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Medicine Man Technologies, Inc. (SHWZ)
:SHWZ
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Risk Overview Q4, 2023
Risk Distribution
39% Finance & Corporate
18% Legal & Regulatory
17% Ability to Sell
12% Production
9% Macro & Political
5% Tech & Innovation
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.
Risk Change Over Time
S&P500 Average
Sector Average
Risks removed
Risks added
Risks changed
Medicine Man Technologies Risk Factors
New Risk (0)
Risk Changed (0)
Risk Removed (0)
No changes from previous report
The chart shows the number of risks a company has disclosed. You can compare this to the sector average or S&P 500 average.
The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.
The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.
Risk Highlights Q4, 2023
Main Risk Category
Finance & Corporate
With 26 Risks
Finance & Corporate
With 26 Risks
Number of Disclosed Risks
66
+2
From last reportS&P 500 Average: 31
66
+2
From last reportS&P 500 Average: 31
Recent Changes
2Risks added
0Risks removed
1Risks changed
Since Dec 2023
2Risks added
0Risks removed
1Risks changed
Since Dec 2023
Number of Risk Changed
1
+1
From last reportS&P 500 Average: 3
1
+1
From last reportS&P 500 Average: 3
See the risk highlights of Medicine Man Technologies in the last period.
Risk Word Cloud
The most common phrases about risk factors from the most recent report. Larger texts indicate more widely used phrases.
Risk Factors Full Breakdown - Total Risks 66
Finance & Corporate
Total Risks: 26/66 (39%)Above Sector Average
Share Price & Shareholder Rights10 | 15.2%
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1
Our officers or directors may have conflicts of interest and some of our current officers have other interests outside of our business.Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2
There is no assurance that there will continue to be an active trading market for our Common Stock.Our Common Stock is quoted on the OTCQX operated by the OTC Markets Group and listed on the NEO exchange. There is no assurance that the market for our Common Stock will continue. In the absence of a public trading market, or sufficient trading volume in the public market, an investor may be unable to liquidate its investment in our Company.
Any adverse effect on the market price of our Common Stock could make it difficult for us to raise additional capital through sales of equity securities at a time and at a price that we deem appropriate.
Sales of substantial amounts of our Common Stock, or in anticipation that such sales could occur, may materially and adversely affect prevailing market prices for our Common Stock, if and when such a market develops in the future.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3
The market price of our Common Stock may fluctuate significantly in the future.We expect that the market price of our Common Stock may fluctuate in response to one or more of the following factors, many of which are beyond our control:
- competitive pricing pressures;- our ability to market our products and services on a cost-effective and timely basis;- our inability to obtain working capital financing, if needed;- changing conditions in the market;- changes in market valuations of similar companies;- stock market price and volume fluctuations generally;- regulatory developments;- fluctuations in our quarterly or annual operating results;- additions or departures of key personnel;- future sales of our Common Stock or other securities; and - future issuances of shares of Common Stock upon exercise or conversion of derivative securities, such as our outstanding Preferred Stock, Investor Notes, warrants and options.
The price at which our stockholders purchase shares of our Common Stock may not be indicative of the price that will prevail in the trading market. Our stockholders may be unable to sell their shares of Common Stock at or above such purchase price, which may result in substantial losses to such stockholders, and which could include the complete loss of such stockholders' investment. In the past, securities class action litigation has often been brought against a company following periods of stock price volatility. We may be the target of similar litigation in the future. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and divert management's attention and our resources away from our business. Any of the risks described above could adversely affect our sales and profitability and also the price of our Common Stock.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4
The market price for our Common Stock will be particularly volatile given our status as a relatively unknown company with a limited operating history and lack of profits, which could lead to wide fluctuations in our share price. Our stockholders may be unable to sell their Common Stock at or above their purchase price, which may result in substantial losses to such stockholders.While there is a market for our Common Stock, our stock price in the future may be particularly volatile when compared to the shares of larger, more established companies with large public floats that trade on a national securities exchange. The volatility in our share price will be attributable to a number of factors. First, our Common Stock is, compared to the shares of such larger, more established companies, sporadically and thinly traded. As a consequence of this limited liquidity, the trading of relatively small quantities of shares by our stockholders may disproportionately influence the price of those shares in either direction. The price for our shares could decline precipitously in the event that a large number of shares of our Common Stock are sold on the market without commensurate demand. Secondly, we are a speculative or "risky" investment due to our limited operating history, lack of profitability, and uncertainty surrounding future market acceptance for our products. As a consequence of this enhanced risk, more risk-adverse investors may, under the fear of losing all or most of their investment in the event of negative news or lack of progress, be more inclined to sell their shares on the market more quickly and at greater discounts than would be the case with the stock of a larger, more established company with a large public float trading on a national securities exchange. Many of these factors are beyond our control and may decrease the market price of our Common Stock, regardless of our operating performance. We cannot make any predictions or projections as to what the prevailing market price for our Common Stock will be at any time.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5
FINRA sales practice requirements may also limit a stockholder's ability to buy and sell our Common Stock, which could depress the price of our Common Stock.FINRA has adopted rules that require a broker-dealer to have reasonable grounds for believing that the investment is suitable for that customer before recommending an investment to a customer. Before recommending speculative low-priced securities to their non-institutional customers, broker-dealers must make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the customer's financial status, tax status, investment objectives, and other information. Under interpretations of these rules, FINRA believes that there is a high probability that speculative low-priced securities will not be suitable for at least some customers. Thus, the FINRA requirements make it more difficult for broker-dealers to recommend that their customers buy our Common Stock, which may limit investors' ability to buy and sell our shares of Common Stock, have an adverse effect on the market for our shares of Common Stock, and thereby depress the price per share of Common Stock.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 6
Because we hold a license to operate a cannabis business in Colorado and New Mexico, our stockholders may be required to make filings with the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division or the New Mexico Cannabis Control Division and we may be forced to redeem shares of our capital stock held by stockholders who are deemed "unsuitable" to be owners of our Company.We hold various licenses from the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division and the New Mexico Cannabis Control Division to operate a cannabis business in Colorado and New Mexico. As a result, beneficial owners with a 10% or greater interest are required to make filings with, and to be found suitable to be equity owners of a cannabis business in Colorado, by the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division. Our Bylaws provide that for as long as we hold (directly or indirectly) a license for a governmental agency to conduct our business, which license is conditioned upon some or all of our stockholders possessing certain qualifications, we may redeem any and all of our shares of capital stock to the extent necessary to prevent loss of such license or to reinstate such license. If we at any time determine, in our sole discretion, that one of our stockholders or an affiliate of a stockholder is unsuitable to be a direct or indirect equity owner of a cannabis business in Colorado or any other jurisdiction we may operate in where we are subject to other similar licensing or suitability requirements, we have the right, but not the obligation, to redeem such stockholder's shares of capital stock at a redemption price described in Exhibit 4.1 to this Report. After redemption, a stockholder would only be allowed to own up to 9.99% of the Company. Company funds used to redeem an unsuitable stockholder will reduce funds available for operations and distributions. This redemption right may negatively impact potential investors' willingness to invest in our Common Stock, which could negatively impact the trading price of our Common Stock. In addition, the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation related to the Preferred Stock and the Indenture provide for a similar redemption right in favor of the Company that is specific to the Preferred Stock and the Investor Notes if a holder of such securities or one of its affiliates is determined by an applicable state governmental authority to be unsuitable or disqualified from owning a direct or indirect interest in the Company.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 7
Our Preferred Stock, our right to issue additional preferred stock, our classified Board of Directors, the provisions of our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, and the concentration of Board appointment rights with a few insiders may delay or prevent a take-over that may not be in the best interests of our stockholders.Our Preferred Stock and provisions of our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws may be deemed to have anti-takeover effects, which include when and by whom special meetings of our stockholders may be called, and may delay, defer or prevent a takeover attempt.
