EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1778129
Filing Year: 2025
Filename: 1778129_10-K_2025_0000950170-25-034600.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Overview
The Company is a leading North American cannabis company. The Company has vertically-integrated licensed operations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan, Maryland and California. In addition, the Company has retail operations in Ontario, Canada with a majority-owned dispensary in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Notwithstanding the fact that various states in the United States have implemented medical cannabis laws or have otherwise legalized the use of cannabis, the use of cannabis remains illegal under U.S. federal law for any purpose, by way of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 (the "Controlled Substances Act").
The Company operates under one reportable segment, which is the cultivation, production and sale of cannabis products.
The Company owns a portfolio of operating businesses, including:
•TerrAscend New Jersey (“TerrAscend NJ”), a majority-owned operation with three dispensaries, and a cultivation/processing facility;
•TerrAscend Maryland (“TerrAscend MD”), a wholly-owned operation with four dispensaries, and a cultivation/processing facility;
•TerrAscend Pennsylvania (“TerrAscend PA”), a wholly-owned operation with six dispensaries, and a cultivation/processing facility;
•TerrAscend Michigan (“TerrAscend MI”), a wholly-owned operation with twenty dispensaries, one cultivation facility, one processing facility, and two cultivation/processing facilities;
•TerrAscend California (“TerrAscend CA”), a wholly-owned operation with four dispensaries, and a cultivation facility; and;
•TerrAscend Canada (“TerrAscend Canada”), a cannabis retailer in Ontario, Canada with a majority-owned dispensary in Toronto, Ontario, Canada ("Cookies Canada").
The Issuer’s head office and registered office is located at 77 City Centre Drive, Suite 501 - East Tower, Mississauga, Ontario, L5B 1M5, Canada.
The Company’s telephone number is +1 (717) 610-4165 and its website is www.terrascend.com. Information contained on or accessible through the Company's website is not part of this Annual Report, and the inclusion of the Company's website address in this Annual Report is an inactive textual reference only.
Operating Businesses and Brands
The Company is a leading North American cannabis company. The Company has vertically integrated licensed operations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan, Maryland and California. In addition, the Company has retail operations in Ontario, Canada with a majority-owned dispensary in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Company is committed to safely cultivating the highest quality cannabis products in order to elevate the lives of its patients and customers with a vision to keep growing and using the transformative power of cannabis to positively impact as many lives as possible. See the section titled “Acquisitions” for more information regarding the Company’s acquisitions.
The Company operates seven cultivation and processing facilities and thirty-eight operational dispensaries serving thousands of medical patients and adult-use consumers across North America. The Company offers six premium brands in a variety of product types including flower, vaporizables, concentrates, topicals, tinctures, and edibles. The Company also produces and sells an assorted product offering from three premium licensed brands, Wana, Cookies and Lemonnade.
The Company’s in-house product brand portfolio has the following brand values:
•Kind Tree Cannabis: Rich earth, clean water and pure air come together to make Kind Tree Cannabis a unique and memorable cannabis experience. Its master cultivators are dedicated to producing exceptional cannabis with respect for the earth and love for the plant.
•GAGE Cannabis: Cultivates exceptional cannabis with uncompromising high standards for those who love and respect the potency of flower. GAGE Cannabis is revered for its high quality cannabis flower and its award winning retail stores provide customers with a best-in-class experience.
•Legend: Life is complicated, your flower should not be. Legend offers good strains, grown right, at a great price. Its mission is to enhance the everyday by curating products that are both sessionable and affordable - because when the everyday is fun, it is also legendary.
•Valhalla Confections ("Valhalla"): Handmade, small batch, high quality. Valhalla's mission is to improve the quality of life for its customers by providing unique cannabis products, all made using mindful attention to detail, creativity, and innovation.
•State Flower Cannabis: Evolved from a boutique approach to cultivation, yet it remains dedicated to an ultra-premium level of quality for its flowers and pre-rolls.
•Ilera Healthcare: Rooted in science, its products start with premium flower. Ilera Healthcare has spent years perfecting the art of marijuana extraction and blending to create consistent experiences and customized effects, offering a product line of vapes, tinctures, and topicals.
The Company produces and sells products under third-party licensed brands in some markets, which consist of:
•Wana: North America’s most trusted edibles brand. As Wana’s sole manufacturer, supplier, and commercialization partner in New Jersey and Maryland, the Company produces Wana’s proprietary recipes, ensuring its highest quality ingredients and cutting-edge innovation brand standards are met.
•Cookies: A globally recognized cannabis company. The Company cultivates, manufactures, and supplies Cookies’ world-class proprietary strains and products throughout Maryland, Michigan, and New Jersey, honoring the brand’s goals of authenticity and innovative genetics. Offering a product line of flower, concentrates, cartridges, and vapes.
•Lemonnade: Voted the #1 sativa menu in the world. The Company's dispensary located in Center Line, Michigan, carries unique sativa-leaning, flavor-forward cannabis products for those searching for an upbeat and euphoric experience in addition to a variety of offerings focused on indica, hybrid, and high cannabidiol ("CBD") strains.
The Company's dispensary retail stores are branded as:
•The Apothecarium: Known for emphasizing education and customer service. The Apothecarium provides guests with in-depth, one-on-one consultations from highly trained cannabis consultants. Its guests may order their cannabis at The Apothecarium dispensaries or online for pickup or delivery.
•GAGE Cannabis Co.: Cultivates and curates experiences that empower patients and its customers to maximize plant benefits and amplify their lives. Its top-shelf dispensaries are the exclusive supplier of GAGE Cannabis and Cookies products, as described above, throughout Michigan.
•Pinnacle Emporium: As part of the GAGE Cannabis Co. family of dispensaries, Pinnacle Emporium offers a vintage experience. Customers will receive a unique and educational history of the legalization of cannabis before meeting with a highly knowledgeable wellness associate.
•TerrAscend owns and operates third-party branded dispensaries for Cookies and Lemonnade in Michigan.
•In addition, TerrAscend owns and operates other dispensary brands that will transition into a GAGE Cannabis Co. or The Apothecarium brand.
TerrAscend New Jersey
The Company is a vertically integrated cultivator, processor and dispenser in New Jersey’s northern region. The Company, through its majority-owned subsidiary TerrAscend NJ, LLC, cultivates and processes medical and adult-use cannabis, and currently operates three Apothecarium-branded dispensaries in Phillipsburg, Lodi, and Maplewood, New Jersey. The Company operates a 16-acre site in Boonton Township, Morris County that currently has a cultivation and processing facility with a total footprint of approximately 140,000 square feet with the ability to further expand on the site. In addition to cultivation, the Company is engaged in the manufacturing of a wide range of branded form factors including vaporizables, concentrates, topicals, tinctures and edibles.
The Company is the exclusive manufacturer, supplier, and commercialization partner of Wana and Cookies in New Jersey, producing these branded products for wholesale and retail distribution in the state.
TerrAscend Maryland
The Company is a vertically integrated cultivator, processor and dispenser in Maryland. The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary WDB Holding MD, Inc. (“WDB MD”) and TER Holding MD, Inc. (“TER MD”), holds one cultivation license, one processor license, and four retail licenses. The Company has a cultivation and processing operation, including a newly renovated state-of-the-art 150,000 square foot facility located in Hagerstown, Maryland. The Company is engaged in the extraction, processing and manufacturing of a wide-range of branded form factors including vaporizables, concentrates, topicals, tinctures and edibles. In addition, the Company operates four Apothecarium-branded retail dispensaries, in Cumberland, Salisbury, Nottingham, and Burtonsville.
The Company is the exclusive manufacturer, supplier, and commercialization partner of Wana and Cookies in Maryland, producing these branded products for wholesale and retail distribution in the state.
TerrAscend Pennsylvania
The Company is a vertically integrated cultivator, processor and dispenser in Pennsylvania. The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary WDB Holding PA, Inc. (“WDB PA”), holds a cultivation, a processor, and six retail licenses in Pennsylvania. The Company, through Ilera Healthcare LLC (“Ilera”), has a 150,000 square foot grower and processor operation located in Waterfall, Pennsylvania. The Company distributes its product lines, including vaporizables, tinctures, and topicals broadly across dispensaries throughout Pennsylvania. In addition, the Company operates six Apothecarium-branded retail dispensaries, in Plymouth Meeting, Lancaster, Thorndale, Bethlehem, Allentown and Stroudsburg. In addition to cultivation, the Company is engaged in the manufacturing of a wide range of branded form factors including vaporizables, concentrates, topicals, and tinctures.
The Company is the exclusive manufacturer, supplier, and commercialization partner of Cookies in Pennsylvania, producing these branded products for wholesale and retail distribution in the state.
TerrAscend Michigan
The Company is a vertically-integrated cultivator, processor and dispenser in Michigan. The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary WDB Holding MI, Inc. (“WDB MI”), holds nine operational “Class C” cultivation licenses, five Class C’s with local approvals, three excess grower licenses (equivalent to a Class C license), three processing licenses and twenty provisioning centers or dispensaries. The Company has cultivation and processing facilities located in Warren, Harrison and Monitor, Michigan. The Company operates nine GAGE branded dispensaries, five Pinnacle-branded dispensaries, five Cookies-branded dispensaries, and one Lemonnade-branded dispensary.
The Company is the exclusive manufacturer, supplier, and commercialization partner of Cookies in Michigan, producing these branded products for wholesale and retail distribution in the state.
TerrAscend California
The Company is a vertically-integrated cultivator and dispenser in California. The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary WDB Holding CA, Inc. (“WDB CA") holds licenses for cultivation, distribution, and retail operations. The Company has a cultivation operation located in San Francisco, California. The Company operates four Apothecarium-branded retail dispensaries, including three in San Francisco, and one in Berkeley.
TerrAscend Canada
TerrAscend Canada sells cannabis in Ontario, Canada from its Cookies Canada retail dispensary. TerrAscend Canada’s principal business activities include the retail sale of recreational (“recreational” or “adult-use”) cannabis to consumers. TerrAscend Canada was previously a Licensed Producer (as such term is defined in the Cannabis Act, SC 2018, c 16 (the "Cannabis Act")) of cannabis until the Company commenced an optimization of its operations in Canada, whereby the Company reduced its manufacturing footprint to focus on its Canadian retail business. Prior to the optimization of its operations, TerrAscend Canada operated out of a 67,300 square foot facility located in Mississauga, Ontario and was licensed to cultivate, process and sell cannabis for medical and adult-use purposes. These licenses allowed for sales of dried cannabis, cannabis oil and extracts, topicals, and edibles. The Company ceased operations at TerrAscend Canada’s manufacturing facility during the
three months ended December 31, 2022. As such, the Canadian Licensed Producer results are presented in discontinued operations in this Annual Report.
Reorganization
Entry into the U.S. Cannabis Market and Capital Reorganization
The Company was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) on March 7, 2017. At the time the Company had limited operations in the United States and did not engage in the business of, or derive any revenue from, the cultivation, distribution or possession of cannabis in the United States. On October 9, 2018, the Company announced its intention to pursue growth opportunities in the U.S. cannabis market, including potential acquisitions of operators in states that had legalized cannabis for medical or adult-use. In connection therewith, the Company began exploring potential acquisition targets with significant market share and strong brand recognition. To support this strategy, the Company entered into an arrangement agreement (the "Arrangement Agreement") with Canopy Growth Corporation, RIV Capital Inc. (formerly Canopy Rivers Inc.), and entities controlled by Jason Wild, chairman of the Company (JW Opportunities Master Fund, Ltd., JW Partners, LP, and Pharmaceutical Opportunities Fund, LP) to reorganize the capital of the Company (the "Reorganization") and obtain waivers of certain contractual covenants that at the time, restricted the Company from operating in the United States. The Reorganization was implemented by way of a statutory plan of arrangement on the terms set out in the Arrangement Agreement and was subject to court approval, the approval of the Company’s shareholders, and other customary conditions. The Reorganization was completed on November 30, 2018.
TSX Listing and Capital Reorganization
On June 21, 2023, the Company received conditional approval from the TSX to list the Company's Common Shares on the TSX (the "TSX Listing"). On June 22, 2023, the shareholders of the Company approved, the reorganization of its corporate structure in order to complete the TSX Listing, as further described in the Company’s Management Information Circular and Proxy Statement dated May 1, 2023. In connection with the TSX Listing, the Common Shares were voluntarily delisted from the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") on June 30, 2023. On July 4, 2023, the Common Shares commenced trading on the TSX under the ticker symbol "TSND". In connection with this, effective July 6, 2023, the Issuer changed its trading symbol on OTCQX to "TSNDF."
Acquisitions
Acquisition of Herbiculture
On July 10, 2023, the Company closed the acquisition of Herbiculture Inc. (“Herbiculture”), a medical dispensary in Maryland. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding equity interests in Herbiculture for total consideration of $7,710, comprised of: (i) $2,776 in cash (the "Herbiculture Cash Consideration"), and (ii) a promissory note of $4,934 bearing interest at a rate of 10.50%, and maturing on June 30, 2026. The Herbiculture Cash Consideration included transaction expenses and repayments of indebtedness on behalf of Herbiculture of $616 and $1,674, respectively.
Acquisition of Blue Ridge
On June 30, 2023, the Company closed the acquisition of Hempaid, LLC ("Blue Ridge"), a medical dispensary located in Parkville, Maryland. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding equity interests in Blue Ridge for total consideration of $6,277, comprised of: (i) a promissory note of $3,109 bearing interest at a rate of 7.0% and maturing on June 30, 2027 and (ii) $3,168 in cash (the "Blue Ridge Cash Consideration"). The Blue Ridge Cash Consideration included repayments of indebtedness and transaction expenses on behalf of Blue Ridge of $707 and $281, respectively. The Company relocated the Blue Ridge dispensary to a new, high-traffic retail center in Nottingham, Maryland as of May 29, 2024.
Acquisition of Peninsula
On June 28, 2023, in order to expand its retail footprint in Maryland, the Company closed the acquisition of Derby 1, LLC ("Peninsula"), a dispensary located in Salisbury, Maryland (the "Peninsula Acquisition"). Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding equity interests in Peninsula for total consideration of $15,394 exclusive of assumed financing obligations of $7,226. The consideration was comprised of: (i) 5,442,282 Common Shares (the "Peninsula Share Consideration"), valued at $7,857, (ii) a $3,646 secured promissory note bearing interest at a rate of 7.25% and maturing on June 28, 2026, and (iii) $2,657 of contingent consideration in connection with the Peninsula Share Consideration ("Peninsula Contingent Consideration"), and (iv) $1,234 in cash (the "Peninsula Cash Consideration"). The Peninsula Cash Consideration included transaction expenses and repayments of indebtedness on behalf of Peninsula of $290
and $33, respectively. The Peninsula Share Consideration was subject to a statutory lock-up restriction of six months, and therefore, a share restriction discount was considered in determining the fair value of the Peninsula Share Consideration on the date of issuance. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the Company agreed that if within eighteen months from the date of issuance of the Peninsula Share Consideration, the aggregate gross proceeds resulting from the sales of the Common Shares plus the aggregate value of the remaining Common Shares was less than $9,000, the Company would be required to pay the difference to the sellers and in accordance with such terms, the Company issued the Peninsula Contingent Consideration.
Acquisition of Pinnacle
On August 23, 2022, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding equity interests in Pinnacle, a dispensary operator in Michigan, and related real estate, for total consideration of $31,003, comprised of: (i) $12,327 in cash (the "Pinnacle Cash Consideration"), (ii) two promissory notes in an aggregate amount of $10,000, each bearing interest at a rate of 6.0% which was to mature on June 23, 2023, (iii) 4,803,184 Common Shares valued at $7,926 (the "Pinnacle Share Consideration"), and (iv) contingent consideration payable, valued at $750. Subject to compliance with securities laws, the Common Shares issued in connection with the Pinnacle Share Consideration were subject to a contractual lock-up period, with one-third of the Common Shares vesting on each of the 30, 60 and 90 day anniversary of the closing date of the transaction. The Pinnacle Cash Consideration included repayments of indebtedness and transaction expenses on behalf of Pinnacle of $3,913 and $619 respectively. In connection with the Pinnacle Acquisition, the Company acquired six retail dispensary licenses, five of which are currently operational and located in the cities of Addison, Buchanan, Camden, Edmore, and Morenci, Michigan.
Acquisition of Gage Growth
On March 10, 2022, the Company closed the acquisition (the "Gage Acquisition") of Gage Growth Corp. ("Gage"), pursuant to the terms of an arrangement agreement between the Company and Gage Growth (the "Gage Arrangement Agreement"). Pursuant to the terms of the Gage Arrangement Agreement, the Company acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding subordinate voting shares of Gage. Pursuant to the terms of the Gage Arrangement Agreement, Gage shareholders received 0.3001 of a Common Share for each Gage share (or equivalent) held. In connection with the Gage Acquisition, the Company issued: (i) 51,349,978 Common Shares valued at $242,884, (ii) 13,504,500 exchangeable share units valued at $66,591, (iii) 4,940,364 replacement stock options with a fair value of $13,147, and (iv) 282,023 replacement warrants with a fair value of $435.
Acquisition of AMMD
On January 27, 2023, the Company closed the acquisition of Allegany Medical Marijuana Dispensary ("AMMD"), a medical dispensary located in Cumberland, Maryland from Moose Curve Holdings, LLC). Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the Company acquired a 100% of the outstanding equity interest in Moose Curve Holdings, LLC for total consideration of $10,000 in cash (the "AMMD Cash Consideration"). The AMMD Cash Consideration paid included a long-term lease with the option to purchase the real estate and repayments of indebtedness and transaction expenses on behalf of AMMD of $160 and $29, respectively.
New Jersey Partnership
On August 20, 2021, the Company purchased an additional 12.5% equity interest in TerrAscend NJ, LLC from BWH NJ, LLC and Blue Marble Ventures, LLC (in addition to its existing 75% equity interest). The total cash consideration was $50,000, which was paid during the year ended December 31, 2021. Upon closing of the acquisition, the Company owns 87.5% of the issued and outstanding equity of TerrAscend NJ, LLC.
The Company had the option to purchase an additional 6.25% equity interest in TerrAscend NJ, LLC, for a total equity interest of 93.75%, at a predetermined valuation during the period commencing on April 1, 2023 through June 15, 2023, but it did not elect to exercise.
Acquisition of HMS
On May 3, 2021, the Company, through WDB MD, a wholly-owned subsidiary of TerrAscend, acquired HMS Health, LLC ("HMS Health"), a cultivator of cannabis flower for the wholesale medical cannabis market in Maryland. The Company acquired 100% of the outstanding equity interests of HMS Health as well as the right to acquire 100% of the outstanding equity interest in HMS Processing, LLC ("HMS Processing"), a processor of cannabis flower, following receipt of certain regulatory approvals, for total consideration of $24,488, comprised of: (i) $22,399 in cash and (ii) a $2,089 promissory note, bearing 5.0% annual interest, which was settled when due in April 2022. On January 31, 2022, the Company acquired 100% of the
outstanding equity interest in HMS Processing, which resulted in both HMS Processing and HMS Health becoming wholly-owned subsidiaries of TerrAscend.
Acquisition of KCR
On April 30, 2021, the Company, through WDB PA, a wholly-owned subsidiary of TerrAscend, acquired Guadco, LLC and KCR Holdings LLC (collectively “KCR”). In connection with the acquisition of KCR, the Company acquired three retail dispensaries located in Bethlehem, Allentown and Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Prior to the acquisition, the Company owned 10% of KCR. The Company acquired the remaining 90% of the equity interest in KCR for total consideration of $69,847, comprised of: (i) $34,427 in Common Shares, (ii) $20,506 in cash, (iii) $7,101 related to the fair value of previously owned shares, (iv) a contingent consideration payable, with a value of $1,063 , and (v) a $6,750 promissory note, bearing 10% annual interest, which was settled when due in April 2022.
Acquisition of State Flower
On January 23, 2020, the Company obtained control of ABI SF, LLC ("State Flower"), a premium California cannabis brand that is currently sold through dispensaries in California. As consideration, the Company converted its previously-issued note receivable and accrued interest in the amount of $3,032 into a 49.9% equity interest in State Flower ("State Flower Acquisition"). The Company also recorded contingent consideration payable of $6,630, representing the expected consideration payable to acquire the remaining 50.1% of State Flower, which comprises 100% of its preferred shares, subject to regulatory approval. The Company retained 100% of the economics of State Flower through control of State Flower and has the right to acquire the remaining equity interests of State Flower, following receipt of certain regulatory approvals. On December 31, 2021, the final earn-out was calculated. The Company made a payment of $7,000 in January 2022. On January 19, 2024, the Company acquired the remaining 50.1% of the equity interest in State Flower for a total consideration of $250 in cash and the issuance of 782,539 Common Shares. As a result of which State Flower became a wholly-owned subsidiary of TerrAscend.
Acquisition of Ilera
On September 16, 2019, the Company, through WDB PA, a wholly-owned subsidiary of TerrAscend, acquired 100% of the outstanding equity interest of the entities comprising Ilera for total consideration of $225,000 comprised of a combination of cash and Common Shares. At closing, the Company paid the sellers $25,000 in cash, subject to customary closing adjustments, an additional $25,000 worth of proportionate voting shares in the capital of the Company (the "Proportionate Voting Shares") equivalent to approximately 5,059,102 Proportionate Voting Shares (which are each exchangeable for 1,000 Common Shares), and $601,000 in working capital adjustments. Additional cash consideration of $175,000 in aggregate was paid to the sellers based on Ilera achieving certain specified sales and profitability targets, with staggered payments made in 2020 and 2021. On June 30, 2021, the final earn-out had been calculated and remaining fair value amount of $29,700 was paid on that date.
Acquisition of the Apothecarium Dispensaries in California
On June 6, 2019, the Company closed a series of transactions to acquire controlling interests in three entities in California operating under the Apothecarium-branded retail dispensaries (the "Apothecarium 2019 Acquisition"). The transactions also included the acquisition of two additional entities that were seeking to operate retail locations in Northern California, which were ultimately opened in Berkeley and Capitola, and the acquisition of Valhalla, a leading provider of premium edible products. The Company acquired 49.9% of the outstanding equity interests of the entities operating three Apothecarium-branded retail dispensaries located in San Francisco and had the right (or, in certain circumstances, obligation) to acquire the remaining equity interests of such entities post-closing, following receipt of certain regulatory approvals. As consideration, the Company paid $71,854, comprised of: (i) $36,837 in cash, (ii) $813 in the form of a working capital adjustment, (iii) contingent consideration of $3,363 and (iv) 6,700 Proportionate Voting Shares, valued at $30,841. The Company retained 100% of the economics of the entities operating the three San Francisco locations, the Berkeley location and Capitola locations of the Apothecarium-branded dispensaries through control of such entities. On January 19, 2024, the Company acquired the remaining 50.1% of the outstanding equity interest in the three Apothecarium-branded retail dispensaries located in San Francisco, each, therefore, becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. As consideration, the Company paid $3,700, which was satisfied by the Company with the issuance of 2,105,549 Common Shares.
Principal Products
The Company offers a competitive product portfolio, ranging from flower, concentrates, vaporizables, edibles, tinctures, topicals, and/or accessories, in the jurisdictions in which it operates. The Company strives to develop and introduce innovative products to serve patients’ and customers’ unique needs.
Principal Markets
The Company currently has operations in the United States, through TerrAscend, and in Canada, through TerrAscend Canada. In the United States, TerrAscend sells cannabis products in Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and California. In Canada, TerrAscend Canada operates its Cookies Canada retail business. The Company’s business is not generally cyclical or seasonal in nature.
Distribution Methods
In the United States, TerrAscend distributes its branded products across dispensaries in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Michigan and California. In Canada, the Company sells its products to consumers in Ontario through TerrAscend Canada.
Sources and Availability of Materials
The Company either grows or procures the primary component of its finished products, namely cannabis. TerrAscend’s cultivation operations in the United States are dependent on a number of key inputs and their related costs including raw materials and supplies related to its growing operations, as well as electricity, water and other utilities.
Specialized Knowledge and Skills
The Company’s business requires specialized skills and knowledge. The Company believes its team has developed and sourced business systems to effectively and efficiently operate its wholesale operations and retail cannabis operations in the jurisdictions in which it operates in the United States and Canada. The Company believes that the brand building, retail marketing and product development knowledge and skills that the Company’s management team and employees possess will be essential to the Company becoming a respected household name within the retail cannabis industry. Please see Item 1A - “Risk Factors” - “Risks Related to the Company’s Business, Operations and Industry” - “The Company is dependent on suppliers and key inputs for the cultivation, extraction and production of cannabis products.”
Competitive Conditions
The Company currently faces, and will continue to face, competition from new and existing licensed cannabis operators, competitors with existing retail operations, government owned retailers, the illicit market, and other applicable participants in the cannabis wholesale and manufacturing industry. Some of the Company's competitors may have greater financial resources, market access, and manufacturing and marketing experience than the Company. Due to challenging market conditions in certain jurisdictions, some operators have exited the industry and in doing so have heavily discounted their products, creating pressure on pricing.
Increased competition from numerous independent cannabis retail outlets, wholesalers and larger and better-financed competitors (including new entrants), and heavily discounted products by exiting players could have a material adverse effect on the Company. In the United States, as each state continues to oversee all regulations and policies within its individual borders, each state has the power to change its guidelines, laws, and regulatory operations at any time. This includes, but is not limited to, expanding into adult-use consumption, limiting the number of dispensaries an operator can own and run in a jurisdiction, or regulating partnerships with social equity licenses.
The Company’s competitors can be grouped into the following categories:
(a)Vertically-Integrated Competitors: This class of competitors (which may include licensed producers of cannabis that are able to produce cannabis and sell cannabis products at retail stores of their affiliates) includes well-financed competitors with an established operating history in North America.
(b)Existing Retail Competitors: This class of competitors includes early-stage and semi-developed retail cannabis businesses, as well as established retail cannabis businesses, which may be well capitalized, and which may also have an established and longer retail operating history in North America.
(c)Government Competitors: This class of competitors includes government wholesalers that sell directly to consumers in the Province of Ontario.
(d)Illicit Market Competitors: This class of competitors includes individuals and businesses operating in the illicit market within various jurisdictions across North America. These competitors may divert sizeable commercial opportunities from the Company.
(e)Existing Wholesale Competitors: This class of competitors includes early-stage and semi-developed wholesalers, as well as established wholesalers, which may be well capitalized, and which may also have an established and longer operating history in North America.
(f)Exiting Competitors: This class of competitors may be vertically integrated or may only operate at the retail or wholesale levels, and due to financial distress, are exiting the cannabis market. These competitors may heavily discount their products during the process of winding down their operations.
Protection of Intellectual Property
The Company believes that the ownership and protection of the Company’s intellectual property rights is a significant aspect of the Company’s future opportunity. Currently, the Company relies on trade secrets, technical know-how and proprietary information for its commercial strategy. The Company protects its intellectual property by seeking and obtaining registered protection where possible, developing and implementing standard operating procedures to protect trade secrets, technical know-how and proprietary information, and entering into restrictive agreements with parties that have access to the Company’s inventions, trade secrets, technical know-how and proprietary information, such as the Company’s partners, collaborators, employees and consultants, to protect confidentiality and intellectual property rights. The Company also seeks to preserve the integrity and confidentiality of its inventions, trade secrets, trademarks, technical know-how and proprietary information by maintaining strict operating procedures, physical security of the Company’s premises and physical and electronic security of its information technology systems.
In addition, the Company has sought and will continue to seek trademark protection in the United States and Canada. The Company’s ability to obtain registered trademark protection for cannabis-related goods and services, in particular for cannabis itself, is limited in the United States, where registered federal trademark protection is currently unavailable for trademarks covering cannabis-related products and services that are illegal under the Controlled Substances Act. Accordingly, the Company’s ability to obtain intellectual property rights or enforce intellectual property rights against third party uses of similar trademarks may be limited in the United States. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office released a policy on May 2, 2019, which clarifies that applications for trademarks for products that meet the definition of hemp could be accepted for registration, subject to certain exceptions.
Privacy and Cybersecurity
In the ordinary course of business, the Company processes personal or sensitive data. Accordingly, the Company is subject to numerous data privacy and security obligations, including federal, state, local, and foreign laws, regulations, guidance, and industry standards related to data privacy, security, and protection. Such obligations include, without limitation, the Federal Trade Commission Act, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 (“TCPA”), the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act of 2003, the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act) (together, “CCPA/CPRA”), the Canadian Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation, and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (“PCI-DSS”). Additionally, the Company is subject to various consumer protection laws which requires the Company to publish statements that accurately and fairly describe how the Company handles personal data and choices individuals may have about the way their personal data is handled.
The regulatory landscape around privacy and cybersecurity is evolving rapidly and becoming increasingly stringent, which may increase our compliance obligations and exposure for any noncompliance. See the section titled “The Company (and the third parties with whom it works) is subject to stringent and evolving U.S. and foreign laws, regulations, rules, contractual obligations, policies and other obligations related to data privacy and security. Its actual or perceived failure (or that of the third parties with whom it works) to comply with such obligations could lead to regulatory investigations or actions; litigation; fines and penalties; disruptions of business operations; reputational harm; loss of revenue or profits; and other adverse business consequences” for additional information about the laws and regulations to which the Company is subject and about the risks to our business associated with such laws and regulations.
Human Capital
As of December 31, 2024, the Company employed 1,163 employees, 134 of whom were subject to a collective bargaining agreement. Of these employees, approximately 950 were engaged on a full-time basis. The Company believes that it has a good relationship with its employees.
The Company believes in building a diverse team, and it strives to foster a welcoming culture where employees can make an impact on the Company’s success. The Company encourages talented people from all backgrounds to join the Company and is
dedicated to promoting inclusion by encouraging its employees to participate in employee resource groups and other similar initiatives.
The Company is committed to providing a safe and secure work environment in accordance with applicable labor, safety, health, anti-discrimination and other workplace laws. The Company strives for all employees to feel safe and empowered at work. To that end, The Company maintains a hotline that employees can call, with the option of remaining anonymous, to voice concerns.
Licenses and Regulatory Framework in United States
Summary of U.S. Cannabis Regulatory Regime
The cannabis industry is subject to various state and local laws, regulations and guidelines relating to the cultivation, manufacture, distribution, sale, storage and disposal of medical and adult-use cannabis, as well as laws and regulations relating to health and safety, the conduct of operations and the protection of the environment. The U.S. regulatory scheme varies in its terminology and definitions, using “cannabis”, “marijuana,” “marihuana,” and “hemp” as distinct terms. The regulatory environment governing the medical and adult-use cannabis industries in the United States, where state law permits such activities, are, and will continue to be, subject to evolving regulation by governmental authorities. Accordingly, there are a number of risks associated with investing in businesses in an evolving regulatory environment, including, without limitation, increased number of permits or licenses being issued and increased regulatory burden on operators.
The U.S. federal government classifies cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Cannabis and/or cannabis products having more than 0.3% concentration of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol ("THC"), is cannabis. Conversely, cannabis with a THC concentration of less than 0.3% is classified as hemp.
There are 40 states plus the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, United States, Virgin Islands and Guam that have legalized medical cannabis and approximately 24 states plus the District of Columbia, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marina Islands that have legalized adult-use cannabis. Notwithstanding the permissive regulatory environment of medical, and in some cases adult-use cannabis at the state level, cannabis remains a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, making it illegal under U.S. federal law to cultivate, manufacture, distribute, sell or possess cannabis in the United States. Furthermore, financial transactions involving proceeds generated by, or intended to promote, cannabis-related business activities in the United States may form the basis for prosecution under applicable federal anti-money laundering legislation.
The U.S. federal government’s approach to enforcement of cannabis laws has trended toward deferring to state laws where a robust state regulatory framework exists. On August 29, 2013, the U.S. Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) issued a memorandum known as the “Cole Memorandum” to all U.S. Attorneys’ offices. The Cole Memorandum generally directed U.S. Attorneys not to prioritize the enforcement of federal cannabis laws against individuals and businesses that comply with state medical cannabis programs. The Cole Memorandum, while not legally binding and only a policy statement, assisted in managing the tension between state and federal laws concerning all medical and adult-use state-regulated cannabis businesses.
On January 4, 2018, the Cole Memorandum was rescinded by former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions. While this did not create a change in federal law, the revocation added to the uncertainty of U.S. federal enforcement of the Controlled Substances Act in states where cannabis use is regulated. Former U.S. Attorney General Sessions also issued a one-page memorandum known as the “Sessions Memorandum” which confirmed the rescission of the Cole Memorandum and explained that the Cole Memorandum was “unnecessary” due to existing general enforcement guidance as set forth in the U.S. Attorney’s Manual. The Sessions Memorandum did not otherwise indicate that the prosecution of cannabis-related offenses is a heightened DOJ priority. Furthermore, the Sessions Memorandum explicitly describes itself as a guide to prosecutorial discretion. Such prosecutorial discretion remains in the hands of U.S. Attorneys when deciding whether or not to prosecute cannabis-related offenses.
On November 7, 2018, U.S. Attorney General Sessions resigned as U.S. Attorney General. On February 14, 2019, William Barr was confirmed by the U.S. Senate (the "Senate") as the next U.S. Attorney General. During one of his Senate confirmation hearings, Mr. Barr stated that he did not support cannabis legalization but would not prosecute cannabis businesses that comply with state laws. Mr. Barr stated further that he would not upset settled expectations that have arisen as a result of the Cole Memorandum.
On March 11, 2021, Merrick Garland was appointed U.S. Attorney General and indicated he would generally act in accordance with the Cole Memorandum, when, at his confirmation hearing, he said, “It does not seem to me a useful use of limited resources that we have, to be pursuing prosecutions in states that have legalized and that are regulating the use of cannabis, either
medically or otherwise.” U.S. Attorney General. Mr. Garland has not, however, reissued the Cole Memorandum or issued substitute guidance.
On October 6, 2022, President Joseph Biden requested that the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) and the U.S. Attorney General initiate a review as to how cannabis is currently scheduled under federal law. In December 2022, President Biden signed the Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act into law, which allows for significantly broader opportunities to study cannabis. On August 29, 2023, following a review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), the Secretary of HHS issued a recommendation to the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) that cannabis be moved from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. In December 2023, the DEA confirmed that it is in the process of conducting its review of HHS’s recommendation. On May 21, 2024, the DOJ proposed to transfer cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act, consistent with the recommendation issued by HHS. The Controlled Substances Act requires that such proposed rule changes be made through formal rulemaking on the record after an opportunity for a hearing. In November 2024, it was announced that formal hearing proceedings regarding the proposed rescheduling would begin in December 2024. Subsequently, it was announced that a formal hearing on the merits would begin in January 2025. However, on January 13, 2025, the hearing was canceled and the proceedings were stayed indefinitely pending an interlocutory appeal brought by two private movants who sought to remove the DEA from its role as proponent of the proposed rescheduling through a motion which was denied.
Despite its recension, as an industry best practice, the Company abides by the following policies to ensure compliance with the guidance included in the Cole Memorandum:
•	The Company’s operations comply with all licensing requirements as required by the state, county, municipality, or other administrative divisions and the Company continuously monitors its operations to ensure compliance of such operations;
•	The Company has implemented compliant policies and procedures to prevent the distribution of cannabis products to minors;
•	The Company has implemented an inventory tracking system and other compliant procedures to track inventory and prevent the diversion of cannabis products in compliance with each jurisdiction’s requirements;
•	The Company’s operations adhere to the scope of the regulations governing the cannabis license in the market in which the Company operates;
•	The Company has implemented compliant policies and procedures to prevent the distribution of the proceeds from its operations to criminal enterprises, cartels, or gangs;
•	The Company has implemented compliant quality controls to ensure all products comply with applicable regulations and contain the necessary disclaimers and warnings associated with the contents of the products to avoid adverse public health consequences; and
•	The Company has implemented compliant policies and procedures to effectively monitor its state-authorized operations so that it is not used as a cover or pretense for the trafficking of illegal drugs or engaging in other illegal activity.
For the reasons set forth herein, the Company’s existing investments in the United States, and any future investments, may become the subject of heightened scrutiny by regulators, stock exchanges and other authorities in the United States or Canada. 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 lead to the imposition of certain restrictions on the Company’s ability to invest in the United States or any other jurisdiction. Government policy changes or public opinion may also result in a significant influence over the regulation of the cannabis industry in the United States or elsewhere. Among other things, such a shift could cause state and local jurisdictions to abandon initiatives or proposals to legalize medical or adult-use cannabis, thereby limiting the number of new state jurisdictions into which the Company could expand. Any inability to fully implement the Company’s expansion strategy may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
Additionally, under U.S. federal law, it may be a violation for financial institutions to take any proceeds from the sale of cannabis or any other Schedule I controlled substance. Banks and other financial institutions, particularly those that are federally chartered in the United States, could be prosecuted and possibly convicted of money laundering for providing services to cannabis businesses. It may also be a violation of federal money laundering statutes for “federal health care law violations,” which include violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (“FDCA”).
Violations of any U.S. 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, civil forfeiture or divestiture. This could have a material adverse effect on the Company, including its reputation and ability to conduct business, its cannabis licenses in the United States, the listing of its securities on various stock exchanges, its financial position, operating results, profitability or liquidity, or the market price of its publicly traded shares. In addition, it is difficult for the Company to estimate the time or resources that would be needed for the investigation of any such matters or its final resolution because, in part, the time and resources that may be needed are dependent on the nature and extent of any information requested by the applicable authorities involved, and such time or resources could be substantial. For the reasons set forth above, the Company’s investments and operations in the United States may become the subject of heightened scrutiny by regulators, stock exchanges and other authorities in Canada.
The Company may also be subject to a variety of laws and regulations domestically and in the United States that relate to money laundering, financial recordkeeping and proceeds of crime, including the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970 (commonly known 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 (USA PATRIOT Act), the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (Canada), as amended and the rules and regulations thereunder, the Criminal Code (Canada), and any other related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by governmental authorities in the United States and Canada.
In February 2014, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network of the Treasury Department issued a memorandum (the “FinCEN Memorandum”) providing instructions to banks seeking to provide services to cannabis-related businesses. The FinCEN Memorandum clarifies how financial institutions can provide services to cannabis-related businesses consistent with their Bank Secrecy Act obligations. It refers to supplementary guidance that Deputy Attorney General Cole issued to federal prosecutors relating to the prosecution of money laundering offenses predicated on cannabis-related violations of the Controlled Substances Act and independently lists the federal government’s enforcement priorities as related to cannabis. Although the original FinCEN Memorandum is still in place, the supplementary DOJ guidance that accompanied the FinCEN Memorandum was rescinded when former U.S. Attorney General Sessions rescinded the Cole Memorandum. It is unclear whether the current administration will follow the guidelines of the FinCEN Memorandum, although immediately after the Sessions Memorandum, then-U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin stated that the Treasury Department had no intention to rescind the FinCEN Memorandum but, instead, wanted to improve the availability of banking services in the state-regulated cannabis space.
H.R. 1595, or the Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking Act of 2019 ("SAFE Banking Act"), which would expand financial services in the United States. to cannabis-related legitimate businesses and service providers, was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives (the “House”) on March 7, 2019 with bipartisan support. The SAFE Banking Act has passed the House six times but has yet to pass the Senate. A new version of the SAFE Banking Act known as the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation ("SAFER Banking Act") was introduced in the Senate on September 21, 2023, and subsequently approved by the Senate Committee on Banking. The SAFER Banking Act is now pending passage in the U.S. Senate and, if passed, will move on to the House where it faces an uncertain future.
Other legislation that has been introduced in the United States that would make cannabis transactions easier and more predictable, include the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act (the “MORE Act”) and the Cannabis Administration and Opportunities Act (the “CAOA”). The MORE Act was first introduced in July 2019 by Representative Jerrold Nadler in the House, and in the Senate by then-U.S. Senator Kamala Harris. If it were to become law, the MORE Act would remove cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act and make available U.S. Small Business Administration funding for regulated cannabis operators. The MORE Act was reintroduced in the current U.S. Congress (“Congress”) by Representative Nadler on May 28, 2021, with no corresponding bill introduced in the Senate. The CAOA was released as a discussion draft by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, and U.S. Senator Cory Booker in July 2022. If it were to become law, it would, among other things, remove cannabis from the definition of a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act, allow states to set their own regulations for cannabis, and block states from prohibiting interstate commerce of regulated cannabis across their borders. Recently introduced into Congress is another bill, the States Reform Act, introduced by Representative Nancy Mace, which would repeal the federal prohibition of cannabis.
Despite the rescission of the Cole Memorandum, Congress has passed appropriations bills in each fiscal year since FY2015, that prevents 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 continuing resolution contains, among other things, a rider known as Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment (the "RBA"), which prevents the federal government from using congressionally appropriated funds to enforce federal cannabis laws against regulated medical cannabis actors operating in compliance with state medical laws. However, this measure does not protect adult-use cannabis businesses. The
U.S. Ninth Circuit in United States v. McIntosh held that the prohibition under the RBA also prevents the DOJ from spending federal funds to prosecute individuals who are engaged in conduct that is permitted by, and in compliance with, state medical cannabis laws.
State-Level Overview
The following section presents an overview of market and regulatory conditions for the cannabis industry in the United States that the Company has or is intending to have an operating presence in, and is presented as of the date of filing, unless otherwise indicated.
New Jersey
On January 18, 2010, the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act (the “CUMMA”) came into force allowing patients with a limited number of qualifying medical conditions to access the state’s medical marijuana program. The New Jersey Department of Health (the “NJDOH”) issued regulations shortly thereafter authorizing the NJDOH to accept applications for a minimum of six alternative treatment centers (the “ATCs”), with two each to operate in the northern, central and southern regions of New Jersey.
The CUMMA permits each ATC to operate as both a cultivator and dispensary under one permit. These activities can take place at up to two locations, as long as both locations are within the same region. The application process involves two stages. Those seeking an ATC permit must first submit an application seeking authority to apply for a permit to operate. Upon the granting of the application, the prospective ATC must then complete the application for actual permitting. Applications for authority to apply for a permit may only be submitted following solicitation from the NJDOH for such applications. The first six permits for ATCs were awarded to nonprofit entities, with subsequent permits to be available to both nonprofit and for-profit entities.
Upon taking office on January 16, 2018, Governor Murphy expanded the medical program by issuing Executive Order No. 6, which ordered a 60-day review of all aspects of New Jersey’s current program, “with a focus on ways to expand access to cannabis for medical purposes.” In response to Executive Order No. 6, the NJDOH released its Executive Order 6 Report on March 23, 2018, which proposed significant changes to the existing medicinal program. In an effort to create greater patient access, the state immediately put into effect some of the recommended changes, including cutting registration and renewal fees, and expanding qualifying conditions.
On July 16, 2018, the Murphy Administration announced that the licensing application process would be opened for up to six additional vertically-integrated medicinal cannabis ATCs. The NJDOH released a Notice of Request for Applications outlining the reason for issuing the licenses, eligibility rules and information required for the applications. The application period opened on August 1, 2018 and closed on August 31, 2018. Winning applicants were supposed to be selected on or before November 1, 2018 but this deadline was subsequently pushed to December 2018 due to administrative constraints. On December 17, 2018, the NJDOH revealed the additional six medical cannabis ATCs it picked to add to the program. New Jersey will now have 12 vertically-integrated ATCs across the state, if these additional six applicant ATCs become operational. These six applicant ATCs now must pass background checks, provide evidence of cultivation and dispensary locations with municipal approval for each location, and comply with all regulations promulgated by the NJDOH, including safety and security requirements.
On March 25, 2019, a planned vote on a legislative package including medical expansion and adult-use legalization was pulled due to a lack of votes necessary to pass the legislation through the state Senate. This setback came after significant momentum that had helped to pass the bill through the appropriations and judiciary committees in March 2019. After the package of cannabis reforms stalled, Governor Murphy announced he would be expanding the medical program through administrative action. On December 18, 2020, Governor Murphy signed A. 5981/S. 4154 into law, which facilitated the expungement of low-level cannabis crimes and other offenses. On November 3, 2020, New Jersey voters passed a ballot measure amending the New Jersey Constitution to permit the use of cannabis for adults over 21 years of age. The ballot measure allowed New Jersey to regulate the growth, distribution, and sale of adult-use cannabis.
On February 22, 2021, Governor Murphy signed the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act into law, legalizing the use of cannabis by adults 21 years of age and older in New Jersey. On August 19, 2021, New Jersey’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission (“CRC”) published its first set of rules for adult-use cannabis in the state. These rules outline the details of licensing, the authority of municipalities, the operations of cannabis businesses, and the CRC’s authority over adult-use cannabis. Adult-use sales in New Jersey commenced on April 21, 2022.
In September 2023, pursuant to Resolutions 2023-143 and 2023-144, the CRC waived N.J.A.C 17:30A-10.7(e), N.J.A.C 17:30-11.5(c)(3) and N.J.A.C 17:30-11.6(b) to allow the manufacturing and dispensing of additional ingestible products as an authorized form in the medical and adult-use cannabis industries.
