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Once a year, publicly traded companies issue a comprehensive report of their business, called a 10-K. A component mandated in the 10-K is the ‘Risk Factors’ section, where companies disclose any major potential risks that they may face. This dashboard highlights all major changes and additions in new 10K reports, allowing investors to quickly identify new potential risks and opportunities.

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Risk Factors - ACRHF

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Item 1A. Risk Factors.

The following discussion of risk factors contains forward-looking statements. These risk factors may be important to understanding other statements in this Form 10-K. The following information should be read in conjunction with Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the consolidated financial statements and related notes in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K.

Below is a summary of the principal factors that make an investment in Acreage speculative or risky. This summary does not address all of the risks that we face. Additional discussion of the risks summarized in this risk factor summary, and other risks that we face, can be found below, after this summary, and should be carefully considered, together with other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other filings with the SEC before making an investment decision regarding Acreage.

Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to:

•the US Federal Illegality of the Company’s Business Activities;

•the anticipated benefits of the Floating Share Arrangement with Canopy Growth;

•the likelihood of Canopy Growth completing the acquisition of the Fixed Shares and/or Floating Shares;

•risks related to the ability to financing Acreage’s business and fund its obligations;

•other expectations and assumptions concerning the transactions contemplated between Canopy Growth and Acreage;

•the available funds of Acreage and the anticipated use of such funds;

•the availability of financing opportunities for Acreage and the risks associated with the completion thereof;

•regulatory and licensing risks;

•changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial and stock markets;

•legal and regulatory risks inherent in the cannabis industry;

•risks associated with economic conditions, dependence on management and currency risk;

•risks relating to U.S. regulatory landscape and enforcement related to cannabis, including political risks;

•risks relating to anti-money laundering laws and regulation;

•other governmental and environmental regulation;

•public opinion and perception of the cannabis industry;

•risks related to contracts with third-party service providers;

•risks related to the enforceability of contracts and lack of access to U.S. bankruptcy protections;

•reliance on the expertise and judgment of senior management of Acreage;

•the risk that the Floating Share Arrangement may not be completed;

•risks related to the completion of the Floating Share Arrangement, including market overhang risk related to the Canopy Shares, risks related to the Nasdaq listing of the Canopy Shares and shareholder consolidation, risks that Canopy is unable to finance Canopy USA;

•Canopy is subject to certain restrictions of the TSX and the Nasdaq, which may constrain is ability to expand its business in the United States;

•if Canopy USA acquires Wana, Jetty or the Fixed Shares of Acreage without structural amendments to Canopy’s interest in Canopy USA, the listing of the Canopy Shares on the Nasdaq Stock Market may be jeopardized;

•risks related to proprietary intellectual property and potential infringement by third parties;

•the concentrated voting control of Acreage’s founder and the unpredictability caused by Acreage’s capital structure;

•the dual structure of the Fixed Shares and Floating Shares;

•risks relating to the management of growth;

•increasing competition in the industry;

•risks inherent in an agricultural business;

•risks relating to energy costs;

•risks associated with cannabis products manufactured for human consumption including potential product recalls;

•reliance on key inputs, suppliers and skilled labor;

•cybersecurity risks;

•ability and constraints on marketing products;

•fraudulent activity by employees, contractors and consultants;

•tax and insurance related risks;

•risks related to the economy generally;

•risk of litigation;

•conflicts of interest;

•risks relating to certain remedies being limited and the difficulty of enforcement judgments and effecting service outside of Canada;

•risks related to future acquisitions or dispositions;

•sales by existing shareholders; and

•limited research and data relating to cannabis.

Risks Specifically Related to Regulatory Matters

The Company’s Business Activities are Illegal under U.S. Federal Law.

