EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1451512
Filing Year: 2023
Filename: 1451512_10-K_2023_0001451512-23-000018.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
References in this document to “we”, “us”, “our”, “the Company”, or “Unrivaled” are intended to mean Unrivaled Brands, Inc., individually, or as the context requires, collectively with its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. Effective July 7, 2021, the Company changed its corporate name from “Terra Tech Corp.” to “Unrivaled Brands, Inc.” in connection with the Company’s acquisition of UMBRLA, Inc.
Company Overview
Unrivaled Brands, Inc. is a holding company with the following subsidiaries:
•121 North Fourth Street, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company (“121 North Fourth”);
•620 Dyer LLC, a California corporation (“Dyer”);
•1815 Carnegie LLC, a California limited liability company (“Carnegie”);
•Black Oak Gallery, a California corporation (“Black Oak” or “Blüm Oakland”);
•Blüm San Leandro, a California corporation (“Blüm San Leandro”);
•Halladay Holding, LLC, a California limited liability company (“Halladay”);
•MediFarm, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company (“MediFarm”);
•MediFarm I, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company (“MediFarm I”);
•OneQor Technologies, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“OneQor”);
•People's First Choice, LLC, a California limited liability company (“People's”); and
•UMBRLA, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“UMBRLA”).
Our corporate headquarters is located at 3242 S. Halladay Street, Suite 202, Santa Ana, California 92705 and our telephone number is (888) 909-5564. Our website addresses are as follows: www.unrivaledbrands.com, www.letsblum.com, www.peoplesoc.com and www.thespotforyou.com. We have included our website addresses in this Annual Report solely as an inactive textual references. No information available on or through our websites shall be deemed to be incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our common stock, par value $0.001 (the “Common Stock”), is quoted on the OTC Markets Group, Inc.’s OTCQB tier under the symbol “UNRV.” Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, including exhibits, proxy and information statements and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Sections 13(a), 14, and 15(d) of the Exchange Act may be accessed through the SEC’s Interactive Data Electronic Applications system at https://www.sec.gov.
Our Business
Unrivaled Brands, Inc. is a cannabis company with retail, production, and cultivation operations throughout California, with an emphasis on providing the highest quality of medical and adult use cannabis products. The Company is home to Korova, a brand of high potency products across multiple product categories, currently available in California, Oregon, Arizona, and Oklahoma. The Company operates four cannabis dispensaries in California: People’s in Santa Ana, The Spot in Santa Ana, Blüm in Oakland, and Blüm in San Leandro.
Our Operations
We are organized into two reportable segments:
•Cannabis Retail - Includes cannabis-focused retail, both physical stores and non-store front delivery
•Cannabis Cultivation and Distribution - Includes cannabis cultivation, production, and distribution operations
Either independently or in conjunction with third parties, we operate medical marijuana retail and adult use dispensaries and cultivation and production facilities in California.
Human Capital
As of December 31, 2022, we had approximately 170 employees. Our employees are the heart of our Company. In a rapidly evolving industry, it is imperative that we attract, develop and retain top talent on an ongoing basis. To do this, we seek to make Unrivaled Brands an inclusive, diverse and safe workplace, with meaningful compensation and opportunities for career growth.
Recent Developments
Refer to “Fiscal Year 2022 Highlights” in “Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this Form 10-K.
The risks and uncertainties regarding the future of our business due to the impact of COVID-19 and regulatory uncertainty, combined with our historical lack of profitability, have raised substantial doubt as to our ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that we will continue as a going concern.
Business Update Regarding COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a substantial public health and economic challenge around the world and is affecting employers, employees, communities and business operations, as well as the world’s economy and financial markets. The full extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic will directly or indirectly impact our business, results of operations and financial condition will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be accurately predicted, including new information that may emerge concerning COVID-19, the actions taken to contain it or treat its impact and the economic impact on local, regional, national and international markets.
To date, we have been able to continue our operations and do not anticipate any material interruptions in the foreseeable future. However, we are continuing to assess the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our industry and our company.
Marijuana Industry Overview
As of December 2022, there are a total of 38 states, plus the District of Columbia, that have passed legislation related to medicinal cannabis. Of these states, 21, plus the District of Columbia, have legalized recreational cannabis. These state laws are in direct conflict with the United States Federal Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. § 811) (“CSA”). The CSA classifies cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance, which is viewed as having a high potential for abuse and has no currently-acceptable use for medical treatment.
Although the possession, cultivation, and distribution of cannabis for medical and adult use is permitted in California, Oregon, and Nevada, cannabis is illegal under federal law. We believe we operate our business in compliance with applicable state laws and regulations. Any changes in federal, state or local law enforcement regarding cannabis may affect our ability to operate our business. Strict enforcement of federal law regarding cannabis would likely result in the inability to proceed with our business plans, could expose us to potential criminal liability, and could subject our properties to civil forfeiture. Any changes in banking, insurance or other business services may also affect our ability to operate our business.
Our Marijuana Dispensaries, Cultivation and Manufacturing Operations
Black Oak Gallery/Blüm Oakland
On April 1, 2016, we acquired Black Oak Gallery, which operates a medical and adult use marijuana dispensary in Oakland, California under the name “Blüm”. Blüm opened its retail storefront in Oakland, California in November 2012.
Blüm Oakland sells a combination of our own cultivated products as well as high quality name-brand products from outside suppliers. In addition to multiple grades of medical and adult use marijuana, Blüm sells edibles, which include cannabis-infused baked goods, chocolates, and candies; cannabis-infused topical products, such as lotions, massage oils and balms; clones of marijuana plants; and numerous kinds of cannabis concentrates, such as hash, shatter and wax. Blüm Oakland’s location consists of a retail dispensary storefront, a distribution area and a gated 20-car capacity parking lot with armed security.
Blüm San Leandro
We incorporated Blüm San Leandro on October 14, 2016, which is a medical and adult use marijuana dispensary and delivery service in San Leandro, California originally operating under the name “Silverstreak”. Blüm San Leandro has received the necessary governmental approvals and permitting to operate a medical and adult use marijuana dispensary and as well as a distribution facility in San Leandro, California. The San Leandro dispensary opened on January 11, 2019. In June 2022, the San Leandro dispensary was temporarily closed and reopened in December 2022 under the name “Blüm”.
People's
On November 22, 2021, the Company acquired People’s First Choice, which owns and operates one of the most successful dispensaries in Orange County, California, regularly servicing upwards of 1,000 customers each day. The Company has entered into agreements to acquire and operate additional People's dispensaries in Riverside, California and Costa Mesa, California.
UMBRLA
On July 1, 2021, the Company acquired UMBRLA, Inc. which operated The Spot dispensary in Santa Ana, California and owned the Korova brand intellectual property.
Oregon Operations
The Company owned 50% of the equity interests in Psychonaut Oregon, LLC (“Psychonau”) which conducts cannabis cultivation activities in Oregon including the Company's brands (Korova, Cabana, Sticks). On December 28, 2022, the Company sold its equity interests in Psychonaut and no longer has cultivation operations in Oregon as of December 31, 2022.
As a result of the acquisition of UMBRLA in July 2021, the Company acquired a distribution facility in Portland, Oregon known as LTRMN, Inc. (“LTRMN”). On December 28, 2022, the Company sold all of its equity interests in LTRMN and no longer has distribution operations in Oregon as of December 31, 2022.
Oakland Cultivation
We lease 13,000 square feet of industrial space on over 30,000 square feet of land in Oakland’s industrial corridor where we operate a cannabis cultivation facility.
Silverstreak
On October 5, 2021, the Company acquired Silverstreak Solutions Inc. (“Silverstreak”), a cannabis delivery service based in Sacramento, California. During fiscal year 2022, the Company suspended its retail and delivery operations at Silverstreak. In November 2022, the Company received confirmation for the legal dissolution of Silverstreak.
NuLeaf
On October 26, 2017, the Company entered into joint venture agreements with NuLeaf Sparks Cultivation, LLC and NuLeaf Reno Production, LLC (collectively, “NuLeaf”) to build and operate cultivation and production facilities for our brand of cannabis products in Nevada. The agreements were subject to approval by the State of Nevada, the City of Sparks and the City of Reno in Nevada. Under the terms of the agreements, the Company remitted to NuLeaf an upfront investment of $4.50 million in the form of convertible loans bearing an interest rate of 6.0% per annum. The Company received all required permits and licenses from the State of Nevada and local authorities in 2018. As a result, the notes receivable balance was converted into a 50.0% ownership interest in Nuleaf. See “Note 17 - Variable Interest Entity Arrangements” in the Consolidated Financial Statements. In April 2022, the Company completed the sale of its 50.0% membership interests in NuLeaf.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. Before deciding to purchase, hold, or sell our common stock, you should carefully consider the risks described below in addition to the cautionary statements and risks described elsewhere and the other information contained in this Report and in our other filings with the SEC, including subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations. If any of these known or unknown risks or uncertainties actually occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations and/or liquidity could be seriously harmed, which could cause our actual results to vary materially from recent results or from our anticipated future results. In addition, the trading price of our common stock could decline due to any of these known or unknown risks or uncertainties, and you could lose all or part of your investment. An investment in our securities is speculative and involves a high degree of risk. You should not invest in our securities if you cannot bear the economic risk of your investment for an indefinite period of time and cannot afford to lose your entire investment. See also “Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements.”
Summary of Risk Factors
Our business is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, discussed in more detail in the following section. These risks include, among others, the following key risks:
Risks Relating to Our Business, Financial Position and Industry
•We have had significant changes to our operations, which may make it difficult for investors to predict future performance based on current operations.
•We have incurred significant losses in prior periods, and losses in the future could cause the quoted price of our Common Stock to decline or have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, our ability to pay our debts as they become due and on our cash flow.
•We will likely need additional capital to sustain our operations and will likely need to seek further financing, which we may not be able to obtain on acceptable terms, or at all. If we fail to raise additional capital, as needed, our ability to implement our business model and strategy could be compromised.
•We face intense competition and many of our competitors have greater resources that may enable them to compete more effectively.
•Our business may be adversely affected by a pandemic, epidemic, or outbreak of an infectious disease, such as the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the emergence of additional variants.
•If we fail to protect our intellectual property, our business could be adversely affected.
•Although we believe that our products and processes do not and will not infringe upon the patents or violate the proprietary rights of others, it is possible such infringement or violation has occurred or may occur, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
•Our trade secrets may be difficult to protect.
•Our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flow may in the future be negatively impacted by challenging global economic conditions.
•Our future success depends on our key executive officers and our ability to attract, retain, and motivate qualified personnel.
•We may not be able to effectively manage our growth or improve our operational, financial, and management information systems, which would impair our results of operations.
•If we are unable to continually innovate and increase efficiencies, our ability to attract new customers may be adversely affected.
•We are dependent on the popularity of consumer acceptance of our product lines.
•A drop in the retail and/or wholesale prices of medical and adult use marijuana products may negatively impact our business.
•Federal regulation and enforcement may adversely affect the implementation of cannabis laws and regulations may negatively impact our revenues and profits.
•We could be found to be violating laws related to cannabis.
•Variations in state and local regulation, and enforcement in states that have legalized cannabis, may restrict cannabis-related activities, which may negatively impact our revenues and prospective profits.
•Prospective customers may be deterred from doing business with a company with a significant nationwide online presence because of fears of federal or state enforcement of laws prohibiting possession and sale of medical or recreational marijuana.
•Marijuana remains illegal under federal law.
•We are not able to deduct some of our business expenses.
•We may not be able to attract or retain a majority of independent directors.
•We may not be able to successfully execute on our merger and acquisition strategy.
•Laws and regulations affecting the medical and adult use marijuana industry are constantly changing, which could detrimentally affect our cultivation, production and dispensary operations
•We may not obtain the necessary permits and authorizations to operate the medical and adult use marijuana business.
•If we incur substantial liability from litigation, complaints, or enforcement actions, our financial condition could suffer.
•We may have difficulty accessing the service of banks, which may make it difficult for us to operate.
•Litigation may adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
•Our insurance coverage may be inadequate to cover all significant risk exposures.
•We may become subject to legal proceedings and liability if our products are contaminated.
•Some of our lines of business rely on our third-party service providers to host and deliver services and data, and any interruptions or delays in these hosted services, security or privacy breaches, or failures in data collection could expose us to liability and harm our business and reputation.
•Disruptions to cultivation, manufacturing and distribution of cannabis in California may negatively affect our access to products for sale at our dispensaries.
•High tax rates on cannabis and compliance costs in California may limit our customer base.
•Federal income tax reform could have unforeseen effects on our financial condition and results of operations.
•Inadequate funding for the Department of Justice (DOJ) and other government agencies could hinder their ability to perform normal business functions on which the operation of our business may rely, which could negatively impact our business.
•California’s Phase-In of Laboratory Testing Requirements could impact the availability of the products sold in our dispensary.
•There is uncertainty related to the regulation of vaporization products and certain other consumption accessories. Increased regulatory compliance burdens could have a material adverse impact on our business development efforts and our operations.
•The scientific community has not yet extensively studied the long-term health effects of the use of vaporizer products.
•If product liability lawsuits are brought against us, we will incur substantial liabilities.
•Unionization of employees could have a material adverse impact on our business.
•Inadequate funding for state and local regulatory agencies and the effects of COVID-19 could hinder their ability to perform normal business functions on which the operation of our business may rely, which could negatively impact our business.
•Competition from Synthetic Production and Technological Advances could adversely impact our profitability.
•There are risks inherent in an Agricultural Business.
•We may suffer from Unfavorable Publicity or Consumer Perception.
•Our independent registered public accounting firm's report for the year ended December 31, 2022 is qualified as to our ability to continue as a going concern.
•The Company has identified material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting and may identify additional material weaknesses in the future that may cause them to fail to meet its reporting obligations or result in material misstatements of its financial statements. If the Company fails to remediate any material weaknesses or if the Company fails to establish and maintain effective control over financial reporting, its ability to accurately and timely report its financial results could be adversely affected.
Risks Related to an Investment in Our Securities
•We expect to experience volatility in the price of our Common Stock, which could negatively affect stockholders’ investments.
•Our Common Stock is categorized as “penny stock,” which may make it more difficult for investors to sell their shares of Common Stock due to suitability requirements.
•Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) sales practice requirements may also limit a stockholder’s ability to buy and sell our Common Stock, which could depress the price of our Common Stock.
•The elimination of monetary liability against our directors, officers, and employees under Nevada law and the existence of indemnification rights for our obligations to our directors, officers, and employees may result in substantial expenditures by us and may discourage lawsuits against our directors, officers, and employees.
•We may issue additional shares of Common Stock or preferred stock in the future, which could cause significant dilution to all stockholders.
•Anti-takeover effects of certain provisions of Nevada state law hinder a potential takeover of us.
•Because we do not intend to pay any cash dividends on our Common Stock, our stockholders will not be able to receive a return on their shares unless they sell them.
•Failure to execute our strategies could result in impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets, which may negatively impact profitability.
Risks Relating to Our Business, Financial Position and Industry
We have had significant changes to our operations, which may make it difficult for investors to predict future performance based on current operations.
We have had significant changes to our operations which changes the relevance of our historical performance upon which investors may base an evaluation of our potential future performance. In particular, we may not be able to sell cannabis products in a manner that enables us to be profitable and meet customer requirements, obtain the necessary permits and/or achieve certain milestones to develop our dispensary businesses, enhance our line of cannabis products, develop and maintain relationships with key manufacturers and strategic partners to extract value from our intellectual property, raise sufficient capital in the public and/or private markets, or respond effectively to competitive pressures. As a result, there can be no assurance that we will be able to develop or maintain consistent revenue sources, or that our operations will be profitable and/or generate positive cash flow.
Any forecasts we make about our operations may prove to be inaccurate. We must, among other things, determine appropriate risks, rewards, and level of investment in our product lines, respond to economic and market variables outside of our control, respond to competitive developments and continue to attract, retain, and motivate qualified employees. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in meeting these challenges and addressing such risks and the failure to do so could have a materially adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. Our prospects must be considered in light of the risks, expenses, and difficulties frequently encountered by companies in the early stage of development. As a result of these risks, challenges, and uncertainties, the value of our stockholder's investment could be significantly reduced or completely lost.
We have incurred significant losses in prior periods, and losses in the future could cause the quoted price of our Common Stock to decline or have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, our ability to pay our debts as they become due and on our cash flow
We have incurred significant losses in prior periods. For the year ended December 31, 2022, we incurred a net loss of $188.93 million and, as of that date, we had an accumulated deficit of $440.05 million. For the year ended December 31, 2021, we incurred a net loss of $31.27 million and, as of that date, we had an accumulated deficit of $250.02 million. Any losses in the future could cause the quoted price of our Common Stock to decline or have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, our ability to pay our debts as they become due, and on our cash flow.
We will likely need additional capital to sustain our operations and will likely need to seek further financing, which we may not be able to obtain on acceptable terms, or at all. If we fail to raise additional capital, as needed, our ability to implement our business model and strategy could be compromised.
We have limited capital resources and operations. To date, our operations have been funded primarily from the proceeds of debt and equity financings. We expect to require substantial capital in the near future to fund our future operations. We may not be able to obtain additional financing on terms acceptable to us, or at all. In particular, because marijuana is illegal under federal law, we may have difficulty attracting investors.
Even if we obtain financing for our near-term operations, we expect that we will require additional capital thereafter. Our capital needs will depend on numerous factors including: (i) our profitability; (ii) the release of competitive products by our competition; (iii) the level of our investment in research and development; and (iv) the amount of our capital expenditures, including acquisitions. We cannot provide assurance that we will be able to obtain capital in the future to meet our needs.
As of December 31, 2022, we had $1.20 million of cash and cash equivalents. We maintain our cash and cash equivalents with high quality, accredited financial institutions. However, some of these accounts at times exceed federally insured limits, and, while we believe that we are not exposed to significant credit risk due to the financial strength of these depository institutions or investments, the failure or collapse of one or more of these depository institutions or default on these investments could materially adversely affect our ability to recover these assets and/or materially harm our financial condition.
If we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity or convertible debt securities, the percentage ownership held by our existing stockholders will be reduced and our stockholders may experience significant dilution. In addition, new securities may contain rights, preferences, or privileges that are senior to those of our Common Stock. If we raise additional capital by incurring debt, this will result in increased interest expense. If we raise additional funds through the issuance of securities, market fluctuations in the price of our shares of Common Stock could limit our ability to obtain equity financing.
We cannot provide any assurance that any additional financing will be available to us, or if available, will be on terms favorable to us. If we are unable to raise capital when needed, our business, financial condition, and results of operations would be materially adversely affected, and we could be forced to reduce or discontinue our operations.
We face intense competition and many of our competitors have greater resources that may enable them to compete more effectively.
The industries in which we operate in general are subject to intense and increasing competition from other companies as well as from the illicit market. Some of our competitors may have greater capital resources, facilities, and diversity of product lines, which may enable them to compete more effectively in this market. Our competitors may devote their resources to developing and marketing products that will directly compete with our product lines. Illicit market participants divert customers away through product offerings, price point, anonymity and convenience. Due to this competition, there is no assurance that we will not encounter difficulties in obtaining revenues and market share or in the positioning of our products. Additionally, as the number of available licenses increase in the markets in which we operate, additional competition and increased product availability may result in competitors undercutting our prices. From time to time, we may need to reduce our prices in response to competitive and customer pressures and to maintain our market share, which could materially reduce our revenues. There are no assurances that competition in our respective industries will not lead to reduced prices for our products. If we are unable to successfully compete with existing companies and new entrants to the market, this will have a negative impact on our business and financial condition.
Our business may be adversely affected by a pandemic, epidemic, or outbreak of an infectious disease, such as the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the emergence of additional variants.
Our business could be adversely affected by health epidemics in regions where we have retail facilities or other business activities and could cause significant disruption in the operations of third parties upon whom we rely. For example, the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to have unpredictable impacts on global societies, economies, financial markets, and business practices around the world. The extent to which the ongoing coronavirus pandemic may impact our business, results of operations, and future growth prospects will depend on a variety of factors and future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, including the duration, scope, and severity of the pandemic, particularly as virus variants continue to spread. The extent to which COVID-19 impacts our results will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including new information which may emerge concerning the severity of COVID-19 and the actions to contain COVID-19 or treat its impact, among others. The outbreak and any preventative or protective actions that governments or we may take in respect of any epidemic may result in a period of business disruption and reduced operations. There may be interruptions to our supply chain due to the inability of manufacturers to continue normal business operations and to ship products. In addition, a significant outbreak of an infectious disease could result in a widespread health crisis that could adversely affect the economies and financial markets worldwide, resulting in an economic downturn that could impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. We are currently working to enhance our business continuity plans to include measures to protect our employees in the event of infection in our corporate offices, or in response to potential mandatory quarantines.
