; expand its cultivation facilities, manufacturing facilities and dispensaries; and enter, or expand in the Colorado market.
The following table summarizes the fair value of total consideration transferred and the fair value of each major class of consideration for Medicine Man:
Consideration transferred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash consideration |
$ |
|
||||
Closing shares |
|
|
|
|||
Milestone shares after closing (contingent consideration) |
|
|
|
|||
Purchase option obligation |
|
|
|
|||
Total unadjusted purchase price |
|
|
|
|||
Working capital adjustment |
|
|
|
|||
Total adjusted purchase price |
|
|
|
|||
Less: Cash and cash equivalents acquired |
|
|
( |
) |
||
Total purchase price, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired |
|
$ |
|
Equity purchase consideration comprised
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, less cash and cash equivalents acquired:
F-26
Purchase price allocation |
|
As previously reported |
Measurement period adjustments |
As adjusted |
|
|
Assets acquired: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inventory |
$ |
|
$ |
|
||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
|
|
||
Option deposit |
|
|
( |
|
||
Property and equipment |
|
|
|
|
||
Right of use assets |
|
|
|
|
||
Goodwill |
|
|
|
|||
Intangible assets |
|
|
|
|
||
Accounts payable |
|
|
( |
|
( |
|
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
|
|
( |
|
( |
|
Lease liabilities |
|
|
( |
|
( |
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
( |
|
( |
|
Consideration transferred |
|
$ |
$ |
|
The purchase price allocations for the Medicine Man Transaction reflect various fair value estimates and analyses relating to the determination of fair values of certain tangible and intangible assets and liabilities acquired and residual goodwill.
The contingent consideration, payable in Common Shares (the “Milestone Shares”) of the Company, was estimated considering certain metrics as of the November 1, 2021 acquisition date, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement entered into by the Company in connection with the Medicine Man Transaction. The fair value of the contingent consideration was determined upon acquisition.
The Company determined the estimated fair value of the acquired working capital, and identifiable intangible assets and goodwill after review and consideration of relevant information including discounted cash flow analyses, market data and management’s estimates, prepared by an independent valuation firm. The estimated fair value of acquired working capital was determined to approximate carrying value.
For leases acquired, the Company measured the lease liability at the present value of the remaining lease payments, as if the acquired lease were a new lease at the acquisition date. The Company measured the right-of-use asset at the same amount as the lease liability, adjusted to reflect favorable or unfavorable terms of the lease when compared with market terms.
The goodwill arising from the Medicine Man Transaction consists of expected synergies from combining operations of the Company and Medicine Man, and intangible assets not qualifying for separate recognition such as formulations, proprietary technologies and acquired know-how.
Medicine Man’s state licenses and trademarks represented identifiable intangible assets acquired in the amounts of $
In conjunction with the Medicine Man Transaction, the Company expensed $
$
On January 6, 2021, the Company acquired a
THCSD was formed in 2016 for the purpose of selling recreational and related cannabis products in San Diego, California, where it owns and operates a dispensary. The Company executed the THCSD Transaction in order to continue to grow revenues; expand its dispensaries; and penetrate the San Diego market.
The aggregate purchase price for the THCSD Transaction, being $
The following table summarizes the fair value of total consideration transferred and the fair value of each major class of consideration for the THCSD Transaction:
F-27
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measurement |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As previously |
|
|
|
period |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
reported |
|
|
|
adjustments |
|
As adjusted |
|
|
Consideration transferred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash consideration |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
||||
Closing promissory notes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Closing Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Total unadjusted purchase price |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Less: Cash and cash equivalents acquired |
|
|
( |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
||
Total purchase price, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, less cash assumed:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measurement |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As previously |
|
|
|
period |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
reported |
|
|
|
adjustments |
|
|
|
As adjusted |
|
Purchase price allocation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets acquired: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inventory |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Property and equipment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Right of use assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Goodwill |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Intangible assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Other long term assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Accounts payable |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
||
Lease liabilities |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
||
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
Other long term liability |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
||
Consideration transferred |
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
The purchase price allocation for the THCSD Transaction reflects various fair value estimates and analyses, which are subject to change within the respective measurement periods.
The Company determined the estimated fair value of the acquired working capital, and identifiable intangible assets and goodwill after review and consideration of relevant information including discounted cash flow analyses, market data and management’s estimates, prepared by an independent valuation firm. The estimated fair value of acquired working capital was determined to approximate carrying value.
For leases acquired, the Company measured the lease liability at the present value of the remaining lease payments, as if the acquired lease were a new lease at the acquisition date. The Company measured the right-of-use asset at the same amount as the lease liability, adjusted to reflect favorable or unfavorable terms of the lease when compared with market terms.
The goodwill arising from the THCSD Transaction consists of expected synergies from combining operations of the Company and THCSD, and intangible assets not qualifying for separate recognition such as formulations, proprietary technologies and acquired know-how. None of the goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.
THCSD’s state licenses and trade name represented identifiable intangible assets acquired in the amounts of $
In conjunction with the THCSD Transaction, the Company expensed $
$
On December 1, 2020, the Company acquired (the “Project Cannabis Transaction”) a
F-28
Project Cannabis was formed in August 2014 for the purpose of selling medicinal and recreational cannabis products in the state of California, on both a wholesale and retail basis. Project Cannabis owns and operates vertically integrated cultivation facilities, manufacturing facilities and retail dispensaries in the state of California. The Company executed the Project Cannabis Transaction in order to continue to grow revenues; expand its cultivation facilities, manufacturing facilities and dispensaries; and penetrate the California market.
The aggregate purchase price for the Project Cannabis Transaction, of $
In May 2021, the Company finalized the working capital on the Project Cannabis transaction. This resulted in issuance of an additional
As a part of the Project Cannabis Transaction, the Company was also granted an option to acquire two real estate properties in California for total consideration of $
The following table summarizes the fair value of total consideration transferred and the fair value of each major class of consideration for Project Cannabis:
Consideration transferred |
|
|
|
|
|
Closing Shares |
$ |
|
|||
Deferred stock payments |
|
|
|
||
Total unadjusted purchase price |
|
|
|
||
Working capital adjustment |
|
|
|
||
Total adjusted purchase price |
|
|
|
||
Less: Cash acquired |
|
|
( |
) |
|
Total purchase price |
|
$ |
|
F-29
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, less cash assumed:
Purchase price allocation |
|
|
|
|
|
Assets acquired: |
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable |
$ |
|
|||
Inventory |
|
|
|
||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
|
||
Property and equipment |
|
|
|
||
Right of use assets |
|
|
|
||
Long-term deposits |
|
|
|
||
Goodwill |
|
|
|
||
Intangible assets |
|
|
|
||
Other non-current assets |
|
|
|
||
Accounts payable |
|
|
( |
) |
|
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
|
|
( |
) |
|
Lease liabilities |
|
|
( |
) |
|
Deferred tax liability |
|
|
( |
) |
|
Other long-term liabilities |
|
|
( |
) |
|
Consideration transferred |
|
$ |
|
The purchase price allocations for the Project Cannabis Transaction reflects various fair value estimates and analyses relating to the determination of fair value of certain tangible and intangible assets acquired and residual goodwill. The Company determined the estimated fair value of the acquired working capital, and identifiable intangible assets and goodwill after review and consideration of relevant information including discounted cash flow analyses, market data and management’s estimates, prepared by an independent valuation firm. The estimated fair value of acquired working capital was determined to approximate carrying value.
For leases acquired, the Company measured the lease liability at the present value of the remaining lease payments, as if the acquired lease were a new lease at the acquisition date. The Company measured the right-of-use asset at the same amount as the lease liability, adjusted to reflect favorable or unfavorable terms of the lease when compared with market terms.
The goodwill arising from the Project Cannabis Transaction consists of expected synergies from combining operations of the Company and Project Cannabis, and intangible assets not qualifying for separate recognition such as formulations, proprietary technologies and acquired know-how.
Project Cannabis’ state licenses, trade name and wholesale customers represented identifiable intangible assets acquired in the amounts of $
In conjunction with the Project Cannabis Transaction, the Company expensed $
Since the closing date of the Project Cannabis Transaction, $
(e) Corsa Verde
On May 4, 2021, the Company acquired Corsa Verde, LLC (“Corsa Verde”).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measurement |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As previously |
|
|
|
period |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
reported |
|
|
|
adjustments |
|
|
As adjusted |
|
Consideration transferred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Closing Shares |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
||||
Note receivable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Interest receivable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Deposits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Restricted cash |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Total unadjusted purchase price |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Less: Cash acquired |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
||
Total purchase price |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
Included within the consideration was a convertible promissory note (the “Convertible Note”) in the amount of $
F-30
Company common stock on the NEO Exchange for the 5 days preceding the closing date of the transactions contemplated by the Corsa Verde Purchase Agreement.
The preliminary purchase price allocation is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measurement |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As previously |
|
|
|
period |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
reported |
|
|
|
adjustments |
|
|
|
As adjusted |
|
Purchase price allocation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets acquired: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||||
Inventory |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Property and equipment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Intangible assets |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
|
|
|
|
|||
Accounts payable |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
||
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Consideration transferred |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
Intangible assets consist of licenses which are determined to have a definite useful life of
Revenues of $
Details of the Company’s property and equipment and related depreciation expense are summarized in the tables below:
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
||
Land and buildings |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Furniture and fixtures |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Equipment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Computers and software |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Leasehold improvements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Construction in process |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total property and equipment, gross |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Less: Accumulated depreciation |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Total property and equipment, net |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
|
December 31, 2021 |
|
|||
Total depreciation expense |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Included in: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Costs of sales related to inventory production |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of property and equipment are summarized in the tables below:
|
|
Land and |
|
|
Furniture |
|
|
Equipment |
|
|
Computers |
|
|
Leasehold |
|
|
Construction |
|
|
Total |
|
|||||||
Cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Balance, December 31, 2022 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||||||
Additions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Impairments |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
||
Disposals |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Transferred from assets held for sale |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Other transfers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
||||||
Balance, December 31, 2023 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
F-31
|
|
Land and |
|
|
Furniture |
|
|
Equipment |
|
|
Computers |
|
|
Leasehold |
|
|
Construction |
|
|
Total |
|
|||||||
Accumulated depreciation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Balance, December 31, 2022 |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
Depreciation |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
Disposals |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Transferred from assets held for sale |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
Balance, December 31, 2023 |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
|
Land and |
|
|
Furniture |
|
|
Equipment |
|
|
Computers |
|
|
Leasehold |
|
|
Construction |
|
|
Total |
|
|||||||
Cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Balance, December 31, 2021 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||||||
Additions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Disposals |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
Transferred to assets held for sale |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Other transfers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
||||||
Balance, December 31, 2022 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
Land and |
|
|
Furniture |
|
|
Equipment |
|
|
Computers |
|
|
Leasehold |
|
|
Construction |
|
|
Total |
|
|||||||
Accumulated depreciation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Balance, December 31, 2021 |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
Depreciation |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
Disposals |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Transferred to assets held for sale |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Balance, December 31, 2022 |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
Asset Additions
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company exercised its option to acquire a 24-acre cultivation site in Vineland, New Jersey, referred to as Vineland 2, for approximately $
Greenhouse acquisition
Consideration transferred: |
|
|
Cash |
$ |
|
Closing shares |
|
|
Contingent consideration |
|
|
Fair value of consideration exchanged |
|
|
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed: |
|
|
Land |
|
|
Building |
|
|
Prepaid insurance |
|
|
Deferred rent |
|
( |
Total net assets acquired |
$ |
The New York greenhouse became fully operational during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Sale-Leasebacks
During the third quarter of 2020, the Company closed on a sale leaseback transaction in which two properties located in New Jersey sold for $
F-32
Details of the Company’s prepaid expenses and other current assets are summarized in the table below:
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
||
Prepaid expenses |
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
||
Short term deposits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Other current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Excise and sales tax receivable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Prepaid taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
Other current assets include amounts owed by, and subject to an indemnification claim made to, the former shareholders of Green Leaf. Refer also to Note 17.
Details of the Company’s other non-current assets are summarized in the table below:
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
||
Long term deposits |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Indemnification receivable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Investment in affiliates |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Restricted cash |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Notes receivable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Other non-current assets |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
During the year ended December 31, 2019, Focused Health LLC (“Focused Health”), a consolidated subsidiary of the Company, entered into a lease agreement with 9244 Balboa Blvd., LLC (“Balboa”) and simultaneously issued a secured promissory note (“Balboa Note”) with a principal amount of $
In addition to the issuance of equity in connection with conversion of 2023 Convertible Notes and Mortgage mentioned in Note 5, business acquisitions mentioned in Note 6, exercise of warrants mentioned in Note 12, and share-based payment arrangements mentioned in Note 13, during the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company closed a public offering that consisted of
Issuance of equity in connection with the exercise of warrants mentioned in Note 12, share-based payment arrangements mentioned in Note 13, and non-controlling interest buyout mentioned in Note 24, constitute the activity in shareholders equity during the year ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
Authorized Capital
Authorized share capital of the Company consists of (i) an unlimited number of common shares without par (ii) an unlimited number of proportionate voting shares without par, and (iii) an unlimited number of preferred shares.
The Company’s common shares and proportionate voting shares (together, the “Shares”) have the same rights and are equal in all respects. The Company treats the Shares as if they were a single class.
Conversion Rights and Transfers
Issued and outstanding proportionate voting shares, including fractions thereof, may at any time, subject to certain conditions, at the option of the holder, be converted into common shares at a ratio of
F-33
fractional proportionate voting shares convertible into common shares at the same ratio and the Company shall not be entitled to issue any additional proportionate voting shares thereafter.
Rights
Debt Redemption
On September 18, 2023, the Company raised gross proceeds of approximately $
Share buy-back Authorization
On November 6, 2023, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a normal course issuer bid (the “NCIB”) to repurchase up to
Outstanding equity-classified warrants to purchase common shares consisted of the following:
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
||||||||||
Expiration |
|
Number of Shares |
|
|
Exercise Price |
|
|
Number of Shares |
|
|
Exercise Price |
|
||||
September 21,2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
October 1, 2025 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
April 26, 2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
May 14, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
May 14, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
May 14, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
Warrant activity during the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022 is summarized in the table below:
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average |
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average |
|
||||
|
|
Warrants |
|
|
(Canadian Dollars) |
|
|
Warrants |
|
|
(U.S. Dollars) |
|
||||
Balance as of December 31, 2020 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
||
Exercised |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
||
Exercised |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2022 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
||
Issued |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
||
Exercised |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
Expired |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In January 2022,
F-34
Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan (equity settled)
On April 26, 2019, the Company adopted a long-term incentive plan (“LTIP”) to allow for a variety of equity-based awards that provide different types of incentives to be granted to the Company’s executive officers, directors, employees and consultants (options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), performance share units (“PSUs”), restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and deferred share units (“DSUs”)). Options, SARs, PSUs, RSUs and DSUs are collectively referred to herein as “Awards”. Each Award represents the right to receive common shares and in the case of SARs, PSUs, RSUs and DSUs, common shares or cash, in each case in accordance with the terms of the LTIP.