Cannabis (with the exception of hemp containing no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight) is illegal under U.S. federal law. In those states in which the use of cannabis has been legalized, its use remains a violation of federal law pursuant to the Controlled Substances Act of 1990 (the “CSA”). The CSA classifies marijuana (cannabis) as a Schedule I controlled substance, and as such, medical and adult-use cannabis consumption is illegal under U.S. federal law. Unless and until Congress amends the CSA with respect to cannabis (and the President approves such amendment), there is a risk that federal authorities may enforce current federal law. If that occurs, the Subsidiaries or other entities in which the Company may have an interest from time to time may be deemed to be producing, cultivating or dispensing cannabis and drug paraphernalia in violation of federal law, or the Company may be deemed to be facilitating the selling or distribution of cannabis and drug paraphernalia in violation of federal law with respect to the Company’s investment in the Subsidiaries. Since federal law criminalizing the use of cannabis preempts state laws that legalize its use, strict enforcement of federal law regarding cannabis is a significant risk which would greatly harm the Company’s business, prospects, results of operation, and financial condition. As all of our operations are cannabis-related and conducted in the United States, our balance sheet and operating statement exposure to U.S. marijuana related activities is 100% in each case.

As noted above, the FDA’s current position is that it is illegal to put into interstate commerce a food to which CBD has been added, or to market CBD as, or in, a dietary supplement, and no product may be marketed sold as a drug or with claims of having therapeutic effects without FDA approval.

The activities of the Subsidiaries are, and will continue to be, subject to evolving regulation by governmental authorities. The Subsidiaries are directly or indirectly engaged in the medical and adult-use cannabis industry in the U.S. where such activities are permitted under state law. The legality of the production, cultivation, extraction, distribution, retail sales, transportation and use of cannabis differs between states in the U.S. Due to the current regulatory environment in the U.S., new risks may emerge, and management may not be able to predict all such risks.

There are 38 states in the U.S., in addition to Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, that have laws and/or regulations that recognize, in one form or another, legitimate medical uses for cannabis and consumer use of cannabis in connection with medical treatment. Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Washington, D.C., the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam have legalized cannabis for adult-use in some form.

The funding by the Company of the activities of the Subsidiaries involved in the medical and adult-use cannabis industry through equity investments, loans or other forms of investment, may be illegal under the applicable federal laws of the U.S. and other applicable laws. There can be no assurances that the federal government of the U.S. or other jurisdictions will not seek to enforce the applicable laws against the Company. The consequences of such enforcement would be materially adverse to the Company and the Company’s business, including its reputation, profitability, the market price of its publicly traded shares, and could result in the forfeiture or seizure of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets.

The U.S. administration under President Obama attempted to address the inconsistent treatment of cannabis under state and federal law in the Cole Memorandum which Deputy Attorney General James Cole sent to all U.S. Attorneys in August 2013 that outlined certain priorities for the DOJ relating to the prosecution of cannabis offenses. The Cole Memorandum held that enforcing federal cannabis laws and regulations in jurisdictions that have enacted laws legalizing cannabis in some form and that have also implemented strong and effective regulatory and enforcement systems to control the cultivation, processing, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis, conduct in compliance with those laws and regulations was not a priority for the DOJ. Instead, the Cole Memorandum directed U.S. Attorney’s Offices discretion not to investigate or prosecute state law compliant participants in the medical cannabis industry who did not implicate certain identified federal government priorities, including preventing interstate diversion or distribution of cannabis to minors.

On January 4, 2018, then U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions formally issued the Sessions Memorandum, which rescinded the Cole Memorandum effective upon its issuance. The Sessions Memorandum stated, in part, that current law reflects “Congress’ determination that cannabis is a dangerous drug and cannabis activity is a serious crime”, and Mr. Sessions directed all U.S. Attorneys to enforce the laws enacted by Congress and to follow well-established principles that govern all federal prosecutions when deciding whether to pursue prosecutions related to cannabis activities. As a result, federal prosecutors could, and still can, use their prosecutorial discretion to decide to prosecute actors compliant with their state laws. Although there have not been any identified prosecutions of state law compliant cannabis entities, there can be no assurance that the federal government will not enforce federal laws relating to cannabis in the future. Jeff Sessions resigned as U.S. Attorney General on November 7, 2018. On February 14, 2019, William Barr was confirmed as U.S. Attorney General. However, in a written response to questions from U.S. Senator Cory Booker made as a nominee, Attorney General Barr stated “I do not intend to go after parties who have complied with state law in reliance on the Cole Memo.” Nonetheless, there is no guarantee 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. Unless and until the United States Congress amends the CSA with respect to cannabis (and as to the timing or scope of any such potential amendments there can be no assurance), there is a risk that federal authorities may enforce current U.S. federal law.

