Exhibit 10.23


 


CV SCIENCES, INC.



NON-QUALIFIED STOCK
OPTION AGREEMENT 


 


This
NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made and entered into as of April 7, 2017, by and between
CV Sciences, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company") and Joseph Dowling ("Optionee").


 


RECITALS


 


A.     
       The Company granted options to Optionee pursuant to the resolutions of the Board of Directors
dated April 7, 2017 ("Grant Date") to provide an incentive to Optionee to focus on the long-term growth of the Company.


 


B.        
    The parties wish to memorialize the grant and in consideration of the mutual covenants hereinafter set
forth, and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties agree as follows:


 


AGREEMENT


 


1.          
  Grant of Option.  The Company hereby grants to Optionee the right and option (the "Option")
to purchase an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares of the common stock of the Company (the "Stock") (such number being subject
to adjustment as set forth herein) on the terms and conditions herein set forth.  This Option may be exercised in whole
or in part and from time to time as hereinafter provided.  The Option granted under this Agreement is not intended to
be an "incentive stock option" as set forth in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").


 


2.         
   Vesting of Option.  


 


(a)        
Subject to the provisions set forth in this Agreement, the Option shall vest and become exercisable in accordance with the
following schedule:


  


(i)    
250,000 when the Company has final meeting minutes from a pre-investigational new drug application (“IND”) meeting
as authorized by the FDA for a drug development program utilizing CBD as the active pharmaceutical ingredient;


 


(ii)  
250,000 when the Company is granted an IND; and


 


(iii) 
500,000 when the Company commences its first human dosing under the IND.


  


Notwithstanding the
foregoing, vesting shall accelerate upon a Disposition Event as defined under the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated December
30, 2015 by and among CannaVest Corp., CannaVest Merger Sub, Inc. CannaVest Acquisition LLC, CanX, Inc. and The Starwood Trust,
as Shareholder Representative.


 


(b)             
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the right to exercise the Option shall accelerate automatically and vest in full (notwithstanding
the provisions above) effective as of immediately prior to the consummation of the “Change in Control” (as defined
below) unless this Option is to be assumed by the acquiring or successor entity (or parent thereof) or a new option or New Incentives
(as defined below) are to be issued in exchange therefor, as provided in subsection (c) below.


 


(c)             
The vesting of the Option shall not accelerate if and to the extent that: (i) the Option (including the unvested portion
thereof) is to be assumed by the acquiring or successor entity (or parent thereof) or a new option of comparable value is to be
issued in exchange therefor pursuant to the terms of the Change in Control transaction, or (ii) the Option (including the unvested
portion thereof) is to be replaced by the acquiring or successor entity (or parent thereof) with other incentives of comparable
value under a new incentive program (“New Incentives”) containing such terms and provisions as the Company’s
Board of Directors in its discretion may consider equitable. If the Option is assumed, or if a new option of comparable value is
issued in exchange therefor, then the Option or the new option shall be appropriately adjusted, concurrently with the Change in
Control, to apply to the number and class of securities or other property that the Optionee would have received pursuant to the
Change in Control transaction in exchange for the shares issuable upon exercise of the Option had the Option been exercised immediately
prior to the Change in Control, and appropriate adjustment also shall be made to the Purchase Price such that the aggregate Purchase
Price of this Option or the new option shall remain the same as nearly as practicable.


 


 


 






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(d)             
If the provisions of subsection (c) above apply, then the Option, the new option or the New Incentives shall continue to
vest as provided above for the remainder of the term of the Option in accordance with the terms hereof. However, in the event of
an Involuntary Termination (as defined below) of Optionee’s service with the Company or the acquiring or successor entity
(or parent thereof) within twelve (12) months following such Change in Control, then vesting of this Option, the new option or
the New Incentives shall accelerate in full automatically effective upon such Involuntary Termination.


 


(e)             
“Involuntary Termination” shall mean a termination of service by reason of: (i) Optionee’s involuntary
dismissal or discharge by the Company, or by the acquiring or successor entity (or parent or any subsidiary thereof employing the
Optionee) for reasons other than Misconduct (as defined below), or (ii)Optionee’s voluntary resignation following (x)
a reduction in Optionee’s compensation by more than ten percent (10%), or (y) a relocation of Optionee’s principal
place of employment by more than fifty (50) miles, provided and only if such change, reduction or relocation is effected without
Optionee’s written consent.