Under the terms of the LTIP, the Company’s board of directors may grant Awards to the Chief Executive Officer and review and approve the grant of Awards recommended by the Chief Executive Officer to other eligible participants. Participation in the LTIP is voluntary and if an eligible participant agrees to participate, the grant of Awards will be evidenced by a grant agreement with each such participant. The interest of any participant in any Award is not assignable or transferable, whether voluntary, involuntary, by operation of law or otherwise, other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. The plan has a stated term of ten years and provides that the exercise of stock options granted will not be less than the market price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. The plan does not specify grant dates or vesting schedules of awards as those determinations have been delegated to a committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. Each grant agreement reflects the vesting schedule for that particular grant as determined by the Committee.
The maximum number of common shares reserved for issuance, in the aggregate, under the LTIP is
Restricted stock units
A summary of RSU activity is presented below:
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Weighted-Average |
|
||
Unvested, December 31, 2021 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||
Granted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Vested |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Forfeited |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Unvested, December 31, 2022 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Granted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Vested |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Forfeited |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Unvested, December 31, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
The following table presents information about the Company’s RSUs for the period presented:
|
|
Year ended |
|
|||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
|
December 31, 2021 |
|
|||
Share-based compensation |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
The following table presents information about the Company’s RSUs as of the date presented:
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
||
Unrecognized compensation costs |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Weighted average period over which compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Maximum term relating to outstanding RSUs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Performance share units
F-35
Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock price. The risk-free interest rates are based on quoted U.S. Treasury rates for securities with maturities approximating the awards’ expected lives. Expected lives are principally based on the Company’s historical exercise experience with previously issued awards. The expected dividend yield is
The fair value of the TSR Awards was determined using a Monte Carlo Simulation valuation model with the following weighted average inputs:
Expected volatility |
|
|
% |
|
Expected term (years) |
|
|
% |
|
Expected dividends |
|
|
% |
|
Risk-free interest rate |
|
|
% |
During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company granted PSUs that will vest on the achievement of internal performance targets. The Company monitors the probability of achieving the performance targets on a quarterly basis and adjusts periodic compensation expense accordingly.
A summary of PSU and TSR activity is presented below:
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Weighted-Average |
|
||
Unvested, December 31, 2020 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||
Granted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Vested |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Forfeited |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Unvested, December 31, 2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Granted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Vested |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Forfeited |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Unvested, December 31, 2022 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||
Granted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Vested |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Forfeited |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Unvested, December 31, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
The following table presents information about the Company’s PSUs and TSR activity:
|
|
Year ended |
|
|||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
|
December 31, 2021 |
|
|||
Share-based compensation |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
The following table presents information about the Company’s PSUs and TSR as of the date presented:
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
||
Unrecognized compensation costs |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Weighted average period over which compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Maximum term relating to outstanding PSUs and TSRs (in years) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-36
Stock Options
The fair value of each stock option is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
Fair value at grant date (Canadian Dollars) |
|
$ |
|
|
Strike price at grant date (Canadian Dollars) |
|
$ |
|
|
Expected volatility |
|
|
% |
|
Expected life (in years) |
|
|
|
|
Expected dividends |
|
|
% |
|
Risk-free interest rate |
|
|
% |
Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock price. The risk-free interest rates are based on quoted U.S. Treasury rates for securities with maturities approximating the awards’ expected lives. Expected lives are principally based on the Company’s historical exercise experience with previously issued awards. The expected dividend yield is
Stock option awards under the LTIP are granted with an exercise price equal to the fair value of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant.
All option awards have a
A summary of option activity for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 is presented below:
|
|
Stock |
|
|
Weighted-Average |
|
|
Weighted-Average |
|
|||
Outstanding, December 31, 2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Forfeited |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
Outstanding, December 31, 2022 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
||
Exercisable as of December 31, 2022 and 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
During the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022, the Company recorded income of $
Restricted Stock Awards (“RSA”) and Unit programs (equity settled)
In May 2016, the Company adopted the Capital Accumulation Plan (“the CAP Plan”), which provided employees and operating partners with a mechanism to participate in increases in value of the Company. As of the Acquisition Date, holders of CAP units received replacement stock-based awards. The CAP units were converted into RSAs based on the intrinsic value of the Company if it was liquidated at the close of business. The value of the replacement stock-based awards was designed to generally preserve the intrinsic value of the replaced awards immediately prior to the merger. Such RSAs remain subject to the same continuing restrictions applicable to the original CAP units. The Company did not recognize any incremental expense in connection with the conversion of CAP units to RSAs.
The number of units outstanding under the CAP Plan were as follows:
|
|
Units |
|
|
Weighted-Average |
|
||
Unvested, December 31, 2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Unvested, December 31, 2022 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||
Unvested, December 31, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
A summary of RSA activity for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 is presented below:
F-37
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Weighted-Average |
|
||
Unvested, December 31, 2021 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||
Forfeited |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Converted to common shares |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Unvested, December 31, 2022 and 2023 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
The following table presents information about the Company’s CAP and RSA activity as of the date presented:
|
|
Year ended |
|
|||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
|
December 31, 2021 |
|
|||
Share-based compensation |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
Unit programs (liability settled)
In May 2016, the Company adopted the Income Incentive Plan (“the IIP Plan”), which provides deferred compensation to designated employees and operating partners (the “IIP units”).
In September 2019, holders of IIP units received replacement stock-based units (“RSU”). In September 2019, The IIP units were converted into RSUs based on the intrinsic value of the Company, as if it was liquidated at the Acquisition Date. The value of the RSUs was designed to generally preserve the intrinsic value of the replaced awards immediately prior to the conversion. Such RSUs remain subject to the same continuing restrictions applicable to the original IIP units. The Company did not recognize any incremental expense in connection with the conversion of IIP units to RSUs. Upon the conversion the Company reclassified deferred compensation of $
There were no units outstanding under the IIP Plan for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Deferred compensation expense related to the Company’s IIP units was $
The components of tax expense (benefit) were as follows:
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|||||||||
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
|
December 31, 2021 |
|
|||
Current tax expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Federal |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
State |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Total current tax expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Deferred tax expense (benefit) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Foreign |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Federal |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
State |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Total deferred tax expense (benefit) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
Change in Valuation Allowance - US |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
||
Change in Valuation Allowance - Foreign |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Provision (benefit) for income taxes |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740 – Income Taxes, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based upon anticipated future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying values and the tax bases for the respective items.
The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc. is organized in Canada but operates inside the United States. Due to the Company’s structure, the Company is subject to income tax both in the United States and Canada. The Company maintains full valuation allowances on its net operating losses at each of the foreign jurisdictions it operates in, resulting in a
F-38
The reconciliation of the Company’s income tax expense (benefit) on income (loss) before taxes at the U.S. federal statutory rate compared to the Company’s effective tax rate was as follows:
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
|
December 31, 2021 |
|
|||||||||||||||
Loss before provision for income taxes |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Tax using the company's domestic tax rate |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
% |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
% |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
% |
|||
Tax effect of: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
State taxes, net of federal benefits |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
% |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
% |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
% |
|||
280E limitations |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
)% |
|||
Non-deductible partnership income |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
)% |
|||
Other Permanent Tax Differences |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
)% |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
% |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
% |
|||
Share-based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
)% |
|||
Change in tax status |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
% |
|||||
Other items |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
)% |
||||
Provision to Return Adjustment |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
)% |
|||
Goodwill impairment |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
)% |
|||
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
( |
)% |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
|
% |
|
$ |
|
|
|
( |
)% |
The Company operates in the legal cannabis industry but is subject to Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) which prohibits the Company from deducting non cost of goods sold related expenses. Section 280E was originally intended to penalize criminal market operators, but because cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance for Federal purposes, the IRS has subsequently applied Section 280E to state-legal cannabis businesses. Cannabis businesses operating in states that align their tax codes with the IRC are also unable to deduct normal business expenses from their state taxes. The result of Section 280E’s application to the Company results in permanent disallowance of ordinary and necessary business expenses. As a result of 280E the Company’s effective tax rate can be highly variable and may not necessarily correlate with pre-tax income or loss. The non-deductible expenses shown in the effective rate reconciliation above is comprised primarily of the impact of applying IRC Sec. 280E to the Company’s businesses that are involved in selling cannabis, along with other permanent tax adjustments as prescribed by relevant tax code.
The tax effects of the temporary differences giving rise to deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 are summarized in the table below:
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|||||||||
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
|
December 31, 2021 |
|
|||
Deferred Tax Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Derivative liability |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Inventory |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Stock Based Compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Capitalized Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Reserves |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Right of Use Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Sale Leaseback |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Other Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Gross Deferred Tax Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Valuation Allowance |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Total Deferred Tax Assets, net |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Deferred Tax Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Property, Plant and Equipment |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
Intangibles |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Accruals |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Debt discount |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Right of Use Liabilities |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Gross Deferred Tax Liabilities |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
Net Deferred Tax Liabilities |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Net Deferred Tax Assets |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company’s management assesses both positive and negative evidence regarding the Company’s ability to realize its deferred tax assets and records a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized. The valuation allowance as of December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 are $
F-39
During the year ended December 31, 2023 the company recorded a deferred tax asset pertaining to a deemed asset acquisition. The future tax benefit related to this acquisition is expected to be subject to 280E.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company has $
Under Internal Revenue Code Section 382, utilization of net operating losses may be subject to annual limitations in the event of any significant future changes in its ownership structure. These annual limitations could adversely affect the company and result in the expiration of net operating losses prior to utilization.
The Company files tax returns as prescribed by the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates. In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to examination by federal, state, and foreign jurisdictions, where applicable. Such examinations may result in future tax, penalty, and interest assessments by the respective taxing jurisdictions. For uncertain tax positions the Company believes does not meet the more likely that not threshold of being sustained upon examination by the relevant taxing authorities, the Company records a tax reserve in the period in which it arises. The Company adjusts its unrecognized tax benefit liability and provision for income taxes in the period in which the uncertain tax position is settled, the statute of limitations expires for taxing authority to examine the position or when new information becomes available that requires a change in the recognition and/or measurement of the liability.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
Balance as of December 31, 2020 |
|
$ |
|
|
Increases (Decreases) for prior years |
|
|
|
|
Reductions for Expiration of Statute of Limitations |
|
|
( |
) |
Balance as of December 31, 2021 |
|
|
|
|
Reductions for Expiration of Statute of Limitations |
|
|
( |
) |
Balance as of December 31, 2022 |
|
$ |
|
|
Reductions for Expiration of Statute of Limitations |
|
|
( |
) |
Balance as of December 31, 2023 |
|
$ |
|
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the company had $
Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to the Company was calculated as follows:
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|||||||||
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
|
December 31, 2021 |
|
|||
Numerator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Net loss |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
Net loss attributable to shareholders |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Denominator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic and diluted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Loss per share - basic and diluted |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
Certain share based equity awards were excluded from the computation of dilutive loss per share because inclusion of these awards would have had an anti-dilutive effect. The following table reflects the awards excluded.
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|||||||||
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
|
December 31, 2021 |
|
|||
Warrants |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Convertible Debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Share based payment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-40
The Company leases its facilities under operating leases that provide for the payment of real estate taxes and other operating costs in addition to normal rent. The Company’s real estate leases typically have terms of
The following summarizes the weighted average remaining lease term and discount rate as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
||
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Operating leases |
|
|
|
|
||||
Finance leases |
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Weighted Average Discount Rate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Operating leases |
|
|
% |
|
|
% |
||
Finance leases |
|
|
% |
|
|
% |
The maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2023 were as follows:
|
|
Operating |
|
|
Finance |
|
||
Year Ending December 31: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
2024 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
2025 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
2027 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
2028 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Thereafter |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total lease payments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Less: interest |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Present value of lease liabilities |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
The following summarizes the line items in the income statements which include the components of lease expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
||
Operating lease expense |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Included in |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Cost of sales |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Finance lease costs: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Amortization of lease assets included in cost of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Amortization of lease assets included in selling, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Interest on lease liabilities included in interest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total lease costs |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
The following summarizes cash flow information related to leases for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
F-41
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
||
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Operating cash flows from operating leases |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Operating cash flows from finance leases |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Financing cash flows from finance leases |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Lease assets obtained in exchange for lease |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Operating leases |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Finance leases |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
Lease assets obtained in business acquisitions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Operating leases |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
Defined contribution plan
In 2020, the Company instituted a qualified 401(k) plan (the “401(k) Plan”) for its U.S. employees. The 401(k) Plan covers U.S. employees who meet certain eligibility requirements. Under the terms of the 401(k) Plan, the employees may elect to make contributions through payroll deductions within statutory and plan limits, and the Company may elect to make non-elective discretionary contributions. The Company may also make optional contributions to the 401(k) Plan for any plan year at its discretion.
Expense recognized by the Company for matching contributions made to the 401(k) Plan was $
Indemnification agreements
In the ordinary course of business, the Company may provide indemnification of varying scope and terms to vendors, lessors, business partners, and other parties with respect to certain matters including, but not limited to, losses arising out of breach of such agreements or from intellectual property infringement claims made by third parties. In addition, the Company has entered into indemnification agreements with members of its board of directors and senior management that will require the Company, among other things, to indemnify them against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as directors or officers. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is, in many cases, unlimited. Other than the accruals mentioned in this note, the Company has not accrued any liabilities related to any pending claims potentially subject to any indemnifications in its consolidated financial statements.
The Green Leaf Transaction closed on June 11, 2021. By letters dated April 22, 2022, June 1, 2022 and March 14, 2023, the Company notified the shareholder representative (“SRS”) for the former Green Leaf shareholders, including a director of the Company, that the Company was seeking indemnification of approximately $
F-42
Additionally, the Company may be contingently liable with respect to other claims incidental to the ordinary course of its operations. In the opinion of management, and based on management’s consultation with legal counsel, the ultimate outcome of such other matters will not have a materially adverse effect on the Company. Accordingly, no provision has been made in these consolidated financial statements for losses, if any, which might result from the ultimate disposition of these matters should they arise.
Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents the Company’s financial instruments that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
|
|
Level 1 |
|
|
Level 2 |
|
|
Level 3 |
|
|
Total |
|
||||
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Derivative liability |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
December 31, 2022 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Derivative liability |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
During the period included in these financial statements, there were
The following table summarizes the valuation techniques and key inputs used in the fair value measurement of level 3 financial instruments:
Financial asset/financial |
Valuation techniques |
Significant unobservable |
Relationship of unobservable |
Derivative liability |
Market approach |
Conversion Period |
Increase or decrease in conversion period will result in an increase or decrease in fair value. |
|
|
|
|
The carrying amounts of accounts receivable, other current assets, accounts payable and other current liabilities, current portion of long-term debt and lease liability as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of these items and are not included in the table above. The Company’s long-term debt and lease liabilities approximate fair value due to the market rate of interest used on initial recognition.
In addition to the disclosures for assets and liabilities required to be measured at fair value at the balance sheet date, companies are required to disclose the estimated fair values of all financial instruments, even if they are not presented at their fair value on the consolidated balance sheet. The fair values of financial instruments are estimates based upon market conditions and perceived risks as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. These estimates require management’s judgment and may not be indicative of the future fair values of the assets and liabilities.
Financial assets and liabilities for which the carrying values approximate their fair values include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable included within prepaid expenses and other assets, and other payables. Generally, these assets and liabilities are short term in duration and their carrying value approximates fair value on the consolidated balance sheets.