If we fail to protect our intellectual property, our business could be adversely affected.
Our viability will depend, in part, on our ability to develop and maintain the proprietary aspects of our intellectual property to distinguish our products from our competitors’ products. We rely on copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, and confidentiality provisions to establish and protect our intellectual property. We may not be able to enforce some of our intellectual property rights because cannabis is illegal under federal law.
Any infringement or misappropriation of our intellectual property could damage its value and limit our ability to compete. We may have to engage in litigation to protect the rights to our intellectual property, which could result in significant litigation costs and require a significant amount of our time. In addition, our ability to enforce and protect our intellectual property rights may be limited in certain countries outside the United States, which could make it easier for competitors to capture market position in such countries by utilizing technologies that are similar to those developed or licensed by us.
Competitors may also harm our sales by designing products that mirror our products or processes that do not infringe on our intellectual property rights. If we do not obtain sufficient protection for our intellectual property, or if we are unable to effectively enforce our intellectual property rights, our competitiveness could be impaired, which would limit our growth and future revenue.
We may also find it necessary to bring infringement or other actions against third parties to seek to protect our intellectual property rights. Litigation of this nature, even if successful, is often expensive and time-consuming to prosecute and there can be no assurance that we will have the financial or other resources to enforce our rights or be able to enforce our rights or prevent other parties from developing similar products or processes or designing around our intellectual property.
Although we believe that our products and processes do not and will not infringe or violate the intellectual property rights of others, it is possible such infringement or violation has occurred or may occur, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We are not aware of any infringement by us of any person’s or entity’s intellectual property rights. In the event that products we sell or processes we employ are deemed to infringe upon the patents or proprietary rights of others, we could be required to modify our products or processes or obtain a license for the manufacture and/or sale of such products or processes or cease selling such products or employing such processes. In such event, we may not be able to modify our products or secure a license in a timely manner, upon acceptable terms and conditions, or at all, and the failure to do any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect upon our business.
We may not have the financial or other resources necessary to enforce or defend a patent infringement or proprietary rights violation action. If our products or processes are deemed to infringe or likely to infringe upon the patents or proprietary rights of others, we could be subject to injunctive relief and, under certain circumstances, become liable for damages, which could also have a material adverse effect on our business and our financial condition.
Our trade secrets may be difficult to protect.
Our success depends upon the skills, knowledge, and experience of our scientific and technical personnel, our consultants and advisors, as well as our licensors and contractors. Because we operate in several highly competitive industries, we rely in part on trade secrets to protect our proprietary technology and processes. However, trade secrets are difficult to protect. We enter into confidentiality or non-disclosure agreements with our corporate partners, employees, consultants, outside scientific collaborators, developers, and other advisors. These agreements generally require that the receiving party keep confidential and not disclose to third parties, confidential information developed by the receiving party or made known to the receiving party by us during the course of the receiving party’s relationship with us. These agreements also generally provide that inventions conceived by the receiving party in the course of rendering services to us will be our exclusive property, and we enter into assignment agreements to perfect our rights.
These confidentiality, inventions, and assignment agreements may be breached and may not effectively assign intellectual property rights to us. Our trade secrets could also be independently discovered by competitors, in which case we would not be able to prevent the use of such trade secrets by our competitors. The enforcement of a claim alleging that a party illegally obtained and was using our trade secrets could be difficult, expensive, and time consuming and the outcome would be unpredictable. In addition, courts outside the United States may be less willing to protect trade secrets. The failure to obtain or maintain meaningful trade secret protection could adversely affect our competitive position.
Our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flow may in the future be negatively impacted by challenging global economic conditions, including negative impacts from continued inflation.
Future disruptions and volatility in global financial markets and declining consumer and business confidence could 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. Additionally, continued upward rate of inflation could negatively impact any future profits that we might generate from our business. When the rate of inflation rises, the operational costs of running our Company also increases, such as labor costs, raw materials, and public utilities, thus affecting our ability to provide our products at competitive prices. An increase in the rate of inflation could force our customers to search for other products, causing us to lose business and revenue. We are unable to predict the likelihood of the occurrence, duration, or severity of such disruptions in the credit and financial markets and 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.
Our future success depends on our key executive officers and our ability to attract, retain, and motivate qualified personnel.
Our future success largely depends upon the continued services of our executive officers and management team. If one or more of our executive officers are unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions, we may not be able to replace them readily, if at all. Additionally, we may incur additional expenses to recruit and retain new executive officers. If any of our executive officers joins a competitor or forms a competing company, we may lose some or all of our customers. Finally, we do not maintain “key person” life insurance on any of our executive officers. Because of these factors, the loss of the services of any of these key persons could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations, and thereby an investment in our stock.
Our continuing ability to attract and retain highly qualified personnel will also be critical to our success because we will need to hire and retain additional personnel as our business grows. There can be no assurance that we will be able to attract or retain highly qualified personnel. We face significant competition for skilled personnel in our industries. In particular, if the marijuana industry continues to grow, demand for personnel may become more competitive. This competition may make it more difficult and expensive to attract, hire, and retain qualified managers and employees. Because of these factors, we may not be able to effectively manage or grow our business, which could adversely affect our financial condition or business. As a result, the value of your investment could be significantly reduced or completely lost.
We may not be able to effectively manage our growth or improve our operational, financial, and management information systems, which would impair our results of operations.
In the near term, we intend to expand the scope of our operations activities significantly. If we are successful in executing our business plan, we will experience growth in our business that could place a significant strain on our business operations, finances, management, and other resources. The factors that may place strain on our resources include, but are not limited to, the following:
•The need for continued development of our financial and information management systems;
•The need to manage strategic relationships and agreements with manufacturers, customers, and partners; and
•Difficulties in hiring and retaining skilled management, technical, and other personnel necessary to support and manage our business.
Additionally, our strategy envisions a period of rapid growth that may impose a significant burden on our administrative and operational resources. Our ability to effectively manage growth will require us to substantially expand the capabilities of our administrative and operational resources and to attract, train, manage, and retain qualified management and other personnel. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in recruiting and retaining new employees or retaining existing employees.
Our management may not be able to manage this growth effectively. Our failure to successfully manage growth could result in our sales not increasing commensurately with capital investments or otherwise materially adversely affecting our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
If we are unable to continually innovate and increase efficiencies, our ability to attract new customers may be adversely affected.
In the area of innovation, we must be able to develop new technologies and products that appeal to our customers. This depends, in part, on the technological and creative skills of our personnel and on our ability to protect our intellectual property rights. We may not be successful in the development, introduction, marketing, and sourcing of new technologies or innovations, that satisfy customer needs, achieve market acceptance, or generate satisfactory financial returns.
We depend on the popularity of consumer acceptance of our product lines.
Our ability to generate revenue and be successful in the implementation of our business plan is dependent on consumer acceptance and demand of our product lines. Acceptance of our products will depend on several factors, including availability, cost, ease of use, familiarity of use, convenience, effectiveness, safety, and reliability. If customers do not accept our products, or if we fail to meet customers’ needs and expectations adequately, our ability to continue generating revenues could be reduced.
A drop in the retail price of medical and adult use marijuana products may negatively impact our business.
The demand for our products depends in part on the price of commercially grown marijuana. Fluctuations in economic and market conditions that impact the prices of commercially grown marijuana, such as increases in the supply of such marijuana and the decrease in the price of products using commercially grown marijuana, could cause the demand for marijuana products to decline, which would have a negative impact on our business.
Federal regulation and enforcement may adversely affect the implementation of cannabis laws and regulations may negatively impact our revenues and profits.
Currently, the CSA prohibits the manufacture, distribution, dispensation, and possession of cannabis. Unless Congress amends the CSA to alter the Schedule I status of cannabis, for which there can be no assurance, federal authorities may enforce current federal law, and we may be deemed to be producing, cultivating, or dispensing marijuana in violation of federal law. Active enforcement of the current federal regulatory position on cannabis may therefore indirectly and adversely affect our revenues and profits. The risk of strict enforcement of the CSA in light of Congressional activity, judicial holdings, and stated federal policy remains uncertain.
We could be found to be violating laws related to cannabis.
Currently, the CSA prohibits the manufacture, distribution, dispensation, and possession of cannabis. Unless Congress amends the CSA to alter the Schedule I status of cannabis, for which there can be no assurance federal authorities may enforce current federal law, including the CSA in appropriate circumstances. The risk of strict enforcement of the CSA in light of Congressional activity, judicial holdings, and stated federal policy remains uncertain. Because we cultivate, produce, sell and distribute marijuana, there is a risk that we will be deemed to facilitate the selling or distribution of medical marijuana in violation of federal law. Active enforcement of the CSA on cannabis may, hence cause a direct and adverse effect on our subsidiaries’ businesses, or intended businesses, and on our revenue and prospective profits.
Variations in state and local regulation, and enforcement in states that have legalized cannabis, may restrict cannabis-related activities, which may negatively impact our revenues and prospective profits.
Individual state and local laws do not always conform to the federal standard or to other states’ laws. A number of states have decriminalized marijuana to varying degrees, other states have created exemptions specifically for medical cannabis, and several have both decriminalization and medical laws. As of December 2022, 21 states and the District of Columbia have legalized the recreational use of cannabis. Variations exist among states that have legalized, decriminalized, or created medical marijuana exemptions. For example, certain states have limits on the number of marijuana plants that can be homegrown. In most states, the cultivation of marijuana for personal use continues to be prohibited except for those states that allow small-scale cultivation by the individual in possession of medical marijuana needing care or that person’s caregiver. Active enforcement of state laws that prohibit personal cultivation of marijuana may indirectly and adversely affect our business and our revenue and profits.
If we are unable to obtain and maintain the permits and licenses required to operate our business in compliance with state and local regulations in California, we may experience negative effects on our business and results of operations.
Prospective customers may be deterred from doing business with a company with a significant nationwide online presence because of fears of federal or state enforcement of laws prohibiting possession and sale of medical or recreational marijuana.
Our website is visible in jurisdictions where medicinal and adult use of marijuana is not permitted and, as a result, we may be found to be violating the laws of those jurisdictions.
Marijuana remains illegal under federal law.
Marijuana is a Schedule I controlled substance and is illegal under federal law. Even in those states in which the use of marijuana has been legalized, its use remains a violation of federal law. Since federal law criminalizing the use of marijuana preempts state laws that legalize its use, strict enforcement of federal law regarding marijuana would likely result in our inability to proceed with our business plan, especially in respect of our marijuana cultivation, production and dispensaries. In addition, our assets, including real property, cash, equipment and other goods, could be subject to asset forfeiture because marijuana is still federally illegal.
We are not able to deduct some of our business expenses.
Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code prohibits marijuana businesses from deducting their ordinary and necessary business expenses, forcing us to pay higher effective federal tax rates than similar companies in other industries. The effective tax rate on a marijuana business depends on how large its ratio of nondeductible expenses is to its total revenues. Therefore, our marijuana business may be less profitable than it could otherwise be.
We may not be able to attract or retain a majority of independent directors.
Our board of directors is currently comprised of a majority of independent directors. However, through much of our history our board was not comprised of a majority of independent directors. We may in the future desire to list our common stock on The New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) or The NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”), both of which require that a majority of our board be comprised of independent directors. We may have difficulty attracting and retaining independent directors because, among other things, we operate in the marijuana industry, and as a result we may be delayed or prevented from listing our common stock on the NYSE or NASDAQ.
We may not be able to successfully execute on our merger and acquisition strategy.
Our business plan depends in part on merging with or acquiring other businesses in the marijuana industry. The success of any acquisition will depend upon, among other things, our ability to integrate acquired personnel, operations, products and technologies into our organization effectively, to retain and motivate key personnel of acquired businesses, and to retain their customers. Any acquisition may result in diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns, and such acquisition may be dilutive to our financial results and/or result in impairment charges and write-offs. We might also spend time and money investigating and negotiating with potential acquisition or investment targets, but not complete the transaction.
Although we expect to realize strategic, operational and financial benefits as a result of our acquisitions, we cannot predict whether and to what extent such benefits will be achieved. There are significant challenges to integrating an acquired operation into our business.
Any future acquisition could involve other risks, including the assumption of unidentified liabilities for which we, as a successor owner, may be responsible. These transactions typically involve a number of risks and present financial and other challenges, including the existence of unknown disputes, liabilities, or contingencies and changes in the industry, location, or regulatory or political environment in which these investments are located, that our due diligence review may not adequately uncover and that may arise after entering into such arrangements.
Laws and regulations affecting the medical and adult use marijuana industry are constantly changing, which could detrimentally affect our cultivation, production and dispensary operations.
Local, state, and federal medical and adult use marijuana laws and regulations are broad in scope and subject to evolving interpretations, which could require us to incur substantial costs associated with compliance or alter certain aspects of our business plan. In addition, violations of these laws, or allegations of such violations, could disrupt certain aspects of our business plan and result in a material adverse effect on certain aspects of our planned operations. In addition, it is possible that regulations may be enacted in the future that will be directly applicable to certain aspects of our cultivation, production and dispensary businesses, and our business of selling cannabis products. We cannot predict the nature of any future laws, regulations, interpretations or applications, nor can we determine what effect additional governmental regulations or administrative policies and procedures, when and if promulgated, could have on our business.
We may not obtain the necessary permits and authorizations to operate our medical and adult use marijuana businesses.
We may not be able to obtain or maintain the necessary licenses, permits, authorizations, or accreditations for our cultivation, production and dispensary businesses, or may only be able to do so at great cost. In addition, we may not be able to comply fully with the wide variety of laws and regulations applicable to the medical and adult use marijuana industry. Failure to comply with or to obtain the necessary licenses, permits, authorizations, or accreditations could result in restrictions on our ability to operate the medical and adult use marijuana business, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
If we incur substantial liability from litigation, complaints, or enforcement actions, our financial condition could suffer.
Our participation in the medical and adult use marijuana industry may lead to litigation, formal or informal complaints, enforcement actions, and inquiries by various federal, state, or local governmental authorities against us. Litigation, complaints, and enforcement actions could consume considerable amounts of financial and other corporate resources, which could have a negative impact on our sales, revenue, profitability, and growth prospects. We have not been, and are not currently, subject to any material litigation, complaint, or enforcement action regarding marijuana (or otherwise) brought by any federal, state, or local governmental authority.
We may have difficulty accessing the service of banks, which may make it difficult for us to operate.
Since the use of marijuana is illegal under federal law, many banks will not accept for deposit funds from businesses involved with the marijuana industry. Consequently, businesses involved in the marijuana industry often have difficulty finding a bank willing to accept their business. The inability to open or maintain bank accounts may make it difficult for us to operate our medical and adult use marijuana businesses. If any of our bank accounts are closed, we may have difficulty processing transactions in the ordinary course of business, including paying suppliers, employees and landlords, which could have a significant negative effect on our operations.
Litigation may adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
From time to time in the normal course of our business operations, we may become subject to litigation that may result in liability material to our financial statements as a whole or may negatively affect our operating results if changes to our business operations are required. The cost to defend such litigation may be significant and may require a diversion of our resources. There also may be adverse publicity associated with litigation that could negatively affect customer perception of our business, regardless of whether the allegations are valid or whether we are ultimately found liable. Insurance may not be available at all or in sufficient amounts to cover any liabilities with respect to these or other matters. A judgment or other liability in excess of our insurance coverage for any claims could adversely affect our business and the results of our operations.
Our insurance coverage may not cover all significant risk exposures.
We will be exposed to liabilities that are unique to the products we provide. While we intend to maintain insurance for certain risks, the amount of our insurance coverage may not be adequate to cover all claims or liabilities, and we may be forced to bear substantial costs resulting from risks and uncertainties of our business. It is also not possible to obtain insurance to protect against all operational risks and liabilities. In particular, we have had difficulty obtaining insurance because we operate in the marijuana industry. The failure to obtain adequate insurance coverage on terms favorable to us, or at all, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. We do not have any business interruption insurance. Any business disruption or natural disaster could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources.
We may become subject to legal proceedings and liability if our products are contaminated.
We source some of our products from third-party suppliers. Although we verify that the products we receive from third-party suppliers are adequately tested, we may not identify all contamination in those products. Possible contaminates include pesticides, molds and fungus. If any of our products harm a customer, they may sue us in addition to the supplier, and we may not have adequate insurance to cover any such claims, which could result in a negative effect on our results of operations.
Some of our lines of business rely on our third-party service providers to host and deliver services and data, and any interruptions or delays in these hosted services, security or privacy breaches, or failures in data collection could expose us to liability and harm our business and reputation.
Some of our lines of business and services, including our dispensaries, rely on services hosted and controlled directly by third-party service providers. We do not have redundancy for all of our systems, many of our critical applications reside in only one of our data centers, and our disaster recovery planning may not account for all eventualities. If our business relationship with a third-party provider of hosting or software services is negatively affected, or if one of our service providers were to terminate its agreement with us, we might not be able to deliver access to our data, which could subject us to reputational harm and cause us to lose customers and future business, thereby reducing our revenue.
We hold large amounts of customer data, some of which is hosted in third-party facilities. A security incident at those facilities or ours may compromise the confidentiality, integrity or availability of customer data. Unauthorized access to customer data stored on our computers or networks may be obtained through break-ins, breaches of our secure network by an unauthorized party, employee theft or misuse or other misconduct. It is also possible that unauthorized access to customer data may be obtained through inadequate use of security controls by customers. Accounts created with weak passwords could allow cyber-attackers to gain access to customer data. If there were an inadvertent disclosure of customer information, or if a third party were to gain unauthorized access to the information we possess on behalf of our customers, our operations could be disrupted, our reputation could be damaged and we could be subject to claims or other liabilities. In addition, such perceived or actual unauthorized disclosure of the information we collect or breach of our security could damage our reputation, result in the loss of customers and harm our business.
Because of the large amount of data we collect and manage using our hosted solutions, it is possible that hardware or software failures or errors in our systems (or those of our third-party service providers) could result in data loss or corruption, cause the information that we collect to be incomplete or contain inaccuracies that our customers regard as significant or cause us to fail to meet committed service levels. Furthermore, our ability to collect and report data may be delayed or interrupted by a number of factors, including access to the Internet, the failure of our network or software systems or security breaches. In addition, computer viruses or other malware may harm our systems, causing us to lose data, and the transmission of computer viruses or other malware could expose us to litigation. We may also find, on occasion, that we cannot deliver data and reports in near real time because of a number of factors, including failures of our network or software. If we supply inaccurate information or experience interruptions in our ability to capture, store and supply information in near real time or at all, our reputation could be harmed and we could lose customers, or we could be found liable for damages or incur other losses.
Loss of access to our data could have a negative impact on our business and results of operations. In particular, the states in which we operate require that we maintain certain information about our customers and transactions. If we fail to maintain such information, we could be in violation of state laws.
Disruptions to cultivation, manufacturing and distribution of cannabis in California may negatively affect our access to products for sale at our dispensaries.
California laws and regulations require us to purchase products only from licensed vendors and through licensed distributors. To date, a relatively small number of licenses have been issued in California to cultivate, manufacture and distribute cannabis products. We have obtained a license to distribute products from our cultivation and manufacturing facilities to our dispensaries, however we currently do not cultivate and manufacture enough of our own products to satisfy customer demand. In addition, we carry products cultivated and manufactured by third parties. As a result, if an insufficient number of cultivators, manufacturers and distributors are able to obtain licenses our ability to purchase products and have them delivered to our dispensaries may be limited and may impact our sales.
High tax rates on cannabis and compliance costs in California may limit our customer base.
The States of California impose excise tax on products sold at licensed cannabis dispensaries. Local jurisdictions typically impose additional taxes on cannabis products. In addition, we incur significant costs complying with state and local laws and regulations. As a result, products sold at our dispensaries will likely cost more than similar products sold by unlicensed vendors and we may lose market share to those vendors.
Federal income tax reform could have unforeseen effects on our financial condition and results of operations.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, or the Tax Act, was enacted on December 22, 2017, and contains many changes to U.S. federal tax laws. The Tax Act requires complex computations that were not previously provided for under U.S. tax law and significantly revised the U.S. tax code by, among other changes, lowering the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, requiring a one-time transition tax on accumulated foreign earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred and creating new taxes on certain foreign sourced earnings. As of December 31, 2022, the Company has completed its accounting for the tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act. However, additional guidance may be issued by the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of the Treasury, or other governing body that may significantly differ from our interpretation of the law, which may result in a material adverse effect on our business, cash flow, results of operations or financial conditions.
Inadequate funding for the DOJ and other government agencies could hinder their ability to perform normal business functions on which the operation of our business may rely, which could negatively impact our business.