Maryland
The Maryland medical cannabis program was signed into law on May 2, 2013. In 2016, the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission issued preliminary licenses to 102 dispensaries, 15 cultivators, and 15 processors; the first dispensaries opened to patients in December 2017.
Maryland has three classes of cannabis licenses: dispensaries, cultivators, and processors. Wholesaling occurs between cultivators and processors, cultivators and dispensaries, and processors and dispensaries. Originally, no one company could directly control multiple licenses of the same class, but this restriction was changed in May 2019, when Governor Hogan signed a bill that permitted a single company to own or control, including the power to manage or operate, up to four dispensaries. Dispensary locations are tied to the Senate District in which they were awarded, with the exception of applicants who were awarded dispensary and cultivation licenses. These dispensaries can be located at the discretion of the license holder. Permitted products include oil-based formulations, flower, and edibles.
In April 2018, the Maryland House and Senate approved a bill, which was later signed by Governor Hogan, that expanded the license pool, allowing for a maximum of seven additional cultivation licenses, for a total of 22, and 13 additional processing licenses, for a total of 28. In November 2022, the voters in Maryland approved adult-use cannabis as a ballot question. Beginning on July 1, 2023, adults 21 or older may possess and consume up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis flower, 12 grams of concentrated cannabis, or a total amount of cannabis products that does not exceed 750 mg THC. This amount is known as the "personal use amount." Adult-use sales began around the same time. Subsequently, in July 2023, the Maryland Cannabis Administration (the "MCA") was established to oversee both Maryland's medical and adult-use cannabis programs. As of July 1, 2023, all medical license holders that chose to convert their licenses and whose conversion applications were approved by the MCA became the holders of "hybrid" medical and adult-use licenses (i.e., each license issued by the MCA permits the cultivation, processing, and dispensing of both medical and adult-use cannabis).
Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania medical cannabis program was signed into law on April 17, 2016, under Act 16 and provided access to state residents with one or more of 17 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).
On March 22, 2018, it was announced that the final phase of the Pennsylvania medical cannabis 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 from 17 to 21. On July 20, 2019, two more qualifying medical conditions were added, bringing the total to 23.
There are two principal license categories in Pennsylvania: (1) cultivation/processing and (2) dispensary. All cultivation/processing establishments and dispensaries must register with the Pennsylvania Department of Health (the "PDOH"). Registration certificates are valid for a period of one year and are subject to annual renewals after the required fees are paid and the business remains in good standing. The PDOH must renew a permit unless it determines that the applicant is unlikely to maintain effective control against diversion of medical cannabis and the applicant is unlikely to comply with all laws as prescribed under the Pennsylvania medical cannabis program.
Under applicable laws, the licenses permit the license holder to cultivate, manufacture, process, package, sell and purchase medical cannabis pursuant to the terms of the licenses, which are issued by the PDOH under the provisions of Pennsylvania's Medical Marijuana Act and regulations promulgated thereunder. The medical cultivation/processing licenses permit the licensee to acquire, possess, cultivate, manufacture/process into medical cannabis products and/or medical cannabis-infused products, deliver, transfer, have tested, transport, supply or sell cannabis and related supplies to medical cannabis dispensaries.
The retail dispensary licenses permit the Company to purchase cannabis and cannabis products from cultivation/processing facilities, as well as allow the sale of cannabis and cannabis products.
Michigan
In November 2008, Michigan residents approved the Michigan Compassionate Care Initiative to provide a legal framework for individuals with certain debilitating medical conditions to lawfully use cannabis for medicinal purposes. In September 2016,
the Michigan Legislature passed, and Governor Snyder signed into law, the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (the “MMFLA”) and the Marihuana Tracking Act (the “MTA”) to provide a comprehensive licensing and tracking scheme, respectively, for the state’s medical cannabis program.
In 2018, Michigan voters approved Ballot Proposal 18-1, to make cannabis legal under state and local law for adults 21 years of age or older and to control the commercial production and distribution of cannabis under a system that licenses, regulates, and taxes the businesses involved. The proposal is known as the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (the “MRTMA” and together with the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act, the MMFLA, and the MTA, the “Michigan Cannabis Laws”).
Additionally, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (the “LARA”) and the Marijuana Regulatory Agency (the "MRA") have supplemented the Michigan Cannabis Laws with administrative rules and bulletins to further clarify the regulatory landscape surrounding the state’s medical and adult-use cannabis programs. The MRA is the main regulatory authority for the licensing and regulation of medical and adult-use cannabis businesses and is an agency within LARA.
Under the MMFLA, the MRA administrates five types of “state operating licenses” for medical cannabis businesses: (a) a “grower” license, including three different classes of licenses: (i) a Class A license that allows the licensee to cultivate up to 500 plants; (ii) a Class B license that allows the licensee to cultivate up to 1,000 plants; and (iii) a Class C license that allows the licensee to cultivate up to 1,500 plants, (b) a “processor” license, (c) a “secure transporter” license, (d) a “provisioning center” license and (e) a “safety compliance facility” license. Likewise, under the MRTMA, the MRA administers six types of “state licenses” for adult-use cannabis business: (a) a “marihuana grower” license, including three different classes of licenses: (i) a Class A license that allows the licensee to cultivate up to 100 plants; (ii) a Class B license that allows the licensee to cultivate up to 500 plants; and (iii) a Class C license that allows the licensee to cultivate up to 2,000 plants, (b) a “marihuana processor” license, (c) a “secure transporter” license, (d) a “marihuana retailer” license, (e) a “marihuana safety compliance facility” license, and (f) a “marihuana microbusiness” license. However, MRTMA also allows the MRA to create additional license types through the administrative rulemaking process. To date, the MRA has created four additional license types: (a) a “designated consumption establishment” license, (b) an “excess marihuana grower” license, (c) a “marihuana event organizer” license, and (d) a “temporary marihuana event” license. Importantly, each excess marihuana grower license allows an entity that holds five adult-use Class C grower licenses issued under MRTMA and at least two medical Class C grower licenses issued under the MMFLA to grow an additional 2,000 plants.
Under both MRTMA and the MMFLA, there are no stated limits on the number of licenses that can be made available on a state level; however, the MRA has discretion over the approval of applications and municipalities can pass additional restrictions, including limiting the number and type of licenses that can be issued within their jurisdiction. Additionally, a person or entity cannot possess or own both a grower/process/provisioning center and a secure transporter license or a safety compliance lab.
On February 11, 2022, Governor Whitmer signed an Executive Reorganization Order 2022-1 which modified the MRA to be called the Cannabis Regulatory Agency ("CRA"). This allowed for the CRA to have authority over Michigan's hemp processors and handlers under the Industrial Hemp Research and Development Act also shifting to the new CRA.
California
In 1996, California voters passed Proposition 215, also known as the Compassionate Use Act, allowing physicians to recommend cannabis for an inclusive set of qualifying medical conditions. The law established a not-for-profit patient/caregiver system but there was no state licensing authority to oversee the businesses that emerged. In September of 2015, the California legislature passed three bills, collectively known as the Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act. In 2016, California voters passed The Adult Use of Marijuana Act, which legalized recreational use cannabis for adults 21 years of age and older and created a licensing system for commercial cannabis businesses. On June 27, 2017, then-Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 94 into law, which combined California’s medicinal and recreational use cannabis frameworks into one licensing structure under the Medicinal and Adult-Use of Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (“MAUCRSA”).
Pursuant to MAUCRSA: (i) CalCannabis, a division of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, was designated to issue licenses to cannabis cultivators: (ii) the Manufactured Cannabis Safety Branch (the “MCSB”), a division of the California Department of Public Health, was designated to issue licenses to cannabis manufacturers; and (iii) the California Department of Consumer Affairs, via its agency, the Bureau of Cannabis Control (the “BCC”), was designated to issue licenses to cannabis distributors, testing laboratories, retailers, and micro-businesses. These agencies were also charged with overseeing various aspects of implementing and maintaining California’s cannabis landscape, including the statewide track and trace system. All three agencies released their initial emergency rulemakings at the end of 2017 and updated them with minor revisions in June
2018. The three agencies adopted their permanent rulemakings on January 16, 2019. All three agencies began issuing temporary licenses in January 2018 and stopped doing so on December 31, 2018, pursuant to MAUCRSA.
Local authorization is a prerequisite to obtaining a state license, and local governments are permitted to prohibit or otherwise regulate the types and number of cannabis businesses allowed in their locality. All three state regulatory agencies require confirmation from the applicable locality that the operator is operating in compliance with local requirements and was granted authorization to continue or commence commercial cannabis operations within the locality’s jurisdiction. Applicants are required to comply with all local zoning and land use requirements and provide written authorization from the property owner where the commercial cannabis operations are proposed to take place, which must dictate that the applicant has the property owner’s authorization to engage in the specific state-sanctioned commercial cannabis activities proposed to occur on the premises. The State has not set a limit on the number of state licenses an entity may hold, unlike other states that have restricted how many cannabis licenses an entity may hold in total or for various types of cannabis activity. Although vertical integration across multiple license types is allowed under MAUCRSA, testing laboratory licensees may not hold any other licenses aside from a laboratory license. There are also no residency requirements for ownership of a state license under MAUCRSA.
California state licenses, and some local licenses, are renewed annually. Each year, licensees are required to submit a state renewal application to the relevant regulatory authority, and all applicable local renewal applications to the applicable local regulatory body (for local licenses).
On July 12, 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB-141 into law, triggering the consolidation of CalCannabis, the MCSB, and the BCC into the newly created Department of Cannabis Control (the “DCC”). The DCC was created in an effort to centralize regulatory authority and facilitate a more easily navigable regulatory regime. All licenses obtained under the previous regulatory authorities automatically transferred to the DCC, which is now responsible for issuing and renewing all cannabis licenses. In September 2021 the DCC issued emergency regulations, which were approved and went into effect the same month. The emergency regulations, among other things, include revised definitions clarifying who are considered to be owners or holders of a financial stake in cannabis businesses, and provisions allowing for the sale of branded products between businesses.
California’s robust regulatory system is designed to ensure, monitor, and enforce compliance with all aspects of a cannabis operator’s licensed operations. California’s state license application process additionally requires comprehensive criminal, regulatory, financial and personal disclosures, coupled with stringent monitoring and continuous reporting requirements designed to ensure only good actors are granted licenses and that licensees continue to operate in compliance with the state regulatory program. Applicants must submit standard operating procedures describing how the operator will, among other requirements, secure the facility, manage inventory, comply with the state’s seed-to-sale tracking requirements, dispense cannabis, and handle waste, as applicable to the license sought. Once licensed, an operator must continue to abide by the processes described in its application and seek regulatory approval before any changes to such procedures can be made. Licensees are additionally required to train their employees on compliant operations and are only permitted to transact with other legal and licensed businesses.
As a condition of state licensure, operators must consent to random and unannounced inspections of their commercial cannabis facility as well as the facility’s books and records, so as to monitor and enforce compliance with state law. Many localities have also enacted similar standards for inspections, and the state has already commenced site-visits and compliance inspections for operators who have received state temporary or annual licensure.
Regulatory Framework in Canada
Licenses and Regulatory Framework in Canada
The Cookies Canada License
The Company operates the Cookies Canada retail dispensary in Ontario, Canada through a subsidiary of TerrAscend Canada, which holds a retail operator's license under the Cannabis License Act (Ontario). The retail operator's license permits TerrAscend Canada, subject to further requirements set out in the regulations, to possess and sell cannabis, including cannabis extracts, topicals, edibles, and oils, in accordance with the applicable legislation and regulations promulgated thereunder, subject to certain restrictions and conditions.
The TerrAscend Canada Licensed Producer License
TerrAscend Canada held a standard cultivation license, standard processing license and license for sale for medical purposes under the Cannabis Act until February 9, 2023 when it opted to return its license.
Summary of Canadian Regulatory Framework
On October 17, 2018, the Cannabis Act and the Cannabis Regulations (the "Cannabis Regulations") came into force as law with the effect of legalizing adult-use cannabis and regulating the production, distribution and sale of cannabis and cannabis derived products (both medical and adult-use) within Canada. The Cannabis Act replaced the Controlled Drug and Substances Act (Canada) (the “CDSA”). Under the CDSA, the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (the “ACMPR”) set out a framework to provide individuals with access to cannabis for medical purposes and it was the governing legislation in respect of the production, sale and distribution of medical cannabis and related oil extracts in Canada. Although the ACMPR was repealed, the regulatory framework applicable to cannabis for medical purposes was substantially reproduced within the Cannabis Act with minimal changes.
The Cannabis Regulations provide a licensing and permitting scheme for activities related to cannabis, setting out the following classes of licenses that authorize activities in relation to cannabis: (i) a license for cultivation; (ii) a license for processing; (iii) a license for analytical testing; (iv) a license for sale for medical purposes; (v) a license for research; and (vi) a cannabis drug license. Each license contemplates permitting the sale of cannabis within the supply chain (i.e. to other appropriate license holders or those permitted under a provincial law) but does not include the ability to sell recreational cannabis to retail consumers which is regulated by the provinces. At the end of each term of their respective licenses, a license holder must submit an application for renewal to Health Canada containing information prescribed by the Cannabis Act.
The Cannabis Regulations, among other things, outline the rules for the legal cultivation, processing, research, testing, distribution, sale, importation and exportation of cannabis and hemp in Canada.
Pursuant to the Cannabis Act, but subject to provincial or territorial restrictions, adults who are over the age of 18 are legally able to: (i) possess up to 30 grams of legal cannabis, dried or equivalent in non-dried form in public; (ii) share up to 30 grams of legal cannabis, dried or equivalent in non-dried form with other adults; (iii) buy dried or fresh cannabis and cannabis oil from a provincially licensed retailer; (iv) grow, from licensed seed or seedlings, up to four cannabis plants per residence for personal use; and (v) make cannabis products, such as food and drinks, at home as long as dangerous organic solvents are not used to create concentrated products.
Compliance
TerrAscend believes it is in compliance with all applicable laws in the jurisdictions it operates including all state laws, the cannabis licensing framework of Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, California, and Michigan, and all provincial laws and the regulations in Ontario, and at the time of license return at the request of the Company, TerrAscend Canada believed it was in compliance with all applicable federal, provincial and territorial laws and regulations, including the Cannabis Act and the Cannabis Regulations. There are no known current incidences of material non-compliance, citations or notices of violations outstanding which may have an impact on the Company’s licenses, business activities or operations where it operates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, like all businesses, the Company may, from time to time, experience incidences of non-compliance with applicable rules and regulations in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates, and such non-compliance may have an impact on the Company’s licenses, business activities or operations. However, the Company takes steps to minimize, disclose and remedy all incidences of non-compliance which may have an impact on the Company’s licenses, business activities or operations in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates. Notwithstanding the fact that various states in the United States have implemented medical cannabis laws or have otherwise legalized the use of cannabis, the use of cannabis remains illegal under U.S. federal law for any purpose, by way of the Controlled Substances Act.
Available Information
The Company’s website address is www.terrascend.com. Through this website, the Company’s filings with the SEC, including its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to such reports, will be accessible (free of charge) as soon as reasonably practicable after materials are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC, and copies thereof are electronically filed on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval + in Canada. Information contained on or accessible through the Company's website is not a part of this Annual Report, and the inclusion of the Company's website address in this Annual Report is an inactive textual reference only.
The SEC maintains an internet site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
The following risks should be carefully considered when deciding whether to make an investment in the Company. Some of the following factors are interrelated and, consequently, investors and readers should treat such risk factors as a whole. These risks and uncertainties are not the only ones that could affect the Company, and additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to the Company, or that it currently considers not to be material, may also impair the business, financial condition and results of operations of the Company and/or the value of its securities. If any of the following risks or other risks occur, they could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations and/or the value of the Company’s securities. There is no assurance that any risk management steps taken by the Company will avoid future loss due to the occurrence of the risks described below, or other unforeseen risks.
Regulatory and Legal Risks Related to the Company’s Business and the Cannabis Industry
As a cannabis business, the Company may be subject to unfavorable tax treatment and risks under U.S. federal income tax law.
Tax risk is the risk of changes in the tax environment that would have a material adverse effect on the Companyʼs business, results of operations, and financial condition. Currently, U.S. state licensed cannabis businesses are assessed at a comparatively high effective U.S. federal income tax rate due to Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), which prohibits businesses associated with trafficking in controlled substances (within the meaning of Schedule I and II of the Controlled Substances Act) from deducting certain expenses. The IRS has invoked Section 280E of the Code in tax audits against various cannabis businesses in the United States that are permitted under applicable U.S. state laws. Although the IRS issued a clarification allowing the deduction of certain expenses, the scope of such items is interpreted very narrowly, and the bulk of operating costs and general administrative costs are not permitted to be deducted. In addition, on June 28, 2024, the IRS published a press release reminding taxpayers that cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance until a final rule is published that reschedules cannabis and, therefore, cannabis is still subject to the limitations of Section 280E of the Code, and stating that taxpayers that have filed amended returns seeking a refund of taxes paid related to Section 280E of the Code are not entitled to a refund or payment and that the IRS is taking steps to address these claims. While there are currently several pending cases before various U.S. administrative and federal courts challenging these restrictions, there is no guarantee that these courts will issue an interpretation of Section 280E of the Code favorable to cannabis businesses. Given these facts, the impact of any such challenges cannot be reliably estimated; however, it may be significant to the financial condition and/or the overall operations of the Company.
The Company has taken the position that it does not owe taxes attributable to the application of Section 280E of the Code, including amending its U.S. federal income tax returns related to 2020, 2021, and 2022 based on legal interpretations that challenge its tax liability under Section 280E of the Code. Because the Company’s tax positions could be (and, as discussed below, has been) challenged by the IRS and other taxing authorities and the Company may not be wholly successful in defending its tax positions, the Company records reserves for unrecognized tax benefits based on its assessment of the probability of successfully sustaining its tax filing positions. Management exercises significant judgment when assessing the probability of successfully sustaining the Company’s tax filing positions, and in determining whether a contingent tax liability should be recorded and, if so, estimating the amount. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company received refunds related primarily to the Company's amended U.S. federal income tax return for 2020. During the year ended December 31, 2024, certain of the Company’s amended federal income tax returns were selected for routine examinations by the IRS.
The Company may be at risk of increased scrutiny from the IRS on past and future tax filings and, in the normal course of business, the Company receives notices, from time to time, from various local, state, and federal tax agencies. If the IRS makes a determination that the Company is not in compliance with Section 280E of the Code, the Company may be required to pay any difference in the amounts owed, in addition to penalties and interest, which could equal or exceed the amounts reserved by the Company, exceed the amount of cash on hand and materially impact the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
On October 6, 2022, President Joseph Biden requested that the Secretary of HHS and the Attorney General to initiate a review as to how cannabis is currently scheduled under federal law. In August 2023, following a review by the FDA, the Secretary of HHS issued a recommendation to the DEA that cannabis be moved to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. In December 2023, the DEA confirmed that it is currently conducting its review. On May 21, 2024, the DOJ published a notice of proposed rulemaking with the Federal Register to initiate a formal rulemaking process to consider transferring cannabis to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. The Controlled Substances Act requires formal rulemaking on the record
after an opportunity for a hearing. The hearing has been postponed multiple times and is currently pending resolution of an interlocutory appeal brought by two private movants who sought to remove the DEA from its role as proponent of the proposed rescheduling through a motion which was denied.
If cannabis is moved to Schedule III from Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act, it could end the effect of Section 280E of the Code on some or all of the Company’s operations. However, any such change from Schedule I to Schedule III is beyond the control of the Company and cannot be predicted.
Cannabis remains illegal under U.S. federal law, and enforcement of cannabis laws could change. The Company may be subject to action by the U.S. federal government due to its involvement with cannabis in the United States, and such action could materially adversely affect the Company’s business.
While some states in the United States. have legalized the use and sale of cannabis in some form, it remains illegal under U.S. federal law. On January 4, 2018, then-U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys which rescinded previous guidance from the DOJ specific to cannabis enforcement in the United States, including the Cole Memorandum, which stated that the DOJ would not prioritize the prosecution of cannabis-related violations of U.S. federal law in jurisdictions that had enacted laws legalizing medical cannabis in some form and had implemented strong and effective regulatory and enforcement systems. With the Cole Memorandum rescinded, U.S. federal prosecutors have greater discretion in determining whether to prosecute medical cannabis-related violations of U.S. federal law, though there was never such a policy statement in relation to United States and its territories with adult-use cannabis programs. There can be no assurance as to the position the Trump administration or any administration may take on cannabis, and a new administration could decide to enforce federal laws against state-regulated cannabis companies. Because TerrAscend engages in cannabis-related activities in the United States, an increase in federal enforcement efforts with respect to current U.S. federal laws applicable to cannabis could cause financial damage to the Company. Further, the Company is at risk of being prosecuted under U.S. federal law and having its assets seized.
The Companyʼs exposure to U.S. cannabis related activities are as follows:
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Current assets
102,645
101,369
Non-current assets
502,358
562,916
Current liabilities
74,743
204,455
Non-current liabilities
342,296
206,123
For the Years Ended
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Revenue, net
305,635
316,257
246,571
Gross profit
149,742
159,349
100,941
(Loss) income from operations
(2,013
)
49,145
(4,994
)
Net loss attributable to controlling interest
(62,751
)
(73,541
)
(322,461
)
Violations of any U.S. federal laws and regulations could result in significant fines, penalties, administrative sanctions, convictions or settlements arising from civil proceedings conducted by either the U.S. federal government or private citizens, or criminal charges, including, but not limited to, disgorgement of profits, cessation of business activities, civil forfeiture or divestiture. Any property owned by participants in the cannabis industry that is either used in the course of conducting or comprises the proceeds of a cannabis business could be subject to seizure by law enforcement and subsequent civil asset forfeiture. Even if the owners of the property were never charged with a crime, the property in question could still be seized and subjected to an administrative proceeding by which, with minimal process, it could become subject to forfeiture. This could have a material adverse effect on the Company, including its reputation and ability to conduct business, the listing of its securities on various stock exchanges, its financial position, operating results, profitability or liquidity or the market price of its publicly traded shares. In addition, it is difficult for the Company to estimate the time or resources that would be needed for the investigation of any such matters or its final resolution because, in part, the time and resources that may be needed are dependent on the nature and extent of any information requested by the applicable authorities involved, and such time or resources could be substantial.
Unlike in Canada which has federal legislation uniformly governing the cultivation, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis under the Cannabis Act, investors are cautioned that in the United States, cannabis is largely regulated at the state level. Notwithstanding the permissive regulatory environment of cannabis at the state level, cannabis continues to be
categorized as a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act and as such, is in violation of federal law in the United States. Further, there can be 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. It is also important to note that local and city ordinances may strictly limit and/or restrict the retailing of cannabis in a manner that will make it extremely difficult or impossible to transact business in the cannabis industry.
As stated above, Congress has passed appropriations bills in each fiscal year since FY2015, that prevents 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 continuing resolution contains, among other things, the RBA, which prevents the federal government from using congressionally appropriated funds to enforce federal cannabis laws against regulated medical cannabis actors operating in compliance with state medical cannabis laws.
Additionally, it is important to note that the appropriations protections only apply to medical cannabis operations and provide no protection against businesses operating in compliance with a state’s adult-use cannabis laws.
The DOJ or a federal prosecutor could allege that the Company, or its board of directors (the "Board of Directors" or the "Board") and, potentially its shareholders, “aided and abetted” violations of federal law by providing finances and services to its operating subsidiaries. Under these circumstances, it is possible that a federal prosecutor would seek to seize the assets of the Company and to recover the “illicit profits” previously distributed to shareholders resulting from any of the foregoing financing or services. In these circumstances, the Company’s operations could cease, shareholders of the Company may lose their entire investment and directors, officers and/or shareholders of the Company may be left to defend any criminal charges against them at their own expense and, if convicted, be sent to federal prison. Violations of any federal laws 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. This could have a material adverse effect on the Company, including its reputation and ability to conduct business, its holding (directly or indirectly) of cannabis licenses in the United States, the listing of its securities on any securities exchanges, its financial position, operating results, profitability or liquidity or the market price of its listed securities. An investor’s contribution to and involvement in the Company’s activities may result in federal civil and/or criminal prosecution, including forfeiture of an entire investment.
Although the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (commonly known as the "2018 Farm Bill"), among other things, removes hemp from the controlled substances list under the Controlled Substances Act, it does not legalize CBD generally. In particular, the 2018 Farm Bill preserves the FDAʼs authority to regulate products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds. Pursuant to a statement released on December 20, 2018, Frequently Asked Questions on the FDAʼs website, and numerous public statements, the FDA has taken the position that all CBD is a drug ingredient and therefore illegal to add to food or health products without the FDA's approval or further action. The FDA considers products containing CBD or other cannabis-derived compounds the same as any other FDA-regulated products and takes the position that they are subject to the same authorities and requirements as similarly regulated products, including but not limited to required approvals for food ingredients and dietary supplements based on safety standards. Importantly, the FDA has taken the position that it is unlawful under the FDCA to introduce food containing added CBD into interstate commerce, or to market CBD products as, or in, food or dietary supplements, regardless of whether the substances are hemp derived. The FDA has however indicated that it will work towards providing ways for companies to seek approval from the FDA to market CBD products. Further, many state criminal laws and food and drug laws prohibit or restrict the production and/or sale of hemp-derived CBD products. The Companyʼs U.S. hemp operations were subject to FDA oversight. There is no guarantee that the Company would be able to obtain necessary approval from regulatory authorities for its products in the United States.
TerrAscendʼs activities and operations in the United States are, and will continue to be, subject to evolving regulation by governmental authorities. The approach to the enforcement of cannabis laws may be subject to change or may not proceed as previously outlined. The USDA will promulgate additional rules governing the production of hemp in the United States, with many states in the process of amending state laws to regulate hemp production and the sale of hemp-derived products within their borders. In addition, the FDA is expected to make determinations as to how CBD products will be regulated and is expected to issue a substantial change in its regulation of dietary supplements generally. Accordingly, there are significant changes in both federal and state law that may materially impact the Companyʼs operations.
The Company may be at a higher risk of an IRS audit
There may be a greater likelihood that the IRS will audit the tax returns of cannabis-related businesses and any such IRS audit may require significant management attention. Additionally, the Company filed refund claims for several of its subsidiaries, which may also increase the likelihood of an audit. Any such audit of the Company’s tax returns could result in it being required to pay additional tax, interest and penalties, as well as incremental accounting and legal expenses, which could be material.
The Company’s business is subject to applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations and, therefore, the Company has restricted access to capital markets, banking and other financial services, which may adversely affect the Company's business.
Since the use of cannabis is currently illegal under U.S. federal law, and in light of considerations related to money laundering and other cannabis related criminality in the U.S. banking industry, U.S. banks have been reluctant to accept or deposit funds from businesses involved with the cannabis industry. Consequently, businesses involved in the cannabis industry often have difficulty finding banks willing to accept its business. Likewise, cannabis businesses have limited access, if any, to credit card processing services. As a result, cannabis businesses in the United States are largely cash-based. This complicates the implementation of financial controls and increases security issues. Furthermore, the Company maintains domestic cash deposits in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insured banks that exceed the FDIC insurance limits. Bank failures, events involving limited liquidity, defaults, non-performance, or other adverse developments that affect financial institutions, or concerns or rumors about such events, may lead to liquidity constraints. There can be no assurance that our deposits in excess of the FDIC or other comparable insurance limits will be backstopped by the United States government, or that any bank or financial institution with which we do business will be able to obtain needed liquidity from other banks, government institutions, or by acquisition in the event of a failure or liquidity crisis.
While the Company is not able to obtain financing in the United States from traditional banks or other certain federally regulated entities, the Company has been able to access equity financing through private markets in both the United States and Canada. Commercial banks, private equity firms, and venture capital firms have approached the cannabis industry cautiously to date. However, there are increasing numbers of high-net-worth individuals and family offices that have made meaningful investments in companies and businesses similar to the Company. There is neither a broad nor deep pool of institutional capital that is available to cannabis license holders and license applicants. There can be no assurance that additional financing, if raised privately, will be available to the Company when needed or on terms which are acceptable to the Company. The Companyʼs inability to raise financing to fund its operations, capital expenditures or acquisitions could limit its growth and may have a material adverse effect upon future profitability.
Under the U.S. federal law, financial transactions in the United States involving proceeds generated by cannabis-related conduct can form the basis for prosecution. The FinCEN division of the U.S. Department of Treasury has provided guidance for how financial institutions can provide services to the cannabis-related businesses consistent with the obligations under the Bank Secrecy Act.
Previously, the DOJ directed its federal prosecutors to consider the federal enforcement priorities enumerated in the Cole Memorandum when determining whether to charge institutions or individuals with any of the financial crimes described above based upon cannabis-related activity. In January 2018, the DOJ revoked the Cole Memorandum and related memorandum. While the impact remains unclear, the revocation has created uncertainty. For instance, federal prosecutors may increase enforcement activities against institutions or individuals who are engaged in financial transactions related to cannabis activities, or there may be a negative impact to the continuation of financial services in the United States with regard to cannabis-related activities. Consequently, businesses involved in the regulated cannabis industry may experience difficulties establishing banking relationships, and such difficulties may increase over time. If the Company were to experience any inability to access financial services in the United States, or have its existing financial services impacted, including its current bank accounts, this would have a direct impact on the ability for the Company to operate its businesses. This impact would increase the Companyʼs operating costs, and pose additional operational, logistical, and security challenges that could impede its inability to implement its business plans.
The U.S. federal prohibitions on the sale of cannabis may result in the Company and its partners being restricted from accessing the U.S. banking system and they may be unable to deposit funds in federally insured and licensed banking institutions. Banking restrictions could be imposed due to the Companyʼs banking institutions not accepting payments and deposits. The Company is at risk that any bank accounts it has could be closed at any time and result in increased costs for the Company. The Companyʼs activities in the United States, and any proceeds thereof, may be considered proceeds of crime due to the fact that cannabis remains federally illegal in the United States. This may restrict the ability of the Company to declare or pay dividends, effect other distributions or subsequently repatriate such funds back to Canada. Furthermore, while the Company has no current intention to declare or pay dividends on the Common Shares in the foreseeable future, the Company may decide or be required to suspend declaring or paying dividends without advance notice and for an indefinite period of time. The guidance provided in the FinCEN Memorandum as described above may change depending on the position of the U.S. government administration at any given time and is subject to revision or retraction in the future, which may restrict the Companyʼs access to banking services.
The Company’s business relies heavily on its ability to obtain and maintain required licenses, and failure to do so may adversely affect its business.
The Companyʼs ability to cultivate, manufacture and sell medicinal and adult-use cannabis in certain U.S. states and in Canada is dependent on its ability to maintain licenses with applicable regulators for the cultivation, manufacture, and sale of cannabis. Failure to comply with the requirements of its licenses or any failure to maintain its licenses could have a material adverse impact on the business, financial condition and operating results of the Company.
The Company and its subsidiaries, as applicable, will apply for, as the need arises, all necessary licenses and permits for the activities it expects to conduct in the future. However, the ability of the Company or its subsidiaries to obtain, maintain or renew any such licenses and permits on acceptable terms is subject to changes in regulations and policies, and at the discretion of the applicable authorities or other governmental agencies in each jurisdictions.
In certain jurisdictions, the cannabis laws and regulations limit, not only the number of cannabis licenses issued, but also the number of cannabis licenses that one may own. The Company believes that, where such restrictions apply, it may still capture significant share of revenue in the market through wholesale sales, exclusive marketing relations, provision of management or support services, franchising and similar arrangement with other operators. Nevertheless, limitations on the acquisition of ownership of additional licenses within certain states or enforcement by regulators in certain states against such services arrangements may limit the Companyʼs ability to grow organically or increase its market share in such states.
Compliance with regulations regarding cannabis is difficult, because the regulation of cannabis is uncertain and frequently changes. The Company's failure to comply with applicable laws regarding cannabis may adversely affect the Company's business.
Achievement of the Companyʼs business objectives is contingent, in part, upon compliance with regulatory requirements enacted by governmental authorities and obtaining all regulatory approvals, where necessary, for the production and sale of its products. The Company cannot predict the impact of the compliance regime that the applicable regulatory bodies in the United States and Canada are implementing that may affect the business of the Company. Similarly, the Company cannot predict the time required to secure all appropriate regulatory approvals for its products, or the extent of testing and documentation that may be required by governmental authorities. The impact of governmental compliance regimes, any delays in obtaining, or failure to obtain regulatory approvals may significantly delay or impact the development of markets, products and sales initiatives and could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations and financial condition of the Company.
The Company will incur ongoing costs and obligations related to regulatory compliance. Failure to comply with regulations may result in additional costs for corrective measures, penalties or restrictions on the Companyʼs operations. In addition, changes in regulations, more vigorous enforcement thereof or other unanticipated events could require extensive changes to the Companyʼs operations, result in increased compliance costs or give rise to material liabilities, which could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations and financial condition of the Company.
The cannabis industry is subject to extensive controls and regulations, which may significantly affect the financial condition of the Company. The marketability of any product may be affected by numerous factors that are beyond the control of the Company, and which cannot be predicted, such as changes to government regulations, including those relating to taxes and other government levies which may be imposed. Changes in government levies, including taxes, could reduce the Companyʼs earnings and could make future capital investments or the Companyʼs operations uneconomic. The industry is also subject to numerous legal challenges, which may significantly affect the financial condition of market participants and which cannot be reliably predicted.
Regulatory restrictions on ownership outside of the control of the Company may have a material adverse impact on the Company's operations in certain jurisdictions.
The Company's business is subject to oversight by regulators in each market that the Company operates in. Regulators may limit the type or number of licenses that a single company may own. As a result, the Company may be restricted from participating in certain cannabis businesses in specific markets as a result of ownership or control of other cannabis licenses. As an example, certain markets may limit the size of a company's cultivation space, limit the number of dispensaries a single-company may own, or may obligate a company to offer certain products, like medical cannabis, to consumers.
The Company faces further risk associated with restrictions on licenses as a result of the Company's inability to control public company shareholder ownership or conflicting interpretations of control or ownership of the Company by shareholders, and therefore the Company may inadvertently have certain restrictions placed on its ability to operate as a result of third-party
ownership. Restrictions placed on the Company's ability to own specific licenses or assets in specific markets, or complexities arising from third-party ownership thresholds may materially adversely impact the Company's ability to compete in a specific market or may cause other regulatory delays in receiving regulatory approval for certain activities.
Tax and accounting requirements may change or be interpreted in ways that are unforeseen to the Company, and the Company may face difficulty or be unable to implement and/or comply with any such changes or interpretations.
The Company is subject to numerous tax and accounting requirements, and changes in existing rules or practices, varying interpretations of current rules or practices, or enactments of new rules or practices could have a significant adverse effect on the Company’s financial results, the manner in which the Company conducts its business, or the marketability of any of its products. For instance, the Inflation Reduction Act enacted in 2022 imposes, among other rules, a 15% minimum tax on the book income of certain large corporations and a 1% excise tax on certain corporate stock repurchases. In many countries, including the United States, the Company is subject to transfer pricing and other tax regulations designed to ensure that appropriate levels of income are reported as earned and are taxed accordingly. Although the Company believes that it is in substantial compliance with all applicable regulations and restrictions, it is subject to the risk that governmental authorities could audit its transfer pricing and related practices and assert that additional taxes are owed or that various jurisdictions could assert that the Company should file tax returns in jurisdictions where it does not file and subject it to additional tax. In the future, the geographic scope of the Company’s business may expand, and such expansion will require the Company to comply with the tax laws and regulations of additional jurisdictions. Requirements as to taxation vary substantially among jurisdictions. Complying with the tax laws and regulations of these jurisdictions can be time-consuming and expensive and could potentially subject the Company to penalties and fees in the future if it failed to comply with applicable tax laws and regulations. In the event that the Company failed to comply with applicable tax laws and regulations, this could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, and results of operations.
The Company operates in a highly regulated sector and may not always succeed in complying fully with applicable regulatory requirements in all of the jurisdictions in which it operates, which could negatively affect its business.
Given the complexity of the U.S. regulation of the cannabis industry, certain requirements may prove to be excessively onerous or otherwise impractical for the Company to comply with. This may result in the exclusion of certain business opportunities from the list of possible transactions that the Company would otherwise consider. Further, U.S. laws and regulations at the local, state, and federal levels which apply to the cannabis industry are continually changing, and it is difficult to determine if future changes could detrimentally affect the operations of the Company. Given the broad scope of cannabis laws and regulations, these are subject to evolving interpretations. This continued evolution could require the Company to incur substantial costs associated with compliance or alter its business plan. In addition, violations of these laws, or allegations of such violations, could disrupt the Companyʼs businesses and result in a material adverse effect on its operations.
The Companyʼs continued compliance with regulatory requirements enacted by government authorities and its ability to obtain all required regulatory approvals, for the sale of its products, including maintaining and renewing all applicable licenses, is crucial to the successful execution of the Companyʼs strategies. The cannabis industry is an emerging industry in the United States, and the Company cannot forecast the impact of each compliance regime to which they will be subject. Similarly, the Company cannot predict its ability to secure all appropriate regulatory approvals for any of its products, or the extent of testing or related documentation that may be required by governmental authorities. Delays in obtaining, or failure to obtain, regulatory approvals may significantly delay or impact the development of markets, products and sales initiatives and could have adverse effect on the business, financial condition, and operating results of the Company. Without limiting the foregoing, the Companyʼs failure to comply with the requirements of any underlying licenses or any failure to maintain any underlying licenses would have a material adverse impact on its business, financial condition, and operating results. It is uncertain whether any required licenses for the operation of the Companyʼs business will be extended or renewed in a timely manner, if at all, or that if they are extended or renewed, the licenses will be extended or renewed on the same or similar terms.
Furthermore, Internet websites are visible by people everywhere, not just in jurisdictions where the activities described therein are considered legal. As a result, to the extent that the Company sells services or products via web-based links targeting only jurisdictions in which such sales or services are compliant with state law, the Company may face legal action in other jurisdictions which are not the intended object of any of the Company's marketing efforts for engaging in any web-based activity that results in sales into such jurisdictions deemed illegal under applicable laws.
The Company is subject to the rules and policies of the TSX.
The Common Shares are currently listed on the TSX, and accordingly, so long as the Company chooses to continue to be listed on such stock exchange, it must comply with the TSX requirements or guidelines when conducting business, especially when
pursuing opportunities in the United States. On October 16, 2017, the TSX provided clarity regarding the application of Sections 306 (Minimum Listing Requirements) and 325 (Management) and Part VII (Halting of Trading, Suspension and Delisting of Securities) of the TSX Company Manual (collectively, the "TSX Requirements") to TSX-listed issuers with business activities in the cannabis sector. In TSX Staff Notice 2017-0009, the TSX notes that issuers with ongoing business activities that violate U.S. federal law regarding cannabis are not in compliance with the TSX Requirements. The TSX reminded issuers that, among other things, should the TSX find that a listed issuer is engaging in activities contrary to the TSX Requirements, the TSX has the discretion to initiate a delisting review. Although the Company believes that it currently complies with the TSX Requirements there is a risk that the Company’s interpretation may differ from the TSX and failure to comply with the TSX Requirements could result in a delisting of the Common Shares from the TSX or the denial of an application for certain approvals, such as to have additional securities listed on the TSX, which could have a material adverse effect on the trading price of the Common Shares and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.
There is a substantial risk of regulatory or political change with respect to cannabis, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company and its business.
In the United States, the operations of TerrAscend and its subsidiaries are subject to a variety of laws, including, among other things, state and local regulations and guidelines relating to the cultivation, manufacture, management, transportation, distribution, sale, storage and disposal of cannabis. Changes to such laws, regulations and guidelines due to matters beyond the control of the Company may cause adverse effects to the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. Local, state and federal laws and regulations governing cannabis for medicinal and adult-use purposes are broad in control and are subject to evolving interpretations, which could require the Company to incur substantial costs associated with bringing the Companyʼs operations into compliance. In addition, violations of these laws, or allegations of such violations, could disrupt the Companyʼs operations and result in a material adverse effect on its financial performance. It is beyond the Companyʼs scope to predict the nature of any future change to the existing laws, regulations, policies, interpretations or applications, nor can the Company determine what effect such changes, when and if promulgated, could have on the Companyʼs business.
In the United States, the production and sale of cannabis is prohibited according to the Controlled Substances Act. If cannabis is re-classified or there are changes in U.S. controlled substance laws and regulations, such changes could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. If cannabis is re-classified as a Schedule II or lower controlled substance, the resulting re-classification would result in the need for approval by FDA and DEA. As a result of such a re-classification, the manufacture, importation, exportation, domestic distribution, storage, sale and use of such products could become subject to a significant degree of regulation by the FDA and DEA. In that case, we may be required to be registered to perform these activities and have the security, control, recordkeeping, reporting and inventory mechanisms required by the DEA to prevent drug loss and diversion. Obtaining the necessary registrations may result in delay of the manufacturing or distribution of our products. The DEA conducts periodic inspections of registered establishments that handle controlled substances. Failure to maintain compliance could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. The DEA may seek civil penalties, refuse to renew necessary registrations, or initiate proceedings to restrict, suspend or revoke those registrations. In certain circumstances, violations could lead to criminal proceedings.
