EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1795139
Filing Year: 2022
Filename: 1795139_10-K_2022_0000950170-22-002469.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Background
Green Thumb Industries Inc. is a reporting issuer in the United States and Canada and the Company's Subordinate Voting Shares are listed for trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange (“CSE”) under the symbol “GTII.” The Company’s Subordinate Voting Shares (as hereinafter defined) are also traded in the United States on the OTCQX Best Market (the “OTCQX”) under the symbol “GTBIF.”
Originally founded in 2014, Green Thumb began operations in 2015 upon the award of a medical marijuana license for cultivation/processing and retail sale of cannabis in Illinois. The Company has since expanded its operational footprint to 15 U.S. markets, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia. Currently, Green Thumb owns, manufactures, and distributes a portfolio of cannabis consumer packaged goods brands including Beboe, Dogwalkers, Doctor Solomon’s, Good Green, incredibles and RYTHM, to third-party retail stores across the United States as well as to Green Thumb owned retail stores. The Company also owns and operates retail cannabis stores that include a rapidly growing national chain called Rise, as well as retail stores operating under other names, many of which are in the process of being rebranded to Rise. Our retail stores sell a combination of our products and third-party products (which we refer to as our Retail business).
The Company, through its subsidiaries, owns state-licensed medical and/or adult use marijuana businesses in California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia. We also license our intellectual property and certain brands to licensees in Colorado. The following organizational chart describes the organizational structure of the Company as of December 31, 2021. See Exhibit 21.1 to this document for a list of subsidiaries of the Company. All lines represent 100% ownership of outstanding securities of the applicable subsidiary unless otherwise noted in Exhibit 21.1. In part, the complexity of our organization structure is due to state licensing requirements that mandate that we maintain the corporate identity of our operating license holders.
The registered office of the Company is located at 250 Howe Street, 20th Floor, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3R8. The head office is located at 325 W. Huron Street, Suite 700, Chicago, Illinois 60654.
History of the Company
For information on the history of the Company and the development of the business prior to June 13, 2018, the day our Subordinate Voting Shares began trading on the CSE, see the information set forth under the headings “Business - Our History” and “Business - General Development of the Business” in Amendment No. 2 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 that was filed with the SEC on February 2, 2021 with Registration No. 333-248213.
Financing Activities
On February 8, 2021, the SEC declared effective the Company’s Registration Statement No. 333-248213 on Form S-1 filed on February 2, 2021. Shortly thereafter, the Company received an offer from a single institutional investor to purchase 3,122,074 of the Subordinate Voting Shares registered on the Form S-1 at a price of $32.03 per share for a total of $100,000 thousand. The transaction closed on February 9, 2021. On February 23, 2021, the Company accepted additional offers to purchase a total of 1,571,917 Subordinate Voting Shares at a price of $35.50 per share, for a total of $55,803 thousand. The Company used the net proceeds from the sale of securities for general corporate purposes, which included capital expenditures, working capital and general and administrative expenses. The Company also used a portion of the net proceeds to acquire or invest in businesses or products that are complimentary to the Company's own businesses and products.
On April 30, 2021, the Company closed a $216,734 thousand Senior Secured non-brokered private placement financing through the issuance of senior secured notes (the “April 30, 2021 Notes”) pursuant to the Second Amendment to the Note Purchase Agreement (the "Note Purchase Agreement"). The Company used the proceeds to retire the Company’s existing $105,466 thousand, senior secured notes due May 22, 2023 (the "May 22, 2019 Notes") and the remaining proceeds for general working capital purposes as well as various growth initiatives. The Notes have a maturity date of April 30, 2024 and bear interest from the date of issue of 7.00% per annum, payable quarterly, with an option, at the discretion of the Company, to extend for an additional 12 months. The financing permitted the Company to borrow an additional $33,266 thousand over the next twelve months. The purchasers of the April 30, 2021 Notes also received 1,459,044 warrants (the “Warrants”) which allow the holder to purchase one Subordinate Voting Share at an exercise price of $32.68 per share, for a period of 60 months from the date of issue.
On October 15, 2021, the Company amended its existing Notes Purchase Agreement with the Second Amended Notes Purchase Agreement dated April 30, 2021, for the purposes of borrowing an additional $33,200 thousand, as permitted under the April 30, 2021 Notes Purchase Agreement (the "Amended Notes"). The additional borrowings have terms consistent with the April 30, 2021 Notes and increase the total amount borrowed to $249,934 thousand. The Company intends to use the additional proceeds for general working capital purposes as well as various growth initiatives. The purchasers of the Amended Notes received an additional 243,303 warrants which allow the holder to purchase one Subordinate Voting Share at an exercise price of $30.02 per share, for a period of 60 months from the date of issue.
On March 6, 2020, the Company closed a sale and lease back transaction to sell its Oglesby, Illinois cultivation and processing facility to an unrelated third party, Innovative Industrial Properties (“IIP”). Under a long-term agreement, the Company leased back the facility and continues to operate and manage it. The purchase price for the property was $9,000 thousand, excluding transaction costs. The Company made certain improvements to the property that have significantly enhance production capacity, for which IIP provided reimbursement of $41,000 thousand.
On January 31, 2020, the Company closed a sale and leaseback transaction to sell its Toledo, Ohio processing facility to IIP. Under a long-term agreement, the Company leased back the facility and continues to operate the space and manage it. The purchase price for the property was $2,900 thousand, excluding transaction costs. The Company made certain improvements to the property that have significantly enhance production capacity, for which IIP has provided reimbursement of $4,300 thousand.
On October 1, 2020, the Company and IIP agreed to amend the lease on the Toledo, Ohio processing facility. Under the amendment, IIP provided an additional $25,000 thousand in funding to be used for the construction of a cannabis cultivation facility at the property.
On November 12, 2019, the Company closed a sale and lease back transaction to sell its Danville, Pennsylvania cultivation and processing facility to IIP. Under a long-term agreement, the Company leased back the facility and continues to operate and manage it. The purchase price for the property was $20,300 thousand, excluding transaction costs. The Company made certain improvements to the property that have significantly enhanced production capacity, for which IIP provided reimbursement of $19,300 thousand.
Certain Recent Developments
On December 30, 2021, the Company closed on its acquisition of LeafLine Industries, LLC (“LeafLine”) which expanded the Company's national footprint into the Minnesota cannabis market, for $38,731 thousand in cash and 5,513,942 Subordinate Voting Shares (including 386,002 deferred shares) valued at approximately $117,833 thousand. LeafLine is one of only two licensed cultivators in the Minnesota medical cannabis market, licensed to grow, process and dispense medical cannabis directly to patients. LeafLine has one cultivation facility and eight retail dispensaries, five of which are currently open and operating.
On November 1, 2021, the Company closed on its acquisition of MDHWC Management Corp., which holds contractual interests in Maryland Health and Wellness Center, Inc. a Maryland-based medical dispensary (collectively referred to as "MDHWC"), for $8,320 thousand in cash and 309,157 Subordinate Voting Shares valued at approximately $6,375 thousand.
On September 1, 2021, the Company closed on its acquisition of GreenStar Herbals, Inc. (“GreenStar”), a Massachusetts-based adult-use cannabis retailer, for $5,228 thousand in cash and 1,344,216 Subordinate Voting Shares (including 161,306 deferred shares) valued at approximately $39,681 thousand. The acquisition included two open and operating adult-use retail locations and one location that was opened later in the year, all in Massachusetts.
On August 2, 2021, the Company closed on its acquisition of Mobley Pain Management and Wellness Center, LLC and Canwell Processing, LLC (collectively referred to as "Summit"), which both hold contractual interests in Summit Medical Compassion Center, Inc., a non-profit corporation with vertically integrated cannabis operations in Rhode Island. The acquisition expanded the Company's national footprint into the Rhode Island cannabis market and was completed for 2,387,807 Subordinate Voting Shares (including 303,599 deferred shares) valued at approximately $69,874 thousand. The acquisition included one of only three retail locations in the state.
On July 1, 2021, the Company closed on its acquisition of Dharma Pharmaceuticals, LLC (“Dharma”). The acquisition expanded the Company's national geographic footprint into the Virginia cannabis market and was completed for $15,175 thousand in cash and 2,298,779 Subordinate Voting Shares (including 229,878 deferred shares) valued at approximately $75,897 thousand. As one of only five licenses in the Virginia medical cannabis market, Dharma is licensed to grow, process and distribute cannabis to patients through its own retail dispensaries, as well as third party dispensaries. The acquisition included one open and operating cultivation and production facility and one retail location. Green Thumb also has the ability to open five additional retail dispensaries in Virginia, one of which was opened during the third quarter of 2021.
On June 1, 2021, the Company closed on its acquisition of Liberty Compassion Inc. (“Liberty”), a Massachusetts-based medical cannabis cultivator and retailer, for 2,146,565 Subordinate Voting Shares (including 259,765 deferred shares) valued at approximately $64,585 thousand. The acquisition included one cultivation and production facility and two operating medical cannabis dispensaries.
On February 8, 2021, the SEC declared effective, the Company’s Registration Statement No. 333-248213 on Form S-1 filed on February 2, 2021. Shortly thereafter, the Company received an offer from a single institutional investor to purchase 3,122,073 of the Subordinate Voting Shares registered on the Form S-1 at a price of $32.03 per share for a total of $100,000 thousand. The transaction closed on February 9, 2021. On February 23, 2021, the Company accepted additional offers to purchase a total of 1,571,917 Subordinate Voting Shares at a price of $35.50 per share, for a total of $55,803 thousand.
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization categorized the coronavirus disease 2019 (together with its variants "COVID-19") a global pandemic. COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the U.S. and other countries across the world, and the duration and severity of its effects are currently unknown. The Company continues to implement and evaluate actions to strengthen its financial position and support the continuity of its business and operations.
During 2021, the Company’s revenue, gross profit and operating income were not negatively impacted by COVID-19 and the Company generally maintained the consistency of its operations. However, it remains uncertain of how the future spread of COVID-19 and applicable vaccine mandates, or public health measures may impact the Company’s business operations for reasons including the potential quarantine of Green Thumb employees or those of its supply chain partners.
Description of the Business
Overview of the Company
Established in 2014 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Green Thumb is promoting well-being through the power of cannabis through branded consumer packaged goods and people-first retail experiences, while being committed to community and sustainable profitable growth. As of December 31, 2021, Green Thumb has operations across 15 U.S. markets, employs over 3,700 people and serves hundreds of thousands of patients and customers annually.
Green Thumb’s core business is manufacturing, distributing and marketing a portfolio of owned cannabis consumer packaged goods brands (which we refer to as our Consumer Packaged Goods business), including Beboe, Dogwalkers, Doctor Solomon’s, Good Green, incredibles and RYTHM. The Company distributes and markets these products to third-party licensed retail cannabis stores across the United States as well as to Green Thumb-owned retail stores (which we refer to as our Retail business).
The Company’s Consumer Packaged Goods portfolio is primarily generated from plant material that Green Thumb grows and processes which we use to produce our consumer packaged goods in 17 owned and operated manufacturing facilities. This portfolio consists of stock keeping units (“SKUs”) across a range of cannabis product categories, including flower, pre-rolls, concentrates, vape, capsules, tinctures, edibles, topicals and other cannabis-related products (none of which product category are individually material to the Company). These Consumer Package Goods products are sold in retail locations throughout the 15 U.S. markets Green Thumb operates in including Green Thumb’s own Rise dispensaries.
Green Thumb owns and operates a national cannabis retail chain called Rise which provide relationship-centric retail experiences aimed to deliver a superior level of customer service through high-engagement consumer interaction, a consultative, transparent and education-forward selling approach and a consistently available assortment of cannabis products. In addition, we own stores under other names, primarily where we co-own the stores or naming is subject to licensing or similar restrictions. The income from Green Thumb’s retail stores is primarily from the sale of cannabis-related products, which includes the sale of Green Thumb produced products as well as those produced by third parties, with an immaterial (under 10%) portion of this income resulting from the sale of other merchandise (such as t-shirts and accessories for cannabis use). The Rise dispensaries currently are located in ten of the states in which we operate. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had 73 open and operating retail locations. The Company’s new store opening plans will remain fluid depending on market conditions, obtaining local licensing, construction and other permissions and subject to the Company’s capital allocation plans and the evolving situation with respect to the COVID-19.
Financial Highlights and Revenue Streams
The Company has consolidated financial statements across its operating businesses with revenue from the manufacture, sale and distribution of branded cannabis products to third-party licensed retail customers as well as the sale of finished products to consumers in its retail stores.
The percentage of total revenue contributed by operations of the Consumer Package Goods segment was 31%, 29% and 36% for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 respectively. The percentage of total revenue contributed by the Retail segment was 69%, 71% and 64% for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. See Item 7 - “Management Discussion and Analysis” for details on key financial highlights.
As of the year ended December 31, 2021, Green Thumb has operating revenue in 15 markets (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia).
Geographic Information
Green Thumb operates in 15 U.S. states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts,
Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia.
Product Research, Design and Development
The Company’s branded products portfolio includes SKUs across a range of product categories, including flower, pre-rolls, concentrates, vape, tinctures, edibles, topicals and other cannabis-related products.
Green Thumb engages in research and development activities focused on developing new extracted or infused cannabis consumer packaged products.
Manufacturing
Our branded products are produced in manufacturing facilities across 15 U.S. states in which the primary activity is the cultivation, processing and manufacture of cannabis consumer packaged goods. The majority of our finished goods production is manufactured by our owned production facilities. However, we also have entered into manufacturing agreements with third parties, primarily for our cannabidiol (“CBD”) business lines, none of which account for more than 1% of finished goods production.
We aim to maintain strict brand and quality assurance standards and have implemented standard operating procedures across all production facilities to ensure continuity of product and consistent consumer experience across all operating markets.
Sources and Availability of Materials
Almost all of the raw material input, except packaging materials, used by the Company to produce finished cannabis consumer packaged goods are cultivated or processed internally for further use in the manufacturing process.
Significant Customers
Customers of our consumer packaged goods business include legal state-licensed cannabis dispensaries within each U.S. state in which we operate, as well as national retail channels, including department stores and specialty boutiques. The majority of our branded consumer packaged goods are distributed to unrelated third-party licensed retail cannabis stores. Green Thumb is not dependent upon a single customer, or a few customers, the loss of any one or more of which would not have a material adverse effect on the business. No customer accounted for 10% or more of our consolidated net revenue during fiscal 2021, 2020 or 2019.
Merchandise
To meet the array of unique customer needs, we offer a variety of cannabis products at each of our Rise and other stores, totaling thousands of SKUs in managed inventory, comprehensive of product categories including flower, concentrates, topicals (bath and beauty products) and edibles (confection, beverages, snacks).
We leverage our owned retail channel, Rise and our other stores to distribute our branded product portfolio, such as Beboe, Dogwalkers, Doctor Solomon’s, Good Green, incredibles, and RYTHM, among others.
All products sold have passed state-mandated third-party testing as required by applicable law to help assure that they do not contain impermissible levels of toxins, microbials and other harmful substances, are inventoried in comprehensive seed-to-sale tracking software to minimize product slippage and deviated inventory and meet the Company’s vendor requirements for quality assurance and reliability.
Omnichannel Distribution
Products sold at our Rise and other stores are delivered directly to our stores primarily by our manufacturing and distribution vendor partners.
Our primary retail presence is traditional brick and mortar. However, as regulations allow, we expect to continue to expand our e-commerce, in-store guest pick-up and direct to consumer delivery capabilities as part of our commitment to providing a consistent retail brand experience no matter where the consumer might be.
Intellectual Property - Patents and Trademarks
We believe that brand protection is critical to our business strategy. We regularly seek to protect our intellectual property rights in connection with our operating names (e.g., Green Thumb and Rise), our consumer packaged goods (e.g., Dogwalkers and RYTHM) and certain patentable goods and services. The U.S. trademark statute, The Lanham Act, allows for the protection of trademarks and service marks on products and services used, or intended for use, lawfully. Because cannabis-related products and services remain illegal at the federal level under the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. § 811), we are not able to protect all our intellectual property at the federal level; therefore, we currently seek trademark protections at the state level where commercially feasible. Nonetheless, our success depends upon other areas of our business such as product development and design, production and marketing and not exclusively upon trademarks, patents and trade secrets.
From the time the Company became licensed to cultivate cannabis, we have developed proprietary cultivation techniques. The Company has also developed certain proprietary intellectual property for operating butane extraction, carbon dioxide extraction and ethanol extraction machinery, including production best practices, procedures and methods. This requires specialized skills in cultivation, extraction and refining.
The Company relies on non-disclosure/confidentiality agreements to protect its intellectual property rights. To the extent the Company describes or discloses its proprietary cultivation or extraction techniques in its applications for cultivation or processing licenses, the Company redacts or requests redaction of such information prior to public disclosure.
The Company has sought U.S. patent protection for certain of its Doctor Solomon’s products, namely a utility patent for compositions and methods for treating skin and neuropathic conditions and disorders. Where commercially reasonable, we will seek further U.S. patent protection on other eligible products and services. The Company owns several website domains, including www.gtigrows.com, numerous social media accounts across all major platforms and various phone and web application platforms.
The Company has successfully registered over 70 trademarks across the United States and internationally and has additional trademark applications pending. The Company anticipates feedback on outstanding submitted applications on a rolling basis. As such, the Company will continue to rely on common law protection for these brands during the trademark registration process. Moreover, the Company will proactively seek intellectual property protection for brand expansions in current markets as well as any new market expansion. For additional details on the risks associated with the lack of trademark protection, see Item 1A - “Risk Factors” with respect to intellectual property.
For incredibles branded cannabis products, the Company has entered into licensing contracts with third parties that hold licenses to engage in the sale of cannabis in the state of Colorado, where the Company does not have licenses to operate cultivation and processing facilities. Such third parties directly engage in or arrange for the sourcing, manufacturing, laboratory testing, quality assurance, storage, marketing, sales, distribution and delivery of products containing cannabis and remit licensing fees to the Company.
Joint Ventures
We utilize joint ventures when necessary to comply with state regulatory requirements in certain states. Partnering with one or more non-affiliated third parties provides the Company with the opportunity to mitigate certain operational and financial risks while ensuring continued compliance with the applicable regulatory guidelines. As of December 31, 2021, the Company has joint ventures for the operation of (i) two dispensaries in Illinois of which the Company holds a 50% interest, (ii) a dispensary in Westport, Connecticut of which the Company holds a 46% interest, and (iii) a Massachusetts operator of which the Company holds less than a 10% interest.
Working Capital
Effective inventory management is critical to the Company’s ongoing success and the Company uses a variety of demand and supply forecasting, planning and replenishment techniques. The Company strives to maintain sufficient levels of inventory of core product categories, maintain positive vendor and customer relationships and carefully plan to minimize markdowns and inventory write-offs.
For additional details on liquidity and Capital Resources, see Item 7 - “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
Number of Employees
As of December 31, 2021, Green Thumb employs over 3,700 team members nationwide including corporate, retail and manufacturing, both full- and part-time employees, and including but not limited to: finance and accounting, legal and compliance, supply chain and operations, sales and marketing, commercial and cannabis agriculture, chemists, customer service, construction and project management, real estate and human resources. We offer a comprehensive package of company-sponsored benefits to our team. Eligibility depends on the full-time or part-time status, location and other factors, and benefits include 401(k), medical and dental plans, disability insurance, employee assistance programs and life insurance. Additionally, we believe in aligned incentives and utilize employee stock and incentive plans for a competitive total rewards program.
Our employees are split across the Company as follows:
Corporate:
Retail:
2,056
Manufacturing:
1,363
Total
3,730
Environmental Compliance
Expenditures for compliance with federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations are consistent from year to year and are not material to the Company’s financials. The Company is compliant with all applicable regulations and does not use materials that would pose any known risk under normal conditions.
Competitive Conditions and the Company’s Position in the Industry
Competition
The markets in which the Company’s products are distributed and its retail stores are operated are highly competitive markets. The Company’s operations exist in markets with relatively high barriers to entry given the licensed nature of the cannabis industry. The Company competes directly with cannabis producers and retailers within single-state operating markets, as well as those that operate across several U.S. markets. More broadly, Green Thumb views manufacturers of other consumer products, such as those in the pharmaceuticals, alcohol, tobacco, health and beauty and functional wellness industries, as potential competitors. Product quality, performance, new product innovation and development, packaging, customer experience and consumer price/value are important differentiating factors.
The Company faces intense competition from other companies that may have a longer operating history, a higher capitalization, additional financial resources, more manufacturing and marketing experience, greater access to public equity and debt markets and more experienced management than the Company. Increased competition by larger and better financed competitors could materially affect the business, financial condition and results of operations of the Company. The vast majority of both manufacturing and retail competitors in our markets consist of localized businesses (i.e. doing business in only a single state market). There are a few multi­state operators with whom the Company competes directly in several of the Company’s operating markets. Aside from this direct competition, out-of-state operators that are capitalized well enough to enter those markets through acquisitions are also part of the competitive landscape. Similarly, as the Company executes its national U.S. growth strategy, operators in our future state markets will inevitably become direct competitors.
Because of the early stage of the industry in which the Company operates, the Company faces additional competition from new entrants. If the number of consumers of medical and adult use cannabis in the states in which the Company operates its business increases, the demand for products will increase and the Company expects that competition will become more intense, as current and future competitors begin to offer an increasing number of diversified products. To remain competitive, the Company will require a continued high level of investment in research and development, marketing, sales and client support. The Company may not have sufficient resources to maintain research and development, marketing, sales and client support efforts on a competitive basis, which could materially and adversely affect the business, financial condition and results of its operations.
See Item 1A - “Risk Factors” with respect to competition.
Federal and State Regulation of Cannabis
Below is a discussion of the federal and state-level regulatory regimes in the jurisdictions where the Company is currently operating through its subsidiaries.
Federal illegality of Cannabis
The U.S. federal government regulates drugs through the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. § 811), which places controlled substances, including cannabis, in a schedule. Cannabis is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance. A Schedule I controlled substance is defined as a substance that has no currently accepted medical use in the United States, a lack of safety for use under medical supervision and a high potential for abuse. Schedule I controlled substances are federally illegal and the manufacturing, sale and use of cannabis is a violation of federal law.