Goodwill and intangible assets consist of the following:
|
|
Goodwill |
|
|
Licenses |
|
|
Trademarks |
|
|
Customer |
|
|
Total |
|
|||||
Cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
As of December 31, 2022 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||||
Impairment |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
--- |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
Disposals |
|
--- |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
--- |
|
|
--- |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|||
Balance of December 31, 2023 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
F-43
|
|
Goodwill |
|
|
Licenses |
|
|
Trademarks |
|
|
Customer |
|
|
Total |
|
|||||
Accumulated Amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
As of December 31, 2022 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
Amortization |
|
--- |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
Balance of December 31, 2023 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
|
Goodwill |
|
|
Licenses |
|
|
Trademarks |
|
|
Customer |
|
|
Total |
|
|||||
Cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
As of December 31, 2021 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||||
Business acquisitions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Adjustments to purchase price |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|||
Impairment |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Disposals |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|||
Balance of December 31, 2022 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
Goodwill |
|
|
Licenses |
|
|
Trademarks |
|
|
Customer |
|
|
Total |
|
|||||
Accumulated Amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
As of December 31, 2021 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
Amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
Disposals |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Balance of December 31, 2022 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
The carrying value of goodwill in each reporting unit is indicative of the expected growth and development of the business. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company identified qualitative indicators of impairment as a result of a strategic reassessment of its business, including an evaluation of current operations and its future growth outlook due to changing consumer trends within certain markets. The decision to reduce the long-term growth outlook resulted in a downward adjustment of the future financial forecasts for the Company’s California and Colorado businesses, which indicated that impairment of the goodwill asset was a more-likely-than-not outcome.
The following table outlines the key assumptions used in calculating the recoverable amount for each Reporting Unit used in the impairment analysis performed during the fourth quarter of 2023:
Goodwill impairment testing |
||||||||
|
|
gLeaf |
|
Colorado |
|
|
California |
|
Significant estimates used by management |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years of cash flows before terminal value |
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Discount rate |
% |
% |
|
% |
||||
Terminal value multiple / rate |
% |
% |
|
% |
The recoverable amount of the reporting unit to which goodwill is allocated and the asset group to which intangibles are allocated were determined based on fair value using Level 3 inputs in a discounted cash flow analysis. Management performed the impairment test on the Colorado, California, and gLeaf (mostly Pennsylvania) asset groups for the definite lived assets impairment. The Company determined that the California and Colorado reporting units were impaired. The significant assumptions applied in the determination of the recoverable amount are described below:
i. Cash flows: Estimated cash flows were projected based on actual operating results from internal sources as well as industry and market trends. Estimated cash flows are primarily driven by sales volumes, selling prices and operating costs. The forecasts are extended to a total of five years (and a terminal year thereafter);
ii. Terminal value growth rate: The terminal growth rate was based on historical and projected consumer price inflation, historical and projected economic indicators, and projected industry growth;
iii. Corporate overhead allocation and the eventual reappeal of Schedule 208E.
iv. Post-tax discount rate: The post-tax discount rate is reflective of the reporting unit’s Weighted Average Cost of Capital (“WACC”). The WACC was estimated based on the risk-free rate, equity risk premium, beta adjustment to the equity risk premium based on a direct comparison approach, an unsystematic risk premium, and after-tax cost of debt based on corporate bond yields; and
v. Tax rate: The tax rates used in determining the future cash flows were those substantively enacted at the respective valuation date.
F-44
There was
The Company separately performed sensitivity analyses to evaluate the changes in the fair value of goodwill and intangibles that would result from changes in certain assumptions, including cash flows and discount rate.
These changes would result in material adjustments to the goodwill and intangible amounts for Colorado and Green Leaf in these scenarios.
Impairment – 2022
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, the Company identified qualitative indicators of impairment as a result of a strategic reassessment of its business, including an evaluation of current operations and its future growth outlook due to changing consumer trends within certain markets. This resulted in a downward adjustment of the future financial forecasts for the Company’s Colorado, California and Pennsylvania businesses, which indicated that impairment of the goodwill asset was a more-likely-than-not outcome.
The recoverable amount of the reporting unit to which goodwill is allocated and the asset group to which intangibles are allocated were determined based on fair value using Level 3 inputs in a discounted cash flow analysis. Management tested the Colorado, California, and Pennsylvania asset groups for the definite lived assets impairment. Where applicable, the Company uses its market capitalization and comparative market multiples to corroborate discounted cash flow results.
The following table outlines the key assumptions used in calculating the recoverable amount for each Reporting Unit used in the impairment analysis during the fourth quarter:
|
|
|
|
Goodwill impairment testing |
||||
|
|
gLeaf |
|
Colorado |
|
|
California |
|
Significant estimates used by management |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years of cash flows before terminal value |
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Discount rate |
% |
% |
|
% |
||||
Terminal value multiple / rate |
% |
% |
|
% |
The impairment assessment process for 2021 covered the Colorado and California Reporting Units, with the only difference in estimates used in 2022 described in the table above being the discount rates at
The below table summarizes the estimated aggregate amortization expense expected to be recognized on the intangible assets:
Selling, general and administrative expenses included the following:
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|||||||||
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
|
December 31, 2021 |
|
|||
Goodwill impairment |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Amortization expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Future estimated amortization expense: |
|
Amount |
|
|
2024 |
|
$ |
|
|
2025 |
|
|
|
|
2026 |
|
|
|
|
2027 |
|
|
|
|
2028 |
|
|
|
|
2029 and thereafter |
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
|
F-45
The Company will continue to monitor the impact of the goodwill associated with this reporting unit, and should it suffer additional declines in actual or forecasted financial results, the risk of goodwill impairment would increase.
During 2023, the Company committed to a plan to sell its Utah operations. Accordingly, certain of the assets and liabilities held by the Company’s Utah subsidiary were presented as a disposal group held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2023. The sale of the Utah assets was completed on March 7, 2024.
During 2022, in conjunction with the proposed transaction with Cresco Labs, the Company committed to a plan to sell parts of its operations in Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Ohio and New York. The divestiture of the Assets was required for Cresco to close its previously announced acquisition of the Company. On November 4, 2022 the Company and Cresco jointly announced the signing of definitive agreements to divest certain New York, Illinois, and Massachusetts assets to an entity owned and controlled by Sean “Diddy” Combs (the "Combs Transaction"). Accordingly, certain of the Company's long-lived assets and liabilities held in these three markets were presented as a disposal group held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2022. As a result of the termination of the proposed transaction with Cresco Labs, and termination of the proposed Combs Transaction, it was determined that the assets and liabilities in these three markets should no longer be classified as assets and liabilities held for sale.
The planned disposals as of December 31, 2023 did not represent a strategic shift of the Company that had or will have a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results. Accordingly, the operations were not segregated and were presented as continuing operations in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
||
Property, plant and equipment |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Right-of-use assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Assets held for sale |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Accounts payable and other liabilities |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Lease liabilities |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Liabilities held for sale |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
The non-recurring fair value measurement for the disposal group has been categorized as a Level 3 fair value utilizing Level 3 inputs and using a market approach, based on available data for transactions in the region and discussions with potential acquirers.
Details of the Company’s accrued expenses and other current liabilities are summarized in the table below:
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
||
Accrued acquisition and settlement of pre-existing |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Taxes - property and other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Other accrued expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Payroll liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Other current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Construction in progress |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
Details of the Company’s selling, general and administrative expenses are summarized in the table below:
|
|
Year ended |
|
|||||||||
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
|
December 31, 2021 |
|
|||
Salaries and benefits |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Professional fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-46
Operating facilities costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Operating office and general expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Advertising and promotion |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Other fees and expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Total selling, general and administrative expenses |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
Details of the Company’s other (expense) income, net is summarized in the table below:
|
|
Year ended |
|
|||||||||
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
|
December 31, 2021 |
|
|||
Change in fair value of the derivative liability |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
Acquisition and settlement of pre-existing relationships |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
(Gain) loss on remeasurement of contingent consideration |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
Loss on disposal group |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Impairment of disposal group |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Earnout adjustment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Loss on Restructuring |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Loss on conversion of Convertible Notes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Other (income) expense, net |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
Rental income |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Total other expense, net |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
The non-controlling interests of the Company for each affiliate before intercompany elimination are summarized in the tables below:
|
Venture |
|
|
Columbia |
|
|
Columbia |
|
|
Columbia |
|
|
Columbia |
|
|
Columbia |
|
|
Columbia |
|
|
Columbia |
|
|
Access |
|
|
Columbia |
|
|
Columbia |
|
|
Other |
|
Green Leaf |
|
Total |
|
||||||||||||||
Summarized balance sheet |
December 31, 2023 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current assets |
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
||||||||||||||
Current liabilities |
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) |
|
( |
) |
||
Current net assets (liabilities) |
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
Non-current assets |
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
Non-current liabilities |
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
( |
) |
||
Non-current net assets |
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
( |
) |
|||||
Accumulated NCI |
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) |
|
Venture |
|
|
Columbia |
|
|
Columbia |
|
|
Columbia |
|
|
Columbia |
|
|
Columbia |
|
|
Columbia |
|
|
Columbia |
|
|
Access |
|
|
Columbia |
|
|
Columbia |
|
|
Other |
|
Leafy |
|
Total |
|
||||||||||||||
Summarized balance sheet |
December 31, 2022 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current assets |
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
||||||||||||||
Current liabilities |
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
( |
) |
|
( |
) |
Current net assets (liabilities) |
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
Non-current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
Non-current liabilities |
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
( |
) |
|
( |
) |
Non-current net assets |
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
( |
) |
|
( |
) |
||
Accumulated NCI |
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) |
The net change in the non-controlling interests is summarized in the table below:
F-47
|
Venture |
|
|
Columbia |
|
|
Columbia |
|
|
Columbia |
|
|
Columbia |
|
|
Columbia |
|
|
Columbia |
|
|
Columbia |
|
|
Columbia |
|
|
Access |
|
|
Leafy |
|
|
Columbia |
|
Columbia |
|
Green Leaf |
|
Other |
|
Total |
|
||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2020 |
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
— |
|
$ |
— |
|
$ |
( |
) |
||
Net income |
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|||||||
Other |
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|||
Balance, December 31, 2021 |
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
( |
) |
||||
Net income |
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
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— |
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— |
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( |
) |
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( |
) |
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( |
) |
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( |
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( |
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Other |
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( |
) |
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$ |
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|||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2022 |
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) |
|||
Net income |
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- |
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- |
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- |
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( |
) |
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- |
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- |
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( |
) |
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- |
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- |
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— |
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||||||
Other |
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- |
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( |
) |
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- |
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- |
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( |
) |
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- |
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( |
) |
|
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- |
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- |
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|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
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- |
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( |
) |
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||||
Balance, December 31, 2023 |
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
$ |
— |
|
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
|
$ |
( |
) |
During the year ended December 31, 2022, VentureForth Holdings, LLC, a consolidated subsidiary which previously had a management services agreement with the company, was acquired by merger. The Company issued
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Acquired |
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Balance at |
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Charged |
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through |
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Balance at |
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Beginning of |
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to |
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business |
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Deductions |
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Other |
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end of |
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Year |
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income |
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combinations |
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from reserve |
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adjustments |
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Year |
Allowance for doubtful accounts, including credit |
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Year ended December 31, 2023 |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
Year Ended December 31, 2022 |
|
$ |
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$ |
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$ |
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$( |
|
$ |
|
$ |
Columbia Care MO, LLC is licensed to sell medical and adult-use marijuana at its dispensary, as well as produce medical and adult-use marijuana products at its processing facility. The Company supported Columbia Care MO, LLC through management services agreements. In 2022, the Company began considering strategic options for Columbia Care MO, LLC, including the potential for the sale of its associated assets and liabilities (the “Missouri Business”). On March 13, 2023, a definitive agreement was signed to sell the Missouri Business, which is considered non-core, and the Company no longer operated the Missouri Business as of that date. The assets of the Missouri Business are comprised of one dispensary and one processing facility and are being divested for gross proceeds of approximately $
As of December 31, 2023, no assets or liabilities of the disposed-of business remained on our consolidated balance sheets.
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Year ended |
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2023 |
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2022 |
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2021 |
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Revenue |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
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Expenses |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
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Utah Business Divestiture
On October 6, 2023, the Company entered into a definitive agreement, subject to closing conditions, to dispose of its Utah operations (the “Utah Business”) which are considered non-core and comprised of one dispensary and one cultivation facility. The Utah Business is being divested for gross proceeds of approximately $
27. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
F-48
The Company has evaluated all events and transactions that occurred after December 31, 2023 through the filing of these audited annual financial statements. Certain subsequent events noted in these audited annual financial statements include the following:
With the exception of these events, no events have occurred that would require adjustment to the disclosures in these audited annual consolidated statements.
F-49
Exhibit 10.21
AMENDED AND RESTATED AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”), is made and entered into as of the 11th day of March, 2024 (the “Effective Date”), between The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc. (f/k/a Columbia Care Inc.) , a British Columbia corporation with a principal place of business at 680 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10019 (which hereinafter includes any successor, parent, subsidiary, including, without limitation, Columbia Care LLC, and affiliate, and is collectively referred to as the “Company”), and David J. Hart, an individual (hereinafter referred to as “Employee” or “you”). The Employee and the Company previously entered into an At-Will Employment Agreement, as amended (the “Original Agreement”), dated April 26, 2019 (the “Original Effective Date”). The Employee and the Company now desire to amend and restate the Original Agreement on the terms and conditions set forth herein. In consideration of the promises and the mutual covenants herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto mutually agree as follows:
1. Eligibility For Employment. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires all employees of U.S. companies to have evidence of identity and authorization to work in the U.S. Employee represents and warrants that Employee has such authorization and will provide the Company with evidence thereof on or before the Effective Date of this Agreement. Employee further acknowledges that the Company may perform a background check on Employee.
2. At-Will Employment. Employee’s employment hereunder shall be at-will and can be terminated at any time, for any or no reason, and with or without cause. Employee’s employment pursuant to this Agreement will be effective on March 11, 2024 and shall continue until terminated by either party hereunder. The period of time during which Employee is employed as an at-will employee shall be referred to herein as the “Employment Period.” The date on which Employee’s employment terminates shall be referred to herein as the “Termination Date.”
3. Employment Period Duties. During the Employment Period following the Effective Date, the Employee shall be employed by and serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Company on a full-time basis reporting directly to the Board of Directors of the Company. The Employee shall perform such duties as are normally associated with the position and such duties as are assigned to Employee from time to time. The Company reserves the right from time to time to change the nature and scope of Employee’s duties. Employee hereby agrees and understands that the primary place of work is Employee’s home office in New Canaan, CT, and that Employee may also be required to travel, including travel outside of the United States of America, in furtherance of the duties of the position.
4. Exclusive Service. Employee hereby agrees to devote all of his reasonable efforts and business time, attention, and energies to the performance of his duties under this Agreement and to the Company; provided that Employee may serve on the board of directors of purely philanthropic or civic organizations or on the board of directors of one other company that is not competitive with the business of the Company (“Corporate Boards”), in each case only to the
1
extent that such service or participation does not interfere with Employee’s employment with the Company or duties under this Agreement. Employee may serve on the board of directors of additional companies that are not competitive with the business of the Company to the extent that such service or participation does not interfere with Employee’s employment with the Company or duties under this Agreement and Employee has advised the Company prior to commencing, and the Company has consented (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld) to, such additional Corporate Board service.