Furthermore, should the United States federal government legalize cannabis, it is possible that the FDA would seek to regulate it under the Uniform State Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Additionally, the FDA may issue rules and regulations, including good manufacturing practices related to the growth, cultivation, harvesting and processing of medical and adult-use cannabis. Clinical trials may be needed to verify efficacy and safety of medical cannabis products. It is also possible that the FDA would require that facilities where cannabis is grown or manufactured register with the agency and comply with certain federally prescribed regulations. In the event that some or all of these regulations are imposed, the impact on the cannabis industry is uncertain and could include the imposition of new costs, requirements, and prohibitions. If the Company is unable to comply with the regulations or registration as prescribed by the FDA, it may have an adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.
In Canada, the Cannabis Act was established on October 17, 2018, along with various related regulations. The cultivation, processing, distribution and sale of cannabis, among other things, remains subject to extensive regulatory oversight in Canada under the Cannabis Act. It is possible that these statutory requirements, including any new regulations that are subsequently issued, could significantly and adversely affect the business, financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Furthermore, the distribution of adult-use cannabis is the responsibility of the respective provincial and territorial governments. There is no guarantee that provincial and territorial legislation regulating the distribution and sale of cannabis for adult-use purposes will continue according to their current terms, that they will not be materially amended or that such regimes will create the growth opportunities currently anticipated by the Company.
In addition, government policy changes or public opinion may also influence the regulation of the cannabis industry in Canada, the United States or elsewhere. A negative shift in the public’s perception of medical or adult-use cannabis in Canada, the United States or any other applicable jurisdiction could affect future legislation or regulation. Among other things, a shift could cause state and local jurisdictions to abandon initiatives or proposals to legalize medical or adult-use cannabis, thereby limiting the number of new state or provincial jurisdictions into which the Company could expand. Any inability to fully implement the Companyʼs expansion strategy may have a material adverse effect on the Companyʼs business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Company may encounter increasingly strict environmental health and safety regulations in connection with its operations, which may harm the Company’s business.
The Companyʼs operations are subject to environmental and safety laws and regulations concerning, among other things, emissions and discharges to water, air and land, the handling and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous materials and wastes, and employee health and safety. Changes in environmental, employee health and safety or other laws, more vigorous enforcement thereof or other unanticipated events could require extensive changes to the Companyʼs operations or give rise to material liabilities, which could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations and financial condition of the Company.
The Company’s products may be subject to product recalls or returns, which may result in expenses, the commencement of legal proceedings or regulatory action, loss of sales, diminished reputation, and the diversion of management attention.
The Companyʼs products may be subject to recalls or returns for a variety of reasons, including product defects such as contamination, unintended harmful side effects or interactions with other substances, packaging safety, inadequate or inaccurate labeling disclosure, or other reasons outside of the control of the Company. In certain circumstances, state regulators may change certain regulations after products are already in the market, that may require the Company to issue a recall. If any of the Companyʼs products are recalled due to an alleged product defect or for any other reason, the Company could be required to incur the unexpected expense of the recall and any legal proceedings that might arise in connection therewith. The Company may lose a significant amount of sales and may not be able to replace those sales at an acceptable margin or at all, in addition to writing off a substantial amount of inventory or materials. Additionally, a product recall may require significant management attention. Although the Company has detailed procedures in place for testing its products, there can be no assurance that any quality, potency or contamination problems will be detected in time to avoid unforeseen product recalls, regulatory action or lawsuits. If one of the products produced by the Company were subject to a recall, the image of that product and the Company could be harmed. A recall for any of the foregoing reasons could lead to decreased demand for the Companyʼs products and could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations and financial condition of the Company. Additionally, product recalls may lead to increased scrutiny of the Companyʼs operations by regulatory agencies, requiring further management attention and potential legal fees and other expenses.
The Company faces an inherent risk of product liability claims and other consumer protection claims as a manufacturer, processor and producer of products that are meant to be ingested by people. Addressing such claims could cause the Company to incur substantial expenses and have a material adverse effect on its business.
As a manufacturer of products designed to be ingested by humans, the Company faces an inherent risk of exposure to product liability claims, regulatory action and litigation if its products are alleged to have caused loss or injury. In addition, the manufacturing and sale of cannabis and other products involve the risk of injury to consumers due to tampering by unauthorized third parties, product contamination, or unauthorized sale of counterfeit products. Previously unknown adverse reactions resulting from human consumption of cannabis products alone or in combination with other medications or substances could occur. Furthermore, safety, efficacy and quality of cannabis in general, or the Company’s products specifically, or associating the consumption of cannabis with illness or other negative effects or events, could have such a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company may be also subject to various product liability claims, including, among others, that the products produced by the Company caused injury or illness, include inadequate instructions for use or include inadequate warnings concerning possible inebriating effects, side effects or interactions with other substances. Consumers may unlawfully operate a vehicle or heavy equipment while under the effects of the Company’s products, resulting in increased liability to the Company. A product liability claim or regulatory action against the Company could result in increased costs, could adversely affect the Companyʼs reputation with its clients and consumers generally, and could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations and financial condition of the Company.
The Companyʼs products may be considered misbranded or adulterated, or otherwise unlawful under federal and state food and drug laws and could subject the Company to local, federal, or state enforcement or private litigation. Some states permit advertising, labeling laws, false and deceptive trade practices, and other consumer-protection laws to be enforced by state attorney generals, who may seek relief for consumers, class action certifications, class wide damages and product recalls of
products sold by the Company. Private litigation may also seek relief for consumers, class action certifications, class wide damages and product recalls of products sold by the Company in any of the markets in which it operates. Any actions against the Company by governmental authorities or private litigants could have a material adverse effect on the Companyʼs business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Company may be subject to constraints on and differences in marketing its products under varying regulatory restrictions among the jurisdictions in which it operates.
The development of the Companyʼs business and results of operations may be hindered by applicable regulatory restrictions on sales and marketing activities. For example, regulations may prohibit certain sales and marketing activities that may be deemed to target minors or make specified health claims. If the Company is unable to effectively market its 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 the Companyʼs products, the Companyʼs sales and results of operations could be adversely affected.
In the United States, marketing, advertising, packaging and labeling regulations vary from state to state, potentially limiting the consistency and scale of consumer branding communication and product education efforts. Restrictions may include regulations that specify what, where and to whom product information and descriptions may appear and/or be advertised. The regulatory environment in the United States may limit the Company’s ability to compete for market share in a manner similar to other industries.
Because the Company’s contracts involve cannabis and cannabis-related activities, which are not legal under U.S. federal law, the Company may face difficulties in enforcing its contracts.
It is a fundamental principle of law that a contract will not be enforced if it involves a violation of law or public policy. Because cannabis remains illegal at a federal level, judges may refuse to enforce contracts in connection with activities that violate U.S. federal law, even if there is no violation of state law. There remains doubt and uncertainty that the Company will be able to legally enforce contracts it enters into if necessary. The Company cannot be assured that it will have a remedy for breach of contract, the lack of which may have a material adverse effect on the Companyʼs business, revenues, operating results, financial condition or prospects.
If the Company (or any of its non-U.S. subsidiaries) is a “controlled foreign corporation,” certain of its U.S. investors may suffer adverse tax consequences.
If a “United States person” for U.S. federal income tax purposes is treated as owning (directly, indirectly, or constructively) at least 10% of the total value or total combined voting power of the Company’s stock, such person may be treated as a “United States shareholder” (each, a "U.S. Shareholder") with respect to each “controlled foreign corporation” (“CFC”) in the Company’s group (if any). A non-U.S. corporation will be a CFC if U.S. Shareholders own (directly, indirectly, or constructively) more than 50% of the total value or total combined voting power of the stock of the non-U.S. corporation. Because the Company’s group includes one or more U.S. corporate subsidiaries, certain of its current or future non-U.S. corporate subsidiaries may be treated as CFCs (regardless of whether the Company is treated as a CFC). A U.S. Shareholder of a CFC may be required to annually report and include in its U.S. taxable income its pro rata share of the CFC’s “Subpart F income,” “global intangible low-taxed income,” and investments of earnings in U.S. property (regardless of whether the CFC makes any distributions to its shareholders). Additionally, an individual U.S. Shareholder with respect to a CFC generally will not be allowed certain tax deductions or foreign tax credits that would be allowed to a corporate U.S. Shareholder. A failure to comply with CFC reporting obligations may subject a U.S. Shareholder to significant monetary penalties and prevent the statute of limitations from running with respect to the U.S. Shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax return for the taxable year in which reporting was due. There can be no assurance that the Company will assist its U.S. investors in determining whether it (or any of its current or future non-U.S. subsidiaries) is treated as a CFC or whether such U.S. investors are treated as U.S. Shareholders with respect to any such CFC, or that the Company will furnish to any such U.S. Shareholders information that may be necessary to comply with their CFC reporting and tax paying obligations. U.S. investors should consult their own tax advisors regarding the CFC rules’ impact in their particular circumstances.
Failure to comply with medical practice laws and regulations may result in impacts to the Company's operations, the imposition of monetary fines or the commencement of legal proceedings.
In the United States, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”) imposes privacy and security requirements and breach reporting obligations with respect to individually identifiable health information upon “covered entities” (health plans, health care clearinghouses and certain health care providers), and their respective business associates, which include individuals or entities that create, receive, maintain or transmit protected health information in connection with providing a service for or on behalf of a covered entity. HIPAA mandates the reporting of certain breaches of health information
to HHS, affected individuals and if the breach is large enough, the media. Entities that are found to be in violation of HIPAA as a result of a breach of unsecured protected health information, a complaint about privacy practices or an audit by HHS, may be subject to significant civil, criminal, and administrative fines and penalties and/or additional reporting and oversight obligations if required to enter into a resolution agreement and corrective action plan with HHS to settle allegations of HIPAA non-compliance. In addition, provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act require confidential treatment of employee medical records.
In Canada, the Personal Information Protection and Electronics Documents Act (Canada) (“PIPEDA”) and comparable legislation at the provincial level, governs the treatment of private information held by a corporation. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada has stated that it considers the personal information of cannabis users to be considered sensitive. Canadian privacy jurisprudence regarding the obligations that private sector organizations have to individual data subjects is constantly evolving. Privacy laws in Canada are also changing at the legislative level. On November 17, 2020, the Canadian Federal Government introduced Bill C-11, An Act to enact the Consumer Privacy Protection Act and the Personal Information and Data Protection Tribunal and to make consequential amendments to other Acts, for consideration in the House of Commons. Should Bill C-11 come into force, all private organizations that collect, use, and disclose personal information will become subject to new obligations and restrictions, including, without limitation, in connection with obtaining consent, access and control over personal information, deletion of personal information, data portability, de-identification of personal information, and transparency requirements. The penalties and enforcement measures available to Canadian regulators for non-compliance that are contemplated under Bill C-11 and Bill-64 are more significant than those that are available under current privacy and data protection legislation in Canada.
In addition, with respect to consumer health information, there are a number of federal, state and provincial laws protecting the confidentiality of certain patient health information, including patient records, and restricting the use and disclosure of that protected information. For example, the privacy rules under PIPEDA and other applicable privacy laws protect medical records and other personal health information by limiting their use and disclosure of health information to the minimum level reasonably necessary to accomplish the intended purpose, and may apply to its operations globally. In Canada, we may also be required to retain certain customer personal information for prescribed periods of time pursuant to the Cannabis Act.
Overall, failure to maintain adequate compliance or safeguards regarding stakeholder privacy could materially adversely impact the Company’s business and result in fines, litigation, or certain government mandated actions, and could be detrimental to the Company’s ability to operate its business.
If the Company is or becomes a “passive foreign investment company,” its U.S. investors may suffer adverse tax consequences.
Generally, for any taxable year, if at least 75% of the Company’s gross income is passive income, or at least 50% of the value of the Company’s assets (generally determined based on a weighted quarterly average) is attributable to assets that produce, or are held for the production, of passive income, the Company will be a “passive foreign investment company” (“PFIC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For purposes of these tests, passive income generally includes dividends, interest, certain gains from the sale of investment property, and certain rents and royalties, and passive assets generally include cash. Additionally, the Company generally will be treated as directly holding and receiving its proportionate share of the assets and income, respectively, of any corporation in which it owns, directly or indirectly, 25% of its stock by value. If the Company is a PFIC for any taxable year, certain U.S. investors may suffer adverse tax consequences, including ineligibility for preferential tax rates on capital gains or dividends, interest charges on certain taxes treated as deferred, and additional tax reporting requirements.
The Company’s PFIC status generally will depend on the nature and composition of the Company’s income and assets and the value of the Company’s assets (which generally will be determined based on the fair market value of each asset, with the value of goodwill determined in large part by reference to the market value of the Company’s stock from time to time, which may be volatile). If the Company’s market capitalization declines while it holds a substantial amount of cash for any taxable year, the Company may be a PFIC for such taxable year. The manner and timeframe in which the Company spends the cash it raises in any offering, the transactions it enters into, and how the Company’s corporate structure may change in the future will affect the nature and composition of the Company’s income and assets. Based on the nature and composition of the Company’s income and assets and the value of the Company’s assets, including goodwill, the Company believes that it was not a PFIC for its taxable year ended December 31, 2024. Because PFIC determination is a factual determination made annually after the end of each taxable year by applying principles and methodologies that, in some circumstances, are unclear and subject to varying interpretation, there can be no assurance that the Company will not be a PFIC for any taxable year, and the Company’s U.S. counsel expresses no opinion with respect to the Company’s PFIC status for any taxable year. U.S. investors should consult their own tax advisors regarding the PFIC rules’ impact in their particular circumstances.
If the Company is a PFIC for any taxable year, the tax consequences that would apply if U.S. investors were able to make a valid “qualified electing fund” (“QEF”) election would be different. At this time, the Company does not expect to provide U.S. investors with the information necessary for them to make a QEF election if the Company is a PFIC for any taxable year. U.S. investors should assume that a QEF election will not be available with respect to the Company’s stock.
The Company’s ability to use its U.S. net operating loss carryforwards to offset its future U.S. taxable income may be subject to limitations.
The Company’s U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) generated in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2018, may be carried forward for 20 years. The Company’s U.S. federal NOLs generated in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, may be carried forward indefinitely, but the utilization of such NOLs is limited. In addition, under Section 382 of the Code, a corporation that undergoes an “ownership change” (generally defined as a greater than 50% change (by value) in its stock ownership over a three-year period) is subject to limitations on its ability to utilize its pre-change U.S. federal NOLs to offset its future U.S. taxable income. If the Company has undergone an ownership change in the past, or if future changes in its stock ownership result in an ownership change, which may be outside of the Company's control, its ability to utilize its U.S. federal NOLs may be limited by Section 382 of the Code. It is uncertain if and to what extent U.S. states will conform to U.S. federal income tax law with respect to the treatment of NOLs. As a result, the Company’s ability to use its U.S. NOLs to offset its future U.S. taxable income may be subject to limitations, which could increase its tax liability and decrease its cash flow.
The Company may be subject to heightened scrutiny by Canadian regulatory authorities, which could negatively affect its business.
The Companyʼs future investments, joint ventures and operations in the United States may become the subject of heightened scrutiny by regulators, stock exchanges and other authorities in Canada, including placing certain restrictions on the Company’s ability to operate or acquire other cannabis businesses in 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 Companyʼs ability to invest in the United States or any other jurisdiction, in addition to those described herein.
Although a memorandum of understanding signed by the Canadian Depository for Securities (“CDS”) and the Canadian recognized exchanges (Aequitas NEO Exchange Inc., the CSE, the TSX, and the TSX Venture Exchange) dated February 8, 2018, confirms that CDS relies on the exchanges to review the conduct of listed issuers, and therefore there is currently no CDS ban on the clearing of securities of issuers with cannabis-related activities in the United States, there can be no guarantee that this approach to regulation will continue in the future. If such a ban were to be implemented, it would have a material adverse effect on the ability of holders of Common Shares to make and settle trades. In particular, Common Shares would become highly illiquid as and until an alternative was implemented, investors would have no ability to affect a trade of Common Shares through the facilities of a stock exchange.
The Company’s investors, directors, officers, employees and contractors who are not U.S. citizens may be denied entry into the United States, which may negatively affect the Company’s business.
Because cannabis remains illegal under U.S. federal law, those employed at or investing in Canadian or state regulated cannabis companies could face detention, denial of entry or lifetime bans from the United States for their business associations or investments. Entry happens at the sole discretion of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers on duty, and these officers have wide latitude to ask questions to determine the admissibility of a foreign national. The Government of Canada has started warning travelers on its website that previous use of cannabis, or any substance prohibited by U.S. federal laws, could mean denial of entry to the U.S. Business or financial involvement in the legal cannabis industry in Canada or in the United States could also be reason enough for U.S. border guards to deny entry.
Risks Related to the Company’s Business, Operations and Industry
The Company’s outstanding indebtedness may adversely affect its business, results of operations and financial condition. The Company’s failure to comply with applicable covenants could trigger events that may materially adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
The Company’s outstanding indebtedness may adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had approximately $204,545 of total debt principal amounts outstanding. See the section titled "Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources" of this Annual Report for more information regarding the Company's indebtedness. As a
result of its indebtedness, a portion of the Company's cash flow will be required to pay interest and principal on its outstanding loans. The Company's indebtedness could have important consequences. For example, it could:
•make it more difficult for the Company to satisfy its obligations with respect to any other debt it may incur in the future;
•increase the Company's vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
•require the Company to dedicate a significant portion of its cash flow from operations to payments on its indebtedness and related interest, thereby reducing the availability of its cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes;
•limit the Company's flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in its business and the industry in which it operates;
•increase the Company's cost of borrowing;
•place the Company at a competitive disadvantage compared to its competitors that may have less debt; and
•limit the Company's ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements or general corporate purposes.
The Company expects to use cash flow from operations and outside financings to meet its current and future financial obligations, including funding its operations, debt service and capital expenditures. The Company’s ability to make these payments depends on its future performance, which will be affected by financial, business, economic and other factors, many of which the Company cannot control. The Company’s business may not generate sufficient cash flow from operations in the future, which could result in the Company being unable to repay indebtedness, or to fund other liquidity needs. If the Company does not generate sufficient cash from operations, it may be forced to reduce or delay its business activities and capital expenditures, sell assets, obtain additional debt or equity capital or restructure or refinance all or a portion of its debt on or before maturity. The Company cannot make any assurances that it will be able to accomplish any of these alternatives on terms acceptable to it, or at all. In addition, the terms of existing or future indebtedness may limit the Company’s ability to pursue any of these alternatives.
Furthermore, the instruments governing the Company’s indebtedness include obligations and covenants that limit the Company’s discretion with respect to certain business matters and require the Company to satisfy certain financial requirements. The Company may not receive consent from lenders to take certain actions such as divest assets or enter into material agreements. The Company can make no assurances that it will be able to comply with such obligations and covenants and any failure to comply could result in a default, which, if not amended, cured or waived, could permit acceleration of the indebtedness and the exercise of other remedies available to lenders. In such event, there can be no assurance that the Company would be able to obtain any amendment, cure, waiver or other relief on terms acceptable to the Company. If the Company is unable to obtain relief from an event, the relevant indebtedness may be accelerated and the related collateral may be foreclosed upon. In addition such circumstances may result in the cross-default or cross-acceleration of other debt, any of which would materially adversely affect the Company's business, results of operations, and financial condition.
The Company may require substantial additional financing to operate its business and it may face difficulties acquiring additional financing on terms acceptable to the Company, or at all.
The building and operation of the Companyʼs business, including its facilities, are capital intensive. In order to execute the anticipated growth strategy, the Company may require additional equity and/or debt financing to support on-going operations, to undertake capital expenditures or to undertake acquisitions or other business combination transactions. There can be no assurance that additional financing will be available to the Company when needed or on terms which are acceptable. The Companyʼs inability to raise financing to support on-going operations or to fund capital expenditures or acquisitions could limit the Companyʼs growth and may have a material adverse effect upon future profitability and solvency. Any debt financing secured in the future could involve restrictive covenants relating to capital raising activities and other financial and operational matters, which may make it more difficult for the Company to obtain additional capital and to pursue business opportunities, including potential acquisitions.
Raising additional funds by issuing equity securities will cause dilution to existing shareholders. Raising additional funds through debt financings may involve restrictive covenants and raising funds through lending and licensing arrangements may restrict the Company's operations or require it to relinquish proprietary rights. The Company may not be able to secure additional debt or equity financing on favorable terms or at all.
The Company expects that significant additional capital may be needed in the future to continue its planned operations. The Company expects to finance its cash needs through cash flow from ongoing operations and a combination of equity offerings, debt financings and other strategies. The Company cannot guarantee that future financing will be available in sufficient amounts or on terms acceptable to the Company, if at all. If the Company raises additional equity financing, its shareholders may experience significant dilution of their ownership interests, the terms of these securities may include liquidation or other preferences that could adversely affect the rights of a common shareholder, and the per-share value of the Common Shares could decline. If the Company engages in debt financing, it may be required to accept terms that restrict or limit the Company’s ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional indebtedness, making capital expenditures or declaring dividends, and other restrictive covenants that could adversely impact the Company’s ability to conduct its business. In addition, weakness and volatility in the capital markets and the economy in general could limit the Company's access to the capital markets and increase its cost of borrowing.
An adverse change in market conditions, including a sustained decline in the price of the Common Shares, negative changes to the Company’s position in the market, or lack of growth in demand for its products and services could be considered to be an impairment triggering event. Such changes could impact valuation assumptions relating to the recoverability of assets and have resulted in, and may in the future result in, impairment charges to the Company’s goodwill or long-lived asset balances, which would negatively impact the Company’s operating results and harm its business.
There are inherent uncertainties in management’s estimates, judgments and assumptions used in assessing recoverability of goodwill, intangible, and other long-lived assets. Any material changes in key assumptions, including failure to meet business plans, a deterioration in the United States, Canadian and global financial markets, an increase in interest rates or an increase in the cost of equity financing by market participants within the industry or other unanticipated events and circumstances, could potentially result in an impairment charge. From time to time, the Company may be required to record a significant charge to earnings in its consolidated financial statements during the period in which any impairment of the Company’s goodwill or intangible and other long-lived assets is determined, which might have a materially adverse impact on the Company’s business operations and its financial position or results of operations.
The Company is dependent on suppliers and key inputs for the cultivation, extraction and production of cannabis products.
The ability of the Company to compete and grow will be dependent on it having access, at a reasonable cost and in a timely manner, to required equipment, parts and components. No assurances can be given that the Company will be successful in maintaining its required supply of equipment, parts and components. Global supply challenges have added further uncertainties around availability and price of equipment, parts and components. It is also possible that the final costs of the major equipment contemplated by the Companyʼs capital expenditure plans may be significantly greater than anticipated by the Companyʼs management and may be greater than funds available to the Company, in which circumstance the Company may curtail, or extend the timeframes for completing, its capital expenditure plans. This could have an adverse effect on the business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of the Company.
The cannabis 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 could materially impact the business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of the Company. In addition, any restrictions on the ability to secure required supplies or utility services or to do so on commercially acceptable terms could have a materially adverse impact on the business, financial condition and operating results. 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, the Company 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 the Company in the future. Any inability to secure required supplies and services or to do so on appropriate terms and/or agreeable terms could have a materially adverse impact on the business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of the Company.
The Companyʼs business is subject to the risks inherent in agricultural operations.
The Companyʼs business involves the cultivation of the cannabis plant. The cultivation of this plant is subject to agricultural risks related to insects, plant diseases, unstable growing conditions, water and electricity availability and cost, and force majeure events. Certain agricultural risks, such as insects or plant diseases, can result in a prolonged disruption of its operations. Although the Company cultivates its cannabis plants indoors or in greenhouses, each with climate-controlled rooms staffed by trained personnel, there can be no assurance that agricultural risks will not have a material adverse effect on the cultivation of its cannabis. The Company may, in the future, cultivate cannabis plants outdoors, which would also subject it to related agricultural risks.
The Companyʼs intellectual property may be difficult to protect, and failure to do so may negatively impact its business.
The ownership and protection of trademarks, patents, trade secrets and intellectual property rights are significant aspects of the Companyʼs future success. The Company has no patented technology or trademarked business methods at this time, nor has it registered any patents. The Company has filed trademark applications in the United States and Canada. The Company will continue to seek trademark protection in the United States and Canada.
The Company’s ability to obtain registered trademark protection for cannabis-related goods and services, in particular for cannabis itself, may be limited in certain countries outside of Canada, including the United States, where registered federal trademark protection is currently unavailable for trademarks covering cannabis-related products and services that are illegal under the Controlled Substances Act. Accordingly, the Company’s ability to obtain intellectual property rights or enforce intellectual property rights against third-party uses of similar trademarks may be limited in certain countries. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office released a policy on May 2, 2019 that clarifies that applications for trademarks for products that meet the definition of hemp could be accepted for registration, with certain exceptions.
Even if the Company moves to protect its technology with trademarks, patents, copyrights or by other means, the Company is not assured that competitors will not develop similar technology, business methods or that the Company will be able to exercise its legal rights. The Company may have limited or no enforcement options, should its intellectual property be infringed on by illicit operators. Furthermore, other countries may not protect intellectual property rights to the same standards as the United States or Canada. Actions taken to protect or preserve intellectual property rights may require significant financial and other resources which may have a significant impact on the Companyʼs ability to successfully grow the business.
In addition, other parties may claim that the Companyʼs products infringe on their proprietary and perhaps patent protected rights. Such claims, whether or not meritorious, may result in the Companyʼs expenditure of significant financial and managerial resources, legal fees, result in injunctions, temporary restraining orders and/or require the payment of damages.
Directors and officers of the Company have faced, and may in the future face, conflicts of interests regarding the Company's business strategy.
Certain of the directors and officers of the Company are also directors and officers of other companies or are engaged and will continue to be engaged in activities that may put them in conflict with the business strategy of the Company. Consequently, there exists the possibility for such directors and officers to be in a position of conflict.
In particular, the Company may also become involved in other transactions which conflict with the interests of its directors and officers, who may from time-to-time deal with persons, firms, institutions or companies with which the Company may be dealing, or which may be seeking investments similar to those desired by it. All decisions to be made by directors and officers of the Company are required to be made in accordance with their duties and obligations to act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Company. In addition, the directors and officers are required to declare their interests in, and such directors are required to refrain from voting on, any matter in which they may have a material conflict of interest. Failure to adequately manage or disclose conflicts of interest may result in public accusations, investigations, or litigation, and could have material adverse effect on the Company's business, operating results and financial condition.
The Company needs to attract and retain customers and patients in order to succeed, and failure to do so may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.
The Companyʼs success depends on its ability to attract and retain customers and patients. There are many factors which could impact the Companyʼs ability to attract and retain customers and patients, including but not limited to the Companyʼs ability to continually produce desirable and effective products and, the successful implementation of a customer and patient-acquisition plan. The Companyʼs failure to acquire and retain customers and patients would have a material adverse effect on the Companyʼs business, operating results and financial condition.
The Company's profitability may be impacted by declining wholesale or retail cannabis prices in certain markets and shifting market conditions.
The Company’s gross profits may decline as a result of a reduction in wholesale or retail cannabis prices. The Company’s profitability is sensitive to fluctuations in wholesale and retail prices caused by crop seasonality, disruptions to supply chains, increased competition, government taxes or levies, and other market conditions, all of which are factors beyond the Company’s
control. There is currently not an established market price for cannabis and the price of cannabis may change rapidly. Any price decline may have a material adverse effect on the Company.
If a significant number of new licenses are granted by a regulator in a market in which the Company operates, the Company may experience increased competition for market share and may experience downward price pressure on its products as new entrants increase production. The Company may also face competition from illegal cannabis dispensaries that are selling cannabis to individuals despite not having a valid license. The continued declining wholesale and retail price will impact the Company’s overall business.
The Company may face unfavorable publicity or consumer perception of the safety, efficacy and quality of its cannabis products.
The Company believes the cannabis industry is highly dependent upon consumer perception regarding the safety, efficacy and quality of the cannabis distributed to such consumers. Consumer perception of the Companyʼs products can be significantly influenced by scientific research or findings, regulatory investigations, litigation, media attention and other publicity regarding the consumption of medical 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 medical cannabis market or any particular product, or consistent with earlier publicity.
Future research reports, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention or other publicity that are perceived as less favorable than, or that question, earlier research reports, findings or publicity could have a material adverse effect on the demand for the Companyʼs products and the business, results of operations, financial condition of the Company. In particular, adverse publicity reports or other media attention regarding the safety, efficacy and quality of cannabis in general, or the Companyʼs products specifically, or associating the consumption of cannabis with illness or other negative effects or events, could have such a material adverse effect. Such 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.
Further, adverse publicity reports or other media attention regarding the safety, efficacy and quality of cannabis in general, or the Company’s products specifically, or associating the consumption of cannabis with illness or other negative effects or events, could have such a material adverse effect on the Company. Although the Company uses quality control processes and procedures to ensure our consumer packaged goods meet the Company's standards, a failure or alleged failure of such processes and procedures could result in negative consumer perception of products or legal claims against the Company. 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.
The Company offers certain vaporizer 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 FDA, 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 cannabis flower that is smoked, may have on respiratory illnesses. Although the Company believes that it takes care in protecting its image and reputation, the Company does not ultimately have direct control over how it is perceived by others. 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 result in reputation loss and in decreased investor confidence, increased challenges in developing and maintaining community relations and an impediment to the Companyʼs overall ability to advance its business, thereby having a material adverse impact on the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
The Company faces reputational risks, which may negatively impact its business.
Damage to the Companyʼs reputation can be the result of the actual or perceived occurrence of any number of events, and could include any negative publicity, whether true or not. The increased usage of social media and other web-based tools used to generate, publish, and discuss user-generated content and to connect with other users has made it increasingly easier for individuals and groups to communicate and share opinions and views regarding the Company and its activities, whether true or not. Although the Company believes that it operates in a manner that is respectful to all shareholders and that it takes care in protecting its image and reputation, the Company does not ultimately have direct control over how it is perceived by others. Reputation loss may result in decreased investor confidence, increased challenges in developing and maintaining community relations, and an impediment to the Companyʼs overall ability to advance its projects, thereby having a material adverse impact on financial performance, financial condition, cash flows, and growth prospects. Further, the parties with which the Company
does business may perceive that they are exposed to reputational risk as a result of the Companyʼs cannabis business activities. Failure to establish or maintain business relationships could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
The Company is dependent on consumer acceptance of and public demand for its products.
The Company’s ability to generate revenue and be successful in the implementation of its business plan is dependent on consumer acceptance of and demand for its products. Acceptance of the Company’s products depends on several factors, including availability, cost, ease of use, familiarity of use, convenience, effectiveness, safety and reliability. If customers do not accept the Company’s products, or if such products fail to adequately meet customers’ needs and expectations, the Company’s ability to generate revenue could be negatively impacted. As the number of available licenses increase in the markets in which the Company operates, and the illicit market and psychoactive hemp-based products proliferate, additional competition and increased product availability may result in competitors undercutting the Company’s prices. From time to time, the Company may need to reduce its prices in response to competitive and customer pressures and to maintain its market share, which could materially reduce the Company’s revenue.
The Company (and the third parties with whom it works) faces physical security risks, as well as risks related to its information technology systems, data, potential cyber or phishing attacks, and security incidents or other interruption.
In the ordinary course of its business, the Company, and the third parties with whom it works, collects, receives, stores, processes, generates, uses, transfers, discloses, makes accessible, protects, secures, disposes of, transmits, and shares personal data about its patients, adult-use customers and guests and other sensitive information, including proprietary and confidential business data, trade secrets, intellectual property, sensitive third-party data, business plans, transactions, and financial information (collectively, "sensitive data").
If there was a breach in physical security systems and the Company became victim to a robbery or theft or if there was a failure of information technology systems or a component of information technology systems, or if the Company's sensitive data were otherwise compromised, it could, depending on the nature of any such security incident or other interruption, adversely impact the Companyʼs reputation, business continuity and results of operations. Any such security incident or other interruption could expose the Company to additional liability and to potentially costly litigation, government enforcement actions, additional reporting requirements and/or oversight, indemnification obligations, negative publicity, increase expenses relating to the resolution and future prevention of these security incident or other interruption and may deter potential customers from choosing the Companyʼs products.
A security incident or other interruption may occur through procedural or process failure, information technology malfunction, or deliberate unauthorized intrusions. Cyber-attacks, malicious internet-based activity, online and offline fraud such as phishing schemes, and other similar activities threaten the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the Company’s sensitive data and information technology systems, and those of the third parties with whom it works. Such threats are prevalent and continue to rise, are increasingly difficult to detect, and come from a variety of sources, including traditional computer “hackers,” threat actors, “hacktivists,” organized criminal threat actors, personnel (such as through theft or misuse), sophisticated nation states, and nation-state-supported actors.
Some actors now engage and are expected to continue to engage in cyber-attacks, including without limitation nation-state actors for geopolitical reasons and in conjunction with military conflicts and defense activities. During times of war and other major conflicts, the Company, and the third parties with whom it works are vulnerable to a heightened risk of these attacks, including retaliatory cyber-attacks, that could materially disrupt its systems and operations, supply chain, and ability to produce, sell and distribute its goods and services.
The Company and the third parties with whom it works are subject to a variety of evolving threats, including but not limited to social-engineering attacks (including through deep fakes, which may be increasingly more difficult to identify as fake, and phishing attacks), malicious code (such as viruses and worms), malware (including as a result of advanced persistent threat intrusions), denial-of-service attacks, credential stuffing attacks, credential harvesting, personnel misconduct or error, ransomware attacks, supply-chain attacks, software bugs, server malfunctions, software or hardware failures, loss of data or other information technology assets, adware, telecommunications failures, earthquakes, fires, floods, attacks enhanced or facilitated by AI, cable cuts, damage to physical plants, power loss, vandalism, theft, and other similar threats.
In particular, severe ransomware attacks are becoming increasingly prevalent and can lead to significant interruptions in the Company’s operations, loss of sensitive data and income, reputational harm, and diversion of funds. Extortion payments may alleviate the negative impact of a ransomware attack, but the Company may be unwilling or unable to make such payments due to, for example, applicable laws or regulations prohibiting such payments.
Remote work has increased risks to the Company’s information technology systems and data, as its employees utilize network connections, computers, and devices outside its premises or network, including working at home, while in transit and in public locations. Additionally, future or past business transactions (such as acquisitions or integrations) could expose the Company to additional cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities, as its systems could be negatively affected by vulnerabilities present in acquired or integrated entities’ systems and technologies. Furthermore, the Company may discover security issues that were not found during due diligence of such acquired or integrated entities, and it may be difficult to integrate companies into the Company’s information technology environment and security program should any security issues be identified.
In addition, the Company's reliance on third parties could introduce new cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities, including supply-chain attacks, and other threats to its business operations. The Company has entered into agreements with third parties for hardware, software, telecommunications and other information technology services in connection with its operations. The Company attempts to ensure SOX compliance by requiring vendors that interact with financially material data to provide SOC certification (Type 1 or Type 2) of their internal controls. Additionally, every new software provider Company works with is required to go through a security audit of their infrastructure and security practices. However, the Company’s ability to ensure these third parties’ information security practices is limited, and these third parties may not have adequate information security measures in place. If these third parties experience a security incident or other interruption, the Company could experience adverse consequences. While the Company may be entitled to damages if these third parties fail to satisfy their privacy or security-related obligations to the Company, any award may be insufficient to cover the Company’s damages, or the Company may be unable to recover such award. In addition, supply-chain attacks have increased in frequency and severity, and the Company cannot guarantee that third parties’ infrastructure in its supply chain or the third parties' with whom it works supply chains have not been compromised.
The Companyʼs operations depend, in part, on how well it and the third parties with whom it works protect networks, equipment, information technology systems and software against compromise or damage from of the aforementioned or similar threats. The Companyʼs operations also depend on the timely maintenance, upgrade and replacement of networks, equipment, information technology systems and software, as well as pre-emptive expenses to mitigate the risks of failures.
The Company expends resources or may have to modify its business activities to try to protect against security incidents or other interruption. Additionally, certain data privacy and security obligations require the Company to implement and maintain specific security measures or industry-standard or reasonable security measures to protect its information technology systems and sensitive data.
In 2024, the Company identified and quickly contained and remediated several non-material cybersecurity incidents. The Company takes steps designed to detect, mitigate and remediate vulnerabilities in its information systems (such as its hardware or software, including that of third parties with whom it works), but it may not be able to detect and remediate all such vulnerabilities, including on a timely basis. Further, the Company may in the future experience delays in developing and deploying remedial measures designed to address any such identified vulnerabilities. Vulnerabilities could be exploited and result in a security incident or other interruption.
While the Company has implemented security measures designed to protect against security incidents and other interruptions, there can be no assurance that these measures will be effective. It may be difficult or costly to detect, investigate, mitigate, contain, and remediate a security incident or other interruption. Despite the Company’s efforts to detect, investigate, mitigate, contain, and remediate a security incident, the Company may not be successful. Actions taken by the Company or the third parties with whom it works to detect, investigate, mitigate, contain, and remediate a security incident or other interruption could result in outages, data losses, and disruptions of the Company’s business. Threat actors may also gain access to other networks and systems after a compromise of the Company’s networks and systems.
Certain of the previously identified or similar threats have in the past and may in the future cause a security incident or other interruption that could result in unauthorized, unlawful, or accidental acquisition, modification, destruction, loss, alteration, encryption, disclosure of, or access to the Company’s sensitive data or its information technology systems, or those of the third parties with whom it works.
For example, in September 2024, the Company became aware of a security incident where a contractor’s firewall VPN account was accessed. This allowed a threat actor to scan a site’s network and attempt to login to devices unsuccessfully, as the incident was immediately detected and stopped. A security incident or other interruption could disrupt the Company’s ability (and that of the third parties with whom it works) to provide its goods and services.
Applicable data privacy and security obligations may require the Company, or it may voluntarily choose, to notify relevant stakeholders (including affected individuals, customers, regulators, and investors) of security incidents or other interruptions, or to take other actions, such as providing credit monitoring and identity theft protection services. Such disclosures and related actions are costly, and the disclosure or the failure to comply with applicable requirements could lead to adverse consequences.
Some of the Company’s contracts do not contain limitations of liability, and even where they do, there can be no assurance that limitations of liability in its contracts are sufficient to protect it from liabilities, damages, or claims related to its data privacy and security obligations. The Company cannot be sure that its insurance coverage will be adequate or sufficient to protect it from, or to mitigate liabilities arising out of its privacy and security practices, that such coverage will continue to be available on commercially reasonable terms or at all, or that such coverage will pay future claims.
In addition to experiencing a security incident or other interruption, third parties may gather, collect, or infer sensitive data about it from public sources, data brokers, or other means that reveals competitively sensitive details about the Company and could be used to undermine its competitive advantage or market position. Additionally, sensitive information of the Company or its customers could be leaked, disclosed, or revealed as a result of or in connection with its employees’, personnel’s, or vendors’ use of generative AI technologies.
The Company may be subject to growth-related risks, which could negatively affect its business.
The Company may be subject to growth-related risks, including capacity constraints and pressure on its internal systems and controls. The ability of the Company to manage growth effectively will require it to continue to implement and improve its operational and financial systems and to expand, train and manage its employee base. The inability of the Company to deal with this growth may have a material adverse effect on the Companyʼs business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