Due to the conflicting views between state legislatures and the federal government regarding cannabis, cannabis businesses are subject to inconsistent laws and regulations. The Obama Administration attempted to address the inconsistent treatment of cannabis under state and federal law in the Cole Memorandum that Deputy Attorney General James Cole sent to all U.S. Attorneys in August 2013, which outlined certain priorities for the Department of Justice relating to the prosecution of cannabis offenses. The Cole Memorandum noted that, in jurisdictions that have enacted laws legalizing cannabis in some form and that have also implemented strong and effective regulatory and enforcement systems to control the cultivation, processing, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis, conduct in compliance with such laws and regulations was not a prosecution or enforcement priority for the Department of Justice. However, the Department of Justice did not provide (and has not provided since) specific guidelines for what regulatory and enforcement systems would be deemed sufficient under the Cole Memorandum.
On January 4, 2018, then U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a new memorandum which rescinded the Cole Memorandum. Despite its recission, as of December 21, 2021, federal prosecutors appear to continue to use the Cole Memorandum’s priorities as an enforcement guide. Merrick Garland, who became Attorney General on March 10, 2021, has indicated that he would deprioritize enforcement of low-level cannabis crimes such as possession, and during his congressional testimony in February 2021, Garland stated that the Justice Department would not pursue cases against Americans complying with laws of the states that have legalized and are regulating marijuana. President Joseph R. Biden, who assumed office in January 2021, stated a policy goal of federal cannabis decriminalization, but has not publicly supported the legalization of cannabis.
As an industry best practice, the Company continues to employ the following policies to ensure compliance with the guidance provided by the Cole Memorandum:
•Our operations and our subsidiaries’ operations are compliant with all licensing requirements as established by the applicable state, county, municipality, town, township, borough and other political/administrative divisions; to this end, we retain appropriately experienced legal counsel to help ensure compliance of such operations with all applicable licensing requirements;
•The cannabis-related activities adhere to the scope of the licensing obtained-for example, in states where only medical cannabis is permitted, the products are only sold to patients who hold the necessary documentation to permit the possession of the cannabis; in states where cannabis is permitted for adult use, the products are only sold to individuals who meet the requisite age requirements;
•Our operating subsidiaries must pass a range of requirements, adhere to strict business practice standards and be subject to strict regulatory oversight to ensure that no revenue is distributed to criminal enterprises, gangs or cartels;
•We have implemented an inventory tracking system and necessary procedures to help ensure that such compliance system is effective in tracking inventory and preventing diversion of cannabis or cannabis products, as well as employ strict customer identification protocols to prevent sales to minors;
•Our state-authorized cannabis business activity is not used as a cover or pretense for trafficking of other illegal drugs, and we are not engaged in any other illegal activity; and
•We conduct reviews of products and product packaging to ensure that the products comply with applicable regulations and contain necessary disclaimers about the contents of the products to prevent adverse public health consequences from cannabis use and prevent impaired driving.
There have been efforts at reforming federal cannabis law. As of December 21, 2021, there were more than a dozen proposed congressional bills addressing myriad issues regarding the cannabis industry, from banking and tax reform to full legalization. However, none have passed into law.
There does exists a legislative safeguard for the medical cannabis industry, appended to the federal budget bill. For each year since 2015, Congress has adopted a so-called “rider” provision to the Consolidated Appropriations Acts (formerly referred to as the Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment and currently referred to as the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment) to prevent the federal government from using congressionally appropriated funds to enforce federal law against regulated medical cannabis actors operating in compliance with state and local law. On December 3, 2021, the amendment was renewed through a pair of stopgap spending bills, with the most recent extension effective through February 18, 2022.
The sheer size of the cannabis industry, in addition to participation by state and local governments and investors, suggests that a large-scale federal enforcement operation would more than likely create unwanted political backlash for the Department of Justice and the current administration. Regardless, cannabis remains illegal at the federal level. The U.S. federal government has always reserved the right to enforce federal law over the sale and disbursement of medical or adult use cannabis, even if state law authorizes such sale and disbursement. There is no guarantee that state laws legalizing and regulating the sale and use of cannabis will remain in place or that local governmental authorities will not limit the applicability of state laws within their respective jurisdictions. Unless and until the United States Congress amends the Controlled Substances Act with respect to cannabis, there is a risk that federal authorities may enforce current U.S. federal law criminalizing cannabis.
We will continue to monitor compliance on an ongoing basis in accordance with our compliance program and standard operating procedures. While our operations are in compliance with all applicable state laws, regulations and licensing requirements, such activities remain illegal under federal law. For the reasons described above and the risks further described in the section entitled “Risk Factors,” there are significant risks associated with our business. Readers of this Form are strongly encouraged to carefully read all of the risk factors contained in Item 1A - “Risk Factors.”
Federal Law and Ability to Access Public and Private Capital
Due to the present state of the laws and regulations governing financial institutions in the U.S., banks often refuse to provide services to businesses involved in the cannabis industry and U.S. multistate operators are currently not permitted to list securities on the U.S. exchanges. Consequently, it may be difficult for us to obtain financing from large U.S. financial institutions.
We have historically, and continue to have, access to equity and debt financing from non-public (i.e., private placement) markets and state-chartered financial institutions. Our executive team and Board have extensive relationships with sources of capital (such as funds and high net worth individuals).
In addition to our working capital, we continue to generate adequate cash to fund our operations from capital raising transactions. Our business plan continues to include aggressive growth, both in the form of additional acquisitions and through facility expansion and improvements. Accordingly, we expect to raise additional capital, both in the form of debt and new equity offerings, during the next few years.
However, there can be no assurance that additional financing will be available to us when needed or on terms that are acceptable.
Restricted Access to Banking and Other Financial Services
FinCEN issued the FinCEN Memorandum on February 14, 2014, which advised financial institutions providing banking services to cannabis businesses. These include burdensome due diligence expectations and reporting requirements. The FinCEN Memorandum outlines the pathways for financial institutions to bank state-sanctioned cannabis businesses in compliance with federal enforcement priorities. The FinCEN Memorandum echoed the enforcement priorities of the Cole Memorandum and states that, in some circumstances, it is permissible for banks to provide services to cannabis-related businesses without risking prosecution for violation of federal money laundering laws. Under these guidelines, financial institutions must submit a Suspicious Activity Report in connection with all cannabis-related banking activities by any client of such financial institution, in accordance with federal money laundering laws.
However, the FinCEN Memorandum does not provide any safe harbors or legal defenses from examination or regulatory or criminal enforcement actions by the Department of Justice, FinCEN or other federal regulators for banks and other financial institutions and can be amended or revoked at any time. Thus, most banks and other financial institutions in the United States do not appear comfortable relying on this guidance to provide banking services to the cannabis industry. Banks and/or card networks may also refuse to process debit card payments and credit card companies generally refuse to process credit card payments for cannabis-related businesses. In addition, federal money laundering statutes and regulations under the Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by Title III of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, discourage financial institutions from working with any organization that sells a controlled substance, regardless of whether the state in which it operates permits cannabis sales. The inability or limitation on our ability to open or maintain bank accounts, obtain other banking services and/or accept credit card and debit card payments may make it difficult for us to operate and conduct our business as planned or to operate efficiently.
On March 7, 2019, Democratic representative Ed Perlmutter of Colorado introduced the SAFE Banking Act, which would protect banks and their employees from punishment for providing services to cannabis businesses that are legal on a state level. The bill passed with strong bipartisan support in the House of Representatives on September 25, 2019. The House passed the SAFE Banking Act numerous times since then, most recently on February 4, 2022, as an amendment to the America COMPETES Act. Some industry observers are hopeful that the bill will be signed into law within the next year, which would allow financial institutions to provide services to marijuana related businesses without risk of violating federal money laundering statutes.
State Cannabis Law
State laws that permit and regulate the production, distribution and use of cannabis for adult use or medical purposes are in direct conflict with federal law. Although certain states and territories of the U.S. authorize medical and/or adult use cannabis production and distribution by licensed or registered entities, under U.S. federal law, the possession, use, cultivation and transfer of cannabis and any related drug paraphernalia are criminal acts under the Controlled Substances Act. Although the Company’s activities are believed to be compliant with applicable state and local laws, strict compliance with state and local laws with respect to cannabis may neither absolve the Company of liability under U.S. federal law, nor may it provide a defense to any federal proceeding that may be brought against the Company.
As of December 31, 2021, 36 states, (and the territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands,) have legalized the cultivation and sale of cannabis for medical purposes. In 18 of those states, the sale and possession of cannabis is legal for both medical and adult use, and the District of Columbia has legalized adult use but not commercial sale. In November 2020, voters in Arizona, Montana, New Jersey and South Dakota voted by referendum to legalize cannabis for adult use, and voters in Mississippi and South Dakota voted to legalized cannabis for medical use. In February 2021, adult use cannabis became legal in New Jersey. Adult use cannabis was legalized in New York one month later. And in July 2021, Virginia became the first southern state to legalize cannabis for adult use.
Company’s Medical-Only Markets
All of the medical-only markets in which the Company does business (Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia) have written regulations that impose limitations on the number of cannabis business licenses that can be awarded by the state. In each of these markets, we have a proven track record of: (i) entering the market through state-granted awards based on the merit of our application and business plans; and/or (ii) expanding market reach through accretive mergers, acquisitions, and partnership ventures. Each medical use market that also allows adult use (including Illinois, California, Colorado, Massachusetts and Nevada) has regulations specifying which medical conditions qualify a patient for a license to purchase cannabis, and generally require the approval from a physician. A number of these states have passed laws allowing for adult-use sales, but those programs are not yet operational. Specifically, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Virginia have all legalized adult use cannabis, but none have launched their adult use programs. Connecticut and New Jersey are expected to launch their adult use programs during 2022. New York is expected to begin sales in late 2022 or 2023; and Virginia is not expected to begin sales until 2024.
Company’s Adult Use Markets
The Company has adult use operations in California, Illinois, Massachusetts and Nevada. The Company also has licensing and distribution contracts with third parties that hold licenses to engage in the sale of cannabis in Colorado for incredibles and Beboe branded cannabis products. Many of the adult use markets in which the Company operates in (California, Colorado, Massachusetts and Nevada) have fewer barriers to entry and more closely reflect free market dynamics typically seen in mature retail and manufacturing industries. The growth of these markets poses a risk of increased competition. However, management views the Company’s market share as less at risk than operators without a current operating footprint due to our established brand recognition and supply and distribution chains. Additionally, regulations in some adult use markets, such as Illinois, allowed us to quickly develop adult use market share in those states. Purchasers of adult use cannabis generally are subject to higher sales taxes than apply to purchasers who are authorized for medical purposes. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that some consumers who meet the criteria to apply for medical licenses make adult use purchases and avoid pursuing a state’s medical registration/qualification process.
Regulatory Environment in States Where We Operate
The risk of federal enforcement and other risks associated with the Company’s business are described in Item 1A - “Risk Factors.”
Regulation of the Cannabis Market at State and Local Level
Following the thesis that distributing brands at scale will win, we enter markets where we believe that we can profitably and sustainably operate and command significant market share, and thus maximize consumer and brand awareness. The regulatory frameworks installed by the states, which are similar to the limited and controlled issuance of gaming or alcohol distributorship licenses, provide macro-level indication of whether certain state markets will be sustainable and profitable.
Below is a summary overview of the regulatory and competitive frameworks in each of our operating markets. See Appendix A to this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a state-by-state list of the licenses and permits held by us.
California
California was the first state to legalize medical marijuana through Proposition 215, the Compassionate Use Act of 1996. This legalized the use, possession and cultivation of medical marijuana by patients with a physician recommendation for treatment of a variety of illnesses, including any for which marijuana provides relief. In 2003, Senate Bill 420 was signed into law establishing an optional identification card system for medical marijuana patients.
In September 2015, the California legislature passed three bills collectively known as the Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act(“MCRSA”). The MCRSA established a licensing and regulatory framework for medical marijuana businesses in California. In November 2016, voters in California overwhelmingly passed Proposition 64, the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (“AUMA”) creating an adult use marijuana program for adults 21 years of age or older. Senate Bill No. 94, known as Medicinal and Adult Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (“MAUCRSA”) in June 2017, amalgamating MCRSA and AUMA to provide a single set of regulations to govern a medical and adult use licensing. MAUCRSA went into effect on January 1, 2018.
The three agencies that regulate cannabis at the state level are: (a) the California Department of Food and Agriculture, via CalCannabis, which issues licenses to cannabis cultivators; (b) the California Department of Public Health, via the Manufactured Cannabis Safety Branch, which issues licenses to cannabis manufacturers; and (c) the California Department of Consumer Affairs, via the Bureau of Cannabis Control, which issues licenses to cannabis distributors, testing laboratories, retailers and micro-businesses.
California License and Regulations
In order to legally operate a medical or adult use cannabis business in California, the operator must have both a local and state license. This requires license holders to operate in cities with cannabis licensing programs. Municipalities in California are allowed to determine the number of licenses they will issue to cannabis operators or can choose to ban cannabis businesses outright.
There are three principal license categories in California: (1) cultivation, (2) processing and (3) retailer.
Cultivation licenses permit commercial cannabis cultivation activity involving the planting, growing, harvesting, drying, curing, grading or trimming of cannabis. Such licenses further permit the production, labeling and packaging of a limited number of non-manufactured cannabis products and permit the licensee to sell cannabis to certain licensed entities (both medical and adult use licensees) within the State of California for resale or manufacturing purposes.
Processing licenses authorize manufacturers to process marijuana biomass into certain value-added products with the use of volatile or non-volatile solvents, depending on the license type.
Retailer licenses permit the sale of cannabis and cannabis products to both medical patients and adult use customers. Only certified physicians may provide medicinal marijuana recommendations. An adult use retailer license permits the sale of cannabis and cannabis products to any adult 21 years of age or older.
In 2021, we opened our first California retail operation in Pasadena. We have also been granted a conditional license, permitting us to pursue a second retail location.
We follow all regulatory requirements regarding the reporting of inventory movement and sale, as well as all other data reporting and record retention requirements mandated by California.
See Appendix A to this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a list of the licenses and conditional licenses issued to us with respect to our operations in California.
Colorado
On November 7, 2000, Colorado voters approved Amendment 20, which amended the state constitution to allow the use of marijuana in the state by approved patients with written medical consent. Conditions.
Amendment 64 passed on November 6, 2012, which amended the state constitution to establish a cannabis program in Colorado and permit the commercial cultivation, manufacture and sale of marijuana to adults 21 years of age or older. The commercial sale of marijuana for adult use to the general public began on January 1, 2014.
Colorado License and Regulations
In Colorado, cannabis businesses must comply with local licensing requirements in addition to state licensing requirements in order to operate. Colorado localities are allowed to limit or prohibit the operation of marijuana cultivation facilities, product manufacturing facilities or retail dispensary facilities.
There are three principal license categories in Colorado: (1) cultivation, (2) product manufacturer and (3) medical center/retail store. Each facility is authorized to engage only in the type of activity for which it is licensed.
We do not have any licenses in the State of Colorado. We have licensing and distribution contracts with third parties that hold licenses to engage in the sale of cannabis in Colorado for incredibles and Beboe branded cannabis products. Such third parties directly engage in or arrange for the sourcing, manufacturing, laboratory testing, quality assurance, storage, marketing, sales, distribution and delivery of products containing cannabis and remit licensing fees to us. See Item 1 - “Intellectual Property Patents and Trademarks” for details on licenses with respect to operations in Colorado.
Regulations for the production and sale of marijuana in Colorado are published through the Marijuana Enforcement Division of the Department of Revenue.
Connecticut
Connecticut’s medical cannabis program was introduced in May 2012 when the General Assembly passed legislation PA 12-55 “An Act Concerning the Palliative Use of Marijuana,” providing for the use of marijuana in the state by approved patients with written consent from a physician or advanced practice nurse. On July 1, 2021, PA 21-1 went into effect, allowing for the purchase and use of cannabis by any adult over the age of 21. Adult use retail sales are not expected to begin until late 2022.
Connecticut Licenses and Regulations
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection has issued regulations regarding the Medical Marijuana Program in Connecticut.
There are two principal medical marijuana license categories in Connecticut: (1) cultivation/processing and (2) dispensary. We are licensed to operate one medical marijuana cultivation/processing facility and three medical marijuana dispensaries. All licenses are, as of the date hereof, active with the State of Connecticut. The licenses are independently issued for each approved activity for use at our facilities in Connecticut.
Medical marijuana cultivation/processing licenses permit us to operate a secure, indoor facility to cultivate and process medical marijuana and wholesale to dispensaries.
Medical marijuana dispensary facility licenses qualify a dispensary to purchase medical cannabis from licensed medical cannabis producers and to dispense cannabis to qualifying patients or primary caregivers that are registered under the Medical Marijuana Program in Connecticut. Dispensaries must have a pharmacist on staff.
We follow all regulatory requirements regarding the reporting of inventory movement and sale, as well as all other data reporting and record retention requirements mandated by Connecticut.
See Appendix A to this Annual Report for a list of the licenses issued to us with respect to our operations in Connecticut.
Florida
In 2016, the Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative was introduced by citizen referendum and passed on November 8. This language, known as “Amendment 2,” amended the state constitution and mandated an expansion of the state’s medical cannabis program, which was previously limited to patients suffering from a diagnosed terminal condition.
Amendment 2, and the resulting expansion of qualifying medical conditions, became effective on January 3, 2017. On June 9, 2017, the Florida House of Representatives and Florida Senate passed respective legislation to implement the expanded program, which officially became law on June 23, 2017.
Florida Licenses and Regulations
There is one principal license category in Florida: the vertically-integrated Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers license. We are licensed to operate one medical cannabis cultivation/processing facility and medical cannabis dispensaries. All licenses are, as of the date hereof, active with the State of Florida. The licenses are independently issued for each approved activity for use at our facilities in Florida, meaning that the cultivation/processing facility is licensed and each of the medical cannabis dispensaries is individually licensed.
Licenses are issued by the Florida Department of Heath, Office of Medical Marijuana Use. License holders can only own one license. Currently, the dispensaries can be in any geographic location within the state, provided that the local municipality’s zoning regulations authorize such a use, the proposed site is zoned for a pharmacy and the site is not within 500 feet of a church or school.
As our operations in Florida are vertically-integrated, we are able to cultivate, harvest, process and sell/dispense/deliver its own medical cannabis products. Under the terms of our Florida license, we are permitted to sell medical cannabis only to qualified medical patients that are registered with the State. Only certified physicians who have successfully completed a medical cannabis educational program can register patients on the Florida Office of Compassionate Use Registry.
We follow all regulatory requirements regarding the reporting of inventory movement and sale, as well as all other data reporting and record retention requirements mandated by Florida.
See Appendix A to this Annual Report for a list of the licenses issued to us with respect to our operations in Florida.
Illinois
In 2013, the Illinois General Assembly passed the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act, which went into effect on January 1, 2014, allowing the use of marijuana in the state by approved patients with written medical consent. In June 2019, the Governor signed legislation legalizing cannabis for adult use. The Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, legalizing and regulating cannabis for recreational use, went into effect on June 25, 2019, and adult use sales of cannabis began in the state on January 1, 2020. The adult use program allowed existing medical cannabis license holders to apply for Early Approval Adult Use Dispensing Organization licenses to be able to sell adult use product at existing medical cannabis dispensaries (known as “co-located” or “same site” dispensaries) beginning on January 1, 2020, and to have the privilege of opening a secondary adult use only retail site for every medical cannabis dispensary location the Dispensing Organization already had in its portfolio. The Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act also authorized issuance of an additional 185 Conditional Adult Use Dispensing Organization licenses in 2021 but to date the awarding of those licenses has been stayed by court order. As of December 31, 2021, the awarding of new, smaller-scale cultivation licenses was also delayed by court order.
Illinois Licenses and Regulations
Illinois licenses four types of cannabis businesses within the state: (1) cultivation (includes processing); (2) infusing; (3) transportation; and (4) dispensary. Dispensaries are regulated by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation; the remainder are regulated by the Department of Agriculture. We are licensed to grow and process cannabis for medical and adult use sales at our two cultivation facilities. Dispensaries require separate licenses for adult use sales and medical sales. The dispensaries with “secondary” licenses by law serve only adult use customers, not medical patients.
The cultivation/processing licenses permit us to acquire, possess, cultivate, manufacture/process into edible marijuana products and/or marijuana-infused products, have tested, supply and sell marijuana and related supplies to marijuana dispensaries.
The retail dispensary licenses permit us to purchase marijuana and marijuana products from cultivation/processing facilities, as well as allow the sale of marijuana and marijuana products.
As of December 31, 2021, we have ten operating dispensaries in Illinois which is the statutory cap, operating under 15 licenses. All licenses are, as of the date hereof, active with the State of Illinois. The licenses are independently issued for each approved activity for use at our facilities in Illinois.
We follow all regulatory requirements regarding the reporting of inventory movement and sale, as well as all other data reporting and record retention requirements mandated by Illinois.
See Appendix A to this Annual Report for a list of the licenses issued us with respect to our operations in Illinois.
Maryland
In 2012, a state law was enacted in Maryland to establish a state-regulated medical marijuana program. Legislation was signed in May 2013 and the program became operational on December 1, 2017. The Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission regulates the state program, which allows the use of marijuana in the state by approved patients with written medical consent.
Maryland Licenses and Regulations
There are three principal license categories in Maryland: (1) cultivation, (2) processing and (3) dispensary. We own one cultivation license, one processing license and three retail dispensaries. All licenses are, as of the date hereof, active with the State of Maryland. The licenses are independently issued for each approved activity for use at the Company facilities in Maryland. We also have a contract to manage another dispensary and a call option to acquire 100% of the equity interests in that dispensary in 2022.
The medical cultivation licenses permit us to acquire, possess, cultivate, deliver, transfer, have tested, transport, supply or sell marijuana and related supplies to medical marijuana dispensaries, facilities for the production of medical marijuana products and/or medical marijuana-infused products or other medical marijuana cultivation facilities.
The medical processing license permits us to acquire, possess, manufacture, deliver, transfer, transport, supply, or sell marijuana products or marijuana infused products to other medical marijuana production facilities or medical marijuana dispensaries.