In an effort to provide guidance to federal law enforcement, the DOJ has issued Guidance Regarding Marijuana Enforcement to all United States Attorneys in a memorandum from Deputy Attorney General David Ogden on October 19, 2009, in a memorandum from Deputy Attorney General James Cole on June 29, 2011, in a memorandum from Deputy Attorney General James Cole on August 29, 2013, and in a memorandum from Attorney General Jefferson Sessions on January 4, 2018. Each memorandum provides that the DOJ is committed to the enforcement of the CSA but, the DOJ is also committed to using its limited investigative and prosecutorial resources to address the most significant threats in the most effective, consistent, and rational way.
The DOJ has not historically devoted resources to prosecuting individuals whose conduct is limited to possession of small amounts of marijuana for use on private property but has relied on state and local law enforcement to address marijuana activity. In the event the DOJ reverses its stated policy and begins strict enforcement of the CSA in states that have laws legalizing medical marijuana and recreational marijuana in small amounts, there may be a direct and adverse impact to our business and our revenue and profits. Furthermore, H.R. 83, enacted by Congress on December 16, 2014, provides that none of the funds made available to the DOJ pursuant to the 2015 Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act may be used to prevent certain states, including California, from implementing their own laws that authorized the use, distribution, possession, or cultivation of medical marijuana. If a prolonged government shutdown occurs, it could enable the DOJ to enforce the CSA in states that have laws legalizing medical marijuana.
California’s Phase-In of Laboratory Testing Requirements could impact the availability of the products sold in our dispensaries.
Beginning July 1, 2018, cannabis goods must meet all statutory and regulatory requirements. A licensee can only sell cannabis goods that have been tested by a licensed testing laboratory and have passed all statutory and regulatory testing requirements. In order to be sold, cannabis goods harvested or manufactured prior to January 1, 2018, must be tested by a licensed testing laboratory and must comply with all testing requirements in section 5715 of the Bureau of Cannabis Control (“BCC”) regulations. Cannabis goods that do not meet all statutory and regulatory requirements must be destroyed in accordance with the rules pertaining to destruction.
There is uncertainty related to the regulation of vaporization products and certain other consumption accessories. Increased regulatory compliance burdens could have a material adverse impact on our business development efforts and our operations.
There is uncertainty regarding whether and in what circumstances federal, state, or local regulatory authorities will seek to develop and enforce regulations relative to vaporizer hardware and accessories that can be used to vaporize cannabis and/or tobacco. Further, it remains to be seen whether current or future regulations relating to tobacco vaporization products would also apply to cannabis vaporization products and related consumption accessories.
There has been increasing activity on the federal, state, and local levels with respect to scrutiny of vaporizer products. Federal, state, and local governmental bodies across the United States have indicated that vaporization products and certain other consumption accessories may become subject to new laws and regulations at the state and local levels. For example, in September 2019, the Administration announced a plan to ban the sale of most flavored e-cigarettes nationwide. At the state level, over 25 states have implemented statewide regulations that prohibit vaping in public places.
In January 2015, the California Department of Health declared electronic cigarettes and certain other vaporizer products a health threat that should be strictly regulated like tobacco products, and in September 2019, California’s governor issued an executive order on vaping, focused on enforcement and disclosure. Many states, provinces, and some cities have passed laws restricting the sale of electronic cigarettes and certain other tobacco vaporizer products. Some cities have also implemented more restrictive measures than their state counterparts, such as San Francisco, which in June 2018, approved a new ban on the sale of flavored tobacco products, including vaping liquids and menthol cigarettes. In August 2020, California prohibited the sale of most flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes.
The application of any new laws or regulations that may be adopted in the future, at a federal, state, or local level, directly or indirectly implicating cannabis vaporization products or consumption accessories could limit our ability to sell such products, result in additional compliance expenses, and require us to change our labeling and methods of distribution, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The scientific community has not yet extensively studied the long-term health effects of the use of vaporizer products.
Cannabis vaporizers and related products were recently developed and therefore the scientific community has not had a sufficient period of time to study the long-term health effects of their use. If the scientific community were to determine conclusively that use of any or all of these products poses long-term health risks, market demand for these products and their use could materially decline. Such a determination could also lead to litigation and significant regulation. Loss of demand for our product, product liability claims, and increased regulation stemming from unfavorable scientific studies on these products could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
If product liability lawsuits are brought against us, we will incur substantial liabilities.
We face an inherent risk of product liability. For example, we could be sued if any product we sell allegedly causes injury or is found to be otherwise unsuitable during product testing, manufacturing, marketing or sale. Any such product liability claims may include allegations of defects in manufacturing, defects in design, a failure to warn of dangers inherent in the product, negligence, strict liability and a breach of warranties. Claims could also be asserted under state consumer protection acts.
Furthermore, vaporizer products and other similar consumption product manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and sellers have recently become subject to litigation. While we have not been a party to any product liability litigation, several lawsuits have been brought against other manufacturers and sellers of smokeless products for injuries to health allegedly caused by use of smokeless products. We may be subject to similar claims in the future relating to vaporizer products that we sell. We may also be named as a defendant in product liability litigation against one of our suppliers by association, including in class action lawsuits. In addition, we may see increasing litigation over our vaporizer products or the regulation of our products as the regulatory regimes surrounding these products develop. If such lawsuits are filed against us in the future, we could incur substantial costs, including costs to defend the cases and possible damages awards.
If we cannot successfully defend ourselves against product liability claims, we may incur substantial liabilities or be required to limit sales of our products. Even a successful defense of these hypothetical future cases would require significant financial and management resources. If we are unable to successfully defend these hypothetical future cases, we could face at least the following potential consequences:
•decreased demand for our products;
•injury to our reputation;
•costs to defend the related litigation;
•a diversion of management’s time and our resources;
•substantial monetary awards to users of our products;
•product recalls or withdrawals;
•loss of revenue; and
•a decline in our stock price.
In addition, while we continue to take what we believe are appropriate precautions, we may be unable to avoid significant liability if any product liability lawsuit is brought against us.
Unionization of employees could have a material adverse impact on our business.
Employees in our Blüm Oakland and Blüm San Leandro facilities are unionized. We could face an increased risk of work stoppages and higher labor costs wherever labor is organized. If additional employees at our dispensaries, production or cultivation facilities were to unionize, our relationship with our employees could be adversely affected. Accordingly, unionization of our employees could have a material adverse impact on our operating costs and financial condition and could force us to raise prices on our products or curtail operations.
Inadequate funding for state and local regulatory agencies and the effects of COVID-19 could hinder their ability to perform normal business functions on which the operation of our business may rely, which could negatively impact our business.
We operate in a highly regulated industry and rely on state and local regulatory agencies to issue licenses to operate our business and, in some cases, approve transfers of ownership interests in the event we intend to dispose of assets. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many state and local regulatory agencies have been operating at reduced capacity which has resulted in delayed approvals of transfers of ownership interests.
Competition from synthetic production and technological advances could adversely impact our profitability.
The pharmaceutical industry may attempt to dominate the cannabis industry, and in particular, legal cannabis, through the development and distribution of synthetic products which emulate the effects and treatment of organic cannabis. If they are successful, the widespread popularity of such synthetic products could change the demand, volume and profitability of the cannabis industry. This could materially adversely affect the ability of the Company to secure long-term profitability and success through the sustainable and profitable operation of its business.
There are risks inherent in an agricultural business.
Medical and adult-use cannabis is an agricultural product. There are risks inherent in the cultivation business, such as insects, plant diseases and similar agricultural risks. Although the products are usually grown indoors or in green houses under climate-controlled conditions, there can be no assurance that natural elements will not have a material adverse effect on the production of the products and, consequentially, on the business, financial condition and operating results of the Company.
We may suffer from unfavorable publicity or consumer perception.
The legal cannabis industry in the U.S. is at an early stage of its development. Cannabis has been, and is expected to continue to be, a controlled substance. Consumer perceptions regarding legality, morality, consumption, safety, efficacy and quality of cannabis are mixed and evolving. Consumer perception can be significantly influenced by scientific research or findings, regulatory investigations, litigation, media attention and other publicity regarding the consumption of cannabis products. There can be no assurance that future scientific research, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention or other research findings or publicity will be favorable to the cannabis market or any particular product, or consistent with earlier publicity. Future research reports, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention or other publicity that are perceived as less favorable than, or that question, earlier research reports, findings or publicity could have a material adverse effect on the demand for cannabis and on the business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows of the Company. Further, adverse publicity, reports or other media attention regarding cannabis in general, or associating the consumption of cannabis with negative effects or events, could have such a material adverse effect.
Our independent registered public accounting firm's report for the year ended December 31, 2022 is qualified as to our ability to continue as a going concern.
Due to the uncertainty of our ability to meet our current operating and capital expenses, in our audited annual financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022, our independent registered public accounting firm included a note to our financial statements regarding concerns about our ability to continue as a going concern. Recurring losses from operations raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The presence of the going concern note to our financial statements may have an adverse impact on the relationships we are developing and plan to develop with third parties as we continue the commercialization of our products and could make it challenging and difficult for us to raise additional financing, all of which could have a material adverse impact on our business and prospects and result in a significant or complete loss of your investment.
The Company has identified material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting and may identify additional material weaknesses in the future that may cause us to fail to meet the reporting obligations or result in material misstatements of our financial statements. If the Company fails to remediate any material weaknesses or if the Company fails to establish and maintain effective control over financial reporting, its ability to accurately and timely report its financial results could be adversely affected.
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The Company has identified material weaknesses pertaining to its primary user access controls and review of transactions and account reconciliations. The Company plans to implement measures designed to improve our internal control over financial reporting to remediate such material weaknesses, which will not be considered remediated until the remediated controls operate for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded that these controls are operating effectively.
If management is unable to further implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting or disclosure controls and procedures, the Company’s ability to record, process and report financial information accurately, and to prepare financial statements within required time periods could be adversely affected, which could subject it to litigation or investigations requiring management resources and payment of legal and other expenses, negatively affect investor confidence in the financial statements and adversely impact the stock price. If the Company is unable to assert that its internal control over financial reporting is effective, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of the financial reports, the market price of the shares could be adversely affected and the Company could become subject to litigation or investigations by the stock exchange on which our securities are listed, the SEC or other regulatory authorities, which could require additional financial and management resources.
Furthermore, the Company cannot assure you that the measures it has taken to date, and actions it may take in the future, will be sufficient to remediate the control deficiencies that led to the material weakness in its internal control over financial reporting or that they will prevent or avoid potential future material weaknesses. The current controls and any new controls that management develops may become inadequate because of changes in conditions in the business. Further, weaknesses in the disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting may be discovered in the future. Any failure to develop or maintain effective controls or any difficulties encountered in their implementation or improvement could harm the Company’s operating results or cause the Company to fail to meet its reporting obligations and may result in a restatement of the financial statements for prior periods.
Risks Related to an Investment in Our Securities
We expect to experience volatility in the price of our Common Stock, which could negatively affect stockholders’ investments.
The trading price of our Common Stock may be highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors, some of which are beyond our control. The stock market in general has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of companies with securities traded in those markets. Broad market and industry factors may seriously affect the market price of companies’ stock, including ours, regardless of actual operating performance. All of these factors could adversely affect our stockholders' ability to sell their shares of Common Stock or, if they are able to sell their shares, to sell their shares at a price that they determine to be fair or favorable.
Our Common Stock may be categorized as “penny stock,” which may make it more difficult for investors to sell their shares of Common Stock due to suitability requirements.
Our Common Stock may be categorized as “penny stock.” The SEC has adopted Rule 15g-9, which generally defines “penny stock” to be any equity security that has a market price (as defined) less than $5.00 per share or an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. The price of our Common Stock is significantly less than $5.00 per share and may therefore be considered a “penny stock.” This designation imposes additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell to persons other than established customers and accredited investors. The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer buying our securities to disclose certain information concerning the transaction, obtain a written agreement from the purchaser and determine that the purchaser is reasonably suitable to purchase the securities given the increased risks generally inherent in penny stocks. These rules may restrict the ability and/or willingness of brokers or dealers to buy or sell our Common Stock, either directly or on behalf of their clients, may discourage potential stockholders from purchasing our Common Stock, or may adversely affect the ability of stockholders to sell their shares.
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) sales practice requirements may also limit a stockholder’s ability to buy and sell our Common Stock, which could depress the price of our Common Stock.
In addition to the “penny stock” rules described above, FINRA has adopted rules that require a broker-dealer to have reasonable grounds for believing that the investment is suitable for that customer before recommending an investment to a customer. Prior to recommending speculative low-priced securities to their non-institutional customers, broker-dealers must make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the customer’s financial status, tax status, investment objectives, and other information. Under interpretations of these rules, FINRA believes that there is a high probability that speculative low-priced securities will not be suitable for at least some customers. Thus, the FINRA requirements make it more difficult for broker-dealers to recommend that their customers buy our Common Stock, which may limit investors' ability to buy and sell our shares of Common Stock, have an adverse effect on the market for our shares of Common Stock, and thereby depress our price per share of Common Stock.
Our voting control is concentrated.
Our Chief Executive Officer controls a significant amount of the voting power of our capital stock due to (i) his ownership of approximately 7% of the outstanding Common Stock, (ii) his ownership of approximately 25% of the Company’s outstanding Series V Preferred Stock, which vote in a number equal to two times the number of shares of the Common Stock into which such shares of Series V Preferred Stock are then convertible, and (iii) the fact that he has voting power over an additional approximately 75% of the Series V Preferred Stock owned by others due to such other owners executing Voting Agreements which provide Mr. Carrillo with their voting rights with respect to the Series V Preferred Stock owned by them. As a result, Mr. Carrillo potentially has the ability to control the outcome of matters submitted to our stockholders for approval, including the election and removal of directors and any arrangement or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. Certain other of our executive officers own, in the aggregate, approximately 1% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock and approximately 15% of the outstanding shares of Series V Preferred Stock.
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 stockholders may support. Conversely, this concentrated control could allow Mr. Carrillo and certain of our other executive officers to consummate such a transaction our other stockholders do not support.
The elimination of monetary liability against our directors, officers, and employees under Nevada law and the existence of indemnification rights for our obligations to our directors, officers, and employees may result in substantial expenditures by us and may discourage lawsuits against our directors, officers, and employees.
Our Articles of Incorporation contain a provision permitting us to eliminate the personal liability of our directors to us and our stockholders for damages for the breach of a fiduciary duty as a director or officer to the extent provided by Nevada law. We may also have contractual indemnification obligations under any future employment agreements with our officers or agreements entered into with our directors. The foregoing indemnification obligations could result in us incurring substantial expenditures to cover the cost of settlement or damage awards against directors and officers, which we may be unable to recoup. These provisions and the resulting costs may also discourage us from bringing a lawsuit against directors and officers for breaches of their fiduciary duties; and may similarly discourage the filing of derivative litigation by our stockholders against our directors and officers even though such actions, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our stockholders.
We may issue additional shares of Common Stock or preferred stock in the future, which could cause significant dilution to all stockholders.
Our Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of up to 990,000,000 shares of Common Stock and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, with a par value of $0.001 per share. As of April 3, 2023, we had 693,386,374 shares of Common Stock outstanding, 14,071,431 shares of Series V Preferred Stock outstanding, and no shares of Series N Preferred Stock outstanding. We may issue additional shares of Common Stock or preferred stock in the future in connection with a financing or an acquisition. Such issuances may not require the approval of our stockholders. In addition, certain of our outstanding rights to purchase additional shares of Common Stock or securities convertible into our Common Stock are subject to full-ratchet anti-dilution protection, which could result in the right to purchase significantly more shares of Common Stock being issued or a reduction in the purchase price for any such shares or both. Any issuance of additional shares of our Common Stock, or equity securities convertible into our Common Stock, including but not limited to, preferred stock, warrants, and options, will dilute the percentage ownership interest of all stockholders, may dilute the book value per share of our Common Stock, and may negatively impact the market price of our Common Stock.
Anti-takeover effects of certain provisions of Nevada state law hinder a potential takeover of us.
Nevada has a business combination law that prohibits certain business combinations between Nevada corporations and “interested stockholders” for three years after an “interested stockholder” first becomes an “interested stockholder,” unless the corporation’s board of directors approves the combination in advance. For purposes of Nevada law, an “interested stockholder” is any person who is (i) the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of ten percent or more of the voting power of the outstanding voting shares of the corporation or (ii) an affiliate or associate of the corporation and at any time within the three previous years was the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of ten percent or more of the voting power of the then outstanding shares of the corporation. The definition of the term “business combination” is sufficiently broad to cover virtually any kind of transaction that would allow a potential acquirer to use the corporation’s assets to finance the acquisition or otherwise to benefit its own interests rather than the interests of the corporation and its other stockholders.
The effect of Nevada’s business combination law is potentially to discourage parties interested in taking control of us from doing so if they cannot obtain the approval of our board of directors. Both of these provisions could limit the price investors would be willing to pay in the future for shares of our Common Stock.
Because we do not intend to pay any cash dividends on our Common Stock, our stockholders will not be able to receive a return on their shares unless they sell them.
We intend to retain any future earnings to finance the development and expansion of our business. We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our Common Stock in the foreseeable future. Declaring and paying future dividends, if any, will be determined by our board of directors, based upon earnings, financial condition, capital resources, capital requirements, restrictions in our Articles of Incorporation, contractual restrictions, and such other factors as our board of directors deems relevant. Unless we pay dividends, our stockholders will not be able to receive a return on their shares unless they sell them. There is no assurance that stockholders will be able to sell shares when desired.
Failure to execute our strategies could result in impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets, which may negatively impact profitability.
As of December 31, 2022, we had goodwill of $3.59 million and other intangible assets of $2.86 million, which represented 16% of our total assets. As of December 31, 2021, we have goodwill of $48.13 million and other intangible assets of $129.64 million, which represented 65% of our total assets. We evaluate goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if impairment indicators are present based upon the fair value of each reporting unit. We assess the impairment of other intangible assets on an annual basis, or more frequently if impairment indicators are present, based upon the expected future cash flows of the respective assets. These valuations include management’s estimates of sales, profitability, cash flow generation, capital structure, cost of debt, interest rates, capital expenditures, and other assumptions. Significant negative industry or economic trends, disruptions to our business, inability to achieve sales projections or cost savings, inability to effectively integrate acquired businesses, unexpected significant changes or planned changes in use of the assets or in entity structure, and divestitures may adversely impact the assumptions used in the valuations. If the estimated fair value of our reporting units changes in future periods, we may be required to record an impairment charge related to goodwill or other intangible assets, which would reduce earnings in such period.

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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
A summary of the offices and properties that we lease or own are presented in the table below. Each of our facilities is considered to be in good condition, adequate for its purpose, and suitably utilized according to the individual nature and requirements of the relevant operations.
Purpose Location Own or
Lease Base
Monthly
Rent Lease
Begin
Date Lease
End
Date
Cultivation Facility
Oakland, CA Lease $ 26,225 1/1/2017 12/31/2024
Dispensary (Blüm Oakland)/Distribution Facility Oakland, CA Lease $ 33,404 5/1/2016 3/31/2026
Dispensary (Blüm San Leandro) San Leandro, CA Lease $ 27,823 1/1/2017 12/31/2024
Dispensary (People's OC) Santa Ana, CA Lease $ 54,445 4/1/2018 3/31/2025
Dispensary (People's Riverside) Riverside, CA Lease $ 25,750 9/1/2020 8/31/2027
Dispensary (People's Costa Mesa) Costa Mesa, CA Lease $ 50,000 7/6/2021 7/5/2036
Dispensary - DTLA Los Angeles, CA Lease $ 58,880 11/01/2019 10/31/2026
Corporate Headquarters and Dispensary (The Spot) Santa Ana, CA Own

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
See "Note 23 - Litigation and Claims” and "Note 24 - Subsequent Events”of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference.

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

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information
Our Common Stock is quoted on the OTC Markets Group, Inc.’s OTCQB tier under the symbol “UNRV.” On March 31, 2023, the closing bid price on the OTC Markets Group, Inc.’s OTCQB tier for our Common Stock was $0.0198.
Holders
As of April 3, 2023, there were 693,386,374 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding (excluding shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of all of our warrants and options) held by approximately 263 stockholders of record.
Dividends
We have not declared any dividends and we do not plan to declare any dividends in the foreseeable future. There are no restrictions in our Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws that prevent us from declaring dividends. The Nevada Revised Statutes, however, prohibit us from declaring dividends where, after giving effect to the distribution of the dividend:
•we would not be able to pay our debts as they become due in the usual course of business; or
•our total assets would be less than the sum of our total liabilities plus the amount that would be needed to satisfy the rights of stockholders who have preferential rights superior to those receiving the distribution, unless otherwise permitted under our Articles of Incorporation.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
On January 12, 2016, we adopted the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), and our stockholders approved the Plan at our annual meeting of stockholders that was held on September 26, 2016. Pursuant to the terms of the Plan, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock available for the grant of awards under the Plan shall not exceed 2,000,000. During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017, and 2018, the Company granted ten-year options to directors, officers, and employees, pursuant to which such individuals are entitled to exercise options to purchase an aggregate of up to 130,000, 210,000, and 200,000 shares of Common Stock, respectively. The options have exercise prices of $2.54 to $5.04 per share, and generally vest quarterly over a three-year period.