The Department of Justice under Mr. Barr did not take a formal position on federal enforcement of laws relating to cannabis. Mr. Barr has stated publicly that his preference would be to have a uniform federal rule against cannabis, but, absent such a uniform rule, his preference would be to permit the existing federal approach of leaving it up to the states to make their own decisions.

On March 10, 2021, Judge Merrick Garland was confirmed as U.S. Attorney General under President Biden. However, in response to questions from U.S. Senator Charles Grassley made as a nominee, Attorney General Garland stated “I do not think it the best use of the Department’s limited resources to pursue prosecutions of those who are complying with the laws in states that have legalized and are effectively regulating marijuana.” In October 2021, in a letter from U.S. Senators Booker and Elizabeth Warren to Attorney General Garland, the Senators advocated the federal decriminalization of cannabis by removing cannabis from the CSA’s list of controlled substances. To date, Attorney General Garland and the Department of Justice have

not publicly responded to the Senators’ letter. Nonetheless, there is no guarantee 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. Unless and until the United States Congress amends the CSA with respect to cannabis (and as to the timing or scope of any such potential amendments there can be no assurance), there is a risk that federal authorities may enforce current U.S. federal law.

Although the Cole Memorandum has been rescinded, one legislative safeguard for the medical cannabis industry, appended to federal appropriations legislation, remains in place. Most recently, the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 signed into law by President Biden on March 9, 2024 and will remain in effect through the fiscal year, which ends September 30, 2024. There is no guarantee that the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment will be included in any future omnibus appropriations packages or continuing budget resolutions once the current Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 expires. There can be no assurances that the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment will be included in future appropriations bills to prevent the federal government from using congressionally appropriated funds to enforce federal cannabis laws against regulated medical cannabis actors operating in compliance with state and local law.

There is no guarantee that state laws legalizing and regulating the sale and use of cannabis will not be repealed, amended or overturned, or that local governmental authorities will not limit the applicability of state laws within their respective jurisdictions. Unless and until the United States Congress amends or repeals the CSA with respect to medical and/or adult-use cannabis (and as to the timing or scope of any such potential amendment or repeal there can be no assurance), there is a significant risk that federal authorities may enforce current federal law. If the federal government begins to enforce federal laws relating to cannabis in states where the sale and use of cannabis is currently legal, or if existing applicable state laws are repealed or curtailed, the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects would be materially adversely affected.

On August 29, 2023, after a review process prompted by the Biden Administration, the HHS reportedly recommended to the DEA that marijuana be rescheduled from Schedule I to Schedule III under the CSA. Such rescheduling would allow marijuana businesses to deduct business expenses on federal tax filings, as Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code applies only to activities involving substances in Schedule I or Schedule II. DEA is currently reviewing HHS’s recommendation and there can be no assurance as to when such review will be complete or what action (if any) DEA will recommend.

Marijuana (cannabis) remains a Schedule I controlled substance under the CSA, and neither the Cole Memorandum nor its rescission nor the continued passage of the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment has altered that fact. The federal government of the United States has always reserved the right to enforce federal law in regard to the sale and disbursement of medical or adult-use marijuana, even if state law sanctions such sale and disbursement. If the United States federal government begins to enforce United States federal laws relating to cannabis in states where the sale and use of cannabis is currently legal, or if existing applicable state laws are repealed or curtailed, the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects would be materially adversely affected.

The uncertainty of U.S. federal enforcement practices going forward and the inconsistency between U.S. federal and state laws and regulations presents major risks for the business and operations of the Company, High Street and the Subsidiaries.

Nature of the Business Model

Since the cultivation, processing, production, distribution, and sale of cannabis for any purpose, medical, adult-use or otherwise, remain illegal under U.S. federal law, it is possible that any of the Company, High Street or the Subsidiaries may be forced to cease activities. The United States federal government, through, among others, the DOJ, its sub agency the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”), has the right to actively investigate, audit and shut down cannabis growing facilities, processors and retailers. The U.S. federal government may also attempt to seize the property of the Company, High Street or any Subsidiary. Any action taken by the DOJ, the DEA and/or the IRS to interfere with, seize, or shut down the operations of the Company, High Street or any Subsidiary will have an adverse effect on their businesses, operating results and financial condition.