The retail dispensary licenses permit us to purchase marijuana from cultivation facilities, marijuana and marijuana products from product manufacturing facilities and marijuana from other medical marijuana dispensaries, as well as allow the sale of marijuana and marijuana products.
We follow all regulatory requirements regarding the reporting of inventory movement and sale, as well as all other data reporting and record retention requirements mandated by Maryland.
See Appendix A to this Annual Report for a list of the licenses issued to us with respect to our operations in Maryland.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts legalized medical marijuana when voters passed a ballot initiative in 2012. The law took effect on January 1, 2023. Adult use marijuana became legal in Massachusetts as of December 15, 2016, following a ballot initiative in November 2016. In September 2017, the Cannabis Control Commission was established to regulate medical and adult use of marijuana in the state.
Massachusetts Licenses and Regulations
On the medical side, there is one principal license category in Massachusetts: a vertically-integrated Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (“MTC”) license. WMTCs grow, process and dispense their own marijuana. On the adult use side, there are many license categories, but the two principal ones are Marijuana Cultivator and Marijuana Establishment (dispensary).
The Cannabis Control Commission, a regulatory body created in 2018, oversees the medical and adult use programs, including licensing of cultivation, processing and dispensary facilities. Licensed medical dispensaries are given priority status in adult use licensing.
We have had an MTC in Massachusetts since 2018, with a cultivation facility in Holyoke and a medical/adult use dispensary in Amherst. With the acquisition of MTC Liberty Compassion, Inc. in 2021, we are licensed to operate two medical MTCs, including two cultivation/processing facilities and three retail dispensaries. All licenses are, as of the date hereof, active with the State of Massachusetts. The licenses are independently issued for each approved activity for use at our facilities in Massachusetts. On the adult use side, we acquired GreenStar in 2021, which operates three dispensaries, bringing our adult-use operations in Massachusetts to one cultivation center and four dispensaries.
We follow all regulatory requirements regarding the reporting of inventory movement and sale, as well as all other data reporting and record retention requirements mandated by Massachusetts.
See Appendix A to this Annual Report for a list of the licenses issued to us with respect to our operations in Massachusetts.
Minnesota
In 2014, Minnesota created a medical marijuana program for patients with qualifying medical conditions upon physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner recommendation. While it is one of the stricter medical cannabis programs in the country, the list of qualifying conditions expanded over the years, including the addition of chronic pain in 2020. And while the forms of cannabis products available for purchase are limited, regulators announced in 2021 that edibles and smokable flower would be added to the list of approved products in 2022.
Minnesota License and Regulations
There is one category of licensure in Minnesota: medical cannabis manufacturer, which can grow, process and dispense medical cannabis.
A medical cannabis manufacturer is an entity registered with the Commissioner of Health that can cultivate, acquire, manufacturer, possess, prepare, transfer, transport, supply, and dispense medical cannabis.
The main regulatory body for marijuana is the Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Medical Cannabis.
In December 2021, we acquired LeafLine Industries, one of only two licensed medical cannabis manufacturer licenses in Minnesota, which came with a cultivation facility, five operating dispensaries and the right to open three additional dispensaries.
We follow all regulatory requirements regarding the reporting of inventory movement and sale, as well as all other data reporting and record retention requirements mandated by Minnesota.
See Appendix A to this Annual Report for a list of the licenses issued to us with respect to our operations in Minnesota.
Nevada
Nevada became a medical marijuana state in 2001. In 2013, the Nevada legislature passed SB374, providing for state licensing of medical marijuana establishments. On November 8, 2016, Nevada voters passed NRS 435D by ballot initiative allowing for the sale of marijuana for adult use starting on July 1, 2017. On June 12, 2019, the laws were revised, creating the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board to oversee administration of the program. The new laws also provided that each marijuana establishment must obtain a license from its local jurisdiction as well as the state.
Nevada Licenses and Regulations
There are three principal license categories in Nevada: (1) cultivation, (2) processing and (3) dispensary. We are licensed to operate two medical and adult use cultivation facilities, three medical and adult use processing facilities, five medical dispensary licenses and up to 13 adult use retail locations. All licenses are, as of the date hereof, active with the State of Nevada. The licenses are independently issued for each approved activity for use at our facilities in Nevada.
The cultivation licenses permit us to acquire, possess, cultivate, deliver, transfer, have tested, transport, supply or sell marijuana and related supplies to marijuana dispensaries, facilities for the production of edible marijuana products and/or marijuana-infused products or other marijuana cultivation facilities.
The processing license permits us to acquire, possess, manufacture, deliver, transfer, transport, supply or sell edible marijuana products or marijuana infused products to other marijuana production facilities or marijuana dispensaries.
The retail dispensary licenses permit us to purchase marijuana from cultivation facilities, marijuana and marijuana products from product manufacturing facilities and marijuana from other retail stores, as well as allow the sale of marijuana and marijuana products.
We follow all regulatory requirements regarding the reporting of inventory movement and sale, as well as all other data reporting and record retention requirements mandated by Nevada.
See Appendix A to this Annual Report for a list of the licenses issued to us with respect to our operations in Nevada.
New Jersey
On January 18, 2010, the governor of New Jersey signed into law S.119, the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act, permitting the use of medical cannabis with physician approval. The Compassionate Use of Medical Marijuana Act mandates that cannabis must be acquired through Alternative Treatment Centers licensed by the State. New Jersey’s adult use cannabis law went into effect in 2021, and the state began accepting applications for adult use licenses at the end of the year.
A single Alternative Treatment Centers license allows for the cultivation, processing and dispensing of medical marijuana products. Originally, each Alternative Treatment Centers was permitted to open one dispensary. With the Executive Order 6 Report, each Alternative Treatment Center can now open two additional satellite dispensaries within their New Jersey Department of Health-designated region for a total of three dispensaries each, as well as satellite production facilities, subject to regulatory approval.
On July 2, 2019, Governor Phil Murphy signed the Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act into law, which amended the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act. Previously, New Jersey law only permitted applicants to apply for vertically-integrated licenses. Under the Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act, the permit process includes three different permit types. The new permit types are medical cannabis cultivator, dispensary and manufacturer permits, which are to be applied for individually. The vertically-integrated Alternative Treatment Centers will continue to be able to cultivate, manufacture and dispense medical cannabis.
After voters approved a ballot measure in November 2019, Governor Phil Murphy signed three bills into law in 2021 that establish an adult use program in New Jersey for adults who are at least 21 years old. New Jersey adult use sales are expected to begin during 2022.
New Jersey Licenses and Regulations
The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission is responsible for regulating cannabis in New Jersey.
We are licensed to operate one medical cultivation and processing facility and three retail medical cannabis dispensaries in the state of New Jersey. All licenses are, as of the date hereof, active with the State of New Jersey. The licenses are independently issued for each approved activity for use at our facilities in New Jersey. Our medical cannabis licenses will allow us to participate in the adult use program once that program is operational, provided we notify the CRC of our intent, prove that we have adequate supply to meet the reasonably anticipated needs of medical cannabis patients, and receive approval from the municipalities where we are located.
We follow all regulatory requirements regarding the reporting of inventory movement and sale, as well as all other data reporting and record retention requirements mandated by New Jersey.
See Appendix A to this Annual Report for a list of the licenses issued to us with respect to our operations in New Jersey.
New York
In July 2014, the New York Legislature and Governor enacted the Compassionate Care Act to provide a comprehensive, safe and effective medical marijuana program. The Compassionate Care Act provides access to the program for those who suffer from qualifying conditions and have a physician's recommendation. The program allows ten Registered Organizations to hold vertically-integrated licenses and service qualified patients and caregivers. Each Registered Organization has one cultivation/processing license and four dispensary licenses.
Only registered pharmacists can dispense medical marijuana to approved patients and caregivers. New York legislators legalized adult use cannabis in 2021, and the newly formed New York Office of Cannabis Management is promulgating rules and regulations. Adult use sales are not expected to begin until the end of 2022 or 2023.
New York Licenses and Regulations
The Office of Cannabis Management is the regulatory agency that oversees the medical marijuana program in New York. There is currently one principal license category in New York: vertically integrated license. The state also allows license holders to wholesale manufactured products to one another. We are licensed to operate one medical marijuana cultivation/manufacturing facility and four medical marijuana dispensaries. All licenses are, as of the date hereof, active with the State of New York. The licenses are independently issued for each approved activity for use at our facilities in New York.
We follow all regulatory requirements regarding the reporting of inventory movement and sale, as well as all other data reporting and record retention requirements mandated by New York.
See Appendix A to this Annual Report for a list of the licenses issued to us with respect to our operations in New York.
Ohio
House Bill 523, effective on September 8, 2016, legalized medical marijuana in Ohio. The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program allows people with certain medical conditions, upon the recommendation of an Ohio-licensed physician certified by the State Medical Board, to purchase and use medical marijuana. In November 2018, the state issued 12 ‘Level I’ cultivation licenses, which permit up to 25,000 square feet of canopy, and 12 ‘Level II’ cultivation licenses, which permit up to 3,000 square feet of canopy. In June 2018, the state issued 56 dispensary licenses. Subsequently, additional licenses have been granted.
Under the program rules, the Board will consider, on at least a biennial basis, whether enough medical marijuana dispensaries exist, considering the state population, the number of patients seeking to use medical marijuana and the geographic distribution of dispensary sites. More licenses may be issued based on those findings.
Ohio License and Regulations
There are three principal license categories in Ohio: (1) cultivation, (2) processing and (3) dispensary. We are licensed to operate one medical marijuana cultivation facility, one medical marijuana processing facility and up to five retail medical marijuana dispensaries in the state of Ohio. All licenses are, as of the date hereof, active with the State of Ohio. The licenses are independently issued for each approved activity for use at our facilities in Ohio.
The three following state government agencies are responsible for the operation of Ohio’s Medical Marijuana Control Program: (1) the Ohio Department of Commerce oversees medical marijuana cultivators, processors and testing laboratories; (2) the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy oversees medical marijuana retail dispensaries, the registration of medical marijuana patients and caregivers, the approval of new forms of medical marijuana and coordinating the Medical Marijuana Advisory Committee; and (3) the State Medical Board of Ohio certifies physicians to recommend medical marijuana and may add to the list of qualifying conditions for which medical marijuana can be recommended.
The medical cultivation licenses permit us to acquire, possess, cultivate, manufacture/process into medical marijuana products, deliver, transfer, have tested, transport, supply or sell marijuana and related supplies to medical marijuana dispensaries. The medical processor license permits us to manufacture and produce medical marijuana products.
The dispensary licenses will permit us to purchase marijuana and marijuana products from cultivation and/or processing facilities, as well as allow the sale of marijuana and marijuana products to registered patients.
See Appendix A to this Annual Report for a list of the licenses issued to us with respect to our operations in Ohio.
Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania medical marijuana program was signed into law on April 17, 2016 under Act 16 and provided access to state residents with qualifying conditions. The state originally awarded only 12 licenses to cultivate/process and 27 licenses to operate retail dispensaries (which entitled holders to up to three medical dispensary locations per retail license). Subsequently, additional licenses have been granted.
Pennsylvania Licenses and Regulations
There are two principal license categories in Pennsylvania: (1) cultivation/processing and (2) dispensary. Our subsidiary GTI Pennsylvania, LLC is licensed to operate a medical cultivation/processing facility and is also licensed to operate medical retail locations. Our subsidiary KW Ventures Holdings, LLC is also licensed to operate medical retail locations. All licenses are, as of the date hereof, active with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The licenses are independently issued for each approved activity for use at our facilities in Pennsylvania.
All cultivation/processing establishments and dispensaries must register with the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Under applicable laws, the licenses permit the license holder to cultivate, manufacture, process, package, sell and purchase medical marijuana pursuant to the terms of the licenses, which are issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health under the provisions of Medical Marijuana Act and Pennsylvania regulations.
The medical cultivation/processing licenses permit us to acquire, possess, cultivate, manufacture/process into medical marijuana products and/or medical marijuana-infused products, deliver, transfer, have tested, transport, supply or sell marijuana and related supplies to medical marijuana dispensaries.
The retail dispensary licenses permit the Company to purchase marijuana and marijuana products from cultivation/processing facilities, as well as allow the sale of marijuana and marijuana products.
We follow all regulatory requirements regarding the reporting of inventory movement and sale, as well as all other data reporting and record retention requirements mandated by Pennsylvania.
See Appendix A to this Annual Report for a list of the licenses issued to us with respect to our operations in Pennsylvania.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island legalized medical marijuana in 2006. Under this law, Rhode Island offers medical marijuana registration cards for patients with qualifying conditions and physician approval.
Rhode Island Licensure and Regulations
There are two categories of licensure in Rhode Island: compassion center (which can cultivate) and cultivator. As of December 31, 2021, there are three operating compassion centers in the state, and five more received approval to operate in 2021.
A compassion center is licensed by Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, Office of Cannabis Regulation, to acquire, possess, cultivate, manufacture, deliver, transfer, transport, supply, or dispense medical marijuana, or related supplies and educational materials, to registered qualifying patients and their registered primary caregivers or authorized purchasers, or out-of-state patient cardholders or other marijuana establishment licensee.
In 2021, we acquired Mobley Pain Management and Wellness Center, LLC and Canwell Processing, LLC, which both held management agreements with Summit Medical Compassion Center, Inc., a non-profit corporation with cultivation and retail operations. Summit operates one of the three currently operating (as of December 31, 2021) dispensaries in the state.
We follow all regulatory requirements regarding the reporting of inventory movement and sale, as well as all other data reporting and record retention requirements mandated by Rhode Island.
See Appendix A to this Annual Report for a list of the licenses issued to us with respect to our operations in Rhode Island.
Virginia
In 2017, Virginia passed a law that allowed patients suffering from intractable epilepsy access to cannabidiol (“CBD”) or THC-A oil. In 2018, this law was significantly expanded, which allowed any medical condition to qualify with state-certified physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant recommendation. The next year, the law was amended to allow for higher potency THC. In February 2021, cannabis was legalized for adult use. Adult-use retail sales will not begin until 2024.
Virginia License and Regulations
There are currently two principal license categories in Virginia: (1) pharmaceutical processing and (2) dispensing. The primary regulatory body for cannabis is the Virginia Department of Health Professions: Board of Pharmacy. A pharmaceutical processor must obtain a permit from the Board of Pharmacy. A pharmaceutical processor can cultivate cannabis plants intended only for the production of cannabis oil, botanical cannabis, and usable cannabis, produces cannabis products, and dispenses cannabis products to a registered patient, his registered agent, or, if such patient is a minor or an incapacitated adult.
A cannabis dispensing facility means a facility that has obtained a permit from the Board of Pharmacy. A cannabis dispensing facility is owned, at least in part, by a pharmaceutical processor; and can dispense cannabis products produced by a pharmaceutical processor to a registered patient, his registered agent, or, if such patient is a minor or an incapacitated adult.
In 2021, we acquired a pharmaceutical processor and one operating dispensary. We opened one additional dispensary in August 2021 two additional dispensaries in February 2022 and have the right to open two more dispensaries pending regulatory approval.
We follow all regulatory requirements regarding the reporting of inventory movement and sale, as well as all other data reporting and record retention requirements mandated by Virginia.
See Appendix A to this Annual Report for a list of the licenses issued to us with respect to our operations in Virginia.
State License Renewal Requirements
For each of our provisional and operational licenses, the states impose strict license renewal requirements that vary state by state. We generally must complete the renewal application process within a prescribed period of time prior to the expiration date and pay an application fee. The state licensing body can deny or revoke licenses and renewals for a variety of reasons, including (a) submission of materially inaccurate, incomplete or fraudulent information, (b) failure of the company or any of its directors or officers to comply, or have a history of non-compliance, with any applicable law or regulation, including laws relating to minimum age of customers, safety and non-diversion of cannabis or cannabis products, taxes, child support, workers compensation and insurance coverage, or failure to otherwise remain in good standing (c) failure to submit or implement a plan of correction for any identified violation, (d) attempting to assign registration to another entity without state approval, (e) insufficient financial resources, (f) committing, permitting, aiding or abetting of any illegal practices in the operation of a facility, (g) failure to cooperate or give information to relevant law enforcement related to any matter arising out of conduct at a licensed facility and (h) lack of responsible operations, as evidenced by negligence, disorderly or unsanitary facilities or permitting a person to use a registration card belonging to another person. Certain jurisdictions also require licensees to attend a public hearing or forum in connection with their license renewal application.
Newly Established Legal Regime
Our business activities rely on newly established and/or developing laws and regulations in the states in which we operate. These laws and regulations are rapidly evolving and subject to change with minimal notice. Regulatory changes may adversely affect our profitability or cause us to cease operations entirely. The cannabis industry may come under further scrutiny by the Food and Drug Administration, the SEC, the Department of Justice, the Financial Industry Regulatory Advisory and other regulatory authorities that supervise or regulate the production, distribution, sale and use of cannabis for medical and nonmedical purposes in the United States. It is impossible to determine the extent of the impact of new laws, regulations or initiatives that may be proposed. The regulatory uncertainty surrounding the industry may adversely affect our business and operations, including without limitation, the costs to remain compliant with applicable laws and the impairment of our business or the ability to raise additional capital.
Available Information
Our website address is www.gtigrows.com. Through this website, our filings with the SEC, including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports, will be accessible (free of charge) as soon as reasonably practicable after materials are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. The information provided on our website is not part of this document.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Summary of Risk Factors
Our business is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties of which you should be aware before making a decision to invest in our Subordinate Voting Shares. This summary does not address all of the risks that we face. Additional discussion of the risks summarized in this risk factor summary; and other risks we face, can be found below under the heading “Risk Factors” and should be carefully considered, together with other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other filings with the SEC, before making a decision to invest in our Subordinate Voting Shares. These risks include, among others, the following:
•Cannabis remains illegal under U.S. federal law, and enforcement of cannabis laws could change.
•We may be subject to action by the U.S. federal government.
•State regulation of cannabis is uncertain.
•We may be subject to heightened scrutiny by Canadian regulatory authorities.
•We may face limitations on ownership of cannabis licenses.
•We may become subject to Food and Drug Administration or Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives regulation.
•Cannabis businesses are subject to applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations and have restricted access to banking and other financial services.
•We may face difficulties acquiring additional financing.
•We lack access to U.S. bankruptcy protections.
•We operate in a highly regulated sector and may not always succeed in complying fully with applicable regulatory requirements in all jurisdictions where we carry on business.
•We may face difficulties in enforcing our contracts.
•We have limited trademark protection.
•Cannabis businesses are subject to unfavorable U.S. tax treatment.
•Cannabis businesses may be subject to civil asset forfeiture.
•We are subject to proceeds of crime statutes.
•We face exposure to fraudulent or illegal activity.
•Our use of joint ventures, strategic partnerships and alliances may expose us to risks associated with jointly owned investments.
•We face risks due to industry immaturity or limited comparable, competitive or established industry best practices.
•We face risks related to our products.
•We are dependent on the popularity of consumer acceptance of our brand portfolio.
•Our business is subject to the risks inherent in agricultural operations.
•We may be adversely impacted by rising or volatile energy costs.
•We face risks related to our information technology systems and potential cyber-attacks and security breaches.
•We face an inherent risk of product liability and similar claims.
•Our products may be subject to product recalls.
•We may face unfavorable publicity or consumer perception.
•Our voting control is concentrated.
•Our capital structure and voting control may cause unpredictability.
•Sales of substantial amounts of Subordinate Voting Shares by our existing shareholders in the public market may have an adverse effect on the market price of the Subordinate Voting Shares.
•We are governed by the corporate laws in British Columbia, Canada which in some cases have a different effect on shareholders than the corporate laws in Delaware, United States.
Risk Factors
Certain factors may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Investing in our shares involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the following risks, together with all of the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the sections titled “Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Any of the following risks could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results, or prospects and could cause the trading price of our common stock to decline, which would cause you to lose all or part of your investment. Our business, financial condition, operating results, or prospects could also be harmed by risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently do not believe are material.
Risks Related to Our Business
Cannabis remains illegal under U.S. federal law, and enforcement of cannabis laws could change.
Cannabis is illegal under U.S. federal law. In those states in which the use of cannabis has been legalized, its use remains a violation of federal law pursuant to the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. § 811). The Controlled Substances Act classifies cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance, and as such, medical and adult use cannabis use is illegal under U.S. federal law. Unless and until Congress amends the Controlled Substances Act with respect to cannabis (and the President approves such amendment), there is a risk that federal authorities may enforce current federal law. If that occurs, we may be deemed to be producing, cultivating or dispensing cannabis and drug paraphernalia in violation of federal law. Since federal law criminalizing the use of cannabis pre-empts state laws that legalize its use, enforcement of federal law regarding cannabis is a significant risk and would greatly harm our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
Our activities are, and will continue to be, subject to evolving regulation by governmental authorities. We are directly or indirectly engaged in the medical and adult use cannabis industry in the United States where local and state law permits such activities. The legality of the production, cultivation, extraction, distribution, retail sales, transportation and use of cannabis differs among states in the United States. Due to the current regulatory environment in the United States, new risks may emerge, and management may not be able to predict all such risks.
As of December 31, 2021, and despite the clear conflict with U.S. federal law, 36 states, plus the District of Columbia (and the territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands) have legalized cannabis for medical use, while 18 of those states have legalized adult use of cannabis, and the District of Columbia has legalized the adult use but not commercial sale of cannabis. In November 2020, voters in Arizona, Montana, New Jersey and South Dakota voted by referendum to legalize cannabis for adult use, and voters in Mississippi and South Dakota voted to legalized cannabis for medical use. In February 2021, adult use cannabis became legal in New jersey. Adult use cannabis was legalized in New York on month later and in July 2021, Virginia became the first southern state to legalize cannabis for adult use.
Despite this, our activities in the medical and adult use cannabis industry are illegal under the applicable federal laws of the United States. There can be no assurances that the federal government of the United States will not seek to enforce the applicable laws against us. The consequences of such enforcement would be materially adverse to us and our business, including our reputation, profitability and the market price of our publicly traded shares, and could result in the forfeiture or seizure of all or substantially all of our assets.
