EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1795139
Filing Year: 2021
Filename: 1795139_10-K_2021_0001193125-21-084882.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Background
Green Thumb Industries Inc. is a reporting issuer in the United States and Canada listed for trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange (“CSE”) under the symbol “GTII.” The Company’s Subordinate Voting Shares (as hereinafter defined) are also traded in the United States on the OTCQX Best Market (the “OTCQX”) under the symbol “GTBIF.”
Originally founded in 2014, Green Thumb began operations in 2015 upon the award of a medical marijuana license for cultivation/processing and retail sale of cannabis in Illinois. The Company has since expanded its operational footprint to 12 U.S. markets, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Currently, Green Thumb owns, manufactures, and distributes a portfolio of cannabis consumer packaged goods brands including Beboe, Dogwalkers, Dr. Solomon’s, incredibles, Rythm and The Feel Collection, primarily to third-party retail stores across the United States as well as to Green Thumb owned retail stores. The Company also owns and operates retail cannabis stores that include a rapidly growing national chain called Rise™ and, in the Las Vegas, Nevada and Pasadena, California areas, a chain of stores called Essence, as well as retail stores, operating under other names, all of which sell our products and third-party products (which we refer to as our Retail business).
The Company, through its subsidiaries, owns state-licensed medical and/or adult use marijuana businesses in California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania. We also license our intellectual property and certain brands to licensees in California and Colorado, and recently entered into a partnership with Cookies to rebrand our Essence store located on the Las Vegas, Nevada Strip as a Cookies store, subject to applicable regulatory approvals. The following organizational chart describes the organizational structure of the Company as of December 31, 2020. See Exhibit 21.1 to this document for a list of subsidiaries of the Company. All lines represent 100% ownership of outstanding securities of the applicable subsidiary unless otherwise noted in Exhibit 21.1. In part, the complexity of our organization structure is due to state licensing requirements that mandate that we maintain the corporate identity of our operating license holders.
The registered office of the Company is located at 250 Howe Street, 20th Floor, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3R8. The head office is located at 325 W. Huron Street, Suite 700, Chicago, Illinois 60654.
History of the Company
The Company was incorporated under the Company Act (British Columbia) on June 26, 1979 under the name “Dalmatian Resources Ltd.” On February 18, 2002, the Company changed its name to “Enwest Ventures Corp.” Further, on February 25, 2003, the Company changed its name to “Bayswater Ventures Corp.” In August 2006, the Company changed its name from Bayswater Ventures Corp. to “Bayswater Uranium Corporation” following a Canadian amalgamation transaction with Pathfinder Resources Ltd.
On July 18, 2007, under a plan of arrangement, the Company amalgamated with Kilgore Minerals Ltd., a company incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act (the “CBCA”) on June 21, 2002 and continued into the Province of British Columbia under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the “BCBCA”) on December 7, 2006. Following the plan of arrangement, Kilgore Minerals Ltd. changed its name to “Bayswater Uranium Corporation” on July 24, 2007.
Subsequent to the Company’s financial year ended February 28, 2018, the Company completed the Transaction (as hereinafter defined), filed Articles of Amendment in the Province of British Columbia to effect the name change from “Bayswater Uranium Corporation” to “Green Thumb Industries Inc.” and continued the business of VCP23, LLC (“VCP”). VCP was formed in the State of Delaware on November 27, 2017.
General Development of the Business
The Transaction
On January 1, 2018, the Corporation completed a restructuring to consolidate its organizational structure. RCP23, LLC, which had operations in Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada and Pennsylvania, and GTI-Clinic Illinois Holdings, LLC, which had operations in Illinois, restructured and each entity contributed certain assets and real estate to VCP or its subsidiaries. Simultaneously, GTI-Clinic Illinois Holdings, LLC transferred its membership interests in the Illinois licensed medical businesses to GTI Core, LLC. Prior to the closing of the Transaction, VCP was acquired by GTI23, Inc. (“GTI23”) and the members of VCP exchanged their membership interests in VCP in exchange for shares of GTI23. The transaction did not include outside parties that were not previously members of RCP23, LLC or GTI clinic Illinois Holdings, LLC. The transaction did involve certain current directors and officers of the Corporation that, at the time, were members of RCP23, LLC and/or GTI Clinic Illinois Holdings, LLC.
On June 12, 2018, the Company, 1165318 B.C. Ltd. a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bayswater (“Subco”), VCP, GTI23 and GTI Finco Inc. (“GTI Finco”) entered into a Business Combination Agreement whereby the Company, Subco, VCP, GTI23 and GTI Finco combined their respective businesses (the “Transaction”). The Transaction was structured as a series of transactions, including a Canadian three-cornered amalgamation transaction and a series of U.S. reorganization steps for the purpose of raising capital from third-party investors simultaneously with the closing of the Transaction. The Company (formerly Bayswater) had no active business operations leading up to completion of the Transaction.
In connection with the Transaction, the Company disposed of its uranium-based assets, changed its name from “Bayswater Uranium Corporation” to “Green Thumb Industries Inc.” and consolidated its existing common shares on the basis of one Subordinate Voting Share for each 368 existing common shares of the Company.
At a meeting of the Company’s shareholders on June 11, 2018, the shareholders approved a resolution to restructure the Company’s share capital to, among other things, re-designate its existing common shares as subordinate voting shares (“Subordinate Voting Shares”) and create a class of multiple voting shares (“Multiple Voting Shares”) and super voting shares (“Super Voting Shares”).
The Company, Subco and GTI Finco were parties to a Canadian three-cornered amalgamation (the “Amalgamation”) whereby:
(i) GTI Finco shareholders received Subordinate Voting Shares of the Company on a one-for-one basis;
(ii) members of VCP contributed their membership interests to GTI23 for shares of GTI23; and
(iii) members of VCP then contributed their shares of GTI23 to GTI in exchange for Super Voting Shares and Multiple Voting Shares of GTI.
The SR Offering
Prior to the Transaction, GTI Finco (a special purpose corporation wholly-owned by VCP), completed a brokered and a non-brokered subscription receipt financing at a price of C$7.75 per subscription receipt for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately C$87 million (the “SR Offering”). As part of closing the Transaction, the investors in the SR Offering received Subordinate Voting Shares of Green Thumb on an economically equivalent basis. The brokered portion of the SR Offering was co-led by GMP Securities L.P. and Canaccord Genuity Corp., with a syndicate that included Beacon Securities Limited, Echelon Wealth Partners Inc. and Eight Capital Corp. In connection with the Transaction and pursuant to the SR Offering, a total of 11,245,434 Subordinate Voting Shares were issued and outstanding after completion of the Transaction, including Subordinate Voting Shares issued to former holders of GTI Finco subscription receipts issued in the SR Offering.
The Subordinate Voting Shares began trading on the CSE on June 13, 2018 under the symbol “GTII.”
Financing Activities
On June 12, 2020, the Company closed on a $1.8 million mortgage loan from a third party to acquire the real estate of our Joliet, Illinois retail dispensary facility, which we refer to as the Joliet Mortgage Loan. The real estate was acquired from Mosaic Real Estate Joliet, LLC, which had previously been managed by Ms. Berger, as a principal of South Creek 15, LLC, which is the Manager of Mosaic Real Estate Joliet, LLC, until May 20, 2020 when Ms. Berger resigned from such position. Under the long-term mortgage loan, we will make monthly principal and interest payments. The purchase price for the property was $1.8 million, including transaction costs.
On March 6, 2020, the Company closed on a sale and lease back transaction to sell its Oglesby, Illinois cultivation and processing facility to an unrelated third party, Innovative Industrial Properties (“IIP”). Under a long-term agreement, the Company leased back the facility and continues to operate and manage it. The purchase price for the property was $9.0 million, excluding transaction costs. The Company is making certain improvements to the property that will significantly enhance production capacity, for which IIP has agreed to provide reimbursement of up to $41 million. Assuming full reimbursement for such improvements, IIPs total investment in the property will be $50 million.
On January 31, 2020, the Company closed on a sale and leaseback transaction to sell its Toledo, Ohio processing facility to IIP. Under a long-term agreement, the Company leased back the facility and continues to operate the space and manage it. The purchase price for the property was $2.9 million, excluding transaction costs. The Company is making certain improvements to the property that will significantly enhance production capacity, for which IIP has agreed to provide reimbursement of up to $4.3 million.
On October 1, 2020, the Company and IIP agreed to amend the lease on the Toledo, Ohio processing facility. Under the amendment, IIP will provide an additional $25 million in funding to be used for the construction of a cannabis cultivation facility at the property, which currently houses a separate cannabis processing facility. Assuming full reimbursement of the additional funding, IIP’s total investment in the property pursuant to the sale and leaseback transaction and related amendment will be $32.2 million.
On November 12, 2019, the Company closed on a sale and lease back transaction to sell its Danville, Pennsylvania cultivation and processing facility to IIP. Under a long-term agreement, the Company leased back the facility and continues to operate and manage it. The purchase price for the property was $20.3 million, excluding transaction costs. The Company is making certain improvements to the property that will significantly enhance production capacity, for which IIP has agreed to provide reimbursement of up to $19.3 million. Assuming full reimbursement for such improvements, IIP’s total investment in the property will be $39.6 million.
On May 22, 2019, the Company closed a $105 million senior secured non-brokered private placement financing through the issuance of three-year senior secured notes (the “Notes”) pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement (the “Note Purchase Agreement”). The financing generated funds for general working capital purposes and various growth initiatives and to retire the Company’s existing debt, including the $12.5 million in six-month senior secured promissory notes, which we refer to as the Bridge Notes. Following our May 21, 2020 exercise of our option to extend the term of the Notes by one year, the Notes have a maturity date of May 22, 2023 and will bear interest from the date of issue at 12% per annum, payable quarterly. Upon the execution of the Note Purchase Agreement, the Purchasers of the Notes received warrants to purchase 1,822,771 Subordinate Voting Shares at an exercise price of C$19.39 per share, which can be exercised for 60 months from the date of issuance. The Company entered into the First Amendment to the Note Purchase Agreement (the “Note Purchase Agreement Amendment”) on November 9, 2019. The Note Purchase Agreement Amendment reduced the borrowing capacity from $150 million to $130 million, which allows the Company to borrow an additional $24.5 million over a period of 12 months from the closing date of the Note Purchase Agreement. Upon the execution of the Note Purchase Agreement Amendment, the Purchasers of the Notes received warrants to purchase 365,067 Subordinate Voting Shares at an exercise price of C$12.04 per share, which can be exercised for 60 months from the date of issuance. On May 21, 2020, pursuant to the terms of the Note Purchase Agreement, the purchasers of the Notes received additional warrants to purchase 84,924 Subordinate Voting Shares at an exercise price of C$14.03 per share, which can be exercised for 60 months from the date of issuance.
On April 12, 2019, the Company closed on a private placement of $12.5 million in six-month senior secured promissory notes (the “Bridge Notes”). The Bridge Notes accrued interest at an annual rate of 10.5% payable on a monthly basis, commencing June 1, 2019. The Bridge Notes included warrants to purchase 218,964 Subordinate Voting Shares at an exercise price of C$22.90 per share, which can be exercised for 42 months from the closing date of the transaction. On May 22, 2019, the Company repaid the full principal amount and accrued interest for the Bridge Notes.
On October 17, 2018, the Company closed a $78.6 million (C$101.7 million) bought deal financing, which included proceeds from the sale of Subordinate Voting Shares following the full exercise by the underwriters, namely GMP Securities L.P. (as lead underwriter and sole bookrunner), Beacon Securities Limited, Cormark Securities Inc., Echelon Wealth Partners Inc. and Eight Capital Corp., of an over-allotment option. The financing generated funds for the Company’s continued growth, including wholesale capacity, strategic initiatives and general corporate purposes.
On August 2, 2018, the Company closed a $61.7 million (C$80.3 million) bought deal financing, co-led by Canaccord Genuity Corp. and GMP Securities L.P., and including Beacon Securities Limited, Echelon Wealth Partners Inc. and Eight Capital Corp., to fund the Company’s continued growth, including the acquisition of one of ten licenses in the regulated New York cannabis market and the buildout of five dispensaries in Ohio pursuant to licenses awarded by the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy in June 2018, and for working capital purposes.
On June 12, 2018, GTI Finco (a special purpose corporation wholly-owned by VCP), completed the SR Offering, a brokered and a non-brokered subscription receipt financing at a price of C$7.75 per subscription receipt for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $64.1 million (C$87 million). The investors received 11,245,434 Subordinate Voting Shares on an economically equivalent basis. The brokered portion of the financing was co-led by GMP Securities L.P. and Canaccord Genuity Corp., with a syndicate that included Beacon Securities Limited, Echelon Wealth Partners Inc. and Eight Capital Corp.
On April 30, 2018, the Company closed a private placement offering to sell $45 million in a convertible promissory note (“Convertible Promissory Note”) to VCP Convert, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company owned by accredited investors. The Convertible Promissory Note was converted into common units of VCP immediately prior to the Transaction.
Certain Recent Developments
On February 8, 2021, the SEC declared effective, the Company’s Registration Statement No. 333-248213 on Form S-1 filed on February 2, 2021. Shortly thereafter, the Company received an offer from a single institutional investor to purchase 3,122,073 of the Subordinate Voting Shares registered on the Form S-1 at a price of $32.03 per share for a total of $100,000,030. The transaction closed on February 9, 2021. On February 23, 2021, the Company accepted additional offers to purchase a total of 1,571,917 Subordinate Voting Shares at a price of $35.50 per share, for a total of $55,803,054.
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic and recommended containment and mitigation measures worldwide. The Company is monitoring this closely, and although operations have not been materially affected by the COVID-19 outbreak to date, the ultimate severity of the outbreak and its impact on the economic environment is uncertain. Operations of the Company are currently ongoing as the cultivation, processing and sale of cannabis products is currently considered an essential business by the states in which we operate with respect to all customers (except in Massachusetts, where cannabis was deemed essential only for medical patients, leading to the state-wide suspension of adult use sales from March 24, 2020 to May 25, 2020). During 2020, the Company’s revenue, gross profit and operating income were not negatively impacted by COVID-19 and the Company generally maintained the consistency of its operations. However, the uncertain nature of the spread of COVID-19 and its variants may impact the Company’s business operations for reasons including the potential quarantine of Green Thumb employees or those of its supply chain partners and our designation as “essential” in states where we do business that currently or in the future impose restrictions on business operations.
On August 23, 2019, the Company closed on its acquisition of Fiorello Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Fiorello”). Fiorello is one of only ten companies in New York licensed to grow, process and dispense medical cannabis. Fiorello has one cultivation/processing facility and four dispensing locations, with three of such dispensing locations currently operating.
On June 5, 2019, the Company closed on its acquisition of Integral Associates, LLC (“Integral Nevada”), a leading cannabis operator in Nevada, and Integral Associates CA, LLC (“Integral California,” together with Integral Nevada, “Integral Associates”). In addition to the initial consideration paid at closing, the membership interest purchase agreement (the “Membership Interest Purchase Agreement”) provides for the payment by the Company of additional consideration upon the achievement of certain performance targets (including a potential EBITDA earn-out payment) and regulatory license awards. Milestone payments for each license won are 50% payable at the initial license award, and the remaining 50% will be paid once the final licenses are issued. The total consideration was approximately $326 million, including $52 million in cash and 24.7 million Subordinate Voting Shares. The acquisition includes: (i) Integral Associates’ three Essence retail stores located across the Las Vegas, Nevada area; (ii) eight additional adult use retail licenses in Nevada, five in the Las Vegas area and three in Northern Nevada; (iii) West Hollywood, California retail license, one of only five with a consumption lounge and delivery service; (iv) Pasadena, California and Culver City, California retail licenses; (v) Desert Grown Farms, a 54,000 square foot state-of-the-art cultivation and processing facility with an award-winning genetics library of 100+ strains; and (vi) Cannabiotix NV, a 41,000 square foot cultivation and processing facility which has been a recognized High Times Cannabis Cup award winner.
On February 21, 2019, the Company closed on its acquisition of For Success Holding Company, the Los Angeles-based creator of the lifestyle suite of Beboe branded cannabis products. Beboe is best known for, among other things, the thoughtfully designed aesthetic of its iconic rose gold vaporizing pens and edible pastilles, with
each product curated using a unique blend of socially dosed THC (as hereinafter defined) and CBD (as hereinafter defined). The acquisition was an all-stock transaction, and consideration was satisfied through the issuance of Subordinate Voting Shares. The purchase agreement also includes additional consideration based on future performance targets.
On February 12, 2019, the Company closed on its acquisition of Connecticut-based Advanced Grow Labs LLC (“AGL”). AGL is one of four companies in Connecticut licensed to grow and process cannabis. AGL operates a 41,000 square foot manufacturing facility in West Haven, Connecticut, with expansion potential. AGL also has an ownership stake in a dispensary that is located in Westport, Connecticut. AGL produces and distributes a wide range of cannabis products to the operating stores in the state. The transaction consideration was approximately $108.7 million including 7.3 million Subordinate Voting shares valued at $85.1 million and $15.5 million in cash. The purchase agreement also includes additional consideration based on future performance targets.
On November 8, 2018, the Company acquired KSGNF, LLC, the holder of a license to operate a vertically-integrated medical marijuana treatment center in Florida, in exchange for approximately $48.6 million in cash and Subordinate Voting shares valued at approximately $49.6 million. KSGNF, LLC operates a cultivation/processing facility in Homestead, Florida with six open and operating dispensaries across the state.
Description of the Business
Overview of the Company
Established in 2014 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Green Thumb is promoting well-being through the power of cannabis through branded consumer packaged goods and people-first retail experiences, while being committed to community and sustainable profitable growth. As of December 31, 2020, Green Thumb has operations across 12 U.S. markets, employs over 2,200 people and serves hundreds of thousands of patients and customers annually.
Green Thumb’s core business is manufacturing, distributing and marketing a portfolio of owned cannabis consumer packaged goods brands (which we refer to as our Consumer Packaged Goods business), including Beboe, Dogwalkers, Dr. Solomon’s, incredibles, Rhythm, and The Feel Collection. The Company distributes and markets these products primarily to third-party licensed retail cannabis stores across the United States as well as to Green Thumb-owned retail stores (which we refer to as our Retail business).
The Company’s Consumer Packaged Goods portfolio is primarily generated from plant material that Green Thumb grows and processes itself which we use to produce our consumer packaged goods produced in 13 owned and operated manufacturing facilities. This portfolio consists of stock keeping units (“SKUs”) across a range of cannabis product categories, including flower, pre-rolls, concentrates, vape, capsules, tinctures, edibles, topicals and other cannabis-related products (none of which product category are individually material to the Company). These Consumer Package Goods products are sold in retail locations throughout the 12 U.S. markets Green Thumb operates in including Green Thumb’s own Rise and Essence dispensaries.
Green Thumb owns and operates a national cannabis retail chain called Rise, and in the Las Vegas, Nevada area, a chain of stores called Essence, which are relationship-centric retail experiences aimed to deliver a superior level of customer service through high-engagement consumer interaction, a consultative, transparent and education-forward selling approach and a consistently available assortment of cannabis products. In addition, we own stores under other names, primarily where we co-own the stores or naming is subject to licensing or similar restrictions. The income from Green Thumb’s retail stores is primarily from the sale of cannabis-related products, which includes the sale of Green Thumb produced products as well as those produced by third parties, with an immaterial (under 10%) portion of this income resulting from the sale of other merchandise (such as t-shirts and accessories for cannabis use). The Rise stores currently are located in eight of the states in which we
operate (including Nevada). The Essence stores were acquired in connection with the 2019 acquisition of Integral Associates and are located in Nevada. The Essence stores differ from the Rise stores mainly in geographic location. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had 51 open and operating retail locations. The Company’s new store opening plans will remain fluid depending on market conditions, obtaining local licensing, construction and other permissions and subject to the Company’s capital allocation plans and the evolving situation with respect to the Coronavirus.
Financial Highlights and Revenue Streams
The Company has consolidated financial statements across its operating businesses with revenue from the manufacture, sale and distribution of branded cannabis products to third-party licensed retail customers as well as the sale of finished products to consumers in its retail stores.
The percentage of total revenue contributed by operations of Consumer Package Goods segment was 29%, 36% and 33% for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 respectively. The percentage of total revenue contributed by the Retail segment was 71%, 64% and 67% for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. See Item 7 - “Management Discussion and Analysis” for details on key financial highlights.
As of the year ended December 31, 2020, Green Thumb has operating revenue in 12 markets (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New York, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania).
Geographic Information
Green Thumb operates in 12 U.S. states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Product Research, Design and Development
The Company’s branded products portfolio includes stock keeping units (“SKUs”) across a range of product categories, including flower, pre-rolls, concentrates, vape, capsules, tinctures, edibles, topicals and other cannabis-related products.
Green Thumb engages in research and development activities focused on developing new extracted or infused cannabis consumer packaged products.
Manufacturing
Our branded products are produced in manufacturing facilities across 12 U.S. states in which the primary activity is the cultivation, processing and manufacture of cannabis consumer packaged goods.
The majority of our finished goods production is manufactured by our owned production facilities. However, we also have entered into manufacturing agreements with third parties, primarily for our cannabidiol (“CBD”) business lines, none of which account for more than 1% of finished goods production.
We aim to maintain strict brand and quality assurance standards and have implemented standard operating procedures across all production facilities to ensure continuity of product and consistent consumer experience across all operating markets.
Sources and Availability of Materials
Almost all of the raw material input, except packaging materials, used by the Company to produce finished cannabis consumer packaged goods are cultivated or processed internally for further use in the manufacturing process.
Significant Customers
Customers of our consumer packaged goods business include legal state-licensed cannabis dispensaries within each U.S. state in which we operate, as well as national retail channels, including department stores and specialty boutiques. The majority of our branded consumer packaged goods are distributed to unrelated third-party licensed retail cannabis stores. Green Thumb is not dependent upon a single customer, or a few customers, the loss of any one or more of which would not have a material adverse effect on the business. No customer accounted for 10% or more of our consolidated net revenue during fiscal 2020, 2019 or 2018.
Merchandise
To meet the array of unique customer needs, we offer a variety of cannabis products at each of our Rise, Essence and other stores, totaling thousands of SKUs in managed inventory, comprehensive of product categories including flower, concentrates, topicals (bath and beauty products) and edibles (confection, beverages, snacks).
We leverage our owned retail channel, Rise, Essence and our other stores to distribute our branded product portfolio, such as Beboe, Dogwalkers, Dr. Solomon’s, incredibles, Rythm and The Feel Collection, among others.
All products sold have passed state-mandated third-party testing as required by applicable law to help assure that they do not contain impermissible levels of toxins, microbials and other harmful substances, are inventoried in comprehensive seed-to-sale tracking software to minimize product slippage and deviated inventory and meet the Company’s vendor requirements for quality assurance and reliability.
Omnichannel Distribution
Products sold at our Rise, Essence and other stores are delivered directly to our stores primarily by our manufacturing and distribution vendor partners.
Our primary retail presence is traditional brick and mortar. However, as regulations allow, we expect to continue to expand our e-commerce, in-store guest pick-up and direct to consumer delivery capabilities as part of our commitment to providing a consistent retail brand experience no matter where the consumer might be.
Intellectual Property-Patents and Trademarks
We believe that brand protection is critical to our business strategy. We regularly seek to protect our intellectual property rights in connection with our operating names (e.g., Green Thumb and Rise), our consumer packaged goods (e.g., Dogwalkers and Rythm) and certain patentable goods and services. The U.S. trademark statute, The Lanham Act, allows for the protection of trademarks and service marks on products and services used, or intended for use, lawfully. Because cannabis-related products and services remain illegal at the federal level under the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. § 811), we are not able to fully protect our intellectual property at the federal level; therefore, we currently seek trademark protections at the state level where commercially feasible. Nonetheless, our success depends upon other areas of our business such as product development and design, production and marketing and not exclusively upon trademarks, patents and trade secrets.
The Company relies on non-disclosure/confidentiality agreements to protect its intellectual property rights. To the extent the Company describes or discloses any proprietary cultivation or extraction techniques in its applications for cultivation or processing licenses, the Company redacts or requests redaction of such information prior to public disclosure.
The Company has sought U.S. patent protection for certain of its Dr. Solomon’s products, namely a utility patent for compositions and methods for treating skin and neuropathic conditions and disorders. Where commercially reasonable, we will seek further U.S. patent protection on other eligible products and services. The Company owns several website domains, including www.gtigrows.com, numerous social media accounts across all major platforms and various phone and web application platforms.
The Company has successfully registered over 20 trademarks across state and country borders for brands offered within those jurisdictions and has additional trademark applications pending. The Company is in the process of registering several brands for state trademark protection at the U.S. federal level and/or in the states in which the brands are offered, including Beboe, Dogwalkers, Dr. Solomon’s, incredibles, Rythm and The Feel Collection. The Company anticipates feedback on outstanding submitted applications on a rolling basis. As such, the Company will continue to rely on common law protection for these brands during the trademark registration process. Moreover, the Company will proactively seek intellectual property protection for brand expansions in current markets as well as any new market expansion. For additional details on the risks associated with the lack of trademark protection, see Item 1A - “Risk Factors” with respect to intellectual property.
For incredibles and Beboe branded cannabis products, the Company has entered into licensing and distribution contracts with third parties that hold licenses to engage in the sale of cannabis in the states of California and Colorado, where the Company does not currently have permission to operate cultivation and processing facilities. Such third parties directly engage in or arrange for the sourcing, manufacturing, laboratory testing, quality assurance, storage, marketing, sales, distribution and delivery of products containing cannabis and remit licensing fees to the Company.
Joint Ventures
We utilize joint ventures when necessary to comply with state regulatory requirements in certain states. Partnering with one or more non-affiliated third parties provide the Company with the opportunity to mitigate certain operational and financial risks while ensuring continued compliance with the applicable regulatory guidelines. Currently, the Company has joint ventures for a medical marijuana dispensary in Effingham, Illinois (NH Medicinal Dispensaries, LLC) of which the Company holds a 50% interest, and a medical marijuana dispensary in Westport, Connecticut (Bluepoint Wellness of Westport, LLC) of which the Company holds a 46% interest.
Working Capital
Effective inventory management is critical to the Company’s ongoing success and the Company uses a variety of demand and supply forecasting, planning and replenishment techniques. The Company strives to maintain sufficient levels of inventory of core product categories, maintain positive vendor and customer relationships and carefully plan to minimize markdowns and inventory write-offs.