 


(f)              
“Misconduct” shall mean (i) the commission of any act of fraud, embezzlement or dishonesty by Optionee which
affects the business of the Company, the acquiring or successor entity (or parent or any subsidiary thereof), (ii) any unauthorized
use or disclosure by Optionee of confidential information or trade secrets of the Company, the acquiring or successor entity (or
parent or any subsidiary thereof), (iii) the refusal or omission by the Optionee to perform any duties required of him if such
duties are consistent with duties customary for the position held with the Company, the acquiring or successor entity (or parent
or any subsidiary thereof), (iv) any act or omission by the Optionee involving malfeasance or gross negligence in the performance
of Optionee’s duties to, or material deviation from any of the policies or directives of, the Company or the acquiring or
successor entity (or parent or any subsidiary thereof), (v) conduct on the part of Optionee which constitutes the breach of any
statutory or common law duty of loyalty to the Company, the acquiring or successor entity (or parent or any subsidiary thereof),
or (vi) any illegal act by Optionee which materially and adversely affects the business of the Company, the acquiring or successor
entity (or parent or any subsidiary thereof), or any felony committed by Optionee, as evidenced by conviction thereof. The provisions
of this paragraph shall not limit the grounds for the dismissal or discharge of Optionee or any other individual in the service
of the Company, the acquiring or successor entity (or parent or any subsidiary thereof).


 


		(g)	“Change in Control” shall mean:



 


(i)              
The direct or indirect sale or transfer, in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, by the stockholders
of the Company of voting securities, in which the holders of the outstanding voting securities of the Company immediately prior
to such transaction or series of transactions hold, as a result of holding Company securities prior to such transaction, in the
aggregate, securities possessing less than twenty percent (20%) of the total combined voting power all outstanding voting securities
of the Company or of the acquiring entity immediately after such transaction or series of related transactions;


 


(ii)            
A merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the surviving entity, except for a transaction in which the holders
of the outstanding voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such merger or consolidation hold as a result of holding
Company securities prior to such transaction, in the aggregate, securities possessing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total
combined voting power of all outstanding voting securities of the surviving entity (or the parent of the surviving entity) immediately
after such merger or consolidation;


 


(iii)           
A reverse merger in which the Company is the surviving entity but in which the holders of the outstanding voting securities
of the Company immediately prior to such merger hold as a result of holding Company securities prior to such transaction, in the
aggregate, securities possessing less than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of all outstanding voting securities
of the Company or of the acquiring entity immediately after such merger; or


 


(iv)           
The sale, transfer or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of all or substantially
all of the assets of the Company, except for a transaction in which the holders of the outstanding voting securities of the Company
immediately prior to such transaction(s) receive as a distribution with respect to securities of the Company, in the aggregate,
securities possessing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of all outstanding voting securities of
the acquiring entity immediately after such transaction(s).


 


3.       Purchase
Price. The price at which Optionee shall be entitled to purchase the Stock covered by the Option shall be $0.365 per share,
which is the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the Over The Counter Bulletin Board on April 7, 2017. the Board
has determined to be the Fair Market Value (as defined herein) as of the Grant Date, which is the "Fair Market Value in accordance
with the requirements set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(5)(iv)(B) or any successor provision thereof.


 


 


 






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4.       Term
of Option.  The Option granted under this Agreement shall expire, unless otherwise exercised, ten (10) years from
the Grant Date ("Expiration Date"), subject to earlier termination as provided in paragraph 8 hereof.


 


5.       Exercise
of Option.  The Option may be exercised by Optionee as to all or any part of the Stock then vested by delivery to
the Company of written notice of exercise in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A ("Exercise Notice") and payment of
the purchase price as provided in paragraphs 6 and 7 hereof.


 


6.       Method
of Exercising Option.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Option may be exercised by timely
delivery of written notice to the Company or such other person as the Board shall designate, which notice shall be effective on
the date received by the Company or such other person ("Effective Date").  The notice shall state Optionee's
election to exercise the Option, the number of shares in respect of which an election to exercise has been made, the method of
payment elected (see paragraph 7 hereof), the exact name or names in which the shares will be registered and the Social Security
number of Optionee.  Such notice shall be signed by Optionee and shall be accompanied by payment of the purchase price
of such shares.  In the event the Option shall be exercised by a person or persons other than Optionee pursuant to paragraph
8 and 14 hereof, such notice shall be signed by such other person or persons and shall be accompanied by proof acceptable to the
Company of the legal right of such person or persons to exercise the Option.  All shares delivered by the Company upon
exercise of the Option shall be fully paid and nonassessable upon delivery.  In the event the Stock purchasable pursuant
to the exercise of the Option has not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, at the time the Option is exercised,
the Optionee shall, if requested by the Company, concurrently with the exercise of all or any portion of the Option, deliver to
the Company his or her Investment Representation Statement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B.