The existence and terms of our Preferred Stock and our Investor Notes, such as the ability of a majority of the holders of the Preferred Stock to require payment of a liquidation preference upon a change of control, the right of Note Holders to require the Company to repurchase for cash the Investor Notes in connection with a Change of Control (as defined in the Indenture), or the ability to convert shares of Preferred Stock and Investor Notes into Common Stock and the resulting changes in ownership interests of the Company, may prevent or impede a change of control transaction for the Company that could otherwise be in the best interests of the Company or its stockholders. Further, holders of Preferred Stock will be entitled to cast the number of votes equal to the number of whole shares of Common Stock into which the shares of Preferred Stock held are convertible as of the record date for determining stockholders entitled to vote on any matter presented to the Company's stockholders for their action or consideration at any meeting (or by written consent in lieu of meeting), voting together with the holder of Common Stock as a single class. Therefore, holders of Preferred Stock have the ability to significantly influence the outcome on all matters requiring approval of our stockholders, including the election of directors and approval of a change of control transaction for the Company.
Further, our authorized capital consists of 250,000,000 shares of Common Stock and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share. Our Board, without further vote by the stockholders, has the authority to issue shares of preferred stock and to determine the rights and preferences, price and restrictions, including but not limited to voting and dividend rights, of any such shares of preferred stock. The rights of the holders of Common Stock or Preferred Stock may be affected by the rights of holders of preferred stock that our Board may issue in the future.
In addition, we have a "classified" Board of Directors, which means that one-half of our directors are eligible for election each year. Therefore, if stockholders desire to change the composition of the Board, it may take at least two years to remove a majority of the existing directors or to change all directors. Having a classified Board of Directors may also, among other things, delay mergers, tender offers or other possible transactions that may be favored by some or a majority of stockholders and may delay or frustrate stockholder action to change the then-current Board and management.
Certain members of our Board and principal stockholders also maintain the contractual right to nominate individuals to occupy eight of our nine director seats so long as they maintain certain agreed-upon ownership amounts, and our Board is required to recommend such nominees for election to the Board so long as the ownership requirements are met. This could frustrate our stockholders' ability to nominate and successfully appoint qualified directors independent of management. The concentration of Board appointment rights in a small number of insiders could also create conflicts of interest that might result in actions not in the best interest of our stockholders if such conflicts are not sufficiently managed and assessed in accordance with sound corporate governance principles.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 8
Our management and principal stockholders could significantly influence or control matters requiring a stockholder vote, and other stockholders may not have the ability to influence corporate transactions.Currently, management and our principal stockholders beneficially own a significant amount of our outstanding Common Stock and Preferred Stock. As a result, management and such principal stockholders have the ability to significantly influence the outcome of all matters requiring the approval of our stockholders, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions. As of March 1, 2024, our executive officers and directors controlled more than a majority of the voting power of our capital stock, based on the number of shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock outstanding as of such date or convertible into Common Stock within 60 days of such date. Therefore, management and our principal stockholders have the ability to significantly influence the outcome of all matters requiring approval of our stockholders, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions, such as a change of control transaction for the Company.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 9
We are classified as a "smaller reporting company," and we cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to smaller reporting companies will make our Common Stock and other securities less attractive to investors.We are classified as a "smaller reporting company" as defined in Item 10 of Regulation S-K. As such, we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies, including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and reduced disclosure obligations in our periodic reports and proxy statements. We cannot predict if investors will find our Common Stock and other securities less attractive because we may rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our Common Stock or other securities less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our Common Stock and our stock price may be more volatile. Decreased disclosures in our SEC filings due to our status as a "smaller reporting company" may make it harder for investors to analyze our results of operations and financial prospects.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 10
Our Preferred Stock ranks senior to our Common Stock but junior to all of our existing and future liabilities in the event of a liquidation, winding up or dissolution of our business.In the event of liquidation, winding up or dissolution, our assets would be available to make payments to holders of our Preferred Stock only after all of our liabilities have been paid, and to holders of our Common Stock only after all of our liabilities have been paid and holder of our Preferred Stock have been paid. Our Preferred Stock ranks structurally senior to our Common Stock, but junior to all of our existing and future liabilities and those of our subsidiaries, such as our Loan Agreement and the Investor Notes, as well as the capital stock of our subsidiaries held by third parties and employees, whether now existing or created in the future, that issues shares or other equity interests to third parties or employees. In the event of bankruptcy, liquidation or winding up of the Company, there may not be sufficient assets remaining, after paying our and our subsidiaries' liabilities, to pay any amounts to the holders of the Preferred Stock then outstanding, or, thereafter, to pay any amounts to the holders of the Common Stock then outstanding. Any liquidation, winding up or dissolution of the Company or of any of our wholly or partially-owned subsidiaries could have a material adverse effect on holders of the Preferred Stock or holders of the Common Stock.
Accounting & Financial Operations8 | 12.1%
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1
Failure to execute our strategies and external market conditions could result in impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets, which may negatively impact profitability.Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2
We have not paid dividends in the past and do not expect to pay dividends for the foreseeable future. Any return on investment may be limited to potential future appreciation in the value of our Common Stock.Our ability to pay dividends is restricted by the terms and provisions of our financing agreements, including but not limited to our Loan Agreement, the Indenture, and the provisions of our Articles of Incorporation related to our Preferred Stock. We currently intend to retain any future earnings to support the development and expansion of our business and do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our shares of Common Stock in the foreseeable future. Our payment of any future dividends will be at the discretion of our Board after taking into account various factors, including without limitation, our financial condition, operating results, cash needs, growth plans and the terms of any contractual provisions related to the payment of dividends that we may be a party to at the time. To the extent we do not pay dividends, our shares of Common Stock may be less valuable because a return on investment will only occur if and to the extent our stock price appreciates, for which there can be no guarantee. In addition, investors must rely on sales of their Common Stock after price appreciation as the only way to realize a return on their investment; if the price of our Common Stock does not appreciate, then there will be no return on investment. Investors seeking cash dividends should not purchase our Common Stock.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 3
We cannot ensure that we will always be able to maintain adequate internal controls.Effective internal controls are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and to help prevent fraud. Although we will undertake several procedures and will implement a number of safeguards, in each case, in order to help ensure the reliability of our financial reports, including those imposed under U.S. securities law, we cannot be certain that such measures will ensure that we will always be able to maintain adequate internal controls over financial processes and disclosure. Failure to implement the required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation, could harm our results of operations or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. If we or our auditors discover a material weakness, the disclosure of that fact, even if quickly remedied, could reduce the market's confidence in our consolidated financial statements and materially adversely affect the value or trading price of our securities, which could in turn impact our prospects, business, financial condition and results of operations.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 4
The estimates and judgments we make, or the assumptions on which we rely, in preparing our consolidated financial statements could prove inaccurate.Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. ("GAAP"). The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of our assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, the amounts of charges accrued by us and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. We cannot assure, however, that our estimates, or the assumptions underlying them, will not change over time or otherwise prove inaccurate. Any potential litigation related to the estimates and judgments we make, or the assumptions on which we rely, in preparing our consolidated financial statements could have a material adverse effect on our financial results, harm our business, and cause our share price to decline.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 5
Our sales are difficult to forecast.We must rely largely on our own market research and market research from newer companies in the cannabis industry to forecast sales as detailed forecasts are not generally obtainable from other, more reliable sources at this early stage of the cannabis industry. A failure in the demand for our products to materialize as a result of competition, technological change or other factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition or prospects.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 6
We have a relatively short operating history.We have a relatively short operating history, which makes it difficult to evaluate our business and future prospects. We have encountered, and will continue to encounter, risks and difficulties frequently experienced by growing companies in rapidly changing industries, including those related to:
- market acceptance of our current and future products and services;- changing regulatory environments and costs associated with compliance;- our ability to compete with other companies offering similar products and services;- our ability to effectively market our products and services and attract new customers;- the amount and timing of operating expenses related to the maintenance and expansion of our business, operations and infrastructure;- our ability to control costs, including operating expenses;- our ability to manage organic and strategic growth;- market cycles, pricing pressure, and new and emerging market growth;- public perception and acceptance of cannabis-related products and services generally; and - general economic conditions and events.