5. Restrictive Covenants.
5.1 Employee understands that the Company has spent considerable time, effort and expense developing proprietary information and has taken reasonable measures to protect its secrecy. Therefore, as a condition of employment with the Company, Employee shall execute the Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Non-Disclosure, which is attached to the Original Agreement as Exhibit A and incorporated by reference herein (the “NDA” or “Exhibit A”). The NDA is intended to survive and does survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement. The obligations, duties and liabilities of the Employee pursuant to Exhibit A are continuing, absolute and unconditional, and shall remain in full force and effect, despite any termination of this Agreement for any reason whatsoever, with or without Cause.
5.2 Employee has carefully read and considers this Section 5 and the NDA to be fair, reasonable and reasonably required for the protection of the interests of the Company. These provisions may be waived only by a written amendment signed by the parties. In the event Employee breaches any of the covenants in the NDA, any entitlement Employee may have to severance payments pursuant to Section 7 shall be forfeited.
6. Compensation and Benefits. As compensation for the services to be performed by the Employee under this Agreement, the Company agrees to pay the Employee, and the Employee agrees to accept the following:
6.1 Salary. The Company shall pay to the Employee an annual base salary of Five Hundred Thousand US Dollars ($500,000.00) (the “Base Salary”), which shall be payable in equal installments, not less frequently than bi-weekly, in accordance with the Company’s payroll practices; shall be subject to customary and required deductions and withholdings.
6.2 Discretionary Bonus. Employee will be eligible to participate in Company’s annual bonus plan, subject to its terms and conditions, with the potential to earn a short-term cash bonus under the Company’s annual management incentive plan or other similar bonus plan, equivalent to a target percentage of eighty-five percent (85%) of Employee’s Base Salary (“Bonus”), based upon achievement of corporate and individual goals. The Company shall pay the Bonus for a calendar year, if at all, on or after January 1st, but by no later than March 15th, of the following calendar year, and Employee must be employed by the Company on the payment date in order to have earned the Bonus. No annual Bonus is guaranteed, and its payment rests in the sole discretion of the Company
6.3 Reserved.
2
6.4 Incentive Equity Grants. Employee shall be eligible to receive discretionary equity grants (“Equity Grants”) under the Company’s Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan and any applicable award documents, as may be amended from time to time (“Omnibus Plan”), based upon achievement of corporate and individual goals. Such Equity Grants are subject to all of the terms and conditions of the Omnibus Plan and any applicable award documents. The vesting schedule, exercise timing and price per unit (as defined in the applicable award agreement) will be determined in accordance with the Omnibus Plan. Employee should consult with a tax advisor concerning the tax risks associated with accepting the Equity Grants. The Employee’s target annual Equity Grant as of the Effective Date is Two Million Three Hundred Thousand US Dollars ($2,300.000).
6.5 Benefits. The Employee shall be entitled to participate in the Company’s benefit plans, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance plans, subject to the eligibility and contribution requirements, enrollment criteria and the other terms and conditions of such plans. The Company reserves the right to modify, amend and eliminate any such plans, in its sole and absolute discretion.
6.6 Paid Time Off. Employee shall be entitled to paid vacation and holidays pursuant to the terms of the Company’s vacation policy as may exist and be amended from time to time in the sole and absolute discretion of the Company, and in accordance with any applicable laws. Employee shall also be eligible for paid sick days, pursuant to the Company’s applicable policy as may exist and be amended from time to time in the sole and absolute discretion of the Company, and in accordance with any applicable laws.
6.7 Expense Reimbursement. The Company shall reimburse the Employee for any reasonable out-of-pocket business expenses, including for travel, marketing, entertaining or other similar business expenses, incurred by the Employee during the Employment Period in the discharge of the position duties under this Agreement (“Expense”); provided that for each Expense, such Expense was incurred and the related reimbursement request was made, in compliance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy in effect and supported by relevant documentation.
7. Termination. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the employment relationship between the Company and Employee shall be an at-will employment relationship. Either party may terminate Employee’s employment under this Agreement at any time with or without Cause (as defined in Section 7.2). Upon termination of employment pursuant to this Section 7, the Employee shall receive payment of any accrued but unpaid Base Salary through the Termination Date, reimbursement for any unpaid and approved expenses incurred through the Termination Date, and any accrued but unused vacation. On or prior to the Termination Date, Employee shall return to the Company any and all Proprietary Information (as defined in Exhibit A) in the Employee’s possession, together with any and all other property of the Company.
7.1 Termination Upon Death or Disability. In the event of Employee’s death or the termination of the Employee by the Company because of his incapacity due to Disability (as defined herein) during the Employment Period, reimbursement for any unpaid and approved
3
expenses incurred through the Termination Date, and any accrued but unused vacation. In the event of Employee’s death, those payments will be made to the estate or legal representative of Employee and any death benefits payable and due to the death of Employee under Company benefit plans or programs will also be paid. For the purpose of this Section 7.1, Disability means a mental or physical condition which, in the opinion of the Company as supported by competent medical evidence and after consideration and compliance with its obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and all applicable state and local laws, renders Employee unable and incompetent to carry out the material job responsibilities which such Employee held or the material duties to which Employee was assigned at the time the disability was incurred.
7.2 Termination Of Employment With Cause. In the event that Employee’s employment is terminated by the Company with Cause (as defined herein), the Employee shall only receive payment of any accrued but unpaid Base Salary through the Termination Date, reimbursement for any unpaid and approved expenses incurred through the Termination Date, and any accrued but unused vacation.
“Cause” means Employee: (i) engaging in illegal conduct that was or is materially injurious to the Company or its affiliates; (ii) violating a federal or state law or regulation applicable to the Company’s business which violation was or is reasonably likely to be injurious to the Company, except for any violation of the Controlled Substances Act arising from the Company’s cultivation and distribution of marijuana; (iii) material breach of the material terms of this Agreement, including Exhibit A, and/or any other restrictive covenant agreement, confidentiality agreement or invention assignment agreement between Employee and the Company; (iv) commission of a felony or committing any act of moral turpitude or the misappropriation of material property belonging to the Company or its affiliates; (v) engaging in any act that constitutes material misconduct, theft, fraud, embezzlement, misrepresentation, conflict of interest, or breach of fiduciary obligations or duty of loyalty to the Company; (vi) gross negligence or willful failure to follow lawful directions of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer, other than due to illness or incapacity; (vii) unauthorized use or disclosure of proprietary information of the Company; (viii) actions or conduct which is detrimental to the business or financial reputation of the Company; or (ix) material violation of any material policies of the Company; provided that, with respect to subpart (ix), Employee must be provided with written notice of Employee’s termination for Cause (including an explanation of the basis for Cause) and be provided with a 30-day period following Employee’s receipt of such notice to cure the event(s) that trigger Cause. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company shall make the final determination in good faith as to whether the Employee has cured the existence of Cause.
7.3 Severance Upon Termination Of Employment Without Cause Or Resignation For Good Reason. In the event that the Company terminates Employee’s employment without Cause (as defined in Section 7.2) or Employee resigns his employment for Good Reason (as defined herein), then subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 7.3, Employee shall receive:
(i) an amount equal to eighteen (18) months of Employee’s then current Base Salary plus target Bonus, less all applicable withholdings and deductions, paid over such 18-month period in installments on the Company’s regular payroll schedule following the Termination Date; and
4
(ii) the Company shall pay its share of the COBRA premiums necessary to continue Employee’s health insurance coverage in effect for Employee and Employee’s eligible dependents (as of the Termination Date) until the earliest to occur of (i) eighteen (18) months following the Termination Date, (ii) the date Employee first becomes eligible for health insurance coverage with a subsequent employer (provided that Employee shall notify the Company within five business days of first becoming eligible) and (iii) the date that Employee is no longer eligible for COBRA coverage, provided that Employee and Employee's eligible dependents timely elect continued coverage under COBRA following the Termination Date.
For purposes of this Agreement, Employee will have Good Reason to terminate his employment, if without his consent, the Company: (A) assigns to, or withholds from, Employee duties, responsibilities, or authorities in a manner that is materially inconsistent with Employee’s role as Chief Executive Officer; (B) requires Employee to report to a position or person other than the Board of Directors of the Company (provided that Good Reason shall not be deemed to occur if the Company becomes a subsidiary of another company with other material business operations, the operations of the Company are not materially modified, and the Employee is required to report to the principal executive officer of the ultimate parent company); (C) materially reduces the Employee’s Base Salary or target Bonus (provided that Good Reason shall not include a reduction that is in the same percentage as a reduction generally applicable to other senior level executives occurring at or about the same time); (D) requires the Employee to relocate his primary workplace that results in an increase in the Employee’s one-way driving distance by more than 35 miles from the Employee’s then-current principal residence; or (E) materially breaches a provision of this Agreement; provided that Employee shall not have Good Reason, unless and until: (1) the Employee has delivered to the Company within thirty (30) days of the occurrence of the event(s) giving rise to such alleged Good Reason a written notice (i) signed by the Employee, (ii) setting forth the Employee’s intention to terminate his or her employment for Good Reason, (iii) indicating the specific termination provision(s) relied upon, and (iv) setting forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for Good Reason; (2) the Company is given fifteen (15) days in which to investigate the allegations made by the Employee (“Investigation Period”); (3) the Company has failed to cure the alleged failure within thirty (30) days following the expiration of the Investigation Period; and (4) the Employee has terminated employment within fifteen (15) days following the Company’s failure to cure. The notice shall be provided by hand delivery, or registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, to the address of the principal office of the Company, attention: Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel.
Employee’s receipt of payments and benefits in this Section 7.3 is conditioned on and subject to (i) Employee signing and not rescinding this Agreement and the NDA (and incorporated herein), and (ii) Employee signing and not rescinding an effective, general release of all claims in favor of the Company and in a form acceptable to the Company within no greater than 60 days following the Termination Date. In the event the Employee breaches the NDA, any entitlement to severance pursuant to this Section 7.3 shall be forfeited. Employee’s receipt of payments per this Section 7.3 will commence on the next regularly scheduled payroll date that occurs following the Effective Date of the release of claims.
5
7.4 Severance Upon Termination Following A Change In Control. In the event that the Company terminates Employee’s employment without Cause (as defined in Section 7.2) or Employee resigns his employment for Good Reason following a Change In Control (as defined herein), then subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 7.4, Employee shall receive:
(i) an amount equal to twenty-four (24) months of Employee’s then current Base Salary plus target Bonus, less all applicable withholdings and deductions, paid over such 24-month period in installments on the Company’s regular payroll schedule following the Termination Date; and
(ii) the Company shall pay its share of the COBRA premiums necessary to continue Employee’s health insurance coverage in effect for Employee and Employee’s eligible dependents (as of the Termination Date) until the earliest to occur of (i) eighteen (18) months following the Termination Date, (ii) the date Employee first becomes eligible for health insurance coverage with a subsequent employer (provided that Employee shall notify the Company within five business days of first becoming eligible) and (iii) the date that Employee is no longer eligible for COBRA coverage, provided that Employee and Employee's eligible dependents timely elect continued coverage under COBRA following the Termination Date.
“Change in Control” means, other than the transaction between the Company and Canaccord Genuity Growth Corp. effective April 26, 2019, (the “SPAC Transaction”), the (A) the merger, consolidation or reorganization of the Company with any other company (or the issuance by the Company of its voting securities as consideration in a merger, consolidation or reorganization of a subsidiary with any other company) unless, immediately following such a merger, consolidation or reorganization the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continue to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the other entity) at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such other entity outstanding immediately after such merger, consolidation or reorganization; (B) the consummation by the Company of a plan of complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of its assets (including through the sale or other disposition of the equity of one or more subsidiaries of Company), unless, immediately following such a sale or liquidation persons who owned the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto represent, on substantially the same proportions, at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the entity which owns the Company assets immediately after such liquidation or sale; or (C) any “person,” as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (other than the Company, any trustee or other fiduciary holding the Company securities under any employee benefit plan of the Company, or any company owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company Shares), becoming the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities or otherwise acquiring the power to elect or designate a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control will not accelerate the payment of any “deferred compensation” (as defined under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (“Code Section 409A”)) unless the Change in Control also qualifies as a change in control under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-3(i)(5).
6
Employee’s receipt of payments and benefits in this Section 7.4 is conditioned on and subject to (i) Employee signing and not rescinding this Agreement and the NDA (and incorporated herein), and (ii) Employee signing and not rescinding an effective, general release of all claims in favor of the Company and in a form acceptable to the Company within no greater than 60 days following the Termination Date. In the event the Employee breaches the NDA, any entitlement to severance pursuant to this Section 7.4 shall be forfeited. Employee’s receipt of payments per this Section 7.4 will commence on the next regularly scheduled payroll date that occurs following the Effective Date of the release of claims.
7.5 Resignation. In the event the Employee resigns his employment for any reason, Employee shall provide the Company with a written notice of Employee’s intent to terminate his employment at least two weeks prior to the Termination Date. Employee shall receive payment of any accrued but unpaid Base Salary through the Termination Date, reimbursement for any unpaid and approved expenses incurred through the Termination Date, and any accrued but unused vacation, and the Company shall have no further obligations to the Employee under this Agreement.
8. Injunctive Relief. Employee and the Company: (i) intend that the provisions of Exhibit A be and become valid and enforceable; (ii) acknowledge and agree that the provisions of Exhibit A are reasonably necessary to protect the legitimate interests, business and good will of the Company; and (iii) that any violation of Exhibit A will result in immediate, substantial and irreparable injury to the business and goodwill of the Company for which there exists no adequate remedy at law. Accordingly, Employee agrees that if s/he violates any of the provisions of Exhibit A, then, in addition to any other remedy available at law or in equity, the Company shall be entitled to an injunction restraining such breach, without the requirement of demonstrating irreparable injury or of posting a bond, as well as liquidated damages, including, but not limited to, any and all money(ies) or payment(s) earned by the Employee during the period of the breach. Employee understands and agrees that the foregoing relief is without notice to Employee and without the necessity of proving actual damages. In the event that either party breaches any portion of this Agreement, the prevailing party in an action to enforce or interpret this Agreement may recover from the other party reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in that subsequent action or proceeding, in addition to all other relief to which the prevailing party may be entitled. Employee agrees that the provisions of Section 15 shall not apply to proceedings brought by the Company to obtain the equitable relief authorized under this Section 8, which proceedings the Company shall be free to institute in any court of competent jurisdiction within or outside of the State of New York.
9. Warranties and Covenants. As an inducement to the Company to enter into this Agreement, Employee represents and warrants as follows: (i) there exist no impediments or restraints, contractual or otherwise on Employee’s power, right or ability to enter into this Agreement and to perform his duties and obligations hereunder; and (ii) the performance of Employee’s obligations under this Agreement do not and will not violate or conflict with any agreement relating to confidentiality, non-competition or any other restrictive covenant of any type or exclusive employment to which Employee is or was subject.