The Company may be adversely impacted by rising or volatile energy costs.
The Companyʼs cannabis growing and manufacturing operations consume considerable energy, which make the Company vulnerable to rising energy costs. Accordingly, rising or volatile energy costs have and may further adversely impact the Company's business and profitability. Furthermore, the Company may face challenges in accessing sufficient utilities to meet the energy, water or sewage requirements for cannabis growing and manufacturing operations.
The Company’s internal controls over financial reporting may not be effective, and the Company’s independent auditors may not be able to certify as to their effectiveness, which could have a significant and adverse effect on the Company’s business.
The Company is subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended (the "Sarbanes-Oxley Act"). Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Company is required to perform system and process evaluation and testing of its internal control over financial reporting to allow Company management to report on the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting. Furthermore, if at such time, the Company no longer qualifies as an "emerging growth company," its independent registered public accounting firm will be required to issue an annual report that attests to the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
The Company incurs expenses and diversion of Company management’s time in its 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 the Company 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 the Company to fail to meet its reporting obligations. In addition, any testing by the Company conducted in connection with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, or the subsequent testing by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm when required, may reveal deficiencies in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses or that may require prospective or retrospective changes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements or identify other areas for further attention or improvement. Moreover, the Company's internal controls over financial reporting will not prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system's objective will be met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud will be detected. If the Company is unable to assert that its internal control over financial reporting is effective, investors could lose confidence in the Company's reported financial information, the trading price of the Common Shares could decline and the Company could be subject to sanctions or investigations by the SEC or other regulatory authorities.
The Company may be required to write down intangible assets, including goodwill, due to impairment, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations or financial position.
The Company may be required to write down intangible assets, including goodwill, due to impairment, which would reduce earnings. The Company periodically calculates the fair value of its reporting units and intangible assets to test for impairment.
This calculation may be affected by several factors, including general economic conditions, regulatory developments, market and economic conditions, impact on operations due to changing consumer preferences, successful execution of product launches and overall competitive activity within the market. Certain events can also trigger an immediate review of goodwill and intangible assets. If the carrying value of its reporting unit and other intangible assets exceed their fair value and the loss in value is other than temporary, the goodwill and other intangible assets are considered impaired, which would result in impairment losses and could have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations. We may be required to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment assessment in future periods for the Company, to the extent the Company experiences declines in the price of its Common Shares.
The Company’s business could be adversely affected by economic downturns, fluctuating inflation, high interest rates, natural disasters, public health crises, political crises, geopolitical events, such as the war in Ukraine and the hostilities in the Middle East, policy changes, including tariffs, or other macroeconomic conditions, which have in the past and may in the future negatively impact the Company’s business and financial performance.
The global economy, including credit and financial markets, has experienced extreme volatility and disruptions, including, among other things, severely diminished liquidity and credit availability, declines in consumer confidence, declines in economic growth, supply chain shortages, fluctuating inflation rates and interest rates and uncertainty about economic stability. Increased inflation rates can adversely affect the Company by increasing the Company’s costs, including labor and employee benefit costs. Higher interest rates, coupled with reduced government spending and volatility in financial markets may increase economic uncertainty and affect consumer spending. In addition, if the equity and credit markets deteriorate, including as a result of political unrest or war, such as the war in Ukraine and the hostilities in the Middle East, it may make any necessary debt or equity financing more difficult to obtain in a timely manner or on favorable terms, and more costly or more dilutive.
The Company faces intense competition and its business could be adversely affected by other businesses in a better competitive position.
The introduction of an adult-use model for cannabis production and distribution may impact the growth in the existing medical cannabis market. The impact of this potential development may be negative for the Company and could result in increased levels of competition in its existing medical market and/or the entry of new competitors in the overall cannabis market in which the Company operates, in addition to potential gross margin reduction. There is potential that the Company will face intense competition from other companies, particularly larger multi-state operators, some of which can be expected to have longer operating histories and more financial resources and manufacturing and marketing experience than the Company. Increased competition by larger and better financed competitors could materially and adversely affect the business, financial condition and results of operations of the Company, and result in lower than anticipated growth in both the existing medical cannabis market and the adult-use market.
If the number of users of medical cannabis in North America 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 may require a continued high level of investment in research and development, marketing, sales and client support, or reduction in product prices. 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 operations of the Company.
The Company has historically had continued losses which could have a material negative effect on the Company's business and prospects.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company had an accumulated deficit of approximately $778,514. The Company incurred losses in fiscal years 2022, 2023 and 2024. The Company may not be able to achieve or maintain profitability and may continue to incur significant losses in the future. Because the cannabis industry and market are relatively new and rapidly evolving, it is difficult for the Company to predict its future operating results. As a result, it may incur future losses that may be larger than anticipated. In addition, the Company may continue to increase operating expenses as it implements initiatives to continue to grow its business. The Company's ability to execute on its growth strategy requires additional financing. The Company may need to raise additional funds in order to operate its business and meet obligations as they become due. However, financing may not be available to the Company in the necessary time frame, in amounts that the Company requires, on terms that are acceptable to the Company, or at all. If the Company is unable to raise the necessary funds when needed, it will be required to take additional actions to address its liquidity needs, including cost reduction measures, it would materially and adversely impact the Company's ability to execute on its operating plans. These actions may cause the Company's shareholders to lose all or part of their investment in the Common Share. If the Companyʼs sales do not increase to offset any increases in costs and operating expenses, the Company will not be profitable. Furthermore, if the Company's future growth and operating
performance fail to meet investor or analyst expectations, or if it has future negative cash flow or losses resulting from its investment in product development or marketing, its financial condition and share price could be materially adversely affected.
Demand for the Company’s products is difficult to forecast due to limited and unreliable market data.
As a result of recent and ongoing regulatory and policy changes in the medical and adult-use cannabis industry, the market data available is limited and unreliable. Federal and state laws prevent widespread participation and hinder market research. Therefore, the Company must rely largely on its own market research to forecast sales as detailed forecasts are not generally obtainable from other sources at this early stage of the industry. Market research and projections by the Company of estimated total retail sales, demographics, demand, and similar consumer research are based on assumptions from limited and unreliable market data, and generally represent the personal opinions of the Companyʼs management team as of the date of this Annual Report. A failure in the demand for its products to materialize as a result of competition, technological change or other factors could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, financial condition or prospects of the Company.
The Company’s inability to attract and retain key personnel, or its inability to maintain relations with its employees, unions and other employee representatives, could materially adversely affect its business.
The success of the Company is dependent upon the ability, expertise, judgment, discretion and good faith of its senior management, which are key personnel. Moreover, the Companyʼs future success depends on its continuing ability to attract, develop, motivate and retain highly qualified and skilled employees. Qualified individuals are in high demand, and the Company may incur significant costs to attract and retain them. The Company does not maintain "key man" insurance policies on the lives of its key personnel, or the lives of any of its other employees. In order to induce valuable employees to continue their employment with the Company, the Company has provided certain key personnel stock options and restricted stock units that vest over time. The value to employees of such equity grants that vest over time is significantly affected by movements in the price of the Common Share that are beyond the Company's control, and may at any time be insufficient to counteract more lucrative offers from other companies. The Company is limited in its ability to address declines in the value of employee equity grants in an effort to retain key personnel, Should the Company pursue any stock option re-grant or re-pricing efforts, such efforts may not be approved by the Company's shareholders or the stock exchanges on which the Common Shares are listed. Additionally, if the Company were to reprice any share option without the approval of our shareholders, as permitted under certain circumstances, then proxy advisory firms may issue a negative recommendation on certain of our compensation-related proposals at future annual meetings of our shareholders. In addition, if the Company's share-based compensation otherwise ceases to be viewed as a valuable benefit, the Company's ability to attract, retain and motivate key personnel could be weakened, which could harm its business. The loss of the services of key personnel, or an inability to attract other suitably qualified persons when needed, could have a material adverse effect on the Companyʼs ability to execute on its business plan and strategy, and the Company may be unable to find adequate replacements on a timely basis, or at all. While employment agreements are customarily used as a primary method of retaining the services of such key personnel these agreements cannot assure the continued services of such employees.
There is no assurance that any of the Companyʼs existing personnel who presently or may in the future require a security clearance will be able to obtain or renew such clearances or that new personnel who require a security clearance will be able to obtain one. A failure by such key personnel to maintain or renew their security clearance would result in a material adverse effect on the Companyʼs business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, if any key personnel leave the Company, and the Company is unable to find a suitable replacement that has a security clearance in a timely manner, or at all, it could have a material adverse effect on the Companyʼs business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Company may not be able to attract or retain qualified management and other key employees in the future due to the intense competition for a limited number of qualified personnel in its industry. Many of the other cannabis companies that it competes against for qualified personnel have greater financial and other resources, different risk profiles and a longer history in the industry than the Company does. They also may provide more diverse opportunities and better chances for career advancement. Some of these characteristics may be more appealing to high quality candidates than what the Company has to offer. If the Company is unable to continue to attract and retain high quality personnel, the rate and success at which it can develop and market its products will be limited.
In addition, certain of the Company’s employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements. These agreements typically contain provisions regarding the general working conditions of such employees, including provisions that could affect the Company’s ability to restructure its operations, close facilities, or reduce the number of its employees. The Company may not be able to extend existing collective bargaining agreements or, upon the expiration of such agreements, negotiate such agreements in a favorable and timely manner or without work stoppages, strikes or similar actions. Any deterioration of the relationships with its employees, unions and other employee representatives, or any material work stoppage, strike or similar action could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business results, cash flows, financial condition or prospects.
Furthermore, the Company’s actions or responses to any such negotiations, labor disputes, work stoppages or strikes could negatively impact its corporate reputation and have adverse effects on its business.
The Company and its investors may have difficulty enforcing their legal rights.
In the event of a dispute arising from TerrAscendʼs U.S. operations, TerrAscend may be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of foreign courts or may not be successful in subjecting foreign persons to the jurisdictions of courts in Canada. Similarly, to the extent that the Companyʼs assets are located outside of Canada, investors may have difficulty collecting from the Company any judgments obtained in the Canadian courts and predicated on the civil liability portions of securities provisions. The Company may also be hindered or prevented from enforcing its rights with respect to a governmental entity or instrumentality because of the doctrine of sovereign immunity.
In addition, certain of the Company’s directors and officers reside outside of Canada. Some or all of the assets of such persons may be located outside of Canada. Therefore, it may not be possible for Company shareholders to collect or to enforce judgments obtained in Canadian courts predicated upon the civil liability provisions of applicable Canadian securities laws against such persons. Moreover, it may not be possible for Company shareholders to effect service of process within Canada upon such persons. Courts in the United States may refuse to hear a claim based on a violation of Canadian securities laws on the grounds that such jurisdiction is not the most appropriate forum to bring such a claim. Even if a United States court agrees to hear a claim, it may determine that the local law, and not Canadian law, is applicable to the claim. If Canadian law is found to be applicable, the content of applicable Canadian law must be proven as a fact, which can be a time-consuming and costly process.
The Company (and the third parties with whom it works) is subject to stringent and evolving U.S. and foreign laws, regulations, rules, contractual obligations, policies and other obligations related to data privacy and security. Its actual or perceived failure (or that of the third parties with whom it works) to comply with such obligations could lead to regulatory investigations or actions; litigation; fines and penalties; disruptions of business operations; reputational harm; loss of revenue or profits; and other adverse business consequences.
The Company’s data processing activities subject it to numerous data privacy and security obligations, such as various laws, regulations, guidance, industry standards, external and internal privacy and security policies, contractual requirements, and other obligations relating to data privacy and security.
In the United States, federal, state, and local governments have enacted numerous data privacy and security laws, including data breach notification laws, personal data privacy laws, consumer protection laws (e.g., Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act), and other similar laws (e.g., wiretapping laws). For example, there are a number of federal, state, and local laws protecting the confidentiality of certain health-related information of the Company’s patients and customers, including their health-related records, and restricting the use and disclosure of that information.
Additionally, numerous U.S. states have enacted comprehensive privacy laws that impose certain obligations on covered businesses, including providing specific disclosures in privacy notices and affording residents with certain rights concerning their personal data. As applicable, such rights include the right to access, correct, or delete certain personal data, and to opt-out of certain data processing activities, such as targeted advertising, profiling, and automated decision-making. The exercise of these rights may impact the Company's business and ability to provide its products and services. Certain states also impose stricter requirements for processing certain personal data, including sensitive information, such as conducting data privacy impact assessments. These state laws allow for statutory fines for noncompliance. For example, the CCPA applies to personal data of consumers, business representatives, and employees who are California residents, and requires businesses to provide specific disclosures in privacy notices and honor requests of such individuals to exercise certain privacy rights. The CCPA provides for fines and allows private litigants affected by certain data breaches to recover significant statutory damages.
Similar laws have passed or are being considered in several other states, as well as at the federal and local levels, and more states are expected to pass similar laws in the future. To the extent applicable, these developments will further complicate compliance efforts, as well as increase legal risk and compliance costs for us and the third parties with whom it works.
Furthermore, the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act of 2003 and the TCPA impose specific requirements on communications with customers. For example, the TCPA imposes various consumer consent requirements and other restrictions on certain telemarketing activity and other communications with consumers by phone, fax or text message. TCPA violations can result in significant financial penalties, including penalties or criminal fines imposed by the Federal Communications Commission or fines of up to $1,500 per violation imposed through private litigation or by state authorities. Outside the United States, an increasing number of laws, regulations, and industry standards may govern data privacy and security. For example, Canada’s PIPEDA imposes strict requirements for processing personal data.
In addition to data privacy and security laws, the Company is bound by other obligations related to data privacy and security, including contractual obligations and self-regulatory standards (e.g., PCI-DSS), and its efforts to comply with such obligations may not be successful. For example, the Company relies on third parties to process payment card data who are subject to PCI-DSS, and its business may be negatively impacted if these third parties are fined or suffer other consequences as a result of PCI-DSS noncompliance. Additionally, the Company publishes privacy policies, marketing materials, and other public or external facing statements concerning data privacy and security. If found to be deficient, lacking in transparency, deceptive, unfair, misleading or misrepresentative of facts or its practices, the Company may be subject to investigation, enforcement actions by regulators, or experience other adverse consequences.
The Company’s employees and personnel may use generative artificial intelligence (“AI”) technologies to assist with their work, and the disclosure and use of personal data in generative AI technologies is subject to various privacy laws and other privacy obligations. Governments have passed and are likely to pass additional laws regulating generative AI. The Company’s use of this technology could result in additional compliance costs, regulatory investigations and actions, and lawsuits. If the Company are unable to use generative AI, this could make its business less efficient and result in competitive disadvantages.
Obligations related to data privacy and security (and consumer's data privacy expectations) are quickly changing, becoming increasingly stringent, and creating uncertainty. Additionally, these obligations may be subject to differing applications and interpretations, which may be inconsistent or conflict among jurisdictions. Preparing for and complying with these obligations requires the Company to devote significant resources and may necessitate changes to its services, information technologies, systems, and practices and to those of any third parties with whom it works.
The Company may at times fail, or be perceived to have failed, in its efforts to comply with its data privacy and security obligations. Moreover, despite its efforts, the Company’s personnel or third parties with whom it works may fail to comply with such obligations, which could negatively impact its business operations. If the Company or the third parties with whom it works fail, or are perceived to have failed, to address or comply with applicable data privacy and security obligations, it could face significant consequences, including but not limited to: government enforcement actions (e.g., investigations, fines, penalties, audits, inspections, and similar); litigation (including class-action claims); additional reporting requirements and/or oversight; bans on processing personal data; and orders to destroy or not use personal data. In particular, plaintiffs have become increasingly more active in bringing privacy-related claims against companies, including class claims and mass arbitration demands. Some of these claims allow for the recovery of statutory damages on a per violation basis, and, if viable, carry the potential for monumental statutory damages, depending on the volume of data and the number of violations.
Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s reputation, business, or financial condition, including but not limited to: loss of customers; inability to process personal data or to operate in certain jurisdictions; limited ability to develop or commercialize its products; expenditure of time and resources to defend any claim or inquiry; adverse publicity; or substantial changes to its business model or operations.
The Company may not have access to U.S. bankruptcy protections available to non-cannabis businesses.
Because cannabis is a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act, courts may deny cannabis businesses federal bankruptcy protections, making it difficult for lenders to be made whole on their investments in the cannabis industry in the event of a bankruptcy. If the Company were to experience a bankruptcy, there is no guarantee that United States federal bankruptcy protections would be available to the Company, which would have a material adverse effect on us and may make it more difficult for us to obtain debt financing.
The development of the Company’s products is complex and requires significant investment. Failure to develop new methodologies and products could adversely affect the Company’s business.
The introduction of new products embodying new methodologies, including new manufacturing processes, and the emergence of new industry standards may render the Companyʼs products obsolete, less competitive or less marketable. The process of developing the Companyʼs products is complex and requires significant continuing costs, development efforts and third-party commitments. The Companyʼs failure to develop new methodologies and products and the obsolescence of existing methodologies could adversely affect the business, financial condition and operating results of the Company. The Company may be unable to anticipate changes in its potential customer requirements that could make the Companyʼs existing methodologies obsolete.
The development of the Companyʼs proprietary methodologies entails significant technical and business risks. The Company may not be successful in using its new methodologies or exploiting its niche markets effectively or adapting its businesses to evolving customer or medical requirements or preferences or emerging industry standards.
The Company faces exposure to fraudulent or illegal activity by employees, contractors and consultants, which may subject the Company to investigations or other actions.
The Company is exposed to the risk that its employees, independent contractors and consultants may engage in fraudulent or other illegal activity. Misconduct by these parties could include intentional, reckless and/or negligent conduct or disclosure of unauthorized activities to the Company that violates: (i) government regulations; (ii) manufacturing standards; (iii) federal, state and provincial healthcare fraud and abuse laws and regulations; or (iv) laws that require the true, complete and accurate reporting of financial information or data. It may not always be possible for the Company to identify and deter misconduct by its employees and other third parties, and the precautions taken by the Company to detect and prevent this activity may not be effective in controlling unknown or unmanaged risks or losses or in protecting the Company from governmental investigations or other actions or lawsuits stemming from a failure to be in compliance with such laws or regulations. If any such actions are instituted against the Company, and it is not successful in defending itself or asserting its rights, those actions could have a significant impact on the Companyʼs business, including the imposition of civil, criminal and administrative penalties, damages, monetary fines, contractual damages, reputational harm, diminished profits and future earnings, and curtailment of the Companyʼs operations, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Companyʼs business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects.
Consolidation in the cannabis industry and other changes to the competitive environment can impact the Company's margins and profitability.
The markets for cannabis in the United States and Canada are becoming increasingly competitive and are evolving rapidly. The Company may face intense and increasing competition from existing operators and new entrants in each of the markets in which the Company operates. Some of these competitors may have longer operating histories or offer competitive products. There is also the potential that the cannabis industry will undergo further consolidation that may pose a risk to the Company’s ability to compete.
As a result of this competition, the Company may be unable to maintain its operations or develop them as currently intended. Increased competition by larger, better-financed competitors with geographic advantages could materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of operations. If the Company is unable to achieve its business objectives, such failure could materially adversely affect the Company's business.
As the emerging cannabis industry continues to rapidly evolve, the Company may not be able to create and maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. The Company's success will depend on its ability to respond to, among other things, changes in consumer preferences, regulatory conditions, and general competitive pressures. Should the Company be unable to adequately respond to such changes, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, operating results, liquidity, cash flow and operational performance.
In each market the Company operates in, the number of licenses granted, and the number of license holders ultimately authorized by the regulator, or previously authorized licenses becoming more commercially active, could have an impact on its business. If the number of users of medical and/or adult-use cannabis 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 may require increased levels in research and development, sales and customer support. The Company may not have sufficient resources to maintain research and development, sales and customer support efforts on a competitive basis which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
The cannabis industry and market are relatively new, and this industry and market may not continue to exist or grow as expected.
The Company is operating its business in a relatively new industry and market. Competitive conditions, consumer preferences, patient requirements and spending patterns in this new industry and market are relatively unknown and may have unique circumstances that differ from existing industries and markets. Accordingly, there are no assurances that this industry and market will continue to exist or grow as currently estimated or anticipated, or function and evolve in a manner consistent with management’s expectations and assumptions. Any event or circumstance that affects the cannabis industry and market could have a material adverse effect on the Companyʼs business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Companyʼs success in North America is dependent on the market building out direct to consumer channels including but not limited to retail outlets. There are many factors which could impact the Companyʼs ability to gain market share and distribute its products, including but not limited to the continued growth and expansion of retail outlets in the North American market which may have a material adverse effect on the Companyʼs business, operating results and financial condition. The
Companyʼs ability to continue to grow, process, store and sell medical cannabis and participate in the adult-use cannabis markets is dependent on the maintenance and validity of the Companyʼs licenses from regulatory authorities.
The Company may be affected by currency fluctuations.
The Company may face exposure to currency fluctuations because of its present operations in the United States. Substantially all of the Company’s revenue is earned in U.S. dollars, but its shares, and some of its employee stock options and certain warrants issued to holders of the Company’s notes are denominated in Canadian dollars, which can provide variability for results of operations. The Company does not have currency hedging arrangements in place and there is no expectation that it 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 the Company’s business, financial position or results of operations.
Risks Related to the Company’s Investment and Acquisition Business Strategies
The Company’s use of joint ventures may expose it to risks associated with jointly owned investments.
The Company currently operates parts of its business through joint ventures with other companies, and it may enter into additional joint ventures or partnerships in the future. Joint venture investments and partnerships may involve risks not otherwise present for investments made solely by the Company, including: (i) the Company may not control the joint ventures; (ii) the Company’s joint venture partners may not agree to distributions that it believe are appropriate; (iii) where the Company does not have substantial decision-making authority, it may experience impasses or disputes with the Company’s joint venture partners on certain decisions, which could require it to expend additional resources to resolve such impasses or disputes, including litigation or arbitration; (iv) the Company’s 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 the Company’s joint ventures may contain certain conditions or milestone events that may never be satisfied or achieved; (vi) the Company’s joint venture partners may have business or economic interests that are inconsistent with the Company’s and may take actions contrary to the Company’s interests; (vii) the Company may suffer losses as a result of actions taken by the Company’s joint venture partners with respect to the Company’s joint venture investments; and (viii) it may be difficult for the Company to exit a joint venture if an impasse arises or if the Company desires to sell its interest for any reason. Any of the foregoing risks could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the Company may, in certain circumstances, be liable for the actions of its joint venture partners.
The success of the Companyʼs business depends, in part, on its ability to successfully integrate recently acquired businesses and to retain key employees of acquired businesses and the Company's failure to do so may negatively affect the Companyʼs business.
The Company may not be able to successfully integrate and combine the operations, personnel, and technology infrastructure of any such acquired company with its existing operations. If integration is not managed successfully by the Companyʼs management, the Company may experience interruptions to its business activities, deterioration in its employee and customer relationships, increased costs of integration and harm to its reputation, all of which could have a material adverse effect on the Companyʼs business, financial condition, and results of operations. The Company may experience difficulties in combining corporate cultures, maintaining employee morale, and retaining key employees. The integration of any such acquired companies may also impose substantial demands on management. There is no assurance that these acquisitions will be successfully integrated in a timely manner, or at all.
There can be no assurance that the Company’s current and future strategic alliances will have a beneficial impact on the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.
The Company currently has, and may in the future, enter into strategic alliances with third parties it believes will complement or augment its existing business. The Companyʼs 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 the Companyʼs business, and may involve risks that could adversely affect the Company, 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 the Companyʼs existing strategic alliances will continue to achieve, the expected benefits to the Companyʼs business or that the Company will be able to consummate future strategic alliances on satisfactory terms, or at all. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on the Companyʼs business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Company may not realize the benefits of its growth strategy, which could have an adverse effect on its business.
As part of its growth strategy, the Company will continue, in its existing efforts to go deeper in existing states and initiate new efforts to expand its footprint, and brands. Such expansion is dependent on availability of capital funding, continuing to enter into successful business arrangements and receiving satisfactory regulatory and shareholder approvals, as required. The failure to successfully implement its strategic initiatives could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations.
Risks Related to the Common Shares
The Company’s voting control is concentrated.
Mr. Jason Wild, Executive Chairman of the Company's Board, beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, or exercises control or direction over shares representing approximately 31.04% of the voting capital stock of the Company as of March 6, 2025. As a result, Mr. Wild exerts significant control over matters that may be put forward for the consideration of all of the Company shareholders, including for example, the approval of a potential business combination or consolidation, a liquidation or sale of all or substantially all of the Companyʼs assets, electing members to the Board, and adopting amendments to the Companyʼs constating documents, including its articles of incorporation, as amended (the “Articles”) and by-laws.
Additional issuances of the Company’s securities may result in dilution.
The Company may issue additional securities in the future, which may dilute a shareholder of the Company's holdings in the Company. The Companyʼs Articles permit the issuance of an unlimited number of Proportionate Voting Shares, Exchangeable Shares, Preferred Shares and Common Shares, and shareholders of the Company will have no pre-emptive rights in connection with such further issuance. The Board has discretion to determine the price and the terms of issue of further issuances, and such terms could include rights, preferences and privileges superior to those existing holders. Moreover, additional Common Shares will be issued by the Company on the exercise of options under the Companyʼs stock option plan (the "Stock Option Plan") and upon the exercise of outstanding warrants and upon the conversion of Proportionate Voting Shares, Exchangeable Shares and Preferred Shares. To the extent holders of the Company’s stock options or other convertible securities convert or exercise their securities and sell the Common Shares they receive, the trading price of the Common Shares may decrease due to the additional amount of Common Shares available in the market. The Company cannot predict the size or nature of future issuances or the effect that future issuances and sales of Common Shares will have on the market price of the Common Shares. Issuances of a substantial number of additional Common Shares, or the perception that such issuances could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices for the Common Shares. With any additional issuance of Common Shares, investors will suffer dilution to their voting power and economic interest in the Company.
Sales of substantial amounts of Common Shares may have an adverse effect on the market price of the Common Shares.
Sales of a substantial number of Common Shares in the public market could occur at any time. These sales, or the market perception that the holders of a large number of Common Shares intend to sell Common Shares, could reduce the market price of Common Shares.
An investor may face liquidity risks with an investment in the Common Shares.
The Common Shares are listed on the TSX and the OTCQX, however, there can be no assurance that an active and/or liquid market for Common Shares will develop or be maintained and an investor may find it difficult to resell any securities of the Company. For example, given the heightened risk profile associated with cannabis in the United States, capital markets participants may be unwilling to assist with the settlement of trades for U.S. resident securityholders of companies with operations in the U.S. cannabis industry, which may prohibit or significantly impair the ability of securityholders in the United States to trade the Company's securities. In the event residents of the United States are unable to settle trades of the Company's securities, this may affect the pricing of such securities in the secondary market, the transparency and availability of trading prices and the liquidity of these securities.
The price of the Common Shares may be volatile, and may be adversely affected by the price of cannabis.
The market price of the Common Shares may be subject to wide price fluctuations, and the price of the Common Shares, as well as the Companyʼs financial results, may be significantly and adversely affected by a decline in the price of cannabis. There is currently no established market price for cannabis and the price of cannabis is affected by several factors beyond the Companyʼs control. For example, price fluctuations may be in response to many factors, including variations in the operating results of the Company and its subsidiaries, divergence in financial results from analysts’ expectations, changes in earnings estimates by stock market analysts, changes in the business prospects for the Company and its subsidiaries, general economic
conditions, legislative changes, community support for the cannabis industry and other events and factors outside of the Companyʼs control. In addition, stock markets have from time-to-time experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations, which, as well as general economic and political conditions, could adversely affect the market price for the Common Shares.
A return on the Company’s securities is not guaranteed.
There is no guarantee that the Common Shares will earn any positive return in the short term or long term. A holding of Common 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. Holding of Common Shares is appropriate only for holders who have the capacity to absorb a loss of some or all of their holdings.
“Cannabis related business” rules or policies may restrict certain financial institutions from holding the Company’s securities, which may make its securities less liquid.
Certain financial institutions have implemented “cannabis related business” rules or policies that prohibit or restrict the trading in cannabis related securities. Trading in the Company securities may be prohibited by certain financial institutions and therefore the Company’s securities may have limited liquidity. Holders of the Company securities may face limitations or be unable to deposit their securities with a brokerage institution.
The Company’s management will continue to have broad discretion over the use of the proceeds the Company receives in its public offerings, private placements, warrant exercises and loans, as applicable, and may not apply the proceeds in ways that increase the value of shareholders' investment.
The Company’s management will continue to have broad discretion to use the net proceeds from its public offerings, private placements warrant exercises and loans, as applicable, and shareholders will be relying on the judgment of the Company’s management regarding the application of these proceeds. The Company’s management might not apply the Company’s net proceeds in ways that ultimately increase the value of shareholders' investment. Because of the number and variability of factors that will ultimately influence how the Company uses net proceeds from its public offerings and other financing transactions, the Company’s use of proceeds may vary substantially from their currently intended use. If the Company does not invest or apply the net proceeds from its public offerings, private placements, warrant exercises and loans in ways that enhance shareholder value, it may fail to achieve the expected financial results, which could cause its share price to decline.
The Company cannot guarantee that it will repurchase the maximum number of Common Shares pursuant to the Share Repurchase Program or that the Share Repurchase Program will enhance long-term shareholder value. Share repurchases could also increase the volatility of the trading price of the Common Shares and could diminish the Company's cash reserves.
While the Share Repurchase Program became effective on August 22, 2024, the Company is not obligated to repurchase any specific dollar amount or acquire any specific number of Common Shares pursuant to the Share Repurchase Program. If management determines that it has a better use for its cash reserves, it is under no obligation to continue to purchase Common Shares and Common Share repurchases may be suspended or terminated at any time at the Company’s discretion. The actual timing and number of Common Shares repurchased pursuant to the Share Repurchase Program remains subject to a variety of factors, including market conditions at the time and securities laws requirements, and other general business considerations. The Company's ability to repurchase Common Shares pursuant to the Share Repurchase Program will expire on August 21, 2025, and there is no guarantee that the Company will repurchase the maximum number of Common Shares pursuant to the Share Repurchase Program or that, if it does, such repurchases will enhance long-term shareholder value. The Company’s failure to repurchase Common Shares after announcing the Share Repurchase Program may negatively impact the price of the Common Shares, the Company's reputation, and investor confidence in the Company.
Furthermore, the Company’s implementation of the Share Repurchase Program could affect the trading price of the Common Shares, increase volatility, cause the price of the Common Share to be higher than it otherwise would be, or reduce the market liquidity for the Common Shares. Although the Share Repurchase Program is intended to enhance long-term shareholder value, there is no assurance that it will do so because the market price of the Common Shares may decline below the levels at which the Company repurchases Common Shares, and short-term price fluctuations could reduce the effectiveness of the Share Repurchase Program. Should the Company repurchase any Common Shares pursuant to the Share Repurchase Program, the amount of cash the Company has available to fund working capital, capital expenditures, strategic acquisitions or investments, other business opportunities, and other general corporate projects, as well as to invest in securities to generate returns on the Company's cash balance may decrease if not offset by other cash-generating initiatives. The Company also may fail to realize the anticipated long-term shareholder value of the Share Repurchase Program.
The Preferred Shares have a liquidation preference over the Common Shares, which could limit the Company’s ability to make distributions to the holders of Common Shares in certain circumstances.
In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, or upon any other return of capital or distribution of the assets of the Company among its shareholders, in each case for the purposes of winding up its affairs, the Preferred Shares are entitled to receive any distribution available to be paid out of the assets of the Company before the Proportionate Voting Shares, Common Shares and non-participating non-voting exchangeable shares in the capital of the Company ("Exchangeable Shares"). Accordingly, should the Company be liquidated, dissolved or wound-up, the Company may be unable to make any distribution to the holders of the Common Shares.
Investors could be disqualified from owning a direct or indirect interest in the Company.
An individual with an ownership interest in the Company could become disqualified from having such ownership interest in the Company under a U.S. state cannabis agency’s interpretation of the relevant state laws and regulations if such owner is convicted of a certain type of felony or fails to meet the residency requirements, if any, for owning equity in a company like the Company The loss of such equity holder could potentially have a material adverse effect on the Company.
The Company does not intend to pay dividends on the Common Shares for the foreseeable future and, consequently, investors' ability to achieve a return on their investment will depend on appreciation in the price of the Common Shares.
The Company’s policy is to retain earnings to finance the development and enhancement of its products and to otherwise reinvest in the Companyʼs businesses. Therefore, the Company does not anticipate paying cash dividends on Common Shares in the foreseeable future. Any decision to declare and pay dividends in the future will be made at the discretion of the Board and will depend on, among other things, financial results, cash requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors that the Board may deem relevant. As a result, investors may not receive any return on investment in Common Shares unless they sell them for a share price that is greater than that at which such investors purchased them.
“Penny stock” rules may make buying or selling the Company’s securities difficult, which may make its securities less liquid and make it harder for investors to buy and sell such securities.
Trading in the Company’s securities is subject to the SEC’s “penny stock” rules and it is anticipated that trading in the Company’s securities will continue to be subject to the penny stock rules for the foreseeable future. The SEC has adopted regulations that generally define a penny stock to be any equity security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. These rules require that any broker-dealer who recommends the Company’s securities to persons other than prior customers and accredited investors must, prior to the sale, make a special written suitability determination for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s written agreement to execute the transaction. Unless an exception is available, the regulations require the delivery, prior to any transaction involving a penny stock, of a disclosure schedule explaining the penny stock market and the risks associated with trading in the penny stock market. In addition, broker-dealers must disclose commissions payable to both the broker-dealer and the registered representative and current quotations for the securities they offer. The additional burdens imposed upon broker-dealers by these requirements may discourage broker-dealers from recommending transactions in the Company’s securities, which could severely limit the liquidity of such securities and consequently adversely affect the market price for such securities.
General Risk Factors
The Company may not be able to obtain necessary permits and authorizations.
The Company may be required to obtain and maintain certain permits, licenses and approvals in the jurisdictions where its products are manufactured and/or sold. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain or maintain any necessary licenses, permits or approvals. Any material delay or inability to receive these items is likely to delay and/or inhibit the Companyʼs ability to conduct its business, and would have an adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Company may be subject to litigation, which could divert the attention of management and cause the Company to expend significant resources.
The Company may become party to litigation from time to time in the ordinary course of business which could adversely affect its business. Should any litigation in which the Company becomes involved be determined against the Company, such a decision could adversely affect the Companyʼs ability to continue operating and the market price for Common Shares. Even if the Company is involved in litigation and wins, litigation can redirect significant resources.
Due to the uncertainty regarding the application of the Employee Retention Tax Credit to businesses in the cannabis industry, there is a risk that that a determination could be made that the Company is not eligible for the Employee Retention tax Credit distributions it has received, which may negatively impact the Company.
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act ("CARES Act") was signed into law and includes, among other things, the Employee Retention Tax Credit ("ERC"), a refundable tax credit. The Company has received ERC distributions in the amount of approximately $14.9 million, and there is no guarantee that the Company will receive any remaining distributions.
No formal determination has been made regarding the Company’s eligibility to receive ERC distributions or if companies in the cannabis industry are generally eligible to receive ERC distributions. There is a risk that a determination could be made that the Company, due to its operations or the nature of its business, is not eligible for the ERC distributions it has received. Additionally, there is a risk that if this determination is made that the Company may not be able to repay the funds in the required timeframe and could be subject to additional penalties, which may negatively impact the Company.
The Company faces risks and hazards that may not be covered by insurance.
The Companyʼs business is subject to a number of risks and hazards generally, including adverse environmental conditions, accidents, disputes 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 the Company maintains insurance to protect against certain risks in such amounts as it considers to be reasonable, its insurance does not cover all the potential risks associated with its operations. The Company 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 the operations of the Company is not generally available on acceptable terms. Losses from these events may cause the Company to incur significant costs that could have a material adverse effect upon its financial performance and results of operations.
The Company has incurred and will continue to incur substantial costs as a result of operating as a public company in Canada and the United States, and its management will continue to devote substantial time to new compliance initiatives.
The Common Shares are listed on the TSX under the ticker symbol “TSND.” The Common Shares also trade over the counter in the United States on OTCQX under the ticker symbol “TSNDF.” As a public company, the Company incurs substantial legal, accounting, and other expenses that it would not incur as a private company. For example, the Company is subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the applicable requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC. The Exchange Act and Securities Act (Ontario) require, among other things, that the Company file annual, quarterly, and current reports with respect to its business, financial condition and results of operations. Compliance with these rules and regulations increase the Company’s legal and financial compliance costs and increase demand on its systems, particularly after the Company is no longer an emerging growth company. In addition, as a public company, the Company may be subject to shareholder activism, which can lead to additional substantial costs, distract management and impact the manner in which the Company operates its business in ways it cannot currently anticipate. As a result of disclosure of information in filings required of a public company, the Company’s business and financial condition are more visible, which may result in threatened or actual litigation, including by competitors.
The Company is currently an “emerging growth company” within the meaning of the Securities Act, and to the extent the Company has taken advantage of certain exemptions from disclosure requirements available to emerging growth companies, this could make its securities less attractive to investors and may make it more difficult to compare the Company’s performance with other public companies.
The Company is an “emerging growth company” within the meaning of the Securities Act, as modified by the JOBS Act (as defined below), and the Company may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies” including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in the Company’s periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. As a result, the Company’s shareholders may not have access to certain information they may deem important. The Company could be an emerging growth company for up to five years, although circumstances could cause the Company to lose that status earlier, including if the market value of its Common Shares held by non-affiliates exceeds $700,000 as of the last business day of the Company’s most recent second fiscal quarter, in which case
the Company would no longer be an emerging growth company as of the following fiscal year. The Company cannot predict whether investors will find its securities less attractive because it will rely on these exemptions. If some investors find the Company’s securities less attractive as a result of its reliance on these exemptions, the trading prices of its securities may be lower than they otherwise would be, there may be a less active trading market for the securities and the trading prices of its securities may be more volatile.
Further, Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such an election to opt out is irrevocable. The Company has elected not to opt out of such extended transition period which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies, the Company, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard. This may make comparison of the Company’s financial statements with another public company, which is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company which has opted out of using the extended transition period, difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.