If we do not manage these risks successfully, our business and financial performance will be adversely affected. Our long-term results of operations are difficult to predict and depend on the commercial success of our products and services, the continued growth of the cannabis industry generally (including public acceptance of cannabis-related products) and the regulatory environment in which the cannabis industry operates. If the legalized cannabis marketplace does not continue to grow because the public does not increasingly accept cannabis-related products, or if government regulators adopt laws, rules or regulations that terminate or diminish the ability for commercial businesses to develop, market and sell cannabis-related products, our business and financial performance would be materially adversely affected. Additionally, even if the cannabis marketplace continues to grow rapidly and government regulation allows for the free-market development of this industry, there can be no assurance that our products and services will be preferable to or competitive with those offered by our competitors. The legalized cannabis industry may not continue to grow, and the regulatory environment may not remain favorable to participants in the industry. More generally, our products and services may not experience growing market acceptance, which would adversely impact our ability to grow revenue.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 7
We have incurred significant losses in prior periods and there is no assurance we can generate profits; future losses could cause the quoted price of our Common Stock to decline or have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, our ability to pay our debts as they become due and on our cash flow.We have incurred significant losses in prior periods. There can be no assurance that we will generate profits in any particular year or at all in the future. Our ability to generate profits will depend on a number of factors and is subject to risks, many of which are beyond our control. Any losses in the future could cause the quoted price of our Common Stock to decline or have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, our ability to pay our debts as they become due, and on our cash flow.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 8
Our results of operations may vary significantly, which could adversely affect the price of our Common Stock.Changed
It is possible that our quarterly and annual revenues and operating results may vary significantly in the future and that period-to-period comparisons of our revenues and operating results may not necessarily serve as meaningful indicators of or benchmarks for future performance. You should not rely on the results of any one quarter or year as an indication of our future performance. It is also possible that in some future quarters or years, our revenues and operating results will fall below our expectations or the expectations of market analysts and investors. If we do not meet these expectations, the price of our Common Stock may decline significantly.
Debt & Financing5 | 7.6%
Debt & Financing - Risk 1
We may be unable to seek the protection of the bankruptcy courts.Debt & Financing - Risk 2
If we are unable to service or repay our indebtedness when due, the applicable lender may execute on the collateral.We have outstanding indebtedness that is secured by a security interest in all of our assets. If we fail to comply with the covenants set forth in the applicable debt instruments or if we fail to make certain payments under the debt instruments when due, the holders of such indebtedness could declare the debt instruments in default. If we default under any such debt instruments, the holders have the right to seize our assets that secure the debt instruments, which would have a material adverse effect on our prospects, business, financial condition and results of operations.
Several of our wholly-owned subsidiaries are borrowers under a Loan Agreement with Altmore, as lender, and GGG Partners LLC, as collateral agent. The loan is secured by a security interest in substantially all current and future assets of the borrowers. We guaranty the payment and performance by the borrowers when due. If the borrowers and we are unable to pay the debt service or repay the term loan when due, the lender may, among other remedies, sell the collateral and use the proceeds to satisfy amounts owed under term loan.
The seller notes associated with the purchase of the Star Buds assets by SBUD LLC are secured by a security interest in substantially all of the current and future assets of SBUD LLC. If SBUD LLC is unable to pay the debt service or repay the seller notes when due, the sellers may, among other remedies, sell the collateral and use the proceeds to satisfy amounts owed under the seller notes.
Our Investor Notes are secured by a first priority security interest in all of the current and future assets of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors not otherwise pledged as collateral, which are held by the Indenture Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Note Investors, and payment under the Investor Notes and Indenture are guaranteed by the Subsidiary Guarantors. The Investor Notes provide that on December 7, 2025, the Note Investors will have the right to require the Company to repurchase some or all of the Investor Notes for cash in an amount equal to the principal amount of such Investor Note being repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest up to the date of repurchase. If the Company or the Subsidiary Guarantors are unable to pay the debt service or repay the Investor Notes when due, the Indenture Collateral Agent may, among other remedies, sell the collateral and use the proceeds to satisfy the amounts owed under the Investor Notes.
Debt & Financing - Risk 3
We have limited access to capital and funds available for operations and growth, and we will require additional financing to successfully implement our business strategy.Expansion of our business will require investment of capital. Our capital requirements will depend upon numerous factors, including the size and success of our marketing and sales network, the quality of and demand for our products and services, and the terms of our external financing arrangements. If funds generated from our operations are insufficient to allow us to grow in accordance with our strategic plans, we will need to raise additional funds through public or private financing. No assurance can be given that additional financing will be available or that, if available, it will be obtained on terms favorable to us. If we are unable to obtain adequate financing, we may have to reduce or eliminate expenditures and curtail or delay our growth strategy, including the expansion of our sales and marketing capabilities and future acquisitions, which likely would have a material adverse effect on our prospects, business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, if we raise additional capital in the future by issuing equity securities or securities exercisable for or convertible into equity securities, existing holders of our Common Stock could suffer significant dilution, and any new securities issued could have rights, preferences and privileges superior to our existing stockholders. Furthermore, if we raise additional capital in the future by incurring debt or issuing debt securities, such debt may impose covenants restricting our ability to incur additional indebtedness, grant liens, make dividends and other payments, issue securities and buy and sell assets, or otherwise restrict financial or operational activities, which may make it more difficult for us to obtain additional capital and to pursue business opportunities, including potential acquisitions. Our existing debt and financing arrangements, including the Loan Agreement and the Indenture, contain restrictions on the amount of debt the Company can issue without obtaining the approval of the applicable secured party or parties, which can add delays and complexity in executing the Company's acquisition strategy.
Debt & Financing - Risk 4
We may seek to raise additional funds, finance acquisitions or develop strategic relationships by issuing securities that would dilute the ownership of our existing stockholders.We may raise additional capital in the future. Such capital raising transactions may take the form of equity issuances, debt raising, issuance of derivative securities, or a combination thereof. If we issue any shares of Common Stock or securities convertible into or exercisable for shares of Common Stock in connection with any capital raising transaction, our existing stockholders will experience immediate dilution upon such issuance or upon the future conversion or exercise of such securities. Further, derivative securities, such as convertible debt, convertible preferred stock, options and warrants, currently outstanding or issued in the future may contain anti-dilution protection provisions, which, if triggered, could require us to issue a larger number of the security underlying such derivative security than the face amount. We cannot predict the effect, if any, that future sales or issuance of shares of our Common Stock into the market, or the availability of shares of our Common Stock for future sale, will have on the market price of our Common Stock. Sales of substantial amounts of our Common Stock (including shares issued upon exercise of options and warrants or conversion of convertible securities), or the perception that such sales could occur, may materially affect prevailing market prices for our Common Stock.