On December 11, 2018, the Company’s board of directors approved the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). On June 20, 2019, the Company adopted the Amended and Restated 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2018 Plan”), and our stockholders approved the Plan at our annual meeting of stockholders that was held September 23, 2019. Pursuant to the terms of the 2018 Plan, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock available for the grant of awards under the 2018 Plan shall not exceed 13,000,000 shares. On February 14, 2020, the board of directors approved an amendment (the “Plan Amendment”) to the Company’s Amended and Restated 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) to increase the number of shares available for issuance thereunder by 28,980,000 shares of Common Stock for a total of 43,980,000 shares of Common Stock, plus the number of shares, not to exceed 2,000,000 shares, that may become available under the Company’s 2016 Equity Incentive Plan after termination of awards thereunder, subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Plan. During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company granted ten-year options to directors, officers, and employees, pursuant to which such individuals are entitled to exercise options to purchase an aggregate of up to 58,980,000 and 25,010,000 shares of Common Stock, respectively. The options have exercise prices of $0.07 to $0.26 per share, and generally vest quarterly over a three-year period.
During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company granted ten-year options to directors, officers, and employees, pursuant to which such individuals are entitled to exercise options to purchase an aggregate of up to 350,000 shares of Common Stock that were not subject to the 2016 Equity Plan or the 2018 Equity Plan. The options have exercise prices of $2.02 per share, and generally vest quarterly over a three-year period.
On May 15, 2019, UMBRLA, Inc. approved the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2019 Plan”). The Plan was subsequently amended by shareholder consents dated effective March 11, 2020 and November 2, 2020. Pursuant to the terms of the 2019 Plan as amended, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock available for the grant of awards under the 2019 Plan is 55.0 million shares. At the time the acquisition of UMBRLA, Inc. completed, UMBRLA, Inc. had granted ten-year options to employees, directors, officers, and consultants totaling 53,956,980 shares. Immediately after the acquisition of UMBRLA, Inc. by the Company, those shares were assumed by the Company and will be honored in equivalent shares of Company Common Stock-which equivalency equals an aggregate 83,017,097 shares. The options have exercise prices of $0.13 to $0.19, and with limited exceptions, vest in equal monthly installments over a four-year period, with the first one-quarter of the award vesting on the first anniversary following the vesting start date.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
Plan Category Number of
Securities to be
Issued Upon
Exercise of Outstanding
Options,
Warrants and
Rights Range of
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price of
Outstanding
Options,
Warrants
and Rights Number of
Securities
Remaining
Available for
Future
Issuance
Under
Equity
Compensation
Plans
Excluding
Securities
Reflected in
Column (a))
(a) (b) (c)
Equity Compensation Plans Approved By Security Holders 87,930,786 $ 0.072-5.035 42,195,639
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved By Security Holders 320,594 2.02 -
Total 88,251,380 $ 0.072-5.035 42,195,639
Penny Stock Regulations
The SEC has adopted regulations that generally define “penny stock” to be an equity security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share. Our Common Stock may fall within the definition of penny stock and be subject to rules that impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell such securities to persons other than established customers and accredited investors (generally those with assets in excess of $1.00 million (excluding primary residence), or annual incomes exceeding $0.20 million individually, or $0.30 million, together with their spouse).
For transactions covered by these rules, the broker-dealer must make a special suitability determination for the purchase of such securities and have received the purchaser’s prior written consent to the transaction. Additionally, for any transaction, other than exempt transactions, involving a penny stock, the rules require the delivery, prior to the transaction, of a risk disclosure document mandated by the SEC relating to the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must disclose the commissions payable to both the broker-dealer and the registered representative, current quotations for the securities and, if the broker-dealer is the sole market-maker, the broker-dealer must disclose this fact and the broker-dealer’s presumed control over the market. Finally, monthly statements must be sent disclosing recent price information for the penny stock held in the account and information on the limited market in penny stocks. Consequently, the “penny stock” rules may restrict the ability of broker-dealers to sell our Common Stock and may affect the ability of investors to sell their Common Stock in the secondary market.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
On February 28, 2022, the Company sold 25,000,000 shares for an aggregate sales price of $4.38 million to an unrelated party. The shares were restricted.
Equity Financing Facility
On September 17, 2021, the Company filed for a shelf registration renewal on Form S-3 with the SEC. Our existing registration statement was extended six months as the SEC reviewed our request. On February 12, 2022, the shelf registration was declared effective by the SEC. The registration statement will allow the Company to issue, from time to time at prices and on declared terms to be determined at or prior to the time of the offering, shares of our Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, shares of our preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share (our “Preferred Stock”), debt securities, warrants, rights, or purchase contracts, either individually or in units, with a total value of up to $100.00 million.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6. [RESERVED]
None.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K beginning on page. The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and actual results could differ materially from those discussed herein. Factors that could cause or contribute to the differences are discussed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our actual results could differ materially from those predicted in these forward-looking statements, and the events anticipated in the forward-looking statements may not actually occur. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. We are under no duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K to conform these statements to actual results or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, unless required by applicable laws or regulations.
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Our Business
The Company is a cannabis company with retail, production, distribution, and cultivation operations in California, with an emphasis on providing the highest quality of medical and adult use cannabis products. The Company is home to Korova, a brand of high potency products across multiple product categories, currently available in California, Oregon, Arizona, and Oklahoma. With the acquisition of People’s First Choice, the Company operates a premier cannabis dispensary in Orange County, California, regularly servicing upwards of 1,000 customers each day. The Company also owns dispensaries in California which operate as The Spot in Santa Ana, Blüm in Oakland, and Blüm in San Leandro. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had approximately 170 employees.
We are organized into two reportable segments:
• Cannabis Retail - Includes cannabis-focused retail, both physical stores and non-store front delivery
• Cannabis Cultivation and Distribution - Includes cannabis cultivation, production, and distribution operations
Either independently or in conjunction with third parties, we operate medical marijuana retail and adult use dispensaries, cultivation and production facilities in California.
Our corporate headquarters are located at 3242 S. Halladay St, Santa Ana, California 92705 and our telephone number is (888) 909-5564. Our website address is as follows: www.unrivaledbrands.com. No information available on or through our websites shall be deemed to be incorporated into this Form 10-Q. Our common stock, par value $0.001 (the “Common Stock”), is quoted on the OTC Markets Group, Inc’s OTCQB tier under the symbol “UNRV.”
Fiscal Year 2022 Highlights
In fiscal year 2022, the Company launched a 100-day turnaround plan and strategic restructuring to reduce costs, drive efficiency, and identify a path to profitable growth. Management has made concentrated efforts to optimize cashflow by eliminating non-core assets, streamlining on-going operations, and improving the Company’s balance sheet with an emphasis on improving key vendor relationships and reducing short and long-term debt.
Retail Operations
On June 18, 2022, the Company transferred 100% of the membership interests in the People’s dispensary in Los Angeles to the original license holder.
In June 2022, the Company temporarily closed Blüm San Leandro and began actively marketing the retail location for sale through the fiscal third quarter of 2022. In December 2022, a change to the plan of sale occurred and the Company reopened Blüm San Leandro. Accordingly, the assets were reclassified as held and used as of December 31, 2022. Refer to Note 5 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details.
On December 28, 2022, the Company closed on a Management Services Agreement (the “MSA”) with Brick City Productions, Inc. (the “Operator”) to re-open and fully operate the Blum dispensary in San Leandro, including operations management, inventory management, labor administration, vendor relations, and customer service for a term of 12 months. The Operator is also providing the working capital of $0.40 million required to re-open the store. As consideration for such services, the Company will pay a management fee equal to 25% of the gross revenue less discounts, refunds and credits payable in shares of the Company’s common stock at the completion of the MSA. The Company will receive a monthly fee equal to 4% of the gross revenue of the San Leandro dispensary. In addition, the Operator will dedicate and use up to 50% of the San Leandro dispensary to sell the Company’s licensed products.
During the fiscal third quarter of 2022, the Company surrendered its retail and delivery licenses related to SilverStreak in Sacramento due to underperformance. In November 2022, the Company dissolved the legal entity related to SilverStreak and all liabilities and existing obligations were extinguished.
On December 30, 2022, the Company entered into binding letters of intent with each of Green Door Redding, LLC (“Cookies Redding”) and 510 Retail & Events, Inc. (“Cookies Oakland”) pursuant to which Unrivaled is purchasing an Option to Purchase each of the dispensaries and will also negotiate and enter into a Management Services Agreements to operate the respective dispensaries. The letters of intent provide the Company, for a period of 12 months, with an option to purchase each of Cookies Redding and Cookies Oakland on mutually agreeable terms. The Company paid an equivalent of $1.00 million and $0.50 million, respectively, for the Cookies Redding and Cookies Oakland option to purchase deposit in shares of the Company’s common stock (“Common Stock”) at the closing share price on December 30, 2022, which will be applied to the purchase price of each dispensary at the time of purchase if such purchase occurs.
Cultivation & Distribution Operations
During the fiscal third quarter of 2022, management concluded that it would no longer continue its cultivation operations at one of its cultivation facilities located in California and terminated its operations as of December 31, 2022.
In June 2022, Unrivaled partnered with a leading North American distributor of cannabis and cannabis accessories, with a strong fulfillment infrastructure, to manage distribution of its Korova branded products. In September 2022, Unrivaled reduced the number of in-house manufactured products to high-grossing Korova products and halting productions of Sticks and Cabana products. In July 2022, the Company exited its third-party distribution operations in California. In November 2022, the Company dissolved the related distribution entities in California and all liabilities and existing obligations were extinguished.
NuLeaf Discontinued Operations
In April 2022, the Company completed the sale of its remaining fifty percent (50%) of the membership interests of NuLeaf Reno Production, LLC (“NuLeaf Reno”) and NuLeaf Sparks Cultivation, LLC (“NuLeaf Sparks”) with NuLeaf, Inc. (collectively, the "NuLeaf Operations") for aggregate consideration of $6.50 million in cash. Gross proceeds from the sale of the NuLeaf Operations were used to support ongoing operations and general corporate expenses.
Oregon Discontinued Operations
As part of its restructuring plan, management reevaluated its operations in the state of Oregon and determined it would divest the underperforming assets. On December 28, 2022, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase and Sale Agreement pursuant to which the Company sold all of its equity interests in LTRMN, Inc., which conducts cannabis distribution and wholesale activities in Oregon, to Buchanan Group, LLC and an unaffiliated third-party buyer, for an aggregate purchase price of $0.25 million. The purchase price was paid in the form of a secured promissory note at a rate of 8.0% per annum due and payable on the third anniversary of the date of issuance. However, upon a final and binding settlement of certain ongoing litigation that is approved by UMBRLA, the purchase price shall be automatically revised to be $0 and the promissory note shall be deemed paid and satisfied in-full.
On December 28, 2022, the Company entered into a Membership Interest Purchase and Sale Agreement pursuant to which the Company sold its 50% equity interests in Psychonaut Oregon, LLC (“Psychonaut”), to Joseph Gerlach for an aggregate purchase price of $1. Mr. Gerlach owns the other 50% of the equity interests in Psychonaut and is also the Company’s Chief Cultivation Officer.
Divestiture of Non-Core Assets
On February 10, 2022, the Company announced the successful closing of the sale of the Company’s non-operating real property and building located on Dyer Road in Santa Ana, CA (the “Dyer Property”) for $13.40 million. The sale results in the Company retiring $9.00 million of outstanding debt on the property. Part of the $9.00 million of outstanding debt, that the Company retired in the Dyer property sale, was the $2.50 million promissory note held by Dominion Capital.
Private Financing Through Equity
On February 28, 2022, the Company sold 25,000,000 shares for an aggregate sales price of $4.35 million to Arthur Chan, an unrelated party. The shares were restricted.
In December 2022, the Company filed a Certificate of Designation of Rights, Privileges, Preferences, and Restrictions to establish a new class of preferred shares, the Series V Preferred Stock. The number of authorized shares of Series V Preferred Stock is 25,000,000 shares. Each share of Series V Preferred Stock is convertible into ten shares of Common Stock at any time from and after the first anniversary of the issuance date. Each share of Series V Preferred Stock will automatically be converted into ten fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock on the second anniversary of the date on which the holder’s shares of Series V Preferred Stock were issued. The Series V Class of Preferred Stock have a one-year lock-up and have a two times voting right which automatically expires in two years. Purchasers agreed to enter into a voting agreement assigning their voting rights to Sabas Carrillo, the Company's Chief Executive Officer.
In January 2023, the Company completed a private placement transaction led by its new executive management team for total gross proceeds of $1.97 million. The Company issued (i) 14,071,431 shares of Series V Preferred Stock at $0.14 per share and (ii) 70,357,155 warrants to purchase up to 70,357,155 shares of Common Stock with an exercise price of $0.028.
Management Changes
On February 23, 2022 Eric Baum became Chairman of the board of directors for the Company, succeeding Nicholas Kovacevich. Mr. Kovacevich remains on the board of directors.
On March 10, 2022, the Company terminated the employment of Uri Kenig, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer, effective as of March 25, 2022.
On March 13, 2022, the Company terminated the employment of Francis Knuettel II, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Tiffany Davis, a director of the Company, was appointed as the Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
On July 21, 2022, Tiffany Davis resigned as Interim Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Company’s board of directors.
On August 12, 2022, the Company entered into an engagement letter with Adnant, LLC (“Adnant”) pursuant to which Adnant will provide executive level consulting and related business support and services related to the Company’s present and future challenges and opportunities. Specifically, Adnant will provide a team of restructuring focused executives that may include, but not be limited to, CEO support, chief restructuring officer, executive vice president of finance, financial planning and analysis professional, and/or legal consulting. Adnant is expected to work closely with the Company and its internal teams, existing management, existing consultants and advisors, lenders, attorneys, and other relevant parties in connection with the implementation of the strategies most appropriate to achieve the Company's objectives and as directed and authorized by the board of directors.
Adnant’s fees for the services will be a flat fee of $0.15 million monthly. The payment of the monthly fee shall be subject to the Company having available a cash balance greater than or equal to $1.2 million (the “Cash Threshold”) following the payment of the monthly fee. Should cash not be sufficient when the fee becomes due and payable, the Company shall accrue such fee(s) until such time as the Cash Threshold is achieved or, at the election of Adnant, and as mutually agreed by the Company, such fees may be paid in an equivalent value of shares of the Company’s common stock.
In addition to the monthly fee described above, a Performance Bonus Award in the aggregate amount of $2.00 million shall be payable to Adnant in shares of the Company’s common stock (“Performance Bonus Award Shares”) based upon the achievement of the Performance Bonus Award Objectives set forth in the Engagement Letter and the continued performance of Adnant towards obtaining such Performance Bonus Award Objectives.
On August 12, 2022, the board of directors appointed Sabas Carrillo as Interim Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Carrillo is the Founder and CEO of Adnant.
On August 22, 2022 and September 12, 2022, the Company appointed Robert Baca as Interim Chief Legal Officer and Patty Chan as Interim Chief Financial Officer, respectively.
Annual Impairment Test
Under US GAAP, impairment exists when the net book value of an asset exceeds its fair value. Net book value is recorded at cost less accumulated amortization. Fair value is determined based on quoted market prices, prices of comparable businesses, a present value or other valuation technique, or a combination thereof. Forecasted cash flows expected from the assets may be considered depending on the valuation technique. To determine if an asset is impaired, the total profit, cash flow or other benefit expected to be generated by the asset is compared with its current book value. If it is determined that the book value of the asset is greater than the future cash flow or benefit of the asset, an impairment is recorded.
In accordance with ASC 350, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other,” goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. US GAAP requires that if an asset group was impaired, the impairment of long-lived assets should be completed and reflected in the carrying amount of the reporting unit prior to the goodwill impairment test. The Company conducts its annual impairment assessment on September 30. In fiscal year 2022, the Company recorded total impairment loss of $163.70 million detailed as follows:
During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company recorded total impairment of $83.09 million related to the intangible assets and goodwill acquired from UMBRLA, Inc. in 2021. Management assessed the projected revenues based on current market conditions and revised the earnings forecast based on a decrease in anticipated operating profits and cash flows.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company recorded total impairment of $63.64 million related to the intangible assets and goodwill acquired from People’s First Choice LLC in 2021. Management noted forecasted revenues used at the time of acquisition were not achievable due to regulatory and licensing issues and revised the earnings forecast accordingly.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company recognized an impairment of $11.08 million and $5.89 million related to the intangible assets and goodwill acquired from SilverStreak Solutions in 2021 and Black Oak Gallery in 2016, respectively, as a result of current market conditions in California as market participants continue to compete with the illegal market.
Outlook
The Company engaged Adnant, LLC to provide management consulting, SEC financial reporting, and related business support and services. Key to the engagement, Unrivaled hired Sabas Carrillo as Interim CEO to implement an aggressive restructuring and turnaround strategy.
The Company will focus on its performing assets, particularly California retail assets. In particular, the Company intends to emphasize retail business fundamentals including a robust and diverse product offering, improving inventory and vendor management, effective marketing, and reinvigorating its Korova brand. The Company will continue to focus on reducing and streamlining its corporate overhead and “rightsizing” the Company. This outlook is based on several management assumptions that are largely outside the control of the Company. With a disciplined approach to retail performance, a management team with extensive cannabis industry, capital markets experience and deep relationships in the industry, and a commitment to investing in its team and specifically its company culture, the Company is encouraged that Unrivaled will emerge from its current restructuring efforts as an effective cannabis company. Management has assessed its productive and non-productive assets, specifically the assets related to the UMBRLA and Silverstreak transactions. These transactions resulted in the acquisition of several assets that have been underperforming and consequently, management spun-off, discontinued, and dissolve certain of those UMBRLA and Silverstreak assets, allowing the Company to focus on its core profitable assets without the significant overhead of operating those assets. Under new management, we will seek further opportunities to expand profitability maximize returns for its shareholders.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The below table outlines the impact of reclassifying the operations of the NuLeaf operations, Nevada Dispensaries, Oregon Operations, OneQor, and Edible Garden to discontinued operations:
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended December 31, Twelve Months Ended December 31,
($ in thousands) 2022 2021 $ Change % Change 2022 2021 $ Change % Change
Revenue $ 8,726 $ 20,480 $ (11,754) (57.0) % $ 52,015 $ 42,120 $ 9,895 23.0 %
Cost of Goods Sold 4,905 12,923 (8,018) (62.0) % 35,118 31,101 4,017 13.0 %
Gross Profit 3,821 7,557 (3,736) (49.0) % 16,897 11,019 5,878 53.0 %
Gross Profit % 43.8 % 36.9 % 6.9 % 32.5 % 26.2 % 6.3 %
Operating Expenses:
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses 4,113 17,841 (13,728) (76.9) % 54,156 46,314 7,842 16.9 %
Impairment Expense - 6,171 (6,171) (100.0) % 163,698 6,171 157,527 2552.7 %
Gain on Disposal of Assets (9,066) (3,133) (5,933) 189.4 % (7,194) (3,133) (4,061) 129.6 %
Total Operating Income (Expenses) (4,953) 20,879 (25,832) (123.7) % 210,660 49,352 161,308 326.9 %
Income (Loss) from Operations 8,774 (13,322) 22,096 (165.9) % (193,763) (38,333) (155,430) 405.5 %
Other Expense (2,026) (1,948) (78) 4.0 % (1,871) (2,847) 976 (34.3) %
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Provisions for Income Taxes 6,748 (15,270) 22,018 (144.2) % (195,634) (41,180) (154,454) 375 %
Provision for Income Tax Benefit (Expense) for Continuing Operations (2,802) (885) (1,917) 216.6 % 2,784 (885) 3,669 (415) %
Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations 3,946 (16,155) 20,101 (124.4) % (192,850) (42,065) (150,785) 359 %
Net (Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations (380) 6,415 (6,795) (105.9) % 4,194 10,190 (5,996) (59) %
Net Income (Loss) 3,566 (9,740) 13,306 (136.6) % (188,656) (31,875) (156,781) 492 %
Net Loss from Continuing Operations Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest - - - - % - (604) 604 (100) %
Net Income from Discontinued Operations Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest - - - - % 275 - 275 100 %
Net Loss Attributable to Unrivaled Brands, Inc. $ 3,566 $ (9,740) $ 13,306 (136.6) % $ (188,931) $ (31,271) $ (157,660) 504 %
Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2021
Revenue
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company generated revenue from continuing operations of $52.02 million composed of retail revenue of $39.94 million and cultivation/distribution revenue of $12.08 million. This compared to revenue from continuing operation of $42.12 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, which included retail revenue of $24.54 million and cultivation/distribution revenue of $17.58 million. This was an increase of $9.90 million, or 23.0%, in revenue from continuing operations from the prior year.
