Item 1A. Risk Factors
Our business faces significant risks and uncertainties. Certain important factors may have a material adverse effect on our business prospects, financial condition and results of operations, and they should be carefully considered. Accordingly, in evaluating our business, and a potential investment in our shares, we encourage you to consider the following discussion of risk factors in its entirety in addition to other information contained in or incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other public filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Other events that we do not currently anticipate or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
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Risks Related to the Industry in Which We Operate
Cannabis remains illegal under United States federal law.
In the United States, cannabis is largely regulated at the state level. Each state in which we operate or that we are currently proposing to operate authorizes, as applicable, medical and/or adult use cannabis production and distribution by licensed or registered entities. More than 40 states have legalized cannabis in some form. However, under United States federal law, the possession, use, cultivation, and transfer of cannabis and any related drug paraphernalia are illegal, and any such acts are criminalized under the Controlled Substances Act, as amended, which we refer to as the “CSA.” Cannabis remains illegal under United States federal law and is considered a Schedule I controlled substance under the CSA. As a result, cannabis is deemed to have a high potential for abuse and is not approved or accepted for medical use.
The concepts of “medical cannabis,” “retail cannabis” and “adult-use cannabis” do not exist under United States federal law. While we believe that our business activities are compliant with applicable state and local laws, strict compliance with state and local cannabis laws would not provide a defense to any federal proceeding that may be brought against us. The enforcement of applicable United States federal laws poses a significant risk to us.
Violations of any United States federal laws and regulations could result in significant fines, penalties, administrative sanctions, or settlements arising from civil proceedings conducted either by the United States federal government or private citizens. We may also be subject to criminal charges under the CSA and, if convicted, could face a variety of penalties including, but not limited to, disgorgement of profits, cessation of business activities, or divestiture. Any of these penalties could have a material adverse effect on our reputation and ability to conduct our business, our holding (directly or indirectly) of medical and adult-use cannabis licenses in the United States; our financial position; operating results; profitability; liquidity; or the market price of our publicly-traded shares. In addition, it is difficult for us to estimate the time or resources that would be needed for the investigation, settlement, or trial of any such proceedings or charges, and such time or resources could be substantial.
The cannabis industry is relatively new.
We are operating in a relatively new industry and in a new market. We not only are subject to general business risks, but we must also build brand awareness in this industry and market share through significant investments in our strategy, production capacity, quality assurance, and compliance with regulations. Research in Canada, the United States and internationally regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, and dosing of cannabis or isolated cannabinoids (such as cannabidiol, or “CBD,” and tetrahydrocannabinol, or “THC”) remains in early stages. Few clinical trials on the benefits of cannabis or isolated cannabinoids have been conducted. Although we believe that the articles, reports and studies support our beliefs regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, and dosing of cannabis, future research and clinical trials may result in opposing conclusions to statements contained in articles, reports, and studies currently favored or could reach different or negative conclusions regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, dosing, or other facts and perceptions related medical cannabis, which could adversely affect social acceptance of cannabis and/or the demand for our products and dispensary services.
Accordingly, there is no assurance that the cannabis industry and the market for medicinal and/or adult-use cannabis will continue to exist and grow as currently anticipated or function and evolve in a manner consistent with our expectations and assumptions. Any event or circumstance that adversely affects the cannabis industry, such as the imposition of further restrictions on sales and marketing or further restrictions on sales in certain areas and markets, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We operate in a highly regulated sector and may not always succeed in complying fully with applicable regulatory requirements in all jurisdictions where we carry on business.
Our business and activities are heavily regulated in all jurisdictions where we conduct business. Our operations are subject to various laws, regulations and guidelines by state and local governmental authorities relating to the manufacture, marketing, management, transportation, storage, sale, pricing and disposal of cannabis and cannabis oil, and also including laws and regulations relating to health and safety, insurance coverage, the conduct of operations and the protection of the environment. Laws and regulations, applied generally, grant government agencies and self-regulatory bodies broad administrative discretion over our activities, including the power to limit or restrict business activities as well as impose additional disclosure requirements on our products and services. Achievement of our business objectives is contingent, in part, upon compliance with regulatory requirements enacted by these governmental authorities and obtaining all necessary
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regulatory approvals for the manufacture, production, storage, transportation, sale, import and export, as applicable, of our products. The commercial cannabis industry is still a new industry at the state and local level. The effect of relevant governmental authorities’ administration, application and enforcement of their respective regulatory regimes and delays in obtaining, or failure to obtain, applicable regulatory approvals which may be required may significantly delay or impact the development of markets, products and sales initiatives and could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition. Any failure to comply with the regulatory requirements applicable to our operations may lead to possible sanctions including the revocation or imposition of additional conditions on licenses to operate our business; the suspension or expulsion from a particular market or jurisdiction or of our key personnel; the imposition of additional or more stringent inspection, testing and reporting requirements; and the imposition of fines and censures. In addition, changes in regulations, more vigorous enforcement thereof or other unanticipated events could require extensive changes to our operations, increase compliance costs or give rise to material liabilities and/or revocation of our licenses and other permits, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Furthermore, governmental authorities may change their administration, application or enforcement procedures at any time, which may adversely impact our ongoing costs relating to regulatory compliance. Maintaining compliance with complex and ever-changing regulations, including sometimes unclear regulations and laws, can be a difficult task, and a materially compliant business can be found in violation of one or more laws, rules or regulations while remaining materially or substantially compliant with applicable state cannabis laws.
The re-classification of cannabis or changes in United States controlled substance laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
If cannabis is re-classified as a Schedule II or lower controlled substance under the CSA, the ability to conduct research on the medical benefits of cannabis would most likely be more accessible. However, if cannabis is re-categorized as a Schedule II or lower controlled substance, the resulting re-classification would result in the need for approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration, or “FDA,” if medical claims are made about our medical cannabis products. Moreover, any such reclassification could result in a significant degree of regulation relating to the manufacture, importation, exportation, domestic distribution, storage, sale, and use of such products by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, or the “DEA.” If so, we may be required to be registered to perform these activities and have the security, control, recordkeeping, reporting, and inventory mechanisms required by the DEA to prevent drug loss and diversion. Obtaining the necessary registrations may result in the delay in the manufacturing or distribution of our products. The DEA conducts periodic inspections of registered establishments that handle controlled substances. Failure to maintain compliance could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. The DEA may seek civil penalties, refuse to renew necessary registrations, or initiate proceedings to restrict, suspend, or revoke those registrations. In certain circumstances, violations could lead to criminal proceedings.
Potential regulation by the FDA could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
If the United States federal government legalizes cannabis, it is possible that the FDA would seek to regulate it under the Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act of 1938. Moreover, the FDA may issue rules and regulations, including good manufacturing practices related to the growth, cultivation, harvesting, and processing of medical cannabis. Clinical trials may be needed to verify efficacy and safety of our medical cannabis products. It is also possible that the FDA would require that facilities where medical-use cannabis is grown register with the agency and comply with certain federally prescribed regulations. In the event that some or all of these regulations are imposed, the impact on the cannabis industry is uncertain and could include the imposition of new costs, requirements, and prohibitions. If we are unable to comply with the regulations and/or registration as required by the FDA, it may have an adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.
As a cannabis business, we are subject to certain tax provisions that have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Under Section 280E of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or the “IRC,” “no deduction or credit shall be allowed for any amount paid or incurred during the taxable year in carrying on any trade or business if such trade or business (or the activities that comprise such trade or business) consists of trafficking in controlled substances within the meaning of Schedule I and II of the Controlled Substances Act, which is prohibited by federal law or the law of any state in which such trade or business is conducted,” This provision has been applied by the United States Internal Revenue Service, or the “IRS,” to cannabis operations, prohibiting them from deducting expenses directly associated with cannabis businesses. Section 280E may have a lesser impact on cannabis cultivation and manufacturing operations than on sales
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operations. Section 280E and related IRS enforcement activity has had a significant impact on the operations of cannabis companies. Accordingly, an otherwise profitable business may, in fact, operate at a loss, after taking into account its United States income tax expenses.
As a cannabis business, we may lack access to United States bankruptcy protections.
Many courts have denied cannabis businesses bankruptcy protections because the use of cannabis is illegal under federal law. In the event of a bankruptcy, it would be very difficult for lenders to recoup their investments in the cannabis industry. If the Company were to experience a bankruptcy, there is no guarantee that United States federal bankruptcy protections would be available to us, which would have a material adverse effect on us.
Cannabis businesses may be subject to civil asset forfeiture.
Any property owned by participants in the cannabis industry used in the course of conducting such business, or that is the proceeds of such business, could be subject to seizure by law enforcement and subsequent civil asset forfeiture because of the illegality of the cannabis industry under federal law. Even if the owner of the property is never charged with a crime, the property in question could still be seized and subject to an administrative proceeding by which, with minimal due process, it could be subject to forfeiture.
Risks Related to Our Current Operations and Our Expansion Plan
Our future growth is dependent on additional states legalizing cannabis.
Continued development of the cannabis market and our opportunities to expand into new markets is dependent upon continued legislative authorization of cannabis at the state and local level for medical and adult recreational use of cannabis. Any number of factors could slow or halt the growth of the cannabis market. Additionally, progress, while encouraging, is not assured and the process to authorize the sale of cannabis at the state and local levels normally encounters set-backs before achieving success, if at all. While there may be ample public support for legislative proposal to legalize the sale of cannabis on a state level, key support must be created in the legislative process. Any one of these factors could slow or halt the progress and adoption of cannabis for medical and/or recreational purposes, which would limit the market for our products and negatively impact our ability to expand into new markets.
Our consolidation plan and growth strategy are subject to regulatory hurdles.