Depending on the terms available to us, if these activities result in significant dilution, it may negatively impact the trading price of our shares of Common Stock. Any additional financing that we secure may require the granting of rights, preferences or privileges senior to, or pari passu with, those of our Common Stock or our other outstanding securities. Any issuances by us of securities may be at or below the prevailing market price of our Common Stock and in any event may have a dilutive impact on your ownership interest, which could cause the market price of our Common Stock to decline. We may also raise additional funds through the incurrence of debt or the issuance or sale of other derivative securities or instruments senior to our shares of Common Stock. We cannot be certain how the repayment of any debt obligations will be funded, and we may issue further equity or debt in order to raise funds to repay such obligations, including funding that may be highly dilutive. The holders of any securities or instruments we may issue may have rights superior to the rights of holders of our Common Stock. If we experience dilution from the issuance of additional securities and we grant superior rights to new securities over holders of our Common Stock, it may negatively impact the trading price of our shares of Common Stock, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
Debt & Financing - Risk 5
Our insurance coverage may be inadequate to cover all significant risk exposures.We are exposed to liabilities that are unique to the products and services we provide. While we intend to maintain insurance for certain risks, the amount of our insurance coverage may not be adequate to cover all claims or liabilities, and we may be forced to bear substantial costs resulting from risks and uncertainties in our business. It is also not possible to obtain insurance to protect against all operational risks and liabilities. Due to the nature of our business, we may have difficulty obtaining insurance because, compared to non-cannabis industries, (i) there are only a limited number of insurers willing to insure companies involved in the cannabis industry, (ii) there are fewer insurance products available to companies involved in the cannabis industry, (iii) insurance coverage generally is more expensive for companies involved in the cannabis industry, and (iv) available insurers, insurance products, and cost of coverage fluctuates frequently. Failure to obtain adequate insurance coverage on terms favorable to us, or at all, could have a material adverse effect on our prospects, business, financial condition and results of operations. We do not maintain business interruption insurance for most of our properties and operations. Any business disruption or natural disaster could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources.
Corporate Activity and Growth3 | 4.5%
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1
Failure to consummate identified acquisitions could materially adversely affect our capital resources and subsequent attempts to locate and acquire other businesses.Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2
The requirements of being a public company may strain our resources, divert management's attention, and affect our ability to attract and retain executive management and qualified board members.As a public company, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and other applicable securities rules and regulations. Compliance with these rules and regulations is costly, makes some activities more difficult, time-consuming or costly, and requires us to maintain and have available specialized systems and resources. The Exchange Act requires, among other things, that we file annual, quarterly and current periodic reports with respect to our business and operating results. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. In order to maintain and, if required, improve our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting to meet this standard, significant resources and management oversight may be required. As a result, management's attention may be diverted from other business concerns, which could adversely affect our business and operating results. We may need to hire more employees in the future or engage outside consultants to comply with these requirements, which will increase our operating costs and expenses.
In addition, changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure are creating uncertainty for public companies, increasing legal and financial compliance costs and making some activities more time consuming. These laws, regulations and standards are subject to varying interpretations, in many cases due to their lack of specificity, and, as a result, their application in practice may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies. This could result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance practices. We intend to invest resources to comply with evolving laws, regulations and standards, and this investment may result in increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management's time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities. If our efforts to comply with new laws, regulations and standards differ from the activities intended by regulatory or governing bodies due to ambiguities related to their application and practice, regulatory authorities may initiate legal proceedings against us, and our business may be adversely affected.
Being a public company, rules and regulations may make it more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance. These factors could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified members of our Board, particularly to serve on our audit committee and compensation committee, and qualified executive officers. Also, our business and financial condition are visible to the public, which we believe may result in threatened or actual litigation, including by competitors and other third parties. If such claims are successful, our business and operating results could be adversely affected. Even if potential future claims do not result in litigation or are resolved in our favor, the time and resources necessary to resolve such claims could divert the attention and resources of management and adversely affect our business and operating results.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 3
We may not be able to successfully identify and execute future acquisitions or dispositions or to successfully manage the impacts of such transactions on our operations.A key element of our growth strategy involves identifying and acquiring interests in, or the businesses of, suitable entities involved in the cannabis industry. Our ability to identify such potential acquisition opportunities and successfully acquire them is not guaranteed. Further, achieving the benefits of future acquisitions will depend, in part, on successfully identifying and capturing such opportunities in a timely and efficient manner with the appropriate structure to ensure a stable and growing stream of revenues.
Material acquisitions, dispositions and other strategic transactions involve a number of risks, including: (i) the potential disruption of our ongoing business; (ii) the distraction of management away from the ongoing oversight of our existing business activities; (iii) incurring indebtedness; (iv) the anticipated benefits and cost savings of those transactions not being realized fully, or at all, or taking longer to realize than anticipated; (v) an increase in the scope and complexity of our operations; (vi) the loss or reduction of control over certain of our assets; (vii) the integration of new operations, services and personnel; (viii) unforeseen or hidden liabilities; (ix) the diversion of resources from our existing interests and business; (x) potential inability to generate sufficient revenue to offset new costs; or (xi) the expenses of such transactions.
Further, there is no guarantee that future acquisitions will be accretive. The existence of one or more material liabilities of an acquired company or business that are unknown to us at the time of acquisition could result in our incurring those liabilities. A strategic transaction may result in a significant change in the nature of our business, operations and strategy, and we may encounter unforeseen obstacles or costs in implementing a strategic transaction or integrating any acquired business into our operations.
Legal & Regulatory
Total Risks: 12/66 (18%)Below Sector Average
Regulation7 | 10.6%
Regulation - Risk 1
Businesses involved in the cannabis industry are subject to a variety of laws and regulations related to money laundering, financial recordkeeping and proceeds of crimes, decreasing access to secure banking and other financial services.Regulation - Risk 2
Our business is dependent on regulatory licensing.Our business is dependent on us obtaining various licenses from various municipalities and state licensing agencies. There can be no assurance that any or all licenses necessary for us to operate cannabis businesses will be obtained, retained or renewed. If a licensing body were to determine that we violated applicable rules and regulations, there is a risk the license granted to us could be revoked, which could adversely affect our operations and profitability. Further, in some local jurisdictions in Colorado and New Mexico, licenses for cannabis operations are tied to a specific location, and we operate substantially all our operations through leases. If we are unable to renew any of our leases, we could potentially lose the license for such location. There can be no assurance that we will be able to retain their licenses going forward, or that new licenses will be granted to us or existing and new market entrants.
Regulation - Risk 3
Cannabis remains illegal under federal law.Despite the successful development of a cannabis industry legal under state laws in most states, state laws legalizing medicinal and recreational adult cannabis use are in conflict with the CSA, which classifies cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance and makes cannabis use and possession illegal under federal law. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that it is the federal government that has the right to regulate and criminalize cannabis, even for medical purposes, and thus federal law criminalizing the use of cannabis preempts state laws legalizing its use.