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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
TerrAscend's corporate headquarters is located in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania and the Issuer’s registered office is in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. In addition, the Company has various other offices, manufacturing, cultivation and/or processing facilities and dispensaries across the United States. The Company believes that its current offices and facilities are suitable and adequate to meet its current needs. The Company intends to add new facilities or expand existing facilities as it adds employees, and it believes that suitable additional or substitute space will be available as needed to accommodate any such expansion of the Company's operations.
The following tables set forth the Company’s material physical properties as of March 6, 2025.
Corporate Properties
Type
Location
Leased / Owned
Office
IHC Management LLC / TerrAscend Corp.
King of Prussia, PA
Leased*
Office
Corporate Office (West)
Santa Rosa, CA
Leased
Office
Corporate Office (Midwest)
Leased
Troy, MI
Production and Storage Properties
Type
Location
Leased / Owned
Manufacturing, Cultivation
Ilera - Grow PA
Waterfall, PA
Owned*
Manufacturing, Cultivation
TerrAscend NJ LLC
Boonton, NJ
Owned
Cultivation
State Flower
San Francisco, CA
Leased
Manufacturing, Cultivation
HMS Health
Hagerstown, MD
Owned
Cultivation
GAGE Cannabis Co.
Warren, MI
Owned
Processing
GAGE Cannabis Co.
Harrison, MI
Owned
Cultivation, Processing
GAGE Cannabis Co.
Harrison, MI
Owned
Cultivation, Processing
GAGE Cannabis Co.
Monitor, MI
Owned
Retail Properties
Type
Location
Leased / Owned
Dispensary
Cookies
Toronto, Canada
Leased
Dispensary
The Apothecarium
Plymouth Meeting, PA
Leased*
Dispensary
The Apothecarium
Lancaster, PA
Leased*
Dispensary
The Apothecarium
Thorndale, PA
Leased*
Dispensary
The Apothecarium
Allentown, PA
Owned*
Dispensary
The Apothecarium
Bethlehem, PA
Leased*
Dispensary
The Apothecarium
Stroudsburg, PA
Leased*
Dispensary
The Apothecarium
Phillipsburg, NJ
Owned*
Dispensary
The Apothecarium
Maplewood, NJ
Leased*
Dispensary
The Apothecarium
Lodi, NJ
Leased*
Dispensary
The Apothecarium
Cumberland, MD
Leased*
Dispensary
The Apothecarium
Salisbury, MD
Leased
Dispensary
The Apothecarium
Nottingham, MD
Leased*
Dispensary
The Apothecarium
Burtonsville, MD
Leased
Dispensary
The Apothecarium - Castro
San Francisco, CA
Leased*
Dispensary
The Apothecarium - Marina
San Francisco, CA
Leased*
Dispensary
The Apothecarium - Soma
San Francisco, CA
Leased *
Dispensary
The Apothecarium
Berkeley, CA
Leased*
Dispensary
Cookies
Ann Arbor, MI
Leased*
Dispensary
GAGE Cannabis Co.
Adrian, MI
Leased*
Dispensary
GAGE Cannabis Co.
Battle Creek, MI
Leased*
Dispensary
GAGE Cannabis Co.
Burton, MI
Leased*
Dispensary
Cookies
Detroit, MI
Owned*
Dispensary
GAGE Cannabis Co.
Ferndale, MI
Leased*
Dispensary
GAGE Cannabis Co.
Grand Rapids, MI
Leased*
Dispensary
Cookies
Kalamazoo, MI
Leased*
Dispensary
GAGE Cannabis Co.
Kalamazoo, MI
Owned*
Dispensary
GAGE Cannabis Co.
Lansing, MI
Leased*
Dispensary
GAGE Cannabis Co.
Traverse City, MI
Leased*
Dispensary
Pinnacle Emporium
Addison, MI
Owned*
Dispensary
Pinnacle Emporium
Buchanan, MI
Owned*
Dispensary
Pinnacle Emporium
Camden, MI
Owned*
Dispensary
Pinnacle Emporium
Edmore, MI
Leased*
Dispensary
Pinnacle Emporium
Morenci, MI
Owned*
Dispensary
GAGE Cannabis Co.
Bay City, MI
Owned*
Dispensary
GAGE Cannabis Co.
Oxford, MI
Leased*
Dispensary
Lemonnade
Centerline, MI
Owned*
Dispensary
GAGE Cannabis Co.
Coleman, MI
Owned*
Dispensary
GAGE Cannabis Co.
Sturgis, MI
Owned*
Dispensary
GAGE Cannabis Co.
Mt. Morris, MI
Owned*
Dispensary
Cookies
Jackson, MI
Leased*
Dispensary
GAGE Cannabis Co.
Detroit, MI
Owned*
* Property or lease on the property is subject to an encumbrance as described below.
 Not operational.
Properties Subject to an Encumbrance
FocusGrowth Term Loan
The Company, as per a senior secured term loan with an aggregate principal amount of $140,000, entered into on August 1, 2024, and amended pursuant to a joinder agreement dated September 30, 2024 (the “FG Loan”), by and between the Company and TerrAscend USA, Inc., as guarantors, and each of WDB Holding CA, Inc., WDB Holding PA, Inc., WDB Holding MI, Inc. Moose Curve Holdings, LLC, and Hempaid, LLC, as borrowers (collectively, the “Borrowers”), and FG Agency Lending LLC, as the Administrative Agent, has pledged substantially all of the assets of the Borrowers as collateral to secure its obligations.
Pelorus Term Loan
The Company, as per a single-draw senior secured term loan with an aggregate principal amount of $45,478, entered into on October 11, 2022 ("Pelorus Term Loan"), by and between TerrAscend NJ, LLC, HMS Health, HMS Processing, HMS Hagerstown, LLC ("HMS Hagerstown") and Pelorus Fund REIT, LLC ("Pelorus") has pledged the following collateral to secure its obligations: (i) TerrAscend NJ assets, unless otherwise excluded by the loan agreement; (ii) HMS Health; (iii) HMS Processing; and (iv) and HMS Hagerstown, (v) Cultivation and Processing - Boonton, NJ, (vi) The Apothecarium Dispensary - Phillipsburg, NJ, (vii) Cultivation and Processing - Hagerstown, MD, and (viii) interests of TerrAscend NJ, LLC in the leases of The Apothecarium - Maplewood, NJ and The Apothecarium - Lodi, NJ.
See the section titled "Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Debt Facilities" of this Annual Report for more information regarding the Company's indebtedness.