Retail revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022 outpaced the prior year by $15.40 million, or 62.7%, due to the retail assets acquired in the Company's 2021 acquisitions of UMBRLA and People's First Choice. We operated five retail stores and a non-storefront delivery service for the majority of fiscal 2022 compared to 2 retail stores which operated for the full year of fiscal 2021 and 3 retail and a store front delivery service was added during the latter half of fiscal 2021.
Cultivation and distribution revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022 decreased by $5.50 million, or 31.3%, as a result of management's focused efforts to restructure the Company's cannabis brands through reduction of active products as well decrease in internal sales force during the year the year ended December 31, 2022. The Company also shutdown third-party distribution operations in the state of California during the fiscal third quarter of 2022 as well as completed the sale of Oregon Operations during the fiscal fourth quarter of 2022. Refer to “Note 19 - Discontinued Operations” of the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 for further information, which contributed in the decrease in cultivation and distribution revenue as compared to the prior year.
Gross Profit
Cost of goods sold for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $35.12 million, an increase of $4.02 million, or 13.0%, compared to $31.10 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in cost of goods sold was directly impacted by the increase in revenues for the current reporting period as compared to the prior year.
The Company’s gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $16.90 million, compared to $11.02 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, an increase of $5.88 million or 53.0%. The Company’s gross margin was 32.5% for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared with 26.2% for the year ended December 31, 2021, an increase of 6.3%. The increased gross margin is primarily due to the improvement in retail operations for the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to the prior year as the Company's retail operations has higher margins than its other operations.
Selling, General & Administrative Expenses
The merger with UMBRLA and the acquisitions of People's First Choice and SilverStreak Solutions in 2021 led to expanded operations with additional facilities, employees, and costs to support them. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022, were $54.16 million, compared to $46.31 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, an increase of $7.84 million or 16.9% primarily driven by larger operations through the majority of the current year. As a result, the Company saw an increase in depreciation and amortization of $5.07 million, rent and facility fees of $2.08 million, security expenses of $2.07 million, stock based compensation of $0.90 million, license, fees and other taxes of $1.44 million. These increases were offset by a decrease in salaries and related benefits of $4.96 million as the Company began to reduce its workforce during the second quarter of fiscal 2022. The Company expects for fiscal 2023, selling, general and administrative expenses to be significantly lower due to the execution of its restructuring plan enacted during the latter half of fiscal 2022.
Operating Loss
The Company realized an operating loss from continuing operations of $193.76 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to $38.33 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, an increase of $155.43 million or 405.5%. This increase was primarily attributable to a $163.70 million impairment of intangible assets and goodwill related to the UMBRLA, People’s, and SilverStreak acquisitions which was partially offset by a gain on disposal of assets of $7.19 million recognized during the year ended December 31, 2022. As part of the Company’s strategic restructuring in fiscal year 2022, the Company terminated its third-party distribution operations in California, its retail and delivery operations at SilverStreak in Sacramento, California and other non-performing assets. As a result, management expects to have significantly lower expenditures during fiscal year 2023.
Other Expense
Other expense for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $1.87 million compared to other expense of $2.85 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, a decrease of $0.98 million, or (34.3)%. The decrease in other expense was attributed to a loss on extinguishment of debt of $5.98 million as a result of the amendment of the 7.5% Senior Convertible Promissory Notes in fiscal 2021, while no such extinguishment was recognized during fiscal 2022. The loss was offset by a gain on investments of $5.34 million during fiscal 2021 from the sale of Hydrofarm Holdings Group, Inc. ("Hydrofarm") while no such transaction occured during fiscal 2022. Interest expense increased by $2.40 million compared to the prior year as a result of increased debt for the funding of the acquisitions incurred during fiscal 2021, which primarily contributed to the change in other expenses as compared to fiscal 2022.
Discontinued Operations
Net income from discontinued operations was $4.19 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to $10.19 million for the comparative prior year. The decrease of $6.00 million over the year ended December 31, 2021 was primarily due to less disposition of its discontinued operating assets in fiscal 2022 as compared to fiscal 2021. The Company disposed of five non-core assets in fiscal 2021 compared to 3 non-core assets in fiscal 2022.
Net Loss Attributable to Unrivaled Brands, Inc.
Net loss attributable to Unrivaled Brands, Inc. was $188.93 million, or $(0.32) per share, for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $31.27 million, or $(0.08) per share, for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in net loss was primarily attributable to the impairment of $163.70 million during the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to an impairment expense of $6.17 million during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Three Months Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to Three Months Ended December 31, 2021 (Unaudited)
Revenue
During the three months ended December 31, 2022, the Company generated revenue from continuing operations of $8.73 million composed of retail revenue of $8.11 million and cultivation/distribution revenue of $0.61 million. This compared to revenue from continuing operations of $20.48 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2021, which included retail revenue of $13.28 million and cultivation/distribution revenue of $7.20 million. This was a decrease of $11.75 million or 57.0% in revenue from continuing operations.
Retail revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2022 decreased by $5.17 million, or 38.9%, as compared to the same period in the prior year which is primarily due to the Company's strategic restructuring in fiscal year 2022 and closing under-performing retail locations. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, the Company was not operating the People's dispensary in Los Angeles, the Blum dispensary in San Leandro was re-opened in December 2022, in addition to the retail and delivery licenses related to SilverStreak in Sacramento was shut down due to underperformance. These same locations were operational during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, contributing to the decline in retail revenue compared to the prior year.
Cultivation and distribution revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2022 decreased by $6.59 million, or 91.5%, compared to the same period in the prior year period due to the Company's turnaround plan to promote fewer active products as well as a reduction in internal sales force. The Company shut down third-party distribution operations in the state of California during the fiscal third quarter of 2022 as well as completed the sale of Oregon Operations during the fiscal fourth quarter of 2022. Refer to “Note 19 - Discontinued Operations” of the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 for further information, which contributed to the decline in cultivation and distribution revenue as compared to the prior year.
Gross Profit
Cost of goods sold for the three months ended December 31, 2022 was $4.91 million, a decrease of $8.02 million, or 62.0%, compared to $12.92 million for the three months ended December 31, 2021. The decrease in cost of goods sold was impacted by the restructuring of the Company's cannabis cultivation and distribution operations which had diminished activity during the three months ended December 31, 2022 as compared to the prior year.
The Company’s gross profit for the three months ended December 31, 2022, was $3.82 million, compared to $7.56 million for the three months ended December 31, 2021, a decrease of $3.74 million million, or 49.0% as a result of the above reduction in retail locations and restructuring of its cultivation and distribution operations in the fourth quarter of 2022 compared to the same period in the prior year. The Company’s gross margin was 43.8% for the three months ended December 31, 2022 compared with 36.9% for the three months ended December 31, 2021, an increase of 6.9%. The increased gross margin is primarily due to the strategic restructuring and discontinuation of unprofitable subsidiaries and focusing on its higher margin retail operations.
Selling, General & Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2022, were $4.11 million, compared to $17.84 million for the three months ended December 31, 2021, a decrease of $13.73 million, or 76.9%, as a result of the Company's restructuring plan to focus on efficiencies, its core assets and reducing its non-core assets implemented during the third fiscal quarter of 2022. As a result of the restructuring plan, the Company saw a decrease in depreciation and amortization of $2.15 million, rent and facility fees of $1.34 million, professional fees of $1.06 million, salaries and related benefits of $3.06 million and a reduction in allowance for bad debt of $4.29 million. The Company expects for fiscal 2023, selling, general and administrative expenses to be significantly lower due to the execution of its restructuring plan enacted during the later half of fiscal 2022.
Operating Income
The Company recognized operating income from continuing operations of $8.77 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022 compared to an operating loss from continuing operations of $13.32 million for the three months ended December 31, 2021, a net income increase of $22.10 million or 165.9% as a result of the Company’s restructuring plan to focus on efficiencies, its core assets and reducing its non-core assets implemented during the third fiscal quarter of 2022. The Company has meaningfully reset the cost structure of its continuing operations. The reduction in the Company’s prior operating loss was further contributed by an increase in gain on disposal of $5.93 million related to the shut down of its non-core assets during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the prior year.
Other Expense
Other expense for the three months ended December 31, 2022 was $2.03 million compared to other expense of $1.95 million for the three months ended December 31, 2021, an increase of $0.08 million, or 4.0%. The increase in other expense was attributed to an increase in interest expense of $0.43 million coupled with an increase in unrealized loss on investments of $0.26 million, offset by a decrease in other expense of $0.62 million during the three months ended December 31, 2022 as compared to the same period in the prior year.
Discontinued Operations
Net loss from discontinued operations was $0.38 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022 compared to net income from discontinued operations of $6.42 million for the comparative prior year. The decrease of $6.80 million, or 105.9%, over the year ended December 31, 2021 was primarily due to two Nevada dispositions occurring in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 compared to one disposition occurring in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022.
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Unrivaled Brands, Inc.
Net income attributable to Unrivaled Brands, Inc. was $3.57 million, or $0.01 per share, for the three months ended December 31, 2022, compared to net loss of $9.74 million, or $(0.02) per share, for the three months ended December 31, 2021 primarily from the reduction of selling, general and administrative expenses during the three months ended December 31, 2022 as compared to the same period in the prior year. The decline in selling, general and administrative are a result of the Company’s restructuring plan to focus on efficiencies, its core assets and reducing its non-core assets implemented during the third fiscal quarter of 2022.
Non-GAAP Reconciliations
Non-GAAP earnings is a supplemental measure of our performance that is neither required by, nor presented in accordance with, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“US GAAP”). Non-GAAP earnings is not a measurement of the Company’s financial performance under US GAAP and should not be considered as alternative to net income, operating income, or any other performance measures derived in accordance with US GAAP, or as alternative to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of the Company’s liquidity. In addition, in evaluating non-GAAP earnings, you should be aware that in the future the Company will incur expenses or charges such as those added back to calculate non-GAAP earnings. The Company’s presentation of non-GAAP earnings should not be construed as an inference that its future results will be unaffected by unusual or nonrecurring items.
Non-GAAP earnings has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of the Company’s results as reported under US GAAP. Some of these limitations are (i) it does not reflect the Company’s cash expenditures, or future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments, (ii) it does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, the Company’s working capital needs, (iii) it does not reflect interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on the Company’s debt, (iv) although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and non-GAAP earnings does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements, (v) it does not adjust for all non-cash income or expense items that are reflected in the Company's statements of cash flows, and (vi) other companies in our industry may calculate this measure differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as comparative measures.
The Company compensates for these limitations by providing specific information regarding the US GAAP amounts excluded from such non-GAAP financial measures. The Company further compensates for the limitations in our use of non-GAAP financial measures by presenting comparable US GAAP measures more prominently.
The Company believes that non-GAAP earnings facilitates operating performance comparisons from period to period by isolating the effects of some items that vary from period to period without any correlation to core operating performance or that vary widely among similar companies. These potential differences may be caused by variations in capital structures (affecting interest expense) and the age and book depreciation of facilities and equipment (affecting relative depreciation expense). The Company also presents non-GAAP earnings because (i) it believes that this measure is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate companies in the Company’s industry, (ii) the Company believes that investors will find these measures useful in assessing the Company's ability to service or incur indebtedness, and (iii) the Company uses non-GAAP earnings internally as benchmark to compare its performance to that of its competitors.
In the presentation of the financial results below, the Company reconciles Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA Loss with net loss attributable to continuing operations, the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Management believes that this presentation may be more meaningful in analyzing our income generation.
On a non-GAAP basis, the Company recorded Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA Income of $1.40 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022 compared to a Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA loss of $6.18 million for the three months ended December 31, 2021. The Company recorded Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA Loss of $18.68 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to a Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA of $16.34 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The details of those expenses and non-GAAP reconciliation of these non-cash items are set forth below:
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended December 31, Twelve Months Ended December 31,
($ in thousands) 2022 2021 2022 2021
Net Income (Loss) $ 3,566 $ (9,740) $ (188,656) $ (31,875)
Less: Net (Income) Loss from Discontinued Operations, Net 380 (6,415) (4,194) (10,190)
Add (Deduct) Impact of:
Interest Expense 1,587 1,148 4,173 1,775
Provision for Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 2,802 1,802 (2,784) 1,802
Depreciation Expense 869 892 3,585 2,008
Amortization of Intangible Assets 490 1,878 7,616 3,390
EBITDA Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations (Non-GAAP) $ 9,694 $ (10,435) $ (180,260) $ (33,090)
Non-GAAP Adjustments:
Stock-based Compensation Expense 507 1,173 4,919 4,057
Impairment of Assets - 6,171 163,698 6,171
Severance Expense for Series A Share Repurchases - 47 910 9,100
Gain on Sale of Investments - - - (5,337)
Unrealized Loss (Gain) on Investments 260 - (210) -
Gain on Disposition and Sale of Assets (9,066) (3,133) (7,194) (3,133)
Gain for Debt Forgiveness - - - (86)
(Gain) Loss on Extinguishment of Debt - - (542) 5,976
Adjusted EBITDA Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations (Non-GAAP) $ 1,395 $ (6,177) $ (18,679) $ (16,342)
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We incurred net losses for the year ended December 31, 2022 and have an accumulated deficit of $440.05 million and $250.02 million at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. As of December 31, 2022, we had a working capital deficit of $54.57 million, including $1.20 million of cash compared to a working capital deficit of $62.44 million, including $6.70 million of cash, as of December 31, 2021. Current assets were approximately 0.08 times current liabilities as of December 31, 2022, compared to approximately 0.29 times current liabilities as of December 31, 2021.
We have not been able to generate sufficient cash from operating activities to fund our ongoing operations. Since our inception, we have raised capital through private sales of common stock and debt securities. Our future success is dependent upon our ability to achieve profitable operations and generate cash from operating activities. There is no guarantee that we will be able to generate enough revenue and/or raise capital to support our operations.
We will be required to raise additional funds through public or private financing, additional collaborative relationships or other arrangements until we are able to raise revenues to a point of positive cash flow. We continue to evaluate various options to further reduce our cash requirements to operate at a reduced rate, as well as options to raise additional funds, including obtaining loans and selling common stock. There is no guarantee that we will be able to generate enough revenue and/or raise capital to support our operations, or if we are able to raise capital, that such capital will be available to us on acceptable terms, on an acceptable schedule, or at all.
The risks and uncertainties surrounding the Company’s ability to continue to raise capital and its limited capital resources raise substantial doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for twelve months from the issuance of these financial statements. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which contemplate our continuation as a going concern. For additional information on, see Item 1A - “Risk Factors” in Part I of this Form 10-K.
Operating Activities
Cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2022 was approximately $7.83 million, compared to approximately $17.96 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, a decrease of $10.13 million, or 56.4%. The decrease in cash used in operating activities was primarily due to a slowdown in cash payments of payables and accrued expenses due to the lack of capital during the current year. For fiscal year 2022, management is focused on its turnaround plan to stabilize operations to put the Company on a path to profitability. With new management, the Company took decisive actions to preserve operating cash flow by reducing cash burn, prioritizing payments, renegotiating vendor agreements and closing underperforming business units. Management expects to see improvement in cash flow from operating activities in the following quarters of 2023 as the Company continues to execute its strategic restructuring.
Investing Activities
Cash provided in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022 was approximately $19.61 million, compared to $21.67 million provided in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2021, a decrease of $2.06 million, or 9.5%. The decrease in cash provided by investing activities was primarily due to $39.38 million in proceeds from the sale of the Company’s Hydrofarm investment in the prior period versus no comparable transaction in the current year. This was partially offset by a $24.40 million paid for the People’s and Silverstreak acquisitions in the prior period. During the current year, the company only recognized $20.71 million in cash received from the sale of the Dyer property, the Reno dispensary and the NuLeaf joint venture.
Financing Activities
Cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $17.28 million, compared to $4.50 million provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2021, a decrease of $21.78 million, or 483.6%. The decrease in cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022 was primarily due to $21.65 million of principal repayments of debt made during the current year ended December 31, 2022 compared to $6.77 million during the year ended December 31, 2021.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
A detailed description of our critical accounting policies and recent accounting pronouncements are described in “Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Our “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section discusses our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an on-going basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments, including those related to revenue recognition, accrued expenses, financing operations, and contingencies and litigation. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The most significant accounting estimates inherent in the preparation of our financial statements include estimates as to the appropriate carrying value of certain assets and liabilities which are not readily apparent from other sources. The actual results the Company experiences may differ materially and adversely from these estimates. To the extent there are material differences between the estimates and actual results, the Company’s future results of operations will be affected.
Significant judgments, estimates and assumptions that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the annual Consolidated Financial Statements are described below.
Inventory Valuation
The Company periodically reviews physical inventory for excess, obsolete, and potentially impaired items and reserves. The Company reviews inventory for obsolete, redundant and slow-moving goods and any such inventory is written down to net realizable value. The reserve estimate for excess and obsolete inventory is dependent on expected future use.
Share-Based Compensation
The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair value of equity-based grants. In estimating fair value, management is required to make certain assumptions and estimates such as the expected life of units, volatility of the Company’s future share price, risk-free rates, future dividend yields and estimated forfeitures at the initial grant date. Changes in assumptions used to estimate fair value could result in materially different results.
Goodwill Impairment, Other Intangible Assets and Long-Lived Assets
Goodwill is tested annually for impairment, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of goodwill has been impaired. In the impairment test, the Company measures the recoverability of goodwill by comparing a reporting unit’s carrying amount to the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. The carrying amount of each reporting unit is determined based upon the assignment of the Company’s assets and liabilities, including existing goodwill, to the identified reporting units. The Company relies on a number of factors, including historical results, business plans, forecasts and market data. Changes in the conditions for these judgments and estimates can significantly affect the recoverable amount.
DISCLOSURE ABOUT OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The Company does not have any transactions, agreements or other contractual arrangements that constitute off-balance sheet arrangements.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
A description of recently adopted accounting pronouncements and recently issued accounting pronouncements that may potentially impact our financial position and results of operations are described in “Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and are not required to provide the information under this item.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Our consolidated financial statement as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, together with the related notes and the report of our independent registered public accounting firm, are set forth on page through 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 DISCLOSURE
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation and supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified under SEC rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Interim Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2022. Based on this evaluation, our management concluded that as of December 31, 2022 these disclosure controls and procedures were not effective at the reasonable assurance level. As discussed below, our internal control over financial reporting is an integral part of our disclosure controls and procedures.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over our financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by our board of directors, management, and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP and includes those policies and procedures that:
1.Lack of timely review of accounts and reconciliations leading to material audit adjustments
2.Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;
3.Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and
4.Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of inherent limitations, no matter how well designed and operated, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements and can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of internal control over financial reporting must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.
Our Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer have performed an evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting under the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The objective of this assessment was to determine whether our internal control over financial reporting was effective at December 31, 2022.
Based on the results of its assessment, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2022 based on such criteria due to material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting described below:
Material Weaknesses in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
•The Company’s primary user access controls (i.e. provisioning, de-provisioning, and quarterly user access review) to ensure appropriate segregation of duties that would adequately restrict user and privileged access to the financially relevant systems and data to appropriate Company personnel were not operating effectively. Automated process-level controls and manual controls that are dependent upon the information derived from such financially relevant systems were also determined to be ineffective as a result of such deficiency.
•The Company did not maintain adequate and timely review transactions and account reconciliations resulting in material audit adjustments.
Remediation Plan
We plan to enhance our internal control over financial reporting in an effort to remediate the material weaknesses described above. We are committed to ensuring that our internal control over financial reporting is designed and operating effectively. Our remediation process will include:
•Investing in IT systems to enhance our operational and financial reporting and internal controls.
•Enhancing the organizational structure to support financial reporting processes and internal controls.
•Providing guidance, education and training to employees relating to our accounting policies and procedures.
•Further developing and documenting detailed policies and procedures regarding business processes for significant accounts, critical accounting policies and critical accounting estimates.
•Establishing effective general controls over IT systems to ensure that information produced can be relied upon by process level controls is relevant and reliable.
We expect to remediate these material weaknesses during 2023. However, we may discover additional material weaknesses that may require additional time and resources to remediate.
We believe that the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 fairly present, in all material respects, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with GAAP.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2022, that have materially affected, or are likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Inherent Limitation on the Effectiveness of Internal Controls
The effectiveness of any system of internal control over financial reporting is subject to inherent limitations, including the exercise of judgment in designing, implementing, operating, and evaluating the controls and procedures, and the inability to eliminate misconduct completely. Accordingly, any system of internal control over financial reporting can only provide reasonable, not absolute, assurances. In addition, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. We intend to continue to monitor and upgrade our internal controls as necessary or appropriate for our business but cannot assure that such improvements will be sufficient to provide us with effective internal control over financial reporting.