For additional details on liquidity and Capital Resources, see Item 7 - “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
Number of Employees
As of December 31, 2020, Green Thumb employs over 2,200 team members nationwide including corporate, retail, manufacturing, and part-time employees, including but not limited to: finance and accounting, legal and compliance, supply chain and operations, sales and marketing, commercial and cannabis agriculture, chemists, customer service, construction and project management, real estate and human resources. We offer a comprehensive package of company-sponsored benefits to our team. Eligibility depends on the full-time or part-time status, location and other factors, and benefits include 401(k), medical and dental plans, disability insurance, employee assistance programs and life insurance. Additionally, we believe in aligned incentives and utilize employee stock and incentive plans for a competitive total rewards program.
Our employees are split across the Company as follows:
Corporate:
Retail:
1,199
Manufacturing:
Total:
2,223
Environmental Compliance
Expenditures for compliance with federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations are consistent from year to year and are not material to the Company’s financials. The Company is compliant with all applicable regulations and does not use materials that would pose any known risk under normal conditions.
Competitive Conditions and the Company’s Position in the Industry
Competition
The markets in which the Company’s products are distributed and its retail stores are operated are highly competitive markets. The Company’s operations exist in markets with relatively high barriers to entry given the licensed nature of the cannabis industry. The Company competes directly with cannabis producers and retailers within single-state operating markets, as well as those that operate across several U.S. markets. More broadly, Green Thumb views manufacturers of other consumer products, such as those in the pharmaceuticals, alcohol, tobacco, health and beauty and functional wellness industries, as potential competitors. Product quality, performance, new product innovation and development, packaging, customer experience and consumer price/value are important differentiating factors.
The Company faces intense competition from other companies that may have a longer operating history, a higher capitalization, additional financial resources, more manufacturing and marketing experience, greater access to public equity and debt markets and more experienced management than the Company. Increased competition by larger and better financed competitors could materially affect the business, financial condition and results of operations of the Company. The vast majority of both manufacturing and retail competitors in our markets consist of localized businesses (i.e. doing business in only a single state market). There are a few
multistate operators with whom the Company competes directly in several of the Company’s operating markets. Aside from this direct competition, out-of-state operators that are capitalized well enough to enter those markets through acquisitions are also part of the competitive landscape. Similarly, as the Company executes its national U.S. growth strategy, operators in our future state markets will inevitably become direct competitors.
Because of the early stage of the industry in which the Company operates, the Company faces additional competition from new entrants. If the number of consumers of medical and adult use cannabis in the states in which the Company operates its business increases, the demand for products will increase and the Company expects that competition will become more intense, as current and future competitors begin to offer an increasing number of diversified products. To remain competitive, the Company will require a continued high level of investment in research and development, marketing, sales and client support. The Company may not have sufficient resources to maintain research and development, marketing, sales and client support efforts on a competitive basis, which could materially and adversely affect the business, financial condition and results of its operations.
See Item 1A - “Risk Factors” with respect to competition.
Medical-Only Markets
All of the medical-only markets that the Company does business in (Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey until February 22, 2021, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania) have written regulations that impose our limitations on the number of cannabis business licenses that can be awarded. In each of these markets, we have a proven track record of: (i) entering the market through state-granted awards based on the merit of its application and business plans; and/or (ii) expanding market reach through accretive mergers, acquisitions, and partnership ventures. Each medical use market (including Illinois, California, Colorado, Massachusetts and Nevada, but excluding New Jersey, as described below) that also allow adult use has regulations specifying which medical conditions qualify a patient for a license to purchase cannabis, and generally require the approval or prescription from a physician. These applicable conditions can vary significantly from state to state, and in certain states, the qualifying conditions are amended from time-to-time.
In December 2019, the New Jersey state legislature passed a bill to add an initiative to the November 2020 ballot allowing voters to decide whether to legalize the sale of adult use cannabis in the state. New Jersey voters subsequently approved Question 1 with approximately 67% of the votes, legalizing the cultivation, processing and sale of adult use cannabis in the state. On February 23, 2021, Governor Phil Murphy signed three bills into law that establish an adult use program in New Jersey for adults who are at least 21 years old. On February 25, 2021, Governor Murphy announced his last picks to serve on the Cannabis Regulatory Commission, completing the panel that will undertake the job of regulating the legal marijuana industry and licensing new dispensaries and growers. It is not yet clear when New Jersey’s adult use sales will begin.
Adult Use Markets
The adult use markets in which the Company operates in (Illinois, California, Colorado, Massachusetts and Nevada) have fewer barriers to entry and more closely reflect free market dynamics typically seen in mature retail and manufacturing industries. The growth of these markets poses a risk of increased competition. However, given our additional growth opportunities as an original operator in these states, which have historically been limited supply markets, management views the Company’s market share as less at risk than operators without a current operating footprint as a result of our established brand recognition and supply and distribution chains, which were developed in those markets for medical use. Additionally, regulations in some adult use markets, such as Illinois, allowed us to quickly develop adult use market share in those states. Purchasers of adult use cannabis generally are subject to higher sales taxes than apply to purchasers who are authorized for medical purposes. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that some consumers who meet the criteria to apply for medical licenses make adult use purchases and avoid pursuing a state’s medical registration/qualification process.
Overview of Government Regulation
Below is a discussion of the federal and state-level regulatory regimes in those jurisdictions where the Company is currently directly involved through its subsidiaries. The Company’s subsidiaries are directly engaged in the manufacture, possession, sale or distribution of cannabis in the adult use and/or medicinal cannabis marketplace in the states of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania. As of December 31, 2020, 100% of our business was directly derived from U.S. cannabis-related activities.
Federal Regulation of Cannabis
In 2005, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Congress has the power to regulate cannabis.
The U.S. federal government regulates drugs through the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. § 811), which places controlled substances, including cannabis, in a schedule. Cannabis is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance. A Schedule I controlled substance is defined as a substance that has no currently accepted medical use in the United States, a lack of safety for use under medical supervision and a high potential for abuse. The Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) defines Schedule I drugs, substances or chemicals as “drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” However, the Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) has approved Epidiolex, which contains a purified form of the drug CBD, a non-psychoactive ingredient in the cannabis plant, for the treatment of seizures associated with two epilepsy conditions. The FDA has not approved cannabis or cannabis compounds as a safe and effective drug for any other condition. Moreover, under the 2018 Farm Bill or Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (the “Farm Bill”), CBD remains a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act, with a narrow exception for CBD derived from hemp with a tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”) concentration of less than 0.3%.
Cannabis is largely regulated at the state level.
State laws that permit and regulate the production, distribution and use of cannabis for adult use or medical purposes are in direct conflict with the Controlled Substances Act, which makes cannabis use and possession federally illegal. Although certain states and territories of the U.S. authorize medical and/or adult use cannabis production and distribution by licensed or registered entities, under U.S. federal law, the possession, use, cultivation and transfer of cannabis and any related drug paraphernalia is illegal and any such acts are criminal acts under federal law under any and all circumstances under the Controlled Substances Act. Although the Company’s activities are believed to be compliant with applicable state and local laws, strict compliance with state and local laws with respect to cannabis may neither absolve the Company of liability under U.S. federal law, nor may it provide a defense to any federal proceeding which may be brought against the Company.
As of December 31, 2020, 35 states, plus the District of Columbia (and the territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands), have legalized the cultivation and sale of cannabis for medical purposes. In 15 of those states, the sale and possession of cannabis is legal for both medical and adult use, and the District of Columbia has legalized adult use but not commercial sale. In November 2020, voters in Arizona, Montana, New Jersey and South Dakota voted by referendum to legalize cannabis for adult use, and voters in Mississippi and South Dakota voted to legalized cannabis for medical use, and in February 2021, the Virginia legislature approved a bill that would legalize cannabis for adult use beginning in 2024. The Virginia bill is awaiting signature by the governor, and if signed, Virginia will be the first southern state to legalize cannabis for adult use. Also in February 2021, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed three bills into law that legalize cannabis for adult use.
The risk of federal enforcement and other risks associated with the Company’s business are described in Item 1A - “Risk Factors.”
Regulation of the Cannabis Market at State and Local Level
Following the thesis that distributing brands at scale will win, we enter markets where we believe that we can profitably and sustainably operate and command significant market share, and thus maximize consumer and brand awareness. The regulatory frameworks installed by the states, which are similar to the limited and controlled issuance of gaming or alcohol distributorship licenses, provide macro-level indication of whether certain state markets will be sustainable and profitable.
Below is a summary overview of the regulatory and competitive frameworks in each of our operating markets. See Appendix A to this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a state-by-state list of the licenses and permits held by us.
California
In 1996, California was the first state to legalize medical marijuana through Proposition 215, the Compassionate Use Act of 1996. This legalized the use, possession and cultivation of medical marijuana by patients with a physician recommendation for treatment of cancer, anorexia, AIDS, chronic pain, spasticity, glaucoma, arthritis, migraine or any other illness for which marijuana provides relief. In 2003, Senate Bill 420 was signed into law establishing an optional identification card system for medical marijuana patients.
In September 2015, the California legislature passed three bills collectively known as the Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (“MCRSA”). The MCRSA established a licensing and regulatory framework for medical marijuana businesses in California. In November 2016, voters in California overwhelmingly passed Proposition 64, the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (“AUMA”) creating an adult use marijuana program for adults 21 years of age or older. Some provisions of AUMA conflicted with MCRSA, so the California State Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 94, known as Medicinal and Adult Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (“MAUCRSA”) in June 2017, amalgamating MCRSA and AUMA to provide a single set of regulations to govern a medical and adult use licensing regime for cannabis businesses in the State of California. MAUCRSA went into effect on January 1, 2018.
The three agencies that regulate cannabis at the state level are: (a) the California Department of Food and Agriculture, via CalCannabis, which issues licenses to cannabis cultivators; (b) the California Department of Public Health, via the Manufactured Cannabis Safety Branch, which issues licenses to cannabis manufacturers; and (c) the California Department of Consumer Affairs, via the Bureau of Cannabis Control, which issues licenses to cannabis distributors, testing laboratories, retailers and micro-businesses.
On June 6, 2018, a proposal by the California Department of Consumer Affairs, the California Department of Public Health and the California Department of Food and Agriculture to re-adopt their emergency cannabis regulations went into effect. Among the changes, applicants may now complete one license application, allowing for both medical and adult use cannabis activity. On January 16, 2019, California’s three state cannabis licensing authorities announced that the Office of Administrative Law officially approved state regulations for cannabis businesses. The final cannabis regulations took effect immediately and superseded the previous emergency regulations.
In order to legally operate a medical or adult use cannabis business in California, the operator must have both a local and state license. This requires license holders to operate in cities with cannabis licensing programs. Municipalities in California are allowed to determine the number of licenses they will issue to cannabis operators or can choose to ban cannabis businesses outright.
California License and Regulations
There are three principal license categories in California: (1) cultivation, (2) processing and (3) retailer. License holders are held to strict license renewal requirements.
Cultivation licenses permit commercial cannabis cultivation activity involving the planting, growing, harvesting, drying, curing, grading or trimming of cannabis. Such licenses further permit the production, labeling and packaging of a limited number of non-manufactured cannabis products and permit the licensee to sell cannabis to certain licensed entities (both medical and adult use licensees) within the State of California for resale or manufacturing purposes.
Processing licenses authorize manufacturers to process marijuana biomass into certain value-added products with the use of volatile or non-volatile solvents, depending on the license type.
Retailer licenses permit the sale of cannabis and cannabis products to both medical patients and adult use customers. Only certified physicians may provide medicinal marijuana recommendations. An adult use retailer license permits the sale of cannabis and cannabis products to any adult 21 years of age or older. It does not require the individual to possess a physician’s recommendation. Under the terms of such licenses, the holder is permitted to sell adult use cannabis and cannabis products to any person, provided the local jurisdiction permits the sale of adult use cannabis and the person presents a valid government-issued photo identification demonstrating that they are 21 years of age or older.
In February 2021, we received our first provisional operational license in the State of California. We have also been granted conditional licenses, permitting us to retail medical and adult use cannabis and cannabis related products. We have been awarded approval to proceed with the next steps in the application process for the entities listed on Appendix A to Annual Report on Form 10-K.
See Appendix A to this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a list of the licenses issued to us with respect to our operations in California.
California Reporting Requirements
The California Cannabis Track-and-Trace (“CCTT”) system is the Track-and-Trace (“T&T”) system used statewide to record the inventory and movement of cannabis and cannabis products through the commercial cannabis supply chain from seed to sale. The CCTT system must be used by all annual and provisional cannabis licensees, including those with licenses for cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, retail, distribution, testing labs and microbusinesses. The state’s contracted service provider for the CCTT system is Marijuana Enforcement Tracking Regulation and Compliance (“METRC”). Licensees are required to maintain records for at least seven years from the date a record is created.
Colorado
On November 7, 2000, Colorado voters approved Amendment 20, which amended the state constitution to allow the use of marijuana in the state by approved patients with written medical consent. Conditions recognized for medical marijuana in Colorado include: cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis and nausea.
Amendment 64 passed on November 6, 2012, which amended the state constitution to establish a cannabis program in Colorado and permit the commercial cultivation, manufacture and sale of marijuana to adults 21 years of age or older. The commercial sale of marijuana for adult use to the general public began on January 1, 2014 at cannabis businesses licensed under the regulatory framework.
In Colorado, cannabis businesses must comply with local licensing requirements in addition to state licensing requirements in order to operate. Colorado localities are allowed to limit or prohibit the operation of marijuana cultivation facilities, product manufacturing facilities or retail dispensary facilities.
Colorado License and Regulations
There are three principal license categories in Colorado: (1) cultivation, (2) product manufacturer and (3) medical center/retail store. Each facility is authorized to engage only in the type of activity for which it is licensed. A licensee must apply for renewal before the expiration date of a license.
We do not have any licenses in the State of Colorado. We have entered into licensing and distribution contracts with third parties that hold licenses to engage in the sale of cannabis in Colorado for incredibles and Beboe branded cannabis products. Such third parties directly engage in or arrange for the sourcing, manufacturing, laboratory testing, quality assurance, storage, marketing, sales, distribution and delivery of products containing cannabis and remit licensing fees to us. See Item 1 - “Intellectual Property-Patents and Trademarks” for details on licenses with respect to operations in Colorado.
Regulations for the production and sale of marijuana in Colorado are published through the Marijuana Enforcement Division of the Department of Revenue.
See Appendix A to this Annual Report for a list of the licenses issued to us with respect to our operations in Colorado.
Colorado Reporting Requirements
Colorado uses METRC as the MED’s marijuana inventory tracking system for all medical and adult use licensees. Marijuana is required to be tracked and reported with specific data points from seed to sale through METRC for compliance purposes under Colorado marijuana laws and regulations.
Connecticut
The State of Connecticut has authorized cultivation, possession and distribution of marijuana for medical purposes by certain licensed Connecticut marijuana businesses. Over thirty medical conditions currently are recognized by the state to qualify a patient for medical marijuana certificate, including cancer, glaucoma, epilepsy and certain terminal and chronic pain conditions. The Medical Marijuana Program in Connecticut registers qualifying patients, primary caregivers, Dispensary Facilities and Dispensary Facility Employees. The Medical Marijuana Program in Connecticut was established by Connecticut General Statutes §§ 21a-408-21a-429. Dispensary Facilities and production facilities are separately licensed.
Connecticut’s medical cannabis program was introduced in May 2012 when the General Assembly passed legislation PA 12-55 “An Act Concerning the Palliative Use of Marijuana.”
The program launched with six dispensary licensees and four producer licensees. The first dispensaries sold to patients in September 2014. Subsequently, additional licensed dispensaries have become operational.
In January 2016, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, the agency that oversees and administers the program, approved three additional dispensary licenses. In December 2018, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection issued nine additional dispensary licenses, bringing the total to 18 licensed dispensaries in the state. As of February 2021, all 18 of these dispensaries were operational.
Connecticut Licenses and Regulations
There are two principal license categories in Connecticut: (1) cultivation/processing and (2) dispensary. We are licensed to operate one medical marijuana cultivation/processing facility and three medical marijuana dispensaries. All licenses are, as of the date hereof, active with the State of Connecticut. The licenses are independently issued for each approved activity for use at our facilities in Connecticut.
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection has issued regulations regarding the Medical Marijuana Program in Connecticut. Patients with certain debilitating medical conditions qualify to participate in the Medical
Marijuana Program in Connecticut. A physician or advanced practice registered nurse must issue a written certification for a Medical Marijuana Program in Connecticut patient, and the qualifying patient or caregiver must choose one designated Dispensary Facilities where the patient’s marijuana will be obtained. Under the Medical Marijuana Program in Connecticut, dispensary licenses are renewed annually. Renewal applications must be submitted 45 days prior to license expiration and any renewal submitted more than 30 days after expiration will not be renewed.
Medical marijuana cultivation/processing licenses permit us to operate a secure, indoor facility to cultivate and process medical marijuana and wholesale to dispensaries.
Medical marijuana dispensary facility licenses qualify a dispensary to purchase medical cannabis from licensed medical cannabis producers and to dispense cannabis to qualifying patients or primary caregivers that are registered under the Medical Marijuana Program in Connecticut. Dispensaries must have a pharmacist on staff.
See Appendix A to this Annual Report for a list of the licenses issued to us with respect to our operations in Connecticut.
Connecticut Reporting Requirements
Connecticut does not mandate the use of a particular unified T&T system by which all dispensary license holders submit data directly to the state. However, the Medical Marijuana Program in Connecticut does provide strict guidelines for reporting via the license holder’s T&T program. Every cannabis sale must be documented at the point of sale, including recording the date. At least once per day, all sales must be uploaded via the T&T system to the Connecticut Prescription Monitoring Program which accumulates and tracks medical cannabis purchases across all Connecticut dispensaries.
Florida
In 2014, the Florida Legislature passed the Compassionate Use Act, which was the first legal medical cannabis program in the state’s history. The original Compassionate Use Act only allowed for low-THC cannabis to be dispensed and purchased by patients suffering from cancer and epilepsy. In 2016, the Legislature passed the Right To Try Act which allowed for full potency cannabis to be dispensed to patients suffering from a diagnosed terminal condition. Also in 2016, the Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative was introduced by citizen referendum and passed on November 8. This language, known as “Amendment 2,” amended the state constitution and mandated an expansion of the state’s medical cannabis program.
Amendment 2, and the resulting expansion of qualifying medical conditions, became effective on January 3, 2017. The Florida Department of Health, physicians, dispensing organizations and patients are bound by Article X Section 29 of the Florida Constitution and Florida Statutes Section 381.986. On June 9, 2017, the Florida House of Representatives and Florida Senate passed respective legislation to implement the expanded program by replacing large portions of the existing Compassionate Use Act, which officially became law on June 23, 2017.
The State of Florida Statutes Section 381.986(8)(a) provides a regulatory framework that requires licensed producers, which are statutorily defined as “Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers” (which we refer to as MMTC), to cultivate, process and dispense medical cannabis in a vertically-integrated marketplace.
Florida Licenses and Regulations
There is one principal license category in Florida: vertically-integrated Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers license. We are licensed to operate one medical cannabis cultivation/processing facility and up to 35 medical dispensaries. All licenses are, as of the date hereof, active with the State of Florida. The licenses are independently issued for each approved activity for use at our facilities in Florida.
There is a pending lawsuit that challenges important aspects of the 2017 legislation and Florida Department of Health, Office of Medical Marijuana Use, or OMMU, regulations that could have an impact on our business in Florida. In December 2017, Florigrown, LLC and other plaintiffs challenged as unconstitutional aspects of the 2017 legislation and OMMU regulations that: (1) require MMTCs to be vertically integrated (i.e., cultivate and process the cannabis to be sold at the MMTC’s own licensed dispensaries); (2) that cap the total number of MMTC licenses in the state; and (3) that authorized the OMMU to issue MMTC licenses to certain applicants that met criteria defined by the 2017 legislation. On October 18, 2019, a trial judge in the Circuit Court for Leon County ruled that Florigrown, LLC had a substantial likelihood of succeeding on its claims, holding that the vertical integration and licensing cap conflicted with the language in Article X, Section 29 and that the provisions in the 2017 defining the criteria for eligibility for MMTC licensure constituted an impermissible “special law” under Article III, Section 11(a)(12) of the Florida Constitution. On July 10, 2019, an intermediate appellate court affirmed aspects of the Circuit Court for Leon County’s ruling. The matter is now pending before Florida Supreme Court. The Florida Supreme Court heard additional oral argument in the case on October 7, 2020.
Licenses are issued by the OMMU and must be renewed biennially. License holders can only own one license. Currently, the dispensaries can be in any geographic location within the state, provided that the local municipality’s zoning regulations authorize such a use, the proposed site is zoned for a pharmacy and the site is not within 500 feet of a church or school.
The Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers license permits us to sell medical cannabis to qualified patients to treat certain medical conditions in Florida, which are delineated in Florida Statutes Section 386.981. As our operations in Florida are vertically-integrated, we are able to cultivate, harvest, process and sell/dispense/deliver its own medical cannabis products. Under the terms of our Florida license, we are permitted to sell medical cannabis only to qualified medical patients that are registered with the State. Only certified physicians who have successfully completed a medical cannabis educational program can register patients on the Florida Office of Compassionate Use Registry.
See Appendix A to this Annual Report for a list of the licenses issued to us with respect to our operations in Florida.
Florida Reporting Requirements
The Florida Department of Health requires that any licensee establish, maintain and control a computer software tracking system that traces cannabis from seed to sale and allows real-time, 24-hour access by the Florida Department of Health to this data. The tracking system must allow for integration of other seed-to-sale systems and, at minimum, include notification of when marijuana seeds are planted, when marijuana plants are harvested and destroyed and when cannabis is transported, sold, stolen, diverted or lost. Additionally, the Florida Department of Health maintains a patient and physician registry, and we must comply with all requirements and regulations related to providing required data or proof of key events to the tracking system.
Illinois
In June 2019, the governor of Illinois signed legislation legalizing cannabis for adult use. The Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, legalizing and regulating cannabis for recreational use, went into effect on June 25, 2019, and adult use sales of cannabis began in the state on January 1, 2020. The adult use program allowed existing medical cannabis license holders to apply for Early Approval Adult Use Dispensing Organization (“EAAUDO”) licenses to be able to sell adult use product at existing medical cannabis dispensaries (known as “co-located” or “same site” dispensaries) on January 1, 2020, and to have the privilege of opening a secondary adult use only retail site for every medical cannabis dispensary location the Dispensing Organization already had in its portfolio. All EAAUDO license holders were also required to commit to the state’s groundbreaking Social Equity program either through a financial contribution, grant agreement, donation, incubation program, or sponsorship program. The Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act also authorized issuance of an additional 75 Adult
Use Dispensing Organization (“AUDO”) licenses in 2020 but to date those licenses have yet to be issued and it is uncertain when they will be issued. In addition, the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act also authorized issuance up to 110 additional AUDO licenses by December 21, 2021.
We are licensed to grow and process cannabis for medical and adult use sales at our two cultivation facilities. As of December 31, 2020, we have nine operating dispensaries in Illinois and plan to open one more adult use only dispensary, which would bring us to the Illinois statutory cap of ten dispensaries. All of our original five medical dispensaries received licenses for co-located adult use sales, four of which are now fully operational. We have applied for and received four of the five “secondary” adult use dispensary state licenses we are eligible to receive, all four of which are fully operational. We expect to operationalize our fifth “secondary” license in the first quarter of 2021. All licenses are, as of the date hereof, active with the State of Illinois. The licenses are independently issued for each approved activity for use at our facilities in Illinois.
Illinois Licenses and Regulations
Illinois licenses four types of cannabis businesses within the state: (1) cultivation; (2) processing; (3) transportation; and (4) dispensary. We are licensed to grow and process cannabis for medical and adult use sales at our two cultivation facilities. Dispensaries require separate licenses for adult use sales and medical sales. As of December 31, 2020, we have nine operating dispensaries in Illinois (operating under 14 licenses) and plan to open one additional adult use only dispensary, which would bring us to the Illinois statutory cap of ten dispensaries operating under 15 licenses. We have five existing medical dispensary retail locations in Illinois. As part of each of our original five medical Illinois dispensary licenses, each medical dispensary was permitted to apply for (a) a license to sell to adult use customers in the same location, and (b) a license for a secondary location for sales to adult use customers only. All of our original five medical dispensaries received licenses for co-located adult use sales, four of which are now fully operational, and one of which remains subject to local zoning approval. We have applied for and received four of the five “secondary” adult use dispensary state licenses we are eligible to receive, all four of which are fully operational. We have applied for and received conditional approval for the fifth “secondary” license, with final approval expected later this spring. The dispensaries with “secondary” licenses by law serve only adult use customers, not medical patients. All licenses are, as of the date hereof, active with the State of Illinois. The licenses are independently issued for each approved activity for use at our facilities in Illinois.
All cultivation/processing establishments must register with Illinois Department of Agriculture. All dispensaries must register with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. If applications contain all required information, establishments are issued a marijuana establishment registration certificate. Registration certificates are valid for a period of one year and are subject to annual renewals after required fees are paid and the business remains in good standing. Pursuant to Illinois law, registration renewal applications must be received 45 days prior to expiration and may be denied if the license has a history of non-compliance and penalties.
The cultivation/processing licenses permit us to acquire, possess, cultivate, manufacture/process into edible marijuana products and/or marijuana-infused products, deliver, transfer, have tested, transport, supply or sell marijuana and related supplies to marijuana dispensaries.
The retail dispensary licenses permit us to purchase marijuana and marijuana products from cultivation/processing facilities, as well as allow the sale of marijuana and marijuana products.
See Appendix A to this Annual Report for a list of the licenses issued us with respect to our operations in Illinois.
Illinois Reporting Requirements
The state of Illinois uses BioTrack as the state’s computerized track-and-trace system for seed-to-sale reporting. Individual licensees, whether directly or through third-party integration systems, are required to push data to the state to meet all reporting requirements. We use an in-house computerized seed-to-sale software, which integrates with the state’s BioTrack program and captures the necessary data points as required in the Illinois Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act.
Maryland
In 2012, a state law was enacted in Maryland to establish a state-regulated medical marijuana program. Legislation was signed in May 2013 and the program became operational on December 1, 2017. The Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission regulates the state program and awarded operational licenses in a highly competitive application process. 102 dispensary licenses were awarded out of a pool of over 800 applicants, while an original 15 cultivation licenses were awarded out of a pool of over 150 applicants. In April 2018, Maryland lawmakers agreed to expand the state’s medical marijuana industry by authorizing an additional 20 licenses, seven for cultivation and 13 for processing. The state program was written to allow access to medical marijuana for patients with any condition that is considered “severe” for which other medical treatments have proven ineffective, including: chronic pain, nausea, seizures, glaucoma and PTSD.