7
10. Indemnification. In the event that Employee is made a party or threatened to be made a party to any action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (collectively, a “Proceeding”) by reason of the fact that Employee is or was an employee, officer or director of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, member, employee or agent of another corporation, subsidiary or a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, or because of conduct properly undertaken by Employee in executing his duties pursuant to Section 3, Employee shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company to the fullest extent permitted by, and except as prohibited under applicable law, from and against any liabilities, costs, claims and expenses, including all costs and expenses incurred in defense of any Proceeding (including attorneys’ fees). Costs and expenses incurred by Employee in defense of such Proceeding (including attorneys’ fees) shall be paid by the Company in advance of the final disposition of such litigation upon receipt by the Company of: (i) a written request for payment; (ii) appropriate documentation evidencing the incurrence, amount and nature of the costs and expenses for which payment is being sought; and (iii) an undertaking adequate under applicable law made by or on Employee’s behalf to repay the amounts so paid within thirty (30) days after written notification from the Company if it shall ultimately be determined that Employee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company under this Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, this indemnification provision shall not apply to any Proceeding initiated by Employee or the Company relating to any dispute between Employee and the Company. Moreover, the Indemnity shall not cover any judgment or arbitration award for punitive damages.
11. Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance. The Company represents that it will use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain directors’ and officers’ liability insurance during the term of Employee’s employment providing coverage to Employee on terms that are no less favorable than the coverage provided to the directors and senior executives of the Company, subject to the terms and exclusions of the applicable policy.
12. Withholding. All sums payable to Employee shall be reduced by all federal, state, local and other withholding and similar taxes and payments required by applicable law.
13. Code Section 409A; Six Month Holdback. It is intended that all of the payments and benefits payable under this Agreement satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, the exemptions from Code Section 409A. To the extent (i) any payments to which Employee becomes entitled under this Agreement, or any agreement or plan referenced herein, in connection with Employee’s separation of service from the Company constitute deferred compensation subject to Code Section 409A and (ii) Employee is deemed by the Company at the time of such separation of service to be a “specified” employee under Code Section 409A, as determined by the Company, by which determination Employee agrees to be bound, then such payment shall not be made or commence until the earliest of (i) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of Employee’s “separation from service” (as such term is defined below); or (ii) thirty (30) days following the date of Employee’s death following such separation from service; provided, however, that such deferral shall only be effected to the extent required to avoid adverse tax treatment to Employee, including (without limitation) the additional twenty percent (20%) tax for which you would otherwise be liable under Code Section 409A(a)(1)(B) in the absence of such deferral. Upon the expiration of the applicable deferral period, any payments which would have
8
otherwise been made during that period (whether in a single sum or in installments) in the absence of this paragraph shall be paid to Employee in one lump sum. With respect to any determination that the payments or benefits provided for in this Agreement are subject to Code Section 409A, then each payment or installment is a separate and distinct payment. To the extent any payment under this Agreement may comply with the “short term deferral” exception from Code Section 409A specified in Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1(b)(4) (or any successor provision) or the “separation pay plan” exception specified in Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1(b)(9) (or any successor provision), or both of them, and shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with the applicable exceptions. For purposes of this Agreement, separation or termination of Employee’s employment with the Company shall mean “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and Code Section 1.409A-l(h) of the regulations promulgated under the Code or any successor regulations. If any payment subject to Code Section 409A is contingent on the delivery of a release by Employee and could occur in either of two calendar years, the payment will occur in the later year. In any event, the Company makes no representations or warranty of any particular tax treatment to Employee and the Company shall have no liability to Employee or any other person if any benefits or payments under this Agreement are determined to be deferred compensation subject to Code Section 409A and not to satisfy the conditions of that section. Employee shall be solely responsible for the tax consequences with respect to all amounts payable under this Agreement. No interest shall be due on amounts deferred.
14. Notices. Any notice or other communication required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given: (i) when hand-delivered if delivered by personal delivery or by Federal Express or similar courier service; (ii) on the date of receipt, refusal or non-delivery indicated on the return receipt if deposited in the United States mail, registered or certified, return receipt requested and with proper postage prepaid; or (iii) when received, if sent by facsimile with a copy sent via regular U.S. mail. All notices shall be addressed to the Company or Employee at their respective addresses set forth below, or to such other address as either party may designate for itself or himself/herself by written notice to the other given from time to time in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement:
To Employee: David J. Hart
[address information redacted]
To Company: Bryan Olson
Chief Human Resources Officer
The Cannabist Company
321 Billerica Road
Chelmsford, MA 01824
15. Arbitration. Any disputes, controversies or claims arising under, relating to or in connection with this Agreement that the parties cannot resolve themselves, including without limitation, disputes, controversies or claims pertaining to the general application, validity,
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construction, interpretation or enforceability of this Agreement and including any dispute relating to Employee’s employment or the termination of that employment (except for claims for worker’s compensation and unemployment insurance, and claims by Company arising under Section 8 herein and Exhibit A, and for indemnification), shall be settled exclusively by final and binding arbitration, before a sole arbitrator, in accordance with the American Arbitration Association Employment Arbitration Rules and Mediation Procedures. Included within this arbitration provision are any claims based on violation of local, state or federal law, such as claims for discrimination, harassment, retaliation or civil rights violations under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, ERISA, COBRA, New York state employment laws (including, without limitation, the New York State Human Rights Law, the New York City Human Rights Law, and the New York Labor Law), Massachusetts state employment laws (including, without limitation, the Massachusetts Fair Employment Practices Law and the Massachusetts Payment of Wages Law) or similar federal, state, and local statutes. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, arbitration shall be the exclusive method of resolving any employment-related dispute, and both Company and Employee are giving up any right they may otherwise have to a judge or jury deciding such dispute; provided, however, that claims for worker’s compensation, for unemployment insurance benefits, for breach or enforcement of the NDA, and rights to indemnification by the Company, may proceed before a court of competent jurisdiction in the State of New York, with law of the State of New York governing any such proceeding, without regards to conflicts of law principles.
15.1 Arbitration shall proceed solely on an individual basis; no claims shall be arbitrated on a class or collective action basis or on bases involving claims brought in a purported representative capacity on behalf of others. The arbitrator’s authority to resolve and make written awards is limited to claims between Employee and Company alone. Claims may not be joined or consolidated unless agreed to in writing by all parties. No arbitration award or decision will have any preclusive effect as to issues or claims in any dispute with anyone who is not a named party to the arbitration.
15.2 The arbitration shall provide for (i) reasonable written discovery and depositions as may be allowed by the arbitrator, and (ii) a written decision by the arbitrator that includes the essential findings and conclusions upon which the decision is based. Except as provided by applicable law, the cost of such arbitration shall be borne equally by Employee and Company. All rights, causes of action, remedies and defenses available under applicable state and federal law and equity are available to the parties hereto, and shall be applicable as though in a court of law, including the right to file a motion for summary judgment.
15.3 This Section 15 to resolve any disputes by binding arbitration shall extend to claims against any parent, subsidiary or affiliate of each party, and, when acting within such capacity, any officer, director, shareholder, employee or agent of each party, or of any of the above, and shall apply as well to claims arising out of state and federal statutes and local ordinances as well as to claims arising under the common law. The remedial authority of the arbitrator shall be the same as, but no greater than, what would be the remedial power of a court having jurisdiction over the parties and their dispute.
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15.4 The arbitrator shall render an award and written opinion, and the award shall be final and binding upon the parties. If any of the provisions of this Section 15 are determined to be unlawful or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, such determination shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this Section 15 or this Agreement, and this Section 15 and this Agreement shall be reformed to the extent necessary to carry out the provisions of this Section 15 to the greatest extent possible and to ensure that the resolution of all conflicts between the parties, including those arising out of statutory claims, shall be resolved by neutral, binding arbitration. If a court should find that this Section 15’s arbitration provisions are not absolutely binding, then the parties intend any arbitration decision and award to be fully admissible in evidence in any subsequent action, given great weight by any finder of fact, and treated as determinative to the maximum extent permitted by law.
15.5 Unless mutually agreed by the parties otherwise, any arbitration shall take place before the American Arbitration Association, or other arbitration tribunal as may be agreed to by the parties, in New York County, New York. Either party may exercise the right to arbitrate by providing the other party with written notice of any and all claims forming the basis of such right in sufficient detail to inform the other party of the substance of such claims. In the event that either party initiates litigation seeking to enforce or confirm an arbitration award, the prevailing party in such action may recover from the other party reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in that subsequent action or proceeding, in addition to all other relief to which the prevailing party may be entitled.
15.6 To the extent any or all of this agreement to arbitration is deemed invalid or unenforceable, the Parties nonetheless agree to give up their right to a trail by jury, if any, in the event of any dispute between them.
15.7 BY AGREEING TO ARBITRATE, THE PARTIES ARE GIVING UP AND WAIVING THE RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY DISPUTE BETWEEN EMPLOYEE AND THE COMPANY, AND ITS PARENT ENTITIES, SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES (AND ITS AND THEIR CURRENT AND FORMER MEMBERS, PARTNERS, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS, WHETHER ACTING IN THEIR INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY OR THEIR CAPACITY ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY OR ITS PARENT ENTITIES, SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES).
16. General Provisions.
16.1. Amendment. The provisions of this Agreement may be amended, modified, supplemented, or otherwise altered only if the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Employee have each duly executed and delivered to the other party a written instrument which states that it constitutes an amendment or modification (as applicable) to this Agreement and specifies the provision(s) that are being modified or amended (as applicable).
16.2 Representation by Counsel and Mutual Negotiation. Each party has had the opportunity to be represented by counsel of her or its choice in negotiating this Agreement. This Agreement shall therefore be deemed to have been negotiated, drafted and prepared at the joint
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request and direction of the parties, at arm’s length, with the advice and participation of counsel, and shall be interpreted in accordance with its terms and without favor to any party.
16.3. Binding Effect and Assignment. The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Employee, his heirs, executors, and administrators, and the Company, its successors and assigns, except that the Employee may not assign any of his rights or duties hereunder without the prior written consent of the Company, which consent may be withheld by the Company in its sole discretion. The Company may assign its rights, together with its obligations hereunder, to any parent, subsidiary or successor, or in connection with any sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of its business and assets; provided, however, that any such assignee assumes the Company’s obligations hereunder.
16.4. Waivers. The failure by either party at any time to require performance or compliance by the other of any of its obligations or agreements shall in no way affect the right to require such performance or compliance at any time thereafter. The waiver by either party of a breach of any provision hereof shall not be taken or held to be a waiver of any preceding or succeeding breach of such provision or as a waiver of the provision itself. No waiver of any kind shall be effective or binding, unless it is in writing and is signed by the party against whom such waiver is sought to be enforced.
16.5. Entire Agreement. This Agreement and Exhibit A set forth the entire Agreement between the Company and the Employee relating to its subject matter and supersedes all such prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement.
16.6. Headings and Interchangeability. The headings of sections and subsections in this Agreement are merely for convenience of reference and shall not affect the interpretation of any of the provisions of this Agreement. Whenever appropriate, the singular form of a word shall be interpreted in the plural and vice versa. All words and phrases shall be construed as masculine, feminine or neuter gender, according to the context.
16.7. Further Assurances. Each party agrees to cooperate with the other, and to execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, all such other instruments and documents, and to take all such other actions as may be reasonably requested of him or it from time to time, in order to effectuate the provisions and purposes of this Agreement.
16.8. Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in such a manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any party or circumstance shall be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition without invalidating the remainder of such provision or any other provision of this Agreement or the application of such provision to other parties or circumstances. Without limitation of the foregoing, the parties agree and acknowledge that the duration, scope and geographic area of the covenants described in Sections 5 and Exhibit A are fair, reasonable and necessary in order to protect the goodwill and other legitimate interests of the Company, that adequate consideration has been received by the Employee for such obligations, and these
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obligations do not and will not prevent the Employee from earning a livelihood. If, however, for any reason any court of competent jurisdiction determines that such restrictions are not reasonable, that consideration is inadequate or that the Employee has been prevented unlawfully from earning a livelihood, such restrictions shall be interpreted, modified or rewritten to include as much of the duration, scope and geographic area identified in such provisions as will render such restrictions valid and enforceable.
16.9. Governing Law. This Agreement is being delivered and executed in the State of New York, and the validity, construction, and enforceability of this Agreement shall be governed in all respects by the law of the State of New York without regard to its conflicts of law principles.
17. Enforcement. In the event that any proceedings are brought to enforce this Agreement or remedy any breach hereof, then in addition to any and all damages resulting from any breach hereof, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its or his costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, incurred in the proceedings relating to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
18. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any one or more counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, no other counterpart needing to be produced, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute but one and the same instrument.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first written above.
EMPLOYEE: |
COMPANY: |
|
|
By: David J. Hart
|
By: James A.C. Kennedy Member, Board of Directors Chair, Compensation Committee
|
Dated: _____________________________ Dated: ______________________________
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Exhibit 10.22
AMENDED AND RESTATED AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the "Agreement"), is made and entered into as of the 11thday of March, 2024 (the "Effective Date"), between The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc. (f/k/a Columbia Care Inc.), a British Columbia corporation with a principal place of business at 680 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10019 (which hereinafter includes any successor, parent, subsidiary and affiliate, and is collectively referred to as the "Company"), and Jesse Channon, an individual (hereinafter referred to as "Employee" or ''you"). The Employee and the Company previously entered into an At-Will Employment Agreement, as amended (the “Original Agreement”), dated November 26, 2019 (the “Original Effective Date”). The Employee and the Company now desire to amend and restate the Original Agreement on the terms and conditions set forth herein. In consideration of the promises and the mutual covenants herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto mutually agree as follows:
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2
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Employee and any death benefits payable and due to the death of Employee under Company benefit plans or programs will also be paid. For the purpose of this Section 7.1, Disability means a mental or physical condition which, in the opinion of the Company as supported by competent medical evidence and after consideration and compliance with its obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and all applicable state and local laws, renders Employee unable and incompetent to carry out the material job responsibilities which such Employee held or the material duties to which Employee was assigned at the time the disability was incurred.
"Cause" means Employee: (i) engaging in illegal conduct that was or is materially injurious to the Company or its affiliates; (ii) violating a federal or state law or regulation applicable to the Company's business which violation was or is reasonably likely to be injurious to the Company, except for any violation of the Controlled Substances Act arising from the Company's cultivation and distribution of marijuana; (iii) material breach of the material term of this Agreement, including Exhibit A, and/or any other restrictive covenant agreement, confidentiality agreement or invention assignment agreement between Employee and the Company; (iv) commission of a felony or committing any act of moral turpitude or the misappropriation of material property belonging to the Company or its affiliates; (v) engaging in any act that constitutes material misconduct, theft, fraud, embezzlement, misrepresentation, conflict of interest, or breach of fiduciary obligations or duty of loyalty to the Company; (vi) gross negligence or willful failure to follow lawful directions of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer, other than due to illness or incapacity; (vii) unauthorized use or disclosure of proprietary information of the Company; (viii) actions or conduct which is detrimental to the business or financial reputation of the Company or (ix) material violation of any material policies of the Company; provided that, with respect to subpart (ix), Employee must be provided with written notice of Employee's termination for Cause (including an explanation of the basis for Cause) and be provided with a 30-day period following Employee's receipt of such notice to cure the event(s) that trigger Cause. The Chief Executive Officer and/or the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company shall make the final determination in good faith as to whether the Employee has cured the existence of Cause.
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dependents (as of the Termination Date) until the earliest to occur of (i) eighteen (18) months following the Termination Date, (ii) the date Employee first becomes eligible for health insurance coverage with a subsequent employer (provided that Employee shall notify the Company within five business days of first becoming eligible) and (iii) the date that Employee is no longer eligible for COBRA coverage, provided that Employee and Employee's eligible dependents timely elect continued coverage under COBRA following the Termination Date.