Due to the conflicting views between state legislatures and the federal government regarding cannabis, cannabis businesses are subject to inconsistent laws and regulations. The Obama Administration attempted to address the inconsistent treatment of cannabis under state and federal law in the Cole Memorandum that Deputy Attorney General James Cole sent to all U.S. Attorneys in August 2013, which outlined certain priorities for the Department of Justice relating to the prosecution of cannabis offenses. The Cole Memorandum noted that, in jurisdictions that have enacted laws legalizing cannabis in some form and that have also implemented strong and effective regulatory and enforcement systems to control the cultivation, processing, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis, conduct in compliance with such laws and regulations was not a prosecution or enforcement priority for the Department of Justice. However, the Department of Justice did not provide (and has not provided since) specific guidelines for what regulatory and enforcement systems would be deemed sufficient under the Cole Memorandum.
On January 4, 2018, then U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions formally rescinded the Cole Memorandum. Despite its recission, as of December 21, 2021, federal prosecutors appear to continue to use the Cole Memorandum's priorities as an enforcement guide. Merrick Garland, who became Attorney General on March 10, 2021, has indicated that he would deprioritize enforcement of low-level cannabis crimes such as possession, and during his congressional testimony in February 2021, Garland stated that the Justice Department would not pursue cases against Americans complying with laws of the states that have legalized and are regulating marijuana. President Joseph R. Biden, who assumed office in January 2021, stated a policy goal of federal cannabis decriminalization, but has not publicly supported the legalization of cannabis.
There have been efforts at reforming federal cannabis law. As of December 21, 2021, there were more than a dozen proposed congressional bills addressing myriad issues regarding the cannabis industry, from banking and tax reform to full legalization. However, none have passed into law.
There does exists a legislative safeguard for the medical cannabis industry, appended for the federal budget bill. For each year since 2015, Congress has adopted a so-called “rider” provision to the Consolidated Appropriations Acts (formerly referred to as the Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment and currently referred to as the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment) to prevent the federal government from using congressionally appropriated funds to enforce federal laws against regulated medical cannabis actors operating in compliance with state and local law. On December 3, 2021, the amendment was renewed through a pair of stopgap spending bill, with the most recent extension effective through February 18, 2022.
The Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment may or may not be renewed as part of a subsequent stopgap spending bill or omnibus appropriations package. If the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment is not renewed, potential proceedings could involve significant restrictions being imposed upon us or third parties and divert the attention of key executives. Such proceedings could also have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition, as well our reputation, even if such proceedings were concluded successfully in our favor.
The uncertainty of U.S. federal enforcement practices going forward and the inconsistency between U.S. federal and state laws and regulations present major risks for us.
We may be subject to action by the U.S. federal government.
Since the cultivation, processing, production, distribution and sale of cannabis for any purpose, medical, adult use or otherwise, remain illegal under U.S. federal law, it is possible that we may be forced to cease activities. The U.S. federal government, through, among others, the Department of Justice, its sub-agency the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, has the right to actively investigate, audit and shut down cannabis growing facilities, processors and retailers. The U.S. federal government may also attempt to seize the property of the Company. Any action taken by the Department of Justice, the Drug Enforcement Administration and/or the Internal Revenue Service to interfere with, seize or shut down our operations will have an adverse effect on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
Since federal law criminalizing the use of cannabis pre-empts state laws that legalize its use, the federal government can assert criminal violations of federal law despite state laws permitting the use of cannabis. While it does not appear that federal law enforcement and regulatory agencies are focusing resources on licensed cannabis related businesses that are operating in compliance with state law, the Department of Justice may at any time issue additional guidance that directs federal prosecutors to devote more resources to prosecuting cannabis related businesses. If the Department of Justice under U.S. Attorney General Garland, aggressively pursues financiers or equity owners of cannabis-related businesses, and U.S. Attorneys follow the Department of Justice policies through pursuing prosecutions, then we could face:
(i)seizure of our cash and other assets used to support or derived from our cannabis subsidiaries;
(ii)the arrest of our employees, directors, officers, managers and investors; and
(iii)ancillary criminal violations of the Controlled Substances Act for aiding and abetting, and conspiracy to violate the Controlled Substances Act by providing financial support to cannabis companies that service or provide goods to state-licensed or permitted cultivators, processors, distributors and/or retailers of cannabis.
It is further possible that Department of Justice or an aggressive federal prosecutor could allege that Green Thumb Industries Inc., and our Board, our executive officers and, potentially, our shareholders, “aided and abetted” violations of federal law by providing finances and services to our portfolio cannabis companies. Under these circumstances, federal prosecutors could seek to seize our assets, and to recover the “illicit profits” previously distributed to shareholders resulting from any of our financing or services. In these circumstances, the Company’s operations would cease, shareholders may lose their entire investments and directors, officers and/or shareholders may be left to defend any criminal charges against them at their own expense and, if convicted, be sent to federal prison.
Additionally, there can be no assurance as to the position the Biden administration or any future administration may take on cannabis, and a new administration could decide to enforce federal laws against state-regulated cannabis companies. Any enforcement of current federal cannabis laws could cause significant financial damage to us and our shareholders.
Violations of any federal laws and regulations could result in significant fines, penalties, administrative sanctions, convictions or settlements arising from civil proceedings conducted by either the federal government or private citizens, or criminal charges, including, but not limited to, disgorgement of profits, cessation of business activities or divestiture. These results could have a material adverse effect on us, including, but not limited to, our reputation and ability to conduct business, our holding (directly or indirectly) of cannabis licenses in the United States, the listing of our securities on various stock exchanges, our financial position, operating results, profitability or liquidity or the market price of our Subordinate Voting Shares. In addition, it is difficult to estimate the time or resources that would be needed for the investigation or final resolution of any such matters because: (i) the time and resources that may be needed depend on the nature and extent of any information requested by the authorities involved, and (ii) such time or resources could be substantial.
State regulation of cannabis is uncertain.
There is no assurance that state laws legalizing and regulating the sale and use of cannabis will not be repealed or overturned, or that local governmental authorities will not limit the applicability of state laws within their respective jurisdictions. If the U.S. federal government begins to enforce U.S. federal laws relating to cannabis in states where the sale and use of cannabis is currently legal, or if existing state laws are repealed or curtailed, the Company’s business or operations in those states or under those laws would be materially and adversely affected. Federal actions against any individual or entity engaged in the cannabis industry or a substantial repeal of cannabis related legislation could adversely affect the Company, our business and our assets or investments. Maintaining compliance with complex and ever-changing regulations and laws, including sometimes unclear regulations and laws, can be a difficult task, and a materially compliant business can be found in violation of one or more laws, rules or regulations while remaining materially or substantially compliant with applicable state cannabis laws.
The rulemaking process at the state level that applies to cannabis operators in any state will be ongoing and result in frequent changes. As a result, a compliance program is essential to manage regulatory risk. All operating policies and procedures implemented by the Company are compliance-based and are derived from the state regulatory structure governing ancillary cannabis businesses and their relationships to state-licensed or permitted cannabis operators, if any. Notwithstanding the Company’s efforts and diligence, regulatory compliance and the process of obtaining regulatory approvals can be costly and time-consuming. No assurance can be given that the Company will receive the requisite licenses, permits or cards to continue operating our businesses.
In addition, local laws and ordinances could restrict the Company’s business activity. Although the Company’s operations are legal under the laws of the states in which the Company’s business operate, local governments have the ability to limit, restrict and ban cannabis businesses from operating within their jurisdiction. Land use, zoning, local ordinances and similar laws could be adopted or changed and have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.
Multiple states where medical and/or adult use cannabis is legal have or are considering special taxes or fees on businesses in the marijuana industry. It is uncertain at this time whether other states are in the process of reviewing such additional taxes and fees. The implementation of special taxes or fees could have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
State regulatory agencies may require the Company to post bonds or significant fees.
There is a risk that a greater number of state regulatory agencies will begin requiring entities engaged in certain aspects of the business or industry of legal marijuana to post a bond or significant fees when applying, for example, for a dispensary license or renewal as a guarantee of payment of sales and franchise taxes. The Company is not able to quantify at this time the potential scope of such bonds or fees in the states in which it currently operates or may in the future operate. Any bonds or fees of material amounts could have a negative impact on the ultimate success of the Company’s business.
We may be subject to heightened scrutiny by Canadian regulatory authorities.
Currently, the Company is traded on the CSE and on over-the-counter markets in the United States. The business, operations and investments of the Company in the United States, and any future business, operations or investments, may become the subject of heightened scrutiny by regulators, stock exchanges and other authorities in Canada and the United States. As a result, the Company may be subject to significant direct and indirect interaction with public officials. There can be no assurance that this heightened scrutiny will not in turn lead to the imposition of certain restrictions on the Company’s ability to operate or invest in the United States or any other jurisdiction, in addition to those described herein.
In 2017, there were concerns that the Canadian Depository for Securities Limited, through its subsidiary CDS Clearing and Depository Services Inc. (“CDS”), Canada’s central securities depository (clearing and settling trades in the Canadian equity, fixed income and money markets), would refuse to settle trades for cannabis issuers that have investments in the United States. However, CDS has not implemented this policy.
On February 8, 2018, the Canadian Securities Administrators published Staff Notice 51-352 describing the Canadian Securities Administrators’ disclosure expectations for specific risks facing issuers with cannabis-related activities in the U.S. Staff Notice 51-352 confirms that a disclosure-based approach remains appropriate for issuers with U.S. cannabis-related activities. Staff Notice 51-352 includes additional disclosure expectations that apply to all issuers with U.S. cannabis-related activities, including those with direct and indirect involvement in the cultivation and distribution of cannabis, as well as issuers that provide goods and services to third parties involved in the U.S. cannabis industry.
On February 8, 2018, following discussions with the Canadian Securities Administrators and recognized Canadian securities exchanges, the TMX Group, which is the owner and operator of CDS, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Aequitas NEO Exchange Inc., the CSE, the Toronto Stock Exchange and the TSX Venture Exchange (“TSXV”). The MOU outlines the parties’ understanding of Canada’s regulatory framework applicable to the rules, procedures and regulatory oversight of the exchanges and CDS as it relates to issuers with cannabis-related activities in the United States. The MOU confirms, with respect to the clearing of listed securities, that CDS relies on the Canadian securities exchanges to review the conduct of listed issuers. The MOU notes that securities regulation requires that the rules of each of the exchanges must not be contrary to the public interest and that the rules of each of the exchanges have been approved by the securities regulators. Pursuant to the MOU, CDS will not ban accepting deposits of or transactions for clearing and settlement of securities of issuers with cannabis-related activities in the United States. Even though the MOU indicated that there are no plans to ban the settlement of securities through CDS, there can be no guarantee that this approach to regulation will continue in the future. If such a ban were implemented at a time when Subordinate Voting Shares are listed on a Canadian stock exchange, it would have a material adverse effect on the ability of holders of Subordinate Voting Shares to make and settle trades. In particular, the Subordinate Voting Shares would become highly illiquid until an alternative (if available) was implemented, and investors would have no ability to effect a trade of Subordinate Voting Shares through the facilities of the applicable Canadian stock exchange.
We may face limitations on ownership of cannabis licenses.
In certain states, the cannabis laws and regulations limit not only the number of cannabis licenses issued, but also the number of cannabis licenses that one person or entity may own. Such limitations on the ownership of additional licenses within certain states may limit the Company’s ability to grow in such states. The Company employs joint ventures from time to time to help ensure continued compliance with the applicable regulatory guidelines. Currently, the Company has joint ventures with third parties in Connecticut and Illinois. The Company structures its joint ventures on a case-by-case basis but generally maintains operational control over the joint venture business and a variable economic interest through the applicable governing documents.
We may become subject to Food and Drug Administration or Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives regulation.
Cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance under U.S. federal law. If the federal government reclassifies cannabis to a Schedule II controlled substance, it is possible that the FDA would seek to regulate cannabis under the Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act of 1938. Additionally, 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 the efficacy and safety of cannabis. It is also possible that the FDA would require facilities where medical use cannabis is grown to register with the FDA and comply with certain federally prescribed regulations. In the event that some or all of these regulations are imposed, the impact they would have on the cannabis industry is unknown, including the costs, requirements and possible prohibitions that may be enforced. If the Company is unable to comply with the potential regulations or registration requirements prescribed by the FDA, it may have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
It is also possible that the federal government could seek to regulate cannabis under the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives may issue rules and regulations related to the use, transporting, sale and advertising of cannabis or cannabis products, including smokeless cannabis products.
Cannabis businesses are subject to applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations and have restricted access to banking and other financial services.
We are subject to a variety of laws and regulations in the United States that involve money laundering, financial record-keeping and proceeds of crime, including the U.S. Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, (which we refer to as the Bank Secrecy Act), as amended by Title III of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (which we refer to as the USA Patriot Act), and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by governmental authorities in the United States. Accordingly, pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, banks or other financial institutions that provide a cannabis business with a checking account, debit or credit card, small business loan or any other service could be found guilty of money laundering, aiding and abetting, or conspiracy.
The United States Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, which we refer to as FinCEN, issued a memorandum on February 14, 2014, which we refer to as the FinCEN Memorandum, outlining the pathways for financial institutions to bank cannabis businesses in compliance with federal enforcement priorities. The FinCEN Memorandum states that in some circumstances, it is permissible for banks to provide services to cannabis-related businesses without risking prosecution for violation of federal money laundering laws. The FinCEN Memorandum refers to the Cole Memorandum’s enforcement priorities.
The revocation of the Cole Memorandum has not yet affected the status of the FinCEN Memorandum, nor has FinCEN given any indication that it intends to rescind the FinCEN Memorandum itself. Shortly after the Sessions Memorandum was issued, FinCEN did state that it would review the FinCEN Memorandum, but FinCEN has not yet issued further guidance.
Although the FinCEN Memorandum remains intact, it is unclear whether the Biden administration will continue to follow its guidelines, or what may happen under future administrations. The Department of Justice continues to have the right and power to prosecute crimes committed by banks and financial institutions, such as money laundering and violations of the Bank Secrecy Act, that occur in any state including states that have in some form legalized the sale of cannabis. Further, the conduct of the Department of Justice’s enforcement priorities could change for any number of reasons. A change in the Department of Justice’s priorities could result in the prosecution of banks and financial institutions for crimes that were not previously prosecuted.
If our operations, or proceeds thereof, dividend distributions or profits or revenues derived from our operations were found to be in violation of money laundering legislation or otherwise, such transactions may be viewed as proceeds from a crime (the sale of a Schedule I drug) under the Bank Secrecy Act’s money laundering provisions. This may restrict our ability to declare or pay dividends or effect other distributions.
The FinCEN Memorandum does not provide any safe harbors or legal defenses from examination or regulatory or criminal enforcement actions by the Department of Justice, FinCEN or other federal regulators. Thus, most banks and other financial institutions in the United States do not appear comfortable providing banking services to cannabis-related businesses or relying on this guidance given that it has the potential to be amended or revoked by the current administration. In addition to the foregoing, banks may refuse to process debit card payments and credit card companies generally refuse to process credit card payments for cannabis-related businesses. As a result, we may have limited or no access to banking or other financial services in the United States. In addition, federal money laundering statutes and Bank Secrecy Act regulations discourage financial institutions from working with any organization that sells a controlled substance, regardless of whether the state it operates in permits cannabis sales. Our inability or limitation of our ability to open or maintain bank accounts, obtain other banking services and/or accept credit card and debit card payments may make it difficult for us to operate and conduct our business as planned or to operate efficiently.
In the United States, the “SAFE Banking Act” was adopted by the U.S. House of Representatives, which would grant banks and other financial institutions immunity from federal criminal prosecution for servicing marijuana-related businesses if the underlying marijuana business follows state law. It is unclear whether the U.S. Senate will take up the SAFE Banking Act for a vote. While there is strong support in the public and within Congress for the SAFE Banking Act and similar legislation, there can be no assurance that it will be passed as presently proposed or at all.
In both Canada and the United States, transactions involving banks and other financial institutions are both difficult and unpredictable under the current legal and regulatory landscape. Legislative changes could help to reduce or eliminate these challenges for companies in the cannabis space and would improve the efficiency of both significant and minor financial transactions.
We may face difficulties acquiring additional financing.
We may require equity and/or debt financing to support on-going operations, to undertake capital expenditures or to undertake acquisitions and/or other business combination transactions. There can be no assurance that additional financing will be available to us when needed or on terms which are acceptable. Our inability to raise financing through traditional banking to fund on-going operations, capital expenditures or acquisitions could limit its growth and may have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
We lack access to U.S. bankruptcy protections.
Many courts have denied cannabis businesses bankruptcy protections because the use of cannabis is illegal under federal law. In the event of a bankruptcy, it would be very difficult for lenders to recoup their investments in the cannabis industry. If the Company were to experience a bankruptcy, there is no guarantee that U.S. federal bankruptcy protections would be available to us, which would have a material adverse effect on us.
We operate in a highly regulated sector and may not always succeed in complying fully with applicable regulatory requirements in all jurisdictions where we carry on business.
Our business and activities are heavily regulated in all jurisdictions where we carry on business. Our operations are subject to various laws, regulations and guidelines by state and local governmental authorities relating to the manufacture, marketing, management, transportation, storage, sale, pricing and disposal of cannabis and cannabis oil, and also including laws and regulations relating to health and safety, insurance coverage, the conduct of operations and the protection of the environment. Laws and regulations, applied generally, grant government agencies and self-regulatory bodies broad administrative discretion over our activities, including the power to limit or restrict business activities as well as impose additional disclosure requirements on our products and services. Achievement of our business objectives is contingent, in part, upon compliance with regulatory requirements enacted by these governmental authorities and obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals for the manufacture, production, storage, transportation, sale, import and export, as applicable, of our products. The commercial cannabis industry is still a new industry at the state and local level. 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.
We may face difficulties in enforcing our contracts.
Because our contracts involve cannabis and other activities that are not legal under federal law and in some state jurisdictions, we may face difficulties in enforcing its contracts in federal courts and certain state courts. We cannot be assured that it will have a remedy for breach of contract, which could have a material adverse effect on us.
We have limited trademark protection.
We will not be able to register any federal trademarks for our cannabis products. Because producing, manufacturing, processing, possessing, distributing, selling and using cannabis is a crime under the Controlled Substances Act, the Patent and Trademark Office will not permit the registration of any trademark that identifies cannabis products. As a result, we likely will be unable to protect our cannabis product trademarks beyond the geographic areas in which we conduct business. The use of our trademarks outside the states in which we operate by one or more other persons could have a material adverse effect on the value of such trademarks.
We are and may continue to be subject to constraints on marketing our products.
Certain 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 can hinder the development of the Company’s business and operating results. Restrictions may include regulations that specify what, where and to whom product information and descriptions may appear and/or be advertised. Marketing, advertising, packaging and labeling regulations also vary from state to state, potentially limiting the consistency and scale of consumer branding communication and product education efforts. The regulatory environment in the U.S. limits our ability to compete for market share in a manner similar to other industries. If we are unable to effectively market our products and compete for market share, or if the costs of compliance with government legislation and regulation cannot be absorbed through increased selling prices for our products, our sales and operating results could be adversely affected.
We face risks related to the results of future clinical research.
Research regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, dosing and social acceptance of cannabis or isolated cannabinoids (such as cannabidiol, commonly referred to as CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly referred to as THC) remains in early stages. There have been relatively few clinical trials on the benefits of cannabis or isolated cannabinoids (such as CBD and THC). Although we believe that various articles, reports and studies support our beliefs regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, dosing and social acceptance of cannabis, future research and clinical trials may prove such statements to be incorrect, or could raise concerns regarding, and perceptions relating to, cannabis. Further, the federal illegality of cannabis and associated limits on our ability to properly fund and conduct research on cannabis and the lack of formal Food and Drug Administration oversight of cannabis, there is limited information about the long-term safety and efficacy of cannabis in is various forms, when combusted or combined with various cannabis and/or non-cannabis derived ingredients and materials or when ingested, inhaled or topically applied. Future research or oversight may reveal negative health and safety effects, which may significantly impact our reputation, operations and financial performance.
Given these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, prospective purchasers of Subordinate Voting Shares should not place undue reliance on such articles and reports. Future research studies and clinical trials may draw opposing conclusions to those stated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K or reach negative conclusions regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, dosing, social acceptance or other facts and perceptions related to cannabis, which could have a material adverse effect on the demand for our products, with the potential to have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
We are subject to taxation in Canada and the United States.
We are and will continue to be a Canadian corporation as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We are treated as a Canadian resident company (as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada)) subject to Canadian income taxes. We are also treated as a U.S. corporation subject to U.S. federal income tax pursuant to Section 7874 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (which we refer to as the “IRC”) and are subject to U.S. federal income tax on our income. As a result, we are subject to taxation both in Canada and the United States, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
It is unlikely that we will pay any dividends on the Subordinate Voting Shares in the foreseeable future. However, dividends received by shareholders who are residents of Canada for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) will be subject to U.S. withholding tax. Any such dividends may not qualify for a reduced rate of withholding tax under the Canada-United States tax treaty. In addition, a foreign tax credit or a deduction in respect of foreign taxes may not be available.
Dividends received by U.S. shareholders will not be subject to U.S. withholding tax but will be subject to Canadian withholding tax. Dividends paid by us will be characterized as U.S. source income for purposes of the foreign tax credit rules under the Code. Accordingly, U.S. shareholders generally will not be able to claim a credit for any Canadian tax withheld unless, depending on the circumstances, they have an excess foreign tax credit limitation due to other foreign source income that is subject to a low or zero rate of foreign tax.
Dividends received by shareholders that are neither Canadian nor U.S. shareholders will be subject to U.S. withholding tax and will also be subject to Canadian withholding tax. These dividends may not qualify for a reduced rate of U.S. withholding tax under any income tax treaty otherwise applicable to our shareholders, subject to examination of the relevant treaty. Because the Subordinate Voting Shares are treated as shares of a U.S. domestic corporation, the U.S. gift, estate and generation-skipping transfer tax rules generally apply to a non-U.S. shareholder of Subordinate Voting Shares. Each shareholder should seek tax advice, based on such shareholder’s particular circumstances, from an independent tax advisor.