Maryland Licenses and Regulations
There are three principal license categories in Maryland: (1) cultivation, (2) processing and (3) dispensary. The Company has control and/or ownership over one cultivation license, one processing license and three retail dispensaries. All licenses are, as of the date hereof, active with the State of Maryland. The licenses are independently issued for each approved activity for use at the Company facilities in Maryland.
All cultivation, processing and dispensary establishments must register with the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission under the provisions of the Maryland Medical Cannabis Law, Section 13-3301 et seq. If applications contain all required information, establishments are issued a medical marijuana establishment registration certificate. Registration certificates are valid for a period of six years and thereafter subject to renewal every two years, and are subject to strict renewal requirements.
The medical cultivation licenses permit us to acquire, possess, cultivate, deliver, transfer, have tested, transport, supply or sell marijuana and related supplies to medical marijuana dispensaries, facilities for the production of medical marijuana products and/or medical marijuana-infused products or other medical marijuana cultivation facilities.
The medical processing license permits us to acquire, possess, manufacture, deliver, transfer, transport, supply, or sell marijuana products or marijuana infused products to other medical marijuana production facilities or medical marijuana dispensaries.
The retail dispensary licenses permit us to purchase marijuana from cultivation facilities, marijuana and marijuana products from product manufacturing facilities and marijuana from other medical marijuana dispensaries, as well as allow the sale of marijuana and marijuana products.
See Appendix A to this Annual Report for a list of the licenses issued to us with respect to our operations in Maryland.
Maryland Reporting Requirements
The state of Maryland uses METRC as the state’s computerized T&T system for seed-to-sale reporting. Individual licensees, whether directly or through third-party integration systems, are required to push data to the state to meet all reporting requirements. We use an in-house computerized seed-to-sale software, which integrates with the state’s METRC program and captures the required data points for retail as required in the Maryland Medical Cannabis Law. The Company uses METRC directly for cultivation and manufacturing.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts legalized medical marijuana when voters passed a ballot initiative in 2012. The Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana Program was formed pursuant to the Act for the Humanitarian Medical Use of Marijuana. Adult use marijuana became legal in Massachusetts as of December 15, 2016, following a ballot initiative in November 2016. Dispensaries for the adult use of cannabis in Massachusetts began operating in July 2018.
In Massachusetts, Registered Marijuana Dispensaries are “vertically-integrated,” which means Registered Marijuana Dispensaries grow, process and dispense their own marijuana. A Registered Marijuana Dispensary must have a retail facility, as well as cultivation and processing operations. Some Registered Marijuana Dispensaries elect to conduct cultivation, processing and retail operations all in one location, which is commonly referred to as a “co-located” operation. A Registered Marijuana Dispensary may also choose to have a retail dispensary in one location and grow marijuana at a remote cultivation location. A Registered Marijuana Dispensary may process marijuana at either a retail dispensary location or a remote cultivation location. The remote cultivation location need not be in the same municipality, or the same county, as the retail dispensary.
Massachusetts Licenses and Regulations
There is one principal license category in Massachusetts: vertically-integrated Registered Marijuana Dispensaries license. We are licensed to operate one medical and adult use cultivation/processing facility and one medical and adult use retail dispensary. All licenses are, as of the date hereof, active with the State of Massachusetts. The licenses are independently issued for each approved activity for use at our facilities in Massachusetts.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health was the regulatory body that oversaw the original Massachusetts medical program, including all cultivation, processing and dispensary facilities. The Cannabis Control Commission, a regulatory body created in 2018, now oversees the medical and adult use programs, including licensing of cultivation, processing and dispensary facilities. Licensed medical dispensaries are given priority status in adult use licensing.
Each Massachusetts dispensary, cultivator and processor license is valid for one year and is subject to strict license renewal requirements.
The Registered Marijuana Dispensaries license permits us to cultivate, process and dispense medical and adult use cannabis.
See Appendix A to this Annual Report for a list of the licenses issued to us with respect to our operations in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Reporting Requirements
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts uses the MMJ Online system through the Virtual Gateway portal as the state’s computerized T&T system for seed-to-sale reporting. Individual licensees, whether directly or through third-party integration systems, are required to push data to the state to meet all reporting requirements. We use an in-house computerized seed-to-sale software, which integrates with the state’s program and captures the required data points for cultivation, manufacturing and retail as required in the Massachusetts marijuana laws and regulations.
Nevada
Nevada became a medical marijuana state in 2001. In 2013, the Nevada legislature passed SB374, providing for state licensing of medical marijuana establishments. On November 8, 2016, Nevada voters passed NRS 435D by ballot initiative allowing for the sale of marijuana for adult use starting on July 1, 2017. In 2018, the Nevada Department of Taxation opened up applications for additional adult use marijuana dispensary licenses. Only those companies that held medical marijuana licenses in the state could apply. In December 2018, 61 additional marijuana dispensary licenses were issued by the Nevada Department of Taxation.
Nevada Licenses and Regulations
There are three principal license categories in Nevada: (1) cultivation, (2) processing and (3) dispensary. We are licensed to operate two medical and adult use cultivation facilities, three medical and adult use processing facilities, five medical dispensary licenses and up to 13 adult use retail locations. All licenses are, as of the date hereof, active with the State of Nevada. The licenses are independently issued for each approved activity for use at our facilities in Nevada.
Under applicable laws, the licenses permit us to cultivate, manufacture, process, package, sell and purchase marijuana pursuant to the terms of the licenses, which are issued by the Nevada Department of Taxation under the provisions of Nevada Revised Statutes section 453A. If applications contain all required information, establishments are issued a marijuana establishment registration certificate. In a local governmental jurisdiction that issues business licenses, the issuance by Nevada Department of Taxation, or its successor as of July 1, 2020, the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board, of a marijuana establishment registration certificate is considered provisional until the local government has issued a business license for operation and an establishment is in compliance with all applicable local governmental ordinances. Final registration certificates are valid for a period of one year and are subject to strict renewal requirements.
The cultivation licenses permit us to acquire, possess, cultivate, deliver, transfer, have tested, transport, supply or sell marijuana and related supplies to marijuana dispensaries, facilities for the production of edible marijuana products and/or marijuana-infused products or other marijuana cultivation facilities.
The processing license permits us to acquire, possess, manufacture, deliver, transfer, transport, supply or sell edible marijuana products or marijuana infused products to other marijuana production facilities or marijuana dispensaries.
The retail dispensary licenses permit us to purchase marijuana from cultivation facilities, marijuana and marijuana products from product manufacturing facilities and marijuana from other retail stores, as well as allow the sale of marijuana and marijuana products.
See Appendix A to this Annual Report for a list of the licenses issued to us with respect to our operations in Nevada.
Nevada Reporting Requirements
The state of Nevada uses METRC as the state’s computerized T&T system for seed-to-sale reporting. Individual licensees, whether directly or through third-party integration systems, are required to push data to the state to meet all reporting requirements. We have designated an in-house computerized seed-to-sale software that integrates with METRC via API, which captures the required data points for cultivation, manufacturing and retail as required in Nevada Revised Statutes section 453A.
New Jersey
On January 18, 2010, the governor of New Jersey signed into law S.119, the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act, permitting the use of medical cannabis for persons with certain debilitating conditions, including anxiety, cancer, chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder and seizure disorders. The law permits the New Jersey Department of Health to create rules to add other illnesses to the permitted conditions. The Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act mandates that cannabis must be acquired through Alternative Treatment Centers licensed by the State.
A single Alternative Treatment Centers license allows for the cultivation, processing and dispensing of medical marijuana products. Originally, each Alternative Treatment Centers was permitted to open one dispensary. With the Executive Order 6 Report, each Alternative Treatment Centers can now open two additional satellite dispensaries within their New Jersey Department of Health-designated region for a total of three dispensaries each, as well as satellite production facilities, subject to regulatory approval.
On March 27, 2018 through executive order No. 6 (2018), Governor Phil Murphy expanded the medical marijuana program, announcing the 20-plus recommendations presented by the New Jersey Department of Health on March 23, 2018. The New Jersey Department of Health’s recommendations and next steps included certain measures that took effect immediately (e.g. the addition of debilitating conditions and the reduction of registration fees) and other recommendations (e.g. the home delivery model) that require further regulatory or statutory enactment.
On July 2, 2019, Governor Phil Murphy signed the Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act into law, which amended the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act. Previously, New Jersey law only permitted applicants to apply for vertically-integrated licenses. Under the Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act, the permit process includes three different permit types. The new permit types are medical cannabis cultivator, dispensary and manufacturer permits, which are to be applied for individually. The vertically-integrated Alternative Treatment Centers will continue to be able to cultivate, manufacture and dispense medical cannabis.
In December 2019, the New Jersey state legislature passed a bill to add an initiative to the November 2020 ballot allowing voters to decide whether to legalize the sale of adult use cannabis in the state. New Jersey voters subsequently approved Question 1 with approximately 67% of the votes, legalizing the cultivation, processing and sale of adult use cannabis in the state. On February 23, 2021, Governor Phil Murphy signed three bills into law that establish an adult use program in New Jersey for adults who are at least 21 years old. On February 25, 2021, Gov. Murphy announced his last picks to serve on the Cannabis Regulatory Commission, completing the panel that will undertake the job of regulating the legal marijuana industry and licensing new dispensaries and growers. It is not yet clear when New Jersey’s adult use sales will begin.
In November 2020, a New Jersey appellate court ruled that the state Department of Health must reconsider the applications of companies rejected during the 2018 licensing round, which is the licensing round in which our subsidiary was awarded a license. The companies alleged that the scoring was arbitrary. The appellate court remanded the issue back to the Department of Health but did not dictate what the Department of Health is to do.
There is also a lawsuit pending against the state Department of Health related to a 2019 licensing round that was to expand the state’s medical marijuana program. State regulators requested applications in 2019 for 24 new licenses for vertically integrated and stand-alone businesses, including cultivators and retailers, but a court halted review of those applications after a lawsuit alleged that the system had technical glitches. To date the lawsuit has not been resolved.
New Jersey Licenses and Regulations
There is currently one principal license category in New Jersey: vertically-integrated Alternative Treatment Centers license. We are licensed to operate one medical cultivation and processing facility and up to three retail medical cannabis dispensaries in the state of New Jersey. All licenses are, as of the date hereof, active with the State of New Jersey. The licenses are independently issued for each approved activity for use at our facilities in New Jersey.
The New Jersey Department of Health is responsible for issuing permits and administering the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act to ensure qualifying patients’ access to safe cannabis for medical use in New Jersey.
Alternative Treatment Center permits expire annually on December 31. Strict permit renewal application requirements apply. See Appendix A to this Annual Report for a list of the licenses issued to us with respect to our operations in New Jersey.
New Jersey Reporting Requirements
New Jersey does not have a unified T&T system. All information is forwarded to the medical marijuana program through email. The Alternative Treatment Center collects and submits to the New Jersey Department of Health for each calendar year statistical data on (a) the number of registered qualified patients and registered primary caregivers, (b) the debilitating medical conditions of the qualified patients, (c) patient demographic data, (d) summary of the patient surveys and evaluation of services and (e) other information as the New Jersey Department of Health may require. The Alternative Treatment Center must retain records for at least two years. We also use an in-house computerized seed-to-sale software, which captures the required data points for cultivation, manufacturing and retail as required in the New Jersey marijuana laws and regulations.
New York
In July 2014, the New York Legislature and Governor enacted the Compassionate Care Act to provide a comprehensive, safe and effective medical marijuana program. The Compassionate Care Act provides access to the program for those who suffer from qualifying serious conditions including: cancer, HIV/AIDS, ALS and post-traumatic stress disorder. The program allows ten Registered Organizations to hold vertically-integrated licenses and service qualified patients and caregivers. Each Registered Organization has one cultivation/processing license and four dispensary licenses.
Under the terms of licenses in the state of New York, licensees are permitted to sell medical marijuana manufactured products that are approved by the New York State Department of Health to any qualified patient who possesses a physician’s recommendation, provided that the patient presents a valid government-issued photo identification and New York State Department of Health -issued Registry Identification Card proving that the patient or designated caregiver meets the statutory conditions to be a qualified patient or designated caregiver. The card contains the recommendation from the physician and the limitation on form or dosage of medical marijuana. In order for a patient or registered caregiver to receive dispensed marijuana, they must be logged into the Prescription Monitoring Program registry. The Prescription Monitoring Program registry is monitored by the New York State Department of Health and contains controlled substance prescription dispensing history and medical marijuana dispensing history to ensure that patients only receive up to the maximum allowable dispensed product from one Registered Organization. Only registered pharmacists can dispense medical marijuana to approved patients and caregivers.
New York Licenses and Regulations
There is one principal license category in New York: vertically-integrated license. We are licensed to operate one medical marijuana cultivation/manufacturing facility and up to four medical marijuana dispensaries. All licenses are, as of the date hereof, active with the State of New York. The licenses are independently issued for each approved activity for use at our facilities in New York.
The New York State Department of Health is the regulatory agency that oversees the medical marijuana program in New York. New York is a vertically-integrated system; however, the state does allow Registered Organizations to wholesale manufactured products to one another. As such, we have the ability to be vertically-integrated and cultivate, harvest, process, transport, sell and dispense cannabis products. Delivery is allowed from dispensaries to patients, however the delivery plan must be pre-approved by the New York State Department of Health.
New York Reporting Requirements
The State of New York has selected BioTrackTHC’s system as the state’s T&T system used to track commercial cannabis activity and seed-to-sale. The BioTrackTHC system must serve as all Registered Organizations’ patient verification system but is optional as Registered Organizations’ tracking system. We currently use BioTrackTHC as our seed-to-sale tracking system, we also integrate our in-house seed-to-sale tracking system with BioTrackTHC.
Every month the New York State Department of Health requests a dispensing report in Excel format, via email, showing all products dispensed for the month. This is the only report that we are required to submit to the New York State Department of Health. All other data is pulled by the New York State Department of Health directly from our seed-to-sale tracking system.
Ohio
House Bill 523, effective on September 8, 2016, legalized medical marijuana in Ohio. The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program allows people with certain medical conditions, upon the recommendation of an Ohio-licensed physician certified by the State Medical Board, to purchase and use medical marijuana. Over twenty medical conditions currently are recognized by the state to qualify a patient for a medical marijuana certificate, including cancer, glaucoma, epilepsy and certain terminal and chronic pain conditions. In November 2018, the state issued 12 ‘Level I’ cultivation licenses, which permit up to 25,000 square feet of canopy, and 12 ‘Level II’ cultivation licenses, which permit up to 3,000 square feet of canopy. In June 2018, the state issued 56 dispensary licenses. Subsequently, additional licenses have been granted.
By rule, the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy is currently limited to issuing up to 60 dispensary licenses across the state. Under the program rules, the Board will consider, on at least a biennial basis, whether enough medical marijuana dispensaries exist, considering the state population, the number of patients seeking to use medical marijuana and the geographic distribution of dispensary sites.
Ohio License and Regulations
There are three principal license categories in Ohio: (1) cultivation, (2) processing and (3) dispensary. We are licensed to operate one medical marijuana cultivation facility, one medical marijuana processing facility and up to five retail medical marijuana dispensaries in the state of Ohio. All licenses are, as of the date hereof, active with the State of Ohio. The licenses are independently issued for each approved activity for use at our facilities in Ohio.
The three following state government agencies are responsible for the operation of Ohio’s Medical Marijuana Control Program: (1) the Ohio Department of Commerce oversees medical marijuana cultivators,
processors and testing laboratories; (2) the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy oversees medical marijuana retail dispensaries, the registration of medical marijuana patients and caregivers, the approval of new forms of medical marijuana and coordinating the Medical Marijuana Advisory Committee; and (3) the State Medical Board of Ohio certifies physicians to recommend medical marijuana and may add to the list of qualifying conditions for which medical marijuana can be recommended.
Certificates of operation for dispensaries carry two-year terms, while certificates of operation for cultivators and processors must be renewed annually and are subject to strict license renewal application requirements.
The medical cultivation licenses permit us to acquire, possess, cultivate, manufacture/process into medical marijuana products, deliver, transfer, have tested, transport, supply or sell marijuana and related supplies to medical marijuana dispensaries. The medical processor license permits us to manufacture and produce medical marijuana products.
The dispensary licenses will permit us to purchase marijuana and marijuana products from cultivation and/or processing facilities, as well as allow the sale of marijuana and marijuana products to registered patients.
See Appendix A to this Annual Report for a list of the licenses issued to us with respect to our operations in Ohio.
Ohio Reporting Requirements
Ohio uses METRC as its seed-to-sale tracking system. Licensees are required to use METRC in Ohio to push data to the state to meet all of the reporting requirements. We integrate our in-house seed-to-sale tracking system with METRC to capture the required data points as required in the Ohio medical marijuana laws and regulations.
Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania medical marijuana program was signed into law on April 17, 2016 under Act 16 and provided access to state residents with one or more qualifying conditions, including: epilepsy, chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder. The state originally awarded only 12 licenses to cultivate/process and 27 licenses to operate retail dispensaries (which entitled holders to up to three medical dispensary locations per retail license). Subsequently, additional licenses have been granted. For example, on March 22, 2018, it was announced that the final phase of the Pennsylvania medical marijuana program would initiate its rollout, which included 13 additional cultivation/processing licenses and 23 additional dispensary licenses. Additionally, the list of qualifying conditions was expanded which had the effect of increasing the number of individuals that could qualify for medical marijuana cards.
Pennsylvania Licenses and Regulations
There are two principal license categories in Pennsylvania: (1) cultivation/processing and (2) dispensary. Our subsidiary GTI Pennsylvania, LLC is licensed to operate a medical cultivation/processing facility and is also licensed to operate medical retail locations. Our subsidiary KW Ventures Holdings, LLC is also licensed to operate medical retail locations. All licenses are, as of the date hereof, active with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The licenses are independently issued for each approved activity for use at our facilities in Pennsylvania.
All cultivation/processing establishments and dispensaries must register with Pennsylvania Department of Health. Registration certificates are valid for a period of one year and are subject to strict annual renewal requirements. Under applicable laws, the licenses permit the license holder to cultivate, manufacture, process, package, sell and purchase medical marijuana pursuant to the terms of the licenses, which are issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health under the provisions of Medical Marijuana Act and Pennsylvania regulations.
The medical cultivation/processing licenses permit us to acquire, possess, cultivate, manufacture/process into medical marijuana products and/or medical marijuana-infused products, deliver, transfer, have tested, transport, supply or sell marijuana and related supplies to medical marijuana dispensaries.
The retail dispensary licenses permit the Company to purchase marijuana and marijuana products from cultivation/processing facilities, as well as allow the sale of marijuana and marijuana products.
See Appendix A to this Annual Report for a list of the licenses issued to us with respect to our operations in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Reporting Requirements
Pennsylvania uses MJ Freeway as the state’s computerized T&T system for seed-to-sale reporting. Individual licensees are required to use MJ Freeway to push data to the state to meet all reporting requirements. We use MJ Freeway as our in-house computerized seed-to-sale software, which integrates with the state’s MJ Freeway program and captures the required data points for cultivation, manufacturing and retail as required in the Pennsylvania medical marijuana laws and regulations.
State License Renewal Requirements
For each of our provisional and operational licenses, the states impose strict license renewal requirements that vary state by state. We generally must complete the renewal application process within a prescribed period of time prior to the expiration date and pay an application fee. The state licensing body can deny or revoke licenses and renewals for a variety of reasons, including (a) submission of materially inaccurate, incomplete or fraudulent information, (b) failure of the company or any of its directors or officers to comply, or have a history of non-compliance, with any applicable law or regulation, including laws relating to minimum age of customers, safety and non-diversion of cannabis or cannabis products, taxes, child support, workers compensation and insurance coverage, or otherwise remain in good standing (c) failure to submit or implement a plan of correction for any identified violation, (d) attempting to assign registration to another entity without state approval, (e) insufficient financial resources, (f) committing, permitting, aiding or abetting of any illegal practices in the operation of a facility, (g) failure to cooperate or give information to relevant law enforcement related to any matter arising out of conduct at a licensed facility and (h) lack of responsible operations, as evidenced by negligence, disorderly or unsanitary facilities or permitting a person to use a registration card belonging to another person. Certain jurisdictions also require licensees to attend a public hearing or forum in connection with their license renewal application.
Compliance with Applicable Federal Law
We are in compliance with applicable cannabis licensing requirements and the regulatory framework enacted by each state in which it operates. We are not subject to any material citations or notices of violation of applicable licensing requirements or the regulatory framework enacted by each applicable state which may have an adverse impact on its licenses, business activities or operations.
We have in place a detailed compliance program and an internal legal and compliance department and are building out our operational compliance team across all states in which we operate. We also have external state and local regulatory/compliance counsel engaged in every jurisdiction in which we operate.
We provide training for all employees, including on the following topics:
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Compliance with state and local laws
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Safe cannabis use
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Dispensing procedures
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Security and safety policies and procedures
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Inventory control
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T&T training session
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Quality control
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Transportation procedures
We emphasize security and inventory control to ensure strict monitoring of cannabis and inventory, from delivery by a licensed distributor to sale or disposal. Only authorized, properly trained employees are allowed to access the Company’s computerized seed-to-sale system.
We monitor all compliance notifications from the regulators and inspectors in each market and timely resolve any issues identified. We keep records of all compliance notifications received from the state regulators or inspectors, as well as how and when an issue was resolved. Moreover, we monitor news sources for information regarding developments at the state and federal level relating to the regulation and criminalization of cannabis.
Further, we have created comprehensive standard operating procedures that include detailed descriptions and instructions for receiving shipments of inventory, inventory tracking, recordkeeping and record retention practices related to inventory. We also have comprehensive standard operating procedures in place for performing inventory reconciliation, and ensuring the accuracy of inventory tracking and recordkeeping. We maintain accurate records of our inventory at all licensed facilities. Adherence to our standard operating procedures is mandatory and ensures that our operations are compliant with the rules set forth by the applicable state and local laws, regulations, ordinances, licenses and other requirements. We ensure adherence to standard operating procedures by regularly conducting internal inspections and ensure that any issues identified are resolved quickly and thoroughly.
Federal Law
The inconsistencies between federal and state regulation of cannabis were addressed in a memorandum which then-Deputy Attorney General James Cole sent to all U.S. District Attorneys in August 2013 outlining certain priorities for the Department of Justice relating to the prosecution of cannabis offenses. The Cole Memorandum acknowledged that, notwithstanding the designation of cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance at the federal level, several states had enacted laws authorizing the use of cannabis for medical purposes. The Cole Memorandum noted that jurisdictions that have enacted laws legalizing cannabis in some form have also implemented strong and effective regulatory and enforcement systems to control the cultivation, processing, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis. As such, conduct in compliance with those laws and regulations is less likely to implicate the Cole Memorandum’s enforcement priorities. The Department of Justice did not provide (and has not provided since) specific guidelines for what regulatory and enforcement systems would be deemed sufficient under the Cole Memorandum. In light of limited investigative and prosecutorial resources, the Cole Memorandum concluded that the Department of Justice should be focused on addressing only the most significant threats related to cannabis, such as distribution of cannabis from states where cannabis is legal to those where cannabis is illegal, the diversion of cannabis revenues to illicit drug cartels and sales of cannabis to minors.
On January 4, 2018, former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a new memorandum which rescinded the Cole Memorandum. The Sessions Memorandum stated, in part, that current law reflects “Congress’ determination that cannabis is a dangerous drug and cannabis activity is a serious crime,” and Mr. Sessions directed all U.S. Attorneys to enforce the laws enacted by Congress by following well-established principles when pursuing prosecutions related to cannabis activities. The Company is not aware of any prosecutions of investment companies doing routine business with licensed marijuana related businesses in light of the new
Department of Justice position. However, there can be no assurance that the federal government will not enforce federal laws relating to cannabis in the future. As a result of the Sessions Memorandum, federal prosecutors are now free to utilize their prosecutorial discretion to decide whether to prosecute cannabis activities, despite the existence of state-level laws that may be inconsistent with federal prohibitions. No direction was given to federal prosecutors in the Sessions Memorandum as to the priority they should ascribe to such cannabis activities, and thus it is uncertain how active U.S. federal prosecutors will be in relation to such activities.
Federal prosecutors appear to continue to use the Cole Memorandum’s priorities as an enforcement guide. Merrick Garland, who became Attorney General on March 10, 2021 has indicated that he would deprioritize enforcement of low-level cannabis crimes such as possession, and has shared his view that the government should focus on large-scale criminal enterprises that circumvent state legalization laws instead of going after people who abide by local cannabis policies. The Company believes it is too soon to determine what prosecutorial effects will be created by the rescission of the Cole Memorandum or any replacement thereof and when or if the Sessions Memorandum will be rescinded. President Joseph R. Biden, who assumed office in January 2021, has not yet indicated whether and when he will decriminalize or legalize cannabis and has previously stated that he is opposed to legalization. The sheer size of the cannabis industry, in addition to participation by state and local governments and investors, suggests that a large-scale federal enforcement operation would more than likely create unwanted political backlash for the Department of Justice and the current administration. It is also possible that the change of Congressional leadership in January 2021 could change the priorities of Congress and encourage reconciliation of federal and state laws. Regardless, at this time, cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance at the federal level. The U.S. federal government has always reserved the right to enforce federal law in regard to the sale and disbursement of medical or adult use cannabis, even if state law authorizes such sale and disbursement. It is unclear whether the risk of enforcement has been altered.
On June 7, 2018, the STATES Act was introduced in the Senate by Republican Senator Cory Gardner of Colorado and Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. A companion bill was introduced in the House by Democratic representative Jared Polis of Colorado. The bill provides in relevant part that the provisions of the Controlled Substances Act, as applied to marijuana, “shall not apply to any person acting in compliance with state law relating to the manufacture, production, possession, distribution, dispensation, administration, or delivery of marijuana.” Even though marijuana will remain within Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act under the STATES Act, the bill makes the Controlled Substances Act unenforceable to the extent it conflicts with state law. In essence, the bill extends the limitations afforded by the protection within the federal budget-which prevents the Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Agency from using funds to enforce federal law against state-legal medical cannabis commercial activity-to both medical and adult use cannabis activity in all states where it has been legalized. By allowing continued prohibition to be a choice by the individual states, the STATES Act does not fully legalize cannabis on a national level. In that respect, the bill emphasizes states’ rights under the Tenth Amendment, which provides that “the powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.” Under the STATES Act companies operating legal cannabis businesses would no longer be considered “trafficking” under the Controlled Substances Act, and this would likely assist financial institutions in transacting with individuals and businesses in the cannabis industry without the threat of money laundering prosecution, civil forfeiture and other criminal violations that could lead to a charter revocation. The STATES Act was reintroduced on April 4, 2019 in both the House and the Senate. Since the STATES Act is currently draft legislation, there is no guarantee that the STATES Act will become law in its current form.