Employee's receipt of payments and benefits in this Section 7.3 is conditioned on and subject to
(i) Employee signing and not rescinding this Agreement and the NDA (and incorporated herein), and (ii) Employee signing and not rescinding an effective, general release of all claims in favor of the Company and in a form acceptable to the Company within no greater than 60 days following the Termination Date. In the event the Employee breaches the NDA, any entitlement to severance pursuant to this Section 7.3 shall be forfeited. Employee’s receipt of payments per this Section 7.3 will commence on the next regularly scheduled payroll date that occurs following the Effective Date of the release of claims.
"Change in Control" means, other than the transaction between the Company and Canaccord Genuity Growth Corp. effective April 26, 2019, (the "SPAC Transaction"), the (A) the merger, consolidation or reorganization of the Company with any other company (or the issuance by the Company of its voting securities as consideration in a merger, consolidation or reorganization of a subsidiary with any other company) unless, immediately following such a merger, consolidation or reorganization the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continue to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the other entity) at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such other entity outstanding immediately after such merger, consolidation or reorganization; (B) the consummation by the Company of a plan of complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of
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its assets (including through the sale or other disposition of the equity of one or more subsidiaries of Company), unless, immediately following such a sale or liquidation persons who owned the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto represent, on substantially the same proportions, at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the entity which owns the Company assets immediately after such liquidation or sale; or (C) any "person," as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (other than the Company, any trustee or other fiduciary holding the Company securities under any employee benefit plan of the Company, or any company owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company Shares), becoming the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding securities or otherwise acquiring the power to elect or designate a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control will not accelerate the payment of any "deferred compensation” (as defined under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (“Code Section 409A”)) unless the Change in Control also qualifies as a change in control under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-3(i)(5).
Employee's receipt of payments and benefits in this Section 7.4 is conditioned on and subject to
(i) Employee signing and not rescinding this Agreement and the NDA (and incorporated herein), and (ii) Employee signing and not rescinding an effective, general release of all claims in favor of the Company and in a form acceptable to the Company within no greater than 60 days following the Termination Date. In the event the Employee breaches the NDA, any entitlement to severance pursuant to this Section 7.4 shall be forfeited. Employee’s receipt of payments per this Section 7.4 will commence on the next regularly scheduled payroll date that occurs following the Effective Date of the release of claims.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, this indemnification provision shall not apply to any Proceeding initiated by Employee or the Company relating to any dispute between Employee and the Company. Moreover, the Indemnity shall not cover any judgment or arbitration award for punitive damages.
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12. Withholding. All sums payable to Employee shall be reduced by all federal, state, local and other withholding and similar taxes and payments required by applicable law.
13. Code Section 409A; Six Month Holdback. It is intended that all of the payments and benefits payable under this Agreement satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, the exemptions from Code Section 409A. To the extent (i) any payments to which Employee becomes entitled under this Agreement, or any agreement or plan referenced herein, in connection with Employee's separation of service from the Company constitute deferred compensation subject to Code Section 409A and (ii) Employee is deemed by the Company at the time of such separation of service to be a "specified" employee under Code Section 409A, as determined by the Company, by which determination Employee agrees to be bound, then such payment shall not be made or commence until the earliest of (i) the expiration of the six (6) month period measured from the date of Employee's "separation from service" (as such term is defined below); or (ii) thirty (30) days following the date of Employee's death following such separation from service; provided, however, that such deferral shall only be effected to the extent required to avoid adverse tax treatment to Employee, including (without limitation) the additional twenty percent (20%) tax for which you would otherwise be liable under Code Section 409A(a)(l)(B) in the absence of such deferral. Upon the expiration of the applicable deferral period, any payments which would have otherwise been made during that period (whether in a single sum or in installments) in the absence of this paragraph shall be paid to Employee in one lump sum. With respect to any determination that the payments or benefits provided for in this Agreement are subject to Code Section 409A, then each payment or installment is a separate and distinct payment. To the extent any payment under this Agreement may comply with the “short term deferral” exception from Code Section 409A specified in Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1(b)(4) (or any successor provision) or the “separation pay plan” exception specified in Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1(b)(9) (or any successor provision), or both of them, and shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with the applicable exceptions. For purposes of this Agreement, separation or termination of Employee's employment with the Company shall mean "separation from service" within the meaning of Code Section 409A and Code Section 1.409A-l(h) of the regulations promulgated under the Code or any successor regulations. If any payment subject to Code Section 409A is contingent on the delivery of a release by Employee and could occur in either of two calendar years, the payment will occur in the later year. In any event, the Company makes no representations or warranty of any particular tax treatment to Employee and the Company shall have no liability to Employee or any other person if any benefits or payments under this Agreement are determined to be deferred compensation subject to Code Section 409A and not to satisfy the conditions of that section. Employee shall be solely responsible for the tax consequences with respect to all amounts payable under this Agreement. No interest shall be due on amounts deferred.
14. Notices. Any notice or other communication required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given: (i) when hand-delivered if delivered by personal delivery or by Federal Express or similar courier service; (ii) on the date of receipt, refusal or non-delivery indicated on the return receipt if deposited in the United States mail, registered or certified, return receipt requested and with proper postage prepaid; or (iii) when received, if sent by facsimile with a copy sent via regular U.S. mail. All notices shall be addressed to the Company or Employee at their respective addresses set forth below, or to such other address as either party may designate for itself or himself/herself by written notice to the other given from time to time in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement:
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To Employee: Jesse Channon
[address information redacted]
To Company: Bryan Olson
Chief Human Resources Officer The Cannabist Company
321 Billerica Road Chelmsford, MA O1824
15. Arbitration. Any disputes, controversies or claims arising under, relating to or in connection with this Agreement that the parties cannot resolve themselves, including without limitation, disputes, controversies or claims pertaining to the general application, validity, construction, interpretation or enforceability of this Agreement and including any dispute relating to Employee's employment or the termination of that employment (except for claims for worker's compensation and unemployment insurance, and claims by Company arising under Section 8 herein and Exhibit A, and for indemnification), shall be settled exclusively by final and binding arbitration, before a sole arbitrator, in accordance with the American Arbitration Association Employment Arbitration Rules and Mediation Procedures. Included within this arbitration provision are any claims based on violation of local, state or federal law, such as claims for discrimination, harassment, retaliation or civil rights violations under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, ERISA, COBRA, New York state employment laws (including, without limitation, the New York State Human Rights Law, the New York City Human Rights Law, and the New York Labor Law), Massachusetts state employment laws (including, without limitation, the Massachusetts Fair Employment Practices Law and the Massachusetts Payment of Wages Law) or similar federal, state, and local statutes. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, arbitration shall be the exclusive method of resolving any employment-related dispute, and both Company and Employee are giving up any right they may otherwise have to a judge or jury deciding such dispute; provided, however, that claims for worker's compensation, for unemployment insurance benefits, for breach or enforcement of the NDA, and rights to indemnification by the Company, may proceed before a court of competent jurisdiction in the State of New York, with law of the State of New York governing any such proceeding, without regards to conflicts of law principles.
15.1 Arbitration shall proceed solely on an individual basis; no claims shall be arbitrated on a class or collective action basis or on bases involving claims brought in a purported representative capacity on behalf of others. The arbitrator's authority to resolve and make written awards is limited to claims between Employee and Company alone. Claims may not be joined or consolidated unless agreed to in writing by all parties. No arbitration award or decision will have
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any preclusive effect as to issues or claims in any dispute with anyone who is not a named party to the arbitration.
15.2 The arbitration shall provide for (i) reasonable written discovery and depositions as may be allowed by the arbitrator, and (ii) a written decision by the arbitrator that includes the essential findings and conclusions upon which the decision is based. Except as provided by applicable law, the cost of such arbitration shall be borne equally by Employee and Company. All rights, causes of action, remedies and defenses available under applicable state and federal law and equity are available to the parties hereto, and shall be applicable as though in a court of law, including the right to file a motion for summary judgment.
15.3 This Section 15 to resolve any disputes by binding arbitration shall extend to claims against any parent, subsidiary or affiliate of each party, and, when acting within such capacity, any officer, director, shareholder, employee or agent of each party, or of any of the above, and shall apply as well to claims arising out of state and federal statutes and local ordinances as well as to claims arising under the common law. The remedial authority of the arbitrator shall be the same as, but no greater than, what would be the remedial power of a court having jurisdiction over the parties and their dispute.
15.4 The arbitrator shall render an award and written opinion, and the award shall be final and binding upon the parties. If any of the provisions of this Section 15 are determined to be unlawful or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, such determination shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this Section 15 or this Agreement, and this Section 15 and this Agreement shall be reformed to the extent necessary to carry out the provisions of this Section 15 to the greatest extent possible and to ensure that the resolution of all conflicts between the parties, including those arising out of statutory claims, shall be resolved by neutral, binding arbitration. If a court should find that this Section 15's arbitration provisions are not absolutely binding, then the parties intend any arbitration decision and award to be fully admissible in evidence in any subsequent action, given great weight by any finder of fact, and treated as determinative to the maximum extent permitted by law.
15.5 Unless mutually agreed by the parties otherwise, any arbitration shall take place before the American Arbitration Association, or other arbitration tribunal as may be agreed to by the parties, in New York County, New York. Either party may exercise the right to arbitrate by providing the other party with written notice of any and all claims forming the basis of such right in sufficient detail to inform the other party of the substance of such claims. In the event that either party initiates litigation seeking to enforce or confirm an arbitration award, the prevailing party in such action may recover from the other party reasonable attorneys' fees and costs incurred in that subsequent action or proceeding, in addition to all other relief to which the prevailing party may be entitled.
15.6 TO THE EXTENT ANY OR ALL OF THIS AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATION IS DEEMED INVALID OR UNENFORCEABLE, THE PARTIES NONETHELESS AGREE TO GIVE UP THEIR RIGHT TO A TRAIL BY JURY, IF ANY, IN THE EVENT OF ANY DISPUTE BETWEEN THEM.
15.7 BY AGREEING TO ARBITRATE, THE PARTIES ARE GIVING UP AND WAIVING THE RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY DISPUTE BETWEEN EMPLOYEE AND THE COMPANY, AND ITS PARENT ENTITIES, SUBSIDIARIES
AND AFFILIATES (AND ITS AND THEIR CURRENT AND FORMER MEMBERS, PARTNERS, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS, WHETHER ACTING IN THEIR INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY OR THEIR CAPACITY ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY OR ITS PARENT ENTITIES, SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES).
16. General Provisions.
16.1. Amendment. The provisions of this Agreement may be amended, modified, supplemented, or otherwise altered only if the Company's Chief Executive Officer and the Employee have each duly executed and delivered to the other party a written instrument which states that it constitutes an amendment or modification (as applicable) to this Agreement and specifies the provision(s) that are being modified or amended (as applicable).
16.2 Representation by Counsel and Mutual Negotiation. Each party has had the opportunity to be represented by counsel of his or its choice in negotiating this Agreement. This Agreement shall therefore be deemed to have been negotiated, drafted and prepared at the joint request and direction of the parties, at arm's length, with the advice and participation of counsel, and shall be interpreted in accordance with its terms and without favor to any party.
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16.9 Governing Law. This Agreement is being delivered and executed in the State of New York, and the validity, construction, and enforceability of this Agreement shall be governed in all respects by the law of the State of New York without regard to its conflicts of law principles.
17. Enforcement. In the event that any proceedings are brought to enforce this Agreement or remedy any breach hereof, then in addition to any and all damages resulting from any breach hereof, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its or his costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, incurred in the proceedings relating to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
18. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any one or more counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, no other counterpart needing to be produced, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute but one and the same instrument.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first written above.
EMPLOYEE: |
COMPANY: |
|
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By: Jesse Channon
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By: David J. Hart Chief Executive Officer
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Dated: _____________________________ Dated: ______________________________
Exhibit 10.23
EXCHANGE AGREEMENT
EXCHANGE AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) dated as of the Effective Date, between The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc., a British Columbia company (the “Company”), Nomis Bay Ltd. and BPY Limited (collectively, the “Holders”).
WHEREAS:
In consideration of the foregoing and the mutual agreements contained in this Agreement (the receipt and adequacy of which are acknowledged), the parties agree as follows.
Section 1 Defined Terms.
As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the following meanings:
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2
Section 2 Exchange of Notes.
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5
Section 3 Future Debt Offering
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Section 4 Maximum Percentage
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Section 5 Conditions.
The completion of any Transfer in accordance with Section 2 is subject to the conditions listed below:
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Section 6 Transfer of Notes
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Section 7 Termination
Section 8 Representations and Warranties
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Section 9 Legend.
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provided, that if any of the Common Shares or Pre-Funded Warrants issuable in accordance with Section 2, including any Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of any Pre-Funded Warrants, are being sold pursuant to Rule 144 under the U.S. Securities Act, if available, or in another transaction that does not require registration under the
U.S. Securities Act or applicable state securities laws, the legend may be removed by delivery to the Company and its registrar and transfer agent of an opinion of counsel of recognized standing reasonably satisfactory to the Company, to the effect that the legend is no longer required under applicable requirements of the U.S. Securities Act or applicable state securities laws.
14
“THIS WARRANT AND THE SHARES ISSUABLE UPON EXERCISE THEREOF HAVE NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “U.S. SECURITIES ACT”), OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES. THIS WARRANT MAY NOT BE EXERCISED IN THE UNITED STATES OR BY OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF A U.S. PERSON OR PERSON IN THE UNITED STATES AND THE UNDERLYING SHARES MAY NOT BE DELIVERED WITHIN THE UNITED STATES UNLESS THE WARRANT AND THE UNDERLYING SHARES HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT AND ANY APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR UNLESS AN EXEMPTION FROM SUCH REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS IS AVAILABLE, AND THE HOLDER HAS DELIVERED AN OPINION OF COUNSEL IN FORM AND SUBSTANCE SATISFACTORY TO THE CORPORATION TO SUCH EFFECT. “UNITED STATES” AND “U.S. PERSON” ARE USED HEREIN AS SUCH TERMS ARE DEFINED BY REGULATION S UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT”.
Section 10 Company Standstill.
15
(i) in connection with a Transfer contemplated in Section 2(1), (ii) in connection with any redemption, repurchase, exchange, or other transaction (including any issuer bid) involving the Notes, (iii) in connection with one or more offerings of the Offered Notes in connection with the Debt Financing, provided that any such offerings occur not less than five business days following any Transfer of Notes pursuant to this Agreement, except where the proceeds of such offering are used to fund repurchases of Common Shares under a normal-course issuer bid established by the Company, (iv) pursuant to the grant of options, restricted share units, or other securities of the Company in the normal course pursuant to the Company’s equity incentive plan or the issuance of securities pursuant to the exercise or conversion, as the case may be, of securities of the Company outstanding on the date of hereof, (v) as consideration in connection with an acquisition of assets or of a business or entity, a consolidation, merger, combination or plan of arrangement, or a transaction or a series of transactions entered into in response to an unsolicited bid by a third party to engage in any of the foregoing transactions, (vi) in connection with the settlement of litigation or other claims, provided such issuances do not exceed 5 million Common Shares in the aggregate (vii) in connection with one or more offerings of equity securities, provided that the primary use of proceeds from such offerings is the repayment or retirement of debt obligations and such offering price is greater than 35% of the Initial 2024 Exchange Price, or (vii) in settlement of outstanding indebtedness of the Company to arm’s length third parties (including, in settlement of principal and interest payable on the outstanding debt instruments of the Company).