U.S. State Regulatory Uncertainty

There is no assurance that state laws legalizing and regulating the sale and use of cannabis will not be repealed, amended or overturned, or that local governmental authorities will not limit the applicability of state laws within their respective jurisdictions. If the U.S. federal government begins to enforce U.S. federal laws relating to cannabis in states where the sale and

use of cannabis is currently legal, or if existing state laws are repealed or curtailed, the Company’s business or operations in those states or under those laws would be materially and adversely affected. Federal actions against any individual or entity engaged in the cannabis industry or a substantial repeal of cannabis related legislation could adversely affect the Company, its business and its assets or investments.

Certain U.S. states where medical and/or adult-use cannabis is legal have or are considering special taxes or fees on the cannabis industry. It is uncertain at this time whether other states are in the process of reviewing such additional taxes and fees. The implementation of special taxes or fees could have a material adverse effect upon the businesses, results of operations and financial condition of the Company, High Street and the Subsidiaries.

The Company, High Street and the Subsidiaries are Subject to Applicable Anti-Money Laundering Laws and Regulations

The Company, High Street and the Subsidiaries are subject to a variety of laws and regulations domestically in the U.S. that involve money laundering, financial record-keeping and proceeds of crime, including the U.S. 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 (the “USA Patriot Act”), and the rules and regulations thereunder, and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by governmental authorities in the U.S. The Company, High Street and the Subsidiaries are also subject to similar laws and regulations in Canada, including the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (Canada), as amended. Further, under U.S. federal law, banks or other financial institutions that provide a cannabis business with a checking account, debit or credit card, small business loan, or any other service could be found guilty of money laundering, aiding and abetting, or conspiracy.

Despite these laws, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) issued a memorandum on February 14, 2014 (the “FinCEN Memorandum”) outlining the pathways for financial institutions to bank state-sanctioned cannabis businesses in compliance with federal enforcement priorities. The FinCEN Memorandum echoed the enforcement priorities of the Cole Memorandum. Under these guidelines, financial institutions must submit a Suspicious Activity Report (“SAR”) in connection with all cannabis-related banking activities by any client of such financial institution, in accordance with federal money laundering laws. These cannabis-related SARs are divided into three categories - cannabis limited, cannabis priority, and cannabis terminated - based on the financial institution’s belief that the business in question follows state law, is operating outside of compliance with state law, or where the banking relationship has been terminated, respectively.

The FinCEN Memorandum states that in some circumstances, it is permissible for banks to provide services to cannabis-related businesses without risking prosecution for violation of federal money laundering laws. It refers to supplementary guidance included in the Cole Memorandum.

The rescission of the Cole Memorandum has not yet affected the status of the FinCEN Memorandum, nor has the Department of the Treasury given any indication that it intends to rescind the FinCEN Memorandum itself.

Although the FinCEN Memorandum remains intact, it is unclear whether the current administration will continue to follow the guidelines of the FinCEN Memorandum. The DOJ continues to have the right and power to prosecute crimes committed by banks and financial institutions, such as money laundering and violations of the Bank Secrecy Act, that occur in any state including states that have in some form legalized the sale of cannabis. Further, the conduct of the DOJ’s enforcement priorities could change for any number of reasons. A change in the DOJ’s priorities could result in the DOJ’s prosecuting banks and financial institutions for crimes that were not previously prosecuted.

If any of the operations of High Street or any of the Subsidiaries, or any proceeds thereof, any dividend distributions or any profits or revenues derived from these operations were found to be in violation of money laundering legislation or otherwise, such transactions may be viewed as proceeds from a crime under one or more of the statutes noted above. This may restrict the ability of the Company, High Street or any of the Subsidiaries to declare or pay dividends or effect other distributions.