Our strategy to expand our footprint into additional legal cannabis states through new applications and acquisitions of existing cannabis businesses is subject, in each respective jurisdiction, to the approval of a new license application or license transfer application. Such approvals are subject to numerous delays and uncertainties based upon administrative and legislative changes in what are typically, in light of the recent cannabis legalization status in most jurisdictions, new and untested rules and regulations. There is little interpretative guidance on how states will apply their respective licensing regulations and limited control over when an application will be acted upon. As a result, there is no assurance that our expansion plan will not be frustrated by regulatory delays, and no assurance that any license application or transfer application will be approved.
We face increasing competition that may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We face competition from companies that may have greater capitalization, access to public equity markets, more experienced management or more maturity as a business. The vast majority of both manufacturing and retail competitors in the cannabis market consists of localized businesses (those doing business in a single state) as well as multistate operators, with which we compete directly. Aside from this direct competition, out-of-state operators that are capitalized well enough to enter markets through acquisitions are also part of the competitive landscape. As we plan to grow our business, operators in future state markets will inevitably become direct competitors. We are likely to continue to face increasing and intense competition from these companies. Moreover, acquisitions and other consolidating transactions could harm us in a number of ways, including losing customers, revenue and market share, or forcing us to expend greater resources to meet new or additional competitive threats all of which could harm our operating results. Increased competition by larger and better financed competitors could materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. Such competition could also intensify and place downward pressure on retail prices of our products and services, which could negatively impact our profitability.
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If the number of users of adult-use and medical marijuana in the United States increases, the demand for products will increase. As a result, we believe that competition could become more intense as current and future competitors begin to offer an increasing number of diversified products to respond to such increased demand. To remain competitive, we will need to continue to invest in research and development, marketing, sales, and client support. We may not have sufficient resources to maintain sufficient levels of investment in these areas to remain competitive, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We are subject to limits on our ability to own the licenses necessary to operate our business, which could adversely affect our ability to grow our business and market share in certain states.
In certain states, the cannabis laws and regulations limit both the number of cannabis licenses issued as well as the number of cannabis licenses that one person or entity may own in that state. Such limitations on the acquisition of ownership of additional licenses within certain states may limit our ability to grow organically or to increase market share in such states.
We may not be able to obtain or maintain necessary permits and authorizations.
We may not be able to maintain the necessary licenses, permits, certificates, authorizations, or accreditations to operate our businesses, or may only be able to do so at great cost. Additionally, we may not be able to comply fully with the wide variety of laws and regulations applicable to the cannabis industry. Failure to comply with or to obtain the necessary licenses, permits, certificates, authorizations, or accreditations could result in restrictions on our ability to operate in the cannabis industry, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We may have difficulty accessing the service of banks, which may make it difficult for us to operate in certain markets.
As discussed above, the use of cannabis is illegal under United States federal law. Therefore, there are banks that will not accept for deposit funds from the sale of cannabis and may choose not to do business with the us. While there is pending legislation in the United States Senate that will allow banks to transact business with state-authorized medical cannabis businesses, there can be no assurance his legislation will be successful, that banks will decide to do business with medical cannabis retailers, or that in the absence of legislation state and federal banking regulators will not create issues on banks handling funds generated from an activity that is illegal under federal law. Notwithstanding, we have been able to secure state-chartered banks that are in compliance with federal law and provide certain banking services to companies in the cannabis industry. Our inability to open accounts in our target market and otherwise use the service of banks may make it difficult for us to operate in those markets.
We may be subject to constraints on and differences in marketing our products under varying state laws.
Certain of the states in which we operate have enacted strict regulations regarding marketing and sales activities on cannabis products. There may be restrictions on sales and marketing activities imposed by government regulatory bodies that could hinder the development of our business and operating results. Restrictions may include regulations that specify what, where and to whom product information and descriptions may appear and/or be advertised. Marketing, advertising, packaging, and labeling regulations also vary from state to state, potentially limiting the consistency and scale of consumer branding communication and product education efforts. The regulatory environment in the United States limits our ability to compete for market share in a manner similar to other industries. If we are unable to effectively market our products and compete for market share, or if the costs of compliance with government legislation and regulation cannot be absorbed through increased pricing of our products, our sales and operating results could be adversely affected.
We face risks relating to our products.
We are committed and expect to continue to commit significant resources and capital to develop and market existing products and new products. These products are relatively untested in the marketplace, and we cannot assure stockholders and investors that we will achieve market acceptance for these products, or other new products that we may offer in the future will gain acceptance. These existing and new products may be subject to significant competition with offerings by new and existing competitors in the industry. The failure to successfully develop, manage, and market new products could seriously harm our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
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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.
It may be difficult to evaluate us based on ourpast performance because we are transitioning our business into that of an owner of cannabis licenses and an operator of cannabis operations.
We have been actively engaged in the cannabis industry as an MSO for a relatively short period of time and, accordingly, have only limited financial results on which it can be evaluated. In addition, the components of our revenue and costs are changing as we continue to move away from a fee-based-only business to a multi-state seed to sale operation. We are subject to, and must be successful in addressing, the risks typically encountered by companies operating in the rapidly evolving cannabis marketplace, including those risks relating to:
•the failure to develop brand name recognition and reputation;
•the failure to achieve market acceptance of our products;
•a slowdown in general consumer acceptance of legalized cannabis; and
•an inability to grow and adapt our business to evolving consumer demand.
Our medical marijuana business may be impacted by consumer perception of the cannabis industry, which we cannot control or predict.
We believe that the medical marijuana industry is highly dependent upon consumer perception regarding the safety, efficacy, and quality of medical marijuana distributed to those consumers. Consumer perception of our products may be significantly influenced by scientific research or findings, regulatory investigations, litigation, media, and other publicity regarding the consumption of medical marijuana products. There can be no assurance that future scientific research, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention or other research or publicity will be favorable to the medical marijuana market or any particular product, or consistent with earlier publicity. Future research reports, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention or other publicity that perceived as less favorable than, or that question, earlier research reports, findings, or publicity could have a material adverse effect on the demand for our products and our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
We face inherent risks of product liability claims if anyone is harmed by the use of our products.
Our products are designed to be ingested by humans and are produced for sale directly to end consumers. As a result, we face an inherent risk of exposure to product liability claims, regulatory action and litigation if the products are alleged to have caused or cause any significant loss or injury. In addition, the production and sale of our products involve risk of injury to end users due to tampering by unauthorized third parties or product contamination. Previously unknown adverse reactions resulting from human or animal consumption of our products alone or in combination with other medications or substances could occur. We may be subject to various product liability claims, including, among others, that our products cause injury or illness, include inadequate instructions for use, or include inadequate warnings concerning possible side effects or interactions with other substances. While we have product liability insurance coverage and works with third party providers to ensure they do as well, a product liability claim or regulatory action against us, whether or not successful, could result in materially increases costs, adversely affect our reputation with our clients and consumers generally, and/or exceed our insurance coverage. Any of these scenarios could have a material adverse effect on our business and operational results.
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Product recalls could result in a material and adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
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 our products are recalled due to an alleged product defect or for any other reason, we could be required to incur the unexpected expense of the recall and any legal proceedings that might arise in connection with the recall. We may lose a significant number of sales and we may not be able to replace those sales at an acceptable margin or at all. Additionally, a product recall may require significant management attention. Although we comply with all state mandated requirements for the testing of our products, there can be no assurance that any quality, potency or contamination problems will be detected in time to avoid unforeseen product recalls, regulatory action, or lawsuits. Moreover, if one of our top brands was subject to a recall, the image of such brand and that of our company generally could be harmed. Any recall could lead to decreased demand for our products and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Product recalls may also lead to increased scrutiny of our operations by regulatory agencies, which would then require further management attention and potential legal fees and other expenses.
We are subject to risks related to growing an agricultural product.
Our business involves the growing of cannabis, an agricultural product. Such business is subject to the risks inherent in the agricultural business, such as loss due to infestation by insects, plant diseases, or similar agricultural risks. While all of our cannabis plants are grown indoors, there can be no assurance that natural elements will not have a material adverse effect on our future production.
Our business is subject to compliance with environmental regulations, which can be onerous and costly.
Our 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, and 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 affected companies and their officers, directors and employees. There is no assurance that future changes in environmental regulation, if any, will not adversely affect our operations.
In the event we require additional financing and access to capital, the covenants and restrictions in our existing debt agreement may limit our options.
Our ability to raise additional capital and finance our expansion plan will be subject to contractual restrictions in instruments governing our indebtedness, including our Needham Bank credit facility. The contractual restrictions in the instrument governing such loan include restrictive covenants that limit our discretion with respect to certain business matters. These covenants place restrictions on, among other things, our ability to create liens or other encumbrances, to pay distributions, or to make certain other payments, and to sell or otherwise dispose of certain assets. A failure to comply with such obligations could result in a default, which, if not cured or waived, could permit acceleration of the relevant indebtedness. These restrictions could impair our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, or acquisitions; and all or part of our cash flow from operations may be dedicated to the payment of the principal of, and interest on, our indebtedness, thereby reducing funds available for operations. These factors may adversely affect our cash flow. If we are unable to satisfy our debt obligations due to insufficient cash flow or if we cannot refinance our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all, then our business, results of operations, and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
Anti-Money Laundering Laws in the United States may limit access to funds from banks and other financial institutions.
In February 2014, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or “FinCEN,” bureau of the United States Treasury Department issued guidance, which is not law, with respect to financial institutions providing banking services to cannabis businesses, including burdensome due diligence expectations and reporting requirements. While the guidance advised prosecutors not to focus their enforcement efforts on banks or other financial institutions that serve marijuana-related businesses, so long as they meet certain conditions, this guidance does not provide any safe harbors or legal defenses from
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examination or regulatory or criminal enforcement actions by the United States Department of Justice, or the “DOJ,” FinCEN, or other federal regulators. As a result of this guidance and the fact that such guidance may be amended or revoked at any time, most banks and other financial institutions have not been willing to provide banking services to cannabis-related businesses. Additionally, banks may refuse to process debit card payments and credit card companies generally refuse to process credit card payments for cannabis-related businesses. Accordingly, we may have only limited access to banking or other financial services in the United States and may have to rely solely upon state-chartered banks. If we are unable or limited in our ability to open or maintain bank accounts, obtain other banking services, or accept credit card and debit card payments, it may be difficult for us to operate and conduct our business as planned. While we are actively pursuing alternatives that ensure our operations will continue to be compliant with the FinCEN guidance, including requirements related to disclosures about cash management and United States federal tax reporting, we may not be able to meet all applicable requirements.