Section 11 Holder Standstill.
16
Section 12 Notice
680 Fifth Ave., 24th Floor, New York, New York, 10019
Attention: David Hart, Chief Executive Officer
E mail: [Contact Information Redacted]
With a copy to (which shall not constitute notice)
Stikeman Elliott LLP
17
5300 Commerce Court West 199 Bay Street,
Toronto, ON
M5L 1B9
Attention: Martin Langlois
E mail: mlanglois@stikeman.com
BPY Limited/Nomis Bay Ltd.
c/o 145 Adelaide Street West, 4th Floor Toronto, ON
M5H 4E5
Attention: Paul Zogala
Email: [Contact Information Redacted] With a copy to (which shall not constitute notice)
TingleMerrett LLP
1250, 639 – 5th Ave. SW
Calgary, AB
T2P 0M9
Attention: Scott Reeves
E mail: sreeves@tinglemerrett.com
Section 13 Miscellaneous.
18
[Signature page follows]
19
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have executed this Agreement.
THE CANNABIST COMPANY HOLDINGS INC.
By: (signed) “David Hart”
Name: David Hart
Title: Chief Executive Officer Date: January 22, 2024
BPY LIMITED
By: (signed) “James Keyes” Name: James Keyes
Title: Director
Date: January 22, 2024
NOMIS BAY LTD.
By: (signed) “James Keyes” Name: James Keyes
Title: Director
Date: January 22, 2024
20
EXHIBIT “A”
FORM OF TRANSFER NOTICE TRANSFER NOTICE
To: THE CANNABIST COMPANY HOLDINGS INC. (the “Company”)
Note: All capitalized terms used herein have the meaning ascribed thereto in the exchange agreement to which this Transfer Notice is attached (the “Exchange Agreement”) unless otherwise indicated.
The undersigned registered holder of Notes irrevocably elects to exchange US$ aggregate principal amount of Notes in accordance with the terms of the Exchange Agreement and tenders herewith the Notes and directs that the Common Shares and/or Pre-Funded Warrants of the Company issuable upon a Transfer be issued and delivered to the person indicated below.
Dated: (Signature of Registered Holder)
NOTE: If Common Shares and/or Pre-Funded Warrants are to be issued in the name of a person other than the holder, the signature must be guaranteed by a chartered bank, a trust company or by a member of an acceptable Medallion Guarantee Program. The Guarantor must affix a stamp bearing the actual words: “SIGNATURE GUARANTEED”.
(Print name in which Common Shares or Pre-Funded Warrant are to be issued, delivered and registered)
Name:
Address:
City, Province and Postal Code
Name of Guarantor:
Authorized Signature:
21
See attached
EXHIBIT B
FORM OF PRE-FUNDED WARRANT
22
|THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY AND THE SECURITIES ISSUABLE UPON EXERCISE HEREOF HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “U.S. SECURITIES ACT”) OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES. THE HOLDER HEREOF, BY ACQUIRING SUCH SECURITIES, AGREES, FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE CANNABIST COMPANY HOLDINGS INC. (F/K/A COLUMBIA CARE INC.) (THE “CORPORATION”), THAT SUCH SECURITIES MAY BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ONLY (A) TO THE CORPORATION; (B) IN COMPLIANCE WITH (1) RULE 144A UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT, IF AVAILABLE, OR (2) RULE 144 UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT, IF AVAILABLE, AND, IN EACH CASE, IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS; OR (C) IN ANOTHER TRANSACTION THAT DOES NOT REQUIRE REGISTRATION UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OR ANY APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS, PROVIDED THAT IN THE CASE OF TRANSFERS PURSUANT TO (B)(2) OR (C) ABOVE, A LEGAL OPINION FROM COUNSEL OF RECOGNIZED STANDING IN FORM AND SUBSTANCE REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO THE CORPORATION MUST FIRST BE PROVIDED. HEDGING TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING SUCH SECURITIES MAY NOT BE CONDUCTED UNLESS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT. DELIVERY OF THIS CERTIFICATE MAY NOT CONSTITUTE “GOOD DELIVERY” IN SETTLEMENT OF TRANSACTIONS ON STOCK EXCHANGES IN CANADA.
THIS WARRANT AND THE SHARES ISSUABLE UPON EXERCISE THEREOF HAVE NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “U.S. SECURITIES ACT”), OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES. THIS WARRANT MAY NOT BE EXERCISED IN THE UNITED STATES OR BY OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF A U.S. PERSON OR PERSON IN THE UNITED STATES AND THE UNDERLYING SHARES MAY NOT BE DELIVERED WITHIN THE UNITED STATES UNLESS THE WARRANT AND THE UNDERLYING SHARES HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT AND ANY APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR UNLESS AN EXEMPTION FROM SUCH REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS IS AVAILABLE, AND THE HOLDER HAS DELIVERED AN OPINION OF COUNSEL IN FORM AND SUBSTANCE SATISFACTORY TO THE CORPORATION TO SUCH EFFECT. “UNITED STATES” AND “U.S. PERSON” ARE USED HEREIN AS SUCH TERMS ARE DEFINED BY REGULATION S UNDER THE
U.S. SECURITIES ACT.
[UNLESS PERMITTED UNDER SECURITIES LEGISLATION, THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY MUST NOT TRADE THE SECURITY BEFORE [INSERT THE DATE THAT IS 4 MONTHS AND A DAY AFTER THE DISTRIBUTION DATE]]1
PRE-FUNDED COMMON SHARE PURCHASE WARRANT
Warrant Shares: [] Issue Date: [], 202[]
1 Note: The Canadian legend can be removed if the purchaser is not a resident of Canada under OSC Rule 72-503.
23
THIS PRE-FUNDED COMMON SHARE PURCHASE WARRANT (the “Warrant”) certifies that, for value received, [] (the “Holder”) is entitled, upon the terms and subject to the limitations on exercise and the conditions hereinafter set forth, at any time on or after the date hereof (the “Issue Date”) and until this Warrant is exercised in full (the “Termination Date”) but not thereafter, to subscribe for and purchase from THE CANNABIST COMPANY HOLDINGS INC. (f/k/a Columbia Care Inc.), a corporation existing under the laws of British Columbia (the “Company”), up to []common shares (the “Warrant Shares”) in the capital of the Company (the “Common Shares”).
Section 1. Definitions. Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings given to them herein. As used herein, “Original Issue Date” means [] and “business day” means a day other than Saturday, Sunday or other statutory or civic holiday, or other day on which commercial banks are not open for business in the City of Toronto.
Section 2. Exercise.
24
Shares, deliver to the Holder a new Warrant evidencing the rights of the Holder to purchase the unpurchased Warrant Shares called for by this Warrant, which new Warrant shall in all other respects be identical with this Warrant.
Section 3. Certain Adjustments.
(iii) any, direct or indirect, purchase offer, tender offer or exchange offer (whether by the Company or another person) is completed pursuant to which holders of Common Shares are permitted to sell, tender or exchange their Common Shares for other securities, cash or property and has been accepted by the holders of 50% or more of the outstanding Common Shares, (iv) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions effects any reclassification, reorganization or recapitalization of the Common Shares or any compulsory share exchange pursuant to which the Common Shares are effectively converted into or exchanged for other securities, cash or property (other than as provided for under Section 3(a)), or (v) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions consummates a stock or share purchase
25
agreement or other business combination (including, without limitation, a reorganization, recapitalization, spin-off or plan of arrangement) with another person whereby such other person acquires more than 50% of the outstanding Common Shares (not including any Common Shares held by the other person or other persons making or party to, or associated or affiliated with the other persons making or party to, such stock or share purchase agreement or other business combination) (each a “Fundamental Transaction”), then, upon any subsequent exercise of this Warrant, the Holder shall have the right to receive, for each Warrant Share that would have been issuable upon such exercise immediately prior to the occurrence of such Fundamental Transaction, at the option of the Holder, the number of Common Shares (or other securities) of the successor or acquiring corporation or of the Company, if it is the surviving corporation, and any additional consideration (the “Alternate Consideration”) receivable as a result of such Fundamental Transaction by a holder of the number of Common Shares for which this Warrant is exercisable immediately prior to such Fundamental Transaction. For purposes of clarity, no bona fide underwritten offering of the Company’s securities will be deemed to be a Fundamental Transaction. For purposes of any such exercise, the determination of the Exercise Price shall be appropriately adjusted to apply to such Alternate Consideration based on the amount of Alternate Consideration issuable in respect of one Common Share in such Fundamental Transaction, and the Company shall apportion the Exercise Price among the Alternate Consideration in a reasonable manner reflecting the relative value of any different components of the Alternate Consideration.
The Company shall cause any successor entity in a Fundamental Transaction in which the Company is not the survivor (the “Successor Entity”) to assume in writing all of the obligations of the Company under this Warrant in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3(b) prior to such Fundamental Transaction and shall, at the option of the Holder, deliver to the Holder in exchange for this Warrant a security of the Successor Entity evidenced by a written instrument substantially similar in form and substance to this Warrant which is exercisable for a corresponding number of common shares (or other equity security) of such Successor Entity (or its parent entity) equivalent to the Common Shares acquirable and receivable upon exercise of this Warrant (without regard to any limitations on the exercise of this Warrant) prior to such Fundamental Transaction, and with an exercise price which applies the exercise price hereunder to such Common Shares (but taking into account the relative value of the common shares (or other equity securities) pursuant to such Fundamental Transaction and the value of such common shares (or other equity securities), such number of common shares (or other equity securities) and such exercise price being for the purpose of protecting the economic value of this Warrant immediately prior to the consummation of such Fundamental Transaction). Upon the occurrence of any such Fundamental Transaction, the Successor Entity shall succeed to, and be substituted for (so that from and after the date of such Fundamental Transaction, the provisions of this Warrant referring to the “Company” shall refer instead to the Successor Entity), and may exercise every right and power of the Company and shall assume all of the obligations of the Company under this Warrant with the same effect as if such Successor Entity had been named as the Company herein.
Section 4. Transfer of Warrant.
26
Company shall execute and deliver a new Warrant or Warrants in the name of the assignee or assignees, as applicable, and in the denomination or denominations specified in such instrument of assignment, and shall issue to the assignor a new Warrant evidencing the portion of this Warrant not so assigned, and this Warrant shall promptly be cancelled. The Warrant, if properly assigned in accordance herewith, may be exercised by a new holder for the purchase of Warrant Shares without having a new Warrant issued.
Section 5. Certain Limitations on Exercise.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Warrant, for greater certainty, in no event shall (i) the Company issue, be required to issue or be deemed to have issued a number of Common Shares upon exercise or otherwise pursuant to this Warrant, or (ii) the Holder shall have the right to exercise any portion of this Warrant, and any such exercise shall be null and void and treated as if never made, in each case, to the extent that after giving effect to such exercise, the Holder and its affiliates together with any person acting jointly or in concert (the “Attribution Parties”), collectively would beneficially own or exercise control or direction over, directly or indirectly in excess of 4.99% (the “Maximum Percentage”) of the Common Shares outstanding immediately after giving effect to such exercise. For purposes of this paragraph, the aggregate number of Common Shares beneficially owned by the Holder and the other Attribution Parties shall include the number of Common Shares held by the Holder and all other Attribution Parties plus the number of Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise of this Warrant with respect to which the determination of such calculation is being made, but shall exclude Common Shares which would be issuable upon (A) conversion of the remaining, non-exercised portion of the Warrant beneficially owned by the Holder or any of the other Attribution Parties and (B) exercise of the unexercised portion of any other securities of the Company (including, without limitation, any convertible notes or convertible preferred share or warrants) beneficially owned by the Holder or any other Attribution Party subject to a limitation on conversion or exercise analogous to the limitation contained in this Section 5. For purposes of this Section 5, beneficial ownership shall be calculated in accordance with Section 13(d) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act. For purposes of determining the number of outstanding Common Shares a Holder may acquire upon the exercise of the Warrant without exceeding the Maximum Percentage, the Holder may rely on the number of outstanding Common Shares as reflected in the most recent of (x) the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Current Report on Form 8-K or other public filing with the SEC, as the case may be, (y) a more recent public announcement by the Company or (z) any other written notice by the Company or its transfer agent, if any, setting forth the number of Common Shares outstanding (the “Reported Outstanding Share Number”). If the Company receives an exercise notice from the Holder at a time when the actual number of outstanding Common Shares is less than the Reported Outstanding Share Number, the Company shall notify the Holder in writing of the number of Common Shares then outstanding and, to the extent that such conversion notice would otherwise cause such Holder’s beneficial ownership, as determined pursuant to this Section 5, to exceed the Maximum Percentage, the Holder must notify the Company of a reduced number of Warrant Shares to be issued pursuant to such exercise notice. For any reason at any time, upon the written request of the Holder, the Company shall within three (3) business days confirm in writing or by electronic mail to the Holder the number of Common Shares then outstanding. In any case, the number of outstanding Common Shares shall be determined after giving effect to the exercise of securities of the Company, including this Warrant, by the Holder and any other Attribution Parties since
27
the date as of which the Reported Outstanding Share Number was reported. In the event that the issuance of Warrant Shares to the Holder upon conversion of Warrants results in the Holder and the other Attribution Parties being deemed to beneficially own or exercise control or direction over, directly or indirectly, in the aggregate, more than the Maximum Percentage of the number of outstanding Common Shares (as determined under Section 13(d) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act), the number of shares so issued by which the Holder and the other Attribution Parties’ aggregate beneficial ownership or control exceeds the Maximum Percentage (the “Excess Shares”) shall be deemed null and void and shall be cancelled ab initio, and the Holder shall not have the power to vote or to transfer the Excess Shares. The provisions of this paragraph shall be construed and implemented in strict conformity with the terms of this Section 5 except to the extent necessary to correct this paragraph (or any portion of this paragraph) which may be defective or inconsistent with the intended beneficial ownership limitation contained in this Section 5 or to make changes or supplements necessary or desirable to properly give effect to such limitation. The limitation contained in this paragraph may not be waived and shall apply to a successor holder of any and all Warrants.
Section 6. Miscellaneous.
Before taking any action which would result in an adjustment in the number of Warrant Shares for which this Warrant is exercisable or in the Exercise Price, the Company shall obtain all such authorizations or exemptions thereof, or consents thereto, as may be necessary from any public regulatory body or bodies having jurisdiction thereof.
28
g) Nonwaiver and Expenses. No course of dealing or any delay or failure to exercise any right hereunder on the part of Holder shall operate as a waiver of such right or otherwise prejudice Holder’s rights, powers or remedies. Without limiting any other provision of this Warrant, if the Company or the Holder willfully and knowingly fails to comply with any provision of this Warrant, which results in any material damages to the other party, then such party shall pay to the other party such amounts as shall be sufficient to cover any costs and expenses including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees, including those of appellate proceedings, incurred by such party in collecting any amounts due pursuant hereto or in otherwise enforcing any of its rights, powers or remedies hereunder.