Cannabis businesses are subject to unfavorable tax treatment.
Under Section 280E of the IRC, no deduction or credit is allowed for any amount paid or incurred during the taxable year in carrying on business if the business (or the activities which comprise the trade or business) consists of trafficking in controlled substances (within the meaning of Schedules I and II of the Controlled Substances Act). The IRS has applied this provision to cannabis operations, prohibiting them from deducting expenses associated with cannabis businesses. Section 280E may have a lesser impact on cannabis cultivation and manufacturing operations. Accordingly, Section 280E has a significant impact on the operations of cannabis companies and an otherwise profitable business may operate at a loss, after taking into account its U.S. income tax expenses.
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.
We are subject to proceeds of crime statutes.
We will be subject to a variety of laws that concern money laundering, financial recordkeeping and proceeds of crime. These include: the Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by Title III of the USA Patriot Act, the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (Canada), the rules and regulations under the Criminal Code of Canada and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by governmental authorities in the United States and Canada.
In the event that any of our license agreements, or any proceeds thereof, in the United States were found to be in violation of money laundering legislation or otherwise, such transactions may be viewed as proceeds of crime under one or more of the statutes noted above, or any other applicable legislation. This could have a material adverse effect on us, among other things, could restrict or otherwise jeopardize our ability to declare or pay dividends, effect other distributions or subsequently repatriate such funds back to Canada.
We face exposure to fraudulent or illegal activity.
We face exposure to the risk that employees, independent contractors or consultants may engage in fraudulent or other illegal activities. Misconduct by these parties could be intentional, reckless and/or negligent conduct. There may be disclosure of unauthorized activities that violate government regulations, manufacturing standards, healthcare laws, abuse laws and other financial reporting laws. Further, it may not always be possible for us to identify and deter misconduct by our employees and other third parties, and the precautions taken by us to detect and prevent these activities may not always be effective. As a result, we could face potential penalties and litigation.
We are a holding company.
We are a holding company and essentially all of our assets are the capital stock of our subsidiaries in our 15 markets, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia. As a result, investors in the Company are subject to the risks attributable to our subsidiaries. As a holding company, we conduct substantially all of our business through our subsidiaries, which generate substantially all of our revenues. Consequently, our cash flows and ability to complete current or desirable future enhancement opportunities are dependent on the earnings of our subsidiaries and the distribution of those earnings to us. The ability of these entities to pay dividends and other distributions depends on their operating results and is subject to applicable laws and regulations, which require that solvency and capital standards be maintained by the subsidiaries and contractual restrictions are contained in the instruments governing their debt. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization of any of our material subsidiaries, holders of indebtedness and trade creditors may be entitled to payment of their claims from the assets of those subsidiaries before us.
Our internal controls over financial reporting may not be effective, and our independent auditors may not be able to certify as to their effectiveness, which could have a significant and adverse effect on our business.
We are subject to various SEC reporting and other regulatory requirements. We have incurred and will continue to incur expenses and, to a lesser extent, diversion of our management’s time in our efforts to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act regarding internal controls over financial reporting. Effective internal controls over financial reporting are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and, together with adequate disclosure controls and procedures, are designed to prevent fraud. Any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation could cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. In addition, any testing by us conducted in connection with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, or the subsequent testing by our independent registered public accounting firm, may reveal deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses or that may require prospective or retrospective changes to our consolidated financial statements or identify other areas for further attention or improvement. Inferior internal controls could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of our Subordinate Voting Shares.
Material acquisitions, dispositions and other strategic transactions involve a number of risks for us.
Material acquisitions, dispositions and other strategic transactions involve a number of risks for us, including: (i) potential disruption of our ongoing business; (ii) distraction of management; (iii) increased financial leverage; (iv) the anticipated benefits and cost savings of those transactions may not be realized or may take longer to realize than anticipated; (v) increased scope and complexity of our operations; and (vi) loss or reduction of control over certain of our assets. Multiple non-material acquisitions, dispositions or strategic transactions that occur on or about the same time, even though not individually material, may present similar risks to the Company.
Additionally, we may issue additional Subordinate Voting Shares in connection with such transactions, which would dilute a shareholder’s holdings in the Company.
The presence of one or more material liabilities of an acquired company that are known, but believed to be immaterial, or unknown to us at the time of acquisition could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition. A strategic transaction may result in a significant change in the nature of our business, operations and strategy. In addition, we may encounter unforeseen obstacles or costs in implementing a strategic transaction or integrating any acquired business into our operations.
We may invest in companies which may not be able to meet anticipated development targets or be successful in the future.
We may make investments in companies with no significant sources of operating cash flow and no revenue from operations, that are in early stages of development, or that have high-risk profiles. Our investments in such companies will be subject to risks and uncertainties that new companies with no or limited operating history may face. In particular, there is a risk that our investment in these companies will not be able to meet anticipated development targets or will not generate revenue at all. If these companies underperform or fail to continue to develop, their businesses may fail, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
Our use of joint ventures may expose us to risks associated with jointly owned investments.
We currently operate parts of our business through joint ventures with other companies, and we may enter into additional joint ventures and strategic alliances in the future. Joint venture investments may involve risks not otherwise present in investments made solely by us, including: (i) we may not control the joint ventures; (ii) our joint venture partners may not agree to distributions that we believe are appropriate; (iii) where we do not have substantial decision-making authority, we may experience impasses or disputes with our joint venture partners on certain decisions, which could require us to expend additional resources to resolve such impasses or disputes, including litigation or arbitration; (iv) our joint venture partners may become insolvent or bankrupt, fail to fund their share of required capital contributions or fail to fulfil their obligations as a joint venture partner; (v) the arrangements governing our joint ventures may contain certain conditions or milestone events that may never be satisfied or achieved; (vi) our joint venture partners may have business or economic interests that are inconsistent with ours and may take actions contrary to our interests; (vii) we may suffer losses as a result of actions taken by our joint venture partners with respect to our joint venture investments; and (viii) it may be difficult for us to exit a joint venture if an impasse arises or if we desire to sell our interest for any reason. Any of the foregoing risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we may, in certain circumstances, be liable for the actions of our joint venture partners.
There can be no assurance that our current and future strategic alliances or expansions of scope of existing relationships will have a beneficial impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We currently have, and may in the future enter into, additional strategic alliances with third parties that we believe will complement or augment our existing business. Our ability to complete strategic alliances is dependent upon, and may be limited by, the availability of suitable candidates and capital. In addition, strategic alliances could present unforeseen integration obstacles or costs, may not enhance our business and may involve risks that could adversely affect us, including significant amounts of management time that may be diverted from operations in order to pursue and complete such transactions or maintain such strategic alliances. Future strategic alliances could result in the incurrence of additional debt, costs and contingent liabilities, and there can be no assurance that future strategic alliances will achieve, or that our existing strategic alliances will continue to achieve, the expected benefits to our business or that we will be able to consummate future strategic alliances on satisfactory terms, if at all. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Competition for the acquisition and leasing of properties suitable for the cultivation, production and sale of medical and adult use cannabis may impede our ability to make acquisitions or increase the cost of these acquisitions, which could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.
We compete for the acquisition of properties suitable for the cultivation, production and sale of medical and adult use cannabis with entities engaged in agriculture and real estate investment activities, including corporate agriculture companies, cultivators, producers and sellers of cannabis. These competitors may prevent us from acquiring and leasing desirable properties, may cause an increase in the price we must pay for properties or may result in us having to lease our properties on less favorable terms than we expect. Our competitors may have greater financial and operational resources than we do and may be willing to pay more for certain assets or may be willing to accept more risk than we believe can be prudently managed. In particular, larger companies may enjoy significant competitive advantages that result from, among other things, a lower cost of capital and enhanced operating efficiencies. Our competitors may also adopt transaction structures similar to ours, which would decrease our competitive advantage in offering flexible transaction terms. In addition, due to a number of factors, including but not limited to potential greater clarity of the laws and regulations governing medical use cannabis by state and federal governments, the number of entities and the amount of funds competing for suitable investment properties may increase, resulting in increased demand and increased prices paid for these properties. If we pay higher prices for properties or enter into leases for such properties on less favorable terms than we expect, our profitability and ability to generate cash flow and make distributions to our stockholders may decrease. Increased competition for properties may also preclude us from acquiring those properties that would generate attractive returns to us.
Our reputation and ability to do business may be negatively impacted by the improper conduct by our business partners, employees or agents.
We depend on third-party suppliers to produce and timely ship our orders. Products purchased from our suppliers are resold to our customers. These suppliers could fail to produce products to our specifications or quality standards and may not deliver units on a timely basis. Any changes in our suppliers to resolve production issues could impact our ability to fulfill orders and could also disrupt our business due to delays in finding new suppliers.
Furthermore, we cannot provide assurance that our internal controls and compliance systems will protect us from acts committed by our employees, agents or business partners in violation of U.S. federal or state or local laws. Any improper acts or allegations could damage our reputation and subject us to civil or criminal investigations and related shareholder lawsuits, could lead to substantial civic and criminal monetary and non-monetary penalties and could cause us to incur significant legal and investigatory fees.
We face risks due to industry immaturity or limited comparable, competitive or established industry best practices.
As a relatively new industry, there are not many established operators in the medical and adult use cannabis industries whose business models we can follow or build upon. Similarly, there is no or limited information about comparable companies available for potential investors to review in making a decision about whether to invest in us.
Shareholders and investors should consider, among other factors, our prospects for success in light of the risks and uncertainties encountered by companies, like us, that are in their early stages. For example, unanticipated expenses and problems or technical difficulties may occur, which may result in material delays in the operation of our business. We may fail to successfully address these risks and uncertainties or successfully implement our operating strategies. If we fail to do so, it could materially harm our business to the point of having to cease operations and could impair the value of the Subordinate Voting Shares to the extent that investors may lose their entire investments.
We face risks related to our products.
We have committed and expect to continue committing significant resources and capital to develop and market existing products and new products and services. These products are relatively untested in the marketplace, and we cannot assure shareholders and investors that we will achieve market acceptance for these products, or other new products and services that we may offer in the future. Moreover, these and other new products and services may be subject to significant competition with offerings by new and existing competitors in the business. In addition, new products and services may pose a variety of challenges and require us to attract additional qualified employees. The failure to successfully develop and market these new products and services could seriously harm our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
We are dependent on the popularity of consumer acceptance of our brand portfolio.
Our ability to generate revenue and be successful in the implementation of our business plan is dependent on consumer acceptance of and demand for our products. Acceptance of our products depends on several factors, including availability, cost, ease of use, familiarity of use, convenience, effectiveness, safety and reliability. If these customers do not accept our products, or if such products fail to adequately meet customers’ needs and expectations, our ability to continue generating revenues could be reduced.
The Company’s business is subject to the risks inherent in agricultural operations.
The Company’s business involves the growing of cannabis, an agricultural product. The Company’s business is subject to the risks inherent in the agricultural business, such as insects, plant diseases and similar agricultural risks. Although the Company’s cultivation is substantially completed indoors under climate control, some cultivation is completed outdoors, and there can be no assurance that natural elements will not have a material adverse effect on any future production.
The Company may be adversely impacted by rising or volatile energy costs.
The Company’s cannabis growing operations consume considerable energy, which makes it vulnerable to rising energy costs. Accordingly, rising or volatile energy costs may adversely affect the business of the Company and our ability to operate profitably.
The Company may encounter unknown environmental risks.
There can be no assurance that the Company will not encounter hazardous conditions, such as asbestos or lead, at the sites of the real estate used to operate our businesses, which may delay the development of our businesses. Climate change or significant weather events may accelerate or exacerbate environmental conditions in ways that adversely affect the business due to potential negative effects on agricultural conditions, increased difficulty in construction projects to support our operations, and ownership or leasing of real property generally. Upon encountering a hazardous condition, work at the facilities of the Company may be suspended. If the Company receives notice of a hazardous condition, it may be required to correct the condition prior to continuing construction. If additional hazardous conditions were present, it would likely delay construction and may require significant expenditure of the Company’s resources to correct the conditions. Such conditions could have a material impact on the investment returns of the Company.
We face risks related to our information technology systems, and potential cyber-attacks and security breaches.
Our operations depend, in part, on how well we and our suppliers protect networks, equipment, information technology, which we refer to as IT, systems and software against damage and threats, including, but not limited to, cable cuts, damage to physical plants, natural disasters, intentional damage and destruction, fire, power loss, hacking, computer viruses, vandalism, fraud and theft. Our operations also depend on the timely maintenance and replacement of network equipment, IT systems and software, as well as pre-emptive expenses to mitigate associated risks. Given the nature of our products and the lack of legal availability outside of channels approved by the federal government, as well as the concentration of inventory in our facilities, there remains a risk of shrinkages, as well as theft. If there was a breach in security and we fell victim to theft, fraud, cyber-attack or robbery, the loss of cannabis plants, cannabis oils, cannabis flowers and cultivation and processing equipment, or if there was a failure or breach in information systems, it could adversely affect our reputation and business continuity. Breaches or other unauthorized access, theft, modification or destruction of confidential patient, customer, employee or other confidential information that is stored in our systems could adversely affect our business.
Additionally, we may store and collect personal information about patients and customers and are responsible for protecting that information from privacy breaches that may occur through procedural or process failure, IT malfunction or deliberate unauthorized intrusions. Any such theft or privacy breach, or one that involved competitively sensitive or other protected information, would have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
We could experience a cyber incident, which generally refers to any intentional attack or an unintentional event that results in unauthorized access to systems to disrupt operations, corrupt data or steal or expose confidential information or intellectual property, or a ransomware attack, which is a type of malicious software that infects a computer and restricts users' access to it until a ransom is paid to unlock it. Any such incident that compromises the information stored on our systems could result in widespread negative publicity, damage to our reputation, a loss of patients and customers, disruption of our business and legal liabilities. If any of our critical suppliers is the subject of a cyber or ransomware attack, we could experience a significant disruption in our supply chain and possibly shortages of key resources.
We are subject to laws, rules and regulations in the United States (such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (which became effective on January 1, 2020) and other jurisdictions relating to the collection, processing, storage, transfer and use of personal data. Our ability to execute transactions and to possess and use personal information and data in conducting our business subjects us to legislative and regulatory burdens that may require us to notify regulators and customers, employees and other individuals of a data security breach. Evolving compliance and operational requirements under the California Consumer Privacy Act and the privacy laws, rules and regulations of other jurisdictions in which we operate impose significant costs that are likely to increase over time. In addition, non-compliance could result in proceedings against us by governmental entities and/or significant fines, could negatively impact our reputation and may otherwise adversely impact our business, financial condition and operating results.
We face risks related to our insurance coverage and uninsurable risks.
Our business is subject to a number of risks and hazards generally, including adverse environmental conditions, accidents, labor disputes, destruction from civil unrest and changes in the regulatory environment. Such occurrences could result in damage to assets, personal injury or death, environmental damage, delays in operations, monetary losses and possible legal liability.
Although we intend to continue to maintain insurance to protect against certain risks in such amounts as we consider to be reasonable, our insurance will not cover all the potential risks associated with our operations. We may also be unable to maintain insurance to cover these risks at economically feasible premiums. Insurance coverage may not continue to be available or may not be adequate to cover any resulting liability. Moreover, insurance against risks such as environmental pollution or other hazards encountered in our operations is not generally available on acceptable terms. We might also become subject to liability for pollution or other hazards which it may not be insured against or which we may elect not to insure against because of premium costs or other reasons. Losses from these events may cause us to incur significant costs that could have a material adverse effect upon our financial performance and results of operations.
We are dependent on key inputs, suppliers and skilled labor and fluctuations in the cost or availability of materials we use in our products and supply chain could negatively affect our results.
The marijuana business is dependent on a number of key inputs and their related costs, including raw materials and supplies related to growing operations, as well as electricity, water and other local utilities. Any significant interruption or negative change in the availability or economics of the supply chain for key inputs, such as the raw material cost of cannabis, materials we use in our products and for the construction and development of our facilities, or natural or other disruptions to power or other utility systems, could materially impact our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects. Some of these inputs may only be available from a single supplier or a limited group of suppliers, or be sourced abroad. If a sole source supplier was to go out of business, we might be unable to find a replacement for such source in a timely manner, or at all. If a sole source supplier were to be acquired by a competitor, that competitor may elect not to sell to us in the future. Manufacturing delays or unexpected transportation delays, particularly from materials we source abroad, can also cause us to incur significantly increased costs. Any of these fluctuations may increase our cost of products and have an adverse effect on our profit margins, results of operations and financial condition. Any inability to secure required supplies and services, or to do so on appropriate terms, could have a materially adverse impact on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
Our ability to compete and grow will be dependent on us having access, at a reasonable cost and in a timely manner, to skilled labor, equipment, parts and components. No assurances can be given that we will be successful in maintaining our required supply of skilled labor, equipment, parts and components. The imposition of government or other vaccination, testing or other health mandates due to COVID-19 or any other similar event may impact our ability to retain current employees and attract new employees. The imposition of vaccine mandates could potentially cause labor shortages if employees refuse to get vaccinated and their employment is terminated, either voluntarily or involuntarily. Managing and tracking vaccination status and ongoing testing, or other health-related protocols for our employees could potentially materially increase our costs, as could addressing inconsistent mandates. This could have an adverse effect on our financial results.
We must attract and maintain key personnel or our business will fail.
Our success is dependent upon the ability, expertise, judgment, discretion and good faith of our senior management and key personnel. We compete with other companies both within and outside the cannabis industry to recruit and retain competent employees. If we cannot maintain qualified employees to meet the needs of our anticipated growth, our business and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
Our sales are difficult to forecast.
As a result of recent and ongoing regulatory and policy changes in the medical and adult use cannabis industries and unreliable levels of market supply, the market data available is limited and unreliable. We must rely largely on our own market research to forecast sales, as detailed forecasts are not generally obtainable from other sources in the states in which our business operates. Additionally, any market research and our projections of estimated total retail sales, demographics, demand and similar consumer research, are based on assumptions from limited and unreliable market data. A failure in the demand for our products to materialize as a result of competition, technological change or other factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We may be subject to growth-related risks.
We may be subject to growth-related risks, including capacity constraints and pressure on our internal systems and controls. Our ability to manage growth effectively will require us to continue to implement and improve our operational and financial systems and to expand, train and manage our employee base. Our inability to deal with this growth may have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
We may be subject to litigation.
We may become party to litigation from time to time in the ordinary course of business, which could adversely affect our business. Should any litigation in which we become involved be determined against us, such a decision could adversely affect our ability to continue operating and the market price for the Subordinate Voting Shares and could potentially use significant resources. Even if we are involved in litigation and win, litigation can redirect significant resources of Green Thumb Industries Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.
We face an inherent risk of product liability claims.
As a distributor of products designed to be ingested by humans, we face an inherent risk of exposure to product liability claims, regulatory action and litigation if our products are alleged to have failed to meet expected standards or to have caused significant loss or injury. In addition, the sale of our products involves the risk of injury to consumers due to tampering by unauthorized third parties or product contamination. Previously unknown adverse reactions resulting from human consumption of our products alone or in combination with other medications or substances could occur. We may be subject to various product liability claims, including, among others, that our products caused injury, illness or death, include inadequate instructions for use or include inadequate warnings concerning possible side effects or interactions with other substances. As an agricultural product, the quality of cannabis is inherently variable, and consumers may raise claims that our quality control or labeling processes have not sufficiently ensured that our grown and manufactured processes are sufficient to meet expected standards. A product liability claim or regulatory action against us could result in increased costs, could adversely affect our reputation with our clients and consumers generally and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. There can be no assurances that we will be able to obtain or maintain product liability insurance on acceptable terms or with adequate coverage against potential liabilities. Such insurance is expensive and may not be available in the future on acceptable terms, or at all. The inability to obtain sufficient insurance coverage on reasonable terms or to otherwise protect against potential product liability claims could prevent or inhibit the commercialization of our potential products.
We may be exposed to infringement or misappropriation claims by third parties, which, if determined adversely to us, could subject us to significant liabilities and other costs.
Our success may depend on our ability to use and develop new extraction technologies, recipes, know-how and new strains of marijuana without infringing the intellectual property rights of third parties. We cannot assure that third parties will not assert intellectual property claims against us. We are subject to additional risks if entities licensing intellectual property to us do not have adequate rights to the licensed materials. If third parties assert copyright or patent infringement or violation of other intellectual property rights against us, we will be required to defend ourselves in litigation or administrative proceedings, which can be both costly and time consuming and may significantly divert the efforts and resources of management personnel. An adverse determination in any such litigation or proceedings to which we may become a party could subject us to significant liability to third parties, require us to seek licenses from third parties, require us to pay ongoing royalties or subject us to injunctions that may prohibit the development and operation of our applications.
Our products may be subject to product recalls.
Manufacturers, distributors and retailers of products are sometimes subject to the recall or return of their products for a variety of reasons, including product defects, such as contamination, unintended harmful side effects or interactions with other substances, packaging safety and inadequate or inaccurate labeling disclosure. If any of our products or products sold at our retail stores are recalled due to an alleged product defect or for any other reason, we could be required to incur the unexpected expense of the recall and any legal proceedings that might arise in connection with the recall. We may lose a significant amount of sales and may not be able to replace those sales at an acceptable margin, if at all. In addition, a product recall may require significant management attention. Although we have detailed procedures in place for testing our products and requiring compliant labeling of third-party products we sell, there can be no assurance that any quality, potency or contamination problems will be detected in time to avoid unforeseen product recalls, regulatory action or lawsuits. Additionally, if any of our brands were subject to recall, our image and the image of that brand could be harmed. A recall for any of the foregoing reasons could lead to decreased demand for our products and could have a material adverse effect on the results of our operations and financial condition. Additionally, product recalls may lead to increased scrutiny of our operations by the Food and Drug Administration, or other regulatory agencies, requiring further management attention and potential legal fees and other expenses.
We may face unfavorable publicity or consumer perception.