One legislative safeguard for the medical cannabis industry, appended to the federal budget bill, remains in place following the rescission of the Cole Memorandum. For fiscal years 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, Congress adopted a so-called “rider” provision to the Consolidated Appropriations Acts (formerly referred to as the Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment and currently referred to as the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment) to prevent the federal government from using congressionally appropriated funds to enforce federal cannabis laws against regulated medical cannabis actors operating in compliance with state and local law. The Rohrabacher-Blumenauer
Amendment was included in the fiscal year 2018 budget passed on March 23, 2018. The Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment was included in the consolidated appropriations bill signed into legislation by President Trump in February 2019. In signing the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment, President Trump issued a signing statement noting that the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment “provides that the Department of Justice may not use any funds to prevent implementation of medical marijuana laws by various States and territories,” and further stating “I will treat this provision consistent with the President’s constitutional responsibility to faithfully execute the laws of the United States.” On June 20, 2019, the House approved a broader amendment that, in addition to protecting state medical cannabis programs, would also protect state adult use programs. On September 26, 2019, the Senate Appropriations Committee declined to take up the broader amendment but did approve the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment for the fiscal year 2020 spending bill. On September 27, 2019, the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment was renewed as part of a stopgap spending bill, in effect through November 21, 2019, and was then renewed through a series of stopgap spending bills passed in 2020. On December 27, 2020, the amendment was renewed through the signing of the fiscal year 2021 omnibus spending bill, effective through September 30, 2021. Despite the rescission of the Cole Memorandum, the Department of Justice appears to continue to adhere to the enforcement priorities set forth in the Cole Memorandum. Accordingly, as an industry best practice, the Company continues to employ the following policies to ensure compliance with the guidance provided by the Cole Memorandum:
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Our operations and our subsidiaries’ operations are compliant with all licensing requirements as established by the applicable state, county, municipality, town, township, borough and other political/administrative divisions; to this end, we retain appropriately experienced legal counsel to conduct the necessary due diligence to ensure compliance of such operations with all applicable state and local laws;
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the cannabis-related activities adhere to the scope of the licensing obtained-for example, in states where only medical cannabis is permitted, the products are only sold to patients who hold the necessary documentation to permit the possession of the cannabis; in states where cannabis is permitted for adult use, the products are only sold to individuals who meet the requisite age requirements;
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We only work through licensed operators, which must pass a range of requirements, adhere to strict business practice standards and be subject to strict regulatory oversight to ensure that no revenue is distributed to criminal enterprises, gangs or cartels;
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We have implemented an inventory tracking system and necessary procedures to ensure that such compliance system is effective in tracking inventory and preventing diversion of cannabis or cannabis products into those states where cannabis is not permitted by state law or cross any state lines in general;
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Our state-authorized cannabis business activity is not used as a cover or pretense for trafficking of other illegal drugs, and we are not engaged in any other illegal activity or any activities that are contrary to any applicable anti-money laundering statutes; and
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We conduct reviews of products and product packaging to ensure that the products comply with applicable regulations and contain necessary disclaimers about the contents of the products to prevent adverse public health consequences from cannabis use and prevent impaired driving.
The Cole Memorandum and the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment gave licensed cannabis operators (particularly medical cannabis operators) and investors in states with legal regimes greater certainty regarding the Department of Justice’s enforcement priorities and the risk of operating cannabis businesses. While the Sessions Memorandum has introduced some uncertainty regarding federal enforcement, the cannabis industry continues to experience growth in legal medical and adult use markets across the United States. Attorney General Merrick Garland, who assumed office on March 10, 2021, has indicated that he would deprioritize enforcement of low-level cannabis crimes such as possession, and has shared his view that the government should focus on large-scale criminal enterprises that circumvent state legalization laws instead of going after people who abide by local cannabis policies. Vice President Kamala Harris is the lead sponsor of the Marijuana Opportunity,
Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act, which seeks to end the federal prohibition of marijuana, among other things, but in March 2020, it was reported that Vice President Harris has adopted the same position as President Joseph R. Biden, who opposes legalization. Currently, there is no guarantee that state laws legalizing and regulating the sale and use of cannabis will remain in place or that local governmental authorities will not limit the applicability of state laws within their respective jurisdictions. Unless and until the United States Congress amends the Controlled Substances Act with respect to cannabis (and as to the timing or scope of any such potential amendments there can be no assurance), there is a risk that federal authorities may enforce current U.S. federal law criminalizing cannabis.
We will continue to monitor compliance on an ongoing basis in accordance with our compliance program and standard operating procedures. While our operations are in full compliance with all applicable state laws, regulations and licensing requirements, such activities remain illegal under federal law. For the reasons described above and the risks further described in the section entitled “Risk Factors,” there are significant risks associated with our business. Readers of this Form are strongly encouraged to carefully read all of the risk factors contained in Item 1A - “Risk Factors.”
Ability to Access Public and Private Capital
Due to the present state of the laws and regulations governing financial institutions in the U.S., banks often refuse to provide banking services to businesses involved in the marijuana industry and U.S. multistate operators are currently not permitted to list securities on the U.S. exchanges. Consequently, it may be difficult for us to obtain financing from large U.S. financial institutions.
We have historically, and continue to have, access to equity and debt financing from non-public (i.e., private placement) markets and state-chartered financial institutions. Our executive team and Board have extensive relationships with sources of capital (such as funds and high net worth individuals).
In addition to our working capital, we continue to generate adequate cash to fund our operations from capital raising transactions, including:
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the Convertible Promissory Note;
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the SR Offering;
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the C$80.3 million bought deal financing in August 2018;
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the C$101.7 million bought deal financing in October 2018;
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the Bridge Notes;
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the Notes;
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the $39.6 million sale and lease back transaction with IIP for the Danville, Pennsylvania facility in November 2019;
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the $32.2 million sale and leaseback transaction with IIP for the Toledo, Ohio facility in January 2020;
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the $50.0 million sale and lease back transaction with IIP for the Oglesby, Illinois facility in March 2020;
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the sale of approximately 4.7 million of our subordinate voting shares for approximately $156 million pursuant to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 that was declared effective by the SEC as of February 8, 2021.
Our business plan continues to include aggressive growth, both in the form of additional acquisitions and through facility expansion and improvements. Accordingly, we expect to raise additional capital, both in the form of debt and new equity offerings during the next few years.
However, there can be no assurance that additional financing will be available to us when needed or on terms which are acceptable.
Restricted Access to Banking and Other Financial Services
FinCEN issued the FinCEN Memorandum on February 14, 2014 with respect to financial institutions providing banking services to cannabis businesses. These include burdensome due diligence expectations and reporting requirements. The FinCEN Memorandum outlines the pathways for financial institutions to bank state-sanctioned cannabis businesses in compliance with federal enforcement priorities. The FinCEN Memorandum echoed the enforcement priorities of the Cole Memorandum and states that, in some circumstances, it is permissible for banks to provide services to cannabis-related businesses without risking prosecution for violation of federal money laundering laws. Under these guidelines, financial institutions must submit a Suspicious Activity Report in connection with all cannabis-related banking activities by any client of such financial institution, in accordance with federal money laundering laws. These cannabis-related Suspicious Activity Reports are divided into three categories-cannabis limited, cannabis priority, and cannabis terminated-based on the financial institution’s belief that the business in question follows state law, is operating outside of compliance with state law, or where the banking relationship has been terminated, respectively.
Former U.S. Attorney General Sessions’ revocation of the Cole Memorandum has not affected the status of the FinCEN Memorandum, nor has the Department of the Treasury given any indication that it intends to rescind the FinCEN Memorandum itself. Shortly after the Sessions Memorandum was issued, FinCEN did state that it would review the FinCEN Memorandum, but FinCEN has not yet issued further guidance. The FinCEN Memorandum is a standalone document which explicitly lists the eight enforcement priorities originally cited in the Cole Memorandum. As such, the FinCEN Memorandum remains intact, indicating that the Department of the Treasury and FinCEN intend to continue abiding by its guidance.
However, the FinCEN Memorandum does not provide any safe harbors or legal defenses from examination or regulatory or criminal enforcement actions by the Department of Justice, FinCEN or other federal regulators or for banks and other financial institutions. Thus, most banks and other financial institutions in the United States do not appear comfortable providing banking services to cannabis-related businesses or relying on this guidance, given that it has the potential to be amended or revoked by the current administration. In addition to the foregoing, banks and/or card networks may refuse to process debit card payments and credit card companies generally refuse to process credit card payments for cannabis-related businesses. As a result, we may have limited or no access to banking or other financial services in the United States. In addition, federal money laundering statutes and regulations under the Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by Title III of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (the “USA Patriot Act”), discourage financial institutions from working with any organization that sells a controlled substance, regardless of whether the state it operates in permits cannabis sales. The inability or limitation on our ability to open or maintain bank accounts, obtain other banking services and/or accept credit card and debit card payments may make it difficult for us to operate and conduct our business as planned or to operate efficiently.
Federally-chartered banks and other depository institutions are currently hindered by federal law from providing financial services to marijuana businesses, even in states where those businesses are regulated. On March 7, 2019, Democratic representative Ed Perlmutter of Colorado introduced the SAFE Banking Act, which would protect banks and their employees from punishment for providing services to cannabis businesses that are legal on a state level. The bill was advanced by the House Financial Services Committee on March 28, 2019 and passed with strong bipartisan support in the House of Representatives on September 25, 2019. Some industry observers anticipate that the bill will be signed into law within the next year, which would, as noted above, allow financial institutions to provide services to marijuana related businesses without risk of violating federal money laundering statutes.
Newly Established Legal Regime
Our business activities rely on newly established and/or developing laws and regulations in the states in which it operates. These laws and regulations are rapidly evolving and subject to change with minimal notice. Regulatory changes may adversely affect our profitability or cause us to cease operations entirely. The cannabis industry may come under further scrutiny by the Food and Drug Administration, the SEC, the Department of Justice, the Financial Industry Regulatory Advisory and other regulatory authorities that supervise or regulate the production, distribution, sale and use of cannabis for medical and nonmedical purposes in the United States. It is impossible to determine the extent of the impact of new laws, regulations or initiatives that may be proposed. The regulatory uncertainty surrounding the industry may adversely affect our business and operations, including without limitation, the costs to remain compliant with applicable laws and the impairment of our business or the ability to raise additional capital.
Available Information
Our website address is www.gtigrows.com. Through this website, our filings with the SEC, including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports, will be accessible (free of charge) as soon as reasonably practicable after materials are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. The information provided on our website is not part of this document.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Summary of Risk Factors
Our business is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties of which you should be aware before making a decision to invest in our Subordinate Voting Shares. This summary does not address all of the risks that we face. Additional discussion of the risks summarized in this risk factor summary; and other risks we face, can be found below under the heading “Risk Factors” and should be carefully considered, together with other information in this Form 10-K and our other filings with the SEC, before making a decision to invest in our Subordinate Voting Shares. These risks include, among others, the following:
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Cannabis remains illegal under federal law, and enforcement of cannabis laws could change.
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We may be subject to action by the U.S. federal government.
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State regulation of cannabis is uncertain.
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We may be subject to heightened scrutiny by Canadian regulatory authorities.
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We may face limitations on ownership of cannabis licenses.
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We may become subject to Food and Drug Administration or Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives regulation.
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Cannabis businesses are subject to applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations and have restricted access to banking and other financial services.
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We may face difficulties acquiring additional financing.
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We lack access to U.S. bankruptcy protections.
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We operate in a highly regulated sector and may not always succeed in complying fully with applicable regulatory requirements in all jurisdictions where we carry on business.
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We may face difficulties in enforcing our contracts.
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We have limited trademark protection.
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Cannabis businesses are subject to unfavorable U.S. tax treatment.
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Cannabis businesses may be subject to civil asset forfeiture.
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We are subject to proceeds of crime statutes.
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We face exposure to fraudulent or illegal activity.
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Our use of joint ventures, strategic partnerships and alliances may expose us to risks associated with jointly owned investments.
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We face risks due to industry immaturity or limited comparable, competitive or established industry best practices.
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We face risks related to our products.
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We are dependent on the popularity of consumer acceptance of our brand portfolio.
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Our business is subject to the risks inherent in agricultural operations.
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We may be adversely impacted by rising or volatile energy costs.
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We face an inherent risk of product liability and similar claims.
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Our products may be subject to product recalls.
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We may face unfavorable publicity or consumer perception.
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Our voting control is concentrated.
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Our capital structure and voting control may cause unpredictability.
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Sales of substantial amounts of Subordinate Voting Shares by our existing shareholders in the public market may have an adverse effect on the market price of the Subordinate Voting Shares.
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We are governed by the corporate laws in British Columbia, Canada which in some cases have a different effect on shareholders than the corporate laws in Delaware, United States.
Risk Factors
Certain factors may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. You should carefully consider the following risks, together with all of the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the sections titled “Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Any of the following risks could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results, or prospects and could cause the trading price of our common stock to decline, which would cause you to lose all or part of your investment. Our business, financial condition, operating results, or prospects could also be harmed by risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently do not believe are material.
Risks Related to Our Business
Cannabis remains illegal under federal law, and enforcement of cannabis laws could change.
Cannabis is illegal under U.S. federal law. In those states in which the use of cannabis has been legalized, its use remains a violation of federal law pursuant to the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. § 811). The Controlled Substances Act classifies cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance, and as such, medical and adult use cannabis use is illegal under U.S. federal law. Unless and until Congress amends the Controller Substances Act with respect to cannabis (and the President approves such amendment), there is a risk that federal authorities may enforce current federal law. If that occurs, we may be deemed to be producing, cultivating or
dispensing cannabis and drug paraphernalia in violation of federal law. Since federal law criminalizing the use of cannabis pre-empts state laws that legalize its use, enforcement of federal law regarding cannabis is a significant risk and would greatly harm our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
Our activities are, and will continue to be, subject to evolving regulation by governmental authorities. We are directly or indirectly engaged in the medical and adult use cannabis industry in the United States where local state law permits such activities. The legality of the production, cultivation, extraction, distribution, retail sales, transportation and use of cannabis differs among states in the United States. Due to the current regulatory environment in the United States, new risks may emerge, and management may not be able to predict all such risks.
As of December 31, 2020, and despite the clear conflict with U.S. federal law, 35 states, plus the District of Columbia (and the territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands) have legalized cannabis for medical use, while 15 of those states and the District of Columbia have legalized adult use of cannabis for recreational purposes. In November 2020, voters in Arizona, Montana, New Jersey and South Dakota voted by referendum to legalize cannabis for adult use, and voters in Mississippi and South Dakota voted to legalized cannabis for Medical use, and in February 2021, the Virginia legislature approved a bill that would legalize cannabis for adult use beginning in 2024. The Virginia bill is awaiting signature by the governor, and if signed, Virginia will be the first southern state to legalize cannabis for adult use. Also in February 2021, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed three bills into law that legalize cannabis for adult use.
Our activities in the medical and adult use cannabis industry may be illegal under the applicable federal laws of the United States. There can be no assurances that the federal government of the United States will not seek to enforce the applicable laws against us. The consequences of such enforcement would be materially adverse to us and our business, including its reputation, profitability and the market price of its publicly traded shares, and could result in the forfeiture or seizure of all or substantially all of our assets.
Due to the conflicting views between state legislatures and the federal government regarding cannabis, cannabis businesses are subject to inconsistent laws and regulations. The Obama Administration attempted to address the inconsistent treatment of cannabis under state and federal law in the Cole Memorandum that Deputy Attorney General James Cole sent to all U.S. Attorneys in August 2013, which outlined certain priorities for the Department of Justice relating to the prosecution of cannabis offenses. The Cole Memorandum noted that, in jurisdictions that have enacted laws legalizing cannabis in some form and that have also implemented strong and effective regulatory and enforcement systems to control the cultivation, processing, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis, conduct in compliance with such laws and regulations was not a priority for the Department of Justice. However, the Department of Justice did not provide (and has not provided since) specific guidelines for what regulatory and enforcement systems would be deemed sufficient under the Cole Memorandum.
On January 4, 2018, former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions formally issued a memorandum, which we refer to as the Sessions Memorandum, which rescinded the Cole Memorandum effective upon its issuance. The Sessions Memorandum stated, in part, that current law reflects “Congress’ determination that cannabis is a dangerous drug and cannabis activity is a serious crime,” and Mr. Sessions directed all U.S. Attorneys to enforce the laws enacted by Congress and to follow well-established principles when pursuing prosecutions related to cannabis activities. As a result of the Sessions Memorandum, federal prosecutors are now free to utilize their prosecutorial discretion to decide whether to prosecute cannabis activities, despite the existence of state-level laws that may be inconsistent with federal prohibitions. No direction was given to federal prosecutors in the Sessions Memorandum as to the priority they should ascribe to such cannabis activities, and thus it is uncertain how active U.S. federal prosecutors will be in relation to such activities.
There can be no assurance that the federal government will not enforce federal laws relating to cannabis and seek to prosecute cases involving cannabis businesses that are otherwise compliant with state laws in the future.
President Biden has nominated Merrick Garland to serve as Attorney General in his administration. It is not yet known whether the Department of Justice under President Biden and Attorney General Garland will re-adopt the Cole Memorandum or announce a substantive cannabis enforcement policy, although, Mr. Garland has indicated he would deprioritize enforcement of low-level cannabis crimes such as possession. One legislative safeguard for the medical cannabis industry, appended to the federal budget bill, remains in place following the rescission of the Cole Memorandum. For fiscal years 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, Congress adopted a so-called “rider” provision to the Consolidated Appropriations Acts (formerly referred to as the Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment and currently referred to as the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment) to prevent the federal government from using congressionally appropriated funds to enforce federal cannabis laws against regulated medical cannabis actors operating in compliance with state and local law. The Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment was included in the fiscal year 2018 budget passed on March 23, 2018. The Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment was included in the consolidated appropriations bill signed into legislation by former President Trump in February 2019. In signing the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment, former President Trump issued a signing statement noting that the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment “provides that the Department of Justice may not use any funds to prevent implementation of medical cannabis laws by various States and territories,” and further stating “I will treat this provision consistent with the President’s constitutional responsibility to faithfully execute the laws of the United States.” On June 20, 2019, the House approved a broader amendment that, in addition to protecting state medical cannabis programs, would also protect state adult use programs. On September 26, 2019, the Senate Appropriations Committee declined to take up the broader amendment but did approve the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment for the fiscal year 2020 spending bill. On September 27, 2019, the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment was renewed as part of a stopgap spending bill, in effect through November 21, 2019. On December 27, 2020, the amendment was renewed through the signing of the fiscal year 2021 omnibus spending bill, effective through September 30, 2021.
The Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment may or may not be renewed as part of a subsequent stopgap spending bill or omnibus appropriations package in order to prevent the federal government from using congressionally appropriated funds to enforce federal cannabis laws against regulated medical cannabis actors operating in compliance with state and local law. If the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment is not renewed, potential proceedings could involve significant restrictions being imposed upon us or third parties and divert the attention of key executives. Such proceedings could also have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition, as well our reputation, even if such proceedings were concluded successfully in our favor. Further, there is no guarantee that draft legislation such as the Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States Act (S. Bill 3032), which we refer to as the STATES Act will become law in its current form.
The uncertainty of U.S. federal enforcement practices going forward and the inconsistency between U.S. federal and state laws and regulations present major risks for us.
We may be subject to action by the U.S. federal government.
Since the cultivation, processing, production, distribution and sale of cannabis for any purpose, medical, adult use or otherwise, remain illegal under U.S. federal law, it is possible that we may be forced to cease activities. The U.S. federal government, through, among others, the Department of Justice, its sub-agency the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, has the right to actively investigate, audit and shut down cannabis growing facilities, processors and retailers. The U.S. federal government may also attempt to seize the property of the Company. Any action taken by the Department of Justice, the Drug Enforcement Administration and/or the Internal Revenue Service to interfere with, seize or shut down our operations will have an adverse effect on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
Since federal law criminalizing the use of cannabis pre-empts state laws that legalize its use, the federal government can assert criminal violations of federal law despite state laws permitting the use of cannabis. While
it does not appear that federal law enforcement and regulatory agencies are focusing resources on licensed cannabis related businesses that are operating in compliance with state law, the stated position of the current administration is hostile to legal cannabis. As the recession of the Cole Memorandum and the implementation of the Sessions Memorandum demonstrate, the Department of Justice may at any time issue additional guidance that directs federal prosecutors to devote more resources to prosecuting cannabis related businesses. In the event that the Department of Justice under U.S. Attorney General Garland aggressively pursues financiers or equity owners of cannabis-related businesses, and U.S. Attorneys follow the Department of Justice policies through pursuing prosecutions, then we could face:
(i) seizure of our cash and other assets used to support or derived from our cannabis subsidiaries;
(ii) the arrest of our employees, directors, officers, managers and investors; and
(iii) ancillary criminal violations of the Controlled Substances Act for aiding and abetting, and conspiracy to violate the Controlled Substances Act by providing financial support to cannabis companies that service or provide goods to state-licensed or permitted cultivators, processors, distributors and/or retailers of cannabis.
Because the Cole Memorandum was rescinded, the Department of Justice or an aggressive federal prosecutor could allege that Green Thumb Industries Inc., and our Board, our executive officers and, potentially, our shareholders, “aided and abetted” violations of federal law by providing finances and services to our portfolio cannabis companies. Under these circumstances, federal prosecutors could seek to seize our assets, and to recover the “illicit profits” previously distributed to shareholders resulting from any of our financing or services. In these circumstances, the Company’s operations would cease, shareholders may lose their entire investments and directors, officers and/or shareholders may be left to defend any criminal charges against them at their own expense and, if convicted, be sent to federal prison.
Additionally, there can be no assurance as to the position the Biden administration or any future administration may take on cannabis, and a new administration could decide to enforce the federal laws strongly. Any enforcement of current federal cannabis laws could cause significant financial damage to us and our shareholders. Further, future presidential administrations may choose to treat cannabis differently and potentially enforce the federal laws more aggressively.
Violations of any federal laws and regulations could result in significant fines, penalties, administrative sanctions, convictions or settlements arising from civil proceedings conducted by either the federal government or private citizens, or criminal charges, including, but not limited to, disgorgement of profits, cessation of business activities or divestiture. These results could have a material adverse effect on us, including our reputation and ability to conduct business, our holding (directly or indirectly) of cannabis licenses in the United States, the listing of our securities on various stock exchanges, our financial position, operating results, profitability or liquidity or the market price of its Subordinate Voting Shares. In addition, it is difficult to estimate the time or resources that would be needed for the investigation or final resolution of any such matters because: (i) the time and resources that may be needed depend on the nature and extent of any information requested by the authorities involved, and (ii) such time or resources could be substantial.
State regulation of cannabis is uncertain.
There is no assurance that state laws legalizing and regulating the sale and use of cannabis will not be repealed or overturned, or that local governmental authorities will not limit the applicability of state laws within their respective jurisdictions. If the U.S. federal government begins to enforce U.S. federal laws relating to cannabis in states where the sale and use of cannabis is currently legal, or if existing state laws are repealed or curtailed, the Company’s business or operations in those states or under those laws would be materially and adversely affected. Federal actions against any individual or entity engaged in the cannabis industry or a substantial repeal of cannabis related legislation could adversely affect the Company, its business and its assets or investments.
The rulemaking process at the state level that applies to cannabis operators in any state will be ongoing and result in frequent changes. As a result, a compliance program is essential to manage regulatory risk. All operating policies and procedures implemented by the Company are compliance-based and are derived from the state regulatory structure governing ancillary cannabis businesses and their relationships to state-licensed or permitted cannabis operators, if any. Notwithstanding the Company’s efforts and diligence, regulatory compliance and the process of obtaining regulatory approvals can be costly and time-consuming. No assurance can be given that the Company will receive the requisite licenses, permits or cards to continue operating its businesses.
In addition, local laws and ordinances could restrict the Company’s business activity. Although the Company’s operations are legal under the laws of the states in which the Company’s business operate, local governments have the ability to limit, restrict and ban cannabis businesses from operating within their jurisdiction. Land use, zoning, local ordinances and similar laws could be adopted or changed and have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.
Multiple states where medical and/or adult use cannabis is legal have or are considering special taxes or fees on businesses in the marijuana industry. It is uncertain at this time whether other states are in the process of reviewing such additional taxes and fees. The implementation of special taxes or fees could have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
The Company currently operates in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania and intends to operate in other states as deemed appropriate by management.
State regulatory agencies may require the Company to post bonds or significant fees.
There is a risk that a greater number of state regulatory agencies will begin requiring entities engaged in certain aspects of the business or industry of legal marijuana to post a bond or significant fees when applying, for example, for a dispensary license or renewal as a guarantee of payment of sales and franchise taxes. The Company is not able to quantify at this time the potential scope of such bonds or fees in the states in which it currently operates or may in the future operate. Any bonds or fees of material amounts could have a negative impact on the ultimate success of the Company’s business.
We may be subject to heightened scrutiny by Canadian regulatory authorities.
Currently, the Company is traded on the CSE and on over-the-counter markets in the United States. The business, operations and investments of the Company in the United States, and any future business, operations or investments, may become the subject of heightened scrutiny by regulators, stock exchanges and other authorities in Canada and the United States. As a result, the Company may be subject to significant direct and indirect interaction with public officials. There can be no assurance that this heightened scrutiny will not in turn lead to the imposition of certain restrictions on the Company’s ability to operate or invest in the United States or any other jurisdiction, in addition to those described herein.
In 2017, there were concerns that the Canadian Depository for Securities Limited, through its subsidiary CDS Clearing and Depository Services Inc. (“CDS”), Canada’s central securities depository (clearing and settling trades in the Canadian equity, fixed income and money markets), would refuse to settle trades for cannabis issuers that have investments in the United States. However, CDS has not implemented this policy.
On February 8, 2018, the Canadian Securities Administrators published Staff Notice 51-352 describing the Canadian Securities Administrators’ disclosure expectations for specific risks facing issuers with cannabis-related activities in the U.S. Staff Notice 51-352 confirms that a disclosure-based approach remains appropriate for issuers with U.S. cannabis-related activities. Staff Notice 51-352 includes additional disclosure expectations that apply to all issuers with U.S. cannabis-related activities, including those with direct and indirect involvement in the cultivation and distribution of cannabis, as well as issuers that provide goods and services to third parties involved in the U.S. cannabis industry.