We are highly dependent upon certain key personnel.
The success of the Company’s business is currently dependent, in large part, on key managerial personnel, including Messrs. Jon R. Levine and Timothy Shaw, the Company’s chief executive officer and chief operating officer, respectively. Moreover, our anticipated growth may require additional expertise and the addition of new qualified personnel. Qualified individuals within the cannabis industry are in high demand and we may incur significant costs to attract and retain qualified managerial personnel, or be unable to attract or retain personnel necessary to operate or expand our business. The loss of the services of existing personnel or our failure to recruit additional key managerial personnel in a timely manner, or at all, could have a material adverse effect on our business and our ability to manage day-to-day operations, attract collaboration partners, attract and retain other employees, and generate revenue. Any inability to attract and retain qualified management and other key personnel could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to grow its business and operations.
Our business is subject to potential risks related to, and arising from, acquiring companies or technologies.
Our success will depend, in part, on our ability to grow our business in response to the demands of consumers and other constituents within the cannabis industry as well as competitive pressures. In some circumstances, we may determine to do so through the acquisition of complementary businesses rather than through internal development. The identification of suitable acquisition candidates can be difficult, time-consuming, and costly, and we may not be able to successfully complete identified acquisitions. In addition, we may not realize the expected benefits from completed acquisitions.
The risks we face in connection with acquisitions include:
•diversion of management time and focus from operating our business to addressing acquisition integration challenges;
•coordination of research and development and sales and marketing functions;
•retention of employees from the acquired company;
•cultural challenges associated with integrating employees from the acquired company into our organization;
•integration of the acquired company’s accounting, management information, human resources, and other administrative systems;
•the need to implement or improve controls, procedures, and policies at a business that prior to the acquisition may have lacked effective controls, procedures, and policies;
•potential write-offs of intangible assets or other assets acquired in transactions that may have an adverse effect on our operating results in a given period;
•liability for activities of the acquired company before the acquisition, including patent and trademark infringement claims, violations of laws, commercial disputes, tax liabilities, and other known and unknown liabilities; and
•litigation or other claims in connection with the acquired company, including claims from terminated employees, consumers, former stockholders, or other third parties.
Our failure to address these risks or other problems encountered in connection with any future acquisitions or investments could cause us to fail to realize the anticipated benefits of these acquisitions or investments, cause us to incur unanticipated liabilities, and harm our business generally. Future acquisitions could also result in the incurrence of debt, contingent liabilities, amortization expenses, or the impairment of goodwill, any of which could harm our financial condition.
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Cybersecurity Risks
We employ information including operational technology systems to support our business and to collect, store, and/or use proprietary and confidential information. Security and data breaches, cyberattacks, and other cybersecurity incidents involving our information technology systems, networks and infrastructure could disrupt or interfere with our operations; result in the compromise and misappropriation of proprietary and confidential information belonging to us, our customers, suppliers, or employees; and expose us to numerous expenses, liabilities, and other negative consequences, any or all of which could adversely impact our business, reputation, and results of operations.
In the ordinary course of business, we rely on centralized and local information technology networks and systems, some of which are provided, hosted, or managed by vendors and other third parties, to process, transmit, and store electronic information, and to manage or support various aspects of our business. Additionally, we collect and store certain data, including proprietary business information, and has access to confidential or personal information in certain of our businesses that is subject to privacy and cybersecurity laws, regulations, and other controls. Third parties and threat actors, including organized criminals, nation-state entities, and/or nation-state supported actors, regularly attempt to gain unauthorized access to information and operational technology networks and infrastructure, data, and other information, and many such attempts are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Despite our cybersecurity counter measures (including employee and third-party training, monitoring of networks and systems, patching, maintenance, and backup of systems and data), our information and operational technology systems, networks and infrastructure are still potentially susceptible to cyber-attack, insider threat, compromise, damage, disruption, or shutdown, including as a result of the exploitation of known or unknown hardware or software vulnerabilities, or zero day attacks, in our systems or the systems of our vendors and third-party service providers, the introduction of computer viruses, malware or ransomware, service or cloud provider disruptions or security breaches, phishing attempts, employee error or malfeasance, power outages, telecommunication or utility failures, systems failures, natural disasters, or other catastrophic events. Despite our cybersecurity counter measures, it is possible for security vulnerabilities or a cyberattack to remain undetected for an extended time period, up to and including several months, and the prioritization of decisions with respect to security measures and remediation of known vulnerabilities that we and the vendors and other third parties upon which we rely make may prove inadequate to protect against these attacks. Any cybersecurity incident or information or operational technology network disruption could result in numerous negative consequences, including the risk of legal claims or proceedings, investigations or enforcement actions by regulators; liabilities or penalties under applicable laws and regulations, including privacy laws and regulations in the United States interference with the our operations; the incurrence of remediation costs; loss of intellectual property protection; the loss of customer, supplier, or employee relationships; and damage to our reputation, any of which could adversely affect the our business.
The occurrence of cybersecurity incidents, or a deficiency in our cybersecurity or in those of any of our third-party service providers, could negatively impact our business by causing a financial loss, significant disruption to our operations, a compromise or corruption of our confidential information or damage to our business relationships or reputation, all of which could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In September 2023, we experienced a cybersecurity incident resulting from a fraudulent email sent to our finance department which resulted in our initiating a $0.7 million electronic payment to a fraudulent bank account. As a result of this incident, we immediately launched an internal investigation, and engaged a cybersecurity consultant to fully assess the incident and recommend remediation measures, which have been implemented.
As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate any security vulnerabilities. While we have implemented the remediation measures recommended by our cybersecurity consultant, such measures may not prevent all such events in the future. We will continually assess cybersecurity threats and make investments to increase internal protection, detection, and response capabilities to address this risk. To date, we have not experienced any material impact to the business or operations resulting from cybersecurity attacks, including the incident mentioned above. However, because of the frequently changing attack techniques, along with the increasing volume and sophistication of the attacks, there is the potential for us to be adversely impacted. This impact could result in reputational, competitive, operational or other business harm as well as financial losses and costs, all of which could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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Although we maintain insurance coverage for certain cybersecurity risks, there can be no guarantee that all costs, damages, expenses or losses incurred will be fully insured.
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 cyber security related liabilities actually incurred, that insurance will be available to us on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, or that any insurer will not deny coverage as to any present or future cyber claim. The incurrence of material damages as a result of a cyber incident or 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.
Risks Related to Our Common Stock
The market for our common stock may be limited for holders of our securities who live in the United States.
Given the heightened risk profile associated with cannabis in the United States, capital market participants may be unwilling to assist with the settlement of trades for United States 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 our securities. In the event residents of the United States are unable to settle trades of our securities, this may affect the pricing of such securities in the market, the transparency and availability of trading prices and the liquidity of these securities.
Possible issuances of our capital stock would cause dilution to our existing stockholders.
At December 31, 2023 we had 375.1 million shares of common stock outstanding and are authorized to issue up to 700 million shares. Therefore, we are still authorized to issue a substantial number of additional shares of common stock without obtaining shareholder approval. In addition, we currently have outstanding 4,908,333 shares of Series B preferred stock (which convert on a one-for-one basis into shares of our common stock) and 1,155,274 shares of Series C preferred stock (which convert on a five-for-one basis into shares of our common stock). Our Board of Directors is authorized to issue up to a total of 50 million shares of preferred stock (including the previously issued shares) with terms it designates without any further shareholder approval. In the event we elect to issue additional shares of common stock in connection with any financing, acquisition or otherwise or issue additional shares of preferred stock, current stockholders could find their holdings substantially diluted, which means they would own a smaller percentage of our company.
The exercise or conversion of outstanding warrants and options into common stock will dilute the percentage ownership of our other stockholders. Additionally, the sale of such common stock or other common stock in the open market could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
As of December 31, 2023, there were potentially dilutive securities convertible into shares of common stock comprised of stock options convertible into 35,599,421 shares of common stock; warrants convertible into 42,189,476 shares of common stock; shares of Series B preferred stock convertible into 4,908,333 shares of common stock; shares of Series C preferred stock convertible into 1,155,274 shares of common stock; and restricted stock units convertible into 5,825,538 shares of common stock. Additional convertible securities will likely be granted to our officers, directors, employees, or consultants as part of their compensation and such convertible securities will likely be issued in connection with financings. The exercise of outstanding stock options and warrants and the conversion of our notes and debentures will dilute the percentage ownership of our other stockholders. Sales, or the expectation of sales, of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the private or public markets could adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common stock.
The market price of our common stock has been historically volatile and could continue to be volatile.
The market price of our common stock could be subject to significant fluctuations. Some of the factors that may cause the market price of the common stock to fluctuate include:
•the public’s reaction to our press releases, announcements and filings with regulatory authorities and those of our competitors;
•fluctuations in broader stock market prices and volumes;
•changes in market valuations of similar companies;
•investor perception of us, our prospects or the cannabis industry in general;
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•additions or departures of key personnel;
•commencement of, or involvement, in litigation;
•changes in the regulatory landscape applicable to us, any dietary supplements, and/or the cannabis and hemp industries;
•media reports, publications or public statements relating to, or public perceptions of, the regulatory landscape applicable to us, the cannabis and/or the hemp industries, whether accurate or not;
•announcements by us or our competitors of strategic alliances, significant contracts, new technologies, acquisitions, commercial relationships, joint ventures or capital commitments;
•variations in our quarterly results of operations or cash flows or those of other comparable companies;
•revenue and operating results failing to meet the expectations of securities analysts or investors in a particular period;
•changes in our pricing policies or the pricing policies of our competitors;
•future issuances and sales of our common stock;
•sales of our common stock by members of our Board of Directors or members of our management team;
•third party disclosure of significant short positions;
•demand for and trading volume of our common stock;
•changes in securities analysts’ recommendations and their estimates of our financial performance;
•short-term fluctuation in stock price caused by changes in general conditions in the domestic and worldwide economies or financial markets; and
•the other risk factors described in this section or other sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The realization of any of these risks and other factors beyond our control could cause the market price of our common stock to decline significantly.