Restricted Access to Banking

In February 2014, FinCEN issued the FinCEN Memorandum (which is not law) which provides guidance with respect to financial institutions providing banking services to cannabis business, including burdensome due diligence expectations and reporting requirements. This guidance does not provide any safe harbors or legal defenses from examination or regulatory or criminal enforcement actions by the DOJ, FinCEN or other federal regulators. Thus, most banks and other financial institutions in the United States do not appear to be comfortable providing banking services to cannabis-related businesses, or relying on this guidance, which can be amended or revoked at any time by the executive branch. In addition to the foregoing, banks may refuse to process debit card payments and credit card companies generally refuse to process credit card payments for cannabis-

related businesses. As a result, the Company may have limited or no access to banking or other financial services in the United States. In addition, federal money laundering statutes and Bank Secrecy Act regulations discourage financial institutions from working with any organization that sells a controlled substance, regardless of whether the state it resides in permits cannabis sales. While the United States House of Representatives has passed the SAFE Banking Act, which would permit commercial banks to offer services to cannabis companies that are in compliance with state law, it remains under consideration by the Senate, and if Congress fails to pass the SAFE Banking Act, the Company’s inability, or limitations on the Company’s ability, to open or maintain bank accounts, obtain other banking services and/or accept credit card and debit card payments may make it difficult for the Company to operate and conduct its business as planned or to operate efficiently.

Lack of Access to U.S. Bankruptcy Protections; Other Bankruptcy Risks

Because cannabis remains illegal under U.S. federal law, many courts have denied cannabis businesses bankruptcy protections, thus making it very difficult for lenders to recoup their investments in the cannabis industry in the event of a bankruptcy. If the Company, High Street or any of the Subsidiaries were to experience a bankruptcy, there is no guarantee that U.S. federal bankruptcy protections would be available, which would have a material adverse effect.

Additionally, there is no guarantee that the Company will be able to effectively enforce its interests in High Street and its underlying Subsidiaries. A bankruptcy or other similar event related to an investment of the Company that precludes a party from performing its obligations under an agreement may have a material adverse effect on the Company. In addition, bankruptcy or other similar proceedings are often a complex and lengthy process, the outcome of which may be uncertain and could result in a material adverse effect on the Company.

Heightened Scrutiny by Canadian Authorities

Because cannabis is illegal under U.S. federal law, the business, operations and investments of the Company, High Street and the Subsidiaries in the U.S., and any future businesses, operations and investments, may become the subject of heightened scrutiny by securities regulators, stock exchanges and other authorities in Canada. As a result, the Company may be subject to significant direct and indirect interaction with Canadian public officials. There can be no assurance that this heightened scrutiny will not in turn lead to the imposition of certain restrictions on the Company’s ability to invest or hold interests in other entities in the U.S. or any other jurisdiction, or have consequences for its stock exchange listing or Canadian reporting obligations, in addition to those described herein. See “The Company’s Business Activities are Illegal under U.S. Federal Law”.

On February 8, 2018, the Canadian Securities Administrators published Staff Notice 51-352 - Issuers with U.S. Marijuana-Related Activities (“Staff Notice 51-352”) describing the Canadian Securities Administrators’ disclosure expectations for specific risks facing issuers with cannabis-related activities in the U.S. Staff Notice 51-352 confirms that a disclosure-based approach remains appropriate for issuers with U.S. cannabis-related activities. Staff Notice 51-352 includes additional disclosure expectations that apply to all issuers with U.S. cannabis-related activities, including those with direct and indirect involvement in the cultivation and distribution of cannabis, as well as issuers that provide goods and services to third parties involved in the U.S. cannabis industry.

CDS Clearing and Depository Services Inc. (“CDS”) is Canada’s central securities depository, clearing and settling trades in the Canadian equity, fixed income and money markets. On February 8, 2018, following discussions with the Canadian Securities Administrators and recognized Canadian securities exchanges, the TMX Group, which is the owner and operator of CDS, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Aequitas NEO Exchange Inc., the CSE and the Toronto Stock Exchange confirming that it relies on such exchanges to review the conduct of listed issuers. The MOU notes that securities regulation requires that the rules of each of the exchanges must not be contrary to the public interest and that the rules of each of the exchanges have been approved by the securities regulators. Pursuant to the MOU, CDS will not ban accepting deposits of or transactions for clearing and settlement of securities of issuers with cannabis-related activities in the U.S.