On February 8, 2018, following discussions with the Canadian Securities Administrators and recognized Canadian securities exchanges, the TMX Group, which is the owner and operator of CDS, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Aequitas NEO Exchange Inc., the CSE, the Toronto Stock Exchange and the TSX Venture Exchange (“TSXV”). The MOU outlines the parties’ understanding of Canada’s regulatory framework applicable to the rules, procedures and regulatory oversight of the exchanges and CDS as it relates to issuers with cannabis-related activities in the United States. The MOU confirms, with respect to the clearing of listed securities, that CDS relies on the Canadian securities exchanges to review the conduct of listed issuers. The MOU notes that securities regulation requires that the rules of each of the exchanges must not be contrary to the public interest and that the rules of each of the exchanges have been approved by the securities regulators. Pursuant to the MOU, CDS will not ban accepting deposits of or transactions for clearing and settlement of securities of issuers with cannabis-related activities in the United States. Even though the MOU indicated that there are no plans to ban the settlement of securities through CDS, there can be no guarantee that this approach to regulation will continue in the future. If such a ban were implemented at a time when Subordinate Voting Shares are listed on a Canadian stock exchange, it would have a material adverse effect on the ability of holders of Subordinate Voting Shares to make and settle trades. In particular, the Subordinate Voting Shares would become highly illiquid until an alternative (if available) was implemented, and investors would have no ability to effect a trade of Subordinate Voting Shares through the facilities of the applicable Canadian stock exchange.
We may face limitations on ownership of cannabis licenses.
In certain states, the cannabis laws and regulations limit not only the number of cannabis licenses issued, but also the number of cannabis licenses that one person or entity may own. Such limitations on the ownership of additional licenses within certain states may limit the Company’s ability to grow in such states. The Company employs joint ventures from time to time to ensure continued compliance with the applicable regulatory guidelines. Currently, the Company has joint ventures with third parties in Connecticut and Illinois. The Company structures its joint ventures on a case-by-case basis but generally maintains operational control over the joint venture business and a variable economic interest through the applicable governing documents.
We may become subject to Food and Drug Administration or Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives regulation.
Cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance under U.S. federal law. If the federal government reclassifies cannabis to a Schedule II controlled substance, it is possible that the FDA would seek to regulate cannabis under the Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act of 1938. Additionally, the FDA may issue rules and regulations, including good manufacturing practices, related to the growth, cultivation, harvesting and processing of medical cannabis. Clinical trials may be needed to verify the efficacy and safety of cannabis. It is also possible that the FDA would require facilities where medical use cannabis is grown to register with the FDA and comply with certain federally prescribed regulations. In the event that some or all of these regulations are imposed, the impact they would have on the cannabis industry is unknown, including the costs, requirements and possible prohibitions that may be enforced. If the Company is unable to comply with the potential regulations or registration requirements prescribed by the FDA, it may have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
It is also possible that the federal government could seek to regulate cannabis under the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives may issue rules and regulations related to the use, transporting, sale and advertising of cannabis or cannabis products, including smokeless cannabis products.
Cannabis businesses are subject to applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations and have restricted access to banking and other financial services.
We are subject to a variety of laws and regulations in the United States that involve money laundering, financial record-keeping and proceeds of crime, including the U.S. Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, (which we refer to as the Bank Secrecy Act), as amended by Title III of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (which we refer to as the USA Patriot Act), and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by governmental authorities in the United States. Accordingly, pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, banks or other financial institutions that provide a cannabis business with a checking account, debit or credit card, small business loan or any other service could be found guilty of money laundering, aiding and abetting, or conspiracy.
The United States Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, which we refer to as FinCEN, issued a memorandum on February 14, 2014, which we refer to as the FinCEN Memorandum, outlining the pathways for financial institutions to bank cannabis businesses in compliance with federal enforcement priorities. The FinCEN Memorandum states that in some circumstances, it is permissible for banks to provide services to cannabis-related businesses without risking prosecution for violation of federal money laundering laws. The FinCEN Memorandum refers to the Cole Memorandum’s enforcement priorities.
The revocation of the Cole Memorandum has not yet affected the status of the FinCEN Memorandum, nor has FinCEN given any indication that it intends to rescind the FinCEN Memorandum itself. Shortly after the Sessions Memorandum was issued, FinCEN did state that it would review the FinCEN Memorandum, but FinCEN has not yet issued further guidance.
Although the FinCEN Memorandum remains intact, it is unclear whether the Biden administration will continue to follow its guidelines, or what may happen under future administrations. The Department of Justice continues to have the right and power to prosecute crimes committed by banks and financial institutions, such as money laundering and violations of the Bank Secrecy Act, that occur in any state including states that have in some form legalized the sale of cannabis. Further, the conduct of the Department of Justice’s enforcement priorities could change for any number of reasons. A change in the Department of Justice’s priorities could result in the prosecution of banks and financial institutions for crimes that were not previously prosecuted.
If our operations, or proceeds thereof, dividend distributions or profits or revenues derived from our operations were found to be in violation of money laundering legislation or otherwise, such transactions may be viewed as proceeds from a crime (the sale of a Schedule I drug) under the Bank Secrecy Act’s money laundering provisions. This may restrict our ability to declare or pay dividends or effect other distributions.
The FinCEN Memorandum does not provide any safe harbors or legal defenses from examination or regulatory or criminal enforcement actions by the Department of Justice, FinCEN or other federal regulators. Thus, most banks and other financial institutions in the United States do not appear comfortable providing banking services to cannabis-related businesses or relying on this guidance given that it has the potential to be amended or revoked by the current administration. In addition to the foregoing, banks may refuse to process debit card payments and credit card companies generally refuse to process credit card payments for cannabis-related businesses. As a result, we may have limited or no access to banking or other financial services in the United States. In addition, federal money laundering statutes and Bank Secrecy Act regulations discourage financial institutions from working with any organization that sells a controlled substance, regardless of whether the state it operates in permits cannabis sales. Our inability or limitation of our ability to open or maintain bank accounts, obtain other banking services and/or accept credit card and debit card payments may make it difficult for us to operate and conduct our business as planned or to operate efficiently.
Banks and other depository institutions are currently hindered by federal law from providing financial services to cannabis businesses, even in states where those businesses are regulated. On March 7, 2019,
Democratic representative Ed Perlmutter of Colorado introduced house bill H.R. 1595, known as the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act of 2019 (H.R. 1595), which we refer to as the SAFE Banking Act, which would protect banks and their employees from punishment for providing services to cannabis businesses that are legal on a state level. The bill was advanced by the House Financial Services Committee on March 28, 2019 and passed with strong bipartisan support in the House of Representatives on September 25, 2019.
We may face difficulties acquiring additional financing.
We may require equity and/or debt financing to support on-going operations, to undertake capital expenditures or to undertake acquisitions and/or other business combination transactions. There can be no assurance that additional financing will be available to us when needed or on terms which are acceptable. Our inability to raise financing through traditional banking to fund on-going operations, capital expenditures or acquisitions could limit its growth and may have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
We lack access to U.S. bankruptcy protections.
Many courts have denied cannabis businesses bankruptcy protections because the use of cannabis is illegal under federal law. In the event of a bankruptcy, it would be very difficult for lenders to recoup their investments in the cannabis industry. If the Company were to experience a bankruptcy, there is no guarantee that U.S. federal bankruptcy protections would be available to us, which would have a material adverse effect on us.
We operate in a highly regulated sector and may not always succeed in complying fully with applicable regulatory requirements in all jurisdictions where we carry on business.
Our business and activities are heavily regulated in all jurisdictions where we carry on business. Our operations are subject to various laws, regulations and guidelines by state and local governmental authorities relating to the manufacture, marketing, management, transportation, storage, sale, pricing and disposal of cannabis and cannabis oil, and also including laws and regulations relating to health and safety, insurance coverage, the conduct of operations and the protection of the environment. Laws and regulations, applied generally, grant government agencies and self-regulatory bodies broad administrative discretion over our activities, including the power to limit or restrict business activities as well as impose additional disclosure requirements on our products and services. Achievement of our business objectives is contingent, in part, upon compliance with regulatory requirements enacted by these governmental authorities and obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals for the manufacture, production, storage, transportation, sale, import and export, as applicable, of our products. The commercial cannabis industry is still a new industry at the state and local level. The effect of relevant governmental authorities’ administration, application and enforcement of their respective regulatory regimes and delays in obtaining, or failure to obtain, applicable regulatory approvals which may be required may significantly delay or impact the development of markets, products and sales initiatives and could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
While we endeavor to comply with all relevant laws, regulations and guidelines and, to our knowledge, we are in compliance or are in the process of being assessed for compliance with all such laws, regulations and guidelines, any failure to comply with the regulatory requirements applicable to our operations may lead to possible sanctions including the revocation or imposition of additional conditions on licenses to operate our business; the suspension or expulsion from a particular market or jurisdiction or of our key personnel; the imposition of additional or more stringent inspection, testing and reporting requirements; and the imposition of fines and censures. In addition, changes in regulations, more vigorous enforcement thereof or other unanticipated events could require extensive changes to our operations, increase compliance costs or give rise to material liabilities and/or revocation of our licenses and other permits, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Furthermore, governmental authorities may change their administration, application or enforcement procedures at any time, which may adversely impact our ongoing costs relating to regulatory compliance.
We may face difficulties in enforcing its contracts.
Because our contracts involve cannabis and other activities that are not legal under federal law and in some state jurisdictions, we may face difficulties in enforcing its contracts in federal courts and certain state courts. We cannot be assured that it will have a remedy for breach of contract, which could have a material adverse effect on us.
We have limited trademark protection.
We will not be able to register any federal trademarks for its cannabis products. Because producing, manufacturing, processing, possessing, distributing, selling and using cannabis is a crime under the Controlled Substances Act, the Patent and Trademark Office will not permit the registration of any trademark that identifies cannabis products. As a result, we likely will be unable to protect its cannabis product trademarks beyond the geographic areas in which it conducts business. The use of our trademarks outside the states in which it operates by one or more other persons could have a material adverse effect on the value of such trademarks.
We are and may continue to be subject to constraints on marketing our products.
Certain of the states in which we operate have enacted strict regulations regarding marketing and sales activities on cannabis products. There may be restrictions on sales and marketing activities imposed by government regulatory bodies that can hinder the development of the Company’s business and operating results. Restrictions may include regulations that specify what, where and to whom product information and descriptions may appear and/or be advertised. Marketing, advertising, packaging and labeling regulations also vary from state to state, potentially limiting the consistency and scale of consumer branding communication and product education efforts. The regulatory environment in the U.S. limits our ability to compete for market share in a manner similar to other industries. If we are unable to effectively market our products and compete for market share, or if the costs of compliance with government legislation and regulation cannot be absorbed through increased selling prices for our products, our sales and operating results could be adversely affected.
We face risks related to the results of future clinical research.
Research regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, dosing and social acceptance of cannabis or isolated cannabinoids (such as cannabidiol, commonly referred to as CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly referred to as THC) remains in early stages. There have been relatively few clinical trials on the benefits of cannabis or isolated cannabinoids (such as CBD and THC). Although we believe that various articles, reports and studies support our beliefs regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, dosing and social acceptance of cannabis, future research and clinical trials may prove such statements to be incorrect, or could raise concerns regarding, and perceptions relating to, cannabis. Further, the federal illegality of cannabis and associated limits on our ability to properly fund and conduct research on cannabis and the lack of formal Food and Drug Administration oversight of cannabis, there is limited information about the long-term safety and efficacy of cannabis in is various forms, when combusted or combined with various cannabis and/or non-cannabis derived ingredients and materials or when ingested, inhaled or topically applied. Future research or oversight may reveal negative health and safety effects, which may significantly impact our reputation, operations and financial performance.
Given these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, prospective purchasers of Subordinate Voting Shares should not place undue reliance on such articles and reports. Future research studies and clinical trials may draw opposing conclusions to those stated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K or reach negative conclusions regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, dosing, social acceptance or other facts and perceptions related to cannabis, which could have a material adverse effect on the demand for our products, with the potential to have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
We are subject to taxation in Canada and the United States.
We are and will continue to be a Canadian corporation as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We are treated as a Canadian resident company (as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada)) subject to Canadian income taxes. We are also treated as a U.S. corporation subject to U.S. federal income tax pursuant to Section 7874 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (which we refer to as the “Code”) and are subject to U.S. federal income tax on our worldwide income. As a result, we are subject to taxation both in Canada and the United States, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
It is unlikely that we will pay any dividends on the Subordinate Voting Shares in the foreseeable future. However, dividends received by shareholders who are residents of Canada for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) will be subject to U.S. withholding tax. Any such dividends may not qualify for a reduced rate of withholding tax under the Canada-United States tax treaty. In addition, a foreign tax credit or a deduction in respect of foreign taxes may not be available.
Dividends received by U.S. shareholders will not be subject to U.S. withholding tax but will be subject to Canadian withholding tax. Dividends paid by us will be characterized as U.S. source income for purposes of the foreign tax credit rules under the Code. Accordingly, U.S. shareholders generally will not be able to claim a credit for any Canadian tax withheld unless, depending on the circumstances, they have an excess foreign tax credit limitation due to other foreign source income that is subject to a low or zero rate of foreign tax.
Dividends received by shareholders that are neither Canadian nor U.S. shareholders will be subject to U.S. withholding tax and will also be subject to Canadian withholding tax. These dividends may not qualify for a reduced rate of U.S. withholding tax under any income tax treaty otherwise applicable to our shareholders, subject to examination of the relevant treaty.
Because the Subordinate Voting Shares are treated as shares of a U.S. domestic corporation, the U.S. gift, estate and generation-skipping transfer tax rules generally apply to a non-U.S. shareholder of Subordinate Voting Shares.
Each shareholder should seek tax advice, based on such shareholder’s particular circumstances, from an independent tax advisor.
Cannabis businesses are subject to unfavorable tax treatment.
Under Section 280E of the IRC, no deduction or credit is allowed for any amount paid or incurred during the taxable year in carrying on business if the business (or the activities which comprise the trade or business) consists of trafficking in controlled substances (within the meaning of Schedules I and II of the Controlled Substances Act). The IRS has applied this provision to cannabis operations, prohibiting them from deducting expenses associated with cannabis businesses. Section 280E may have a lesser impact on cannabis cultivation and manufacturing operations. Accordingly, Section 280E has a significant impact on the operations of cannabis companies and an otherwise profitable business may operate at a loss, after taking into account its U.S. income tax expenses.
Cannabis businesses may be subject to civil asset forfeiture.
Any property owned by participants in the cannabis industry used in the course of conducting such business, or that is the proceeds of such business, could be subject to seizure by law enforcement and subsequent civil asset forfeiture because of the illegality of the cannabis industry under federal law. Even if the owner of the property is never charged with a crime, the property in question could still be seized and subject to an administrative proceeding by which, with minimal due process, it could be subject to forfeiture.
We are subject to proceeds of crime statutes.
We will be subject to a variety of laws that concern money laundering, financial recordkeeping and proceeds of crime. These include: the Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by Title III of the USA Patriot Act, the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (Canada), the rules and regulations under the Criminal Code of Canada and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by governmental authorities in the United States and Canada.
In the event that any of our license agreements, or any proceeds thereof, in the United States were found to be in violation of money laundering legislation or otherwise, such transactions may be viewed as proceeds of crime under one or more of the statutes noted above, or any other applicable legislation. This could have a material adverse effect on us, among other things, could restrict or otherwise jeopardize our ability to declare or pay dividends, effect other distributions or subsequently repatriate such funds back to Canada.
We face security risks.
The business premises of our operating locations are targets for theft. While we have implemented security measures at each location and continue to monitor and improve such security measures, our cultivation, processing and dispensary facilities could be subject to break-ins, robberies and other breaches in security. If there was a breach in security and we fell victim to a robbery or theft, the loss of cannabis plants, cannabis oils, cannabis flowers, cultivation and processing equipment or cash could have a material adverse impact on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
As our business involves the movement and transfer of cash which is collected from dispensaries or patients/customers and deposited into its bank, there is a risk of theft or robbery during the transport of cash. Our transport, distribution and delivery of finished cannabis goods inventory, including but not limited to wholesale delivery of finished products to retail customers and deliver of finished goods to end consumers and other intermediaries, also is subject to risks of theft and robbery. We have engaged a security firm to provide security in the transport and movement of large amounts of cash and products. Employees sometimes transport cash and/or products and, if requested, may be escorted by armed guards. While we have taken robust steps to prevent theft or robbery of cash during transport, there can be no assurance that there will not be a security breach during the transport and the movement of cash involving the theft of product or cash.
We face exposure to fraudulent or illegal activity.
We face exposure to the risk that employees, independent contractors or consultants may engage in fraudulent or other illegal activities. Misconduct by these parties could be intentional, reckless and/or negligent conduct. There may be disclosure of unauthorized activities that violate government regulations, manufacturing standards, healthcare laws, abuse laws and other financial reporting laws. Further, it may not always be possible for us to identify and deter misconduct by our employees and other third parties, and the precautions taken by us to detect and prevent these activities may not always be effective. As a result, we could face potential penalties and litigation.
We are a holding company.
We are a holding company and essentially all of our assets are the capital stock of our subsidiaries in our 12 markets, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania. As a result, investors in the Company are subject to the risks attributable to its subsidiaries. As a holding company, we conduct substantially all of our business through our subsidiaries, which generate substantially all of our revenues. Consequently, our cash flows and ability to complete current or desirable future enhancement opportunities are dependent on the earnings of our subsidiaries and the distribution of those earnings to us. The ability of these entities to pay dividends and other distributions
depends on their operating results and is subject to applicable laws and regulations, which require that solvency and capital standards be maintained by the subsidiaries and contractual restrictions are contained in the instruments governing their debt. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization of any of our material subsidiaries, holders of indebtedness and trade creditors may be entitled to payment of their claims from the assets of those subsidiaries before us.
Our internal controls over financial reporting may not be effective, and our independent auditors may not be able to certify as to their effectiveness, which could have a significant and adverse effect on our business.
We are subject to various SEC reporting and other regulatory requirements. We have incurred and will continue to incur expenses and, to a lesser extent, diversion of our management’s time in our efforts to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act regarding internal controls over financial reporting. Effective internal controls over financial reporting are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and, together with adequate disclosure controls and procedures, are designed to prevent fraud. Any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation could cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. In addition, any testing by us conducted in connection with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, or the subsequent testing by our independent registered public accounting firm when required, may reveal deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses or that may require prospective or retrospective changes to our consolidated financial statements or identify other areas for further attention or improvement. Inferior internal controls could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of our Subordinate Voting Shares
Material acquisitions, dispositions and other strategic transactions involve a number of risks for us.
Material acquisitions, dispositions and other strategic transactions involve a number of risks for us, including: (i) potential disruption of our ongoing business; (ii) distraction of management; (iii) increased financial leverage; (iv) the anticipated benefits and cost savings of those transactions may not be realized or may take longer to realize than anticipated; (v) increased scope and complexity of our operations; and (vi) loss or reduction of control over certain of our assets.
Additionally, we may issue additional Subordinate Voting Shares in connection with such transactions, which would dilute a shareholder’s holdings in the Company.
The presence of one or more material liabilities of an acquired company that are known, but believed to be immaterial, or unknown to us at the time of acquisition could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition. A strategic transaction may result in a significant change in the nature of our business, operations and strategy. In addition, we may encounter unforeseen obstacles or costs in implementing a strategic transaction or integrating any acquired business into our operations.
We may invest in companies which may not be able to meet anticipated development targets or be successful in the future.
We may make investments in companies with no significant sources of operating cash flow and no revenue from operations, that are in early stages of development, or that have high-risk profiles. Our investments in such companies will be subject to risks and uncertainties that new companies with no or limited operating history may face. In particular, there is a risk that our investment in these companies will not be able to meet anticipated development targets or will not generate revenue at all. If these companies underperform or fail to continue to develop, their businesses may fail, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
Our use of joint ventures may expose us to risks associated with jointly owned investments.
We currently operate parts of our business through joint ventures with other companies, and we may enter into additional joint ventures and strategic alliances in the future. Joint venture investments may involve risks not otherwise present in investments made solely by us, including: (i) we may not control the joint ventures; (ii) our joint venture partners may not agree to distributions that we believe are appropriate; (iii) where we do not have substantial decision-making authority, we may experience impasses or disputes with our joint venture partners on certain decisions, which could require us to expend additional resources to resolve such impasses or disputes, including litigation or arbitration; (iv) our joint venture partners may become insolvent or bankrupt, fail to fund their share of required capital contributions or fail to fulfil their obligations as a joint venture partner; (v) the arrangements governing our joint ventures may contain certain conditions or milestone events that may never be satisfied or achieved; (vi) our joint venture partners may have business or economic interests that are inconsistent with ours and may take actions contrary to our interests; (vii) we may suffer losses as a result of actions taken by our joint venture partners with respect to our joint venture investments; and (viii) it may be difficult for us to exit a joint venture if an impasse arises or if we desire to sell our interest for any reason. Any of the foregoing risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we may, in certain circumstances, be liable for the actions of our joint venture partners.
There can be no assurance that our current and future strategic alliances or expansions of scope of existing relationships will have a beneficial impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We currently have, and may in the future enter into, additional strategic alliances with third parties that we believe will complement or augment our existing business. Our ability to complete strategic alliances is dependent upon, and may be limited by, the availability of suitable candidates and capital. In addition, strategic alliances could present unforeseen integration obstacles or costs, may not enhance our business and may involve risks that could adversely affect us, including significant amounts of management time that may be diverted from operations in order to pursue and complete such transactions or maintain such strategic alliances. Future strategic alliances could result in the incurrence of additional debt, costs and contingent liabilities, and there can be no assurance that future strategic alliances will achieve, or that our existing strategic alliances will continue to achieve, the expected benefits to our business or that we will be able to consummate future strategic alliances on satisfactory terms, if at all. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Competition for the acquisition and leasing of properties suitable for the cultivation, production and sale of medical and adult use cannabis may impede our ability to make acquisitions or increase the cost of these acquisitions, which could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.
We compete for the acquisition of properties suitable for the cultivation, production and sale of medical and adult use cannabis with entities engaged in agriculture and real estate investment activities, including corporate agriculture companies, cultivators, producers and sellers of cannabis. These competitors may prevent us from acquiring and leasing desirable properties, may cause an increase in the price we must pay for properties or may result in us having to lease our properties on less favorable terms than we expect. Our competitors may have greater financial and operational resources than we do and may be willing to pay more for certain assets or may be willing to accept more risk than we believe can be prudently managed. In particular, larger companies may enjoy significant competitive advantages that result from, among other things, a lower cost of capital and enhanced operating efficiencies. Our competitors may also adopt transaction structures similar to ours, which would decrease our competitive advantage in offering flexible transaction terms. In addition, due to a number of factors, including but not limited to potential greater clarity of the laws and regulations governing medical use cannabis by state and federal governments, the number of entities and the amount of funds competing for suitable investment properties may increase, resulting in increased demand and increased prices paid for these properties. If we pay higher prices for properties or enter into leases for such properties on less favorable terms than we
expect, our profitability and ability to generate cash flow and make distributions to our stockholders may decrease. Increased competition for properties may also preclude us from acquiring those properties that would generate attractive returns to us.
Our reputation and ability to do business may be negatively impacted by the improper conduct by our business partners, employees or agents.
We depend on third-party suppliers to produce and timely ship our orders. Products purchased from our suppliers are resold to our customers. These suppliers could fail to produce products to our specifications or quality standards and may not deliver units on a timely basis. Any changes in our suppliers to resolve production issues could impact our ability to fulfill orders and could also disrupt our business due to delays in finding new suppliers.
Furthermore, we cannot provide assurance that our internal controls and compliance systems will protect us from acts committed by our employees, agents or business partners in violation of U.S. federal or state or local laws. Any improper acts or allegations could damage our reputation and subject us to civil or criminal investigations and related shareholder lawsuits, could lead to substantial civic and criminal monetary and non-monetary penalties and could cause us to incur significant legal and investigatory fees.
We face risks due to industry immaturity or limited comparable, competitive or established industry best practices.
As a relatively new industry, there are not many established operators in the medical and adult use cannabis industries whose business models we can follow or build upon. Similarly, there is no or limited information about comparable companies available for potential investors to review in making a decision about whether to invest in us.
Shareholders and investors should consider, among other factors, our prospects for success in light of the risks and uncertainties encountered by companies, like us, that are in their early stages. For example, unanticipated expenses and problems or technical difficulties may occur, which may result in material delays in the operation of our business. We may fail to successfully address these risks and uncertainties or successfully implement our operating strategies. If we fail to do so, it could materially harm our business to the point of having to cease operations and could impair the value of the Subordinate Voting Shares to the extent that investors may lose their entire investments.
We face risks related to our products.
We have committed and expect to continue committing significant resources and capital to develop and market existing products and new products and services. These products are relatively untested in the marketplace, and we cannot assure shareholders and investors that we will achieve market acceptance for these products, or other new products and services that we may offer in the future. Moreover, these and other new products and services may be subject to significant competition with offerings by new and existing competitors in the business. In addition, new products and services may pose a variety of challenges and require us to attract additional qualified employees. The failure to successfully develop and market these new products and services could seriously harm our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
We are dependent on the popularity of consumer acceptance of our brand portfolio.
Our ability to generate revenue and be successful in the implementation of our business plan is dependent on consumer acceptance of and demand for our products. Acceptance of our products depends on several factors, including availability, cost, ease of use, familiarity of use, convenience, effectiveness, safety and reliability. If these customers do not accept our products, or if such products fail to adequately meet customers’ needs and expectations, our ability to continue generating revenues could be reduced.
The Company’s business is subject to the risks inherent in agricultural operations.
The Company’s business involves the growing of cannabis, an agricultural product. The Company’s business is subject to the risks inherent in the agricultural business, such as insects, plant diseases and similar agricultural risks. Although the Company’s cultivation is substantially completed indoors under climate control, some cultivation is completed outdoors, and there can be no assurance that natural elements will not have a material adverse effect on any future production.
The Company may be adversely impacted by rising or volatile energy costs.
The Company’s cannabis growing operations consume considerable energy, which makes it vulnerable to rising energy costs. Accordingly, rising or volatile energy costs may adversely affect the business of the Company and its ability to operate profitably.
The Company may encounter unknown environmental risks.
There can be no assurance that the Company will not encounter hazardous conditions, such as asbestos or lead, at the sites of the real estate used to operate its businesses, which may delay the development of its businesses. Upon encountering a hazardous condition, work at the facilities of the Company may be suspended. If the Company receives notice of a hazardous condition, it may be required to correct the condition prior to continuing construction. If additional hazardous conditions were present, it would likely delay construction and may require significant expenditure of the Company’s resources to correct the conditions. Such conditions could have a material impact on the investment returns of the Company.