Management believes the medical and adult use cannabis industry is highly dependent upon consumer perception regarding the safety, efficacy and quality of the cannabis produced. Consumer perception of our products may be significantly influenced by scientific research or findings, regulatory investigations, litigation, media attention and other publicity regarding the consumption of cannabis products. There can be no assurance that future scientific research, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention or other research findings or publicity will be favorable to the cannabis market or any particular product, or consistent with earlier publicity. Future research reports, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention or other publicity that is perceived as less favorable than, or questions earlier research reports, findings or publicity could have a material adverse effect on the demand for our products. Our dependence upon consumer perceptions means that such adverse reports, whether or not accurate or with merit, could ultimately have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Further, adverse publicity reports or other media attention regarding the safety, efficacy and quality of cannabis in general, or our products specifically, or associating the consumption of cannabis with illness or other negative effects or events, could have such a material adverse effect. Although the Company uses quality control processes and procedures to ensure our consumer packaged goods meet our standards, a failure or alleged failure of such processes and procedures could result in negative consumer perception of our products or legal claims against us. Adverse publicity reports or other media attention could arise even if the adverse effects associated with such products resulted from consumers’ failure to consume such products appropriately or as directed.
Certain of our products are e-vapor or “vape” products. The use of vape products and vaping may pose health risks. According to the Centers for Disease Control, vape products may contain ingredients that are known to be toxic to humans and may contain other ingredients that may not be safe. Because clinical studies about the safety and efficacy of vape products have not been submitted to the Food and Drug Administration, consumers currently have no way of knowing whether they are safe for their intended use or what types or concentrations of potentially harmful chemicals or by-products are found in these products. It is also uncertain what implications the use of vape or other inhaled products, such as flower that is smoked, may have on respiratory illnesses such as that caused by the Coronavirus Disease 2019, which we refer to as COVID-19. Adverse findings, regulatory investigations, litigation, media attention and other publicity regarding the consumption of vape or other inhaled products, including adverse publicity regarding underage use of vape or other inhaled products, may adversely affect the Company.
We face intense competition.
We face intense competition from other companies, some of which have longer operating histories and more financial resources and manufacturing, retail and marketing experience than us. Increased competition by larger and better financed competitors could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Because of the early stage of the industry in which we operate, we face additional competition from new entrants. If the number of consumers of cannabis in the states in which we operate our business increases, the demand for products and qualified talent will increase and we expect that competition will become more intense, as current and future competitors begin to offer an increasing number of diversified products. To remain competitive, we will require a continued high level of investment in research and development, marketing, sales, talent retention and client support. We may not have sufficient resources to maintain research and development, marketing, sales and client support efforts on a competitive basis, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of our operations. A decline in the price of the Subordinate Voting Shares could affect our ability to raise further working capital and adversely impact our ability to continue operations.
A prolonged decline in the price of the Subordinate Voting Shares could result in a reduction in the liquidity of the Subordinate Voting Shares and a reduction in our ability to raise capital. Because a significant portion of our operations have been and will be financed through the sale of equity securities, a decline in the price of our common stock could be especially detrimental to our liquidity and our operations. Such reductions may force us to reallocate funds from other planned uses and may have a significant negative effect on our business plan and operations, including our ability to develop new products and continue our current operations. If our stock price declines, there can be no assurance that we will be able to raise additional capital or generate funds from operations sufficient to meet our obligations. If we are unable to raise sufficient capital in the future, we may not be able to have the resources to continue our normal operations.
We may have increased labor costs based on union activity.
Labor unions are working to organize workforces in the cannabis industry in general. Currently, only an immaterial percentage of our workforce has elected to be represented by a labor organization for purposes of collective bargaining. However, it is possible that greater portions of our workforce at retail and/or manufacturing locations will be organized in the future, which could lead to work stoppages or increased labor costs and adversely affect our business, profitability and our ability to reinvest into the growth of our business. We cannot predict how stable our relationships with U.S. labor organizations will remain or whether we can meet any unions’ requirements without impacting our financial condition. Labor unions may also limit our flexibility in dealing with our workforce. Work stoppages and instability in our union relationships could delay the production and sale of our products, which could strain relationships with customers and cause a loss of revenues which would adversely affect our operations.
We are subject to general economic risks.
Our operations could be affected by the economic context should the unemployment level, interest rates or inflation reach levels that influence consumer trends and spending and, consequently, impact our sales and profitability.
We may be negatively impacted by challenging global economic conditions.
Our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow may be negatively impacted by challenging global economic conditions. For example and as discussed in more detail below, since early 2020, the U.S and other world economies have experienced turmoil due to outbreaks of COVID-19 and its variants, which has resulted in global economic uncertainty, supply chain disruptions and other issues.
A global economic slowdown would cause disruptions and extreme volatility in global financial markets, increased rates of default and bankruptcy and declining consumer and business confidence, which can lead to decreased levels of consumer spending. These macroeconomic developments could negatively impact our business, which depends on the general economic environment and levels of consumer spending. As a result, we may not be able to maintain our existing customers or attract new customers, or we may be forced to reduce the price of our products. We are unable to predict the likelihood of the occurrence, duration or severity of such disruptions in the credit and financial markets or adverse global economic conditions. Any general or market-specific economic downturn could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.
Additionally, the U.S. has imposed and may impose additional quotas, duties, tariffs, retaliatory or trade protection measures or other restrictions or regulations and may adversely adjust prevailing quota, duty or tariff levels, which can affect both the materials that we use to package our products and the sale of finished products. For example, the tariffs imposed by the U.S. on materials from China are impacting materials that we import for use in packaging in the U.S. Measures to reduce the impact of tariff increases or trade restrictions, including geographical diversification of our sources of supply, adjustments in packaging design and fabrication or increased prices, could increase our costs, delay our time to market and/or decrease sales. Other governmental action related to tariffs or international trade agreements has the potential to adversely impact demand for our products and our costs, customers, suppliers and global economic conditions and cause higher volatility in financial markets. While we actively review existing and proposed measures to seek to assess the impact of them on our business, changes in tariff rates, import duties and other new or augmented trade restrictions could have a number of negative impacts on our business, including higher consumer prices and reduced demand for our products and higher input costs.
We are subject to risks arising from epidemic diseases, such as the recent outbreak of the COVID-19 illness.
The COVID-19 illness and its variants, which has been declared by the World Health Organization to be a “pandemic” has spread across the globe and is impacting worldwide economic activity. A public health epidemic, including COVID-19, or the fear of a potential pandemic, poses the risk that we or our employees, contractors, suppliers, and other partners may be prevented from conducting business activities for an indefinite period of time, including due to shutdowns or other preventative measures taken to limit the potential impact from a public health epidemic that may be requested or mandated by governmental authorities.
Our priorities during the COVID-19 pandemic are protecting the health and safety of our employees and our customers, following the recommended actions of government and health authorities. In the future, the pandemic may cause reduced demand for our products and services if, for example, the pandemic results in a recessionary economic environment. Our operations are currently ongoing as the cultivation, processing and sale of cannabis products was considered an essential business by all states in which we operate with respect to all customers when shutdowns were imposed. Our ability to continue to operate without any significant negative operational impact from the COVID-19 pandemic will in part depend on our ability to protect our employees, customers and supply chain.
While it is not possible at this time to estimate the impact that COVID-19 (or any other actual or potential pandemic) could have on our business, the continued spread of COVID-19 (or any other actual or potential pandemic) and the measures taken by the governments of countries affected could further disrupt the supply chain and the manufacture or shipment or sale of our products and adversely impact our business, financial condition or results of operations. It could also affect the health and availability of our workforce at our facilities, as well as those of our suppliers, particularly those in China and India. The COVID-19 outbreak, or any of its variants, and mitigation measures may also have an adverse impact on global economic conditions which could have an adverse effect on our business and financial condition. The extent to which the COVID-19 outbreak impacts our results will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including new information that may emerge concerning the severity of the virus and the actions to contain its impact. Because cannabis remains federally illegal, it is possible that we would not be eligible to participate in any government relief programs (such as federal loans or access to capital) resulting from COVID-19 or any other actual or potential pandemic.
Risks Related to Our Securities
A return on our securities is not guaranteed.
There is no guarantee that our Subordinate Voting Shares will earn any positive return in the short term or long term. A holding of Subordinate Voting Shares is speculative and involves a high degree of risk and should be undertaken only by holders whose financial resources are sufficient to enable them to assume such risks and who have no need for immediate liquidity in their investment. A holding of Subordinate Voting Shares is appropriate only for holders who have the capacity to absorb a loss of some or all of their holdings.
We may be affected by currency fluctuations.
We face exposure to significant currency fluctuations because of our present operations in the U.S. Recent events in the global financial markets have been coupled with increased volatility in the currency markets. All or substantially all of our revenue is earned in U.S. dollars, but our shares, employee options and some of our warrants issued to holders of our notes are denominated in Canadian dollars which can provide variability for results of operations. We do not have currency hedging arrangements in place and there is no expectation that we will put any currency hedging arrangements in place in the future. Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position or results of operations.
Our voting control is concentrated.
Our senior executives exercise a significant majority of the voting power with respect to our outstanding shares because of the Super Voting Shares that they hold. These officials include Benjamin Kovler, our Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Grossman, our Head of Capital Markets, and Anthony Georgiadis, our Chief Financial Officer. Subordinate Voting Shares are entitled to one vote per share, Multiple Voting Shares are entitled to 100 votes per share, and Super Voting Shares are entitled to up to 1,000 votes per share. As a result, Mr. Kovler, Mr. Grossman and Mr. Georgiadis potentially have the ability to control the outcome of matters submitted to our shareholders for approval, including the election and removal of directors and any arrangement or sale of all or substantially all of our assets.
This concentrated control could delay, defer or prevent a change of control, arrangement or merger involving sale of all or substantially all of our assets that our other shareholders may support. Conversely, this concentrated control could allow the holders of the Super Voting Shares to consummate such a transaction our other shareholders do not support. In addition, the holders of the Super Voting Shares may make long-term strategic investment decisions and take risks that may not be successful and/or may seriously harm our business.
Our capital structure and voting control may cause unpredictability.
Although other Canadian-based companies have dual class or multiple voting share structures, given our unique capital structure and the concentration of voting control that is held by the holders of the Super Voting Shares, this structure and control could result in greater fluctuations in the trading price of our Subordinate Voting Shares, adverse publicity to us or other adverse consequences.
Additional issuances of Super Voting Shares, Multiple Voting Shares or Subordinate Voting Shares may result in dilution.
We may issue additional equity or convertible debt securities in the future, which may dilute an existing shareholder’s holdings. Our articles permit the issuance of an unlimited number of Super Voting Shares, Multiple Voting Shares and Subordinate Voting Shares, and existing shareholders will have no pre-emptive rights in connection with such further issuances. Our board of directors has discretion to determine the price and the terms of further issuances, and such terms could include rights, preferences and privileges superior to those existing holders of Subordinate Voting Shares. Moreover, additional Subordinate Voting Shares will be issued by us on the conversion of the Multiple Voting Shares and Super Voting Shares in accordance with their terms. To the extent holders of our options or other convertible securities convert or exercise their securities and sell Subordinate Voting Shares they receive, the trading price of the Subordinate Voting Shares may decrease due to the additional amount of Subordinate Voting Shares available in the market. We cannot predict the size or nature of future issuances or the effect that future issuances and sales of Subordinate Voting Shares will have on the market price of the Subordinate Voting Shares. Issuances of a substantial number of additional Subordinate Voting Shares, or the perception that such issuances could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices for the Subordinate Voting Shares. With any additional issuance of Subordinate Voting Shares, investors will suffer dilution to their voting power and economic interest in us.
Sales of substantial amounts of Subordinate Voting Shares may have an adverse effect on the market price of the Subordinate Voting Shares.
Sales of substantial amounts of Subordinate Voting Shares, or the availability of such securities for sale, could adversely affect the prevailing market prices for the Subordinate Voting Shares. A decline in the market prices of the Subordinate Voting Shares could impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of securities should it desire to do so.
The market price for the Subordinate Voting Shares may be volatile.
The market price for securities of cannabis companies generally are likely to be volatile. In addition, the market price for the Subordinate Voting Shares has been and may be subject to wide fluctuations in response to numerous factors beyond our control, including, but not limited to:
•actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly results of operations;
•recommendations by securities research analysts;
•changes in the economic performance or market valuations of companies in the industry in which we operate;
•addition or departure of our executive officers and other key personnel;
•release or expiration of transfer restrictions on outstanding Subordinate Voting Shares;
•sales or perceived sales of additional Subordinate Voting Shares;
•operating and financial performance that varies from the expectations of management, securities analysts and investors;
•regulatory changes affecting our industry generally and our business and operations both domestically and abroad;
•announcements of developments and other material events by us or our competitors;
•fluctuations in the costs of vital production materials and services;
•changes in global financial markets, global economies and general market conditions, such as interest rates and pharmaceutical product price volatility;
•significant acquisitions or business combinations, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments by or involving us or our competitors;
•operating and share price performance of other companies that investors deem comparable to us or from a lack of market comparable companies; and
•news reports relating to trends, concerns, technological or competitive developments, regulatory changes and other related issues in our industry or target markets.
Financial markets have at times historically experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that: (i) have particularly affected the market prices of equity securities of companies and (ii) have often been unrelated to the operating performance, underlying asset values or prospects of such companies. Accordingly, the market price of the Subordinate Voting Shares from time to time may decline even if our operating results, underlying asset values or prospects have not changed. Additionally, these factors, as well as other related factors, may cause decreases in asset values that may result in impairment losses to us. There can be no assurance that further fluctuations in price and volume of equity securities will not occur. If increased levels of volatility and market turmoil continue, our operations could be adversely impacted, and the trading price of the Subordinate Voting Shares may be materially adversely affected.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish or cease publishing research or reports or publish misleading, inaccurate or unfavorable research about us, our business or our market, our stock price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our Subordinate Voting Shares will be influenced by the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us, our business, our market or our competitors. If no or few securities or industry analysts cover our Corporation, the trading price and volume of our shares would likely be negatively impacted. If one or more of the analysts who covers us downgrades our shares or publishes inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, or provides more favorable relative recommendations about our competitors, our stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of us or fails to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our shares could decrease, which could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline.
We face liquidity risks.
Our Subordinate Voting Shares currently trade on the CSE and on over-the-counter markets in the U.S. We cannot predict at what prices the Subordinate Voting Shares will continue to trade, and there is no assurance that an active trading market will be sustained.
Our Subordinate Voting Shares do not currently trade on any U.S. securities exchange. In the event our Subordinate Voting Shares do trade on any U.S. securities exchange, we cannot predict at what prices the Subordinate Voting Shares will trade and there is no assurance that an active trading market will develop or be sustained. There is a significant liquidity risk associated with an investment in us.
We are subject to increased costs as a result of being a public company in Canada and the United States.
As a public company in Canada and the United States, we are subject to the reporting requirements, rules and regulations under the applicable Canadian and American securities laws and rules of stock exchanges on which the Company’s securities may be listed. The requirements of existing and potential future rules and regulations will increase our legal, accounting and financial compliance costs, make some activities more difficult, time-consuming or costly and may place undue strain on our personnel, systems and resources, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We face costs of maintaining a public listing.
As a public company, there are costs associated with legal, accounting and other expenses related to regulatory compliance. Securities legislation and the rules and policies of the CSE require listed companies to, among other things, adopt corporate governance and related practices, and to continuously prepare and disclose material information, all of which add to a company’s legal and financial compliance costs. We may also elect to devote greater resources than it otherwise would have on communication and other activities typically considered important by publicly traded companies.
We do not intend to pay dividends on our common shares and, consequently, your ability to achieve a return on your investment will depend on appreciation in the price of our common shares.
We have never declared or paid any cash dividend on our Subordinate Voting Shares and do not currently intend to do so in the foreseeable future. We currently anticipate that we will retain future earnings, if materialized, for the development, operation and expansion of our business and do not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Therefore, the success of an investment in our common shares will depend upon any future appreciation in their value. There is no guarantee that our common shares will appreciate in value or even maintain the price at which you purchased them.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Our headquarters is located in Chicago, IL. The following table set forth the Company’s principal cultivation and processing properties.
Production Properties
Type
Location
Leased / Owned
West Haven Facility
West Haven, CT
Leased
Homestead Facility
Homestead, FL
Owned
Oglesby Facility
Oglesby, IL
Leased
Rock Island Facility
Rock Island, IL
Owned
Centreville Facility
Centreville, MD
Owned
Clinton Facility
Clinton, MA
Leased
Holyoke Facility
Holyoke, MA
Leased
Cottage Grove Facility
Cottage Grove, MN
Owned
Carson City Facility
Carson City, NV
Leased
Las Vegas Facility 1
Las Vegas, NV
Leased
Las Vegas Facility 2
Las Vegas, NV
Leased
Paterson Facility
Paterson, NJ
Leased
Schenectady Facility
Glenville, NY
Leased
Toledo Facility
Toledo, OH
Leased
Danville Facility
Danville, PA
Leased
Warwick Facility 11
Warwick, RI
Leased
Warwick Facility 2
Warwick, RI
Leased
Abingdon Facility2
Abingdon, VA
Leased
In addition to the above properties, as of December 31, 2021 the Company has 73 open and operating retail locations throughout the U.S. of which we own 9.
Properties Subject to an Encumbrance. Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement, the Company collateralized the facilities in (i) Rock Island, Illinois, and (ii) Homestead, Florida (iii) Lakewood, OH (Rise Lakewood Madison), (iv) Centreville, MD, and (v) Warminster, PA.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Legal Proceedings
The Company has no legal proceedings, pending or threatened, which would have a material impact on the operations or financial condition of the Company.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
ITEM 5. MARKET PRICE OF AND DIVIDENDS ON THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Trading Price and Volume
The Subordinate Voting Shares of the Company are traded on the CSE under the symbol “GTII.”. The following table sets forth trading information for the Subordinate Voting Shares for the periods indicated, as quoted on the CSE.(1)
Low Trading Price
High Trading Price
Volume
Period
(C$)
(C$)
Year Ended December 31, 2021
First Quarter (March 31, 2021)
$
32.22
$
37.29
56,354,032
Second Quarter (June 30, 2021)
$
39.44
$
40.93
24,761,835
Third Quarter (September 30, 2021)
$
33.97
$
36.17
17,635,212
Fourth Quarter (December 31, 2021)
$
26.61
$
28.33
42,223,734
Year Ended December 31, 2020
First Quarter (March 31, 2020)
$
5.69
$
13.51
25,072,866
Second Quarter (June 30, 2020)
$
7.70
$
14.17
23,749,362
Third Quarter (September 30, 2020)
$
13.50
$
21.25
16,553,128
Fourth Quarter (December 31, 2020)
$
17.19
$
31.18
39,421,324
Notes:
(1) Source: Bloomberg.
The Subordinate Voting Shares of the Company are also traded on the OTCQX under the symbol “GTBIF.”
The following table sets forth trading information for the Subordinate Voting Shares for the periods indicated, as quoted on the OTCQX.(1)
Low Trading Price
High Trading Price
Volume
Period
($)
($)
Year Ended December 31, 2021
First Quarter (March 31, 2021)
$
25.35
$
29.65
54,326,905
Second Quarter (June 30, 2021)
$
31.77
$
33.01
21,540,519
Third Quarter (September 30, 2021)
$
25.95
$
28.00
17,337,344
Fourth Quarter (December 31, 2021)
$
21.02
$
22.99
37,227,905
Year Ended December 31, 2020
First Quarter (March 31, 2020)
$
4.07
$
10.33
23,749,100
Second Quarter (June 30, 2020)
$
5.41
$
10.17
19,681,767
Third Quarter (September 30, 2020)
$
10.00
$
16.01
25,478,800
Fourth Quarter (December 31, 2020)
$
12.93
$
25.29
35,059,415
Notes:
(1) Source: Bloomberg.
(2) Over-the-counter market quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up or mark-down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
Shareholders
As of February 18, 2022, there are 842 holders of record of our Subordinate Voting Shares.
Dividends
The Company has not declared distributions on Subordinate Voting Shares in the past. The Company currently intends to reinvest all future earnings to finance the development and growth of its business. As a result, the Company does not intend to pay dividends on Subordinate Voting Shares in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to pay distributions will be at the discretion of the Board and will depend on the financial condition, business environment, operating results, capital requirements, any contractual restrictions on the payment of distributions and any other factors that the Board deems relevant. The Company is not bound or limited in any way to pay dividends in the event that the Board determines that a dividend is in the best interest of its shareholders.
Equity Compensation Plans
For more information on equity compensation plans, see Item 12 of Part III of the Annual Report.
Peer Performance Table
The following graph compares the cumulative total shareholder return on Green Thumb Industries Inc. Subordinate Voting Shares from June 12, 2018, when Green Thumb Industries Inc. began trading on the CSE, through December 31, 2021, with the comparable cumulative return of the Russell 2000 Index and a selected peer group of companies. The comparison assumes all dividends have been reinvested (if any) and an initial investment of $100 on December 12, 2018. The returns of each company in the peer group have been weighted to reflect their market capitalizations. All amounts below are disclosed in U.S. Dollars. The stock price performance on the following graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.
Base
Period
6/12/2018
12/31/2018
12/31/2019
12/31/2020
12/31/2021
Green Thumb Industries
$
$
116.50
$
135.81
$
345.66
$
310.04
Russell 2000
$
$
80.44
$
99.26
$
118.10
$
137.29
Peer Group
$
$
91.29
$
119.43
$
245.12
$
176.52
Below are the specific companies included in the peer group.
Peer Group Companies
- Cresco Labs Inc.
- Trulieve Cannabis Corp.
- Curaleaf Holdings, Inc
- Verano Holdings Corp.
This performance graph and other information furnished under this Part II Item 5 of this Form 10-K shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C, or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
The following information represents securities sold by the Company for the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K which were not registered under the Securities Act. Included are new issues, securities issued in exchange for property, services or other securities, securities issued upon conversion from other share classes and new securities resulting from the modification of outstanding securities. The Company sold all of the securities listed below pursuant to the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, or Regulation D or Regulation S promulgated thereunder.
Subordinate Voting Shares
Beginning on January 1 2019 and through December 31, 2019, our shareholders converted an additional 357,104 Multiple Voting Shares into 35,710,400 Subordinate Voting Shares, continuing through December 31, 2020, our shareholders converted an additional 423,319 Multiple Voting Shares into 42,331,900 Subordinate Voting Shares, and continuing through December 31, 2021, our shareholders converted an additional 287,580 Multiple Voting Shares into 2,875,800 Subordinate Voting Shares.