---

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Legal Proceedings
In the ordinary course of business, the Company is involved in a number of lawsuits incidental to its business, including litigation related to intellectual property, product liability, employment, and commercial matters. Although it is difficult to predict the ultimate outcome of these matters, management believes that any ultimate liability would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets or results of operations. For additional information regarding legal proceedings, if any, see Note 24, "Commitments and contingencies" to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We believe there are currently no pending lawsuits that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the results of the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

---

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information
The Common Shares were traded on the CSE, under the ticker symbol “TER,” from May 3, 2017 until July 4, 2023, when the Common Shares commenced trading on the TSX under the ticker symbol “TSND”. On October 22, 2018, the Common Shares began trading on the OTCQX under the ticker symbol “TRSSF,” which was changed to “TSNDF” effective July 6, 2023. Any over-the-counter market quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
Shareholders
The Company had 444 shareholders of record as of March 5, 2025. This does not include shares held in the name of a broker, bank or other nominees (typically referred to as being held in “street name”).
Dividends
The Company has not declared any dividends or made any distributions. Furthermore, the Company has no current intention to declare dividends on the Common Shares in the foreseeable future. Any decision to pay dividends on the Common Shares in the future will be at the discretion of the Board and will depend on, among other things, the Company’s results of operations, current and anticipated cash requirements and surplus, financial condition, any future contractual restrictions and financing agreement covenants, solvency tests imposed by corporate law and other factors that the Board may deem relevant.
Stock Performance Graph
The following shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any of the Company's other filings under the Exchange Act, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates it by reference into such filings.
The following compares the cumulative total return for an investment of $100 in the Common Shares, Russell 2000 Index and a selected peer group of companies for the five years ended December 31, 2024. The comparison assumes all dividends have been reinvested (if any). Effective July 4, 2023, the Company commenced trading its Common Shares on the TSX, under the ticker symbol "TSND".
The comparisons in this graph below are based upon historical data and are not indicative of, nor intended to forecast, future performance of the Common Shares.
The following specific companies were included in the peer group:
•Green Thumb Industries Inc.
•Curaleaf Holdings, Inc.
•Trulieve Cannabis Corp.
•Cresco Labs Inc.
•Verano Holdings Corp.
•Jushi Holdings Inc.
•AYR Wellness Inc.
•Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc.
•The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc.
Recent Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
The following information represents securities sold by the Company during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, 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 Company 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.
On January 19, 2024, the Company amended the definitive agreements entered into in connection with the State Flower Acquisition and the Apothecarium Acquisition and, among other things, issued an aggregate of 2,888,088 Common Shares in consideration for the acquisition of the remaining equity interest in the State Flower and The Apothecarium businesses. The Company provided price protection on the Common Shares issued in connection with such acquisitions. Accordingly, on September 13, 2024, the Company issued an additional 874,730 Common Shares in connection with such price protection provisions, using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
Information regarding our equity compensation plans and the securities authorized for issuance thereunder is set forth in Part III, Item 12 of this Annual Report.
Use of Proceeds from Initial Public Offering of Common Shares
Not applicable.
Purchase of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
On August 20, 2024, the Board approved a normal course issuer bid ("Share Repurchase Program") to repurchase up to $10,000 of the Company’s common shares (“Shares”). The share repurchase program authorizes the Company to repurchase up to 10,000,000 common shares of the Company at any time, or from time to time, from August 22, 2024 until August 21, 2025. The share repurchase program authorizes the Company to repurchase up to 65,361 Shares daily, which represents 25% of the Company’s average daily trading volume on the Toronto Stock Exchange of 261,445 Shares. Any repurchases under the program may be made by means of open market transactions, negotiated block transactions, or otherwise, including pursuant to a repurchase plan administered in accordance with Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The size and timing of any repurchases will depend on price, market and business conditions, and other factors. Common Shares may be purchased on the TSX, the OTCQX, or alternative trading systems and are subject to the limitations and rules imposed by U.S. and Canadian securities regulations. The actual number of Common Shares purchased, timing of purchases and share price depend upon market conditions at the time and securities law requirements. Any Common Shares acquired pursuant to the Share Repurchase Program will be returned to treasury and cancelled. Shareholders may obtain a copy of the Form 12 - Notice of Intention to make a Normal Course Issuer Bid filed by the Company with the TSX, without charge, by contacting the Company. During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company repurchased Shares as set forth below:
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased
Weighted Average Price Paid per Share
Total Number of Shares as Part of a Publicly Announced Program
Number of Shares that may yet be Purchased under the Program
October 1 through October 31, 2024
-
$
-
-
9,892,600
November 1 through November 30, 2024
-
$
-
-
9,892,600
December 1 through December 31, 2024
129,500
$
0.68
129,500
9,763,100
For the Quarter Ended December 31, 2024
129,500
$
0.68
129,500
9,763,100

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. [Reserved]