We face risks related to our information technology systems, and potential cyber-attacks and security breaches.
Our operations depend, in part, on how well we and our suppliers protect networks, equipment, information technology, which we refer to as IT, systems and software against damage and threats, including, but not limited to, cable cuts, damage to physical plants, natural disasters, intentional damage and destruction, fire, power loss, hacking, computer viruses, vandalism and theft. Our operations also depend on the timely maintenance and replacement of network equipment, IT systems and software, as well as pre-emptive expenses to mitigate associated risks. Given the nature of our products and the lack of legal availability outside of channels approved by the federal government, as well as the concentration of inventory in our facilities, there remains a risk of shrinkages, as well as theft. If there was a breach in security and we fell victim to theft or robbery, the loss of cannabis plants, cannabis oils, cannabis flowers and cultivations and processing equipment, or if there was a failure in information systems, it could adversely affect the our reputation and business continuity.
Additionally, we may store and collect personal information about customers and are responsible for protecting that information from privacy breaches that may occur through procedural or process failure, IT malfunction or deliberate unauthorized intrusions. Any such theft or privacy breach would have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
We are subject to laws, rules and regulations in the United States (such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (which became effective on January 1, 2020) and other jurisdictions relating to the collection, processing, storage, transfer and use of personal data. Our ability to execute transactions and to possess and use personal information and data in conducting our business subjects us to legislative and regulatory burdens that may require us to notify regulators and customers, employees and other individuals of a data security breach. Evolving compliance and operational requirements under the California Consumer Privacy Act and the privacy laws, rules and regulations of other jurisdictions in which we operate impose significant costs that are likely to increase over time. In addition, non-compliance could result in proceedings against us by governmental entities and/or significant fines, could negatively impact our reputation and may otherwise adversely impact our business, financial condition and operating results.
We face risks related to our insurance coverage and uninsurable risks.
Our business is subject to a number of risks and hazards generally, including adverse environmental conditions, accidents, labor disputes, destruction from civil unrest and changes in the regulatory environment. Such occurrences could result in damage to assets, personal injury or death, environmental damage, delays in operations, monetary losses and possible legal liability.
Although we intend to continue to maintain insurance to protect against certain risks in such amounts as we consider to be reasonable, our insurance will not cover all the potential risks associated with our operations. We may also be unable to maintain insurance to cover these risks at economically feasible premiums. Insurance coverage may not continue to be available or may not be adequate to cover any resulting liability. Moreover, insurance against risks such as environmental pollution or other hazards encountered in our operations is not generally available on acceptable terms. We might also become subject to liability for pollution or other hazards which it may not be insured against or which we may elect not to insure against because of premium costs or other reasons. Losses from these events may cause us to incur significant costs that could have a material adverse effect upon our financial performance and results of operations.
We are dependent on key inputs, suppliers and skilled labor.
The marijuana business is dependent on a number of key inputs and their related costs, including raw materials and supplies related to growing operations, as well as electricity, water and other local utilities. Any significant interruption or negative change in the availability or economics of the supply chain for key inputs, such as the raw material cost of cannabis, or natural or other disruptions to power or other utility systems, could materially impact our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects. Some of these inputs may only be available from a single supplier or a limited group of suppliers. If a sole source supplier was to go out of business, we might be unable to find a replacement for such source in a timely manner, or at all. If a sole source supplier were to be acquired by a competitor, that competitor may elect not to sell to us in the future. Any inability to secure required supplies and services, or to do so on appropriate terms, could have a materially adverse impact on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition. We aim to provide our vendor base with annual projections so that our vendors can better ensure a steady supply of raw materials and packaging. We check in with our vendors at least once quarterly to update them to relevant real time changes in our annual plan. For most important raw materials and packaging, we aim to have both a primary vendor supplier and a secondary vendor supplier to ensure redundancy. Further, due to the uncertain regulatory landscape for regulating cannabis in the U.S., our third party suppliers, manufacturers and contractors may elect, at any time, to decline or withdraw services necessary for ours operations. There is also a risk that a regulatory body could impose certain restrictions on such third party’s ability to operate in the United States. Any significant interruption or negative change in our business relations with such third parties could materially impact our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects.
Our ability to compete and grow will be dependent on us having access, at a reasonable cost and in a timely manner, to skilled labor, equipment, parts and components. No assurances can be given that we will be successful in maintaining our required supply of skilled labor, equipment, parts and components. This could have an adverse effect on our financial results.
We must attract and maintain key personnel or our business will fail.
Our success is dependent upon the ability, expertise, judgment, discretion and good faith of our senior management and key personnel. We compete with other companies both within and outside the cannabis industry to recruit and retain competent employees. If we cannot maintain qualified employees to meet the needs of our anticipated growth, our business and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
Our sales are difficult to forecast.
As a result of recent and ongoing regulatory and policy changes in the medical and adult use cannabis industries and unreliable levels of market supply, the market data available is limited and unreliable. We must
rely largely on our own market research to forecast sales, as detailed forecasts are not generally obtainable from other sources in the states in which our business operates. Additionally, any market research and our projections of estimated total retail sales, demographics, demand and similar consumer research, are based on assumptions from limited and unreliable market data. A failure in the demand for our products to materialize as a result of competition, technological change or other factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We may be subject to growth-related risks.
We may be subject to growth-related risks, including capacity constraints and pressure on our internal systems and controls. Our ability to manage growth effectively will require us to continue to implement and improve our operational and financial systems and to expand, train and manage our employee base. Our inability to deal with this growth may have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
We may be subject to litigation.
We may become party to litigation from time to time in the ordinary course of business, which could adversely affect our business. Should any litigation in which we become involved be determined against us, such a decision could adversely affect our ability to continue operating and the market price for the Subordinate Voting Shares and could potentially use significant resources. Even if we are involved in litigation and win, litigation can redirect significant resources of Green Thumb Industries Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.
We face an inherent risk of product liability claims.
As a distributor of products designed to be ingested by humans, we face an inherent risk of exposure to product liability claims, regulatory action and litigation if our products are alleged to have failed to meet expected standards or to have caused significant loss or injury. In addition, the sale of our products involves the risk of injury to consumers due to tampering by unauthorized third parties or product contamination. Previously unknown adverse reactions resulting from human consumption of our products alone or in combination with other medications or substances could occur. We may be subject to various product liability claims, including, among others, that our products caused injury, illness or death, include inadequate instructions for use or include inadequate warnings concerning possible side effects or interactions with other substances. As an agricultural product, the quality of cannabis is inherently variable, and consumers may raise claims that our quality control or labeling processes have not sufficiently ensured that our grown and manufactured processes are sufficient to meet expected standards. A product liability claim or regulatory action against us could result in increased costs, could adversely affect our reputation with our clients and consumers generally and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. There can be no assurances that we will be able to obtain or maintain product liability insurance on acceptable terms or with adequate coverage against potential liabilities. Such insurance is expensive and may not be available in the future on acceptable terms, or at all. The inability to obtain sufficient insurance coverage on reasonable terms or to otherwise protect against potential product liability claims could prevent or inhibit the commercialization of our potential products.
We may be exposed to infringement or misappropriation claims by third parties, which, if determined adversely to us, could subject us to significant liabilities and other costs.
Our success may depend on our ability to use and develop new extraction technologies, recipes, know-how and new strains of marijuana without infringing the intellectual property rights of third parties. We cannot assure that third parties will not assert intellectual property claims against us. We are subject to additional risks if entities licensing intellectual property to us do not have adequate rights to the licensed materials. If third parties assert copyright or patent infringement or violation of other intellectual property rights against us, we will be required to defend ourselves in litigation or administrative proceedings, which can be both costly and time consuming and may significantly divert the efforts and resources of management personnel. An adverse determination in any such litigation or proceedings to which we may become a party could subject us to
significant liability to third parties, require us to seek licenses from third parties, require us to pay ongoing royalties or subject us to injunctions that may prohibit the development and operation of our applications.
Our products may be subject to product recalls.
Manufacturers, distributors and retailers of products are sometimes subject to the recall or return of their products for a variety of reasons, including product defects, such as contamination, unintended harmful side effects or interactions with other substances, packaging safety and inadequate or inaccurate labeling disclosure. If any of our products or products sold at our retail stores are recalled due to an alleged product defect or for any other reason, we could be required to incur the unexpected expense of the recall and any legal proceedings that might arise in connection with the recall. We may lose a significant amount of sales and may not be able to replace those sales at an acceptable margin, if at all. In addition, a product recall may require significant management attention. Although we have detailed procedures in place for testing our products and requiring compliant labeling of third-party products we sell, there can be no assurance that any quality, potency or contamination problems will be detected in time to avoid unforeseen product recalls, regulatory action or lawsuits. Additionally, if any of our brands were subject to recall, our image and the image of that brand could be harmed. A recall for any of the foregoing reasons could lead to decreased demand for our products and could have a material adverse effect on the results of our operations and financial condition. Additionally, product recalls may lead to increased scrutiny of our operations by the Food and Drug Administration, or other regulatory agencies, requiring further management attention and potential legal fees and other expenses.
We may face unfavorable publicity or consumer perception.
Management believes the medical and adult use cannabis industry is highly dependent upon consumer perception regarding the safety, efficacy and quality of the cannabis produced. Consumer perception of our products may be significantly influenced by scientific research or findings, regulatory investigations, litigation, media attention and other publicity regarding the consumption of cannabis products. There can be no assurance that future scientific research, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention or other research findings or publicity will be favorable to the cannabis market or any particular product, or consistent with earlier publicity. Future research reports, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention or other publicity that is perceived as less favorable than, or questions earlier research reports, findings or publicity could have a material adverse effect on the demand for our products. Our dependence upon consumer perceptions means that such adverse reports, whether or not accurate or with merit, could ultimately have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Further, adverse publicity reports or other media attention regarding the safety, efficacy and quality of cannabis in general, or our products specifically, or associating the consumption of cannabis with illness or other negative effects or events, could have such a material adverse effect. Although the Company uses quality control processes and procedures to ensure our consumer packaged goods meet our standards, a failure or alleged failure of such processes and procedures could result in negative consumer perception of our products or legal claims against us. Adverse publicity reports or other media attention could arise even if the adverse effects associated with such products resulted from consumers’ failure to consume such products appropriately or as directed.
Certain of our products are e-vapor or “vape” products. The use of vape products and vaping may pose health risks. According to the Centers for Disease Control, vape products may contain ingredients that are known to be toxic to humans and may contain other ingredients that may not be safe. Because clinical studies about the safety and efficacy of vape products have not been submitted to the Food and Drug Administration, consumers currently have no way of knowing whether they are safe for their intended use or what types or concentrations of potentially harmful chemicals or by-products are found in these products. It is also uncertain what implications the use of vape or other inhaled products, such as flower that is smoked, may have on respiratory illnesses such as that caused by the Coronavirus Disease 2019, which we refer to as COVID-19. Adverse findings, regulatory investigations, litigation, media attention and other publicity regarding the consumption of vape or other inhaled products, including adverse publicity regarding underage use of vape or other inhaled products, may adversely affect the Company.
We face intense competition.
We face intense competition from other companies, some of which have longer operating histories and more financial resources and manufacturing, retail and marketing experience than us. Increased competition by larger and better financed competitors could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Because of the early stage of the industry in which we operate, we face additional competition from new entrants. If the number of consumers of cannabis in the states in which we operate our business increases, the demand for products and qualified talent will increase and we expect that competition will become more intense, as current and future competitors begin to offer an increasing number of diversified products. To remain competitive, we will require a continued high level of investment in research and development, marketing, sales, talent retention and client support. We may not have sufficient resources to maintain research and development, marketing, sales and client support efforts on a competitive basis, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of our operations.
A decline in the price of the Subordinate Voting Shares could affect our ability to raise further working capital and adversely impact our ability to continue operations.
A prolonged decline in the price of the Subordinate Voting Shares could result in a reduction in the liquidity of the Subordinate Voting Shares and a reduction in our ability to raise capital. Because a significant portion of our operations have been and will be financed through the sale of equity securities, a decline in the price of our common stock could be especially detrimental to our liquidity and our operations. Such reductions may force us to reallocate funds from other planned uses and may have a significant negative effect on our business plan and operations, including our ability to develop new products and continue our current operations. If our stock price declines, there can be no assurance that we will be able to raise additional capital or generate funds from operations sufficient to meet our obligations. If we are unable to raise sufficient capital in the future, we may not be able to have the resources to continue our normal operations.
We may have increased labor costs based on union activity.
Labor unions are working to organize workforces in the cannabis industry in general. Currently, there is no labor organization that has been recognized as a representative of our employees. However, it is possible that certain retail and/or manufacturing locations will be organized in the future, which could lead to work stoppages or increased labor costs and adversely affect our business, profitability and our ability to reinvest into the growth of our business. We cannot predict how stable our relationships with U.S. labor organizations would be or whether we would be able to meet any unions’ requirements without impacting our financial condition. Labor unions may also limit our flexibility in dealing with our workforce. Work stoppages and instability in our union relationships could delay the production and sale of our products, which could strain relationships with customers and cause a loss of revenues which would adversely affect our operations.
We are subject to general economic risks.
Our operations could be affected by the economic context should the unemployment level, interest rates or inflation reach levels that influence consumer trends and spending and, consequently, impact our sales and profitability.
We may be negatively impacted by challenging global economic conditions.
Our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow may be negatively impacted by challenging global economic conditions. For example and as discussed in more detail below, in early 2020, the U.S and other world economies have experienced turmoil due to outbreaks of COVID-19 and its variants, which has resulted in global economic uncertainty.
A global economic slowdown would cause disruptions and extreme volatility in global financial markets, increased rates of default and bankruptcy and declining consumer and business confidence, which can lead to decreased levels of consumer spending. These macroeconomic developments could negatively impact our business, which depends on the general economic environment and levels of consumer spending. As a result, we may not be able to maintain our existing customers or attract new customers, or we may be forced to reduce the price of our products. We are unable to predict the likelihood of the occurrence, duration or severity of such disruptions in the credit and financial markets or adverse global economic conditions. Any general or market-specific economic downturn could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.
Additionally, the U.S. has imposed and may impose additional quotas, duties, tariffs, retaliatory or trade protection measures or other restrictions or regulations and may adversely adjust prevailing quota, duty or tariff levels, which can affect both the materials that we use to package our products and the sale of finished products. For example, the tariffs imposed by the U.S. on materials from China are impacting materials that we import for use in packaging in the U.S. Measures to reduce the impact of tariff increases or trade restrictions, including geographical diversification of our sources of supply, adjustments in packaging design and fabrication or increased prices, could increase our costs, delay our time to market and/or decrease sales. Other governmental action related to tariffs or international trade agreements has the potential to adversely impact demand for our products and our costs, customers, suppliers and global economic conditions and cause higher volatility in financial markets. While we actively review existing and proposed measures to seek to assess the impact of them on our business, changes in tariff rates, import duties and other new or augmented trade restrictions could have a number of negative impacts on our business, including higher consumer prices and reduced demand for our products and higher input costs.
We are subject to risks arising from epidemic diseases, such as the recent outbreak of the COVID-19 illness.
The recent outbreak of the COVID-19 illness and its variants, which has been declared by the World Health Organization to be a “pandemic” has spread across the globe and is impacting worldwide economic activity. A public health epidemic, including COVID-19, or the fear of a potential pandemic, poses the risk that we or our employees, contractors, suppliers, and other partners may be prevented from conducting business activities for an indefinite period of time, including due to shutdowns or other preventative measures taken to limit the potential impact from a public health epidemic that may be requested or mandated by governmental authorities.
Our priorities during the COVID-19 pandemic are protecting the health and safety of its employees and our customers, following the recommended actions of government and health authorities. In the future, the pandemic may cause reduced demand for our products and services if, for example, the pandemic results in a recessionary economic environment. Our operations are currently ongoing as the cultivation, processing and sale of cannabis products is currently considered an essential business by all states in which we operate with respect to all customers. Our ability to continue to operate without any significant negative operational impact from the COVID-19 pandemic will in part depend on our ability to protect our employees, customers and supply chain, as well as our continued designation as “essential” in states where we do business that currently or in the future impose restrictions on business operations.
While it is not possible at this time to estimate the impact that COVID-19 (or any other actual or potential pandemic) could have on our business, the continued spread of COVID-19 (or any other actual or potential pandemic) and the measures taken by the governments of countries affected could disrupt the supply chain and the manufacture or shipment or sale of our products and adversely impact our business, financial condition or results of operations. It could also affect the health and availability of our workforce at our facilities, as well as those of our suppliers, particularly those in China and India. The COVID-19 outbreak, or any of its variants, and mitigation measures may also have an adverse impact on global economic conditions which could have an adverse effect on our business and financial condition. The extent to which the COVID-19 outbreak impacts our
results will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including new information that may emerge concerning the severity of the virus and the actions to contain its impact. Because cannabis remains federally illegal, it is possible that we would not be eligible to participate in any government relief programs (such as federal loans or access to capital) resulting from COVID-19 or any other actual or potential pandemic.
Risks Related to Our Securities
A return on our securities is not guaranteed.
There is no guarantee that our Subordinate Voting Shares will earn any positive return in the short term or long term. A holding of Subordinate Voting Shares is speculative and involves a high degree of risk and should be undertaken only by holders whose financial resources are sufficient to enable them to assume such risks and who have no need for immediate liquidity in their investment. A holding of Subordinate Voting Shares is appropriate only for holders who have the capacity to absorb a loss of some or all of their holdings.
We may be affected by currency fluctuations.
We face exposure to significant currency fluctuations because of our present operations in the U.S. Recent events in the global financial markets have been coupled with increased volatility in the currency markets. All or substantially all of our revenue is earned in U.S. dollars, but a portion of our operating expenses are incurred in Canadian dollars. We do not have currency hedging arrangements in place and there is no expectation that we will put any currency hedging arrangements in place in the future. Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position or results of operations.
Our voting control is concentrated.
Our senior executives exercise a significant majority of the voting power with respect to our outstanding shares because of the Super Voting Shares that they hold. These officials include Benjamin Kovler, our Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Grossman, our Head of Capital Markets, and Anthony Georgiadis, our Chief Financial Officer. Subordinate Voting Shares are entitled to one vote per share, Multiple Voting Shares are entitled to 100 votes per share, and Super Voting Shares are entitled to up to 1,000 votes per share. As a result, Mr. Kovler, Mr. Grossman and Mr. Georgiadis potentially have the ability to control the outcome of matters submitted to our shareholders for approval, including the election and removal of directors and any arrangement or sale of all or substantially all of our assets.
This concentrated control could delay, defer or prevent a change of control, arrangement or merger involving sale of all or substantially all of our assets that our other shareholders may support. Conversely, this concentrated control could allow the holders of the Super Voting Shares to consummate such a transaction our other shareholders do not support. In addition, the holders of the Super Voting Shares may make long-term strategic investment decisions and take risks that may not be successful and/or may seriously harm our business.
Our capital structure and voting control may cause unpredictability.
Although other Canadian-based companies have dual class or multiple voting share structures, given our unique capital structure and the concentration of voting control that is held by the holders of the Super Voting Shares, this structure and control could result in a lower trading price for or greater fluctuations in the trading price of our Subordinate Voting Shares, adverse publicity to us or other adverse consequences.
Additional issuances of Super Voting Shares, Multiple Voting Shares or Subordinate Voting Shares may result in dilution.
We may issue additional equity or convertible debt securities in the future, which may dilute an existing shareholder’s holdings. Our articles permit the issuance of an unlimited number of Super Voting Shares, Multiple
Voting Shares and Subordinate Voting Shares, and existing shareholders will have no pre-emptive rights in connection with such further issuances. Our board of directors has discretion to determine the price and the terms of further issuances, and such terms could include rights, preferences and privileges superior to those existing holders of Subordinate Voting Shares. Moreover, additional Subordinate Voting Shares will be issued by us on the conversion of the Multiple Voting Shares and Super Voting Shares in accordance with their terms. To the extent holders of our options or other convertible securities convert or exercise their securities and sell Subordinate Voting Shares they receive, the trading price of the Subordinate Voting Shares may decrease due to the additional amount of Subordinate Voting Shares available in the market. We cannot predict the size or nature of future issuances or the effect that future issuances and sales of Subordinate Voting Shares will have on the market price of the Subordinate Voting Shares. Issuances of a substantial number of additional Subordinate Voting Shares, or the perception that such issuances could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices for the Subordinate Voting Shares. With any additional issuance of Subordinate Voting Shares, investors will suffer dilution to their voting power and economic interest in us.
Sales of substantial amounts of Subordinate Voting Shares may have an adverse effect on the market price of the Subordinate Voting Shares.
Sales of substantial amounts of Subordinate Voting Shares, or the availability of such securities for sale, could adversely affect the prevailing market prices for the Subordinate Voting Shares. A decline in the market prices of the Subordinate Voting Shares could impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of securities should it desire to do so.
The market price for the Subordinate Voting Shares may be volatile.
The market price for securities of cannabis companies generally are likely to be volatile. In addition, the market price for the Subordinate Voting Shares has been and may be subject to wide fluctuations in response to numerous factors beyond our control, including, but not limited to:
•
actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly results of operations;
•
recommendations by securities research analysts;
•
changes in the economic performance or market valuations of companies in the industry in which we operate;
•
addition or departure of our executive officers and other key personnel;
•
release or expiration of transfer restrictions on outstanding Subordinate Voting Shares;
•
sales or perceived sales of additional Subordinate Voting Shares;
•
operating and financial performance that varies from the expectations of management, securities analysts and investors;
•
regulatory changes affecting our industry generally and its business and operations both domestically and abroad;
•
announcements of developments and other material events by us or our competitors;
•
fluctuations in the costs of vital production materials and services;
•
changes in global financial markets, global economies and general market conditions, such as interest rates and pharmaceutical product price volatility;
•
significant acquisitions or business combinations, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments by or involving us or our competitors;
•
operating and share price performance of other companies that investors deem comparable to us or from a lack of market comparable companies; and
•
news reports relating to trends, concerns, technological or competitive developments, regulatory changes and other related issues in our industry or target markets.
Financial markets have at times historically experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that: (i) have particularly affected the market prices of equity securities of companies and (ii) have often been unrelated to the operating performance, underlying asset values or prospects of such companies. Accordingly, the market price of the Subordinate Voting Shares from time to time may decline even if our operating results, underlying asset values or prospects have not changed. Additionally, these factors, as well as other related factors, may cause decreases in asset values that may result in impairment losses to us. There can be no assurance that further fluctuations in price and volume of equity securities will not occur. If increased levels of volatility and market turmoil continue, our operations could be adversely impacted, and the trading price of the Subordinate Voting Shares may be materially adversely affected.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish or cease publishing research or reports or publish misleading, inaccurate or unfavorable research about us, our business or our market, our stock price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our Subordinate Voting Shares will be influenced by the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us, our business, our market or our competitors. If no or few securities or industry analysts cover our Corporation, the trading price and volume of our shares would likely be negatively impacted. If one or more of the analysts who covers us downgrades our shares or publishes inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, or provides more favorable relative recommendations about our competitors, our stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of us or fails to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our shares could decrease, which could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline.
We face liquidity risks.
Our Subordinate Voting Shares currently trade on the CSE and on over-the-counter markets in the U.S. We cannot predict at what prices the Subordinate Voting Shares will continue to trade, and there is no assurance that an active trading market will be sustained.
Our Subordinate Voting Shares do not currently trade on any U.S. securities exchange. In the event our Subordinate Voting Shares do trade on any U.S. securities exchange, we cannot predict at what prices the Subordinate Voting Shares will trade and there is no assurance that an active trading market will develop or be sustained. There is a significant liquidity risk associated with an investment in us.
We are subject to increased costs as a result of being a public company in Canada and the United States.
As a public company in Canada and the United States, we are subject to the reporting requirements, rules and regulations under the applicable Canadian and American securities laws and rules of stock exchanges on which the Company’s securities may be listed. The requirements of existing and potential future rules and regulations will increase our legal, accounting and financial compliance costs, make some activities more difficult, time-consuming or costly and may place undue strain on our personnel, systems and resources, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We face costs of maintaining a public listing.
As a public company, there are costs associated with legal, accounting and other expenses related to regulatory compliance. Securities legislation and the rules and policies of the CSE require listed companies to, among other things, adopt corporate governance and related practices, and to continuously prepare and disclose material information, all of which add to a company’s legal and financial compliance costs. We may also elect to devote greater resources than it otherwise would have on communication and other activities typically considered important by publicly traded companies.
We do not intend to pay dividends on our common shares and, consequently, your ability to achieve a return on your investment will depend on appreciation in the price of our common shares.
We have never declared or paid any cash dividend on our Subordinate Voting Shares and do not currently intend to do so in the foreseeable future. We currently anticipate that we will retain future earnings, if materialized, for the development, operation and expansion of our business and do not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Therefore, the success of an investment in our common shares will depend upon any future appreciation in their value. There is no guarantee that our common shares will appreciate in value or even maintain the price at which you purchased them.
We are eligible to be treated as an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act, and the Company cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make the Subordinate Voting Shares less attractive to investors.
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act. For as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we may take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies, including (1) not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, (2) reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in this document and periodic reports and proxy statements, and (3) exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We could be an emerging growth company for up to five years, although circumstances could cause us to lose that status earlier, including if the market value of the Subordinate Voting Shares held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of June 30, 2021, or if we have total annual gross revenue of $1.07 billion or more during any fiscal year before that time, in which case the Company would no longer be an emerging growth company as of the following December 31. Additionally, if we issue more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during any three-year period before June 30, 2021, we would cease to be an emerging growth company immediately. We cannot predict if investors will find the Subordinate Voting Shares less attractive because we may rely on these exemptions. If some investors find the Subordinate Voting Shares less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for the Subordinate Voting Shares, and the stock price may be more volatile.
Under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies can also delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies.

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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
The following tables set forth the Company’s principal physical properties.