Even though the MOU indicated that there are no plans of banning the settlement of securities of issuers with U.S. cannabis related activities through CDS, there can be no guarantee that the settlement of securities 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 Fixed Shares and Floating Shares to make and settle trades. In particular, the Fixed Shares and Floating Shares would become highly illiquid until an alternative (if available) was implemented, and investors would have no ability to effect a trade of the Fixed Shares and Floating Shares through the facilities of a stock exchange.

Constraints on Marketing Products

The development of the Company’s business and operating results may be hindered by applicable restrictions on sales and marketing activities imposed by government regulatory bodies for products containing cannabis or ingredients derived from

cannabis, including but not limited, to the FDA, the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) and state regulatory agencies that may institute new regulatory requirements. The regulatory environment in the United States limits the Company’s ability to compete for market share in a manner similar to other industries. 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 its products, the Company’s sales and operating results could be adversely affected.

Reliance on Management or Consulting Services Agreements with Subsidiaries and Affiliates

The Company’s Subsidiaries and other affiliates provide assistance and advice regarding the medicinal cannabis business in certain cases through management services agreements entered into with state-licensed entities. Under such agreements, the Subsidiaries and affiliates perform certain management and operational services. In exchange for providing these services, the subsidiaries and affiliates receive management fees which are a key source of revenue for the Company. Payment of such fees is dependent on the continuing validity and enforceability of the relevant management services agreements. If such agreements are found to be invalid or unenforceable by regulators, whether on the basis that they relate to activities that are illegal under U.S. federal law or otherwise, or are terminated by the counter-party, this could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, prospects, financial condition, and operating results.

European Anti-Money Laundering Laws and Regulation

European laws, regulations and their enforcement, particularly those pertaining to anti-money laundering, relating to making and/or holding investments in cannabis-related practices or activities are in flux and vary dramatically from jurisdiction to jurisdiction across Europe (including without limitation, the United Kingdom). The enforcement of these laws and regulations and their effect on shareholders are uncertain and involve considerable risk. In the event that any of the Company’s operations, or any proceeds thereof, any dividends or distributions therefrom, or any profits or revenues accruing from such operations are found to be in violation of such laws or regulation, such transactions (including holding of shares in the Company) could expose any shareholder(s) in that jurisdiction to potential prosecution and/or criminal and civil sanction.

Tax Risks Related to Controlled Substances

Limits on U.S. deductibility of certain expenses may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Section 280E (“Section 280E”) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) prohibits businesses from deducting certain expenses associated with the trafficking of controlled substances (within the meaning of Schedule I and II of the CSA). IRS has applied Section 280E in tax audits against various cannabis businesses in the U.S. that are permitted under applicable 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. While there are currently several pending cases before various administrative and federal courts challenging these restrictions, there is no guarantee that these courts will issue an interpretation of Section 280E that is favorable to cannabis businesses.

If our tax filing positions were to be challenged by federal, state and local or foreign tax jurisdictions, we may not be wholly successful in defending our tax filing positions. We record reserves for unrecognized tax benefits based on our assessment of the probability of successfully sustaining tax filing positions. Management exercises significant judgment when assessing the probability of successfully sustaining tax filing positions, and in determining whether a contingent tax liability should be recorded and, if so, estimating the amount. If our tax filing positions are successfully challenged, payments could be required that are in excess of reserved amounts or we may be required to reduce the carrying amount of our net deferred tax asset, either of which result could be significant to our financial condition or results of operations.

Emerging Growth Company Status

We are an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (the “JOBS Act”). Under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies can delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies. We have elected to use this exemption from new or revised accounting standards and, therefore, we will not be subject to the same new or revised accounting standards as other public companies.

For as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we intend to take advantage of certain other exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies including, but not limited to, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our 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. We cannot predict if investors will find our Fixed Shares and Floating Shares less

attractive because we will rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our Fixed Shares and Floating Shares less attractive as a result, then there may be a less active trading market for our Fixed Shares and Floating Shares and our stock price may be more volatile.