A prior U.S. administration attempted to address the inconsistent treatment of cannabis under state and federal law in the Cole Memorandum, which Deputy Attorney General James Cole sent to all U.S. Attorneys in August 2013 that outlined certain priorities for the DOJ relating to the prosecution of cannabis offenses. The Cole Memorandum provided that enforcing federal cannabis laws and regulations in jurisdictions that have enacted laws legalizing cannabis in some form and that have also implemented strong and effective regulatory and enforcement systems to control the cultivation, processing, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis conduct in compliance with those laws and regulations was not a priority for the DOJ. The DOJ did not provide (and has not provided since) specific guidelines for what regulatory and enforcement systems would be deemed sufficient under the Cole Memorandum. On January 4, 2018, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions formally issued the Sessions Memorandum, which rescinded the Cole Memorandum effective upon its issuance. The Sessions Memorandum stated, in part, that current law reflects "Congress' determination that cannabis is a dangerous drug and cannabis activity is a serious crime," and Mr. Sessions directed all U.S. Attorneys to enforce the laws enacted by Congress and to follow well-established principles when pursuing prosecutions related to cannabis activities. There can be no assurance that the federal government will not enforce federal laws relating to cannabis in the future. The Biden administration has not expressed a cannabis policy as of the date of this Report. The uncertainty of federal enforcement practices going forward and the inconsistency between federal and state laws and regulations presents major risks for our business and operations. Any such change in the federal government's enforcement of federal laws could cause significant financial damage to us and our stockholders.
Under federal law, and more specifically the CSA, the possession, use, cultivation and transfer of cannabis is illegal. It is also federally illegal to advertise the sale of cannabis, or to sell paraphernalia designed or intended primarily for use with cannabis, unless the paraphernalia is authorized by federal, state, or local law. Our business involves the cultivation, production and sale of cannabis and cannabis products, and, therefore, violates federal law. Further, we provide services to customers that are engaged in the business of possession, use, cultivation and/or transfer of cannabis. As a result, law enforcement authorities, in their attempt to regulate the illegal use of cannabis, may seek to bring an action or actions against us, including, but not limited to, a claim of aiding and abetting another's criminal activities. The federal aiding and abetting statute provides that anyone who "commits an offense against the United States or aides, abets, counsels, commands, induces, or procures its commission, is punishable as a principal".
If the federal government were to change its enforcement practices, or were to expend its resources enforcing existing federal laws on those involved in the cannabis industry, such action could have a material adverse effect on our business and operations, our customers, and the sales of our products up to and including a complete cessation of our business, and our investors could lose their entire investment.
It is possible that additional federal or state legislation could be enacted in the future that would prohibit us from selling cannabis, and if such legislation were enacted, the demand for our products and services would likely decrease, causing revenues to decline. Further, additional government disruption in the cannabis industry could cause potential customers and users to be reluctant to use our products and services, which would be detrimental to us. We cannot predict the nature of any future laws, regulations, interpretations or applications, nor can we determine what effect additional governmental regulations or administrative policies and procedures, when and if promulgated, could have on our business.
Regulation - Risk 4
Our business is dependent on state laws pertaining to the cannabis industry.While there appears to be ample public support for legislative action to legalize cannabis use and possession, numerous factors may impact or negatively affect the legislative process(es) within the various states in which we have business interests. Any one of these factors could slow or halt the use of cannabis, which would negatively impact our business up to possibly causing us to discontinue operations as a whole.
The voters or legislatures of states in which cannabis has already been legalized could potentially repeal applicable laws that permit the operation of both medical and retail cannabis businesses. These actions might force businesses, including our own, to cease operations in one or more states entirely.
Regulation - Risk 5
We are required to comply concurrently with federal, state and local laws in each jurisdiction where we operate.Various federal, state and local laws, regulations and guidelines govern our business in the jurisdictions in which we operate or propose to operate, including laws and regulations relating to health and safety, conduct of operations, and the production, management, transportation, storage, and disposal of our products and of certain material used in our operations. Compliance with each of these laws, regulations and guidelines requires concurrent compliance with other complex federal, state and local laws, regulations and guidelines. These laws, regulations and guidelines change frequently and may be difficult to interpret and apply. Compliance with these laws, regulations and guidelines requires the investment of significant financial and managerial resources, and a determination that we are not in compliance with these laws, regulations and guidelines could harm our reputation and brand image, and have a material adverse effect on our prospects, business, financial condition, and results of operations. Moreover, it is impossible for us to predict the cost or effect of such laws, regulations, or guidelines upon our future operations. Changes to these laws, regulations and guidelines could negatively affect our competitive position within our industry and the markets in which we operate, and there is no assurance that various levels of government in the jurisdictions in which we operate will not pass legislation or regulation or issue guidelines that adversely impacts our business.
Regulation - Risk 6
Our business is subject to a variety of U.S. laws, many of which are unsettled and still developing, and which could subject us to claims or otherwise harm our business.We are subject to a variety of state and federal laws in the United States. In the United States, despite having been legalized for medical use in many states, and for adult recreational use in a number of states, cannabis meet the definition of "marijuana" and continues to be categorized as a Schedule I controlled substance under the CSA. Following the passage of HB19-1090 in Colorado, we elected to move into plant-touching operations in addition to non-plant-touching operations by acquiring several plant-touching businesses in Colorado and New Mexico. As a public company involved in direct plant-touching activities, we may face additional scrutiny from the U.S. federal government or other regulatory agencies.
Such scrutiny, and any investigation of our operations related to plant-touching activities, could have a material adverse impact on our prospects, business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Regulation - Risk 7
There is uncertainty related to the regulation of vaporization products and certain other consumption accessories. Increased regulatory compliance burdens could have a material adverse impact on our business development efforts and our operations.There is uncertainty regarding whether and in what circumstances federal, state, or local regulatory authorities will seek to develop and enforce regulations relative to vaporizer hardware and accessories that can be used to vaporize cannabis and/or tobacco. Further, it remains to be seen whether current or future regulations relating to tobacco vaporization products would also apply to cannabis vaporization products and related consumption accessories.
There has been increasing activity on the federal, state, and local levels with respect to scrutiny of vaporizer products. Federal, state, and local governmental bodies across the United States have indicated that vaporization products and certain other consumption accessories may become subject to new laws and regulations at the state and local levels. For example, in September 2019, the Trump Administration announced a plan to ban the sale of most flavored e-cigarettes nationwide. At the state level, over 25 states have implemented statewide regulations that prohibit vaping in public places. In January 2015, the California Department of Health declared electronic cigarettes and certain other vaporizer products a health threat that should be strictly regulated like tobacco products, and in September 2019, California's governor issued an executive order on vaping, focused on enforcement and disclosure. Many states, provinces, and some cities have passed laws restricting the sale of electronic cigarettes and certain other tobacco vaporizer products. Some cities have also implemented more restrictive measures than their state counterparts, such as San Francisco, which in June 2018, approved a new ban on the sale of flavored tobacco products, including vaping liquids and menthol cigarettes.
The application of any new laws or regulations that may be adopted in the future, at a federal, state, or local level, directly or indirectly implicating cannabis vaporization products or consumption accessories could limit our ability to sell such products, result in additional compliance expenses, and require us to change our labeling and methods of distribution, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our prospects, business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities4 | 6.1%
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1
Fines, judgments and other consequences resulting from our failure to comply with regulations or adverse outcomes in litigation proceedings could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.Added
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 2
There is a risk of civil asset forfeiture of our 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.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 3
We are subject to risks from products liability claims.We face an inherent risk of product liability claims. For example, we could be sued if any product we sell allegedly causes injury or is found to be otherwise unsuitable during product testing, manufacturing, marketing or sale. Any such product liability claims may include allegations of defects in manufacturing, defects in design, a failure to warn of dangers inherent in the product, negligence, strict liability and a breach of warranties. Claims could also be asserted under state consumer protection acts.