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of TerrAscend Corp., its subsidiaries, TerrAscend Growth Corp. and its subsidiaries should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 and for the years ended December 31, 2024, December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022 (the "Consolidated Financial Statements") appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this Annual Report, including information with respect to the Company's plans and strategy for its business, includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. As a result of many factors, including those factors set forth under "Risk Factors" appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report, the Company's actual results could differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking information contained in this Annual Report and in the following discussion and analysis.
Unless otherwise noted, dollar amounts in this Item 7 are in thousands of U.S. dollars.
Overview
The Company is a leading North American cannabis company. The Company has vertically-integrated licensed operations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan, Maryland and California. In addition, the Company has retail operations in Ontario, Canada with a majority-owned dispensary in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Notwithstanding the fact that various states in the U.S. have implemented medical marijuana laws or have otherwise legalized the use of cannabis, the use of cannabis remains illegal under U.S. federal law for any purpose, by way of the Controlled Substances Act.
The Company operates under one reportable segment, which is the cultivation, production and sale of cannabis products.
The Company owns a portfolio of operating businesses, including:
•TerrAscend NJ, a majority-owned operation with three dispensaries, and a cultivation/processing facility;
•TerrAscend MD, a wholly-owned operation with four dispensaries, and a cultivation/processing facility;
•TerrAscend PA, a wholly-owned operation with six dispensaries, and a cultivation/processing facility;
•TerrAscend MI, a wholly-owned operation with twenty dispensaries, one cultivation facility, one processing facility, and two cultivation/processing facilities;
•TerrAscend CA, a wholly-owned operation with four dispensaries, and a cultivation facility; and;
•TerrAscend Canada, a cannabis retailer in Ontario, Canada with a majority-owned dispensary in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Recent Developments
•On November 5, 2024, the Company signed a definitive agreement to acquire the assets of Ratio Cannabis LLC, a dispensary located in Goshen Township, Ohio.
•On October 15, 2024, the statute of limitations for the Company’s 2020 amended tax returns expired, which resulted in refunds received of $8,361 being recognized as a tax benefit and no longer recognized as an uncertain tax position.
•On October 1, 2024, the Company paid the outstanding principal amount of the promissory note assumed in connection with the Gage Acquisition of $539 and cancelled the promissory note.
•On August 20, 2024, the Company's Board approved the Share Repurchase Program (as defined below), pursuant to which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to 10 million Common Shares of the Company at any time, or from time to time, over a 12-month period commencing on August 22, 2024 and ending on August 21, 2025.
•On August 13, 2024, the Company paid off and retired two promissory notes issued in connection with the Pinnacle Acquisition (as defined below) with a payment of $5,582.
•On August 1, 2024, the Company entered into the FG Term Loan (as defined below). Proceeds from the FG Term Loan were used to retire the Ilera Term Loan, the Stearns Loan (as defined below), the Chicago Atlantic Term Loan and certain other short-term indebtedness (collectively, the “Retired Loans”), in addition to being used for working capital and general corporate purposes. Each outstanding obligation under the Retired Loans was repaid in full and subsequently terminated.
On September 30, 2024, the Borrowers and FG Agency Lending LLC, as the Administrative Agent, entered into an amendment to the FG Loan to amend certain schedules and definitions.
•On July 19, 2024, the Company made a prepayment of the Chicago Atlantic Term Loan (as defined below) of $1,500 at par.
•On April 30, 2024, the Company made a prepayment of the Ilera Term Loan of $3,200 at par.
•On January 19, 2024, the Company acquired the remaining 50.1% equity in State Flower, a California cultivator, with a payment of $250 in cash and the issuance of an aggregate of 782,539 Common Shares. The Company also acquired the remaining 50.1% equity interest in three Apothecarium-branded dispensaries in California with a payment of $1,233 in stock for each entity. As a result of these acquisitions, the Company now wholly owns State Flower and the three Apothecarium dispensaries in California.
•On January 15, 2024, the Company paid off the IHC Real Estate LP promissory note with a final payment of $5,000.
•On January 2, 2024, the Company made a prepayment of the Ilera Term Loan (as defined below) of $4,800 at par.
Components of Results of Operations
The following discussion sets forth certain components of our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) as well as factors that impact those items.
Revenue, net
The Company generates revenue from the sale of cannabis products, brands, and services to the United States and Canadian markets. Revenues consist of wholesale and retail sales in the legal medical and adult-use market across Canada and in several U.S. states where cannabis has been legalized for medical or adult-use cannabis.
Cost of sales
Cost of sales primarily consists of expenses related to providing cannabis products and services to the Company's customers, including personnel-related expenses, the depreciation of property and equipment, amortization of acquired intangible assets, certain royalties, and other overhead costs.
Operating Expenses
General and administrative
General and administrative ("G&A") expenses consist primarily of personnel costs related to finance, human resources, legal, certain royalties, and other administrative functions. Additionally, G&A expenses include professional fees to third parties, as well as marketing expenses. Moreover, G&A expenses include share-based compensation on options, restricted share units and warrants. The Company expects that G&A expenses will increase in absolute dollars as the business grows.
Amortization and depreciation
Amortization and depreciation includes the amortization of intangible assets. Amortization is calculated on a straight-line basis over the following terms:
Brand intangibles - indefinite lives
Indefinite useful lives
Brand intangibles - definite lives
3 years
Software
5 years
Licenses
15-30 years
Non-compete agreements
3 years
Depreciation of property and equipment is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset using the following terms:
Buildings and improvements
15-30 years
Land
Not depreciated
Machinery & equipment
5-15 years
Office furniture & production equipment
3-5 years
Right of use assets
Lease term
Assets in process
Not depreciated
Impairment of intangible assets and goodwill
Goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment annually and whenever there are events or changes in circumstances that indicate that the carrying amount has been impaired. The Company first performs a qualitative assessment. If based on the results of a qualitative assessment it has been determined that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an additional quantitative impairment test is performed which compares the carrying value of the reporting unit to its estimated fair value. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value, an impairment is recorded.
The Company evaluates the recoverability of definite lived assets based on whether events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset, or asset group, may not be recoverable. The assets, or asset group, are assessed for impairment based on the estimate of future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If the undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value, the Company measures the fair value of the asset group. If the carrying value of an asset group exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recorded for the excess of the asset group’s carrying value over its estimated fair value.
Impairment of property and equipment
The Company evaluates the recoverability of property and equipment based on whether events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset, or asset group, may not be recoverable. The assets, or asset group, are assessed for impairment based on the estimate of future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If the undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value, the Company measures the fair value of the asset group. In certain circumstances, an appraisal was obtained to determine the fair value of certain long-lived assets. If the carrying value of an asset group exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recorded for the excess of the asset group’s carrying value over its estimated fair value.
Other operating income
Other operating income primarily represents (gains) losses on lease terminations and (gains) losses on disposal of fixed assets.
Loss (gain) from revaluation of contingent consideration
As a result of some of its acquisitions, the Company recognizes a contingent consideration payable, which is an obligation to transfer additional assets to the seller if future events occur. The liability is revalued at the end of each reporting period to determine its fair value. A gain or loss is recognized as a result of the revaluation.
Gain on fair value of derivative liabilities and purchase option derivative assets
The Company issues warrants that are remeasured to fair value at the end of each reporting period using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model (the "Black-Scholes Model"). A gain or loss is recognized as a result of the revaluation.
Finance and other expenses
Finance and other expenses consist primarily of interest and accretion expense on the Company's outstanding debt obligations.
Transaction and restructuring costs
Transaction costs include costs incurred in connection with the Company's acquisitions, such as expenses related to professional fees, consulting, legal and accounting. Restructuring costs are those costs associated with severance and restructuring of business units.
Unrealized and realized foreign exchange loss (gain)
Unrealized and realized foreign exchange loss (gain) represents the loss recognized on the remeasurement of U.S. dollar ("USD") denominated cash and other assets recorded in the Canadian dollars ("CAD") functional currency at the Company's Canadian operations.
Unrealized and realized loss (gain) on investments
The Company accounts for its investment in equity securities without readily determinable fair values using a valuation technique which maximizes the use of relevant observable inputs, with subsequent holding changes in fair value recognized in unrealized gain or loss on investments in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Loss.
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt represents the Company's debt that was retired prior to its scheduled maturity at a different amount than the book value and the amount paid.
Provision for income taxes
Provision for income taxes consists of U.S. federal and state income taxes in certain jurisdictions in which the Company conducts business.
Results from Operations - Years ended December 31, 2024, December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022
The following tables represent the Company’s results from operations for the years ended December 31, 2024, December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022:
Revenue, net
For the Years Ended
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Revenue, net
$
306,677
$
317,328
$
247,829
$ change
$
(10,651
)
$
69,499
% change
%
%
Revenue decreased from $317,328 to $306,677 during the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023 driven by a decline in retail sales in Michigan and New Jersey. The decline in retail sales was related to less foot traffic due to a reduction of discounts and promotions in Michigan related to the Company's ongoing efforts to expand gross margin in the state combined with increased competitive retail landscape pressure in New Jersey. These declines were partially offset by retail and wholesale revenue growth in Maryland due to a full year of adult-use sales in that market, and growth in wholesale in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Revenue increased from $247,829 to $317,328 during the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 driven by an increase of $55,938 in retail revenue and $13,561 in wholesale revenue. The increase was primarily a result of growth from adult-use sales in New Jersey and implementation of adult-use sales in Maryland during 2023,
along with the acquisitions of AMMD (as defined below), Peninsula, Blue Ridge (as defined below), and Herbiculture (as defined below) in Maryland.
Cost of sales
For the Years Ended
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Cost of sales
$
156,717
$
156,645
$
137,243
Non-cash adjustment of inventory
-
9,082
Total cost of sales
$
156,717
$
157,630
$
146,325
$ change
$
(913
)
$
11,305
% change
%
%
Cost of sales as a % of revenue
%
%
%
Cost of sales was $156,717 or 51% of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024, remaining relatively flat compared to $156,645 or 50% of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023.
The increase in cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 is mainly due to increased sales as noted above. The reduction in cost of sales as a percentage of revenue is driven by increased yields in New Jersey, improved utilization in Maryland, lower costs in Pennsylvania as a result of scaling back the cultivation facility, and reduced discounting combined with improved verticalization in Michigan.
General and administrative expense
For the Years Ended
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
General and administrative expense
$
111,596
$
115,189
$
115,588
$ change
$
(3,593
)
$
(399
)
% change
%
%
The decrease of $3,593 in general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023 was primarily related to a bad debt recovery of $4,188 as well as an insurance recovery of $871.
The decrease in general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 was primarily driven by a bad debt expense of $10,331 taken in 2022 offset by an increase in general and administrative expenses in 2023 primarily due to acquisitions in Maryland and the implementation of adult-use sales in the state.
Impairment of intangible assets
For the Years Ended
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Impairment of intangible assets
$
39,334
$
51,303
$
140,727
$ change
$
(11,969
)
$
(89,424
)
% change
%
%
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recognized impairment of $39,334 consisting of $17,134 related to Michigan licenses and $22,200 related to the Gage (as defined below) brand name and retail banner. The impairment was primarily driven by declining revenue expectations in Michigan as a result of increased competition. As a result, the Company no longer has any remaining intangible assets associated with its Michigan reporting unit as of December 31, 2024.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company performed an impairment analysis over its definite lived retail licenses in California and determined that its carrying value was greater than its fair value, and therefore, recorded impairment of $15,518. In the Michigan market, during each of the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company performed an impairment analysis over its indefinite lived intangible assets acquired through the Gage Acquisition (as defined below) as the changes in the market expectations of cash flows as well as increased competition and supply in the state were determined to be indicators of impairment. As a result of the impairment analysis performed in 2023, the Company determined
that it was more likely than not that the carrying value of the Gage brand name and Gage retail banner was greater than its fair value, and therefore, recorded impairment of $34,185 and $ 1,600 for the Gage brand name and Gage retail banner, respectively.
As a result of the impairment analysis performed in 2022, the Company determined that it was more likely than not that the carrying value of its definite lived retail and cultivation and processing licenses was greater than its fair value, and therefore recorded impairment of $79,462 and $42,065 for the retail license and the cultivation and processing licenses, respectively, reducing both the carrying values to $nil at December 31, 2022. Additionally, the Company recorded impairment of its indefinite lived brand intangible assets acquired through the Gage Acquisition of $19,200.
Impairment of goodwill
For the Years Ended
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Impairment of goodwill
$
-
$
4,690
$
170,357
$ change
$
(4,690
)
$
(165,667
)
% change
%
%
There was no impairment of goodwill recognized during the year ended December 31 ,2024.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, it was determined that it was more likely than not that the California reporting unit's fair value was less than its carrying value. As a result of this quantitative test, the Company recorded impairment of goodwill of $4,690 related to the State Flower Acquisition, reducing the carrying value of goodwill within the California reporting unit, to $nil.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, as it was determined that it was more likely than not that the Michigan reporting unit's fair value was less than its carrying value, a one-step goodwill quantitative impairment test was performed. As a result of the quantitative test, the Company recorded impairment of goodwill of $170,357 related to the Gage Acquisition and Pinnacle Acquisition, reducing the carrying value of goodwill within the Michigan reporting unit, to zero.
Impairment of property and equipment, and right of use assets
For the Years Ended
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Impairment of property and equipment and right of use assets
$
8,511
$
2,079
$
1,089
$ change
$
6,432
$
% change
%
%
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recognized impairment of $8,511. The increase of $6,432 for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to the year ended December 31, 2023 was primarily driven by the impairment of certain owned Michigan and California properties.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recognized impairment of $2,079. The increase of $990 for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 was primarily driven by the impairment of certain Michigan assets in process.
Other operating income
For the Years Ended
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Other operating income
$
(1,198
)
$
(3,131
)
$
-
$ change
$
1,933
$
(3,131
)
% change
%
%
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company transferred a California lease to a third party, resulting in a lease termination and a recognized gain of $1,169.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company entered into a lease termination agreement in Florida. As a result of the lease termination, the Company recorded a gain on lease termination of $1,217.
Loss (gain) from revaluation of contingent consideration
For the Years Ended
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Loss (gain) from revaluation of contingent consideration
$
2,465
$
(645
)
$
(1,061
)
$ change
$
3,110
$
% change
%
%
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recognized a loss from revaluation of contingent consideration of $2,465, an increase in loss of $3,110 for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in loss was primarily driven by a decrease in TerrAscend's share price, partially offset by the expiration of the contingent consideration in connection with the Peninsula Acquisition on June 28, 2023.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recognized a gain of $645 due to a reduction in the contingent liability in connection with the Peninsula Acquisition, which was a result of the increase in the price of the Common Shares from the grant date.
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt
For the Years Ended
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt
$
1,662
$
-
$
(4,153
)
$ change
$
1,662
$
4,153
% change
%
%
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt related to the extinguishment of the Retired Loans, which included the write-off of deferred financing costs.
There was no extinguishment of debt for the year ended December 31, 2023.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recognized a gain on extinguishment of debt related to the debt settlement arrangement with Canopy USA, in which the Company converted CAD$125,500 in loans and accrued interest into 4,601,467 non-participating non-voting exchangeable shares in the capital of the Company and 22,474,130 new Common Share purchase warrants (see Note 13 included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" in this Annual Report for further details. This transaction resulted in a $4,153 gain, reflecting the fair value difference between the settled debt and the consideration issued.
Gain on fair value of derivative liabilities and purchase option derivative assets
For the Years Ended
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Gain on fair value of derivative liabilities and purchase option derivative assets
$
(4,549
)
$
(322
)
$
(58,523
)
$ change
$
(4,227
)
$
58,201
% change
1,313
%
%
The derivative liabilities were remeasured to fair value as of December 31, 2024, resulting in a gain of $4,549, primarily due to a decline in the price of the Common Shares during the year.
The warrant liability was remeasured to fair value as of December 31, 2023, using the Black-Scholes Model. The Company recognized a gain of $322 for the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily due to a decline in share price since the warrant issuance date. Additionally, the purchase option derivative asset expired during the year, resulting in a recorded loss of $50.
Finance and other expenses
For the Years Ended
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Finance and other expenses
$
34,370
$
37,041
$
35,893
$ change
$
(2,671
)
$
1,148
% change
%
%
The decrease in finance and other expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, was primarily driven by the refinancing of higher-interest debt and the repayment of certain other debt during the year.
The increase in finance and other expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 was primarily due to the increase of accretion expense related to the change to the effective interest rate method for the Company's debt facilities.
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
For the Years Ended
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
$
20,438
$
23,453
$
(10,783
)
$ change
$
(3,015
)
$
34,236
% change
%
%
The reduction in provision for income taxes of $3,015 for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to December 31, 2023, was primarily due to a decline in gross profit.
The increase in provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to December 31, 2022 was primarily related to decreases in the pre-tax book loss due to operational results compared to December 31, 2022, as well as the goodwill impairment that reduced tax expense for the Company in 2022. The Company's effective tax rate was (40.0)% for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to 3.5% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The Company's effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2023 was higher than the federal statutory tax rate of 21% primarily driven by the impact of Section 280E of the Code on the Company’s taxes due.
The Company's effective tax rate can vary each reporting period depending on, among other factors, the geographic and business mix of the Company's earnings, changes to the valuation allowance, and permanently non-deductible expenses. Certain
of these and other factors, including the Company's history and projections of pre-tax earnings, are considered in assessing the Company's ability to realize any deferred tax assets including net operating losses.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Cash and cash equivalents
$
26,381
$
22,241
Restricted Cash
3,106
Current assets
104,433
102,889
Non-current assets
502,797
563,629
Current liabilities
78,529
207,000
Non-current liabilities
351,885
218,778
Working capital
25,904
(104,111
)
Total shareholders' equity
$
176,816
$
240,740
The calculation of working capital provides additional information and is not defined under GAAP. The Company defines working capital as current assets less current liabilities. This measure should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for any standardized measure under GAAP.
Liquidity and going concern
The Company previously concluded that substantial doubt existed as to its ability to continue as a going concern primarily due to the Company's current liabilities exceeding its current assets related to its loans maturing within the current year. On August 1, 2024, the Company entered into a four-year $140,000 senior secured term loan which was primarily used to retire a majority of the Company's loans coming due within the next year. Following the retiring and financing of the Company’s loans coming due within the next year, along with its ability to identify access to future capital, and continued improvement in cash flow from the Company's consolidated operations, management has determined that substantial doubt no longer exists in the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
Since its inception, the Company's primary sources of capital have been through the issuance of equity securities or debt facilities, and the Company has received aggregate net proceeds from such transactions totaling $782,388 as of December 31, 2024.
The Company expects to fund any additional future requirements through the following sources of capital:
•cash from ongoing operations.
•private placements and public offerings of equity or debt securities.
•additional debt from additional creditors.
•sale of real property.
•sale leaseback transactions.
•exercise of options and warrants.
Capital requirements
The Company has $204,545 in principal amounts of loans payable at December 31, 2024. Of this amount, $8,106 in principal are due in the next twelve months.
The Company has entered into leases for certain premises and offices for which it owes monthly lease payments. The Company has $88,003 in lease obligations. Of this amount, $9,433 of lease payments are due in the next twelve months.
The Company's undiscounted contingent consideration payable is $3,293 at December 31, 2024, of which, $3,121 is due in the next twelve months. The contingent consideration payable relates to the Company's acquisition of the remaining 50.1% equity in both State Flower and three Apothecarium dispensaries in California. The contingent considerations are based upon the price protection of Common Shares issued under the terms of the applicable acquisition agreements. The contingent considerations are measured at fair value using the Black-Scholes Model and revalued at the end of each reporting period.
At December 31, 2024, the Company had accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $46,725 and corporate income taxes payable of $11,531.
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 Company's results of operations or financial condition, including and without limitation, such consideration as liquidity and capital resources.
The Company intends to meet its capital commitments through any or all of the sources of capital noted above. The Company's objective with respect to its capital management is to ensure it has sufficient cash resources to maintain its ongoing operations and finance future obligations.
Debt facilities
Principal Paid in 2024
Principal Outstanding as of December 31, 2024
FocusGrowth Term Loan
$
-
$
140,000
Pelorus Term Loan
-
45,478
Maryland Acquisition Loans
2,447
18,029
Chicago Atlantic Term Loan
25,113
-
Ilera Term Loan
76,927
-
Stearns Loan
24,809
-
Other Loans
16,863
1,038
Total
$
146,159
$
204,545
FocusGrowth Term Loan
On August 1, 2024, the Company and TerrAscend USA, Inc., as guarantors, and the Borrowers, and FG Agency Lending LLC, as the Administrative Agent, and certain lenders entered into the FG Loan. The FG Loan provides for a four-year, $140,000 senior-secured term loan whereby the Borrowers borrowed an initial principal amount of $114,000 on August 1, 2024 (the “Initial Draw”) and borrowed the remaining principal amount of $26,000 on September 30, 2024 (the “Delayed Draw”). Net proceeds of the FG Loan were received in an amount equal to 95% of the $140,000.
The FG Loan bears interest at 12.75% per annum and matures on August 1, 2028 (the "FG Loan Maturity Date"). The FG Loan is guaranteed by the Company and TerrAscend USA, Inc. and is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Borrowers. Depending on the timing of repayment, an exit fee of between 2.0% and 4.0% of the outstanding principal balance of the FG Loan (the "Exit Fee") will be due upon either the date of prepayment or the FG Loan Maturity Date.
Proceeds from the FG Loan were used to retire the Ilera Term Loan, the Stearns Loan, the Chicago Atlantic Term Loan and certain other short-term indebtedness, in addition to being used for working capital and general corporate purposes. Each outstanding obligation under the Retired Loans was repaid in full and subsequently terminated.
As of December 31, 2024, there was an outstanding principal amount of $140,000 under the FG Loan.
Pelorus Term Loan
On October 11, 2022, subsidiaries of, TerrAscend, among others, entered into the Pelorus Term Loan with Pelorus, in an aggregate principal amount of $45,478. The Pelorus Term Loan is based on a variable rate tied to one month SOFR, subject to a base rate, plus 9.5%, with interest-only payments for the first 36 months and matures on October 11, 2027. The base rate is defined as, on any day, the greatest of: (i) 2.5%, (b) the effective federal funds rate in effect on such day plus 0.5%, and (c) one month SOFR in effect on such day. The obligations of the borrowers under the Pelorus Term Loan are guaranteed by the Company, TerrAscend USA and certain other subsidiaries of the Company and are secured by all of the assets of TerrAscend's New Jersey businesses and certain assets of TerrAscend's Maryland business, including certain real estate in Maryland. The Pelorus Term Loan is not secured by any of the MD dispensaries.
On April 17, 2023, TerrAscend NJ agreed to an amendment to the Pelorus Term Loan to, among other things: (i) permit changes necessary for the TSX Transaction (as defined in the Pelorus Term Loan), and (ii) waive certain tax provisions. On June 22, 2023, TerrAscend NJ agreed to a further amendment to the Pelorus Term Loan to permit the Company to incur certain indebtedness. This amendment was not considered an extinguishment of debt under ASC 470 Debt.
As of December 31, 2024, there was an outstanding principal amount of $45,478 under the Pelorus Term Loan.
Maryland Acquisition Loans
In connection with the Peninsula acquisition the acquisition of Blue Ridge and the acquisition of Herbiculture (collectively, the "Maryland Acquisitions"), the Company entered into a series of promissory notes with an aggregate principal amount of $20,625 that bear interest at rates ranging from 7.0% to 10.5% with maturity dates ranging from June 28, 2025 to June 30, 2027.
As of December 31, 2024, there was an outstanding principal amount of $18,029 under the Maryland Acquisition promissory notes.
Chicago Atlantic Term Loan
In connection with the Gage Acquisition, the Company assumed a senior secured term loan (the "Chicago Atlantic Term Loan") with an acquisition date fair value of $53,857. The credit agreement bore interest at a rate equal to the greater of (i) the Prime Rate plus 7% or (ii) 10.25%. The Chicago Atlantic Term Loan was payable monthly and had a maturity date of November 30, 2022. The Chicago Atlantic Term Loan was secured by a first lien on all Gage's assets.
On July 19, 2024, the Company made a prepayment of the Chicago Atlantic Term Loan in the amount of $1,500 at par. On August 1, 2024, as described above, the Company entered into the FG Loan, of which, a portion of the proceeds from the Delayed Draw, which occurred on September 30, 2024, was used to retire the then outstanding principal of the Chicago Atlantic Term Loan in the amount of $22,557. Due to the early retirement of the Chicago Atlantic Term Loan, the Company paid an exit fee of $500 and recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $500 on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.
Ilera Term Loan
On December 18, 2020, WDB PA, a subsidiary of TerrAscend, entered into a senior secured term loan with a syndicate of lenders in the amount of $120,000 ("Ilera Term Loan"). The Ilera Term Loan was solely secured by the Company’s Pennsylvania-based Ilera. The Ilera Term Loan bore interest at 12.875% and was set to mature on December 17, 2024.
On January 2, 2024, the Company completed a prepayment of the Ilera Term Loan of $4,800 at the prepayment price of 100% to par. On April 30, 2024, the Company made a prepayment of $3,200 of the Ilera Term Loan, at the prepayment price of 100% to par. In accordance with ASC 470, Debt, these amendments were not considered extinguishment of debt.
On August 1, 2024, as described above, the Company entered into the FG Loan, of which, a portion of the proceeds from the Initial Draw was used to retire the Ilera Term Loan and pay the outstanding principal amount of $68,927. Due to the early retirement of the Ilera Term Loan, the Company recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $1,272 on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.
Stearns Loan
On June 26, 2023, the Company closed on a $25,000 commercial loan with Stearns Bank, secured by the Company's cultivation facility in Pennsylvania and its AMMD dispensary in Cumberland, Maryland (the "Stearns Loan"). The Stearns Loan bore an interest rate of prime plus 2.25% and was set to mature on December 26, 2024.
On August 1, 2024, as described above, the Company entered into the FG Loan, of which, a portion of the proceeds from the Initial Draw was used to retire the Stearns Loan and pay the outstanding principal amount of $24,638. Due to the early retirement of the Stearns Loan, the Company recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $369 on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.
Pinnacle Loans
In connection with the Pinnacle Acquisition, the Company entered into two promissory notes in an aggregate amount of $10,000 (the "Pinnacle Promissory Notes") to pay down all Pinnacle liabilities and encumbrances. Each of the Pinnacle Promissory Notes was set to mature on June 30, 2023 and bore an interest rate of 6%. On June 27, 2023, Spartan Partners Properties, LLC, agreed to an amendment to the Pinnacle Promissory Notes to, among other things, that extended the obligation date of the Pinnacle Promissory Notes until December 1, 2023. On August 13, 2024, the Company paid the outstanding principal amount of $5,582 and retired the Pinnacle Promissory Notes.
Class A Shares of TerrAscend
In connection with the Reorganization, TerrAscend issued $1,000 of class A shares (the "Class A Shares") with a 20% guaranteed annual dividend to an investor (the “Investor”) pursuant to the terms of a subscription agreement between TerrAscend and the Investor dated April 20, 2023 (the “Subscription Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Subscription Agreement, TerrAscend holds a call right to repurchase all of the Class A Shares issued to the Investor for an amount equal to the sum of: (a) the Repurchase/Put Price (as defined in the Subscription Agreement); plus (b) the amount equal to 40% of the subscription amount less the aggregate dividends paid to the Investor as of the date of the exercise of the option. In addition, the Investor holds a put right that is exercisable at any time after four months’ advanced written notice following the five-year anniversary of the closing of the investment to put all (and only all) of the Class A Shares owned by the Investor to TerrAscend at the Repurchase/Put Price, payable in cash or shares. The instrument is considered as a debt for accounting purposes due to the economic characteristics and risks. As of December 31, 2024, there was an outstanding principal amount of $1,000.
Stadium Ventures
In connection with the Gage Acquisition, the Company assumed existing indebtedness in the form of a promissory note in the amount of $4,500, which was set to mature on January 1, 2025. The promissory note bore interest at a rate of 6%. On October 1, 2024, the Company paid the outstanding principal amount of $539 and retired the promissory note.
IHC Real Estate LP Loan
On June 26, 2023, the Company acquired a minority equity interest in IHC Real Estate LP, and in connection therewith, the Company entered into a promissory note in the amount of $7,500. The promissory note bore interest at a rate of 15% and matured on January 15, 2024. On June 28, 2023 and July 31, 2023, the Company made payments of $1,500 and $1,000, respectively.
On January 15, 2024, the Company paid off all amounts owed under the promissory note with a payment of $5,000.
Share Repurchases
On August 20, 2024, the Board approved a share repurchase program to repurchase up to $10,000 of the Company’s Shares. The share repurchase program authorizes the Company to repurchase up to 10,000,000 Common Shares of the Company at any time, or from time to time, from August 22, 2024 until August 21, 2025. The share repurchase program authorizes the Company to repurchase up to 65,361 Shares daily, which represents 25% of the Company’s average daily trading volume on the Toronto Stock Exchange of 261,445 Shares. Any repurchases under the program may be made by means of open market transactions, negotiated block transactions, or otherwise, including pursuant to a repurchase plan administered in accordance with Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 under the Exchange Act. The size and timing of any repurchases will depend on price, market and business conditions, and other factors.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company repurchased 236,900 Common Shares under the share repurchase program for total consideration of approximately $215, including excise tax. Of which, the Company canceled 107,400 Common Shares that were repurchased. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had a total of 9,763,100 shares remaining that can be authorized for repurchase.
Cash Flows
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities
For the Years Ended
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
37,950
$
27,471
$
(26,123
)
The increase of $10,479 in net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to December 31, 2023 is primarily driven by an income tax refund of $8,361 related to the amended federal tax return for tax year 2020, partially offset by increased prior and current year tax payments and $2,881 of cash received for a bad debt recovery.
The increase of $53,594 in net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to December 31, 2022 is primarily due to an increase in income from operations and reduced tax payments, partially offset by an increase in working capital.
Cash flows used in investing activities
For the Years Ended
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Net cash used in investing activities
$
(12,247
)
$
(16,219
)
$
(27,579
)
The net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily relates to the investment in property and equipment of $9,362 and the investment in note receivable of $1,556 related to a settlement agreement.
The net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily relates to $16,789 of cash paid for the acquisition of four dispensaries in Maryland. Additionally, the Company increased the investment in property and equipment by $7,762 during 2023. The Company also paid the success fee of $3,750 related to Alternative Treatment Center licenses issued by the New Jersey Department of Health. These investments were partially offset by proceeds from the sale of the Company's Canadian facility of $14,285.
The net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022 is mainly due to investment in property and equipment of $39,631, primarily related to the buildout of a cultivation site in Maryland, continuing renovations at the Company's Pennsylvania and Michigan cultivation sites, and the completion of the Company's Lodi alternative treatment center in New Jersey. Additionally, the Company had investments in intangible assets of $2,261, primarily related to adult-use licenses in New Jersey, as well as the acquisition of a retail license in Michigan. The cash used in investing activities was offset by cash inflows of $24,716 related to cash and restricted cash acquired through the Gage Acquisition, offset by net cash paid for consideration for the Pinnacle Acquisition of $8,489.
Cash flows (used in) provided by from financing activities
For the Years Ended
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
$
(24,716
)
$
(12,500
)
$
3,719
Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 was primarily due to net loan principal payments of $16,777, distributions to non-controlling interests of $7,324, and the repurchase of common shares of $215.
Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 was primarily due to loan principal payment of $50,154 and distributions to minority partners of $11,621 and offset by the cash inflow of transfer with recourse of ERC of $12,677, net proceeds from the commercial loan with Stearns Bank N.A. of $23,869, and net proceeds from private placements of $20,822. Additionally, the Company recorded cash outflow of $5,539 from discontinued operation.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022, was primarily due to loan net proceeds from Pelorus in the amount of $43,419 and proceeds from exercises of Common Share warrants and stock options of $24,342. The cash provided by financing activities was offset by principal payments on loans and loan modification fees of $42,221 and
$4,977, respectively, payments made to non-controlling interests of $7,550, and payments of contingent consideration related to the acquisition of State Flower of $6,630.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures
In addition to reporting the financial results in accordance with GAAP, the Company reports certain financial results that differ from what is reported under GAAP. Non-GAAP measures used by management do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The Company believes that certain investors and analysts use these measures to measure a company’s ability to meet other payment obligations or as a common measurement to value companies in the cannabis industry, and the Company calculates: (i) Free cash flow from net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations less capital expenditures for property and equipment which management believes is an important measurement of the Company's ability to generate additional cash from its business operations, and (ii) EBITDA from continuing operations and Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations as net loss, adjusted to exclude provision for income taxes, finance expenses, depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation, loss on extinguishment of debt, loss (gain) from revaluation of contingent consideration, loss (gain) on disposal of fixed assets, impairment of property and equipment and right of use assets, bad debt recovery, unrealized and realized loss on investments, (gain) loss on lease termination and derecognition of finance lease, unrealized and realized foreign exchange, gain on fair value of derivative liabilities and purchase option derivative assets, Employee Retention Credits and Transfer Fee, and certain other items, which management believes is not reflective of the ongoing operations and performance of the Company. Such information is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.
The Company believes Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations is a useful performance measure to assess the performance of the Company as it provides more meaningful ongoing operating results by excluding the effects of expenses that are not reflective of the Company’s underlying business performance and other one-time or non-recurring expenses. The table below reconciles net loss to EBITDA from continuing operations and Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2024, December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022:
For the Years Ended
Notes
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Net loss
$
(72,670
)
$
(86,730
)
$
(325,351
)
Loss from discontinued operations
-
4,444
25,949
Loss from continuing operations
(72,670
)
(82,286
)
(299,402
)
Add (deduct) the impact of:
Provision for income taxes
20,438
23,453
(10,783
)
Finance expenses
35,402
35,106
39,059
Amortization and depreciation
20,103
20,382
22,624
EBITDA from continuing operations
(a)
3,273
(3,345
)
(248,502
)
Add (deduct) the impact of:
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
(b)
39,334
55,993
311,084
Share-based compensation
(c)
9,706
7,707
12,162
Loss (gain) from revaluation of contingent consideration
(d)
2,465
(645
)
(1,061
)
Impairment of property and equipment and right of use assets
(e)
8,511
2,079
1,089
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt
(f)
1,662
-
(4,153
)
Unrealized and realized foreign exchange loss (gain)
(g)
(53
)
Unrealized and realized loss (gain) on investments
(h)
2,603
(43
)
Gain on disposal of fixed assets
(i)
(30
)
(1,914
)
-
(Gain) loss on lease termination and derecognition of finance lease
(j)
(1,220
)
(1,012
)
1,162
Bad debt (recovery) expense
(k)
(4,169
)
-
9,941
Gain on fair value of derivative liabilities and purchase option derivative assets
(l)
(4,549
)
(322
)
(58,523
)
Other one-time items
(m)
4,533
3,808
5,207
Employee Retention Credits and Transfer Fee
(n)
-
2,236
(9,440
)
Restructuring costs and executive severance
(o)
-
Legal settlements
(p)
-
Non-cash write down of inventory
(q)
-
-
5,894
Indemnification asset release
(r)
-
-
3,973
Vape recall
(s)
-
-
2,965
Relief of fair value upon acquisition
(t)
-
-
2,770
Loan modification fees
(u)
-
-
2,507
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations
$
60,694
$
68,802
$
38,839
The table below reconciles net cash provided by (used in) operating activities from continuing operations to free cash flow for the years ended December 31, 2024, December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
For the Years Ended
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities - continuing operations
$
37,950
$
31,131
$
(21,835
)
Capital expenditures for property and equipment
(9,362
)
(7,762
)
(39,631
)
Free Cash Flow
$
28,588
$
23,369
$
(61,466
)
a)EBITDA from continuing operations is a non-GAAP measure and is calculated from net (loss) income.
b)Represents impairment charges taken on the Company's intangible assets and goodwill.
c)Represents non-cash share-based compensation expense.
d)Represents the revaluation of the Company's contingent consideration liabilities.
e)Represents impairment charges taken on the Company's property and equipment.
f)Represents the loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt recorded as a result of the extinguishment of the loans.
g)Represents the remeasurement of USD denominated cash and other assets recorded in CAD functional currency.
h)Represents unrealized and realized loss (gain) on fair value changes on strategic investments.
i)Represents the gain taken on the disposal of property and equipment.
j)Represents the (gain) loss taken as a result on lease termination and derecognition of right of use assets.
k)Represents recovery and (expense) of one-time write offs of accounts receivable related to one customer that were deemed uncollectible.
l)Represents the gain on fair value of warrants, including effects of the foreign exchange of the U.S. denominated Preferred Share warrants, as well as the revaluation of the fair value of the purchase option derivative asset.
m)Includes one-time fees incurred in connection with the Company's acquisitions, such as expenses related to professional fees, consulting, legal, and accounting, that would otherwise not have incurred. In addition, includes one-time charges for Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2022 implementation, as well as work completed in preparation of becoming a U.S. filer. These fees are not indicative of the Company's ongoing costs.
n)Represents income recorded from ERC as a result of the CARES Act and its transfer fee.
o)Represents costs associated with executive severance and restructuring of business units.
p)Represents one-time legal settlement charges.
q)Represents inventory write downs outside of the normal course of operations. These inventory write-downs were related to the write down of aged inventory to lower of cost or market which was related to the Company's operational reconfiguration of its cultivation facility in Pennsylvania.
r)Represents the reduction to the indemnification asset related to the State Flower tax audit settlement and statute expirations for tax years ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2015.
s)On February 4, 2022, more than 500 vape products were recalled by the Pennsylvania's Department of Health, including several of the Company's SKUs. As a result of the recall the Company recorded sales returns of $1,040 and write-downs of inventory of $1,925 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022.
t)In connection with the Company's acquisitions, inventory was acquired at fair value, which included a markup or markdown for profit. Recording inventory at fair value in purchase accounting has the effect of increasing or decreasing inventory and thereby increasing or decreasing cost of sales as compared to the amounts the Company would have recognized if the inventory was sold through at cost. The write-up or down of acquired inventory represents the incremental cost of sales that were recorded during purchase accounting.
u)Represents loan modification fees related to the modification of the Chicago Atlantic Term Loan and the Ilera Term Loan. These fees do not meet the criteria for capitalization under ASC 470, Debt.
The decrease in Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to December 31, 2023 was primarily due to a decrease in revenue.
The increase in Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to December 31, 2022 was primarily due to the implementation of adult-use sales in New Jersey and Maryland along with the reduction of general and administrative expenses.
Changes in or Adoption of Accounting Principles
New standards, amendments and interpretations adopted:
Information regarding the Company’s adoption of new accounting and reporting standards is discussed in Note 2 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in this Annual Report.
Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies
The preparation of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
While the Company’s significant accounting policies are described in more detail in Note 2 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in this Annual Report, the accounting estimates and assumptions discussed in this section are those that the Company considers to be the most critical in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements. An accounting estimate or assumption is considered critical if both (a) the nature of the estimate or assumption is material due to the levels of subjectivity and judgement involved, and (b) the impact within a reasonable range of outcomes of the estimate and assumption is material to the financial condition.
A quantitative sensitivity analysis is provided where information is available to reasonably estimate the impact and provides material information to investors.
Income taxes
The extent to which deferred tax assets can be recognized is based on an assessment of the probability of the Company generating future taxable income against which the deferred tax assets can be utilized. In addition, significant judgment is required in classifying transactions and assessing probable outcomes of tax positions taken, and in assessing the impact of any legal or economic limits or uncertainties in various tax jurisdictions.
Provisions for taxes are made using the best estimate of the amount expected to be paid based on a qualitative assessment of all relevant factors. The Company reviews the adequacy of these provisions at the end of the reporting period. It is possible, however, that at some future date, an additional liability could result from audits by taxing authorities. If the final outcome of these tax-related matters is different from the amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will affect the tax provisions in the period in which such determination is made.
Impairment of goodwill, intangible assets, and long-lived assets
The Company assesses goodwill, intangible assets, and long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually, while finite-lived intangible assets and long-lived assets are evaluated whenever indicators of impairment exist.
The Company’s impairment evaluation process involves significant estimates and assumptions, including identifying impairment indicators, determining asset groupings, forecasting future cash flows, selecting discount rates, and measuring fair value. Management applies judgment in assessing triggers such as declining financial performance, adverse market conditions, regulatory changes, and increased competition. The Company evaluates whether assets should be tested individually or as part of an asset group, ensuring the test is performed at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows exist. For quantitative impairment tests, the Company forecasts future financial performance, considering historical trends, market conditions, and business strategies. Fair value is typically determined using a discounted cash flow approach, incorporating an appropriate discount rate based on the Company’s weighted average cost of capital, market risks, and asset-specific risk factors. Property and equipment may also be valued using third-party appraisals or market-based approaches when necessary.
Due to the subjective nature of these estimates, actual results may differ from estimates. Changes in financial performance, economic conditions, or industry trends could require the Company to make estimate changes to future impairment tests.
Variable Interest Entity
The Company consolidates legal entities in which it holds a controlling financial interest. Determining whether it has a controlling financial interest in VIE is subject to significant judgment and estimates. There is inherent uncertainty in evaluating who has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance. Our considerations include, but are not limited to, voting interests of the VIE, management, service and other agreements with the VIE, involvement in the VIE’s initial design and the existence of explicit or implicit financial guarantees. Management has applied significant judgment when evaluating the facts and circumstances of the VIE (see Note 3 included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”).
Emerging Growth Company Status
The Company is an emerging growth company, as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”). Under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies can delay adopting new or revised accounting standards issued subsequent to the enactment of the JOBS Act until such time as those standards apply to private companies. The Company has elected to use this extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies until the earlier of the date that the Company (i) is no longer an emerging growth company or (ii) affirmatively and irrevocably opts out of the extended transition period provided in the JOBS Act. As a result, the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with the new or revised accounting pronouncements as of public company effective dates.
The Company will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier to occur of: (i) December 31, 2027 (a) in which the Company has total annual gross revenue of $1,235,000 or more, or (b) in which the Company is deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of the Common Shares that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700,000 as of the last business day of the Company’s most recent second fiscal quarter; and (ii) the date on which the Company has issued more than $1,000,000 in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period.