We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of (i) the last day of the year in which we have total annual gross revenue of $1.07 billion or more; (ii) the last day of the year following the fifth anniversary of the first sale of the common equity securities pursuant to an effective registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), expected to be December 31, 2024; (iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in nonconvertible debt during the previous three years; or (iv) the date on which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer under the rules of the SEC.

Limited Trademark Protection

The Subsidiaries will not be able to register any U.S. federal trademarks in classes covering their cannabis-related products or services under the current state of federal law. Because producing, manufacturing, processing, possessing, distributing, and selling cannabis is illegal under the CSA, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will not permit the registration of any trademark that does not comply with the CSA. As a result, the Subsidiaries will unlikely be able to protect their cannabis product trademarks beyond the geographic areas in which they conduct business pursuant to the relevant state’s law. The use of such trademarks outside the states in which the Subsidiaries operate by one or more other persons could have a material adverse effect on the value of such trademarks.

Civil Asset Forfeiture

Because the cannabis industry remains illegal under U.S. federal law, any real or personal property owned by participants in the cannabis industry, such as the Company, High Street and the Subsidiaries, which is used in the course of conducting such business, or any property or monies deemed to be proceeds of an illegal cannabis business, could be subject to seizure by law enforcement and subsequent civil asset forfeiture, even in the absence of a criminal charge or conviction.

FDA Regulation

Cannabis containing more than 0.3% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) remains a Schedule I controlled substance under U.S. federal law. If the federal government reclassifies cannabis to a Schedule II controlled substance, it is possible that the FDA would regulate it under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938 or under the Public Health Service Act. If regulated by the FDA as a drug, clinical trials would be needed to demonstrate efficacy and safety. It is also possible that the FDA would require that facilities where medical-use cannabis is grown register with the FDA and comply with certain federally prescribed regulations.

The FDA could turn its attention to the cannabis industry especially relating to claims of concern. In the event that some or all of these regulations or enforcement actions are imposed, what the impact this would have on the cannabis industry is unknown, including what costs, requirements and possible prohibitions may be enforced. If the Subsidiaries are unable to comply with the regulations or registration as prescribed by the FDA, it may have an adverse effect on the business, operating results and financial condition of the Company and/or High Street.

On January 26, 2023 the FDA announced that it would not be promulgating regulations for the use of CBD in foods, beverages or supplements until a new regulatory framework, implemented in tandem with Congress, is established. In its release FDA noted that based upon available evidence, it is not apparent how CBD products could meet safety standards for dietary supplements or food additives, and that therefore it did not intend to pursue rulemaking allowing the use of CBD in dietary supplements or conventional foods. It also noted that FDA would continue to take action against CBD and other cannabis-derived products to protect the public, in coordination with state regulatory partners, and would remain diligent in monitoring the marketplace, identifying products that pose risks and taking appropriate enforcement actions within its authority. FDA has also issued warning letters to companies marketing e-liquids containing CBD and other cannabinoids that have not submitted and obtained premarket authorization for these products.

Laws and Regulations Affecting the Industry in which the Company Operates are Constantly Changing

The constant evolution of laws and regulations affecting the cannabis industry could detrimentally affect the Company. The current and proposed operations of the Subsidiaries are subject to a variety of local, state and federal medical cannabis laws and regulations relating to the manufacture, management, transportation, storage and disposal of cannabis, as well as laws and