Corporate Properties
Type
Location
Leased / Owned
Headquarters
Chicago, IL
Leased
Production Properties
Type
Location
Leased / Owned
West Haven Facility
West Haven, CT
Leased
Homestead Facility
Homestead, FL
Owned
Oglesby Facility
Oglesby, IL
Leased
Rock Island Facility
Rock Island, IL
Owned
Centreville Facility
Centreville, MD
Leased
Holyoke Facility
Holyoke, MA
Leased
Carson City Facility
Carson City, NV
Leased
Las Vegas Facility 1
Las Vegas, NV
Leased
Las Vegas Facility 2
Las Vegas, NV
Leased
Paterson Facility
Paterson, NJ
Leased
Schenectady Facility
Glenville, NY
Leased
Toledo Facility
Toledo, OH
Leased
Danville Facility
Danville, PA
Leased
Retail Properties
Type
Location
Leased / Owned
Essence Pasadena
Pasadena, CA
Leased
Bluepoint Wellness Branford
Branford, CT
Leased
Bluepoint Wellness Westport
Westport, CT
Leased
Southern CT Wellness and Healing
Milford, CT
Leased
Rise Bonita Springs
Bonita Springs, FL
Leased
Rise Deerfield Beach
Deerfield Beach, FL
Leased
Rise Hallandale Beach
Hallandale Beach, FL
Leased
Rise Kendall
Miami, FL
Leased
Rise Oviedo
Oviedo, FL
Leased
Rise Pinellas Park
Pinellas Park, FL
Leased
Rise West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach, FL
Leased
Rise Canton
Canton, IL
Leased
The Clinic Effingham
Effingham, IL
Leased
3C Joliet
Joliet, IL
Leased
Rise Joliet
Joliet, IL
Owned
Rise Mundelein
Mundelein, IL
Owned
3C Naperville
Naperville, IL
Leased
Rise Niles
Niles, IL
Leased
Rise Quincy
Quincy, IL
Leased
Rise Bethesda
Bethesda, MD
Leased
Rise Joppa
Joppa, MD
Owned
Rise Silver Spring
Silver Spring, MD
Leased
Rise Amherst
Amherst, MA
Leased
Rise Paramus
Paramus, NJ
Leased
Rise Paterson
Paterson, NJ
Leased
Rise Carson City
Carson City, NV
Leased
Essence Henderson
Henderson, NV
Leased
Essence Durango
Las Vegas, NV
Leased
Retail Properties
Type
Location
Leased / Owned
Essence Rainbow
Las Vegas, NV
Leased
Essence The Strip
Las Vegas, NV
Leased
Essence Tropicana West
Las Vegas, NV
Leased
Rise Henderson
Henderson, NV
Leased
Rise Reno
Northtown Reno, NV
Leased
Rise Spanish Springs
Spanish Springs, NV
Leased
Fp WELLNESS Halfmoon
Clifton Park, NY
Leased
Fp WELLNESS Manhattan
New York, NY
Leased
Fp WELLNESS Rochester
Rochester, NY
Leased
Rise Cleveland
Cleveland, OH
Leased
Rise Lakewood Detroit
Lakewood, OH
Leased
Rise Lakewood Madison
Lakewood, OH
Owned
Rise Lorain
Lorain, OH
Owned
Rise Toledo
Toledo, OH
Owned
Rise Carlisle
Carlisle, PA
Leased
Rise Chambersburg
Chambersburg, PA
Leased
Rise Cranberry
Cranberry, PA
Leased
Rise Duncansville
Duncansville, PA
Leased
Rise Erie
Erie, PA
Owned
Rise Erie (Peach)
Erie, PA
Leased
Rise Hermitage
Hermitage, PA
Leased
Rise King of Prussia
King of Prussia, PA
Leased
Rise Latrobe
Latrobe, PA
Leased
Rise Mechanicsburg
Mechanicsburg, PA
Leased
Rise Monroeville
Monroeville, PA
Leased
Rise New Castle
New Castle, PA
Leased
Rise Steelton
Steelton, PA
Leased
Rise York
York, PA
Leased
Properties Subject to an Encumbrance. Pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement, the Company collateralized the facilities in (i) Rock Island, Illinois, and (ii) Homestead, Florida.

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

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

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
ITEM 5. MARKET PRICE OF AND DIVIDENDS ON THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Trading Price and Volume
The Subordinate Voting Shares of the Company are traded on the CSE under the symbol “GTII.”. The following table sets forth trading information for the Subordinate Voting Shares for the periods indicated, as quoted on the CSE.(1)
Period
Low Trading Price
(C$)
High Trading Price
(C$)
Volume
Year Ended December 31, 2020
First Quarter (March 31, 2020)
$ 5.69
$ 13.51
25,072,866
Second Quarter (June 30, 2020)
$ 7.70
$ 14.17
23,749,362
Third Quarter (September 30, 2020)
$ 13.50
$ 21.25
16,553,128
Fourth Quarter (December 31, 2020)
$ 17.19
$ 31.18
39,421,324
Year Ended December 31, 2019
First Quarter (March 31, 2019)
$ 11.60
$ 20.90
22,190,482
Second Quarter (June 30, 2019)
$ 13.10
$ 21.71
20,904,219
Third Quarter (September 30, 2019)
$ 10.55
$ 14.67
25,325,632
Fourth Quarter (December 31, 2019)
$ 10.26
$ 13.26
18,498,123
Notes:
(1) Source: Bloomberg.
The following table sets forth trading information for the pre-Transaction common shares of Bayswater for the periods indicated (until June 12, 2018, the date of their delisting on the TSXV), as quoted on the TSXV.(1)
Period
Low Trading Price
(C$)
High Trading Price
(C$)
Volume
Year Ended December 31, 2018
April 1, 2018-June 12, 2018(2)
$ 9.20
$ 12.88
First Quarter (March 31, 2018)
$ 9.20
$ 14.72
4,402
Notes:
(1) Source: Bloomberg.
(2) Bayswater common shares were halted from trading in connection with the Transaction and subsequently delisted from the TSXV on June 12, 2018.
The Subordinate Voting Shares of the Company are also traded on the OTCQX under the symbol “GTBIF.”
The following table sets forth trading information for the Subordinate Voting Shares for the periods indicated (from July 9, 2018, the date of their initial trading on the OTCQX), as quoted on the OTCQX.(1)
Period
Low Trading Price
($)
High Trading Price
($)
Volume
Year Ended December 31, 2020
First Quarter (March 31, 2020)
$ 4.07
$ 10.33
23,749,100
Second Quarter (June 30, 2020)
$ 5.41
$ 10.17
19,681,767
Third Quarter (September 30, 2020)
$ 10.00
$ 16.01
25,478,800
Fourth Quarter (December 31, 2020)
$ 12.93
$ 25.29
35,059,415
Year Ended December 31, 2019
First Quarter (March 31, 2019)
$ 8.54
$ 15.60
15,697,374
Second Quarter (June 30, 2019)
$ 9.78
$ 16.20
15,817,344
Third Quarter (September 30, 2019)
$ 7.99
$ 11.47
17,225,728
Fourth Quarter (December 31, 2019)
$ 7.86
$ 9.98
15,167,168
Notes:
(1) Source: Bloomberg.
(2) Over-the-counter market quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up or mark-down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
Shareholders
As of March 1, 2021, there are 581 holders of record of our Subordinate Voting Shares.
Dividends
The Company has not declared distributions on Subordinate Voting Shares in the past. The Company currently intends to reinvest all future earnings to finance the development and growth of its business. As a result, the Company does not intend to pay dividends on Subordinate Voting Shares in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to pay distributions will be at the discretion of the Board and will depend on the financial condition, business environment, operating results, capital requirements, any contractual restrictions on the payment of distributions and any other factors that the Board deems relevant. The Company is not bound or limited in any way to pay dividends in the event that the Board determines that a dividend is in the best interest of its shareholders.
Equity Compensation Plans
For more information on equity compensation plans, see Item 12 of Part III of the Annual Report.
Peer Performance Table
The following graph compares the cumulative total shareholder return on Green Thumb Industries Inc. Subordinate Voting Shares from June 12, 2018, when Green Thumb Industries Inc. began trading on the CSE, through December 31, 2020, with the comparable cumulative return of the Russell 2000 Index and a selected peer group of companies. The comparison assumes all dividends have been reinvested (if any) and an initial investment of $100 on December 12, 2018. The returns of each company in the peer group have been weighted to
reflect their market capitalizations. All amounts below are disclosed in US Dollars. The stock price performance on the following graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.
Base
Period
6/12/2018
6/30/2018
12/31/2018
6/30/2019
12/31/2019
6/30/2020
12/31/2020
Green Thumb Industries
$ 100.00
$ 149.27
$ 116.50
$ 161.59
$ 135.81
$ 144.26
$ 345.66
Russell 2000
$ 100.00
$ 98.00
$ 80.44
$ 93.44
$ 99.26
$ 85.97
$ 118.10
Peer Group
$ 100.00
$ 100.00
$ 91.29
$ 143.44
$ 119.43
$ 105.52
$ 245.12
Below are the specific companies included in the peer group.
Peer Group Companies
- Cresco Labs Inc.
- Trulieve Cannabis Corp.
- Curaleaf Holdings, Inc
This performance graph and other information furnished under this Part II Item 5 of this Form 10-K shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C, or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
The following information represents securities sold by the Company for the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K which were not registered under the Securities Act. Included are new issues, securities issued in exchange for property, services or other securities, securities issued upon conversion from other share classes and new securities resulting from the modification of outstanding securities. The Company sold all of the securities listed below pursuant to the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, or Regulation D or Regulation S promulgated thereunder.
Subordinate Voting Shares
On June 12, 2018, we issued 10,744,995 Subordinate Voting Shares as part of the approximately C$87 million SR Offering at C$7.75. The financing was underwritten by GMP Securities L.P., Canaccord Genuity Corp., Beacon Securities Limited, Echelon Wealth Partners Inc., and Eight Capital Corp. In addition, pursuant to the RTO transaction, Bayswater Uranium Corporation’s existing 185,186,988 common shares were converted into 500,439 of our Subordinate Voting shares. The value assigned to these shares was $3,002,634, which was based on a per-share price of $6.00 on the RTO date.
Beginning on July 3, 2018 and through December 31, 2018, our shareholders converted 195,606 Multiple Voting Shares into 19,560,600 Subordinate Voting Shares, continuing through December 31, 2019, our shareholders converted an additional 357,104 Multiple Voting Shares into 35,710,400 Subordinate Voting Shares, and continuing through December 31, 2020, our shareholders converted an additional 423,319 Multiple Voting Shares into 42,331,900 Subordinate Voting Shares.
On August 2, 2018, we issued 7,300,000 Subordinate Voting Shares as part of a C$80.3 million bought deal for a value of C$11.00 per share. The financing was underwritten by Canaccord Genuity Corp., GMP Securities L.P., Beacon Securities Limited, Echelon Wealth Partners Inc. and Eight Capital Corp.
On September 7, 2018, September 13, 2018, December 10, 2019, and May 20, 2020, the holders of Compensation Options issued to underwriters of the Transaction financing exercised options, which converted into 285,200 Subordinate Voting Shares.
Between October 9, 2018 and through December 31, 2018, we issued, in total, 87,742 Subordinate Voting Shares for 100% of the membership interests or shares of privately held companies, continuing through December 31, 2019, we issued, in total, an additional 12,413,906 Subordinate Voting Shares and, continuing through December 31, 2020, we issued, in total, an additional 1,964,014 Subordinate Voting Shares.
On October 17, 2018, we issued 5,083,000 Subordinate Voting Shares as part of a C$101.7 million bought deal for a value of C$20.00 per share. The financing was underwritten by GMP Securities L.P., Beacon Securities Limited, Cormark Securities Inc., Echelon Wealth Partners Inc. and Eight Capital Corp.
Between December 6, 2018 and through December 31, 2018, we issued 489,347 Subordinate Voting Shares to buyout the membership interests of joint venture partners pursuant to agreements between the parties, continuing through December 31, 2019, we issued an additional 4,402,735 Subordinate Voting Shares and, continuing through December 31, 2020, we issued an additional 1,315,789 Subordinate Voting Shares.
Between February 11, 2019, January 3, 2020, May 18, 2020, and August 12, 2020 we issued, in total, 8,408,779 Subordinate Voting Shares for 100% of the membership interest of Advanced Grow Labs, LLC as well as for certain achieved milestone events.
On May 22, 2019 and May 24, 2019, we issued 19,875 Subordinate Voting Shares to the lead lender pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement.
On June 5, 2019, June 21, 2019, August 12, 2019, May 25, 2020, and July 10, 2020 we issued, in total, 25,202,433 Subordinate Voting Shares to the owners of Integral Associates, LLC and Integral Associates CA, LLC for 100% of the membership interest of both entities, as well as for certain achieved milestone payments earned pursuant to the Membership Interest Purchase Agreement.
Between July 2, 2019 and December 31, 2019, we issued, in total, 1,179,354 Subordinate Voting Shares to holders of our restricted stock units issued under our 2018 Stock and Incentive Plan, which vested over the same period. From January 1, 2020 through February 19, 2020 (the effective date of the filing of our registration statement on Form S-8), we issued, in total, 1,250 Subordinate Voting Shares to holders of our restricted stock units issued under our 2018 Stock and Incentive Plan, which vested over the same period.
Multiple Voting Shares
On June 12, 2018, we issued 830,975 Multiple Voting Shares to prior holders of VCP23, LLC membership interests pursuant to the Transaction.
Beginning on July 3, 2018 and through December 31, 2018, our shareholders converted 195,606 Multiple Voting Shares into 19,560,600 Subordinate Voting Shares, continuing through December 31, 2019, our shareholders converted an additional 357,104 Multiple Voting Shares into 35,710,400 Subordinate Voting Shares and, continuing through December 31, 2020, our shareholders converted an additional 423,319 Multiple Voting Shares into 42,331,900 Subordinate Voting Shares. On November 7, 2018, we issued 32,965 Multiple Voting Shares in exchange for 3,296,500 subscription receipts held by the owners of a privately held company. On January 8, 2019, we issued 31,000 Multiple Voting Shares to buyout the membership interest of joint venture partners pursuant to an agreement between the parties.
Beginning on July 3, 2018 and through December 31, 2018, our shareholders converted 8,896 Super Voting Shares into 8,896 Multiple Voting Shares, continuing through December 31, 2019, our shareholders converted an additional 22,224 Super Voting Shares into 22,224 Multiple Voting Shares and, continuing through December 31, 2020 our shareholders converted an additional 90,258 Super Voting Shares into 90,258 Multiple Voting Shares.
Super Voting Shares
On June 12, 2018, we issued 433,409 Super Voting Shares to prior holders of VCP23, LLC membership interests pursuant to the Transaction and prior holders of Bayswater Uranium Corporation.
Beginning on December 3, 2018 and through December 31, 2018, our shareholders converted 8,896 Super Voting Shares into 8,896 Multiple Voting Shares, continuing through December 31, 2019, our shareholders converted an additional 22,224 Super Voting Shares into 22,224 Multiple Voting Shares and, continuing through December 31, 2020 our shareholders converted an additional 90,258 Super Voting Shares into 90,258 Multiple Voting Shares.

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

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION
The following information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
In addition to historical information, this report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties which may cause our actual results to differ materially from plans and results discussed in forward-looking statements. We encourage you to review the risks and uncertainties discussed in the sections entitled Item 1A. “Risk Factors” and “Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” included at the beginning of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The risks and uncertainties can cause actual results to differ significantly from those forecast in forward-looking statements or implied in historical results and trends.
We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements made by us, which speak only as of the date they are made. We disclaim any obligation, except as specifically required by law and the rules of the SEC, to publicly update or revise any such statements to reflect any change in our expectations or in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.
This management discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) of the financial condition and results of operations of Green Thumb Industries Inc. (the “Company” or “Green Thumb”) is for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. It is supplemental to, and should be read in conjunction with, the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019 and the combined financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 and the accompanying notes for each respective periods. The Company’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Financial information presented in this MD&A is presented in United States dollars (“$” or “US$”), unless otherwise indicated.
This MD&A contains certain “forward-looking statements” and certain “forward-looking information” as defined under applicable United States securities laws. Please refer to the discussion of forward-looking statements and information set out under the heading “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information,” identified in the ‘‘Risks and Uncertainties’’ section of this MD&A. As a result of many factors, the Company’s actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements and information.
COVID-19 Considerations
In March 2020, the World Health Organization categorized coronavirus disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) as a pandemic. COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the U.S. and other countries across the world, and the duration and severity of its effects and those of its variants, are currently unknown. The Company continues to implement and evaluate actions to strengthen its financial position and support the continuity of its business and operations in the face of this pandemic and other events.
The Company’s priorities during the COVID-19 pandemic are protecting the health and safety of its employees and its customers, following the recommended actions of government and health authorities. In the future, the pandemic may cause reduced demand for the Company’s products and services if, for example, the pandemic results in a recessionary economic environment or potential new restrictions on business operations or the movement of individuals. However, given the Company’s operations have to date been deemed “essential” services in the states in which it does business, the Company believes that there will continue to be strong demand for Green Thumb products.
Operations of the Company are currently ongoing as the cultivation, processing and sale of cannabis products is currently considered an “essential” business by all states in which the Company operates with respect to all customers. The Company’s ability to continue to operate without any significant negative operational impact from the COVID-19 pandemic and any of its variants will in part depend on the Company’s ability to protect its employees, customers and supply chain and its continued designation as “essential” in states where it does business that currently or in the future impose restrictions on business operations.
The pandemic has not materially impacted the Company’s business operations or liquidity position to date. The Company continues to generate operating cash flows to meet its short-term liquidity needs. In all locations where applicable regulations limiting in-store retail activity have been enacted by governmental authorities, the Company has expanded consumer delivery options and curbside pickup to help further protect the health and safety of Green Thumb employees and customers.
During 2020, the Company’s revenue, gross profit and operating income were not negatively impacted by COVID-19 and the Company generally maintained the consistency of its operations. However, the uncertain nature of the spread of COVID-19 and its variants may impact the Company’s business operations for reasons including the potential quarantine of Green Thumb employees or those of its supply chain partners and our designation as “essential” in states where we do business that currently or in the future impose restrictions on business operations.
OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANY
Established in 2014 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Green Thumb is promoting well-being through the power of cannabis through branded consumer packaged goods and people-first retail experiences, while being committed to community and sustainable profitable growth. As of December 31, 2020, Green Thumb has operations across 12 U.S. markets, employs over 2,200 people and serves hundreds of thousands of patients and customers annually.
Green Thumb’s core business is manufacturing, distributing and marketing a portfolio of owned cannabis consumer packaged goods brands (which we refer to as our Consumer Packaged Goods business), including Beboe, Dogwalkers, Dr. Solomon’s, incredibles, Rhythm, and The Feel Collection. The Company distributes and markets these products primarily to third-party licensed retail cannabis stores across the United States as well as to Green Thumb-owned retail stores (which we refer to as our Retail business).
The Company’s Consumer Packaged Goods portfolio is primarily generated from plant material that Green Thumb grows and processes itself which we use to produce our consumer packaged goods produced in 13 owned and operated manufacturing facilities. This portfolio consists of SKUs across a range of cannabis product categories, including flower, pre-rolls, concentrates, vape, capsules, tinctures, edibles, topicals and other cannabis-related products (none of which product category are individually material to the Company). These Consumer Package Goods products are sold in retail locations throughout the 12 U.S. markets Green Thumb operates including Green Thumb’s own Rise and Essence dispensaries.
Green Thumb owns and operates a national cannabis retail chain called Rise, and in the Las Vegas, Nevada and Pasadena California areas, a chain of stores called Essence, which are relationship-centric retail experiences aimed to deliver a superior level of customer service through high-engagement consumer interaction, a consultative, transparent and education-forward selling approach and a consistently available assortment of cannabis products. In addition, we own stores under other names, primarily where we co-own the stores or naming is subject to licensing or similar restrictions. The income from Green Thumb’s retail stores is primarily from the sale of cannabis-related products, which includes the sale of Green Thumb produced products as well as those produced by third parties, with an immaterial (under 10%) portion of this income resulting from the sale of other merchandise (such as t-shirts and accessories for cannabis use). The Rise stores currently are located in eight of the states in which we operate (including Nevada). The Essence stores were acquired in connection with the 2019 acquisition of Integral Associates and are located in Nevada and beginning in March 2021, California. The Essence stores differ from the Rise stores mainly in geographic location. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had 51 open and operating retail locations. The Company’s new store opening plans will remain fluid depending on market conditions, obtaining local licensing, construction and other permissions and subject to the Company’s capital allocation plans and the evolving situation with respect to the Coronavirus.
Results of Operations-Consolidated
The following table summarizes the Company’s consolidated financial results for the periods, and as of the dates, indicated. The (i) consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2020 2019 and 2018 and (ii) consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 have been derived from, and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes presented in Item 8 of this Report.
The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and on a going-concern basis that contemplates continuity of operations and realization of assets and liquidation of liabilities in the ordinary course of business.
For the Year Ended December 31,
2020 vs. 2019
2019 vs. 2018
$
Change
%
Change
$
Change
%
Change
Total Revenues, net of discounts
$ 556,572,889
$ 216,432,605
$ 62,493,680
$ 340,140,284
%
$ 153,938,925
%
Cost of Goods Sold, net
(252,404,301 )
(109,401,914 )
(34,177,259 )
(143,002,387 )
%
(75,224,655 )
%
Gross Profit
304,168,588
107,030,691
28,316,421
197,137,897
%
78,714,270
%
Total Expenses
198,061,759
134,721,393
54,656,579
63,340,366
%
80,064,814
%
Income (Loss) From Operations
106,106,829
(27,690,702 )
(26,340,158 )
133,797,531
(483 %)
(1,350,544 )
%
Total Other Income (Expense)
(3,176,107 )
(22,512,135 )
56,091,532
19,336,028
(86 %)
(78,603,667 )
(140 %)
Income (Loss) Before Provision for Income Taxes and Non-Controlling Interest
102,930,722
(50,202,837 )
29,751,374
153,133,559
(305 %)
(79,954,211 )
(269 %)
Provision for Income Taxes
83,852,802
9,344,033
7,183,595
74,508,769
%
2,160,438
%
Net Income (Loss) Before Non-Controlling Interest
19, 077,920
(59,546,870 )
22,567,779
78,624,790
(132 %)
(82,114,649 )
(364 %)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest
4,084,953
(430,463 )
27,811,696
4,515,416
(1,049 %)
(28,242,159 )
(102 %)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Green Thumb Industries Inc.
$ 14,992,967
$ (59,116,407 )
$ (5,243,917 )
$ 74,109,374
(125 %)
$ (53,872,490 )
1,027 %
Net Income (Loss) per share-basic
$ 0.07
$ (0.31 )
$ (0.04 )
$ 0.38
(123 %)
$ (0.27 )
%
Net Income (Loss) per share-diluted
$ 0.07
$ (0.31 )
$ (0.04 )
$ 0.38
(123 %)
$ (0.27 )
%
Weighted average number of shares outstanding-basic
210,988,259
190,602,400
130,102,523
Weighted average number of shares outstanding-diluted
212,531,188
190,602,400
130,102,523
As of December 31,
Total Assets
$ 1,358,549,162
$ 1,167,536,624
Long-Term Liabilities
$ 325,101,386
$ 212,960,693
Revenue Streams
The Company has consolidated financial statements across its operating businesses with revenue from the manufacture, sale and distribution of branded cannabis products to third-party retail customers as well as the sale of finished products to consumers in its retail stores.
Year Ended December 31, 2020 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2019
Revenue
Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $556,572,889, up 157% from $216,432,605 for the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase in revenue was driven by contributions from both Retail and Consumer Packaged Goods, largely due to growth in Illinois and Pennsylvania. The key performance driver of Retail revenues in 2020 was legalization of adult use in Illinois on January 1, 2020 as well as new store openings particularly in Illinois and Pennsylvania, and the 2020 full period effect of the June 2019 acquisition of the
Essence stores in Nevada. During the year ended December 31, 2020, Retail revenue made up 71% of total revenue as compared to 64% in 2019. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company increased its Retail footprint by opening 11 new stores and acquiring one store as compared to opening 17 new stores and acquiring eight during the same period in 2019. In total, the Company had 51 Retail locations open and operating during year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to 39 Retail locations in the prior year.
The key drivers for Consumer Packaged Goods revenue was legalization of adult use in Illinois on January 1, 2020 as well as the expansion of Green Thumb’s branded product portfolio to third-party retailers through the Company’s existing Consumer Packaged Goods cultivation and processing facilities in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Maryland, Connecticut and Nevada due to increased scale and efficiency. Consumer Packaged Goods revenue made up 29% of total revenues in 2020 as compared to 36% in 2019.
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of goods sold are derived from costs related to the internal cultivation and production of cannabis and from Retail purchases made from other licensed producers operating within our state markets.
Cost of goods sold for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $252,404,301, up 131% from $109,401,914 for the year ended December 31, 2019, driven by increased volume in open and operating Retail stores; new Retail store openings in Illinois, Pennsylvania and Nevada; and expansion of the Consumer Packaged Goods sales in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Maryland, Connecticut and Nevada.
Gross Profit
Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $304,168,588, representing a gross margin on the sale of finished cannabis consumer packaged goods of 55%. This is compared to gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2019 of $107,030,691 or a 49% gross margin. The Company’s increase in gross margin percentage was mainly attributed to an overall increase in Retail sales as a proportion of total sales. In addition, Consumer Packaged Goods also contributed to the increase in gross profit through expanded capacity. The increase in gross profit was directly attributable to the revenue increase as further described above.
Total Expenses
Total expenses for the year ended December 31, 2020 were $198,061,759 or 36% of total revenues, net of discounts. Total expenses for the year ended December 31, 2019 were $134,721,393 or 62% of total revenues, net of discounts.
The increase in total expenses was attributable to Retail salaries, benefits, depreciation expense and other operational and facility expenses mainly as a result of the Company’s new and acquired Retail facilities. In addition, an increase in intangible asset amortization expense, back office personnel costs and non-cash equity incentive compensation expense also contributed to the overall increase in total expenses. The reduction in expenses as a percent of revenue was attributable to measures deployed to control variable expenses as well as inherent operating leverage caused by the significant increase in revenue.
Total Other Income (Expense)
Total other income (expense) decreased to ($3,176,107) for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to ($22,512,135) for the year ended December 31, 2019. The reduction in other income (expense) was primarily due to favorable fair value adjustments on the Company’s investments and contingent consideration recorded in 2020 offset by unfavorable adjustments to the fair value of the warrant liability and increased interest expense.
Income (Loss) Before Provision for Income Taxes and Non-Controlling Interest
Net operating income before provision for income taxes and non-controlling interest for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $102,930,722 as compared to loss of ($50,202,837) for the year ended December 31, 2019.
As presented under the heading “Non-GAAP Measures” below, after adjusting for non-cash equity incentive compensation of $19,336,718 for 2020 and $18,285,377 for 2019, as well as other non-operating items, Adjusted Operating EBITDA (as defined below under the heading “Non GAAP Measures”) was $179,584,426 and $27,762,114 for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Provision for Income Taxes
Income tax expense is recognized based on the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted at year-end. For the year ended December 31, 2020, federal and state income tax expense totaled $83,852,802 as compared to $9,344,033 for the year ended December 31, 2019.