---

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitati ve Disclosures About Market Risk
Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact the Company’s financial position due to adverse changes in financial market prices and rates. The Company’s market risk exposure is primarily a result of exposure due to potential changes in inflation and interest rates. The Company does not hold financial instruments for trading purposes.
Financial Instruments and Risk Management
Financial Instruments
Financial instruments recorded at fair value are estimated by applying a fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value into three levels and bases the categorization within the hierarchy upon the lowest level of input that is available and significant to the fair value measurement. The hierarchy is summarized as follows:
•Level 1 - quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets and liabilities
•Level 2 - inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (prices) or indirectly (derived from prices) from observable market data
•Level 3 - inputs for assets and liabilities not based upon observable market data
Risk Management
The Company’s risk exposure and the impact on the Company’s financial instruments are summarized below:
(a) Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Company if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations. Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, net and notes receivable. The Company assesses the credit risk of trade receivables by evaluating the aging of trade receivables based on the invoice date. The carrying amounts of trade receivables is reduced through the use of an allowance account and the amount of the loss is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss. When a trade receivable balance is considered uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance for expected credit losses.
Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss. The Company regularly monitors credit risk exposure and takes steps to mitigate the likelihood of these exposures resulting in actual loss. The Company had no customers whose balance is greater than 10% of total trade receivables as of December 31, 2024.
(b) Liquidity risk
The Company is exposed to liquidity risk, or the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they become due. The Company manages liquidity risk through ongoing review of its capital requirements. the Company’s objective with respect to its capital management is to ensure it has sufficient cash resources to maintain its ongoing operations.
(c) Market Risk
The significant market risk exposures to which the Company is exposed are foreign currency risk and interest rate risk.
i)	Foreign currency risk:
Foreign currency risk is the risk that a variation in exchange rates between the Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar and other foreign currencies will affect the Company’s operations and financial results.
The Company holds cash and cash equivalents in currencies other than its functional currency. The Company does not currently engage in currency hedging activities to limit the risks of currency fluctuations. Consequently, fluctuations in foreign currencies could have a negative impact on the profitability of the Company's operations. However, as of the year ended December 31, 2024, a 10% change in the value of the U.S. dollar compared to the Canadian dollar would not result in a material impact on unrealized foreign exchange for the Company.
ii)	Interest rate risk:
Interest rate risk is the risk that future cash flows will fluctuate as a result of changes in market interest rates. In respect of financial assets, the Company’s policy is to invest excess cash at floating rates of interest in cash equivalents, in order to maintain liquidity, while achieving a satisfactory return. Fluctuations in interest rates impact the value of cash equivalents. The Company’s investments in guaranteed investment certificates bear a fixed rate and are cashable at any time prior to maturity date.
The Company does not have significant cash equivalents for the year ended December 31, 2024. The Pelorus term loan has a variable interest rate that is tied to the U.S. "prime rate" and SOFR. At December 31, 2024, a 10% change to each of the interest rates would not result in a material impact. The remainder of the Company’s loans payable have fixed interest rates from 7.00% to 12.75% per annum. All other financial liabilities are non-interest-bearing instruments.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
All information required by this item may be found on pages through of this Annual Report.

---

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.

---

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act, as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer and effected by the Board, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s management, with the participation of its President and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report. Based upon that evaluation, management, including the President and Chief Financial Officer, determined that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of December 31, 2024.
Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures
In designing and evaluating the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting
The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act. The Company’s management, under the supervision and with the participation of its President and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024. This assessment was based on criteria established in the Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) (2013 framework). This evaluation included a review of the documentation of controls, an evaluation of the design effectiveness of controls, testing of the operating effectiveness of controls and a conclusion on the outcome of the evaluation. Based on the results of its assessment, the Company’s management concluded that its internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2024.
This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting due to its exemption as an emerging growth company. Management’s report was not subject to audit by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this Annual Report.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes to the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2024, that have materially affected, or were reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal controls over financial reporting.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. Other Information
None.

---

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Information required by Item 10 of Part III will be included in the Company’s Proxy Statement relating to the Company’s 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "2025 Annual Meeting") and is incorporated herein by reference.
Information regarding the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code of Conduct”) required by this item will be contained in the Proxy Statement relating to the 2025 Annual Meeting and is hereby incorporated by reference. If the Company makes any substantive amendments to the Code of Conduct or grants any waiver from a provision of the Code of Conduct to any executive officer or director, it will promptly disclose the nature of the amendment or waiver on its website. The full text of the Code of Conduct is available at the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at https://ir.terrascend.com/. The reference to the Company’s website address does not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained at or available through the website, and you should not consider it to be a part of this Annual Report.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Information required by Item 11 of Part III will be included in the Company’s Proxy Statement relating to the 2025 Annual Meeting 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 and Related Stockholder Matters
Information required by Item 12 of Part III will be included in the Company’s Proxy Statement relating to the 2025 Annual Meeting and is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Information required by Item 13 of Part III will be included in the Company’s Proxy Statement relating to the 2025 Annual Meeting and is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
Information required by Item 14 of Part III will be included in the Company’s Proxy Statement relating to the 2025 Annual Meeting and is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a)The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report:
1.Financial Statements
The accompanying Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on page of this Annual Report is provided in response to this item and is incorporated into this item by reference.
2.List of Financial Statement Schedules.
All schedules are omitted because the required information is either not present, not present in material amounts or presented within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(a)The exhibits listed in the following “Exhibit Index” are filed, furnished or incorporated by reference as part of this Annual Report.
Exhibit Index
Incorporated By Reference
Exhibit Number
Exhibit Title
Form
File No.
Exhibit
Filing Date
Filed or Furnished Herewith
2.1*
Arrangement Agreement, dated October 8, 2018, by and among TerrAscend Corp., Canopy Growth Corporation, Canopy Rivers Corporation, JW Opportunities Master Fund, Ltd., JW Partners, LP and Pharmaceutical Opportunities Fund, LP.
10-12G
000-56363
2.1
11/2/2021
2.2*
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated February 10, 2019, by and among BTHHM Berkeley, LLC, PNB Noriega, LLC, V Products, LLC, certain limited liability company interest holders of each of the forgoing entities, Michael Thomsen and TerrAscend Corp. and WDB Holding CA, Inc.
10-12G
000-56363
2.2
11/2/2021
2.3*
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated February 10, 2019, by and among RHMT, LLC, Deep Thought, LLC, Howard Street Partners, LLC, certain limited liability company interest holders of each of the forgoing entities, Michael Thomsen, and TerrAscend Corp. and WDB Holding CA, Inc.
10-12G
000-56363
2.3
11/2/2021
2.4*
Securities Purchase and Exchange Agreement, dated August 1, 2019, by and among Ilera Holdings LLC, Mera I LLC, Mera II LLC, TerrAscend Corp., WDB Holding PA, Inc. and Osagie Imasogie.
10-12G
000-56363
2.4
11/2/2021
2.5*
Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated August 31, 2021, by and between WDB Holdings MI, Inc. and 3 State Park, LLC, AEY Holdings, LLC, AEY Capital, LLC, AEY Thrive, LLC and Seller.
10-12G
000-56363
2.7
11/2/2021
2.6
First Amendment to Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated November 9, 2021, by and between WDB Holdings MI, Inc. and 3 State Park, LLC, AEY Holdings, LLC, AEY Capital, LLC, AEY Thrive, LLC and Seller.
10-12G/A
000-56363
2.8
12/22/2021
2.7
Second Amendment to Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated March 8, 2022, by and between WDB Holdings MI, Inc. and 3 State Park, LLC, AEY Holdings, LLC, AEY Capital, LLC, AEY Thrive, LLC, Seller and Gage Growth Corp.
8-K
000-56363
10.1
03/14/2022
2.8*
Arrangement Agreement, dated August 31, 2021, by and between TerrAscend Corp. and Gage Growth Corp.
10-12G
000-56363
2.6
11/2/2021
2.9
Amending Agreement, dated October 4, 2021, by and between TerrAscend Corp. and Gage Growth Corp.
10-12G
000-56363
2.8
11/2/2021
2.10
Second Amending Agreement, dated March 8, 2022, by and between TerrAscend Corp. and Gage Growth Corp.
8-K
000-56363
10.2
03/14/2022
3.1
Articles of TerrAscend Corp., dated March 7, 2017.
10-12G
000-56363
3.1
11/2/2021
3.2
Articles of Amendment to the Articles of TerrAscend Corp., dated November 30, 2018.
10-12G/A
000-56363
3.2
12/22/2021
3.3
Articles of Amendment to the Articles of TerrAscend Corp., dated May 22, 2020.
10-12G/A
000-56363
3.3
12/22/2021
3.4
By-laws of TerrAscend Corp., dated March 7, 2017.
10-12G
000-56363
3.3
11/2/2021
4.1
Description of Securities.
X
4.2
Form of Non-Affiliate Gage Growth Corp. Replacement Warrants dated March, 2022.
10-K
000-56363
4.6
03/16/2023
4.3
Form of Warrant Certificate dated December, 2022.
10-K
000-56363
4.7
03/16/2023
4.4
Warrant Indenture.
10-K
000-56363
4.1
06/29/2023
10.1
Form of Voting Support Agreement.
10-12G
000-56363
10.1
11/2/2021
10.2*
Subscription Agreement, dated April 20, 2023, by and between TerrAscend Growth Corp. and TerInvest LLC.
8-K/A
000-56363
10.1
04/26/2023
10.3*
Protection Agreement, dated April 20, 2023, by and between TerrAscend Growth Corp. and TerrAscend Corp.
8-K/A
000-56363
10.2
04/26/2023
10.4*
Form of Subscription Agreement for Equity Offering.
8-K
000-56363
10.1
06/29/2023
10.5*
Form of Subscription Agreement for Equity Offering with Registered Broker-Dealer.
8-K
000-56363
10.2
06/29/2023
10.6*
Form of Subscription Agreement for Debenture Offering.
8-K
000-56363
10.3
06/29/2023
10.7*
Form of Convertible Debenture.
8-K
000-56363
10.4
06/29/2023
10.8
Form Unit Purchase Agreement, dated January 19, 2024, by and among RHMT, LLC, Deep Thought, LLC, Howard Street Partners, LLC, Anthony and Jamie Shira, Arion Luce, Michael Thomsen, Ryan Hudson and WDB Holding CA, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of TerrAscend Corp.
10-Q
000-56363
10.1
05/9/2024
10.9*
Loan Agreement, dated August 1, 2024, by and among TerrAscend USA, Inc., as Borrower Representative, the subsidiaries and affiliates of the Borrower Representative, as Borrowers, and FG Agency Lending LLC, as the Administrative Agent.
10-Q
000-56363
10.1
11/6/2024
10.10*
Amendment No. 1, dated September 30, 2024, by and among TerrAscend USA, Inc., as Borrower Representative, the subsidiaries and affiliates of the Borrower Representative, as Borrowers, and FG Agency Lending LLC, as the Administrative Agent.
10-Q
000-56363
10.2
11/6/2024
10.11
Credit Agreement, dated December 18, 2020, by and among WDB Holding PA, Inc., the lenders party thereto and Acquiom Agency Services LLC, as Administrative Agent.
10-12G
000-56363
10.3
11/2/2021
10.12
Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, dated April 28, 2022, by and among WDB Holding PA, Inc., the Loan Parties party thereto and Acquiom Agency Services LLC, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent.
10-Q
000-56363
10.7
08/11/2022
10.13
Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement, dated November 11, 2022, by and among WDB Holding PA, Inc., the Loan Parties party thereto and Acquiom Agency Services LLC, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent.
10-K
000-56363
10.4
03/16/2023
10.14
Amendment No. 3 to Credit Agreement, dated December 15, 2022, by and among WDB Holding PA, Inc., the Loan Parties party thereto and Acquiom Agency Services LLC, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent.
10-K
000-56363
10.5
03/16/2023
10.15
Amendment No. 4 to Credit Agreement, dated March 15, 2023 by and among WDB Holding PA, Inc., the Loan Parties party thereto and Acquiom Agency Services LLC as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent.
10-K
000-56363
10.6
03/16/2023
10.16
Amendment No. 5 to Credit Agreement, dated April 17, 2023 by and among WDB Holding PA, Inc., the Loan Parties party thereto and Acquiom Agency Services LLC as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent.
10-Q
000-56363
10.7
08/10/2023
10.17
Amendment No. 6 to Credit Agreement, dated June 22, 2023 by and among WDB Holding PA, Inc., the Loan Parties party thereto and Acquiom Agency Services LLC as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent.
10-Q
000-56363
10.8
08/10/2023
10.18
Amendment No. 7 to Credit Agreement, dated December 5, 2023 by and among WDB Holding PA, Inc., the Loan Parties party thereto and Acquiom Agency Services LLC as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent.
10-K
000-56363
10.15
03/14/2024
10.19
Credit Agreement, dated November 2, 2021, by and among Gage Growth Corp. and its subsidiaries, as Borrowers, and Chicago Atlantic Admin, LLC, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent.
10-K
000-56363
10.21
03/17/2022
10.20*
Joinder, First Amendment to Credit Agreement and Security Agreements and Consent, dated as of August 10, 2022, among WDB Holding MI, Inc., Gage Growth Corp., Gage Innovations Corp., Cookies Retail Canada Corp., other borrower and lender parties thereto, and Chicago Atlantic Admin, LLC, as administrative agent for the lenders and Chicago
10-Q
000-56363
10.8
11/14/2022
Atlantic, as collateral agent for the secured parties thereto.
10.21
Joinder and Second Amendment to Credit Agreement and Security Agreements and Consent, dated November 29, 2022, by and among WDB Holding MI, Inc., Gage Growth Corp., Gage Innovations Corp., Cookies Retail Canada Corp., the borrowers and lenders party thereto, and Chicago Atlantic Admin, LLC, as administrative agent for the lenders and as collateral agent for the secured parties thereto.
10-K
000-56363
10.9
03/16/2023
10.22
Third Amendment to Credit Agreement and Security Agreements and Consent, dated as of June 9, 2023, among Gage Growth Corp., Gage Innovations Corp., Cookies Retail Canada Corp., WDB Holding MI, Inc., the other Borrowers party thereto, the Lenders party thereto, and Chicago Atlantic Admin, LLC, as Administrative Agent for the Lenders and Chicago Atlantic, as Collateral Agent for the Secured Parties thereto.
10-Q
000-56363
10.9
08/10/2023
10.23
Loan Agreement, dated October 11, 2022, by and among subsidiaries of TerrAscend Corp., TerrAscend NJ LLC, HMS Processing LLC, HMS Hagerstown, LLC, HMS Health, LLC, as Borrowers, and Pelorus Fund REIT, LLC, as Lender.
10-K
000-56363
10.10
03/16/2023
10.24
Amendment No. 1, dated April 17, 2023, by and among TerrAscend NJ LLC, HMS Processing, LLC, HMS Hagerstown, LLC, HMS Health, LLC, as Borrowers, TerrAscend Corp. and TerrAscend USA, Inc., Well and Good, Inc. and WDB Holding MD, Inc., as Guarantors, and Pelorus Fund REIT, LLC, as Lender.
10-Q
000-56363
10.10
08/10/2023
10.25
Amendment No. 2, dated June 22, 2023, by and among TerrAscend NJ LLC, HMS Processing, LLC, HMS Hagerstown, LLC, HMS Health, LLC, as Borrowers, TerrAscend Corp. and TerrAscend USA, Inc., Well and Good, Inc. and WDB Holding MD, Inc., as Guarantors, and Pelorus Fund REIT, LLC, as Lender.
10-Q
000-56363
10.11
08/10/2023
10.26
Amendment No. 3 to Loan Agreement, dated November 29, 2023, by and among TerrAscend NJ LLC, HMS Processing, LLC, HMS Hagerstown, LLC, and HMS Health, LLC, as Borrowers, TerrAscend Corp. and TerrAscend USA, Inc., Well and Good, Inc. and WDB Holdings MD, Inc., as Guarantors, and Pelorus Fund REIT, LLC, as Lender.
10-K
000-56363
10.23
03/14/2024
10.27
Promissory Note, dated October 11, 2022, by and among TerrAscend Corp., TerrAscend NJ LLC, BWH NJ LLC and Blue Marble Ventures LLC.
10-K
000-56363
10.11
03/16/2023
10.28
Debt Settlement Agreement, dated December 9, 2022, by and among TerrAscend Corp., Arise Bioscience, Inc., Canopy USA, LLC, Canopy USA I
10-K
000-56363
10.12
03/16/2023
Limited Partnership and Canopy USA III Limited Partnership.
10.29#
Executive Employment Agreement, dated March 29, 2023, by and between TerrAscend USA, Inc. and Ziad Ghanem.
8-K
000-56363
10.1
03/31/2023
10.30#
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated November 9, 2023, by and between TerrAscend USA, Inc, and Keith Stauffer.
10-Q
000-56363
10.1
11/09/2023
10.31#
Employment Agreement, dated May 23, 2022, by and between TerrAscend Corp. and Lynn Gefen.
10-Q
000-56363
10.2
11/09/2023
10.32#
Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated February 18, 2025, by and between TerrAscend Corp. and Lynn Gefen.
X
10.33#
Form of Indemnity Agreement.
10-12G
000-56363
10.15
11/2/2021
10.34#
TerrAscend Corp. Stock Option Plan.
X
10.35#
Form of Option Agreement.
X
10.36#
TerrAscend Corp. Share Unit Plan.
X
10.37#
Form of Share Unit Agreement.
X
19.1
TerrAscend Corporation Insider Trading Policy
X
21.1
List of Subsidiaries of TerrAscend Corp.
X
23.1
Consent of MNP LLP.
X
24.1
Power of Attorney (contained in the signature page to this Annual report on Form 10-K).
X
31.1
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
X
31.2
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
X
32.1**
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
X
32.2**
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
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101.INS
Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema With Embedded Linkbase Document
Cover page formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101
* Certain confidential information has been excluded from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) is the type of information of the Company treats as private or confidential.
# Indicates management contract or compensatory plan.
 Certain schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. A copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit will be furnished supplementally to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.
** Furnished herewith and not deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act (whether made before or after the date of the Form 10-K), irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing.
The agreements and other documents filed as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K are not intended to provide factual information or other disclosure other than with respect to the terms of the agreements or other documents themselves, and you should not rely on them for that purpose. In particular, any representations and warranties made by us in these agreements or other documents were made solely within the specific context of the relevant agreement or document and may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time.