In addition, broad market and industry factors may harm the market price of our common stock. Accordingly, the price of the common stock could fluctuate based upon factors that have little or nothing to do with us, and these fluctuations could materially reduce the price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance. In the past, following a significant decline in the market price of a company’s securities, there have been instances of securities class action litigation having been instituted against that company. If we were involved in any similar litigation, it could incur substantial costs and significant efforts of our management could be diverted, which in turn could harm our business, operating results and financial condition.
We are an “emerging growth company” and will be able to take advantage of reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies, which could make our common stock less attractive to investors.
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act and, for as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we intend to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies, but not to emerging growth companies, including but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of (a) December 31, 2026, (b) the last day of the first fiscal year in which our annual gross revenue is $1.235 billion or more; (c) the date that we become a “large accelerated filer” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act, which would occur if the market value of our common stock that are held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter; or (d) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt during the preceding fiscal year period. We expect to take advantage of these reporting exemptions described above until we are no longer an emerging growth company. Under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies can also delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies.
We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive if we choose to rely on these exemptions. If some investors find that our common stock is less attractive as a result of any choices to reduce future disclosures, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and the price of our stock may be more volatile.
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Our internal controls over financial reporting may not be effective, and our independent auditors may not be able to certify as to their effectiveness, which could have a significant and adverse effect on our business.
We are subject to various SEC reporting and other regulatory requirements. We have incurred, and will continue to incur, expenses and, to a lesser extent, diversion of management of our management’s time in our effects to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 regarding internal control over financial reporting. Effective internal controls over financial reporting are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and, together with adequate disclosure controls and procedures, are designed to prevent fraud. Any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation could cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. In addition, any testing by us conducted in connection with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the subsequent testing by our independent registered public accounting firm when required, may reveal deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses or that may require prospective or retrospective changes to our consolidated financial statements or identify other areas for further attention or improvement. Inferior internal controls could cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of our common stock.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 1C. Cybersecurity
Risk Management and Strategy
The Company has processes for assessing, identifying, and managing material risks from cybersecurity threats. These processes are integrated into the Company’s overall risk management systems, as overseen by the Company’s board of directors, primarily through its audit committee. These processes also include overseeing and identifying risks from cybersecurity threats associated with the use of third-party service providers. The Company conducts security assessments of certain third-party providers before engagement and has established monitoring procedures in its effort to mitigate risks related to data breaches or other security incidents originating from third parties. The Company engaged a third party consulting firm to evaluate and test the Company’s risk management systems and to assess and remediate potential cybersecurity incidents as appropriate, which work is ongoing.
Governance
Board of Directors
The audit committee of the Company’s board of directors, with the input of management, oversees the Company’s internal controls, including internal controls designed to assess, identify, and manage material risks from cybersecurity threats. The audit committee is informed of material risks from cybersecurity threats by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Information Technology. Updates on cybersecurity matters, including material risks and threats, are provided to the Company’s audit committee, and the audit committee provides updates to the Company’s board of directors at regular board meetings. The Vice President of Information Technology also provides updates annually or more frequently as appropriate to the Company’s board of directors.
Management
Under the oversight of the audit committee of the Company’s board of directors, and as directed by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, the Vice President of Information Technology is primarily responsible for the assessment and management of material cybersecurity risks and establishing and maintaining adequate and effective internal controls covering cybersecurity matters. The Vice President of Information Technology has more than 20 years of experience with information technology and related systems security matters and processes.
The audit committee of the Company’s board of directors, with the assistance of the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Information Technology, is responsible for overseeing the establishment and effectiveness of controls and other procedures, including controls and procedures related to the public disclosure of material cybersecurity matters.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company experienced a cybersecurity incident that resulted in a $0.7 million term loan payment being initiated in error to an account provided in a fraudulent email the Company received. As
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a result of this incident, with the assistance of an outside independent consultant, the Company reviewed and strengthened its procedures in and around the approval of wire transfers of funds, and believe that these enhanced procedures will protect the Company against the reoccurrence of such incidences in future periods.
As of the date of this report, other than the foregoing, the Company is not aware of any cybersecurity incidents that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company, including its business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition and that are required to be reported in this report. For further discussion of the risks associated with cybersecurity incidents, see the cybersecurity risk factors in Item 1A. Risk Factors in this report.
Item 2. Properties
As of December 31, 2023, the Company maintained the following principal facilities:
Massachusetts
Beverly
The Company operates a dispensary in Beverly in a retail space under a lease that expires in 2026, with options to extend the term for three additional five-year periods through 2041.
New Bedford
The Company owns an industrial property, of which the Company has developed approximately half into a cannabis cultivation and processing facility in which it conducts wholesale operations. The remaining portion of the property was rented to a non-cannabis manufacturing company through November 2023. The Company intends to expand its cannabis wholesale operations to include the entire property. The mortgage on this property and the Middleborough, Massachusetts property described below was previously held by Bank of New England; however, in November 2023, the Company repaid this mortgage and refinanced both properties in connection with a new Construction to Permanent Commercial Real Estate Mortgage Loan with Needham Bank (the "CREM Loan"). As a result, the mortgage on the New Bedford and Middleborough properties is now held by Needham Bank, which mortgage matures in 2033.
Norwood
The Company leases its corporate headquarters under a lease that expires in 2028 and which includes a five-year extension option.
Middleborough
The Company owns and operates a retail and warehouse building located in a high-traffic area. A portion of the building houses the Company's flagship Massachusetts retail dispensary, with the remaining square footage used as a warehouse. The mortgage on this property and the New Bedford, Massachusetts property described above was previously held by Bank of New England; however, in November 2023, the Company repaid this mortgage and refinanced both properties in connection with the CREM Loan. As a result, the mortgage on the New Bedford and Middleborough properties is now held by Needham Bank, which mortgage matures in 2033.
Quincy
The Company leases a building that houses both a dispensary and a cultivation facility under a lease that expires in 2038.
Delaware
Lewes
The Company leases retail space located in a multi-use building under a lease that expires in 2027 that it subleases to its Delaware cannabis-licensed client. The client uses this retail space to operate a dispensary.
Milford
The Company leases a warehouse, 60% of which it developed into a cultivation facility, with plans to develop the remaining square footage into a processing facility. The lease term expires in March 2030, with an option to extend the term for three additional five-year periods. The entire premises is subleased under a coterminous sublease to the Company’s Delaware cannabis-licensed client.
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Wilmington
The Company owns a cannabis cultivation, processing, and dispensary facility located in a business park. The property is secured under a mortgage with the Bank of New England that matures in 2031. The facility is leased to the Company’s Delaware cannabis-licensed client under a 20-year lease expiring in 2035.
The Company also leases a cannabis production facility with offices which is subleased to its Delaware cannabis-licensed client. The sublease expires in January 2026 and contains an option to negotiate an extension.
Illinois
Anna
The Company owns and operates a free-standing cannabis dispensary that is secured under a mortgage with DuQuoin State Bank maturing in May 2024 (the "DSQ Mortgage"). Since initiating the DSQ Mortgage in May 2016, the bank has renewed the mortgage for an additional one-year term on an annual basis.
Harrisburg
The Company owns and operates a free-standing cannabis dispensary, also secured under the DSQ Mortgage with Anna.
Metropolis
The Company owns and operates a free-standing cannabis dispensary, secured under a mortgage with DuQuoin State Bank that matures in 2041.
Mt. Vernon
The Company owns and operates a grow and production facility. The premises are secured under a mortgage with DuQuoin State Bank that matures in 2042.
The Company also owns and operates a free-standing cannabis dispensary. The Company repaid and retired the mortgage on this facility in 2023.
Maryland
Annapolis
The Company owns a free standing industrial building in which it operates a cannabis dispensary.
Hagerstown
The Company owns a manufacturing facility that it has developed into and in which it operates a cannabis cultivation and production facility.
Ohio
The Company operates a dispensary in Tiffin under a lease that expires in 2033.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Bankruptcy Claim
During 2019, the Company’s subsidiary, MariMed Hemp, Inc. ("MHI") sold and delivered hemp seed inventory to GenCanna Global Inc., a Kentucky-based cultivator, producer, and distributor of hemp (“GenCanna”). At the time of sale, the Company owned a 33.5% ownership interest in GenCanna. The Company recorded a related party receivable of approximately $29 million from the sale, which was fully reserved at December 31, 2019.
On January 24, 2020, an involuntary bankruptcy proceeding under Chapter 11 was filed against GenCanna and its wholly-owned subsidiary, OGGUSA Inc. (f/k/a GenCanna Global US, Inc.) ("OGGUSA" and together with GenCanna, the "OGGUSA Debtors") in the United States Bankruptcy Court in the Eastern District of Kentucky (the "Bankruptcy Court"). In February 2020, the OGGUSA Debtors, agreed to convert the involuntary bankruptcy proceeding into a voluntary Chapter 11 proceeding. The OGGUSA Debtors' subsidiary, Hemp Kentucky LLC, also filed voluntary petitions under Chapter 11 in the Bankruptcy Court.
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In May 2020, after an abbreviated solicitation/bid/sale process, the Bankruptcy Court, over numerous objections by creditors and shareholders of the OGGUSA Debtors, which included the Company, entered an order authorizing the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the OGGUSA Debtors to MGG Investment Group LP ("MGG"), a creditor of the OGGUSA Debtors. After the consummation of the sale of all or substantially all of their assets and business, the OGGUSA Debtors filed their liquidating plan of reorganization (the “Liquidating Plan”) to collect various prepetition payments and commercial claims against third parties, liquidate the remaining assets of the OGGUSA Debtors, and make payments to creditors. The Liquidating Plan was confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court on November 12, 2020.