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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
Name Director or Officer Since Age Positions
Eric Baum 2020 46 Chairman of the Board
Nicholas Kovacevich 2020 37 Director
Sabas Carrillo 2022 46 Chief Executive Officer, President, and Director
Patty Chan 2022 36 Interim Chief Financial Officer
James Miller 2022 63 Chief Operating Officer
Eric Baum, Chairman of the Board
Mr. Baum brings over twenty years of experience in advising Executive leadership teams for both well-established Fortune 500 companies and emerging ventures, across a spectrum of industries including life sciences, legal cannabis, education, travel, technology, and real estate. In his concurrent roles as Managing Director of Acquis Consulting Group since 2003 and Managing Director / Co-Founder of its affiliate company, Solidea Capital since 2006, he leverages his extensive management and operational consulting expertise to guide companies in areas such as corporate strategy, market positioning, growth and scale strategies, trajectory management, M&A, partnering frameworks, risk evaluation, and more. He serves in several advisory and Board of Director roles for public and private companies such as Kushco Holdings, Inc., Starton Therapeutics, Inc., Big Rentz, Inc.,Tenant Tracker, B Great, and Trip Kicks, supporting the full lifecycle of needs from initial business building through expansion and growth strategies.
In addition to advising companies on how to scale to the next level, Mr. Baum founded and leads a rapidly growing real estate investment firm operating in several U.S. markets. He is also actively involved in the venture capital arena as a participant in several investment-focused groups, such as the Charlotte Angel Fund. His exposure to companies across all stages of development and breadth of knowledge in the venture space position him well to provide a unique perspective and challenge the status quo when needed. Eric holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Emory University, where he graduated Valedictorian. He was awarded the Goizueta Business School Organizational Management Highest Award for Excellence and was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, the highest national business honor society. Mr. Baum’s extensive background in advising corporate leaders and finance experience led to his appointment as a Director.
Nicholas Kovacevich, Director
Mr. Kovacevich is the Chief Corporate Development Officer of Greenlane Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: GNLN), a leading provider of ancillary products and services to businesses in the legal cannabis industry, where he previously served as CEO from mid 2021 up until the end of 2022. Mr. Kovacevich graduated Summa Cum Laude from Southwest Baptist University with a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management. After college, Mr. Kovacevich began his entrepreneurial career by building and exiting Pack My Dorm. He continued on to found several other successful businesses including BigRentz, Inc., a leading online equipment rental company. Recently, Kovacevich was appointed to California’s 32nd DAA Orange County Fair Board by California Governor Newsom.
Sabas Carrillo, Chief Executive Officer, President, and Director
Mr. Carrillo serves as our Chief Executive Officer and a member of our board of directors, positions which he has held since December 2022. Previously, Mr. Carrillo served as our Interim Chief Executive Officer from August 2022 to December 2022. Mr. Carrillo is an industry veteran with 13 years of cannabis experience and has helped lead public and private cannabis companies through restructuring, growth, mergers & acquisitions, and successful exits during such time. He is the Founder and CEO of Adnant, LLC (“Adnant”), an accounting and consulting firm advising cannabis companies on technical and operational accounting, strategic transactions, and the public offering process, and he has served as Adnant’s CEO since 2009. Mr. Carrillo served on the go-public team for Weedmaps and General Cannabis, Inc., a publicly traded company from late 2009 to 2012. An SEC financial reporting expert with comprehensive capital markets experience, Mr. Carrillo led the team that took Blüm Oakland through a public offering on behalf of Terra Tech Corp. in 2014 (now Unrivaled) - the first plant touching, vertically integrated company to enter the public markets. Mr. Carrillo helped guide MedMen Enterprises, Inc., the first publicly traded multi-state operator, from late 2017 to 2019 to acquire 53 companies and effectively supported them through the rollup, audits and integration efforts. Mr. Carrillo has served as Interim CFO for Cookies Creative Consulting & Promotions Inc. since April 2018. He is a co-founder and general partner of two cannabis-focused funds: Mesh Ventures and 1212 Ventures.
Patty Chan, Interim Chief Financial Officer
Ms. Chan serves as our Interim Chief Financial Officer, a position she has held since September 2022. Ms. Chan has over 14 years of accounting, financial reporting, compliance, and operational experience across the cannabis, real estate, and financial services industries. Before entering the cannabis and CBD industries, she accrued nearly 10 years of experience managing forensic accounting engagements for business litigation, supervising and conducting fraud investigations, and preparing forensic analysis of complex financial transactions. She previously served as Chief Financial Officer for Upexi Inc. f/k/a Grove Inc. (NASDAQ: UPXI) a manufacturing, distribution, wholesale and retail company in the CBD industry from June 2016 until June 2020. Prior to that company’s initial public offering, she was part of the team overseeing their business model transition, equity fundraising, and go-public efforts. Ms. Chan received a B.A. in Business Economics with a minor in accounting and political science from the University of California, Los Angeles and is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of California.
Ms. Chan currently serves as a Manager at Adnant, a position she has held since February 2021. The Company engaged Adnant to provide executive level consulting and related business support and services related to the Company’s present and future challenges and opportunities. At Adnant, Ms. Chan focuses on advising hypergrowth clients on their operations and audit preparation as well as managing the accounting and reporting for cannabis investment funds. She has also implemented financial controls and infrastructure for cannabis clients in various stages of their business development.
James Miller, Chief Operating Officer
Mr. Miller serves as our Chief Operating Officer, a position he has held since December 2022. Mr. Miller most recently served as Chief Financial Officer of Operators Only, Inc., a cannabis operations service provider supporting Cookies-branded retail and cultivation licensees, from January 2022 to October 2022. Mr. Miller was Corporate Controller at 3PL Central LLC, a private equity owned eCommerce WMS provider, from February 2020 until December 2021. Previously, Mr. Miller served as interim Chief Financial Officer and was the Vice President of Accounting at MedMen Enterprises Inc. (“MedMen”), a cannabis MSO and cultivation company, from January 2018 until December 2019, where he was responsible for financial reporting, financial controls and various operating departments through its formation, initial public offering and subsequent growth stage. He was also Chief Financial Officer of MedMen’s affiliated Treehouse Real Estate Investment Trust from December 2018 until October 2019. Mr. Miller has held several senior executive and finance roles at leading entertainment firms such as the Walt Disney Company and Viacom as well as various technology and e-commerce companies. Mr. Miller received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from University of California at Los Angeles, and is a CPA (license inactive), in California.
Family Relationships
There are no family relationships among any of our directors or executive officers.
Director Qualifications
We believe that our directors should have the highest professional and personal ethics and values, consistent with our values and standards. They should have broad experience at the policy-making level in business or banking. They should be committed to enhancing stockholder value and should have sufficient time to carry out their duties and to provide insight and practical wisdom based on experience. Their service on other boards of public companies should be limited to a number that permits them, given their individual circumstances, to perform responsibly all director duties for us. Each director must represent the interests of all stockholders. When considering potential director candidates, the board of directors also considers the candidate’s character, judgment, diversity, age and skills, including financial literacy and experience in the context of our needs and the needs of the board of director.
Independent Director Agreements
Pursuant to an Independent Director Agreement dated December 11, 2020 by and between us and Nicholas Kovacevich, we agreed to grant Mr. Kovacevich 150,000 restricted shares of stock, to be fully vested on the date of appointment. On February 1, 2021, the Company and Mr. Kovacevich entered into an Amended and Restated Independent Director Agreement (as may be amended from time to time, the “Kovacevich Agreement”). Per the Kovacevich Agreement, (1) the Company issued to Mr. Kovacevich 500,000 restricted shares of the Company’s Common Stock, which vested in twelve equal installments on the first day of each month beginning on March 1, 2021 (provided Mr. Kovacevich is a director of the Company on the applicable vesting date) and (2) the Company agreed to pay Mr. Kovacevich cash compensation of $5,000 per month, payable on the first day of each month beginning March 1, 2021 for the term of the Kovacevich Agreement. Pursuant to the Kovacevich Agreement, as of December 31, 2022, the Company has granted Mr. Kovacevich all 500,000 restricted shares of Common Stock (all of which are vested), and has paid cash compensation of $42,500.
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
Other than as disclosed below, to our knowledge, our directors and executive officers have not been involved in any of the following events during the past ten years:
•Any bankruptcy petition filed by or against such person or any business of which such person was a general partner or executive officer either at the time of the bankruptcy or within two years prior to that time;
•Any conviction in a criminal proceeding or being subject to a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses);
•Being subject to any order, judgment, or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining him from or otherwise limiting his involvement in any type of business, securities or banking activities or to be associated with any person practicing in banking or securities activities;
•Being found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action, the SEC or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated a Federal or state securities or commodities law, and the judgment has not been reversed, suspended, or vacated;
•Being subject of, or a party to, any Federal or state judicial or administrative order, judgment decree, or finding, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, relating to an alleged violation of any Federal or state securities or commodities law or regulation, any law or regulation respecting financial institutions or insurance companies, or any law or regulation prohibiting mail or wire fraud or fraud in connection with any business entity; or
•Being subject of or party to any sanction or order, not subsequently reversed, suspended, or vacated, of any self-regulatory organization, any registered entity or any equivalent exchange, association, entity or organization that has disciplinary authority over its members or persons associated with a member.
Code of Ethics
On November 4, 2015, our board of directors approved and adopted a Code of Ethics (the “Code of Ethics”) that applies to all of our directors, officers, and employees, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer. The Code of Ethics addresses such individuals’ conduct with respect to, among other things, conflicts of interests; compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations; full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure by us; competition and fair dealing; corporate opportunities; confidentiality; insider trading; protection and proper use of our assets; fair treatment; and reporting suspected illegal or unethical behavior. The Code of Ethics is available on our website at https://ir.unrivaledbrands.com/corporate-governance/governance-documents. We intend to satisfy the requirements under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding disclosure of amendments to, or waivers from, provisions of the Code of Ethics by posting such information on our website. Information contained on our website is not part of this report.
Term of Office
Our directors are appointed to hold office until the next annual general meeting of our stockholders or until removed from office in accordance with our Bylaws. Our officers are appointed by our board of directors and hold office until removed by the board of directors, absent an employment agreement.
Section 16(A) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires that our directors and executive officers and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of our Common Stock (referred to herein as the “Reporting Persons”) file with the SEC various reports as to their ownership of and activities relating to our Common Stock. To the best of our knowledge, all Reporting Persons complied on a timely basis with all filing requirements applicable to them with respect to transactions during the period covered by this report. In making these statements, we have relied solely on our review of copies of the reports furnished to us, representations that no other reports were required and other knowledge relating to transactions involving Reporting Persons.
Audit Committee and Audit Committee Financial Expert
On November 4, 2015, our board of directors established the Audit Committee, which is governed by the Audit Committee Charter. Our Audit Committee currently consists of Nicholas Kovacevich and Eric Baum, with Mr. Kovacevich serving as chair since March of 2022. All members of our Audit Committee meet the requirements for financial literacy under the applicable Nasdaq rules and regulations. Our board of directors has affirmatively determined that each member of our Audit Committee meets the independence requirements of The Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC and Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act. In addition, our board of directors has determined that Mr. Baum qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as such term is defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K. A copy of the Audit Committee Charter can be found online at http://ir.unrivaledbrands.com/goverance-docs.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table
Name and Principal
Position Year Salary Bonus (9) Stock
Awards
(10) Option
Awards
(11) All Other
Compensation
(12) Total
Sabas Carrillo (1)
2022 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
Chief Executive Officer, President, and Director 2021 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
Patty Chan (2)
2022 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
Chief Financial Officer 2021 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
James Miller (3)
2022 $ 28,942 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 28,942
Chief Operating Officer 2021 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
Tiffany Davis (4)
2022 $ 111,605 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 111,605
Chief Executive Officer, President, and Director 2021 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
Francis Knuettel II (5)
2022 $ 206,522 $ - $ 308,025 $ - $ - $ 514,547
Chief Executive Officer and Director 2021 $ 298,654 $ 40,000 $ 67,500 $ 194,000 $ - $ 600,154
Jeffrey Batliner (6)
2022 $ 254,014 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 254,014
Chief Financial Officer 2021 $ 250,000 $ 100,000 $ - $ 137,873 $ 6,000 $ 493,873
Uri Kenig (7)
2022 $ 125,539 $ - $ 41,700 $ - $ - $ 167,239
Chief Operating Officer 2021 $ 236,235 $ 20,000 $ - $ 170,333 $ - $ 426,568
Oren Schauble (8)
2022 $ 160,205 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 160,205
President 2021 $ 113,383 $ - $ - $ - $ 2,029 $ 115,412
(1)Appointed Director on December 23, 2022. Appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer on August 12, 2022. Designated as Chief Executive Officer and President on December 23, 2022. Compensation is included as part of the Company's agreement with Adnant described below.
(2)Appointed Interim Chief Financial Officer on September 12, 2022. Designated as Chief Financial Officer on December 23, 2022. Compensation is included as part of the Company's agreement with Adnant described below.
(3)Appointed Chief Operating Officer on December 23, 2022. Previously started with the Company in November 2022.
(4)Appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer on March 13, 2022. Terminated employment on July 21, 2022.
(5)Appointed Director on December 11, 2020. Appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer and President on December 15, 2020. Designated as Chief Executive Officer and President on March 2, 2021. Terminated employment on March 13, 2022.
(6)Appointed Chief Financial Officer effective October 5, 2020. Stepped down from Chief Financial Officer on September 12, 2022, and continued to work for the Company in other capacities through March 2023.
(7)Appointed Interim Chief Operating Officer effective December 18, 2020. Appointed Chief Operating Officer effective June 7, 2021. Terminated employment on March 25, 2022.
(8)Appointed President on July 27, 2021. Terminated employment on March 10, 2022.
(9)For Messrs. Knuettel and Kenig, this column reflects the cash bonus payable upon the closing of the UMBRLA transaction, per the terms of their employment agreements. For Mr. Batliner, this column reflects the cash bonus paid for 2020 bonus achievement.
(10)The dollar amounts in this column reflect the aggregate grant date fair value, as determined in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation (“FASB ASC Topic 718”). The fair value is calculated based on the closing price of the Common Stock on the grant dates.
(11)The dollar amounts shown in this column reflect the aggregate grant date fair value, as determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, of stock options granted in the applicable year. For a discussion of the assumptions that we used to value the stock options, for financial accounting purposes, please refer to “Note 15 - Stock-Based Compensation” in the notes to our consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(12)All other compensation for Mr. Batliner reflects a $500 per month car allowance.
Employment Contracts, Termination of Employment, Change-in-Control Arrangements
Sabas Carrillo & Patty Chan
On August 12, 2022, the Company entered into an Engagement Letter (the “Engagement Letter”) with Adnant. Pursuant to the Engagement Letter, Adnant will provide executive level consulting and related business support and services related to the Company’s present and future challenges and opportunities, as described in more detail on the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on August 12, 2022. Adnant will provide certain services (the “Services”) focused on achieving identified performance objectives (the “Performance Objectives”). Both the Services and Performance Objectives are described in more detail in the Engagement Letter. Compensation to Adnant includes fees for the Services of $150,000 monthly subject to the Company having available a cash balance greater than or equal to $1,200,000 following payment of the fee and a performance bonus award of up to $1,000,000 subject to achievement of the Performance Objectives as set forth in Exhibit A to the Engagement Letter. The services of Mr. Carrillo, Ms. Chan, and other Adnant employees providing services to the Company are included as part of the fees covered in the Engagement Letter.
Francis Knuettel II
On December 18, 2020, Terra Tech Corp. entered into an Executive Employment Agreement (the “Knuettel Employment Agreement”) with Francis Knuettel II, appointing Mr. Knuettel as the Company’s Interim Chief Executive Officer and President. The Knuettel Employment Agreement, was for a term of six months. Mr. Knuettel’s compensation pursuant to the Knuettel Employment Agreement was $150,000 and he was eligible to receive a cash performance bonus at the discretion of the board of directors. Mr. Knuettel was granted 200,000 fully-vested shares of the Company’s Common Stock and was entitled to an additional 200,000 fully-vested shares of Common Stock on the six-month anniversary of the Knuettel Employment Agreement; provided it had not been terminated prior to that date. Mr. Knuettel was also granted an option to purchase 600,000 shares of Common Stock with an exercise price equal to the closing price of the Common Stock on the trading day prior to the date of the Knuettel Employment Agreement pursuant to the terms of the Company’s 2018 Equity Incentive Plan, which vest 50% on the three-month anniversary of the Knuettel Employment Agreement and 50% on the six-month anniversary of the Knuettel Employment Agreement; provided it had not been terminated prior to either such date. In addition, Mr. Knuettel was eligible to receive a bonus of 400,000 fully-vested shares of Common Stock and $40,000 upon closing of (A) a merger or consolidation of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company with another entity, or (B) the disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or the acquisition by the Company of all or substantially all of the assets of another entity entered into during the term of the Knuettel Employment Agreement, in each case with a transaction value of over $20,000,000 and approved by the board of directors, whether or not he is then an employee of the Company.
On June 7, 2021, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement (the “A&R Knuettel Employment Agreement”) with Mr. Knuettel, appointing Mr. Knuettel as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and President. The term of the A&R Knuettel Employment Agreement began on June 7, 2021 and continued until terminated by the Company or Mr. Knuettel pursuant to the terms thereof. Mr. Knuettel’s annual base compensation pursuant to the A&R Knuettel Employment Agreement was $300,000 and he was eligible to receive an annual cash bonus, with the target amount of such annual bonus equal to 50% of his base compensation in the year to which the annual bonus relates; provided that the actual amount of the annual bonus may be greater or less than the target bonus. The annual bonus was to be based on performance and achievement by the Company and individual goals and objectives agreed to by the board of directors or Compensation Committee and Mr. Knuettel.
In connection with the A&R Knuettel Employment Agreement, Mr. Knuettel was issued 1,500,000 shares (the “Knuettel Grant Shares”) of Common Stock, which vest in six equal installments, with the first installment vesting on June 7, 2021, and the remaining installments vesting on every three-month anniversary thereafter; provided he is an employee of the Company on the applicable vesting date. The vesting of the Knuettel Grant Shares is subject to acceleration under certain circumstances as set forth in the A&R Knuettel Employment Agreement.
Mr. Knuettel was also issued an option to purchase 1,500,000 shares (the “Knuettel Grant Options”) of Common Stock with an exercise price equal to the closing price of the Common Stock on the trading day prior to June 7, 2021 pursuant to the terms of the Company’s Equity Incentive Plan, which vest in six equal installments, with the first installment vesting on June 7, 2021, and the remaining installments vesting on every three month anniversary thereafter; provided he is an employee of the Company on the applicable vesting date. The vesting of the Knuettel Grant Options is subject to acceleration under certain circumstances as set forth in the A&R Knuettel Employment Agreement.
In addition, under the A&R Knuettel Employment Agreement, Mr. Knuettel was eligible to receive a bonus of 200,000 fully-vested shares of Common Stock and $40,000 in cash upon closing of (A) a merger or consolidation of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company with another entity, or (B) the disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or the acquisition by the Company of all or substantially all of the assets of another entity entered into during the term of Mr. Knuettel’s original employment agreement with the Company, in each case with a transaction value of over $20,000,000 and approved by the Company’s board of directors. The board of directors approved the payment of this cash and equity bonus to Mr. Knuettel in connection with the closing of the UMBRLA merger on July 1, 2021.
Under the A&R Knuettel Employment Agreement, Mr. Knuettel was also eligible to receive a performance stock grant (the “Knuettel Performance Grant”), with the target amount of the Knuettel Performance Grant equal to seven hundred and fifty thousand (750,000) shares of Common Stock (the “Knuettel Target Grant”); provided that the actual amount of the Knuettel Performance Grant may be greater or less than the Knuettel Target Grant based on performance and achievement of Company and individual goals and objectives as set forth in the Knuettel Employment Agreement.
Under the A&R Knuettel Employment Agreement, if (i) Mr. Knuettel’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company other than for cause (as defined in the A&R Knuettel Employment Agreement), death or “permanent and total disability” or (ii) Mr. Knuettel resigns for good reason (as defined in the A&R Knuettel Employment Agreement), then he shall be entitled to severance benefits in an amount equal to 50% of his then current base compensation, less any taxes and withholding as may be necessary pursuant to law, to be paid in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices, but in no event less frequently than monthly, paid in equal installments over a six-month period.
On April 12, 2022, the Company and Mr. Knuettel agreed to terms on a separation agreement. The Company agreed to pay Mr. Knuettel 50% of his annual base salary and continue his medical benefits for a period of six months. Mr. Knuettel's unvested shares and options vested immediately. As part of this separation agreement Mr. Knuettel resigned as director of the Company.