 


7.       Method
of Payment for Options. Payment for shares purchased upon the exercise of the Option shall be made by Optionee in cash, previously-acquired
Stock held for more than six (6) months, promissory note net issuance, property (including broker-assisted arrangements) or other
forms of payment permitted by the Board and communicated to Optionee in writing prior to the date Optionee exercises all or any
portion of the Option.


 


8.       Termination
of Employment or Service.


 


(a)       General.  If
the Optionee's employment is terminated for any reason other than Cause (as defined below), death or Disability (as defined below),
then the Options shall continue to vest notwithstanding the termination of Optionee’s employment in accordance with paragraph
2(a), above. If the Company terminates the Optionee's employment or service for Cause, then the Optionee may at any time within
ninety (90) days after the effective date of termination of employment or service exercise the vested portion of the Option to
the extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise the Option at the date of termination.


 


(b)       Death
or Disability of Optionee.  In the event of the death or Disability of Optionee within a period during which the
Option, or any part thereof, could have been exercised by Optionee, including ninety (90) days after termination of employment
or service (the "Option Period"), the Option shall, as of the date of death or Disability, immediately vest and become
exercisable by Optionee or his estate at any time within 90 days after Optionee’s death or Disability.


 


(c)       Definition
of Disability.  "Disability" or "Disabled" shall mean a physical or mental condition, verified
by a physician designated by the Company, which prevents Optionee from carrying out one or more of the material aspects of his
assigned duties for at least ninety (90) consecutive days, or for a total of ninety (90) days in any six (6) month period.


 


(d)       Definition
of Cause. "Cause" shall mean:


 


(i)              
Optionee shall have committed an act of fraud, embezzlement or theft with respect to the property or business of the Company,
in any such event in such a manner as to cause material loss, damage or injury to the Company;


 


(ii)            
Optionee shall have materially breached his Employment Agreement as determined by the Board and such breach shall have continued
for a period of twenty (20) days after receipt of written notice from the Board specifying such breach;


 


(iii)           
Optionee shall have been grossly negligent in the performance of his duties hereunder, intentionally not performed or mis-performed
any of such duties, or refused to abide by or comply with the reasonable and lawful directives of the Board, in each case as reasonably
determined by the Board, which action shall have continued for a period of twenty (20) days after receipt of written notice from
the Board demanding such action cease or be cured; or


 


 


 






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(iv)           
Optionee shall have been found guilty of, or has plead nolo contendere to, the commission of a felony offense or
other crime involving moral turpitude.


 


9.       Nontransferability.
The Option granted by this Agreement shall be exercisable only during the term of the Option provided in paragraph 4 hereof and,
except as provided in paragraph 8 and 13, only by Optionee during his lifetime and while in the employment or service of the Company.
Except set forth in paragraph 8 and as otherwise provided by the Board, this Option shall not be transferable by Optionee or any
other person claiming through Optionee, either voluntarily or involuntarily, except by will or the laws of descent and distribution
or such other circumstances as the Board deems acceptable.


 


10.       Adjustments
in Number of Shares and Option Price.  In the event of a stock dividend or in the event the stock shall be changed
into or exchanged for a different number or class of shares of stock of the Company or of another corporation, whether through
reorganization, recapitalization, stock split-up, combination of shares, merger or consolidation, the Board has the authority to
substitute for each such remaining share of stock then subject to this Option the number and class of shares of stock into which
each outstanding share of stock shall be so exchanged, all without any change in the aggregate purchase price for the shares then
subject to the Option.  Any substitution made pursuant to this paragraph shall be made in such a manner that is consistent
with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.


 


11.       Delivery
of Shares.  No shares shall be delivered upon exercise of the Option until (i) the purchase price shall have been
paid in full in the manner herein provided (unless a net issuance strategy is implemented); (ii) applicable taxes required to be
withheld have been paid or withheld in full; and (iii) approval of any governmental authority required in connection with the Option,
or the issuance of shares thereunder, has been received by the Company.


 


12.       Administration.  The
Board shall have the sole and complete discretion with respect to all matters reserved to it by this Agreement, and decisions of
the Board with respect to this Agreement shall be final and binding upon Optionee and the Company.  Notwithstanding any
other provision of this Agreement, the Board shall administer this Agreement, and exercise all authority and discretion under this
Agreement, to satisfy the requirement of Internal Revenue Code Section 409A or any exemption thereto.