Since the approval of the Liquidating Plan, the OGGUSA Debtors have been in the process of liquidating the remaining assets, negotiating and prosecuting objections to other creditors’ claims, and pursuing the collection of accounts receivable and Chapter 5 bankruptcy avoidance claims.
In April 2022, the Plan Administrator filed a Complaint against MHI (the "Complaint") alleging certain preferential transfers of assets, which were valued by the Plan Administrator at $250,000, relating to payments on a $600,000 loan made to MHI by the Company prior to the filing of the OGGUSA Debtors Chapter 11 proceeding (the "Preferential Claim"). The Complaint sought to recover an amount no less than $200,000 and to disallow MHI’s unsecured general claim in the bankruptcy proceeding until such time as such preferential transfer had been repaid to the OGGUSA Debtors.
In July 2023, MHI entered into a Settlement and Release Agreement with the Plan Administrator pursuant to which it agreed to reduce its Bankruptcy Court approved unsecured general claim to $15.5 million, or by 50%, in consideration for the settlement of the Preferential Claim and a general release of MHI and the Company.
As of the date of this filing, there is insufficient information to determine how much MHI may receive upon the completion of the liquidation of the remaining assets of the OGGUSA Debtors on account of its general unsecured claim, if anything.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
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PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Our common stock currently trades on both the OTCQX market and on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the MRMD ticker symbol. Any over-the-counter market quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
Stockholders
At March 1, 2024, we had approximately 735 stockholders of record.
Dividends
We have never declared or paid a dividend on its common stock, and we do not anticipate paying cash or other dividends in the foreseeable future.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
During the three months ended December 31, 2023, we issued the following unregistered securities:
•4,394 shares of restricted common stock with an aggregate fair value of approximately $2,000 issued under a royalty agreement.
The issuance of the shares of common stock described above were deemed to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in reliance upon Sections 4(a)(2) and/or 4(a)(5) of the Securities Act. A legend restricting the sale, transfer, or other disposition of these securities other than in compliance with the Securities Act was placed on the securities issued in the foregoing transactions.
Item 6. Reserved
[Reserved]
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward Looking Statements
When used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in future filings by the Company with the SEC, words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “will” or similar expressions are intended to identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward looking statements, each of which speak only as of the date made. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical earnings and those presently anticipated or projected. The Company has no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions which may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances occurring after the date of such statements.
These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different. These factors include, but are not limited to, changes that may occur to general economic and business conditions; changes in current pricing levels that the Company can charge for its services and products or which it pays to its suppliers and business partners; changes in political, social and economic conditions in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates; changes to regulations that pertain to its operations; changes in technology that render the Company’s technology relatively inferior, obsolete or more expensive compared to others; changes in the business prospects of the Company’s business partners and customers; increased competition, including from the Company’s business partners; and enforcement of United States federal cannabis-related laws.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes which are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K under Item 8.
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The Company does not undertake to update its forward-looking statements or risk factors to reflect future events or circumstances, unless required by law.
Overview
We are a multi-state operator in the United States cannabis industry. We develop, operate, manage, and optimize state-of-the-art, regulatory-compliant facilities for the cultivation, production, and dispensing of medicinal and adult-use cannabis. We also license our proprietary brands of cannabis products, along with other top brands, in several domestic markets.
Our common stock trades on both the OCTQX and on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the ticker symbol MRMD.
On March 9, 2023 (the "Ermont Acquisition Date"), we acquired the operating assets of Ermont, Inc. ("Ermont"), a medical-licensed vertical cannabis operator located in Quincy, Massachusetts (the "Ermont Acquisition"). The financial results of Ermont are included in our consolidated financial statements for the period subsequent to the Ermont Acquisition Date.
On April 27, 2022 (the “Kind Acquisition Date”), we acquired Kind Therapeutics USA (“Kind”), our former client in Maryland that holds licenses for the cultivation, production, and dispensing of medical cannabis (the “Kind Acquisition”). The financial results of Kind are included in our consolidated financial statements for the periods subsequent to the Kind Acquisition Date.
On May 5, 2022, we completed the acquisition of 100% of the equity ownership of Green Growth Group Inc. (“Green Growth”), an entity that holds a craft cultivation and production cannabis license in the State of Illinois (the “Green Growth Acquisition”).
On December 30, 2022, we completed an asset purchase under which we acquired from Greenhouse Naturals LLC the cannabis license and assumed the property lease associated with a cannabis dispensary in Beverly, Massachusetts that had never been operational.
During 2023, we were focused on continuing to execute our strategic growth plan, and intend to continue this focus in 2024, with priority on the activities described below:
•Increasing revenue organically in states where we currently do business by growing our product offerings, bolstering awareness via marketing campaigns, and developing additional assets within those states.
•Expanding our footprint into high-growth legal cannabis states through new license applications and/or acquisitions of existing cannabis businesses.
•Increasing revenue by producing and distributing our award-winning brands to qualified strategic partners or by acquiring production and distribution licenses.
•Continuing to consolidate the cannabis businesses that we have developed and managed.
•In Massachusetts, we opened two additional dispensaries and intend to significantly expand the capacity and capability of our manufacturing facility in New Bedford, Massachusetts.
•In Maryland, we opened a dispensary in Annapolis in October 2022, and we intend to expand our manufacturing facility by 40,000 square feet. We recently received Good Manufacturing Practices ("GMP") certification of our production kitchen, as well as approval to produce and sell high-dose edibles, which we have commenced. We also commenced adult-use wholesale and retail sales in Maryland. Under current Maryland cannabis laws, we have the potential to add three additional medical dispensaries, for a total of four.
•In Illinois, in May 2022, we closed on the acquisition of a craft cannabis license, which enables us to be vertically integrated and add cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution to our four existing retail cannabis operations in Illinois. Additionally, in October 2023, we announced the opening of a Thrive Dispensary in Casey. In response to the state's request to open as soon as possible, we are currently operating the Thrive Dispensary from a temporary mobile facility while construction on a permanent building is completed on the same site. Under
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Illinois cannabis laws, we have the potential to add five additional dispensaries, for a total of ten.
•In November 2023, we were granted a certificate of occupancy for our processing kitchen in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, and we have begun manufacturing our branded products for sale through retail and wholesale channels. Additionally, we continue construction of the cultivation facility in Mt. Vernon, and expect this facility to be completed in early 2024.
•In Ohio, in June 2023, we opened our first medical dispensary in the state, and we intend to explore additional opportunities to grow our operations in Ohio to the maximum allowable by state regulations.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience, knowledge of current conditions and beliefs of what could occur in the future given available information. If actual results differ significantly from management’s estimates and projections, there could be a material effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements. We consider the following accounting policies to be both those most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and those that require the most subjective judgment: accounts receivable; valuation of inventory; estimated useful lives and depreciation and amortization of property and equipment and intangible assets; accounting for acquisitions and business combinations; loss contingencies and reserves; stock-based compensation; and accounting for income taxes.
Accounts Receivable
We provide credit to our clients in the form of payment terms. We limit our credit risk by performing credit evaluations of our clients and maintaining a reserve, as applicable, for potential credit losses. Such evaluations are judgmental in nature and include a review of the client’s outstanding balances with consideration toward such client’s historical collection experience, as well as prevailing economic and market conditions and other factors. Accordingly, the actual amounts collected could differ from expected amounts and require that we record additional reserves.
Inventory
Our inventory is valued at the lower of cost or market, including consideration of factors such as shrinkage, the aging of and future demand for inventory, expected future selling price, what we expect to realize by selling the inventory and the contractual arrangements with customers. Reserves for excess and obsolete inventory are based upon quantities on hand, projected volumes from demand forecasts, and net realizable value. These estimates are judgmental in nature and are made at a point in time, using available information, expected business plans and expected market conditions. As a result, the actual amount received on sale could differ from the estimated value of inventory. Periodic reviews are performed on the inventory balance. The impact of any changes in inventory reserves is reflected in cost of goods sold.
Estimated Useful Lives and Depreciation and Amortization of Property, Equipment, and Intangible Assets
Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment, and intangible assets are 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 that take into account factors such as economic and market conditions and the useful lives of assets.
Business Combinations and Asset Purchases
Classification of an acquisition as a business combination or an asset acquisition depends on whether the assets acquired constitute a business, which can be a complex judgment. Whether an acquisition is classified as a business combination or asset acquisition can have a significant impact on how we record the transaction.
We allocate the purchase price of acquired assets and companies to identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their acquisition date fair values. Goodwill as of the acquisition date is measured as the excess of consideration transferred over the net amount of the acquisition date fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed and represents the
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expected future economic benefits from other assets acquired in the acquisition or business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. Significant judgments and assumptions are required in determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, particularly acquired intangible assets, which are principally based upon estimates of the future performance and cash flows expected from the acquired asset or business and applied discount rates. While we use our best estimates and assumptions as part of the purchase price allocation process to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, our estimates and assumptions are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. If different assumptions are used, it could materially impact the purchase price allocation and our financial position and results of operations. Any adjustments to assets acquired or liabilities assumed subsequent to the purchase price allocation period are included in operating results in the period in which the adjustments are determined. Intangible assets typically are comprised of trademarks and trade names, licenses and customer relationships, and non-compete agreements.
Loss Contingencies and Reserves
We are subject to ongoing business risks arising in the ordinary course of business that affect the estimation process of the carrying value of assets, the recording liabilities, and the possibility of various loss contingencies. An estimated loss contingency is accrued when it is probable that a liability has been incurred or an asset has been impaired and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. We regularly evaluate current information available to determine whether such amounts should be adjusted and record changes in estimates in the period they become known. We are subject to legal claims from time to time. We reserve for legal contingencies and legal fees when the amounts are probable and estimable.