The net expense of $83,852,802 for the year ended December 31, 2020 includes current tax expense of $81,758,298 and deferred tax expense of $2,094,504 in the current period.
Year Ended December 31, 2019 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2018
Revenue
Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $216,432,605, up 246% from $62,493,680 for the year ended December 31, 2018 driven by contribution from both Consumer Packaged Goods and Retail sales across all 12 markets (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania). Key performance drivers were: distribution expansion of Green Thumb’s branded product portfolio primarily in Illinois, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania; new store openings and increased store traffic to Green Thumb’s 39 open and operating retail stores, particularly in Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania; and the addition of revenue from the acquisition of Connecticut-based AGL and Nevada-based Integral Associates.
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of goods sold are derived from cost related to the internal cultivation and production of cannabis and from retail purchases made from other licensed producers operating within our state markets.
Cost of goods sold for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $109,401,914, up 220% from $34,177,259 for the year ended December 31, 2018, driven by growth from both Consumer Packaged Goods and Retail sales across all 12 markets (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania).
Gross Profit
Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $107,030,691, representing a gross margin on the sale of finished cannabis Consumer Packaged goods of 49%. This is compared to gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2018 of $28,316,421 representing a 45% gross margin driven by increased harvested cannabis and consumer packaged goods shipments, along with incremental contribution from increased volume from Retail sales.
Total Expenses
Total expenses for the year ended December 31, 2019 were $134,721,393 or 62% of total revenues, net of discounts, an increase of $80,064,814. Total expenses for the year ended December 31, 2018 were $54,656,579 or 87% of total revenues, net of discounts.
The increase in total expenses was attributable to an increase in general and administrative expenses, mainly due to non-cash charges related to equity incentive compensation of $18,285,377, an increase of $6,137,126 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. Salaries and benefits also contributed as a result of increased headcount from the Company’s Retail facilities in Florida, Illinois, Nevada, Maryland, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, along with corporate staff development.
Additionally, the Company had professional fees of $17,714,193 which represented an increase of $7,025,063 over the 2018 amount of $10,689,130, primarily driven by acquisition related support, and other regulatory and growth-related activities.
Total Other Income (Expense)
Total other income (expense) for the year ended December 31, 2019 was ($22,512,135), compared to income of $56,091,532 for the year ended December 31, 2018, mainly due to a favorable adjustment to the fair values of the Company’s investments recorded in 2018.
Income (Loss) Before Provision for Income Taxes and Non-Controlling Interest
Net operating loss before provision for income taxes and non-controlling interest for the year ended December 31, 2019 was ($50,202,837) compared to income of $29,751,374 for the year ended December 31, 2018.
As presented under the heading “Non-GAAP Measures” below, after adjusting for non-cash equity incentive compensation of $18,285,377 in 2019 and $12,148,251 in 2018, as well as other non-operating items, Adjusted Operating EBITDA was $27,762,114 and ($9,007,926) for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Provision for Income Taxes
Income tax expense is recognized based on the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted at year-end. For the year ended December 31, 2019, federal and state income tax expense totaled $9,344,033 compared to $7,183,595 for the year ended December 31, 2018. The net expense of $9,344,033 for the year ended December 31, 2019 includes current tax expense of $22,760,946 and deferred tax benefit of $13,416,913 in the current period. The deferred tax benefit is mainly driven by changes in the fair value of investments and amortization of intangibles.
Year Ended December 31, 2018 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2017
Revenue
Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $62,493,680, up 278% from $16,528,779 for the year ended December 31, 2017 due to revenue contribution from Consumer Packaged Goods and Retail sales across Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada and Pennsylvania. Year over year consumer packaged goods growth is driven by expanded distribution to third-party retail customers of Green Thumb’s branded product portfolio, including Rythm, The Feel Collection and Dogwalkers, primarily across Illinois, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Retail sales growth is driven by increased foot traffic in Illinois retail stores, incremental revenue from two Illinois stores which were acquired in October 2017, new store openings of Rise (three in Maryland and four in Pennsylvania) and the commencement of adult use sales for both Nevada Rise stores as of January 1, 2018, all incremental compared to the year ending December 31, 2017.
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of goods sold are derived from cost related to the internal cultivation and production of cannabis and from retail purchases made from other licensed producers operating within our state markets.
Year ended December 31, 2018 cost of goods sold of $34,177,259 was up $24,369,484 or 248% compared to year ended December 31, 2017, driven by expanded production of consumer packaged goods in new markets Maryland and Pennsylvania, as well as material increases from retail sales driven by new store openings and increases in daily transactions across Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada and Pennsylvania.
Gross Profit
Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $28,316,421, representing a gross margin on the sale of branded cannabis flower and processed and packaged products including concentrates, edibles, topicals and other cannabis products, of 45%. This is compared to gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2017 of $6,721,004 or a 41% gross margin.
Total Expenses
Total expenses for year ended December 31, 2018 were $54,656,579, an increase of $43,165,807, compared to year ended December 31, 2017.
The increase in total expenses was attributable to an increase in general and administrative expenses, mainly due to non-cash charges related to equity incentive compensation of $12,148,251, which is all incremental compared to the prior year. Salaries and benefits also contributed to the increase as a result of new headcount from the Company’s Retail facilities in Illinois, Nevada, Maryland and Pennsylvania along with corporate staff development.
Additionally, the Company had professional fees of $10,689,130 which represented an increase of $7,171,238 over the 2017 amount of $3,517,892 due to the reverse takeover transaction, acquisition related support, and other regulatory and growth related activities.
Total Other Income
Total other income for year ended December 31, 2018 was $56,091,532, an increase of $55,979,581 compared to 2017, due to the iAnthus Warrants and other investments recorded at fair value, as further described in the Liquidity, Financing Activities During the Period, and Capital Resources section of this MD&A below.
Income (Loss) Before Provision for Income Taxes and Non-Controlling Interest
Net operating income before provision for income taxes and non-controlling interest for year ended December 31, 2018 was $29,751,374, compared to a loss of ($4,657,817) for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in net operating income was driven by the fair value of the iAnthus Warrants and other investments recorded at fair value, partially offset by equity incentive compensation as described above, in addition to start-up costs for new markets this year.
As presented under the heading “Non-GAAP Measures” below, after adjusting for non-cash equity incentive compensation of $12,148,251 as described above Adjusted Operating EBITDA was ($9,007,926) and ($4,079,780) for the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Provision for Income
Income tax expense is recognized based on the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted at year-end. For year ended December 31, 2018, Federal and State income tax expense
totaled $7,183,595 compared to $214,000 provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2017. Deferred tax expense of $4,061,000 is included in the $7,183,595 for the current period. This expense is driven by the fair value of warrants and investments, partially offset by deferred tax benefit related to net operating losses and stock-based compensation.
Results of Operations-Segments
The following tables summarize revenues net of sales discounts by segment for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:
For the Year Ended December 31,
2020 vs. 2019
2019 vs. 2018
$
Change
%
Change
$
Change
%
Change
Consumer Packaged Goods
$ 273,977,174
$ 109,930,160
$ 25,706,134
$ 164,047,014
%
$ 84,224,026
%
Retail
396,371,725
137,809,904
41,994,791
258,561,821
%
95,815,113
%
Intersegment Eliminations
(113,776,010 )
(31,307,459 )
(5,207,245 )
(82,468,551 )
%
(26,100,214 )
%
Total Revenues, Net of Discounts
$ 556,572,889
$ 216,432,605
$ 62,493,680
$ 340,140,284
%
$ 153,938,925
%
Year Ended December 31, 2020 Compared with the Year Ended December 31, 2019
Revenues, net of discounts for the Consumer Packaged Goods Segment were $273,977,174 for the year ended December 31, 2020, an increase of $164,047,014 or 149%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase in Consumer Packaged Goods revenues, net of discounts, was primarily driven by the legalization of adult- use cannabis in Illinois on January 1, 2020, increased sales volume in established markets such as Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Maryland and the 2020 full period effect of the June 2019 acquisition of Desert Grown Farms and Cannabiotix in Nevada.
Revenues, net of discounts for the Retail Segment were $396,371,725 for the year ended December 31, 2020, an increase of $258,561,821 or 188%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase in Retail revenues, net of discounts, was primarily driven by legalization of adult use in Illinois on January 1, 2020 as well as new store openings particularly in Illinois and Pennsylvania, and the 2020 full period effect of the June 2019 acquisition of the Essence stores in Nevada.
Due to the vertically integrated nature of the business, the Company reviews its revenue at the Retail and Consumer Packaged Goods level while reviewing its operating results on a consolidated basis.
Year Ended December 31, 2019 Compared with the Year Ended December 31, 2018
Revenues, net of discounts for the Consumer Packaged Goods Segment were $109,930,160 for the year ended December 31, 2019, an increase of $84,224,026 or 328%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase in Consumer Packaged Goods revenues, net of discounts, was primarily driven by increased sales volume in established markets such as Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland and Pennsylvania as well as the acquisition of Advanced Grow Labs, LLC’s cultivation and processing facility and Integral Associates, LLC’s Desert Grown Farms cultivation and processing facility.
Revenues, net of discounts for the Retail Segment were $137,809,904 for the year ended December 31, 2019, an increase of $95,815,113 or 228%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase in Retail revenues, net of discounts, was primarily driven by new store openings, the acquisition of Integral Associates, LLC’s Essence branded dispensaries and increased sales volume at existing stores.
Due to the vertically integrated nature of the business, the Company reviews its revenue at the Retail and Consumer Packaged Goods level while reviewing its operating results on a consolidated basis.
Year Ended December 31, 2018 Compared with the Year Ended December 31, 2017
Revenues, net of discounts for the Consumer Packaged Goods Segment were $25,706,134 for the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase of $17,330,181 or 207%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in Consumer Packaged Goods revenues, net of discounts, was primarily driven by new markets in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts along with increased sales volume in the established markets of Illinois and Maryland.
Revenues, net of discounts for the Retail Segment were $41,994,791 for the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase of $32,069,821 or 323%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in Retail revenues, net of discounts, was primarily driven by new store openings in Pennsylvania and Maryland, increased sales volume at existing stores in the established markets of Illinois and Nevada as well as the revenue from the acquisition of two Illinois stores in October 2017.
Due to the vertically integrated nature of the business, the Company reviews its revenue at the Retail and CPG level while reviewing its operating results on a consolidated basis.
Drivers of Results of Operations
Revenue
The Company derives its revenue from two revenue streams: a Consumer Packaged Good business in which it manufactures, sells and distributes its portfolio of finished consumer packaged goods, including brands Rythm, Dogwalkers, The Feel Collection and Beboe, among others, primarily to third-party retail customers; and a Retail business in which it sells finished goods sourced primarily from third-party cannabis manufacturers direct to the end consumer in its retail stores, as well as direct-to-consumer delivery where applicable by state law.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, revenue was contributed from Consumer Packaged Goods and Retail sales across California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Gross Profit
Gross profit is revenue less cost of goods sold. Cost of goods sold includes the costs directly attributable to product sales and includes amounts paid for finished goods, such as flower, edibles, and concentrates, as well as packaging and other supplies, fees for services and processing, and allocated overhead which includes allocations of rent, utilities and related costs. Cannabis costs are affected by various state regulations that limit the sourcing and procurement of cannabis product, which may create fluctuations in gross profit over comparative periods as the regulatory environment changes. Gross margin measures our gross profit as a percentage of revenue.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company continued to be focused on creating sustainable, profitable growth of the Company’s base business while pursuing national expansion. Green Thumb expects to continue its growth strategy for the foreseeable future as the Company expands its consumer packaged goods and retail footprint within its current markets with acquisitions and partnerships, and scales resources into new markets.
Total Expenses
Total expenses other than the cost of goods sold consist of selling costs to support customer relationships and marketing and branding activities. It also includes a significant investment in the corporate infrastructure required to support ongoing business.
Retail selling costs generally correlate to revenue. As new locations begin operations, these locations generally experience higher selling costs as a percentage of revenue compared to more established locations, which experience a more constant rate of selling costs. As a percentage of sales, the Company expects selling costs to remain relatively constant in the more established locations and increase in the newer locations as business continues to grow.
General and administrative expenses also include costs incurred at the Company’s corporate offices, primarily related to back office personnel costs, including salaries, incentive compensation, benefits, stock-based compensation and other professional service costs. The Company expects to continue to invest considerably in this area to support aggressive expansion plans and to support the business by attracting and retaining top-tier talent. Furthermore, the Company expects an increase in stock compensation expenses related to recruiting and hiring talent, along with legal and professional fees associated with being a publicly traded company in Canada and registered with the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission.
Provision for Income Taxes
The Company is subject to income taxes in the jurisdictions in which it operates and, consequently, income tax expense is a function of the allocation of taxable income by jurisdiction and the various activities that impact the timing of taxable events. As the Company operates in the legal cannabis industry, it is subject to the limitations of IRC Section 280E under which taxpayers are only allowed to deduct expenses directly related to sales of product. This results in permanent differences between ordinary and necessary business expenses deemed non-allowable under IRC Section 280E and a higher effective tax rate than most industries. Therefore, the effective tax rate can be highly variable and may not necessarily correlate to pre-tax income or loss.
Non-GAAP Measures
EBITDA, Adjusted Operating EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures and do not have standardized definitions under GAAP. The following information provides reconciliations of the supplemental non-GAAP financial measures, presented herein to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. The Company has provided the non-GAAP financial measures, which are not calculated or presented in accordance with GAAP, as supplemental information and in addition to the financial measures that are calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. These supplemental non-GAAP financial measures are presented because management has evaluated the financial results both including and excluding the adjusted items and believe that the supplemental non-GAAP financial measures presented provide additional perspective and insights when analyzing the core operating performance of the business. These supplemental non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered superior to, as a substitute for or as an alternative to, and should be considered in conjunction with, the GAAP financial measures presented.
For the Years Ended December 31,
Net Income (Loss) Before Non-Controlling Interest
$ 19,077,920
$ (59,546,870 )
$ 22,567,779
Interest Income
(113,667 )
(1,465,705 )
(1,952,945 )
Interest Expense
18,666,520
13,658,904
2,278,834
Provision For Income Taxes
83,852,802
9,344,033
7,183,595
Other Income
(15,376,746 )
10,318,936
(56,417,421 )
Depreciation and amortization
52,505,575
31,152,182
5,183,980
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) (non-GAAP measure)
$ 158,612,404
$ 3,461,480
$ (21,156,178 )
Stock-based compensation, non-cash
19,336,718
18,285,377
12,148,251
Acquisition, transaction, and other non-operating costs
1,635,304
6,015,257
-
Adjusted Operating EBITDA (non-GAAP measure)
$ 179,584,426
$ 27,762,114
$ (9,007,927 )
Liquidity, Financing Activities During the Period, and Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had total current liabilities of $119,288,435 and $111,367,255, respectively, and cash and cash equivalents of $83,757,785 and 46,667,334, respectively to meet its current obligations. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had working capital of $64,655,570, an increase of $66,960,214 as compared to December 31, 2019, driven primarily by a reduction in liabilities arising from the completion of business acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2020.
The Company is an early-stage growth company. It is generating cash from sales and is deploying its capital reserves to acquire and develop assets capable of producing additional revenues and earnings over both the immediate and near term. Capital reserves are being utilized for acquisitions in the medical and adult use cannabis markets, for capital expenditures and improvements in existing facilities, product development and marketing, as well as customer, supplier and investor and industry relations.
Cash Flows
Cash Used in Operating, Investing and Financing Activities
Net cash used in operating, investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, were as follows:
Years Ended December 31,
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$ 95,916,965
($ 18,013,610 )
($ 17,683,003 )
Net cash used in investing activities
($ 57,274,311 )
($ 174,671,380 )
($ 111,421,268 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(1,522,203 )
93,366,252
245,525,846
Contractual Cash Obligations and Other Commitments and Contingencies
The following table quantifies the Company’s future contractual obligations as of December 31, 2020:
Total
Thereafter
Notes Payable(a)
$ 105,466,429
$ -
$ -
$ 105,466,429
$ -
$ -
$ -
Charitable Contributions
717,429
185,886
189,953
194,109
147,481
-
-
Mortgage Payable(b)
3,556,678
156,097
164,763
174,964
185,281
1,573,810
1,301,763
Interest Due on Notes Payable
30,304,983
12,655,971
12,655,971
4,993,041
-
-
-
Interest Due on Mortgage Payable
1,287,315
212,016
203,349
193,149
182,831
154,564
341,406
Operating Leases-Third Party
365,277,752
24,009,579
25,487,123
25,360,510
24,856,882
22,834,433
242,729,225
Operating Leases-Related Parties
15,613,128
1,307,183
1,337,130
1,367,771
1,255,714
1,182,489
9,162,841
Contingent Consideration
27,100,000
22,150,000
4,950,000
-
-
-
-
Construction Commitments
520,252
520,252
-
-
-
-
-
Total as of December 31, 2020
$ 549,843,966
$ 61,196,984
$ 44,988,289
$ 137,749,973
$ 26,628,189
$ 25,745,296
$ 253,535,235
(a) On May 21, 2020, the Company exercised its option to extend the maturity date of its senior secured notes for an additional year. The new maturity date is May 22, 2023. Additionally, this amount excludes $10,511,335 of unamortized debt discount as of December 31, 2020. See Note 11-Notes Payable for details.
(b) The amount excludes $174,222 of unamortized debt discount as of December 31, 2020. See Note 11-Notes Payable for details.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company does not have any off-balance-sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future effect on the results of operations or financial condition of the Company, including, and without limitation, such considerations as liquidity and capital resources.
Pending and Subsequent Transactions
On February 8, 2021, the SEC declared effective the Company’s Registration Statement No. 333-248213 on Form S-1 filed on February 2, 2021 the “Form S-1”. Shortly thereafter, the Company received an offer from a single institutional investor to purchase 3,122,073 of the Subordinate Voting Shares registered on the Form S-1 at a price of $32.03 per share for a total of $100,000,030. The transaction closed on February 9, 2021. On February 23, 2021, the Company accepted additional offers to purchase a total of 1,571,917 Subordinate Voting Shares at a price of $35.50 per share, for a total of $55,803,054.
Changes in or Adoption of Accounting Practices
See discussion under Part II, Item 8, Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and revenue and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.
Significant judgments, estimates and assumptions that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements are described below.
Estimated Useful Lives and Amortization of Intangible Assets
Amortization of intangible assets is recorded on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which do not exceed the contractual period, if any. Intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are not subject to amortization and are tested annually for impairment, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that they may be impaired.
Business Combinations
Classification of an acquisition as a business combination or an asset acquisition depends on whether the assets acquired constitute a business, which can be a complex judgment. Whether an acquisition is classified as a business combination or asset acquisition can have a significant impact on the entries made on and after acquisition.
In determining the fair value of all identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired, the most significant estimates relate to contingent consideration and intangible assets. Management exercises judgement in estimating the probability and timing of when earn-outs are expected to be achieved, which is used as the basis for estimating fair value. For any intangible asset identified, depending on the type of intangible asset and the complexity of determining its fair value, an independent valuation expert or management may develop the fair value, using appropriate valuation techniques, which are generally based on a forecast of the total expected future net cash flows.
Cannabis licenses are the primary intangible asset acquired in business combinations as they provide the Company the ability to operate in each market. However, some cannabis licenses are subject to renewal and therefore there is some risk of non-renewal for several reasons, including operational, regulatory, legal or economic. To appropriately consider the risk of non-renewal, the Company applies probability weighting to the
expected future net cash flows in calculating the fair value of these intangible assets. The key assumptions used in these cash flow projections include discount rates and terminal growth rates. Of the key assumptions used, the impact of the estimated fair value of the intangible assets have the greatest sensitivity to the estimated discount rate used in the valuation. Management selected discount rates ranging from 12% to 18% primarily dependent upon the markets in which each of the acquisitions operates. The terminal growth rate represents the rate at which these businesses will continue to grow into perpetuity. Management selected terminal growth rates between 2% and 3%. Other significant assumptions include revenue, gross profit, operating expenses and anticipated capital expenditures which are based upon the Corporation’s historical operations along with management projections.
The evaluations are linked closely to the assumptions made by management regarding the future performance of these assets and any changes in the discount rate applied.
Inventories
The net realizable value of inventories represents the estimated selling price for inventories in the ordinary course of business, less all estimated costs of completion and costs necessary to make the sale. The determination of net realizable value requires significant judgment, including consideration of factors such as shrinkage, the aging of and future demand for inventory, expected future selling price the Company expects to realize by selling the inventory and the contractual arrangements with customers. Reserves for excess and obsolete inventory are based upon quantities on hand, projected volumes from demand forecasts and net realizable value. The estimates are judgmental in nature and are made at a point in time, using available information, expected business plans and expected market conditions. As a result, the actual amount received on sale could differ from the estimated value of inventory. Periodic reviews are performed on the inventory balance. The impact of changes in inventory reserves is reflected in cost of goods sold.
Investments in Private Holdings
Investments include private company investments which are carried at fair value based on the value of the Company’s interests in the private companies determined from financial information provided by management of the companies, which may include operating results, subsequent rounds of financing and other appropriate information. Any change in fair value is recognized on the consolidated statement of operations.
Goodwill Impairment
Goodwill is tested for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of goodwill has been impaired. In order to determine if the value of goodwill has been impaired, the reporting unit to which goodwill has been assigned or allocated must be valued using present value techniques. When applying this valuation technique, 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 assessed value of goodwill.
Determination of Reporting Units
The Company’s assets are aggregated into two reportable segments (Retail and Consumer Packaged Goods). For the purposes of testing goodwill, the Company has identified 22 reporting units. The Company analyzed its reporting units by first reviewing the operating segments based on the geographic areas in which the Company conducts business (or each market). The markets were then further divided into reporting units based on the market operations (retail and consumer packaged goods) which were primarily determined based on the licenses each market holds. The following represent the markets in which the Company operates as of December 31, 2020: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Consolidation
Judgment is applied in assessing whether the Company exercises control and has significant influence over entities in which the Company directly or indirectly owns an interest. The Company has control when it has the power over the subsidiary, has exposure or rights to variable returns and has the ability to use its power to affect the returns. Significant influence is defined as the power to participate in the financial and operating decisions of the subsidiaries. Where the Company is determined to have control, these entities are consolidated. Additionally, judgment is applied in determining the effective date on which control was obtained.
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts
Management determines the allowance for uncollectible accounts by evaluating individual receivable balances and considering accounts and other receivable financial condition and current economic conditions. Accounts receivable and financial assets recorded in other receivables are written off when deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of accounts receivable previously written off are recorded as income when received. All receivables are expected to be collected within one year of the balance sheet date.
Stock-Based Payments
Valuation of stock-based compensation and warrants requires management to make estimates regarding the inputs for option pricing models, such as the expected life of the option, the volatility of the Company’s stock price, the vesting period of the option and the risk-free interest rate are used. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The estimates are considered for each new grant of stock options or warrants.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The individual fair values attributed to the different components of a financing transaction, derivative financial instruments, are determined using valuation techniques. The Company uses judgment to select the methods used to make certain assumptions and in performing the fair value calculations in order to determine (a) the values attributed to each component of a transaction at the time of their issuance; (b) the fair value measurements for certain instruments that require subsequent measurement at fair value on a recurring basis; and (c) for disclosing the fair value of financial instruments. These valuation estimates could be significantly different because of the use of judgment and the inherent uncertainty in estimating the fair value of these instruments that are not quoted in an active market.
Financial Instruments and Financial Risk Management
The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, member contribution receivable, notes receivable, due from related parties, investments, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, notes payable, derivative liability, liability for acquisition of noncontrolling interest and contingent consideration payable.
Financial instruments recorded at fair value are classified using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs to fair value measurements. The three levels of hierarchy are:
Level 1-Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2-Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; and
Level 3-Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data.

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

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

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES
Prior Independent Registered Accounting Firm
Following the Transaction, the independent registered public accounting firm of the Corporation was MNP LLP (“MNP”) located at 111 Richmond Street W, Suite 300, Toronto, Ontario M5H 2G4, Canada. The Company engaged MNP on February 21, 2019, and MNP completed an audit of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2018. MNP resigned as the Company’s auditor effective October 15, 2019. The resignation of MNP was approved by the Audit Committee and the Board.
During the year ended December 31, 2018 and the subsequent period through October 15, 2019, the date of MNP’s resignation, there were no (1) disagreements with MNP on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure, which, if not resolved to MNP’s satisfaction, would have caused MNP to make reference thereto in its report on the consolidated financial statements of the Company (as described in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K) or (2) reportable events (as described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).
MNP’s report on the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2018 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.
We have provided MNP with a copy of the foregoing disclosures and requested that MNP furnish us with a letter addressed to the SEC stating whether MNP agrees with the statements made herein and, if not, stating the respects in which it does not agree. A copy of the letter is filed as Exhibit 16.1 to this document.
Engagement of Macias Gini & O’Connell LLP
The Company appointed Macias Gini & O’Connell LLP (“MGO”) located at 2029 Century Park East, Suite 1500, Los Angeles, California 90067 as its independent registered public accounting firm effective October 17, 2019. The engagement of MGO was approved by the Audit Committee and the Board. MGO has completed an audit of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
During the period from October 17, 2019 through November 30, 2019, the Company did not consult with MGO regarding any of the following:
•
the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company’s financial statements, and neither a written report nor oral advice was provided to the Company that MGO concluded was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to an accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; or
•
any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement (as described in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K) or a reportable event (as described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
The Company evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2020. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports
that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Company recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives. Management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(b) and Rule 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2020. As a new SEC registrant, Green Thumb is not required to include management’s assessment of Internal Controls over Financial Reporting (“ICFR”) or an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm in our 2020 Form 10-K. However, management has developed and is in the process of enhancing the Company’s ICFR and its disclosure controls and procedures in preparation for the annual audit of the Company for the 2021 fiscal year. Green Thumb expects to be required to include both management’s assessment of ICFR and the attestation of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding the Company’s ICFR in our 2021 annual report on Form 10-K. Management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have carefully considered the Company’s progress in the development of the disclosure controls and procedures to date and determined that they were reasonably effective at the assurance level as of December 31, 2020.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Information regarding directors and executive officers will be included in the 2021 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this item will be set forth under Executive Compensation in the Green Thumb Industries Inc. Proxy Statement for the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management will be included in the 2021 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
Equity Compensation Plans
Information regarding equity compensation plans will be included in the 2021 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions and director independence is incorporated herein by reference to the 2021 Proxy Statement.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Information regarding principal accounting fees and services is incorporated herein by reference to the 2021 Proxy Statement.
PART IV

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