 


13.           Stock
Certificates.  All stock certificates delivered pursuant to this Agreement are subject to any stop-transfer orders
and other restrictions as the Board deems necessary or advisable to comply with federal or state securities laws, rules and regulations
and the rules of any national securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the stock is listed, quoted, or traded.  The
Board may place legends on any stock certificate to reference restrictions applicable to the stock.


 


14.           Continuation
of Employment or Service.  THE OPTIONEE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT, EXCEPT AS SET FORTH HEREIN, THE SHARES SUBJECT
TO THE OPTION SHALL VEST, IF AT ALL, ONLY DURING THE PERIOD OF OPTIONEE's CONTINUOUS SERVICE OR EMPLOYMENT, AS APPLICABLE, (NOT
THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED THE OPTION OR ACQUIRING SHARES HEREUNDER).  THE OPTIONEE FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES
AND AGREES THAT NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT SHALL CONFER UPON THE OPTIONEE ANY RIGHT WITH RESPECT TO CONTINUATION OF OPTIONEE's CONTINUOUS
SERVICE OR EMPLOYMENT, NOR SHALL IT INTERFERE IN ANY WAY WITH THE OPTIONEE's RIGHT OR THE COMPANY's RIGHT TO TERMINATE OPTIONEE's
CONTINUOUS SERVICE OR EMPLOYMENT, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE.


 


15.           Obligation
to Exercise.  Optionee shall have no obligation to exercise any option granted by this Agreement.


 


16.           Governing
Law.  This Agreement shall be interpreted and administered under the laws of the State of Delaware.


 


17.           Amendments.  This
Agreement may be amended only by a written agreement executed by the Company and Optionee.  In addition, except as otherwise
provided in paragraph 10, the terms of this Agreement may not be amended to reduce the exercise price of the Option or to cancel
the Option in exchange for cash, other Options with an exercise price that is less than the exercise price of the original Option
without stockholder approval.


 


 


[Signature Page Follows]


 


 


 






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IN WITNESS WHEREOF,
the Company has caused this Agreement to be signed by its duly authorized representative and Optionee has signed this Agreement
as of the date first written above.


 


 


CV SCIENCES, INC.


 


 


By: /s/ Michael Mona, Jr.

Name: Michael Mona, Jr.


Its: President and Chief Executive Officer


 


 


ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO:


 


 


/s/ Joseph Dowling


Joseph Dowling


 


 


 






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EXHIBIT A


 


CV SCIENCES, INC.


 


EXERCISE NOTICE


 


 


CV Sciences, Inc.


2688 South Rainbow Boulevard, Suite B


Las Vegas, Nevada 89146


Attention: Secretary


 


 


Effective as of today, ______________, ___
the undersigned (the "Optionee") hereby elects to exercise the Optionee's option to purchase ___________ shares of the
Common Stock (the "Shares") of CV Sciences, Inc. (the "Company") under and pursuant to the Non-Qualified Stock
Option Award Agreement (the "Option Agreement") dated April 7, 2017.


 


Representations of the Optionee. The Optionee
acknowledges that the Optionee has received, read and understood the Option Agreement and agrees to abide by and be bound by their
terms and conditions.


 


Rights as Stockholder. Until the stock certificate
evidencing such Shares is issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer
agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder shall exist with respect to the
Shares, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Company shall issue (or cause to be issued) such stock certificate promptly
after the Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the
date the stock certificate is issued, except as provided in the Option Agreement.


 


Delivery of Payment. The Optionee herewith
delivers to the Company the full Exercise Price for the Shares in the form(s) provided for in the Option Agreement, or, if approved,
the Shares shall be delivered pursuant to a net issuance.


 


Tax Consultation. The Optionee understands
that the Optionee may suffer adverse tax consequences as a result of the Optionee's purchase or disposition of the Shares. The
Optionee represents that the Optionee has consulted with any tax consultants the Optionee deems advisable in connection with the
purchase or disposition of the Shares and that the Optionee is not relying on the Company for any tax advice.


 


Taxes. The Optionee agrees to satisfy all applicable
foreign, federal, state and local income and employment tax withholding obligations and herewith delivers to the Company the full
amount of such obligations or has made arrangements acceptable to the Company to satisfy such obligations.


 


Restrictive Legends. The Optionee understands
and agrees that the Company shall cause the legends set forth below or legends substantially equivalent thereto, to be placed upon
any certificate(s) evidencing ownership of the Shares together with any other legends that may be required by the Company or by
state or federal securities laws:


 


THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT
BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE "ACT") AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED
OR HYPOTHECATED UNLESS AND UNTIL REGISTERED UNDER THE ACT OR, IN THE OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER OF THESE SECURITIES,
SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR HYPOTHECATION IS IN COMPLIANCE THEREWITH.