Stock-Based Compensation
Our stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. We use the Black-Scholes valuation model for estimating the fair value of stock options as of the date of grant. Determining the fair value of stock option awards at the grant date requires judgment regarding certain valuation assumptions, including the volatility of our stock price, expected term of the stock option, risk-free interest rate and expected dividends. Changes in such assumptions and estimates could result in different fair values and could therefore impact our earnings. Such changes, however, would not impact our cash flows.
Income Taxes
We use the asset and liability method to account for income taxes. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the future tax consequences of differences between the tax basis and financial reporting basis of assets and liabilities, measured using enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance to the extent our management concludes that it is more likely than not that the assets will not be realized. To assess the recoverability of any tax assets recorded on the balance sheet, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including our past operating results, the existence of cumulative income in the most recent years, changes in the business in which we operate and our forecast of future taxable income. In determining future taxable income, we make assumptions, including the amount of state and federal pre-tax operating income, the reversal of temporary differences and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax strategies. These assumptions require significant judgment about the forecasts of future taxable income and are consistent with the plans and estimates we are using to manage our businesses.
Results of Operations
Years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
Revenue
Our main sources of revenue are comprised of the following:
•Product sales (retail and wholesale) - direct sales of cannabis and cannabis-infused products primarily by our retail dispensaries and wholesale operations in multiple states. We recognize this revenue when products are delivered or at retail points-of-sale.
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•Real estate rental income - rental income generated from the leasing of our state-of-the-art, regulatory compliant cannabis facilities to our cannabis-licensed clients. Rental income is generally a fixed amount per month that escalates over the respective lease terms. Prior to the third quarter of 2022, we charged additional rental fees based on a percentage of tenant revenue that exceeded specified amounts; these incremental rental fees were eliminated in connection with new contract negotiations with our client.
•Supply procurement - resale of cultivation and production resources, supplies and equipment that we have acquired from top national vendors at discounted prices to our clients and third parties within the cannabis industry. We recognize this revenue after the delivery and acceptance of goods by the purchaser.
•Management fees - fees for providing our cannabis-licensed clients with comprehensive oversight of their cannabis cultivation, production and dispensary operations. Prior to the third quarter of 2022, these fees were based on a percentage of such clients' revenue and were recognized after services were performed; these fees were eliminated in connection with new contract negotiations with our client.
•Licensing fees - revenue from the licensing of our branded products, including Betty's Eddies, Bubby's Baked, Vibations and Kalm Fusion, to wholesalers and regulated dispensaries throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. We recognize this revenue when the products are sold to the end customer.
Our revenue for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was comprised of the following (in thousands, except percentages):
Year ended December 31, Increase (decrease) from prior year
Product revenue:
Other revenue:
Our total revenue increased $14.6 million, or 10.9%, in the year ended December 31, 2023 ("2023") compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 ("2022"), the result of higher product revenue, partially offset by lower other revenue (real estate rentals, supply procurement, management fees and licensing fees).
Our total product revenue in 2023 increased $18.6 million, or 14.8%, primarily attributable to higher wholesale revenue, coupled with net increases in retail revenue. Our wholesale and retail revenue increased in both Maryland and Massachusetts in 2023. The increase in Maryland revenue is attributable to both the inclusion of a full year of revenue in 2023 compared to revenue in 2022 only for the period subsequent to the Kind Acquisition Date, and organic growth in the current year. The increase in Massachusetts revenue in 2023 was primarily attributable to higher retail revenue arising from our recent acquisitions there and, to a lesser extent, to higher wholesale revenue. These increases were partially offset by decreases in revenue from certain of our other dispensaries.
The decrease in our other revenue was primarily attributable to rent, supply procurement and management fee reductions in connection with one of our cannabis-licensed clients. These decreases were partially offset by higher supply procurement revenue primarily attributable to revenue generated from our cannabis-licensed client in Delaware.
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Cost of Revenue, Gross Profit and Gross Margin
Our cost of revenue represents the direct costs associated with the generation of our revenue, including licensing, packaging, supply procurement, manufacturing, supplies, depreciation, amortization of acquired intangible assets, and other product-related costs.
Our cost of revenue, gross profit and gross margin for 2023 and 2022 were as follows (in thousands, except percentages):
Year ended December 31, Increase from prior year
Our cost of revenue increased in 2023 compared to 2022, primarily attributable to higher materials and employee-related costs. These increases aggregated approximately $16 million, and were primarily due to our increased headcount in connection with our recent acquisitions and expanded footprint. These increases were partially offset by lower supply procurement and certain manufacturing-related expenses.
Operating Expenses
Our operating expenses are comprised of personnel, marketing and promotion, general and administrative, acquisition-related and other, and bad debt expenses. Our operating expenses for 2023 and 2022 were as follows (in thousands, except percentages):
Year ended December 31, Increase (decrease) from prior year
The increase in our personnel expenses in 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily due to the hiring of additional staff to support higher levels of projected revenue from existing and expanded operations, as well as increased headcount arising from the Kind Acquisition and, to a lesser extent, our other recent acquisitions. Personnel costs increased to approximately 15% of revenue in 2023 compared to approximately 11% of revenue in 2022.
The increase in our marketing and promotion expenses in 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily attributable to our focused efforts to upgrade our marketing initiatives in order to expand branding and distribution of our licensed products. Marketing and promotion costs increased to approximately 4% of revenue in 2023, compared to approximately 3% of revenue in 2021.
The increase in our general and administrative expenses in 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily attributable to higher facility-related, travel and entertainment, and insurance-related expenses, partially offset by lower costs in connection with our equity programs and lower bad debt expense. These decreases were partially offset by higher facilities-related and depreciation expenses.
Acquisition-related and other expenses include those expenses related to acquisitions and other significant transactions that we would otherwise not have incurred, and include professional and services fees, such as legal, audit, consulting, paying agent and other fees. We incurred $0.7 million of acquisition-related and other expense in 2023, primarily related to our acquisitive activities. We incurred $1.0 million of acquisition-related and other expenses in 2022, primarily related to the Kind Acquisition in April 2022 and the July 2022 listing of our common stock on the Canadian Securities Exchange.
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Overall, the increase in our operating expenses in 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily attributable to our higher personnel, marketing and general and administrative expenses, partially offset by lower bad debt and acquisition-related and other expenses.
Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense primarily relates to interest on mortgages and notes payable and, effective in 2023, the CA Credit Agreement (as described below) and, to a lesser extent, the CREM Loan (as described below). Interest income primarily relates to our notes receivable. Other expense, net, includes gains (losses) on changes in the fair value of our investments and other investment-related income (expense).
Our net interest expense increased by $8.2 million in 2023 compared to 2022, primarily due to interest or the CA Credit Agreement and expense related to the fair value adjustment to notes payable in connection with our early repayment of the notes payable for the Kind Acquisition.
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt
On November 16, 2023, we repaid and retired the term loan outstanding under the CA Credit Agreement (the "CA Term Loan Payoff") using proceeds from the CREM Loan entered into on the same day. The Term Loan payoff amount totaled $32.7 million, comprised of $28.5 million for the outstanding principal, $3.7 million for the make-whole payment, $0.2 million for accrued unpaid interest and $0.3 million for transaction-related fees. We also repaid the mortgage with Bank of New England related to our Massachusetts facilities in New Bedford and Middleborough (the "BNE Payoff") and concurrently, we refinanced these properties under the CREM Loan. In connection with these early repayments, we recognized losses aggregating $10.4 million, comprised of $10.2 million in connection with the CA Term Loan Payoff and $0.2 million in connection with the BNE Payoff.
Other Expense, Net
We reported net other expense of $1.6 million and $0.1 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. The 2023 expense is primarily comprised of $0.9 million for the write-off of assets in the first quarter of 2023 in connection with our decision to cancel our plans to expand into Nevada and a $0.7 million term loan payment that we initiated in error to an account provided in a fraudulent email we received. We were initially advised by JPM Chase, the recipient's bank ("Chase") that we had identified the problem before the payment was delivered to the account identified by the email, and that the funds were being held by Chase pending its completion of an internal investigation. Chase has subsequently advised us that the funds were delivered to the fraudulent recipient's account. We continue to pursue all channels through our bank to recover these funds. In addition, we initiated, and are pursuing, a claim under our insurance coverage to recover this amount. There is no assurance that we will successfully recover all or any portion of this amount, including under our insurance claim. We reduced our cash balance and included this amount as a component of Other expense, net, in our consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023. If these funds, or any portion of these funds, are recovered, we will reverse the expense accordingly. We have implemented additional safeguards to protect ourselves from future fraudulent activity; please see Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors and Item 1C. Cybersecurity for further information. We recorded nominal net other expense for 2022, comprised of $1.0 million of non-cash income from the sale of an investment, virtually offset by a $1.1 million loss from the change in fair value of other investments.
Income Tax Provision
We recorded income tax provisions of $9.4 million and $5.9 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. The provision recorded for both 2023 and 2022 was due in part to the impact of Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code, which prohibits the deduction of certain ordinary business expenses.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We had cash and cash equivalents of $14.6 million and $9.7 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. In addition to the discussions below of our cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities, please also see our discussion of non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA in the section “Non-GAAP Measurement” below, which discusses an additional financial measure not defined by GAAP, which our management also uses to measure our liquidity.
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CA Credit Agreement
On January 24, 2023, we entered into a Loan and Security Agreement, by and among the Company, subsidiaries of the Company from time-to-time party thereto (collectively with the Company, the “CA Borrowers”), lenders from time-to-time party thereto (the “CA Lenders”), and Chicago Atlantic Admin, LLC (“Chicago Atlantic”), as administrative agent for the Lenders (the "CA Credit Agreement").