Uri Kenig
On December 21, 2020, the Company entered into an Executive Employment Agreement (the “Kenig Employment Agreement”) with Uri Kenig, appointing Mr. Kenig as the Company’s Interim Chief Operating Officer. The Kenig Employment Agreement, was for a term of six months. Mr. Kenig’s compensation pursuant to the Kenig Employment Agreement was $90,000 and he was eligible to receive a cash performance bonus at the discretion of the board of directors. Mr. Kenig was granted 150,000 fully-vested shares of the Company’s Common Stock and was entitled to an additional 150,000 fully-vested shares of Common Stock on the six-month anniversary of the Kenig Employment Agreement; provided it had not been terminated prior to that date. Mr. Kenig was also granted an option to purchase 300,000 shares of Common Stock with an exercise price equal to the closing price of the Common Stock on the trading day prior to the date of the Kenig Employment Agreement pursuant to the terms of the Company’s 2018 Equity Incentive Plan, which vested 50% on the three-month anniversary of the Kenig Employment Agreement and 50% on the six-month anniversary of the Kenig Employment Agreement; provided it had not been terminated prior to either such date. In addition, Mr. Kenig was eligible to receive a bonus of 200,000 fully-vested shares of Common Stock and $20,000 upon closing of (A) a merger or consolidation of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company with another entity, or (B) the disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or the acquisition by the Company of all or substantially all of the assets of another entity entered into during the term of the Kenig Employment Agreement, in each case with a transaction value of over $20,000,000 and approved by the board of directors, whether or not he is then an employee of the Company.
The board of directors approved the payment of this cash and equity bonus to Mr. Kenig in connection with the closing of the UMBRLA merger on July 1, 2021.
On June 7, 2021, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement (the “A&R Kenig Employment Agreement”) with Mr. Kenig, appointing Mr. Kenig as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer. The term of the A&R Kenig Employment Agreement began on June 7, 2021 and continued until terminated by the Company or Mr. Kenig pursuant to the terms thereof. Mr. Kenig’s annual base compensation pursuant to the A&R Kenig Employment Agreement was Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000) and he was eligible to receive an annual cash bonus, with the target amount of such annual bonus equal to 50% of his base compensation in the year to which the annual bonus relates; provided that the actual amount of the annual bonus may be greater or less than the target bonus. The annual bonus was to be based on performance and achievement of Company and individual goals and objectives agreed to by the board of directors or Compensation Committee and Mr. Kenig.
Mr. Kenig was also issued an option to purchase 1,750,000 shares (the “Kenig Grant Options”) of Common Stock with an exercise price equal to the closing price of the Common Stock on the trading day prior to June 7, 2021 pursuant to the terms of the Company’s Equity Incentive Plan, which vest in six equal installments, with the first installment vesting on June 7, 2021, and the remaining installments vesting on every three month anniversary thereafter; provided he is an employee of the Company on the applicable vesting date. The vesting of the Kenig Grant Options is subject to acceleration under certain circumstances as set forth in the A&R Kenig Employment Agreement.
Mr. Kenig was also eligible to receive a performance stock grant (the “Kenig Performance Grant”), with the target amount of the Kenig Performance Grant equal to five hundred thousand (500,000) shares of Common Stock (the “Kenig Target Grant”); provided that the actual amount of the Kenig Performance Grant may be greater or less than the Kenig Target Grant based on performance and achievement of Company and individual goals and objectives as set forth in the A&R Kenig Employment Agreement.
If (i) Mr. Kenig’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company other than for cause (as defined in the A&R Kenig Employment Agreement), death or “permanent and total disability” or (ii) Mr. Kenig resigns for good reason (as defined in the A&R Kenig Employment Agreement), then he shall be entitled to severance benefits in an amount equal to 50% of his then current base compensation, less any taxes and withholding as may be necessary pursuant to law, to be paid in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices, but in no event less frequently than monthly, paid in equal installments over a six-month period.Mr. Kenig is eligible to participate in the Company’s 2018 Equity Incentive Plan, pursuant to which the Company may grant equity awards to its officers, directors and employees.
On March 10, 2022, the Company terminated the employment of Mr. Kenig effective as of March 25, 2022.
Jeffrey Batliner
On September 28, 2020, Terra Tech Corp. entered into an Executive Employment Agreement (the “Employment Agreement”) with Jeffrey Batliner, formerly the Company’s Director of Reporting & Analysis, appointing Mr. Batliner as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, effective October 5, 2020. The Employment Agreement, was for a term of one year. Mr. Batliner’s base salary was Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000) and he was eligible for a performance bonus of up to 100% of his base salary (“Target Performance Bonus”). The Target Performance Bonus was to be based on performance and achievement of Company goals and objectives as defined by the board of directors or Compensation Committee and may be greater or less than the Target Performance Bonus. Mr. Batliner may be eligible for severance benefits under certain circumstances as set forth in the Employment Agreement.
On June 7, 2021, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement (the “A&R Batliner Employment Agreement”) with Mr. Batliner, appointing Mr. Batliner as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. The term of the A&R Batliner Employment Agreement began on June 7, 2021 and continued until terminated by the Company or Mr. Batliner pursuant to the terms thereof. Mr. Batliner’s annual base compensation pursuant to the A&R Batliner Employment Agreement was $250,000 and he was eligible to receive an annual cash bonus, with the target amount of such annual bonus equal to 50% of his base compensation in the year to which the annual bonus relates; provided that the actual amount of the annual bonus may be greater or less than the target bonus. The annual bonus was to be based on performance and achievement of Company and individual goals and objectives agreed to by the Company’s board of directors or Compensation Committee and Mr. Batliner.
Mr. Batliner was also issued an option to purchase 1,750,000 shares (the “Batliner Grant Options”) of Common Stock with an exercise price equal to the closing price of the Common Stock on the trading day prior to June 7, 2021 pursuant to the terms of the Company’s Equity Incentive Plan, which vest in six equal installments, with the first installment vesting on June 7, 2021, and the remaining installments vesting on every three month anniversary thereafter; provided he is an employee of the Company on the applicable vesting date. The vesting of the Batliner Grant Options is subject to acceleration under certain circumstances as set forth in the A&R Batliner Employment Agreement.
Mr. Batliner was also eligible to receive a performance stock grant (the “Batliner Performance Grant”), with the target amount of the Batliner Performance Grant equal to five hundred thousand (500,000) shares of Common Stock (the “Batliner Target Grant”); provided that the actual amount of the Batliner Performance Grant may be greater or less than the Batliner Target Grant based on performance and achievement of Company and individual goals and objectives as set forth in the A&R Batliner Employment Agreement.
If (i) Mr. Batliner’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company other than for cause (as defined in the A&R Batliner Employment Agreement), death or “permanent and total disability” or (ii) Mr. Batliner resigns for good reason (as defined in the A&R Batliner Employment Agreement), then he shall be entitled to severance benefits in an amount equal to 50% of his then current base compensation, less any taxes and withholding as may be necessary pursuant to law, to be paid in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices, but in no event less frequently than monthly, paid in equal installments over a six-month period.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
Option Awards Stock Awards
Name Grant Date(1)
Number of securities underlying unexercised options
(#) exercisable Number of securities underlying unexercised options
(#) unexercisable Option Exercise Price
($) Option expiration date Number of shares or units of stock that have not vested
(#) Market value of shares of units of stock that have not vested
($)
Francis Knuettel II 12/18/2020 (2)
600,000 - $ 0.1770 12/17/2030 - -
6/07/2021(3)
1,500,000 - $ 0.2337 6/06/2031 - -
Jeffrey Batliner 4/02/2020 (4)
183,333 16,667 $ 0.0721 4/2/2030 - -
9/25/2020 (5)
750,000 250,000 $ 0.0750 9/25/2030 - -
6/07/2021(3)
1,750,000 - $ 0.2337 6/06/2031 - -
Uri Kenig 12/21/2020 (2)
300,000 - $ 0.1720 12/20/2030 - -
6/07/2021(3)
1,166,666 583,334 $ 0.2337 6/06/2031 - -
(1) All grants are part of the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan.
(2) Grant vested in two installments. The first installment vested three months after grant date. The second installment vested six months after the grant date.
(3) Grant vests in six quarterly installments, with the first vesting on 6/7/21 and subsequently every three month anniversary of the grant date for the next five quarters
(4) Grant vests in twelve quarterly installments, with the first vesting on 4/2/20 and subsequently the first day of the quarter the next eleven quarters.
(5) Grant vests in twelve quarterly installments, with the first vesting on 10/1/20 and subsequently the first day of the quarter the next eleven quarters.
Director Compensation
The following table sets forth director compensation for the year ended December 31, 2022:
Name (1)
Fees Earned
Paid in
Cash
($) Stock
Awards
($) (9)
Option
Awards
($) All Other Compensation ($) Total
($)
Nicholas Kovacevich (2)
$ 20,000 $ 159,275 $ 16,700 $ - $ 195,975
Tiffany Davis (3)
$ 15,000 $ - $ 30,723 $ - $ 45,723
Eric Baum (4)
$ 20,000 $ - $ 71,476 $ - $ 91,476
Dallas Imbimbo (5)
$ 15,000 $ 137,400 $ 54,776 $ - $ 207,176
(1)Francis Knuettel and Sabas Carrillo are not included in this table as they were executive officers during fiscal 2022, and thus received no compensation for their service as directors. The compensation of Mr. Knuettel and Mr. Carrillo as our employees is shown in “Item 11 Executive Compensation - Summary Compensation Table.”
(2)Appointed as a director on December 10, 2020.
(3)Appointed as a director on April 6, 2021. Resigned as a director on July 21, 2022.
(4)Appointed as a director on July 1, 2021.
(5)Appointed as a director on July 1, 2021. Resigned as a director on April 14, 2022.
Narrative to Director Compensation Table
The following is a narrative discussion of the material information that we believe is necessary to understand the information disclosed in the previous table.
Nicholas Kovacevich
On February 1, 2021, the Company and Mr. Kovacevich amended the Independent Director Agreement. Pursuant to the amended agreement, (1) the Company issued to Mr. Kovacevich 500,000 restricted shares of Common Stock, which vest in twelve equal installments on the first day of each month beginning on March 1, 2021 (provided Mr. Kovacevich is a director of the Company on the applicable vesting date) and (2) the Company agreed to pay Mr. Kovacevich cash compensation of $5,000 per month, payable on the first day of each month beginning March 1, 2021 for the term of the agreement.
Tiffany Davis
Pursuant to an Independent Director Agreement dated April 6, 2021 by and between us and Ms. Davis, (1) the Company issued to Ms. Davis an option to purchase 409,716 shares of Common Stock at the closing price of the Common Stock on the date of the agreement, which vest in ten installments, with the first installment of 34,722 shares vesting on date of the agreement, and the remaining installments vesting equally on the first day of each month thereafter (provided Ms. Davis is a director of the Company on the applicable vesting date) and (2) the Company agreed to pay Ms. Davis cash compensation of $5,000 per month, payable on the first day of each month, pro rated for any partial month, beginning April 6, 2021 for the term of the agreement. On July 21, 2022, Ms. Davis resigned as Interim Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Company's board of directors.
Eric Baum
On July 1, 2021, we entered into an Independent Director Agreement and a Director Indemnification Agreement with Eric Baum in connection with his appointment to the board of directors of the Company. Pursuant to the Director Agreements, among other things, (1) we agreed to enter into a Stock Option Agreement to issue to Mr. Baum an option to purchase 500,000 shares of Common Stock at the closing price of the Common Stock on the date of the Director Agreement and (2) we agreed to pay Mr. Baum cash compensation of $5,000 per month, pro-rated for any partial months, payable on the first day of each month beginning on the date of the Baum Director Agreement.
Dallas Imbimbo
On July 1, 2021, we entered into an Independent Director Agreement and a Director Indemnification Agreement with Dallas Imbimbo in connection with his appointment to the board of directors of the Company. Pursuant to the Director Agreements, among other things, (1) we agreed to enter into a Stock Option Agreement to issue to Mr. Imbimbo an option to purchase 500,000 shares of Common Stock at the closing price of the Common Stock on the date of the Director Agreement and (2) we agreed to pay Mr. Imbimbo a cash compensation of $5,000 per month, pro-rated for any partial months, payable on the first day of each month beginning on the date of the Imbimbo Director Agreement. On April 14, 2022, the Company and Mr. Imbimbo agreed to terms on a separation agreement. We agreed to vest 100% of Mr. Imbimbo’s restricted common stock granted pursuant to the advisor agreement with Mr. Imbimbo. We agreed to vest 100% of the options to purchase shares of the Company's common stock granted as part Mr. Imbimbo’s Independent Director Agreement. We agreed to pay Mr. Imbimbo $0.08 million in cash compensation. As part of this separation agreement, Mr. Imbimbo resigned as a director of the Company and as an advisor to the Company in March 2022.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Equity Compensation Plan Information
On December 11, 2018, the board of directors approved the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) as amended and restated as of June 20, 2019, and approved by our stockholders on September 23, 2019 (the "2018 Plan"), with 13,000,000 shares available for issuance. During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company granted ten-year options to directors, officers, and employees, pursuant to which such individuals are entitled to exercise options to purchase an aggregate of up to 6,909,716 and 3,644,828 shares of Common Stock, respectively. The options have exercise prices ranging from $0.07 to $0.26 per share, and generally vest quarterly over a three-year period. On February 14, 2020, the board of directors approved an amendment to the 2018 Plan, increasing the number of shares available for issuance thereunder by 28,976,425 shares of Common Stock for a total of 43,976,425 shares of Common Stock, plus the number of shares that may become available under the Company’s 2016 Equity Incentive Plan after termination of awards thereunder, not to exceed 2,000,000 shares subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the 2018 Plan.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The following table sets forth certain information as of April 3, 2023 with respect to the holdings of: (1) each person known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5.0% of our Common Stock; (2) each of our directors, nominees for director and executive officers; and (3) all directors and executive officers as a group. To the best of our knowledge, each of the persons named in the table below as beneficially owning the shares set forth therein has sole voting power and sole investment power with respect to such shares, unless otherwise indicated. Shares of common stock that are currently exercisable or convertible within 60 of April 3, 2023 are deemed to be beneficially owned by the person holding such securities for the purpose of computing the percentage beneficial ownership of that person, but are not treated as outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Unless otherwise specified, the address of each of the persons set forth below is in care of the Company, at the address of 3242 S. Halladay Street, Santa Ana, CA 92705.
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Title of Class Amount and
Nature of
Beneficial
Ownership Percent of
Common
Stock(1)
Greater than 5% Beneficial Owners:
Dallas Imbimbo Common Stock 79,946,561 (2) 11.53 %
Green Door Redding LLC Common Stock 71,428,571 (3) 10.30 %
People's California LLC Common Stock 40,000,000 (4) 5.77 %
Arthur Chan Common Stock 39,225,425 (5) 5.66 %
Sabas Carrillo Common Stock 50,219,605 (6) 7.24 %
510 Retail & Events Inc Common Stock 35,714,286 (7) 5.15 %
Joseph Gerlach Common Stock 35,204,030 (8) 5.08 %
Executive Officers and Directors:
Sabas Carrillo
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Common Stock 50,219,605 (6) 7.24 %
Patty Chan
Interim Chief Financial Officer and Named Executive Officer Common Stock 3,571,430 (9) *
James Miller
Named Executive Officer Common Stock 1,785,715 (10) *
Nicholas Kovacevich
Director
Common Stock 29,364,390 (11) 4.23 %
Eric Baum
Director
Common Stock 3,381,794 (12) *
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (5 persons) 88,322,934 11.47 %
*Represents beneficial ownership of less than one percent of the outstanding shares of our Common Stock.
(1)As of April 3, 2023, we had a total of 695,694,786 shares of Common Stock issued and 693,386,374 shares outstanding.
(2)Includes (i) 13,427,700 shares held by Mr. Imbimbo, (ii) 816,680 shares underlying exercisable warrants, (iii) 6,454,752 shares held by Mr. Imbimbo’s spouse, (iv) 816,678 shares underlying exercisable warrants held by Mr.Imbimbo’s spouse, (v) 659,234 shares underlying exercisable options held by Mr. Imbimbo’s spouse, (vi) 19,260,742 shares held by Alpha West Holdings Inc. (“Alpha West”), of which Mr. Imbimbo is a stockholder, (vii) 2,769,217 shares underlying exercisable warrants held by Alpha West, (viii) 8,259,085 shares held by Rove Group LLC, of which Mr. Imbimbo is the sole member (“Rove Group”), (ix) 12,037,719 shares underlying exercisable warrants held by Rove Group, and (x) 15,444,746 shares held by Bonaparte Group LLC, of which Mr. Imbimbo’s spouse is the managing member. Mr. Imbimbo disclaims beneficial ownership with respect to the shares held by Alpha West and Bonaparte Group LLC except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. The principal address is 17595 Harvard Ave. C552, Irvine, CA 92614.
(3)The principal address is 570 Washington Blvd., Jersey City, NJ 07310.
(4)The principal address is 1700 E. Cypress Ave, Redding, CA 96002.
(5)The principal address is 22 Executive Park, Irvine, CA 92614.
(6)Includes (i) 32,362,460 shares of Common Stock held by Adnant, LLC, and (ii) 17,857,145 shares underlying exercisable warrants held by Adnant, LLC, of which Mr. Carrillo is the sole member. The principal address is 11516 Downey Ave, Downey, CA 90241.
(7)The principal address is 1776 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612.
(8)The principal address is 3801 Lorene Ct, Modesto, CA 95356.
(9)Includes 3,571,430 shares underlying exercisable warrants. The principal address is 11516 Downey Ave, Downey, CA 90241.
(10)Includes 1,785,715 shares underlying exercisable warrants. The principal address is 11516 Downey Ave, Downey, CA 90241.
(11)Includes (i) 1,508,326 shares held by Mr. Kovacevich, (ii) 955,459 shares held by the Rutherford NC Revocable Trust (the “Rutherford Trust”), of which Mr. Kovacevich is the trustee, (iii) 4,670,644 shares underlying exercisable warrants held by the Rutherford Trust, (iv) 19,260,742 shares held by Alpha West, of which Mr. Kovacevich is a stockholder, (v) and 2,769,217 shares underlying exercisable warrants held by Alpha West. Mr. Kovacevich may be deemed to beneficially hold, and have the sole power to direct the voting and disposition of, the shares is closed as directly held by the Rutherford Trust, and to beneficially hold, and have the shared power to direct the voting and disposition of, the shares disclosed as directly held by Alpha West. Mr. Kovacevich disclaims beneficial ownership with respect to the shares held by Alpha except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. The principal address is 2618 San Miguel Dr. #480, Newport Beach, CA92660.
(12)Includes (i) 700,000 shares underlying exercisable options held by Mr. Baum, (ii) 1,058,639 shares held by Mr. Baum’s spouse, (iii) 393,059 shares held by Acquis Fund 2018 LLC, of which Mr. Baum is a member (“Acquis Fund”), (iv) 961,614 shares underlying exercisable warrants held by Mr. Baum’s spouse, and (v) 268,482 shares underlying exercisable warrants held by Acquis Fund. Mr. Baum disclaims beneficial ownership with respect to the shares held by Acquis Fund except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. The principal address is 215 N. Pine St., Charlotte, NC 28202.
The following table sets forth certain information as of April 3, 2023 with respect to the holdings of: (1) each person known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5.0% of our Series V Preferred Stock; (2) each of our directors, nominees for director and executive officers; and (3) all directors and executive officers as a group. As of April 3, 2023, there are no shares of Series N Preferred Stock outstanding. To the best of our knowledge, each of the persons named in the table below as beneficially owning the shares set forth therein has sole voting power and sole investment power with respect to such shares, unless otherwise indicated. Unless otherwise specified, the address of each of the persons set forth below is in care of the Company, at the address of 3242 S. Halladay Street, Santa Ana, CA 92705.
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Title of Class Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership Percent of Series V Preferred Stock (1)
Greater than 5% Beneficial Owners:
Sabas Carrillo Series V Preferred Stock 3,571,429 (2) 25.38 %
SME Maywood, LLC Series V Preferred Stock 1,785,714 (3) 12.69 %
MKSI Investments Series V Preferred Stock 1,428,571 (3) 10.15 %
Miguel Rodriguez Series V Preferred Stock 1,071,429 (3) 7.61 %
David Kang Series V Preferred Stock 1,071,429 (4) 7.61 %
Robert Baca Series V Preferred Stock 1,071,429 (5) 7.61 %
Alicia Cotta Series V Preferred Stock 857,143 (3) 6.09 %
Patty Chan Series V Preferred Stock 714,286 (3) 5.08 %
Justin Jarin Series V Preferred Stock 714,286 (6) 5.08 %
Named Executive Officers and Directors:
Sabas Carrillo Series V Preferred Stock 3,571,429 (2) 25.38 %
Patty Chan Series V Preferred Stock 714,286 (3) 5.08 %
James Miller Series V Preferred Stock 357,143 (3) 2.54 %
Nicholas Kovacevich Series V Preferred Stock - - %
Eric Baum Series V Preferred Stock - - %
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (5 persons) 4,642,858 32.99 %
(1)As of April 3, 2023, we had a total of 14,071,431 shares of Series V Preferred Stock issued and outstanding.