 


Successors and Assigns. The Company may assign
any of its rights under this Exercise Notice to single or multiple assignees, and this agreement shall inure to the benefit of
the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer herein set forth, this Exercise Notice shall
be binding upon the Optionee and his or her heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.


 


 


 






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Headings. The captions used in this Exercise
Notice are inserted for convenience and shall not be deemed a part of this agreement for construction or interpretation.


 


Interpretation. Any dispute regarding the interpretation
of this Exercise Notice shall be submitted by the Optionee or by the Company forthwith to the Board, which shall review such dispute
at its next regular meeting. The resolution of such a dispute by the Board shall be final and binding on all persons.


 


Governing Law; Severability. This Exercise
Notice is to be construed in accordance with and governed by the internal laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to
any choice of law rule that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the internal laws of the State
of Delaware to the rights and duties of the parties. Should any provision of this Exercise Notice be determined by a court of law
to be illegal or unenforceable, the other provisions shall nevertheless remain effective and shall remain enforceable.


 


Notices. Any notice required or permitted hereunder
shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon personal delivery or upon deposit in the United States mail
by certified mail, with postage and fees prepaid, addressed to the other party at its address as shown below beneath its signature,
or to such other address as such party may designate in writing from time to time to the other party.


 


Further Instruments. The parties agree to execute
such further instruments and to take such further action as may be reasonably necessary to carry out the purposes and intent of
this agreement.


 


Entire Agreement. The Option Agreement is incorporated
herein by reference and together with this Exercise Notice constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof and supersedes in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and the Optionee with
respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Optionee's interest except by means of a writing
signed by the Company and the Optionee.


 


 





	SUBMITTED BY:	ACCEPTED BY:
	 	 
	 	CV SCIENCES, INC.
	 	 
	/s/ Joseph Dowling	By: /s/ Michael Mona, Jr.
	Joseph Dowling	Name: Michael Mona, Jr.
	 	Its: President and Chief Executive Officer
	 	 
	Address:	Address:
	 	 
	____________	2688 South Rainbow Boulevard, Suite B
	____________	Las Vegas, Nevada 89146




 


 


 






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EXHIBIT B


 


CV SCIENCES, INC.


 


INVESTMENT REPRESENTATION STATEMENT


 





	OPTIONEE:	Joseph Dowling 
	COMPANY:	CV Sciences, Inc.
	SECURITY:	Common Stock
	AMOUNT:	 __________
	Date: 	 __________




 


In connection with the purchase of the above-listed
Securities, the undersigned Optionee represents to the Company the following:


 


Optionee is aware of the Company's business
affairs and financial condition and has acquired sufficient information about the Company to reach an informed and knowledgeable
decision to acquire the Securities. Optionee is acquiring these Securities for investment for Optionee's own account only and not
with a view to, or for resale in connection with, any "distribution" thereof within the meaning of the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").


 


Optionee acknowledges and understands that
the Securities constitute "restricted securities" under the Securities Act and have not been registered under the Securities
Act in reliance upon a specific exemption therefrom, which exemption depends upon among other things, the bona fide nature of Optionee's
investment intent as expressed herein. Optionee further understands that the Securities must be held indefinitely unless they are
subsequently registered under the Securities Act or an exemption from such registration is available. Optionee further acknowledges
and understands that the Company is under no obligation to register the Securities. Optionee understands that the certificate evidencing
the Securities will be imprinted with a legend which prohibits the transfer of the Securities unless they are registered or such
registration is not required in the opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Company.


 


Optionee further understands that in the event
all of the applicable requirements of Rule 144 are not satisfied, registration under the Securities Act, compliance with Regulation
A, or some other registration exemption will be required; and that, notwithstanding the fact that Rule 144 is not exclusive, the
Staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission has expressed its opinion that persons proposing to sell private placement securities
other than in a registered offering and otherwise than pursuant to Rule 144 will have a substantial burden of proof in establishing
that an exemption from registration is available for such offers or sales, and that such persons and their respective brokers who
participate in such transactions do so at their own risk. Optionee understands that no assurances can be given that any such other
registration exemption will be available in such event.


 


Optionee represents that he is a resident of
the state of _________________.


 


OPTIONEE:


 


_______________________________


Name (print): _____________________


 


Date: ___________________________