Proceeds from the CA Credit Agreement were designated to complete the build-out of a new cultivation and processing facility in Illinois, complete the build-out of a new processing kitchen in Missouri, expand existing cultivation and processing facilities in Massachusetts and Maryland, fund certain capital expenditures, and repay in full the Kind Therapeutics seller notes incurred in connection with the Kind Acquisition, which repayment occurred on January 24, 2023. The remaining balance, if any, was expected to be used to fund acquisitions.
The CA Credit Agreement provided for $35.0 million in principal borrowings at our option in the aggregate and further provided the CA Borrowers with the right, subject to customary conditions, to request an additional incremental term loan in the aggregate principal amount of up to $30.0 million; provided that the CA Lenders elect to fund such incremental term loan. $30.0 million of loan principal was funded at the initial closing (the "Term Loan") and we had the option, during the six-month period following the initial closing, to draw down an additional $5.0 million, which we did not elect to do. The loans required scheduled amortization payments of 1.0% of the principal amount outstanding under the CA Credit Agreement per month commencing in May 2023, and the remaining principal balance was due in full on January 24, 2026, subject to extension to January 24, 2028 under certain circumstances.
The CA Credit Agreement provided the CA Borrowers with the right, subject to specified limitations, to incur (a) seller provided debt in connection with future acquisitions, (b) additional mortgage financing from third-party lenders secured by real estate currently owned and acquired after the closing date, and (c) additional debt in connection with equipment leasing transactions.
The obligations under the CA Credit Agreement were secured by substantially all of the assets of the CA Borrowers, excluding specified parcels of real estate and other customary exclusions.
The CA Credit Agreement provided for a floating annual interest rate equal to the prime rate then in effect plus 5.75%, which rate could be increased by 3.00% upon an event of default or 7.50% upon a material event of default as provided in the Credit Agreement.
At any time, we could voluntarily prepay amounts due under the facility in $5.0 million increments, subject to a three-percent prepayment premium and, during the first 20-months of the term, a “make-whole” payment.
The CA Credit Agreement included customary representations and warranties and customary events of default, including, without limitation, payment defaults, breaches of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, cross-defaults to material indebtedness, and events of bankruptcy and insolvency.
The CA Credit Agreement also included customary negative covenants limiting our ability to incur additional indebtedness and grant liens that are otherwise not permitted, among others. Additionally, the CA Credit Agreement required us to meet certain financial tests. We were in compliance with the CA Credit Agreement covenants at all times while the Term Loan was outstanding.
The CA Credit Agreement provided for 30% warrant coverage against amounts funded under the facility, priced at a 20% premium to the trailing 20-day average price on the closing date of each such funding. At the initial closing, upon funding of the initial $30.0 million under the facility, we issued to the CA Lenders warrants to purchase an aggregate of 19,148,936 shares of our common stock at $0.47 per share, exercisable for a five-year period following issuance.
On November 16, 2023 (the "Payoff Date"), we repaid and retired the Term Loan (the "Term Loan Payoff") using proceeds from a new $58.7 million loan entered into on the same day (described below). The Term Loan Payoff amount totaled $32.7 million, comprised of $28.5 million for the outstanding principal, $3.7 million for the make-whole payment, $0.2 million for accrued unpaid interest and $0.3 million for transaction-related fees. We recognized a loss of $10.2 million in connection with the Term Loan Payoff.
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CREM Loan
On November 16, 2023, Mari Holdings MD LLC, Hartwell Realty Holdings LLC, Kind Therapeutics USA, LLC, ARL Healthcare Inc., and MariMed Advisors, Inc., each a wholly-owned direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company (collectively, the "CREM Borrowers") entered into a Loan Agreement (the "CREM Loan Agreement"), by and among the CREM Borrowers, and Needham Bank, a Massachusetts co-operative bank (the "CREM Lender") pursuant to which the CREM Lender loaned to the CREM Borrowers an aggregate principal amount of $58.7 million (the "CREM Loan Transaction"). The Company has fully guaranteed the obligations of the CREM Borrowers under the CREM Loan Transaction and pledged to the CREM Lender its equity ownership in each CREM Borrower. The CREM Lender has a first priority security interest in all of the CREM Borrowers' operating assets in Maryland and Massachusetts and first priority mortgages on the CREM Borrowers' properties owned in Maryland and Massachusetts.
The CREM Loan Transaction matures in ten years and has an interest rate for the initial five years of 8.43% per annum. The interest rate will reset after five years to the FHLB Rate (the Classic Advance Rate for Fixed Rate advances for a period of five years for an amount greater than or equal to the loan amount, as such rate is defined and published by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston), plus 3.50%. We will make interest-only payments for the first twelve months of the term of the loan, with payments thereafter based upon a twenty-year amortization schedule.
The CREM Lender initially released $52.8 million to the CREM Borrowers (the "Initial CREM Distribution"). The remaining proceeds of $5.9 million will be held in escrow to complete the expansion of our Hagerstown, Maryland cultivation facility (the "Hagerstown Facility"). Any unused proceeds will be released to us after completion of the Hagerstown Facility expansion. We used $46.8 million of the Initial CREM Distribution to fully repay certain of our outstanding debt. These payments were comprised of $32.7 million to repay the Term Loan, $11.9 million to repay the mortgage with Bank of New England for our New Bedford, MA and Middleborough, MA properties (the "BNE Mortgage"), and $2.2 million to reduce the outstanding balance of the note we issued in connection with the Ermont Acquisition. Concurrent with the repayment of the BNE Mortgage, we refinanced these properties through the CREM Loan and accordingly, effective November 16, 2023, the mortgage on these properties is held by Needham Bank, which mortgage matures in 2033 and which outstanding amount is included as a component of the CREM Loan amount in our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2023.
The CREM Loan Agreement includes customary representations and warranties and customary events of default, including, without limitation, payment defaults, breaches of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, cross-defaults to material indebtedness, and events of bankruptcy and insolvency. The CREM Loan Agreement also includes customary negative covenants limiting the CREM Borrowers' (but not the Company's) ability to incur additional indebtedness and grant liens that are otherwise not permitted, among others. The CREM Loan Agreement also requires the CREM Borrowers to meet certain periodic financial tests.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Our primary sources of cash from operating activities are from sales to customers in our dispensaries and to our wholesale customers. We expect cash flows from operating activities to be affected by increases and decreases in sales volumes and timing of collections, and by purchases of inventory and shipment of our products. Our primary uses of cash for operating activities are for personnel costs, purchases of packaging and other materials required for the production and sale of our products, and income taxes.
Our operating activities provided $7.9 million and $7.3 million of cash in 2023 and 2022, respectively. The change in cash from operating activities in 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily attributable to $6.4 million of cash used to pay income taxes in the current year period, compared to $14.6 million in the same prior year period, coupled with higher expenses arising from expanding our sales activities, facilities and geographic footprint, both in the states where we currently operate and to expand into other states.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Our investing activities used $26.0 million and $26.2 million of cash in 2023 and 2022, respectively. We used $20.1 million of cash for purchases of property and equipment in 2023, compared to $12.1 million in 2022. This increase is primarily due to our expansion activities, resulting in the buildout of certain facilities to add cultivation and processing functionality and capacity. We used $3.0 million of cash for purchase consideration in connection with the Ermont
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Acquisition in March 2023, and an aggregate of $12.8 million for cash consideration in connection with the Kind Acquisition and Green Growth Acquisition in April 2022 and May 2022, respectively.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Our financing activities provided $23.0 million of cash in 2023 and used $1.0 million of cash in 2022.
In 2023, we received proceeds of $29.1 million from the CA Credit Agreement, of which we used $5.5 million to repay in full the notes previously issued to the sellers of Kind as part of the purchase consideration for the Kind Acquisition. We received $53.6 million from the CREM Loan, of which we used $46.8 million in the aggregate to repay and retire the CA Credit Agreement and our mortgage with Bank of New England for our Massachusetts facilities in New Bedford and Middleborough, including prepayment penalties, and reduce the balance on our notes payable in connection with the Ermont Acquisition. Concurrent with the repayment to Bank of New England, we refinanced these properties through the CREM Loan.
In 2022, we paid $2.0 million of cash to redeem the outstanding minority interests in one of our majority-owned real estate subsidiaries, made $1.5 million of aggregate principal payments on our outstanding mortgages and notes payable, and made distribution payments and finance lease principal payments aggregating $0.5 million. These amounts were partially offset by $3.0 million of proceeds from a new mortgage on one of our facilities in Illinois.
Based on our current expectations, we believe our current cash and future funding opportunities will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for working capital and capital expenditures for at least the next twelve months. The rate at which we consume cash is dependent on the cash needs of our future operations, including our contractual obligations at December 31, 2023, and our ability to raise additional cash through financing activities. Our contractual obligations at December 31, 2023 were primarily comprised of our outstanding CREM Loan, mortgages and promissory notes, as well as our operating leases. Our CREM Loan, mortgage and promissory note obligations totaled approximately $66 million at December 31, 2023.
Non-GAAP Measurement
In addition to the financial information reflected in this report, which is prepared in accordance with GAAP, we are providing a non-GAAP financial measurement of profitability – Adjusted EBITDA – as a supplement to the preceding discussion of our financial results.
Our management defines Adjusted EBITDA as income from operations, determined in accordance with GAAP, excluding the following:
•depreciation and amortization of property and equipment;
•amortization of acquired intangible assets;
•impairments or write-downs of acquired intangible assets;
•stock-based compensation;
•acquisition-related and other;
•legal settlements; and
•acquisition-related and other.
Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure to assess our performance and liquidity, as it provides meaningful operating results by excluding the effects of expenses that are not reflective of our operating business performance. In addition, our management uses Adjusted EBITDA to understand and compare operating results across accounting periods, and for financial and operational decision-making. The presentation of Adjusted EBITDA is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Management believes that investors and analysts benefit from considering Adjusted EBITDA in assessing our financial results and our ongoing business, as it allows for meaningful comparisons and analysis of trends in the business. Adjusted EBITDA is used by many investors and analysts themselves, along with other metrics, to compare financial results across accounting periods and to those of peer companies.