If we cannot successfully defend against product liability claims, we may incur substantial liabilities or be required to limit sales of our products. Even a successful defense of these hypothetical future cases would require significant financial and management resources. If we are unable to successfully defend these hypothetical future cases, we could face at least the following potential consequences:
- decreased demand for our products;- injury to our reputation;- costs to defend the related litigation;- diversion of management's time and our resources;- substantial monetary awards to users of our products;- product recalls or withdrawals; and - loss of revenue.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 4
Due to our limited financial resources, litigation could negatively impact our financial condition even if such claims are without merit.Litigation is used as a competitive tactic by both established companies seeking to protect their existing position in a given market and emerging companies attempting to gain access to a market. In such litigation, complaints may be filed on a variety of grounds, including but not limited to antitrust violations, breach of contract, trade secret, patent or copyright infringement, patent or copyright invalidity and unfair business practices. If we are forced to defend ourselves against such claims, whether or not meritorious, we are likely to incur substantial expense and diversion of management attention, which could result in market confusion and the reluctance of licensees and distributors to commit resources to our operations.
Taxation & Government Incentives1 | 1.5%
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1
Tax and accounting requirements may change in ways that are unforeseen to us and we may face difficulty or be unable to implement or comply with any such changes.Ability to Sell
Total Risks: 11/66 (17%)Above Sector Average
Competition3 | 4.5%
Competition - Risk 1
We face competition from synthetic production and technological advances.Competition - Risk 2
Competition in our industry is intense.The cannabis industry is highly fragmented, and we have many competitors, including many who offer similar products and services. There can be no guarantees that other companies will not enter the market and develop products and services that will be in direct competition with us in the future. We anticipate continued competition from current participants as well as entry of other companies in the cannabis market, and we may not be able to establish or maintain a competitive advantage. Some of these companies may have longer operating histories, greater name recognition, larger customer bases, preferable product offerings, and/or significantly greater financial, technical, sales and marketing resources. This may allow them to respond more quickly than us to market opportunities. It may also allow them to devote greater resources to the marketing, promotion and sale of their products and services. These competitors may also adopt more aggressive pricing policies and make more attractive offers to existing and potential customers, employees, strategic partners, distribution channels and advertisers. Increased competition is likely to result in price reductions, reduced gross margins and potential loss of market share.
Competition - Risk 3
Competition from the illicit cannabis market could impact our ability to succeed.We face competition from illegal market operators that are unlicensed and unregulated including illegal dispensaries and illicit market suppliers selling cannabis and cannabis-based products. As these illegal market participants do not comply with the regulations governing the cannabis industry, their operations may have significantly lower costs. The perpetuation of the illegal market for cannabis may have a material adverse effect on our business, and the results of operations, as well as the perception of cannabis use. Furthermore, given the restrictions on regulated cannabis retail, it is possible that legal cannabis consumers revert to the illicit market as a matter of convenience.
Demand5 | 7.6%
Demand - Risk 1
Our success is dependent on consumer acceptance of cannabis products generally, and specifically our products.Demand - Risk 2
The cannabis industry could face strong opposition from other industries.We believe that established businesses in other industries may have a strong economic interest in opposing the development of the cannabis industry. Cannabis may be seen by companies in other industries as an attractive alternative to their products, including recreational cannabis as an alternative to alcohol and medical cannabis as an alternative to various commercial pharmaceuticals. Many industries that could view the emerging cannabis industry as an economic threat are well established, with vast economic and federal and state lobbying resources. It is possible that companies within these industries could use their resources to attempt to slow or reverse legislation legalizing cannabis. Any inroads these companies make in halting or impeding legislative initiatives that would not be beneficial to the cannabis industry could have a detrimental impact on our business and, in turn, on our operations.
Demand - Risk 3
The cannabis industry and market are relatively new in the United States, and this industry and market may not continue to exist or develop as anticipated, or we may ultimately be unable to succeed in this industry and market.We are operating our current business in the relatively new cannabis industry and market, and our success depends on our ability to operate our business successfully. In addition to being subject to general business risks applicable to a business involving an agricultural product and a regulated consumer product, we need to continue to build brand awareness of our brand in the cannabis industry and make significant investments in our business strategy and production capacity. These investments include introducing new products and services into the markets in which we operate, adopting quality assurance protocols and procedures and undertaking regulatory compliance efforts. These activities may not promote our business as effectively as intended, or at all, and we expect that our competitors will undertake similar investments to compete with us for market share. Competitive conditions, consumer preferences and spending patterns in this industry and market are relatively unknown and may have unique characteristics that differ from other existing industries and markets and that may cause our efforts to further our business to be unsuccessful or to have undesired consequences. As a result, we may not be successful in our efforts to operate our business or to develop new products and services and produce and distribute these products and services to the markets in which we operate in time to be effectively commercialized, or these activities may require significantly more resources than we currently anticipate in order to be successful.
Demand - Risk 4
Changes in consumer spending may harm our business.Consumer spending patterns, particularly discretionary expenditures for cannabis products, are particularly susceptible to factors beyond our control that may reduce demand for our products. These factors include:
- low consumer confidence;- decreased corporate budgets and spending, including cancellations, deferrals or renegotiations of group business events (e.g., industry conventions);- market conditions, pricing pressure, inflation, and similar macro-economic influences;- natural disasters, such as earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes and floods;- outbreaks of pandemic or contagious diseases, such as avian flu, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), H1N1(swine) flu, Zika fever and coronavirus (e.g., COVID-19);- war, terrorist activities, social unrest, or threats and heightened security measures instituted in response to these events; and - the financial or operational conditions of transportation-related industries and its impact on travel.
Reduced consumer spending could have a material adverse effect on our prospects, business, financial condition and results of operations.
Demand - Risk 5
Access to banking and other financial services is limited in the cannabis industry, and we are not always able to obtain quality services, favorable market rates, or financially advantageous opportunities as compared to businesses in other industries.Given the current regulatory framework regarding cannabis at the federal level in the United States, traditional bank financing is typically not available to cannabis companies. Specifically, since financial transactions involving proceeds generated by cannabis-related conduct can form the basis for prosecution under anti-money laundering statutes, unlicensed money transmitter statutes, and the Bank Secrecy Act, businesses involved in the cannabis industry often have difficulty finding a bank willing to accept their business. Banks that do accept deposits from cannabis-related businesses in the United States must do so in compliance with the FinCEN Memorandum, which typically increases the cost to the cannabis business due to increased due diligence requirements and regulatory complexity. We have banking relationships in the states where we operate; however, we have limited access to traditional bank financing. We have utilized private financing through use of private offerings to raise capital in the past, but securing private financing in the cannabis industry can be difficult due to the federal illegality of marijuana and often includes substantial costs and fees.
Additionally, the health of the banking industry as a whole could impact our banking access and liquidity. Actual events involving limited liquidity, defaults, non-performance or other adverse developments that affect financial institutions, transactional counterparties, or other companies in the financial services industry or the financial services industry generally, or concerns or rumors about any events of these kinds or other similar risks, have in the past and may in the future lead to market-wide liquidity problems. If some or all of the limited subset of banks and financial institutions willing to engage with the cannabis industry enter receivership or become insolvent in the future in response to financial conditions affecting the banking system and financial markets, our ability to access our existing cash, cash equivalents and investments may be impaired and could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. If any of our banks were to experience such an insolvency event, it might be difficult for us to establish new banking relationships on a timely basis with favorable terms due to our participation in the cannabis industry, which could generate operational delays, challenges making and receiving payments to support operations, and additional resource demands. In addition, if any of the parties with whom we conduct business are unable to access funds pursuant to such instruments or lending arrangements with such a financial institution, such parties' ability to pay their obligations to us or to enter into new commercial arrangements requiring additional payments to us could be adversely affected.