(iii) if delivered by International Federal Express, two business days after so mailed and (iv) if delivered by facsimile, upon electronic confirmation of receipt, and will be delivered and addressed as follows:
The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc. (f/k/a Columbia Care Inc.)
680 Fifth Avenue, 24th Floor
New York, NY 10019 USA
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
[signature page follows]
29
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Warrant to be executed by its officer thereunto duly authorized as of the date first above indicated.
THE CANNABIST COMPANY HOLDINGS INC.
By:
Name:
Title:
30
NOTICE OF EXERCISE
TO:
[SIGNATURE OF HOLDER]
Name of Investing
Entity:
Signature of Authorized Signatory of
Investing Entity:
Name of Authorized
Signatory:
Title of Authorized
Signatory:
Date:
The Holder understands that unless the Warrant Shares are registered under the U.S. Securities Act and the securities laws of all applicable states of the United States, the certificate or DRS statement representing the Warrant Shares issued upon exercise of this Warrant will bear the following restrictive legend, until such time as the Holder furnishes a written opinion of counsel of recognized standing reasonably satisfactory to the Company to the effect that such legends can be removed:
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “U.S. SECURITIES ACT”) OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES. THE HOLDER HEREOF, BY ACQUIRING SUCH SECURITIES, AGREES, FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE CANNABIST COMPANY HOLDINGS INC. (F/K/A COLUMBIA CARE INC.) (THE “CORPORATION”), THAT SUCH SECURITIES MAY BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ONLY (A) TO THE CORPORATION; (B) IN COMPLIANCE WITH
(1) RULE 144A UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT, IF AVAILABLE, OR (2) RULE 144 UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT, IF AVAILABLE, AND, IN EACH CASE, IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS; OR (C) IN ANOTHER TRANSACTION THAT DOES NOT REQUIRE REGISTRATION UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OR ANY APPLICABLE
31
STATE SECURITIES LAWS, PROVIDED THAT IN THE CASE OF TRANSFERS PURSUANT TO (B)(2) OR (C) ABOVE, A LEGAL OPINION FROM COUNSEL OF RECOGNIZED STANDING IN FORM AND SUBSTANCE REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO THE CORPORATION MUST FIRST BE PROVIDED. HEDGING TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING SUCH SECURITIES MAY NOT BE CONDUCTED UNLESS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT. DELIVERY OF THIS CERTIFICATE MAY NOT CONSTITUTE “GOOD DELIVERY” IN SETTLEMENT OF TRANSACTIONS ON STOCK EXCHANGES IN CANADA.
[TO BE INCLUDED IN THE EVENT THAT THIS WARRANT IS EXERCISED ON OR BEFORE [●], 2024: UNLESS PERMITTED UNDER SECURITIES LEGISLATION, THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY MUST NOT TRADE THE SECURITY BEFORE [●], 2024.]
32
ASSIGNMENT FORM
(To assign the foregoing warrant, execute this form and supply required information. Do not use this form to exercise the warrant.)
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, [ ] all of or [ ] shares of the foregoing Warrant and all rights evidenced thereby are hereby assigned to
whose address is
.
Dated:
Holder’s Signature:
Holder’s Address:
Signature Guaranteed:
NOTE: The signature to this Assignment Form must correspond with the name as it appears on the face of the Warrant, without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever, and must be guaranteed by a bank or trust company. Officers of corporations and those acting in a fiduciary or other representative capacity should file proper evidence of authority to assign the foregoing Warrant.
The transferee must deliver a written opinion of U.S. counsel to the effect that this transfer is exempt from registration of the U.S. Securities Act.
33
Exhibit 10.24
SEPARATION AND RELEASE OF CLAIMS AGREEMENT
This Separation and Release of Claims Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into as of March 13, 2024 (the “Effective Date”) by and between Nicholas Vita, Nicholas Vita’s marital community (if any), his heirs, and assigns (hereinafter “Vita” or “Executive”), and The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc., a British Columbia Corporation, its affiliates (including, without limitation, any parent, subsidiary companies, predecessors such as Columbia Care LLC, a Delaware Corporation, or related companies such as Columbia Care Inc.), its successors and assigns (hereinafter the “Company”). Vita and the Company are sometimes collectively referred to as the “Parties.”
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and the mutual covenants set forth below and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are acknowledged, the parties covenant and agree as follows:
1
Vita specifically acknowledges and agrees that this consideration and all other consideration provided through this Agreement exceeds the amount Vita would otherwise be entitled to receive upon termination of Vita’s employment, and that it is in exchange for entering into this Agreement. Vita will not at any time seek additional consideration in any form from the Company except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, it being understood that the receipt of additional shares through vesting as contemplated by paragraph 22 does not constitute Vita seeking additional consideration. Vita specifically acknowledges and agrees that the Company has made no representations to Vita regarding the tax consequences of any amounts received by Vita or for Vita’s benefits pursuant to this Agreement. Vita agrees to pay all taxes and/or tax assessments due to be paid by Vita, and to indemnify the Company for any claims, costs and/or penalties caused by Vita’s failure to pay such taxes and/or tax assessments. In the event of Vita’s death, any payments or benefits payable under this Paragraph 2 will be made to the estate or legal representative of Vita.
2
3
4
Vita further acknowledges that (A) following Vita’s execution of this Agreement Vita has seven (7) days in which to revoke Vita’s agreement as to Paragraph 5, his release of claims for age discrimination under the ADEA (as provided below); (B) if Vita chooses to revoke his release of claims for age discrimination under the ADEA then he shall not be entitled to the consideration outlined in Paragraph 2 (d); (C) if he does not revoke, the age release under the ADEA shall then become effective and enforceable and the payments as stated in Paragraph 2 (d) shall then be made to Vita in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; and (D) nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prohibit Vita from filing a charge or complaint, including a challenge to the validity of the waiver provision of this Agreement, with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or participating in any investigation conducted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. However, Vita has waived any right to monetary relief, except for awards pursuant to Section 21F of the Securities Act, which Vita remains entitled to pursue under this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to prohibit Employee from reporting possible violations of securities law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity, including but not limited to the Department of Justice, SEC, Congress, Inspector General and any federal agency, or making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal or state law or regulation. Employee does not need the prior authorization of the Company to make any such reports or disclosures, and Employee is not required to notify the Company that he has made such reports or disclosures. Nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to prohibit or restrict Employee or the Company from disclosing this Agreement or providing truthful information concerning the Company to any government, regulatory, or self-regulatory agency, such as the National Labor Relations Board, the SEC, or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., or from responding to any court order or subpoena. To revoke Vita’s release of claims for age discrimination under the ADEA, Vita understands that Vita must give a written revocation to the Company’s Chief People and Administrative Officer as provided herein either by hand delivery, email or certified mail within the seven-day period. If Vita revokes his release of claims for age discrimination under the ADEA, he understands that the remainder of the release shall remain in full force and effect.
To Executive: Nicholas Vita
[Address and Contact Information redacted]
5
To Company: Bryan Olson
Chief People and Administrative Officer
The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc.
321 Billerica Road, Suite 204
Chelmsford, MA 01824
Email: bryan.olson@cannabist.company
6
ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO:
COMPANY
___________________________________ __________________________________
By: David Sirolly Nicholas Vita
Its: Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel
Dated: March 12, 2024 Dated: March 12, 2024
7
EXHIBIT A
AWARD DATE |
VESTING DATE |
AWARD NUMBER |
SHARE UNITS UNVESTED (as of Effective Date) |
3/23/2021 |
3/23/2024 |
LTIP-RSU-286 |
85,663 |
3/31/2020 |
3/31/2024 |
LTIP-RSU-123 |
223,666 |
3/31/2022 |
3/31/2024 |
LTIP-RSU-917 |
232,143 |
3/23/2021 |
4/23/2024 |
LTIP-PSU-046 |
177,771 |
3/23/2021 |
3/23/2025 |
LTIP-RSU-286 |
85,663 |
3/31/2022 |
3/31/2025 |
LTIP-RSU-917 |
232,143 |
3/31/2022 |
3/31/2026 |
LTIP-RSU-917 |
232,143 |
|
|
|
1,269,192 |
8
EXHIBIT B
April 26, 2019 Indemnification Agreement
9
Exhibit 21.1
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
as of December 31, 2023
Name of Company |
|
State of Organization |
203 Organix, L.L.C. |
|
Arizona |
Columbia Care - Arizona, Tempe, L.L.C. |
|
Arizona |
Columbia Care-Arizona, Prescott, L.L.C. |
|
Arizona |
Salubrious Wellness Clinic, Inc. |
|
Arizona |
Access Bryant SPC |
|
California |
CA Care LLC |
|
California |
CC CA Realty LLC |
|
California |
CC California LLC |
|
California |
Focused Health LLC |
|
California |
Mission Bay, LLC |
|
California |
PHC Facilities, Inc. |
|
California |
Resource Referral Services, Inc. |
|
California |
The Healing Center Of San Diego |
|
California |
The Wellness Earth Energy Dispensary, Inc. |
|
California |
Beacon Holdings, LLC |
|
Colorado |
Columbia Care Thornton LLC |
|
Colorado |
Dellock Digital, LLC |
|
Colorado |
Future Vision Brain Bank, LLC |
|
Colorado |
Futurevision, Ltd. |
|
Colorado |
High Rise Media, LLC |
|
Colorado |
1
Name of Company |
|
State of Organization |
Infuzionz, LLC |
|
Colorado |
MJ Brain Bank, LLC |
|
Colorado |
Rocky Mountain Tillage, LLC |
|
Colorado |
TGS Colorado Management, LLC |
|
Colorado |
TGS Global, LLC |
|
Colorado |
The Green Solution, LLC |
|
Colorado |
The Launch Pad LLC |
|
Colorado |
Columbia Care CT LLC |
|
Connecticut |
14 Street Health, LLC |
|
Delaware |
Avum, LLC |
|
Delaware |
Apelles Realty, LLC |
|
Delaware |
Bist Merch LLC |
|
Delaware |
Capital City Care LLC |
|
Delaware |
Capital City Cultivation LLC |
|
Delaware |
CC MergerSub, LLC |
|
Delaware |
CC Procurement LLC |
|
Delaware |
CC VA HoldCo LLC |
|
Delaware |
Col. Care (Delaware) LLC |
|
Delaware |
Columbia Care - Arizona, Prescott DE, L.L.C. |
|
Delaware |
Columbia Care - Arizona, Tempe DE, L.L.C. |
|
Delaware |
Columbia Care CO Inc. |
|
Delaware |
Columbia Care DC LLC |
|
Delaware |
Columbia Care DE Management, LLC |
|
Delaware |
Columbia Care DE Realty LLC |
|
Delaware |
2
Name of Company |
|
State of Organization |
Columbia Care Delaware, LLC |
|
Delaware |
Columbia Care Illinois LLC |
|
Delaware |
Columbia Care International HoldCo LLC |
|
Delaware |
Columbia Care LLC |
|
Delaware |
Columbia Care Maine Holding Company LLC |
|
Delaware |
Columbia Care Maryland LLC |
|
Delaware |
Columbia Care Partners LLC |
|
Delaware |
Columbia Care PR LLC |
|
Delaware |
Columbia Care-Arizona LLC |
|
Delaware |
Equity Health Partners DE LLC |
|
Delaware |
Green Leaf Medical, LLC |
|
Delaware |
La Yerba Buena LLC |
|
Delaware |
Oveom LLC |
|
Delaware |
Peach Blossom Partners LLC |
|
Delaware |
Tetra FinCo LLC |
|
Delaware |
Tetra Holdings LLC |
|
Delaware |
Tetra OpCo LLC |
|
Delaware |
Columbia Care CA LLC |
|
Delaware |
CCF HoldCo, LLC |
|
Delaware |
VF DC Realty, LLC |
|
Delaware |
Columbia Care Florida LLC |
|
Florida |
The Supergroup Creative Omnimedia, Inc. |
|
Georgia |
Curative Health Cultivation LLC |
|
Illinois |
Curative Health LLC |
|
Illinois |
3
Name of Company |
|
State of Organization |
The Green Room Social Equity Partners LLC |
|
Illinois |
Columbia Care Adopt-A-Family Corp. |
|
Massachusetts |
Patriot Care Corp. |
|
Massachusetts |
Columbia Care MD, LLC |
|
Maryland |
Green Leaf Extracts, LLC |
|
Maryland |
Green Leaf Management, LLC |
|
Maryland |
Time For Healing, LLC |
|
Maryland |
Wellness Institute Of Maryland, LLC |
|
Maryland |
Columbia Care ME LLC |
|
Maine |
Columbia Care Michigan LLC |
|
Michigan |
Columbia Care MO LLC |
|
Missouri |
Columbia Care New Jersey LLC |
|
New Jersey |
Columbia Care NJ Realty LLC |
|
New Jersey |
Columbia Care NM LLC |
|
New Mexico |
CC Logistics Services LLC |
|
New York |
Columbia Care Industrial Hemp LLC |
|
New York |
Columbia Care NY LLC |
|
New York |
Columbia Care NY Realty LLC |
|
New York |
Columbia Care NY RO LLC |
|
New York |
Cannascend Alternative Logan, L.L.C. |
|
Ohio |
Cannascend Alternative, LLC |
|
Ohio |
CC OH Realty LLC |
|
Ohio |
Columbia Care OH LLC |
|
Ohio |
Corsa Verde LLC |
|
Ohio |
4
Name of Company |
|
State of Organization |
Green Leaf Medical of Ohio II, LLC |
|
Ohio |
Green Leaf Medical of Ohio III, LLC |
|
Ohio |
CC PA Realty LLC |
|
Pennsylvania |
CCPA Industrial Hemp LLC |
|
Pennsylvania |
Columbia Care Pennsylvania LLC |
|
Pennsylvania |
Green Leaf Medicals LLC |
|
Pennsylvania |
Columbia Care Puerto Rico LLC |
|
Puerto Rico |
CCUT Pharmacy LLC |
|
Utah |
Columbia Care UT LLC |
|
Utah |
Columbia Care Eastern Virginia LLC |
|
Virginia |
Green Leaf Medical Of Virginia, LLC |
|
Virginia |
Columbia Care WV Industrial Hemp LLC |
|
West Virginia |
Columbia Care WV LLC |
|
West Virginia |
VentureForth Holdings LLC |
|
Washington, D.C. |
VentureForth LLC |
|
Washington, D.C. |
Columbia Care UK Ltd |
|
United Kingdom |
5
Exhibit 31.1
Certification Pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
I, David Hart, certify that:
|
Date: March 13, 2024 |
|
/s/ David Hart |
David Hart |
Chief Executive Officer |
Exhibit 31.2
Certification Pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
I, Derek Watson, certify that:
|
Date: March 13, 2024 |
|
/s/ Derek Watson |
Derek Watson |
Chief Financial Officer |
Exhibit 32.1
Certification Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, I, David Hart, the Chief Executive Officer of The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc. (the “Company”), hereby certify, that, to my knowledge:
1. The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the “Report”) of the Company fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
|
/s/ David Hart |
David Hart |
Chief Executive Officer |
March 13, 2024 |
Exhibit 32.2
Certification Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, I, Derek Watson, the Chief Financial Officer of The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc. (the “Company”), hereby certify, that, to my knowledge:
1. The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the “Report”) of the Company fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
|
/s/ Derek Watson |
Derek Watson |
Chief Financial Officer |
March 13, 2024 |