On December 31, 2019, February 20, 2020, and May 31, 2020, the holders of Compensation Options issued to underwriters as part of the 2018 reverse takeover of Bayswater Ventures Corp. (the “Transaction”), converted into 104,192 Subordinate Voting Shares.
Between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019, we issued, in total, 12,413,906 Subordinate Voting Shares for 100% of the membership interests or shares of privately held companies, continuing through December 31, 2020, we issued, in total, an additional 1,964,014 Subordinate Voting Shares, and continuing through December 31, 2021, we issued, in total, an additional 13,802,837 Subordinate Voting Shares.
Between January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019, we issued 4,402,735 Subordinate Voting Shares to buyout the membership interests of joint venture partners pursuant to agreements between the parties and, continuing through December 31, 2020, we issued an additional 1,315,789 Subordinate Voting Shares, and continuing through December 31, 2021, we issued an additional 203,436 Subordinate Voting Shares.
Between February 11, 2019, January 3, 2020, May 18, 2020, and August 12, 2020 we issued, in total, 8,408,779 Subordinate Voting Shares for 100% of the membership interest of Advanced Grow Labs, LLC as well as for certain achieved milestone events.
On May 22, 2019 and May 24, 2019, we issued 19,875 Subordinate Voting Shares to the lead lender pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement, and on April 30, 2021, we issued an additional 8,413 Subordinate Voting Shares to the lead lender pursuant to the Second Amendment to the Note Purchase Agreement.
On June 5, 2019, June 21, 2019, August 12, 2019, May 25, 2020, July 10, 2020, March 22, 2021 and December 20, 2021, we issued, in total, 25,883,797 Subordinate Voting Shares to the owners of Integral Associates, LLC and Integral Associates CA, LLC for 100% of the membership interest of both entities, as well as for certain achieved milestone payments earned pursuant to the Membership Interest Purchase Agreement.
Between July 2, 2019 and December 31, 2019, we issued, in total, 1,179,354 Subordinate Voting Shares to holders of our restricted stock units issued under our 2018 Stock and Incentive Plan, which vested over the same period. From January 1, 2020 through February 19, 2020 (the effective date of the filing of our registration statement on Form S-8), we issued, in total, 1,250 Subordinate Voting Shares to holders of our restricted stock units issued under our 2018 Stock and Incentive Plan, which vested over the same period.
Multiple Voting Shares
Beginning on January 1, 2019 and through December 31, 2019, our shareholders converted 357,104 Multiple Voting Shares into 35,710,400 Subordinate Voting Shares, continuing through December 31, 2020, our shareholders converted an additional 423,319 Multiple Voting Shares into 42,331,900 Subordinate Voting Shares and, continuing through December 31, 2021, our shareholders converted an additional 28,758 Multiple Voting Shares into 2,875,800 Subordinate Voting Shares.
On January 8, 2019, we issued 31,000 Multiple Voting Shares to buyout the membership interest of joint venture partners pursuant to an agreement between the parties.
Beginning on January 1, 2019 and through December 31, 2019, our shareholders converted 22,224 Super Voting Shares into 22,224 Multiple Voting Shares, continuing through December 31, 2020, our shareholders converted an additional 90,258 Super Voting Shares into 90,258 Multiple Voting Shares, and continuing through December 31, 2021, our shareholders converted an additional 27,000 Super Voting Shares into 27,000 Multiple Voting Shares.
Super Voting Shares
Beginning on January 1, 2019 and through December 31, 2019, our shareholders converted 22,224 Super Voting Shares into 22,224 Multiple Voting Shares, continuing through December 31, 2020, our shareholders converted an additional 90,258 Super Voting Shares into 90,258 Multiple Voting Shares, and continuing through December 31, 2021, our shareholders converted an additional 27,000 Super Voting Shares into 27,000 Multiple Voting Shares.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Reserved.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION
The following information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
In addition to historical information, this report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties which may cause our actual results to differ materially from plans and results discussed in forward-looking statements. We encourage you to review the risks and uncertainties discussed in the sections entitled Item 1A. “Risk Factors” and “Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” included at the beginning of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The risks and uncertainties can cause actual results to differ significantly from those forecast in forward-looking statements or implied in historical results and trends.
We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements made by us, which speak only as of the date they are made. We disclaim any obligation, except as specifically required by law and the rules of the SEC, to publicly update or revise any such statements to reflect any change in our expectations or in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.
This management discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) of the financial condition and results of operations of Green Thumb Industries Inc. (the “Company” or “Green Thumb”) is for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019. It is supplemental to, and should be read in conjunction with, the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 and the accompanying notes for each respective period. The Company’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Financial information presented in this MD&A is presented in thousands of United States dollars (“$” or “US$”), unless otherwise indicated.
This MD&A contains certain “forward-looking statements” and certain “forward-looking information” as defined under applicable United States securities laws. Please refer to the discussion of forward-looking statements and information set out under the heading “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information,” identified in the ‘‘Risks and Uncertainties’’ section of this MD&A. As a result of many factors, the Company’s actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements and information.
COVID-19 Considerations
In March 2020, the World Health Organization categorized coronavirus disease 2019 (together with its variants “COVID-19”) as a pandemic. COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the U.S. and other countries across the world, and the duration and severity of its effects and those of its variants are currently unknown. The Company continues to implement and evaluate actions to strengthen its financial position and support the continuity of its business and operations in the face of this pandemic and other events.
The Company’s priorities during the COVID-19 pandemic are protecting the health and safety of its employees and its customers, following the recommended actions of government and health authorities. In the future, the pandemic may cause reduced demand for the Company’s products and services if, for example, the pandemic results in a recessionary economic environment or potential new restrictions on business operations or the movement of individuals.
During 2021, the Company’s revenue, gross profit and operating income were not negatively impacted by COVID-19 and the Company generally maintained the consistency of its operations. However, the uncertain nature of the spread of COVID-19 may impact its business operations for reasons including the potential quarantine of Green Thumb employees or those of its supply chain partners.
OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANY
Established in 2014 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Green Thumb, a national cannabis consumer packaged goods company and retailer promotes well-being through the power of cannabis while being committed to community and sustainable profitable growth. As of December 31, 2021, Green Thumb has operations in 15 U.S. markets, employs approximately 3,700 people and serves millions of patients and customers annually.
Green Thumb’s core business is manufacturing, distributing and marketing a portfolio of owned cannabis consumer packaged goods brands (which we refer to as our Consumer Packaged Goods business), including Beboe, Dogwalkers, Doctor Solomon’s, Good Green, incredibles and RYTHM. The Company distributes and markets these products primarily to third-party licensed retail cannabis stores across the United States as well as to Green Thumb-owned retail stores (which we refer to as our Retail business).
The Company’s Consumer Packaged Goods portfolio is primarily generated from plant material that Green Thumb grows and processes itself, which we use to produce our consumer packaged goods in 17 manufacturing facilities. This portfolio consists of stock keeping units (“SKUs”) across a range of cannabis product categories, including flower, pre-rolls, concentrates, vape, capsules, tinctures, edibles, topicals and other cannabis-related products (none of which product categories are individually material to the Company). These Consumer Packaged Goods products are sold in retail locations throughout the U.S. including at Green Thumb’s own Rise and other dispensaries.
Green Thumb owns and operates a national cannabis retail chain called Rise which are relationship-centric retail experiences aimed to deliver a superior level of customer service through high-engagement consumer interaction, a consultative, transparent and education-forward selling approach and a consistently available assortment of cannabis products. In addition, Green Thumb owns stores under other names, primarily where naming is subject to licensing or similar restrictions or in certain instances where we co-own the store. The income from Green Thumb’s retail stores is primarily derived from the sale of cannabis-related products, which includes the sale of Green Thumb produced products as well as those produced by third parties, with an immaterial (under 10%) portion of this income resulting from the sale of other merchandise (such as t-shirts and accessories for cannabis use). The Rise dispensaries currently are located in ten of the states in which we operate. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had 73 open and operating retail locations. The Company’s new store opening plans will remain fluid depending on market conditions, obtaining local licensing, construction and other permissions and subject to the Company’s capital allocation plans and the evolving situation with respect to the COVID-19 as described above and under the heading “Liquidity, Financing Activities During the Period, and Capital Resources” below.
Results of Operations - Consolidated
The following table sets forth the Company’s selected consolidated financial results for the periods, and as of the dates, indicated. The (i) consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, 2019 and (ii) consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 have been derived from, and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes presented in Item 8 of this Report.
The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and on a going-concern basis that contemplates continuity of operations and realization of assets and liquidation of liabilities in the ordinary course of business. Amounts have been presented in thousands of U.S. dollars except for share and per share amounts.
For the Years Ended December 31,
2021 vs. 2020
2020 vs. 2019
$
%
$
%
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Revenues, net of discounts
$
893,560
$
556,573
$
216,433
$
336,987
61%
$
340,140
157%
Cost of Goods Sold, net
(401,631)
(252,404)
(109,402)
(149,227)
(59)%
(143,002)
(131)%
Gross Profit
491,929
304,169
107,031
187,760
62%
197,138
184%
Total Expenses
277,087
198,062
134,721
79,025
40%
63,341
47%
Income (Loss) From Operations
214,842
106,107
(27,690)
108,735
102%
133,797
483%
Total Other Income (Expense)
(9,867)
(3,176)
(22,512)
(6,691)
(211)%
19,336
86%
Income (Loss) Before Provision for Income Taxes and Non-Controlling Interest
204,975
102,931
(50,202)
102,044
99%
153,133
305%
Provision for Income Taxes
124,612
83,853
9,344
40,759
49%
74,509
797%
Net Income (Loss) Before Non-Controlling Interest
80,363
19,078
(59,546)
61,285
321%
78,624
132%
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest
4,927
4,085
(430)
21%
4,515
1,050%
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Green Thumb Industries Inc.
$
75,436
$
14,993
$
(59,116)
$
60,443
403%
$
74,109
125%
Net Income (Loss) per share - basic
$
0.34
$
0.07
$
(0.31)
$
0.27
386%
$
0.38
123%
Net Income (Loss) per share - diluted
$
0.33
$
0.07
$
(0.31)
$
0.26
371%
$
0.38
123%
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic
223,192,326
210,988,259
190,602,400
Weighted average number of shares outstanding -diluted
226,758,882
212,531,188
190,602,400
December 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
(in thousands)
Total Assets
$
2,385,851
$
1,358,549
Long-Term Liabilities
$
561,994
$
325,102
Revenue Streams
The Company has consolidated financial statements across its operating businesses with revenue from the manufacture, sale and distribution of branded cannabis products to third-party retail customers as well as the sale of finished products to consumers in its retail stores.
Year Ended December 31, 2021 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2020
Revenues, net of Discounts
Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $893,560 thousand, up 61% from $556,573 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020, driven by contributions from both Retail and Consumer Packaged Goods, largely due to continued growth in Illinois and Pennsylvania. Key performance drivers for the Retail revenues in 2021 are: increased store traffic to Green Thumb’s open and operating retail stores, particularly in Illinois and Pennsylvania, and new store openings including acquired stores, particularly in Massachusetts, Virginia, Rhode Island and Maryland. The Company generated revenue from 73 Retail locations during the year compared to 51 in the prior year. During the year ended December 31, 2021, Retail revenue made up 69% of total revenue as compared to 71% of total revenue in 2020. Since December 31, 2020, the Company acquired one retail store in Maryland, four in Massachusetts, one in Rhode Island, one in Virginia and five in Minnesota and opened ten new Retail locations in Pennsylvania, Illinois, Massachusetts, California, New Jersey, Nevada and Virginia that contributed to the increase in Retail revenues.
The key driver for the Consumer Packaged Goods increase in revenues was the sale of Green Thumb’s branded product portfolio to third-party retailers through the Company’s existing Consumer Packaged Goods cultivation and processing facilities in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio and Connecticut due to increased scale and efficiency. The Company also acquired cultivation and processing facilities in Massachusetts, Minnesota, Rhode Island and Virginia during the year ended December 31, 2021. Consumer Packaged Goods revenue made up 31% of total revenues in 2021 as compared to 29% in 2020.
Cost of Goods Sold, net
Cost of goods sold are derived from retail purchases made by the Company from its third-party licensed producers operating within our state markets and costs related to the internal cultivation and production of cannabis. Cost of goods sold for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $401,631 thousand, up 59% from $252,404 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020, driven by increased volume in open and operating retail stores; new and acquired retail store openings in Massachusetts, Virginia, Rhode Island, New Jersey and Pennsylvania and expansion of the consumer products sales primarily in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and New Jersey as described above.
Gross Profit
Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $491,929 thousand, representing a gross margin on the sale of branded cannabis flower and processed and packaged products including concentrates, edibles, topicals and other cannabis products, of 55%. This is compared to gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2020 of $304,169 thousand or a 55% gross margin. The increase in gross profit (dollars) was directly attributable to the revenue increase as described above.
Total Expenses
Total expenses for the year ended December 31, 2021 were $277,087 thousand or 31% of revenues, net of discounts, resulting in an increase of $79,025 thousand. Total expenses for the year ended December 31, 2020 were $198,062 thousand or 36% of revenues, net of discounts. The increase in total expenses was attributable to Retail salaries and benefits, depreciation expense and other operational and facility expenses mainly as a result of the Company’s addition of ten new and twelve acquired Retail dispensaries over the prior year period. In addition, an increase in intangible amortization expense and corporate staff salaries also contributed to the overall increase in total expenses. The reduction in expenses as a percentage of revenue was attributable to measures deployed to control variable expenses as well as inherent operating leverage caused by the significant increase in revenue.
Total Other Income (Expense)
Total other income (expense) for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $(9,867) thousand, a change of $(6,691) thousand, primarily due to an increase in interest expense on the Company's April 30, 2021 Notes and interest on contingent consideration associated with 2021 acquisitions.
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes and Non-Controlling Interest
Income before provision for income taxes and non-controlling interest for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $204,975 thousand, an increase of $102,044 thousand compared to the year ended December 31, 2020.
As presented under the heading “Non-GAAP Measures” below, after adjusting for non-cash equity incentive compensation of $19,600 thousand and $19,337 thousand, as well as other non-operating items of $4,934 thousand and $1,635 thousand, adjusted operating Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (“EBITDA”) was $307,834 thousand and $179,585 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Provision for Income Taxes
Income tax expense is recognized based on the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at year-end. For the year ended December 31, 2021, federal and state income tax expense totaled $124,612 thousand compared to expense of $83,853 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020.
The net expense of $124,612 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021 includes current tax expense of $132,151 thousand and deferred tax expense of $(7,539) thousand in the current period.
Year Ended December 31, 2020 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2019
Revenues, net of Discounts
Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $556,573 thousand, up 157% from $216,433 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase in revenue was driven by contributions from both Retail and Consumer Packaged Goods, largely due to growth in Illinois and Pennsylvania. The key performance driver of Retail revenues in 2020 was legalization of adult use in Illinois on January 1, 2020 as well as new store openings particularly in Illinois and Pennsylvania, and the 2020 full period effect of the June 2019 acquisition of Integral Associates, LLC's Essence branded stores ("Essence") in Nevada. During the year ended December 31, 2020, Retail revenue made up 71% of total revenue as compared to 64% in 2019. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company increased its Retail footprint by opening 11 new stores and acquiring one store as compared to opening 17 new stores and acquiring eight during the same period in 2019. In total, the Company had 51 Retail locations open and operating during year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to 39 Retail locations in the prior year.
The key drivers for Consumer Packaged Goods revenue was legalization of adult use in Illinois on January 1, 2020 as well as the expansion of Green Thumb’s branded product portfolio to third-party retailers through the Company’s existing Consumer Packaged Goods cultivation and processing facilities in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Maryland, Connecticut and Nevada due to increased scale and efficiency. Consumer Packaged Goods revenue made up 29% of total revenues in 2020 as compared to 36% in 2019.
Cost of Goods Sold, net
Cost of goods sold are derived from costs related to the internal cultivation and production of cannabis and from Retail purchases made from other licensed producers operating within our state markets.
Cost of goods sold for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $252,404 thousand, up 131% from $109,402 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019, driven by increased volume in open and operating Retail stores; new Retail store openings in Illinois, Pennsylvania and Nevada; and expansion of the Consumer Packaged Goods sales in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Maryland, Connecticut and Nevada.
Gross Profit
Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $304,169 thousand, representing a gross margin on the sale of finished cannabis consumer packaged goods of 55%. This is compared to gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2019 of $107,031 thousand or a 49% gross margin. The Company’s increase in gross margin percentage was mainly attributed to an overall increase in Retail sales as a proportion of total sales. In addition, Consumer Packaged Goods also contributed to the increase in gross profit through expanded capacity. The increase in gross profit was directly attributable to the revenue increase as further described above.
Total Expenses
Total expenses for the year ended December 31, 2020 were $198,062 thousand or 36% of total revenues, net of discounts. Total expenses for the year ended December 31, 2019 were $134,721 thousand or 62% of total revenues, net of discounts.
The increase in total expenses was attributable to Retail salaries, benefits, depreciation expense and other operational and facility expenses mainly as a result of the Company’s new and acquired Retail facilities. In addition, an increase in intangible asset amortization expense, back office personnel costs and non-cash equity incentive compensation expense also contributed to the overall increase in total expenses. The reduction in expenses as a percent of revenue was attributable to measures deployed to control variable expenses as well as inherent operating leverage caused by the significant increase in revenue.
Total Other Income (Expense)
Total other income (expense) decreased to $(3,176) thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to $(22,512) thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019. The reduction in other income (expense) was primarily due to favorable fair value adjustments on the Company’s investments offset by unfavorable adjustments to the fair value of the warrant liability and increased interest expense.
Income (Loss) Before Provision for Income Taxes and Non-Controlling Interest
Net operating income before provision for income taxes and non-controlling interest for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $102,931 thousand as compared to loss of $(50,202) thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019.
As presented under the heading “Non-GAAP Measures” below, after adjusting for non-cash equity incentive compensation of $19,337 thousand for 2020 and $18,285 thousand for 2019, as well as other non-operating items, Adjusted Operating EBITDA (as defined below under the heading “Non GAAP Measures”) was $179,585 thousand and $28,092 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Provision for Income Taxes
Income tax expense is recognized based on the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted at year-end. For the year ended December 31, 2020, federal and state income tax expense totaled $83,853 thousand as compared to $9,344 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019.
The net expense of $83,853 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 includes current tax expense of $81,758 thousand and deferred tax expense of $2,095 thousand in the current period.
Year Ended December 31, 2019 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2018
Revenues, net of Discounts
Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $216,433 thousand, up 246% from $62,494 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2018 driven by contribution from both Consumer Packaged Goods and Retail sales across all 12 markets (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania). Key performance drivers were: distribution expansion of Green Thumb’s branded product portfolio primarily in Illinois, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania; new store openings and increased store traffic to Green Thumb’s 39 open and operating retail stores, particularly in Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania; and the addition of revenue from the acquisition of Connecticut-based AGL and Nevada-based Integral Associates.
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of goods sold are derived from cost related to the internal cultivation and production of cannabis and from retail purchases made from other licensed producers operating within our state markets.
Cost of goods sold for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $109,402 thousand, up 220% from $34,177 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2018, driven by growth from both Consumer Packaged Goods and Retail sales across all 12 markets (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania).
Gross Profit
Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $107,031 thousand, representing a gross margin on the sale of finished cannabis Consumer Packaged goods of 49%. This is compared to gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2018 of $28,316 thousand representing a 45% gross margin driven by increased harvested cannabis and consumer packaged goods shipments, along with incremental contribution from increased volume from Retail sales.
Total Expenses
Total expenses for the year ended December 31, 2019 were $134,721 thousand or 62% of total revenues, net of discounts, an increase of $80,065 thousand. Total expenses for the year ended December 31, 2018 were $54,657 thousand or 87% of total revenues, net of discounts.
The increase in total expenses was attributable to an increase in general and administrative expenses, mainly due to non-cash charges related to equity incentive compensation of $18,285 thousand, an increase of $6,137 thousand compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. Salaries and benefits also contributed as a result of increased headcount from the Company’s Retail facilities in Florida, Illinois, Nevada, Maryland, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, along with corporate staff development.
Additionally, the Company had professional fees of $17,714 thousand which represented an increase of $7,025 thousand over the 2018 amount of $10,689 thousand, primarily driven by acquisition related support, and other regulatory and growth-related activities.
Total Other Income (Expense)
Total other income (expense) for the year ended December 31, 2019 was ($22,512) thousand, compared to income of $56,092 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2018, mainly due to a favorable adjustment to the fair values of the Company’s investments recorded in 2018.
Income (Loss) Before Provision for Income Taxes and Non-Controlling Interest
Net operating loss before provision for income taxes and non-controlling interest for the year ended December 31, 2019 was ($50,202) thousand compared to income of $29,751 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2018.
As presented under the heading “Non-GAAP Measures” below, after adjusting for non-cash equity incentive compensation of $18,285 thousand in 2019 and $12,148 thousand in 2018, as well as other non-operating items, Adjusted Operating EBITDA was $28,092 thousand and ($9,008) thousand for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Provision for Income Taxes
Income tax expense is recognized based on the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted at year-end. For the year ended December 31, 2019, federal and state income tax expense totaled $9,344 thousand compared to $7,184 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2018. The net expense of $9,344 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 includes current tax expense of $22,761 thousand and deferred tax benefit of $13,417 thousand in the current period. The deferred tax benefit is mainly driven by changes in the fair value of investments and amortization of intangibles.