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As there are no standardized methods of calculating non-GAAP measurements, our calculations may differ from those used by analysts, investors, and other companies, even those within the cannabis industry, and therefore may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures used by others.
Reconciliation of Income from Operations to Adjusted EBITDA (a Non-GAAP Measurement)
The table below reconciles Income from operations to Adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):
Year ended December 31,
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment 5,549 3,432
Amortization of acquired intangible assets 3,025 1,282
Acquisition-related and other 695 961
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on its financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenue, or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.
Inflation
In the opinion of management, inflation has impacted the Company through increased costs of ingredients, nutrients and packaging. The Company recently negotiated with certain of our suppliers to reduce our costs for future purchases of ingredients, nutrients and packaging, all of which have increased significantly as a result of current economic conditions.
Seasonality
In the opinion of management, the Company’s financial condition and results of its operations are not materially impacted by seasonal sales.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
The Company has reviewed all other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting pronouncements, and does not believe the future adoption of any such pronouncements will have a material impact on its financial condition or the results of its operations.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The Company is a “smaller reporting company” as defined by Regulation S-K and, as such, is not required to provide the information contained in this item pursuant to Regulation S-K.
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
CONTENTS
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID No. 2738) 34
Consolidated Balance Sheets 36
Consolidated Statements of Operations 38
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity 39
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 40
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements 41
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of MariMed Inc.
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of MariMed Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year 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 years in the two-year 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 the Company’s 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 Company’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.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Inventory
As discussed in the notes to the financial statements, the Company allocates a certain percentage of overhead cost to its manufactured inventory.
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Auditing management’s allocation of overhead involves significant judgements and estimates to determine the proper allocation.
To evaluate the appropriateness of the allocation of overhead to inventory, we evaluated management’s significant judgments and estimates in what parts of overhead should be included and the allocation of these costs.
/s/ M&K CPAS, PLLC
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2018.
The Woodlands, TX
March 7, 2024
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MariMed Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
December 31,
Assets
Current assets:
Deferred rents receivable 630 704
Notes receivable, current portion 52 2,637
Investments, current portion 88 123
Due from related parties 105 29
Investments, net of current portion 221 —
Notes receivable, net of current portion 814 7,467
Operating lease right-of-use assets 9,716 4,931
Finance lease right-of-use assets 3,295 713
Liabilities, mezzanine equity and stockholders’ equity
Current liabilities:
Mortgages and notes payable, current portion $ 723 $ 3,774
Operating lease liabilities, current portion 1,945 1,273
Finance lease liabilities, current portion 1,210 237
Mortgages and notes payable, net of current portion 65,652 25,943
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion 8,455 4,173
Finance lease liabilities, net of current portion 2,140 461
Commitments and contingencies
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December 31,
Mezzanine equity:
Stockholders’ equity:
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
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MariMed Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Year Ended December 31,
Operating expenses:
Acquisition-related and other 695 961
Interest and other (expense) income:
Loss on extinguishment of debt (10,431) —
Total interest and other expense, net (20,981) (861)
(Loss) income before income taxes (6,596) 19,508
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 24 146
Net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders $ (16,031) $ 13,468
Net (loss) income per share attributable to common stockholders:
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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MariMed Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
(in thousands, except share amounts)
Shares Par Value Shares Amount
Release of shares under stock grants 402,203 — — — — — — —
Exercise of stock options 55,000 — — — 10 — — 10
Cashless exercise of stock options 200,000 — — — — — — —
Cashless exercise of warrants 317,298 — — — — — — —
Forfeiture of restricted shares (32,609) — — — — — — —
Conversion of promissory notes to common stock 1,142,858 1 — — 399 — — 400
Common stock issued to settle obligations 375,000 — — — 275 — — 275
Common stock issued under licensing agreement 218,345 — — — 121 — — 121
Common stock issued to purchase property and equipment 422,535 1 — — 299 — — 300
Distributions to noncontrolling interests — — — — — — (259) (259)
Common stock subscribed but not issued — — 5,025 2 — — — 2
Release of shares under stock grants 599,999 1 — — (1) — — —
Warrants issued in connection with debt — — — — 5,454 — — 5,454
Common stock issued to settle obligations 400,000 — — — 160 — — 160
Common stock issued under licensing agreement 13,007 — — — 5 — — 5
Common stock issued to purchase property and equipment 740,741 1 — — 299 — — 300
Distributions to noncontrolling interests — — — — — — (158) (158)
Stock-based compensation — — — — 1,020 — — 1,020
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
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MariMed Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders $ (16,031) $ 13,468
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 24 146
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment 5,549 3,432
Amortization of intangible assets 3,025 1,282
Amortization of original debt issuance discount 232 —
Amortization of debt discount 2,851 —
Payment-in-kind interest 366 —
Present value adjustment of notes payable — —
Obligations settled with common stock 465 696
Write-off of disposed assets 906 —
Gain on finance lease adjustment (31) —
Write-down of prepaid purchase consideration 200 —
Loss on extinguishment of debt 10,431 —
Loss on changes in fair value of investments 76 1,082
Other investment income — (954)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Deferred rents receivable 74 132
Accrued expenses and other (1,840) (482)
Net cash provided by operating activities 7,910 7,311
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment (20,130) (12,140)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired (2,987) (12,847)
Advances toward future business acquisitions (1,125) (800)
Purchases of investments (261) —
Purchases of cannabis licenses (626) (601)
Issuance of notes receivable (879) —
Proceeds from notes receivable 99 173
Due from related parties (76) (29)
Net cash used in investing activities (25,985) (26,244)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from term loan 29,100 —
Proceeds from mortgages — 3,000
Payment of third-party debt issuance costs in connection with debt (3,339) —
Principal payments of term loan (1,800) —
Payment of penalties on early retirement of debt (4,251) —
Principal payments of mortgages (585) (945)
Repayment and retirement of mortgages (12,595) —
Principal payments of promissory notes (2,370) (592)
Repayment and retirement of promissory notes (5,503) —
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 109 10
Principal payments of finance leases (702) (227)
Redemption of minority interests — (2,000)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 22,983 (1,013)
Net increase (decrease) to cash and cash equivalents 4,908 (19,946)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 9,737 29,683
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 14,645 $ 9,737
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Non-cash activities:
Trade receivables converted to notes receivable $ — $ 750
Common stock issued to purchase property and equipment $ 300 $ 300
Conversion of promissory notes to equity $ — $ 400
Entry into new operating leases $ 5,604 $ 661
Entry into new finance leases $ 3,235 $ 794
Common stock issued as purchase consideration $ 2,994 $ 2,212
Warrants to issue common stock issued with debt $ 5,454 $ —
Notes payable issued to purchase motor vehicles $ 158 $ —
Common stock issued to settle obligations $ 160 $ 275
Common stock issued under licensing agreement $ 5 $ 121
Issuance of common stock associated with subscriptions $ 41 $ —
Conversion of preferred stock to common stock $ 18,725 $ —
Conversion of notes receivable to omnibus long-lived asset $ 10,233 $ —
Liability recorded for building improvements $ 1,997 $ —
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
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MariMed Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(1) NATURE OF THE BUSINESS
MariMed Inc. (the “Company” or "MariMed") is a multi-state operator in the United States cannabis industry. MariMed develops, operates, manages and optimizes state-of-the-art, regulatory-compliant facilities for the cultivation, production and dispensing of medical and adult-use cannabis. MariMed also licenses its proprietary brands of cannabis products along with other top brands in domestic markets.
(2) BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
On March 9, 2023 (the "Ermont Acquisition Date"), the Company acquired the operating assets of Ermont, Inc. ("Ermont"), a medical-licensed vertical cannabis operator located in Quincy, Massachusetts (the "Ermont Acquisition"). The financial results of Ermont are included in the Company's consolidated financial statements since the Ermont Acquisition Date.
On April 27, 2022 (the “Kind Acquisition Date”), the Company acquired Kind Therapeutics USA (“Kind”), the Company's former client in Maryland that holds licenses for the cultivation, production, and dispensing of medical cannabis (the “Kind Acquisition”). The financial results of Kind are included in the Company's consolidated financial statements for the periods subsequent to the Kind Acquisition Date.
The Company completed two acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2022 that it recorded as asset purchases. On May 5, 2022 (the "Green Growth Acquisition Date"), the Company completed the acquisition of 100% of the equity ownership of Green Growth Group Inc. (“Green Growth”), an entity that holds a craft cultivation and production cannabis license in the state of Illinois (the “Green Growth Acquisition”). On December 30, 2022 (the "Greenhouse Naturals Acquisition Date"), the Company completed an asset purchase under which it acquired the cannabis license and assumed a property lease for a dispensary in Beverly, Massachusetts that had never been operational (the "Greenhouse Naturals Acquisition").
Certain reclassifications, not affecting previously reported net income or cash flows, have been made to the previously issued financial statements to conform to the current period presentation.
Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MariMed Inc. and its majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
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Subsidiary PercentageOwned
MariMed Advisors Inc. 100.0 %
Mia Development LLC 94.3 %
Mari Holdings IL LLC 100.0 %
Mari Holdings MD LLC 100.0 %
Mari Holdings NJ LLC 100.0 %
Mari Holdings Metropolis LLC 70.0 %
Mari Holdings Mt. Vernon LLC 100.0 %
Hartwell Realty Holdings LLC 100.0 %
Kind Therapeutics USA LLC 100.0 %
ARL Healthcare Inc. 100.0 %
KPG of Anna LLC 100.0 %
KPG of Harrisburg LLC 100.0 %
MariMed OH LLC 100.0 %
MariMed Hemp Inc. 100.0 %
MediTaurus LLC 100.0 %
Green Growth Group Inc. 100.0 %
Noncontrolling Interests
Noncontrolling interests represent third-party minority ownership of the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests is shown in the consolidated statements of operations and the value of net assets owned by noncontrolling interests are presented as a component of equity within the balance sheets.