Brand / Reputation3 | 4.5%
Brand / Reputation - Risk 1
We, or the cannabis industry more generally, may receive unfavorable publicity or become subject to negative consumer or investor perception.Brand / Reputation - Risk 2
Certain events or developments in the cannabis industry more generally may impact our reputation.Damage to our reputation can result from the actual or perceived occurrence of any number of events, including any negative publicity, whether true or not. As we are producers and distributors of cannabis, which is a controlled substance in the United States that has previously been commonly associated with various other narcotics, violence and criminal activities, there is a risk that our business might attract negative publicity. There is also a risk that the actions of other companies and service providers in the cannabis industry may negatively affect the reputation of the industry as a whole and thereby negatively impact our reputation. The increased usage of social media and other web-based tools used to generate, publish and discuss user generated content and to connect with other users has made it increasingly easier for individuals and groups to communicate and share negative opinions and views in regards to our activities and the cannabis industry in general, whether true or not. We do not ultimately have direct control over how we or the cannabis industry are perceived by others. Reputational issues may result in decreased investor confidence, increased challenges in developing and maintaining community relations, and present an impediment to our overall ability to advance our business strategy and realize growth.
Brand / Reputation - Risk 3
The scientific community has not yet extensively studied the long-term health effects of the use of vaporizer products.Cannabis vaporizers and related products were recently developed and therefore the scientific community has not had a sufficient period of time to study the long-term health effects of their use. If the scientific community were to determine conclusively that use of any or all of these products poses long-term health risks, market demand for these products and their use could materially decline. Such a determination could also lead to litigation and significant regulation. Loss of demand for our product, product liability claims, and increased regulation stemming from unfavorable scientific studies of these products could have a material adverse effect on our prospects, business, financial condition and results of operations.
Production
Total Risks: 8/66 (12%)Above Sector Average
Employment / Personnel4 | 6.1%
Employment / Personnel - Risk 1
We are dependent upon our management and corporate support employees to continue our growth.Employment / Personnel - Risk 2
We may be exposed to risk of fraudulent or illegal activity by employees, contractors and consultants.We are exposed to the risk that our 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 us to identify and deter misconduct by our employees and other third parties, and the precautions taken by us to detect and prevent this activity may not be effective in controlling unknown or unmanaged risks or losses or in protecting us 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 us, and we are not successful in defending ourselves or asserting our rights, those actions could have a significant impact on our 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 our operations, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects.
Employment / Personnel - Risk 3
We may be unable to attract or retain skilled labor and personnel with experience in the cannabis sector, acquire adequate equipment, parts, and components for operational needs, and we may be unable to attract, develop and retain additional employees required for our operations and future developments.We may be unable to attract or retain employees with sufficient experience in the cannabis industry, and may prove unable to attract, develop and retain additional employees required for our development and future success.
Our success is currently largely dependent on the performance of our skilled employees. Our future success depends on our continuing ability to attract, develop, motivate and retain highly qualified and skilled employees. Qualified individuals are in high demand, and we may incur significant costs to attract and retain them.
In addition, our ability to compete and grow will be dependent upon having access, at a reasonable cost and in a timely manner, to skilled labor, adequate equipment, parts and components, and real estate zoned or permitted for cannabis use. No assurances can be given that we will be successful in maintaining the required supply of skilled labor, adequate equipment, parts and components, or sufficient real estate. It is also possible that the final costs of major equipment purchases or expansion projects budgeted by our capital expenditure projections may be significantly greater than anticipated or available, and there could be a materially adverse effect on our financial results in such instances.
Employment / Personnel - Risk 4
If our relationship with our employees were to deteriorate, we may be faced with unionization efforts, labor shortages, disruptions or stoppages, which could adversely affect our business and reduce our operating margins and revenue.Added
Our operations rely heavily on our employees, and any labor shortage, disruption or stoppage caused by poor relations with our employees could reduce our operating margins and revenue. None of our employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements. Our workforce has not been subject to union organization efforts; however, we could be subject to future unionization efforts as our operations expand. The non-union status of the Company is an important factor in our ability to compete in our markets, and if all or a portion of our workforce becomes unionized it could increase our costs and subject us to workplace rules, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.
Supply Chain2 | 3.0%
Supply Chain - Risk 1
If we are unable to source raw materials in sufficient quantities, on a timely basis, and at acceptable costs, our ability to manufacture and sell our products may be harmed.Supply Chain - Risk 2
We rely on key utility services.Our business is dependent on a number of key inputs and their related costs, including raw materials and supplies related to our growing operations, as well as electricity, water and other local utilities. Our cannabis growing operations consume and will continue to consume considerable energy, which makes us vulnerable to rising energy costs. Accordingly, rising or volatile energy costs may adversely impact our business and our ability to operate profitably in the future. Additionally, any significant interruption or negative change in the availability or economics of the supply chain for our key inputs could materially impact our business, financial condition and operating results. If we are unable to secure the required supplies and services on satisfactory terms, it could have a materially adverse impact on our business, financial condition and operating results.
Costs2 | 3.0%
Costs - Risk 1
We are unable to deduct all of our business expenses.Costs - Risk 2
We are subject to risks related to unsafe concentration of heavy metals and other contaminants in our cannabis and nutrient products and associated inconsistent treatment under state law.Cannabis plants may absorb heavy metals and other contaminants from the soil that they grow in. Nutrient products are made from ingredients that may contain heavy metals and other contaminants. Heavy metals and contaminants are naturally found in the earth's soil but may also be present as a result of pesticide use. Some contaminants, like heavy metals, are toxic to humans at even low concentrations. If our raw materials contain contaminants, they may transfer to our products. If the level of contaminants in our products exceeds permissible or safe levels, it may result in loss of inventory and possible harm to consumers of the products, which may expose us, among other things, to monetary losses, product liability claims and reputational risk.
In addition, state regulation of testing for, and permissible levels of, contaminants in cannabis products varies, making compliance costly.
Macro & Political
Total Risks: 6/66 (9%)Above Sector Average
International Operations1 | 1.5%
International Operations - Risk 1
We plan to expand our business and operations into jurisdictions outside of the jurisdictions where we currently conduct business and doing so will expose us to new risks.Natural and Human Disruptions4 | 6.1%
Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1
We are subject to risks inherent in an agricultural business such as reliance on certain resources and the risk of crop failure.Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 2
Climate change could exacerbate certain of the risks inherent in our 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, any of which can damage or destroy crops, resulting in us having no or limited cannabis to process. If we are unable to harvest cannabis through our proprietary cultivation operations, our ability to meet customer demand, generate sales, and maintain operations will be impacted. Climate change is most likely to disrupt our operations by impacting the availability and costs of materials and resources needed for production, and it could increase insurance, compliance, and other operating costs.
While most of our cultivation operations are conducted indoors, we 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 our cultivation and processing facilities, potentially requiring expenditures to respond during the event, to recover from the event, and to possibly modify existing or future infrastructure requirements to prevent recurrence. Such damage may result in disrupted operations, and it may be difficult for us to continue its business for a substantial period of time, which could materially adversely impact our business, financial condition or operating results and could cause the market value of our stock 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. We face the risk that our operations will be subject to government initiatives aimed at countering climate change, which could impose constraints on our operational flexibility or require additional expenses or infrastructure changes to comply with such initiatives.
Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 3
Epidemics, pandemics, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and other health crises could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.The global outbreak of the novel strain of the coronavirus known as COVID-19 resulted in governments worldwide enacting emergency measures to combat the spread of the virus. These measures, which include the implementation of travel bans, self-imposed quarantine periods and social distancing, caused material disruption to businesses globally, resulting in an economic slowdown. Global equity markets have experienced significant volatility and weakness. Governments and central banks have reacted with significant monetary and fiscal interventions designed to stabilize economic conditions. The impact of the COVID-19 outbreak is ongoing, and it is not possible to reliably estimate the length and severity of these impacts on our financial results and condition. Thus far, the COVID-19 pandemic has not had a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The risk of a pandemic, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, or public perception of such a risk, could cause customers to avoid public places, including our retail dispensaries, and could cause temporary or long-term disruptions in our supply chains and/or delays in the delivery of our products. These risks could also adversely affect our customers' financial condition, resulting in reduced spending for the products we sell. Moreover, any epidemic, pandemic, outbreak or other public health crisis, including COVID-19, could cause our employees to avoid public spaces, which could adversely affect our ability to adequately staff and manage our businesses. "Shelter-in-place" or other such orders by governmental entities could also disrupt our operations if employees who cannot work remotely 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 or other facilities. Although our dispensaries were considered essential services through the COVID-19 pandemic and therefore were allowed to remain operational, there can be no guarantee that our adult-use operations will continue to be allowed to remain open during a pandemic or other health crisis or that our retail dispensary operations would be deemed essential.
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 its 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 our business, financial condition, growth strategies and results of operations.
Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 4
We may incur losses as a result of unforeseen or catastrophic events.The occurrence of unforeseen or catastrophic events such as terrorist attacks, social unrest, extreme terrestrial or solar weather events or other natural disasters, emergence or continuation of a pandemic (such as COVID-19), or other widespread health emergencies (or concerns over the possibility of such an emergency), could create economic and financial disruptions, which could lead to operational difficulties that could impair our ability to manage our business. We operate in a new and novel industry for which there is no precedent or historical data to indicate how the industry, or the Company, would be impacted by such an event.
Capital Markets1 | 1.5%
Capital Markets - Risk 1
The general market conditions in the United States may have a significant impact on our business.Tech & Innovation
Total Risks: 3/66 (5%)Below Sector Average
Trade Secrets2 | 3.0%
Trade Secrets - Risk 1
We may not be able to enforce our intellectual property as a result of our participation in the cannabis industry.Trade Secrets - Risk 2
There can be no assurance that third parties will not assert claims of infringement against us.Others may claim rights to the same technology or trade secrets we currently utilize or may utilize in the future.
From time to time, we may be subject to claims in the ordinary course of our business, including claims of alleged infringement of the trademarks, patents and other intellectual property rights of third parties by us. Any such claims, or any resultant litigation, should it occur, could subject us to significant liability for damages and could result in the invalidation of our contractual proprietary rights. In addition, even if we were to win any such litigation, such litigation could be time-consuming and expensive to defend and could result in the diversion of time and attention, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our prospects, business, financial condition and results of operations. Any claims or litigation may also result in limitations on our ability to use such trademarks, patents, and other intellectual property unless we enter into an arrangement with such third parties, which may be unavailable on commercially reasonable terms.
Cyber Security1 | 1.5%
Cyber Security - Risk 1
We may be subject to risks related to our information technology systems, including the risk that we may be the subject of a cyber-attack and the risk that we may be in non-compliance with applicable privacy laws.See a full breakdown of risk according to category and subcategory. The list starts with the category with the most risk. Click on subcategories to read relevant extracts from the most recent report.
FAQ
What are “Risk Factors”?
Risk factors are any situations or occurrences that could make investing in a company risky.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires that publicly traded companies disclose their most significant risk factors. This is so that potential investors can consider any risks before they make an investment.
They also offer companies protection, as a company can use risk factors as liability protection. This could happen if a company underperforms and investors take legal action as a result.
It is worth noting that smaller companies, that is those with a public float of under $75 million on the last business day, do not have to include risk factors in their 10-K and 10-Q forms, although some may choose to do so.
How do companies disclose their risk factors?
Publicly traded companies initially disclose their risk factors to the SEC through their S-1 filings as part of the IPO process.
Additionally, companies must provide a complete list of risk factors in their Annual Reports (Form 10-K) or (Form 20-F) for “foreign private issuers”.
Quarterly Reports also include a section on risk factors (Form 10-Q) where companies are only required to update any changes since the previous report.
According to the SEC, risk factors should be reported concisely, logically and in “plain English” so investors can understand them.
How can I use TipRanks risk factors in my stock research?
Use the Risk Factors tab to get data about the risk factors of any company in which you are considering investing.
You can easily see the most significant risks a company is facing. Additionally, you can find out which risk factors a company has added, removed or adjusted since its previous disclosure. You can also see how a company’s risk factors compare to others in its sector.
Without reading company reports or participating in conference calls, you would most likely not have access to this sort of information, which is usually not included in press releases or other public announcements.
A simplified analysis of risk factors is unique to TipRanks.
What are all the risk factor categories?
TipRanks has identified 6 major categories of risk factors and a number of subcategories for each. You can see how these categories are broken down in the list below.
1. Financial & Corporate
- Accounting & Financial Operations - risks related to accounting loss, value of intangible assets, financial statements, value of intangible assets, financial reporting, estimates, guidance, company profitability, dividends, fluctuating results.
- Share Price & Shareholder Rights – risks related to things that impact share prices and the rights of shareholders, including analyst ratings, major shareholder activity, trade volatility, liquidity of shares, anti-takeover provisions, international listing, dual listing.
- Debt & Financing – risks related to debt, funding, financing and interest rates, financial investments.
- Corporate Activity and Growth – risks related to restructuring, M&As, joint ventures, execution of corporate strategy, strategic alliances.
2. Legal & Regulatory
- Litigation and Legal Liabilities – risks related to litigation/ lawsuits against the company.
- Regulation – risks related to compliance, GDPR, and new legislation.
- Environmental / Social – risks related to environmental regulation and to data privacy.
- Taxation & Government Incentives – risks related to taxation and changes in government incentives.
3. Production
- Costs – risks related to costs of production including commodity prices, future contracts, inventory.
- Supply Chain – risks related to the company’s suppliers.
- Manufacturing – risks related to the company’s manufacturing process including product quality and product recalls.
- Human Capital – risks related to recruitment, training and retention of key employees, employee relationships & unions labor disputes, pension, and post retirement benefits, medical, health and welfare benefits, employee misconduct, employee litigation.
4. Technology & Innovation
- Innovation / R&D – risks related to innovation and new product development.
- Technology – risks related to the company’s reliance on technology.
- Cyber Security – risks related to securing the company’s digital assets and from cyber attacks.
- Trade Secrets & Patents – risks related to the company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and to infringement claims against the company as well as piracy and unlicensed copying.
5. Ability to Sell
- Demand – risks related to the demand of the company’s goods and services including seasonality, reliance on key customers.
- Competition – risks related to the company’s competition including substitutes.
- Sales & Marketing – risks related to sales, marketing, and distribution channels, pricing, and market penetration.
- Brand & Reputation – risks related to the company’s brand and reputation.
6. Macro & Political
- Economy & Political Environment – risks related to changes in economic and political conditions.
- Natural and Human Disruptions – risks related to catastrophes, floods, storms, terror, earthquakes, coronavirus pandemic/COVID-19.
- International Operations – risks related to the global nature of the company.
- Capital Markets – risks related to exchange rates and trade, cryptocurrency.