Results of Operation by Segment
The following table summarizes revenues net of sales discounts by segment for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019:
For the Years Ended December 31,
2021 vs. 2020
2020 vs. 2019
$
Change
%
Change
$
Change
%
Change
(in thousands)
Consumer Packaged Goods
$
467,258
$
273,977
$
109,930
$
193,281
71%
$
164,047
149%
Retail
614,739
396,372
137,810
218,367
55%
258,562
188%
Intersegment Eliminations
(188,437)
(113,776)
(31,307)
(74,661)
66%
(82,469)
263%
Total Revenues, Net of Discounts
$
893,560
$
556,573
$
216,433
$
336,987
61%
$
340,140
157%
Year Ended December 31, 2021 Compared with the Year Ended December 31, 2020
Revenues, net of discounts for the Retail segment were $614,739 thousand, an increase of $218,367 thousand or 55%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in Retail revenues, net of discounts, was primarily driven by increased store traffic to Green Thumb’s open and operating retail stores, particularly in Illinois and Pennsylvania, as well as acquired stores in Massachusetts, Virginia, Rhode Island and Maryland.
Revenues, net of discounts for the Consumer Packaged Goods segment were $467,258 thousand, an increase of $193,281 thousand or 71%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in Consumer Packaged Goods revenues, net of discounts, was primarily driven by increased sales volume in established markets such as Illinois, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and New Jersey.
Due to the vertically integrated nature of the business, the Company reviews its revenue at the Retail and Consumer Packaged Goods level while reviewing its operating results on a consolidated basis.
Year Ended December 31, 2020 Compared with the Year Ended December 31, 2019
Revenues, net of discounts for the Retail segment were $396,372 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020, an increase of $258,562 thousand or 188%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase in Retail revenues, net of discounts, was primarily driven by legalization of adult use in Illinois on January 1, 2020 as well as new store openings particularly in Illinois and Pennsylvania, and the 2020 full period effect of the June 2019 acquisition of the Essence stores in Nevada.
Revenues, net of discounts for the Consumer Packaged Goods segment were $273,977 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020, an increase of $164,047 thousand or 149%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase in Consumer Packaged Goods revenues, net of discounts, was primarily driven by the legalization of adult- use cannabis in Illinois on January 1, 2020, increased sales volume in established markets such as Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Maryland and the 2020 full period effect of the June 2019 acquisition of Desert Grown Farms and Cannabiotix in Nevada.
Due to the vertically integrated nature of the business, the Company reviews its revenue at the Retail and Consumer Packaged Goods level while reviewing its operating results on a consolidated basis.
Year Ended December 31, 2019 Compared with the Year Ended December 31, 2018
Revenues, net of discounts for the Retail segment were $137,810 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019, an increase of $95,815 thousand or 228%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase in Retail revenues, net of discounts, was primarily driven by new store openings, the acquisition of Integral Associates, LLC’s Essence branded dispensaries and increased sales volume at existing stores.
Revenues, net of discounts for the Consumer Packaged Goods segment were $109,930 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019, an increase of $84,224 thousand or 328%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase in Consumer Packaged Goods revenues, net of discounts, was primarily driven by increased sales volume in established markets such as Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland and Pennsylvania as well as the acquisition of Advanced Grow Labs, LLC’s cultivation and processing facility and Integral Associates, LLC’s Desert Grown Farms and Cannabiotix cultivation and processing facility.
Due to the vertically integrated nature of the business, the Company reviews its revenue at the Retail and Consumer Packaged Goods level while reviewing its operating results on a consolidated basis.
Drivers of Results of Operations
Revenue
The Company derives its revenue from two revenue streams: a Consumer Packaged Goods business in which it manufactures, sells and distributes its portfolio of Consumer Packaged Goods brands including Beboe, Dogwalkers, Doctor Solomon’s, Good Green incredibles, and RYTHM, primarily to third-party Retail customers; and a Retail business in which it sells finished goods sourced primarily from third-party cannabis manufacturers in addition to the Company’s own Consumer Packaged Goods products direct to the end consumer in its retail stores, as well as direct-to-consumer delivery where applicable by state law.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, revenue was contributed from Consumer Packaged Goods and Retail sales across California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia.
Gross Profit
Gross profit is revenue less cost of goods sold. Cost of goods sold includes the costs directly attributable to product sales and includes amounts paid for finished goods, such as flower, edibles, and concentrates, as well as packaging and other supplies, fees for services and processing, and allocated overhead which includes allocations of rent, utilities and related costs. Cannabis costs are affected by various state regulations that limit the sourcing and procurement of cannabis product, which may create fluctuations in gross profit over comparative periods as the regulatory environment changes. Gross margin measures our gross profit as a percentage of revenue.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company continued to be focused on creating sustainable, profitable growth of the Company’s business while pursuing expansion. Green Thumb expects to continue its growth strategy for the foreseeable future as the Company expands its Consumer Packaged Goods and Retail footprint within its current markets with acquisitions and partnerships, and scales resources into new markets.
Total Expenses
Total expenses other than the cost of goods sold consist of selling costs to support customer relationships and marketing and branding activities. It also includes a significant investment in the corporate infrastructure required to support the Company’s ongoing business.
Retail selling costs generally correlate to revenue. As new locations begin operations, these locations generally experience higher selling costs as a percentage of revenue compared to more established locations, which experience a more constant rate of selling costs. As a percentage of sales, the Company expects selling costs to remain constant in the more established locations and increase in the newer locations as business continues to grow.
General and administrative expenses also include costs incurred at the Company’s corporate offices, primarily related to back office personnel costs, including salaries, incentive compensation, benefits, stock-based compensation and other professional service costs and fair value adjustments on the Company's contingent consideration arrangements. The Company expects to continue to invest considerably in this area to support aggressive expansion plans and to support the business by attracting and retaining top-tier talent. Furthermore, the Company anticipates an increase in stock-based compensation expenses related to recruiting and hiring talent, along with legal and professional fees associated with being a publicly traded company in Canada and registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Provision for Income Taxes
The Company is subject to income taxes in the jurisdictions in which it operates and, consequently, income tax expense is a function of the allocation of taxable income by jurisdiction and the various activities that impact the timing of taxable events. As the Company operates in the federally illegal cannabis industry, it is subject to the limitations of Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("IRC") Section 280E under which taxpayers are only allowed to deduct expenses directly related to sales of product. This results in permanent differences between ordinary and necessary business expenses deemed non-allowable under IRC Section 280E and a higher effective tax rate than most industries. Therefore, the effective tax rate can be highly variable and may not necessarily correlate to pre-tax income or loss.
Non-GAAP Measures
EBITDA, Adjusted Operating EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures and do not have standardized definitions under GAAP. The following information provides reconciliations of the supplemental non-GAAP financial measures, presented herein to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. The Company has provided the non-GAAP financial measures, which are not calculated or presented in accordance with GAAP, as supplemental information and in addition to the financial measures that are calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. These supplemental non-GAAP financial measures are presented because management has evaluated the financial results both including and excluding the adjusted items and believe that the supplemental non-GAAP financial measures presented provide additional perspective and insights when analyzing the core operating performance of the business. These supplemental non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered superior to, as a substitute for or as an alternative to, and should be considered in conjunction with, the GAAP financial measures presented.
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
Net Income (Loss) Before Non-Controlling Interest
$
80,363
$
19,078
$
(59,546)
Interest Income, net
(1,432)
(114)
(1,466)
Interest Expense, net
21,976
18,667
13,659
Provision For Income Taxes
124,612
83,853
9,344
Other (Income) Expense, net
(10,677)
(15,377)
10,319
Depreciation and amortization
68,458
52,506
31,482
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and
amortization (EBITDA) (non-GAAP measure)
$
283,300
$
158,613
$
3,792
Stock-based compensation, non-cash
19,600
19,337
18,285
Acquisition, transaction and other non-operating costs
4,934
1,635
6,015
Adjusted Operating EBITDA (non-GAAP measure)
$
307,834
$
179,585
$
28,092
Liquidity, Financing and Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020 the Company had total current liabilities of $204,379 thousand and $119,289 thousand, respectively, and cash and cash equivalents of $230,420 thousand and $83,758 thousand, respectively to meet its current obligations. The Company had working capital of $159,851 thousand as of December 31, 2021, an increase of $95,196 thousand as compared to December 31, 2020. This increase in working capital was primarily driven by the $155,498 thousand sale of registered Subordinate Voting Shares pursuant to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 as well as the proceeds from issuance of notes of $208,700 thousand, primarily associated with the Company's April 30, 2021 Notes, partially offset by principal repayments of notes and mortgages of $70,507 thousand including the May 22, 2019 Notes.
The Company is an early-stage growth company, generating cash from revenues deploying its capital reserves to acquire and develop assets capable of producing additional revenues and earnings over both the immediate and near term. Capital reserves are primarily being utilized for capital expenditures, facility improvements, strategic investment opportunities, product development and marketing, as well as customer, supplier, and investor and industry relations.
While our revenue, gross profit and operating income were not materially impacted by COVID-19 and we maintained the consistency of our operations during the twelve months of 2021, the uncertain nature of the spread of COVID-19 may impact our business operations for reasons including the potential quarantine of our employees or those of our supply chain partners. Our ability to continue to operate without any significant negative operational impact from the COVID-19 pandemic will in part depend on our ability to protect our employees, customers and supply chain partners. The Company takes a cautious approach in allocating its capital to maximize its returns while ensuring appropriate liquidity. Given the current uncertainty of the future economic environment, the Company has taken additional measures in monitoring and deploying its capital to minimize the negative impact on its current operations and expansion plans.
Cash Flows
Cash Used in Operating Activities, Investing and Financing Activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, 2019, were as follows:
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
Net cash provided by (used in) Operating Activities
$
132,048
$
95,918
$
(18,014)
Net cash used in Investing Activities
$
(280,730)
$
(57,274)
$
(174,671)
Net cash provided by (used in) Financing Activities
$
295,344
$
(1,553)
$
93,366
Contractual Cash Obligations and Other Commitments and Contingencies
The following table quantifies the Company’s future contractual obligations as of December 31, 2021:
Total
2027 and Thereafter
(in thousands)
Notes Payable(a)
$
249,934
$
-
$
-
$
249,934
$
-
$
-
$
-
Charitable Contributions
1,238
-
-
-
Mortgage Payable(b)
10,168
1,804
6,868
Interest Due on Notes Payable
40,976
16,579
17,495
6,902
-
-
-
Interest Due on Mortgage Payable
5,706
2,928
Operating Leases - Third Party
427,048
33,200
33,006
32,384
29,967
27,999
270,492
Operating Leases - Related Parties
12,274
1,119
1,144
1,027
7,066
Contingent Consideration
83,865
50,284
33,581
-
-
-
-
Construction Commitments
73,000
73,000
-
-
-
-
-
Total as of December 31, 2021
$
904,209
$
175,592
$
86,574
$
291,534
$
33,210
$
29,945
$
287,354
(a) - This amount excludes $21,244 thousand of unamortized debt discount as of December 31, 2021. See Note 9-Notes Payable for details.																				
(b) - The amount excludes $162 thousand of unamortized debt discount as of December 31, 2021. See Note 9 - Notes Payable for details.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of December 31, 2021, and 2020 the Company does not have any off-balance-sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future effect on the results of operations or financial condition of the Company, including, and without limitation, such considerations as liquidity and capital resources.
Changes in or Adoption of Accounting Practices
See discussion under Part II, Item 8, Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and revenue and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.
Significant judgments, estimates and assumptions that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements are described below.
Estimated Useful Lives and Amortization of Intangible Assets
Amortization of intangible assets is recorded on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which do not exceed the contractual period, if any. Intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are not subject to amortization and are tested annually for impairment, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that they may be impaired.
Business Combinations
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 the entries made on and after acquisition.
In determining the fair value of all identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired, the most significant estimates relate to contingent consideration and intangible assets. Management exercises judgement in estimating the probability and timing of when earn-outs are expected to be achieved, which is used as the basis for estimating fair value. For any intangible asset identified, depending on the type of intangible asset and the complexity of determining its fair value, an independent valuation expert or management may develop the fair value, using appropriate valuation techniques, which are generally based on a forecast of the total expected future net cash flows.
Cannabis licenses are the primary intangible asset acquired in business combinations as they provide the Company the ability to operate in each market. However, some cannabis licenses are subject to renewal and therefore there is some risk of non-renewal for several reasons, including operational, regulatory, legal or economic. To appropriately consider the risk of non-renewal, the Company applies probability weighting to the expected future net cash flows in calculating the fair value of these intangible assets. The key assumptions used in these cash flow projections include discount rates and terminal growth rates. Of the key assumptions used, the impact of the estimated fair value of the intangible assets have the greatest sensitivity to the estimated discount rate used in the valuation. Management selected discount rates ranging from 12% to 18% primarily dependent upon the markets in which each of the acquisitions operates. The terminal growth rate represents the rate at which these businesses will continue to grow into perpetuity. Management selected terminal growth rates of approximately 3%. Other significant assumptions include revenue, gross profit, operating expenses and anticipated capital expenditures which are based upon the Corporation’s historical operations along with management projections.
The evaluations are linked closely to the assumptions made by management regarding the future performance of these assets and any changes in the discount rate applied.
Inventories
The net realizable value of inventories represents the estimated selling price for inventories in the ordinary course of business, less all estimated costs of completion and costs necessary to make the sale. The determination of net realizable value requires significant judgment, including consideration of factors such as shrinkage, the aging of and future demand for inventory, expected future selling price the Company expects 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. The 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 changes in inventory reserves is reflected in cost of goods sold.
Investments in Private Holdings
Investments include private company investments which are carried at fair value based on the value of the Company’s interests in the private companies determined from financial information provided by management of the companies, which may include operating results, subsequent rounds of financing and other appropriate information. Any change in fair value is recognized on the consolidated statement of operations.
Goodwill Impairment
The Company applies the guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-08 “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Testing Goodwill for Impairment,” which provides entities with an option to perform a qualitative assessment (commonly referred to as “Step Zero”) to determine whether further quantitative analysis for impairment of goodwill is necessary. In performing Step Zero for the Company’s goodwill impairment test, the Company is required to make assumptions and judgments including but not limited to the following: the evaluation of macroeconomic conditions as related to the Company’s business, industry and market trends, and the overall future financial performance of its reporting units and future opportunities in the markets in which they operate. If impairment indicators are present after performing Step Zero, the Company would perform a quantitative impairment analysis to estimate the fair value of goodwill.
Determination of Reporting Units
The Company’s assets are aggregated into two reportable segments (Retail and Consumer Packaged Goods). For the purposes of testing goodwill, the Company has identified 30 reporting units. The Company analyzed its reporting units by first reviewing the operating segments based on the geographic areas in which the Company conducts business (or each market). The markets were then further divided into reporting units based on the market operations (retail and consumer packaged goods) which were primarily determined based on the licenses each market holds. The following represent the markets in which the Company operates as of December 31, 2021: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia.
Consolidation
Judgment is applied in assessing whether the Company exercises control and has significant influence over entities in which the Company directly or indirectly owns an interest. The Company has control when it has the power over the subsidiary, has exposure or rights to variable returns and has the ability to use its power to affect the returns. Significant influence is defined as the power to participate in the financial and operating decisions of the subsidiaries. Where the Company is determined to have control, these entities are consolidated. Additionally, judgment is applied in determining the effective date on which control was obtained.
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts
Management determines the allowance for uncollectible accounts by evaluating individual receivable balances and considering accounts and other receivable financial condition and current economic conditions. Accounts receivable and financial assets recorded in other receivables are written off when deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of accounts receivable previously written off are recorded as income when received. All receivables are expected to be collected within one year of the balance sheet date.
Stock-Based Payments
Valuation of stock-based compensation and warrants requires management to make estimates regarding the inputs for option pricing models, such as the expected life of the option, the volatility of the Company’s stock price, the vesting period of the option and the risk-free interest rate are used. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The estimates are considered for each new grant of stock options or warrants.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The individual fair values attributed to the different components of a financing transaction, derivative financial instruments, are determined using valuation techniques. The Company uses judgment to select the methods used to make certain assumptions and in performing the fair value calculations in order to determine (a) the values attributed to each component of a transaction at the time of their issuance; (b) the fair value measurements for certain instruments that require subsequent measurement at fair value on a recurring basis; and (c) for disclosing the fair value of financial instruments. These valuation estimates could be significantly different because of the use of judgment and the inherent uncertainty in estimating the fair value of these instruments that are not quoted in an active market.
Financial Instruments and Financial Risk Management
The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, investments, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, notes payable, warrant liability and contingent consideration payable.
Financial instruments recorded at fair value are classified using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs to fair value measurements. The three levels of hierarchy are:
Level 1-Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2-Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; and
Level 3-Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 7A. QUANTITAVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Financial Risk Management
The Company is exposed in varying degrees to a variety of financial instrument related risks. The Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) mitigates these risks by assessing, monitoring and approving the Company’s risk management processes.
Credit Risk
Credit risk is the risk of a potential loss to the Company if a customer or third party to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations. The Company does not have significant credit risk with respect to its customers.
The Company provides credit to its customers in the normal course of business. The Company has established credit evaluation and monitoring processes to mitigate credit risk but has limited risk as the majority of its sales are paid at the time of sale.
Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations associated with financial liabilities. The Company manages liquidity risk through the effective management of its capital structure. The Company’s approach to managing liquidity is to ensure that it will have sufficient liquidity at all times to settle obligations and liabilities when due.
Market Risk
Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates, foreign exchange, raw material and other commodity prices.
Currency Risk. The operating results and financial position of the Company are reported in U.S. dollars. Some of the Company’s financial transactions are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The results of the Company’s operations are subject to currency transaction risks. The Company has no hedging agreements in place with respect to foreign exchange rates. The Company has not entered into any agreements or purchased any instruments to hedge possible currency risks at this time.
Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. Cash and cash equivalents bear interest at market rates. The Company’s financial debts have fixed rates of interest and therefore expose the Company to a limited interest rate fair value risk.
Commodities Price Risk. Commodities Price risk is the risk of variability in fair value due to movements in equity or market prices. The primary raw materials used by the Company aside from those cultivated internally are labels and packaging. Management believes a hypothetical 10% change in the price of these materials would not have a significant effect on the Company’s consolidated annual results of operations or cash flows, as these costs are generally passed through to its customers. However, such an increase could have an impact on our customers’ demand for our products, and we are not able to quantify the impact of such potential change in demand on our combined annual results of operations or cash flows.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The financial information required by Item 8 is located beginning on page of this report.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES
Prior Independent Registered Accounting Firm
Following the Transaction, the independent registered public accounting firm of the Corporation was Macias Gini & O’Connell LLP (“MGO”) located at 2029 Century Park East, Suite 1500, Los Angeles, California 90067. The Company engaged MGO on October 21, 2019, and MGO completed an audit of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. MGO resigned as the Company’s auditor effective May 13, 2021. The resignation of MGO was approved by the Audit Committee and the Board. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020 and the subsequent period through May 13, 2021, the date of MGO’s resignation, there were no (1) disagreements with MGO on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure, which, if not resolved to MGO’s satisfaction, would have caused MGO to make reference thereto in its report on the consolidated financial statements of the Company (as described in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K) or (2) reportable events (as described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).
The Company provided MGO with a copy of the foregoing disclosures in this section and requested that MGO furnish it with a letter addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) stating whether it agrees with the above statements. A copy of MGO’s letter, dated May 13, 2021, is included herewith as Exhibit 16.1 to this document, indicating its agreement.
Engagement of Baker Tilly US, LLP
The Company appointed Baker Tilly US, LLP (“Baker Tilly”) located at 205 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 2800, Chicago, IL 60601 as its independent registered public accounting firm effective May 13, 2021. The engagement of Baker Tilly was approved by the Audit Committee and the Board. Baker Tilly has completed an audit of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2021.
During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020, and during the subsequent interim period through May 13, 2021, neither the Company, nor anyone acting on its behalf, has consulted Baker Tilly with respect to: (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and Baker Tilly did not provide either a written report or oral advice to the Company that Baker Tilly concluded was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to any accounting, auditing, or financial reporting issue, or (ii) (a) any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation and the related instructions) or (b) a “reportable event” as described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company maintains “disclosure controls and procedures” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Company recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives. Management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(b) and Rule 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2021. Based on the evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2021, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as a result of the material weakness in our internal control described below, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of such date.
Management’s Report on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria established in “Internal Control - Integrated Framework” (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company completed six separate acquisitions (the “Acquired Entities”) and is in the process of integrating the operations of the such entities and, consequently, has not included the Acquired Entities in its evaluation of internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements - Note 5, Acquisitions, for additional information. The Acquired Entities operations constituted approximately three percent of total assets (excluding goodwill and other intangible assets) as of December 31, 2021, and approximately four percent of revenues, net of discounts for the year then ended. The Acquired Entities operations will be included in the Company's assessment as of December 31, 2022.
As of December 31, 2021, we have a material weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting relating to our accounting for contingent consideration. A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of control deficiencies, in internal controls over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim consolidated financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
We have developed a plan to remediate the material weakness, including designing and implementing improved processes and internal controls with the intent of ensuring proper application of relevant accounting guidance.
Our disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives as specified above. Management does not expect, however, that our disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting will prevent or detect all error and fraud. Any control system, no matter how well designed and operated, is based upon certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that its objectives will be met. Further, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.
The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, has been audited by our independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Information regarding directors and executive officers will be included in the 2022 Proxy Statement for the Company's 2022 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the“2022 Proxy Statement”) to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year to which this report relates and which sections are incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this item will be set forth under Executive Compensation in the Green Thumb Industries Inc. 2022 Proxy Statement and which sections are incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management will be included in the 2022 Proxy Statement and which sections are incorporated herein by reference.
Equity Compensation Plans
Information regarding equity compensation plans will be included in the 2022 Proxy Statement and which sections are incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions and director independence will be included in the 2022 Proxy Statement and which sections are incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Information regarding principal accounting fees and services will be included in the 2022 Proxy Statement and which sections are incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15 . EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)
Financial Statements
The financial statements listed in the accompanying index (page) to the financial statements are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(b)
Exhibits
The exhibits listed on the accompanying index (page E-1) are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(c)
Financial Statements Schedules omitted
Certain schedules have been omitted because the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto or because they are not applicable or not required.
(a). INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020
Consolidated Statement of Operations for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Reports of Independent Public Accounting Firms (PCAOB ID 23)
(b). EXHIBITS
A list of exhibits filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K is included in the Exhibit Index immediately preceding Appendix A to this Annual Report and is incorporated herein by reference.