(2)Includes (i) 3,571,429 shares of Series V Preferred Stock held by Adnant, LLC. The principal address is 11516 Downey Ave, Downey, CA 90241. In connection with the Securities Purchase Agreement entered into on or about December 30, 2022, all other investors in the 2022 Private Placement executed Voting Agreements pursuant to which such investors provide Mr. Carrillo with their voting rights with respect to the Series V Preferred Stock owned by them. As a result, Mr. Carrillo has voting power over 100% of the Series V Preferred Stock.
(3)The principal address is 11516 Downey Ave, Downey, CA 90241.
(4)The principal address is 9200 Double R Blvd, Reno, NV, 89521.
(5)Mr. Baca is the Company's Interim Chief Legal Officer. The principal address is 401 E. 8th St, Sioux Falls, SD, 57103.
(6)The principal address is 58 Wild Oak Pl, Danville, CA, 94506.
There are no arrangements known to us that might, at a subsequent date, result in a change-in-control.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Related Party Transactions
Except as described below, during the past fiscal year, there have been no transactions, whether directly or indirectly, between us and any of our respective officers, directors, beneficial owners of more than 5.0% of our outstanding Common Stock or their family members, that exceeded the lesser of $0.12 million or 1.0% of the average of our total assets at year-end for the last completed fiscal year.
Series A Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement
On January 22, 2021, the Company entered into a Series A Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement with Michael A. Nahass, former Chief Executive Officer and director, pursuant to which the Company agreed to purchase from Mr. Nahass the four shares of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock held by Mr. Nahass for an aggregate purchase price of $3.10 million, of which (i) $1.00 million was paid in cash, (ii) $1.05 million was paid in the form of an unsecured promissory note bearing interest at the rate of 3% and matured on July 25, 2021 and (iii) $1.05 million was paid in the form of an unsecured promissory note bearing interest at the rate of 3% and matured on January 25, 2022. On February 8, 2022, the Company paid the outstanding principal and interest on the $1.05 million promissory note held by Mr. Nahass. This payment satisfied the obligation and retired the note.
Membership Interest Purchase Agreement
On July 1, 2021, the Company entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement with Nicholas Kovacevich and Dallas Imbimbo, pursuant to which the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding membership interests in Halladay Holding, LLC from Mr. Kovacevich and Mr. Imbimbo. Halladay Holding, LLC is the owner of real property located at 3242 S. Halladay Street, Santa Ana, CA 92705, where the Company operates a cannabis dispensary and maintains its principal office space. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, as consideration for the acquisition, the Company paid Mr. Kovacevich and Mr. Imbimbo an aggregate purchase price of $4.60 million in cash. The Company had an independent third-party perform a valuation of the Property prior to entering into the Purchase Agreement. Mr. Kovacevich is a director of the Company and Mr. Imbimbo was a director of the Company. As such, the acquisition is a related party transaction.
Employment and Other Arrangements of Oren Schauble and Francis Knuettel
On March 10, 2022, the Company terminated the employment of Oren Schauble, the Company’s then President. On March 13, 2022, the Company terminated the employment of Francis Knuettel II, the Company’s then Chief Executive Officer. The Company entered into separation agreements with each of Mr. Knuettel and Mr. Schauble regarding the compensation to be granted to each of them regarding their separation from the Company. In addition, on March 17, 2022 the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Mr. Schauble pursuant to which he will continue to provide certain services to the Company through a future agreed upon date. The Company granted Mr. Schauble 910,623 restricted shares of the Company's Common Stock in four monthly installments.
On April 12, 2022, the Company and Mr. Knuettel agreed to terms on a separation agreement. The Company agreed to pay Mr. Knuettel 50% of his annual base salary and continue his medical benefits for a period of six months. Mr. Knuettel's unvested shares and options vested immediately. As part of this separation agreement, Mr. Knuettel resigned as a director of the Company in March 2022.
Advisor Role and Compensation of Dallas Imbimbo
On April 14, 2022, the Company and Dallas Imbimbo, an advisor to the Company and a former director of the Company, agreed to terms on a separation agreement. The Company agreed to vest 100% of Mr. Imbimbo’s restricted common stock granted pursuant to the advisor agreement with Mr. Imbimbo. The Company agreed to vest 100% of the options to purchase shares of the Company's common stock granted as part Mr. Imbimbo’s Independent Director Agreement. The Company paid Mr. Imbimbo $0.08 million in cash compensation in during the year ended December 31, 2022. As part of this separation agreement, Mr. Imbimbo resigned as a director of the Company and as an advisor to the Company in April 2022.
Engagement of Adnant, LLC
On August 12, 2022, the Company entered into an engagement letter with Adnant, LLC (“Adnant”) pursuant to which Adnant provides executive level consulting and related business support and services related to the Company’s present and future challenges and opportunities. As compensation for the Adnant’s continued services and on achieving identified performance objectives as described in the engagement letter, Adnant is entitled to receive fees of $0.15 million monthly subject to the Company having available a cash balance greater than or equal to $1.20 million following payment of the fee and a performance bonus award subject to achievement of the performance objectives as set forth in more detail in the engagement letter. Pursuant to the engagement letter, the board of directors appointed Sabas Carrillo, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of Adnant, as Interim Chief Executive Officer. On August 22, 2022 and September 12, 2022, the Company appointed Robert Baca as Interim Chief Legal Officer and Patty Chan as Interim Chief Financial Officer of the Company, respectively. On December 23, 2022, the Company’s board of directors appointed Mr. Carrillo as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
The engagement letter provided that, in the event that prior to December 31, 2022 the Interim CEO’s service is terminated by the Company other than for “Cause” (as defined in the Adnant engagement letter), then 100% of the performance bonus award shares will be released to Adnant from the performance bonus award trust subject to the execution and non-revocation of a release of claims by the Interim CEO and Adnant in the form provided by the Company and reasonably agreed by Adnant. The engagement services commenced on August 12, 2022 and the engagement remained in effect through December 31, 2022. Upon the expiration of the engagement letter, the engagement shall automatically renew for subsequent three-month periods unless, at least 30 days prior to the renewal date, either the Company or Adnant provides written notice of termination. During the period from the initial engagement through December 31, 2022, and pursuant to Adnant’s engagement, the Company has incurred a total of $0.75 million in fees, and has issued 16,181,230 common shares under the performance bonus award valued at $0.57 million.
2022 Private Placement
On or about December 30, 2022, the Company entered into Securities Purchase Agreements with certain accredited investors, including but not limited to, Sabas Carrillo (the Company’s Chief Executive Officer), Patty Chan (the Company’s Interim Chief Financial Officer), and Robert Baca (the Company’s Interim Chief Legal Officer). The Securities Purchase Agreements related to a private placement (the “2022 Private Placement”) of: (a) up to approximately 14,285,714 shares of the Company’s Series V Preferred Stock for a price equal to the closing share price of the Company’s Common Stock on December 30, 2022 (on an as-converted-into-common stock-basis of ten shares of Common Stock for each one share of Series V Preferred Stock), or $0.014 per share of Common Stock, directly to the purchasers, and (b) up to 71,428,571 warrants to purchase up to 71,428,571 shares of the Common Stock directly to the purchasers, with an exercise price of each warrant of $0.028. Each share of Series V Preferred Stock is convertible into ten shares of Common Stock, as further described in the Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation. The 2022 Private Placement closed in January 2023. Pursuant to the 2022 Private Placement, Mr. Carrillo purchased 3,571,429 shares of Series V Preferred Stock and 1,785,714 warrants, Ms. Chan purchased 714,286 shares of Series V Preferred Stock and 357,142 warrants, and Mr. Baca purchased 1,071,429 shares of Series V Preferred Stock and 535,714 warrants.
Voting Agreements
In connection with the 2022 Private Placement, the other investors in the 2022 Private Placement executed Voting Agreements, pursuant to which such investors provide Mr. Carrillo with their voting rights with respect to the Series V Preferred Stock owned by them. As a result, Mr. Carrillo has voting power over an additional approximately 75% of the Series V Preferred Stock owned by others due to such Voting Agreements, or a total voting power of 100% of the Series V Preferred Stock.
Director Independence
Our board of directors is currently composed of three members, two of which, Nicholas Kovacevich and Eric Baum, we have determined qualify as independent directors. We evaluated independence in accordance with Rule 5605 of the Nasdaq Stock Market.
The board of directors currently has three separately designated standing committees: (i) the Audit Committee, (ii) the Compensation Committee, and (iii) the Governance and Nominating Committee.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The following table presents fees paid or to be paid for professional audit services rendered by Marcum LLP for the audit of our annual financial statements and fees billed for other services rendered for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:
Year Ended
December 31,
2022 2021
Audit Fees (1)
$ 180,090 $ 215,081
Audit Related Fees (2)
- -
Tax Fees - -
All Other Fees (3)
- -
Total Fees $ 180,090 $ 215,081
(1)Audit Fees consisted of fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements and internal control over financial reporting, review of the interim financial statements included in quarterly reports, and review of other documents filed with the SEC within those fiscal years.
(2)Audit Related Fees include consultation regarding our correspondence with the SEC and other accounting consulting.
(3)All Other Fees consists of fees for other miscellaneous items.
The Audit Committee’s policy is to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. Pre-approval is specific to the particular service or category of services and is generally subject to a specific budget. In addition, the Audit Committee has delegated pre-approval authority to its Chairman who, in turn, must report any pre-approval decisions to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled regular meeting. Our independent registered public accounting firm and management are required to periodically report to the Audit Committee regarding the extent of services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm in accordance with this pre-approval, and the fees for the services performed to date. The Audit Committee may also pre-approve particular services on a case-by-case basis. The Audit Committee, as applicable, pre-approved all fees for audit and non-audit work performed during fiscal 2021 and 2022.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report:
(1)Financial Statements and Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - See Index on page
(2)Financial Statement Schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable, not material or because the information is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or the notes thereto.
(b)The following exhibits are incorporated by reference from the Exhibit Index attached hereto.
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit Description Form Date Filed Exhibit
2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated March 2, 2021
8-K 3/3/2021 2.1
2.2 Name Change Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 30, 2021, by and between the Company and Unrivaled Brands, Inc.
8-K 7/8/2021 2.2
2.3 Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 1, 2021, by and among the Company and Nicholas Kovacevich and Dallas Imbimbo.
8-K 7/8/2021 2.1
2.4 Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated August 15, 2021.
8-K 8/16/2021 2.1
2.5 Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2021.
8-K 11/22/2021 2.1
2.6 Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated November 22, 2021.
8-K 11/29/2021 2.1
3.1 Certificate of Withdrawal of Certificate of Designation of Series A Preferred Stock
8-K 2/4/2021 3.1
3.2 Certificate of Withdrawal of Certificate of Designation of Series B Preferred Stock
8-K 2/4/2021 3.2
3.3 Articles of Incorporation
S-1 12/23/2008 3.1
3.4 Certificate of Amendment
S-1 10/28/2008 3.1.2
3.5 Certificate of Change
S-1 10/28/2013 3.1.3
3.6 Certificate of Amendment
8-K 2/10/2012 3.1
3.7 Articles of Merger, filed with the Nevada Secretary of State on July 1, 2021.
8-K 7/8/2021 3.1
3.8 Name Change Articles of Merger, filed with the Nevada Secretary of State on July 1, 2021.
8-K 7/8/2021 3.2
3.9 Second Amended and Restated Bylaws.
8-K 8/2/2021 3.3
3.10 Certificate of Designation of Series V Preferred Stock.
8-K 1/5/2023 3.1
3.11 Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation of Series V Preferred Stock.
8-K 1/5/2023 3.2
3.12 Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation of Series V Preferred Stock.
8-K 1/6/2023 3.1
3.13 Certificate of Designation of Series N Preferred Stock.
8-K 2/27/2023 3.1
4.1 Form of Amendment No. 1 to 7.5% Senior Convertible Promissory Note.
8-K 1/25/2021 4.2
4.2 Form of Amendment No. 2 to 7.5% Senior Convertible Promissory Note, dated January 11, 2021.
8-K 1/13/2021 4.1
4.3 Form of Amendment No. 3 to 7.5% Senior Convertible Promissory Note.
8-K 1/25/2021 4.1
4.4 Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant
8-K 1/25/2021 4.3
4.5 Form of 3.0% Senior Convertible Promissory Note.
8-K 1/25/2021 4.4
4.6 Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant (“A Warrant”).
8-K 1/25/2021 4.5
4.7 Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant (“B Warrant”).
8-K 1/25/2021 4.6
4.8 Form of Straight Promissory Note (“6-Month Note”).
8-K 1/25/2021 4.7
4.9 Form of Straight Promissory Note (“12-Month Note”).
8-K 1/25/2021 4.8
4.10 Common Stock Purchase Warrant
10-K 3/30/2021 4.12
4.11 Form of Senior Secured Promissory Note.
8-K 11/29/2021 4.1
4.12 Secured Promissory Note, dated November 22, 2021.
8-K 11/29/2021 4.2
4.13 Binding Term Sheet dated March 23, 2023, by and among the Company, as borrower, and Noteholders.
8-K 3/28/2023 4.1
10.1 2016 Equity Incentive Plan †.
10-K 3/29/2016 10.23
10.2 Form of Terra Tech Corp. Amended and Restated 2018 Equity Incentive Plan.†
8-K 6/26/2019 10.1
10.3 Amendment to Terra Tech Corp. Amended and Restated 2018 Equity Incentive Plan, dated as of February 14, 2020 †.
8-K 2/18/2020 10.5
10.4 2019 Equity Incentive Plan of UMBRLA, Inc.†
10-Q 8/16/2021 10.22
10.5 Amendment to 2019 Equity Incentive Plan of UMBRLA, Inc., dated March 1, 2020.†
10-Q 8/16/2021 10.23
10.6 Amendment to 2019 Equity Inventive Plan of UMBRLA, Inc., dated October 22, 2020.†
10-Q 8/16/2021 10.24
10.7 Sublease, dated March 29, 2016, by and between Black Oak Gallery and CCIG Properties, LLC .
8-K/A 4/5/2016 10.27
10.8 Employment Agreement between Terra Tech Corp. and Jeffrey Batliner, dated June 7, 2021.
8-K 6/10/2021 10.6
10.9 Loan Agreement Amendment, dated January 7, 2021.
8-K 1/13/2021 10.1
10.1 Indemnification Agreement (Jeffrey Batliner), dated January 7, 2021.†
8-K 1/13/2021 10.2
10.11 Indemnification Agreement (Steven J. Ross), dated January 7, 2021.†
8-K 1/13/2021 10.3
10.12 Form of Registration Rights Agreement.
8-K 1/25/2021 10.2
10.13 Independent Director Agreement between Terra Tech Corp. and Nicholas Kovacevich, dated February 1, 2021.†
8-K 2/4/2021 10.1
10.14 Independent Director Agreement between Terra Tech Corp. and Ira Ritter, dated February 1, 2021.†
8-K 2/4/2021 10.2
10.15 Registration Rights Agreement.
10-K 3/30/2021 10.42
10.16 Independent Director Agreement between Terra Tech Corp. and Tiffany Davis, dated April 6, 2021.†
8-K 4/9/2021 10.1
10.17 Director Indemnification Agreement between Terra Tech Corp. and Tiffany Davis, dated April 6, 2021.†
8-K 4/9/2021 10.2
10.18 Stock Option Agreement between Terra Tech Corp. and Tiffany Davis, dated April 6, 2021.
8-K 4/9/2021 10.3
10.19 Form of Six-Month Note .
8-K 6/10/2021 10.2
10.20 Form of Twelve-Month Note.
8-K 6/10/2021 10.3
10.21 Independent Director Agreement, dated as of July 1, 2021, by and between the Company and Dallas Imbimbo.†
8-K 7/8/2021 10.1
10.22 Independent Director Agreement, dated as of July 1, 2021, by and between the Company and Eric Baum.†
8-K 7/8/2021 10.2
10.23 Director Indemnification Agreement, dated as of July 1, 2021, by and between the Company and Dallas Imbimbo (5)†
8-K 7/8/2021 10.3
10.24 Director Indemnification Agreement, dated as of July 1, 2021, by and between the Company and Eric Baum (5)†
8-K 7/8/2021 10.4
10.25 Promissory Note issued by Unrivaled Brands, Inc. in favor of Arthur Chan, dated July 27, 2021.
8-K 8/2/2021 10.2
10.26 Indemnification Agreement between the Company and Oren Schauble, dated July 27, 2021 (7)†
8-K 8/2/2021 10.5
10.27 Six-Month Note (Sterling Harlan)
8-K 10/5/2021 10.1
10.28 Six-Month Note (Matthew Guild)
8-K 10/5/2021 10.2
10.29 Twelve-Month Note (Sterling Harlan)
8-K 10/5/2021 10.3
10.30 Twelve-Month Note (Matthew Guild)
8-K 10/5/2021 10.4
10.31 Consulting Agreement between the Company and Dallas Imbimbo, dated September 15, 2021.†
10-Q 11/15/2021 10.12
10.32 Form of Securities Purchase Agreement (11)
8-K 11/29/2021 10.1
10.33 Form of Security Agreement
8-K 11/29/2021 10.2
10.34 Form of Guaranty
8-K 11/29/2021 10.3
10.35 People’s Security Agreement, dated November 22, 2021.
8-K 11/29/2021 10.4
10.36 People’s Guaranty, dated November 22, 2021.
8-K 11/29/2021 10.5
10.37 Separation Agreement between the Company and Francis Knuettel II, dated April 12, 2022
10-K 4/15/2022 10.19
10.38 Separation Agreement between the Company and Oren Schauble, dated April 5, 2022
10-K 4/15/2022 10.20
10.39 Consulting Agreement between the Company and Oren Schauble, dated March 17, 2022
10-K 4/15/2022 10.21
10.40 Separation Agreement between the Company and Dallas Imbimbo, dated April 14, 2022
10-K 4/15/2022 10.22
10.41 Letter Agreement, dated April 11, 2022, by and among the Company and People's California, LLC.
10-K 4/15/2022 10.23
10.42 Letter Agreement, dated April 8, 2022, by and Among the Company, and People's California, LLC, and New Patriot Holdings, LLC.
10-K 4/15/2022 10.24
10.43 Sales Agreement dated December 7, 2021.
10-K 4/15/2022 10.25
10.44 Membership Interest Purchase Agreement dated November 17, 2021, by and among NuLeaf, Inc. and Medifarm III, LLC.
10-K 4/15/2022 10.26
10.45 Engagement Letter between the Company and Adnant, LLC dated August 12, 2022. †
8-K 8/12/2022 10.1
10.46 Securities Purchase Agreement dated December 28, 2022, by and among the Company, Buchanan Group, LLC, and an unaffiliated third party.
8-K 1/4/2023 10.1
10.47 Secured Promissory Note dated December 28, 2022, by and among the Company and Buchanan Group, LLC.
8-K 1/4/2023 10.2
10.48 Membership Interest Purchase Agreement dated December 28, 2022, by and among the Company and Joseph Gerlach.
8-K 1/4/2023 10.3
10.49 Unsecured Promissory Note dated December 28, 2022, between the Company and Joseph Gerlach.
8-K 1/4/2023 10.4
10.50 Management Services Agreement dated December 28, 2022, by and among the Company and Brick City Productions, Inc.
8-K 1/4/2023 10.5
10.51 Letter of Intent by and between Cookies Oakland and the Company.
8-K 1/5/2023 10.1
10.52 Letter of Intent by and between Cookies Redding and the Company.
8-K 1/5/2023 10.2
10.53 Form of Securities Purchase Agreement dated December 30, 2022, by and among the Company and the purchasers named therein, including Exhibit 10.53.1.
8-K 1/6/2023 4.1
10.53.1 Exhibit 10.53.1*
10.54 Form of Voting Agreement by and among the Company, holders of shares of Series V Preferred Stock, and Sabas Carrillo, including Exhibit 10.54.1.
8-K 1/6/2023 4.2
10.54.1 Exhibit 10.54.1*
14.1 Code of Ethics.
8-K 11/5/2015 14.1
21.1 List of Subsidiaries*
23.1 Consent of Marcum LLP*
24.10 Power of Attorney (set forth on the signature page of this Annual Report on Form 10-K)
31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. *
31.2 Certification of Interim Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. *
32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Sections 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. *
32.2 Certification of Interim Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Sections 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. *
101.INS XBRL Instance Document *
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document *
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculations Linkbase Document *
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document *
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document *
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document *
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (Formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
__________________
*Filed herewith
† Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.