regulations relating to consumable products health and safety, the conduct of operations and the protection of the environment. These laws and regulations are broad in scope and subject to evolving interpretations, which could require the Company, High Street or the Subsidiaries to incur substantial costs associated with compliance or alter certain aspects of their business plans. In addition, violations of these laws, or allegations of such violations, could disrupt certain aspects of the business plans of the Company, High Street or the Subsidiaries and result in a material adverse effect on certain aspects of their planned operations. These laws and regulations are rapidly evolving and subject to change with minimal notice. Regulatory changes may adversely affect the Company's profitability or cause it to cease operations entirely. The cannabis industry may come under scrutiny or further scrutiny by the FDA, USDA, DEA, IRS, SEC, the DOJ, the Financial Industry Regulatory Advisory or other federal or applicable state or nongovernmental regulatory authorities or self-regulatory organizations that supervise or regulate the production, distribution, sale or use of cannabis and related cannabinoid compounds for medical or adult-use purposes in the United States. It is impossible to determine the extent of the impact of any new laws, regulations or initiatives that may be proposed, or whether any proposals will become law. The regulatory uncertainty surrounding the industry may adversely affect the business and operations of the Company, including without limitation, the costs to remain compliant with applicable laws and the impairment of its business or the ability to raise additional capital. In addition, the Company will not be able to predict the nature of any future laws, regulations, interpretations or applications, and it is possible that regulations may be enacted in the future that will be directly applicable to its business. For example, see the “Risk Factors - Heightened Scrutiny by Canadian Authorities” related to CDS above.

Limitation on Ownership of Licenses

In certain states, the cannabis laws and regulations limit, not only the number of cannabis licenses issued, but also the number of cannabis licenses that one person may own. For example, in Massachusetts, no person may have an ownership interest, or control over, more than three license holders in any category - cultivation, processing or dispensing. In Maryland, the Department of Health has taken the position that the law prevents having a material ownership interest in more than one license holder in any one of these three categories. In New Jersey, there are restrictions on overlapping ownership of license holders. In Florida, there are also limitations on owning more than one of the vertically-integrated medical cannabis licenses offered in that state. 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 consulting services, franchising and similar arrangement with other operators. Nevertheless, such limitations on the acquisition of ownership of additional licenses within certain states may limit the Company’s ability to grow organically or to increase its market share in such states.

Risks Related to the Company’s Operations

Unfavorable Publicity or Consumer Perception

The legal cannabis industry in the U.S. is at an early stage of its development. Cannabis has been, and is expected to continue to be, a controlled substance for the foreseeable future. Consumer perceptions regarding legality, morality, consumption, safety, efficacy and quality of cannabis are mixed and evolving. Consumer perception can be significantly influenced by scientific research or findings, regulatory investigations, litigation, media attention and other publicity regarding the consumption of cannabis products. There can be no assurance that future scientific research, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention or other research findings or publicity will be favorable to the cannabis market or any particular product, or consistent with earlier publicity. Future research reports, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention or other publicity that are perceived as less favorable than, or that question, earlier research reports, findings or publicity could have a material adverse effect on the demand for cannabis and on the business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows of the Subsidiaries and accordingly High Street and the Company. Further, adverse publicity, reports or other media attention regarding cannabis in general, or associating the consumption of cannabis with illness or other negative effects or events, could have such a material adverse effect.

Public opinion and support for medical and adult-use cannabis use has traditionally been inconsistent and varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. While public opinion and support appears to be rising for legalizing medical and adult-use cannabis, it remains a controversial issue subject to differing opinions surrounding the level of legalization (for example, medical cannabis as opposed to legalization in general).

The ability to gain and increase market acceptance of the Subsidiaries’ products may require the Company, High Street and/or the Subsidiaries to establish and maintain its brand name and reputation. In order to do so, substantial expenditures on product development, strategic relationships and marketing initiatives may be required. There can be no assurance that these initiatives will be successful and their failure may have an adverse effect on the Company, High Street and/or the Subsidiaries.

Further, a shift in public opinion may also result in a significant influence over the regulation of the cannabis industry in Canada, the U.S. or elsewhere. A negative shift in the perception of the public with respect to medical cannabis in the U.S. or

any other applicable jurisdiction could affect future legislation or regulation. Among other things, such a shift could cause state jurisdictions to abandon initiatives or proposals to legalize medical 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 its business, financial condition and results of operations.

Limited Operating History

The Company presently generates losses, and will only start generating profits in future periods if at all, and accordingly, the Company is therefore expected to remain subject to many of the risks common to early-stage enterprises for the foreseeable future, including challenges related to laws, regulations, licensing, integrating and retaining qualified employees; making effective use of limited resources; achieving market acceptance of existing and future solutions; competing against companies with greater financial and technical resources; acquiring and retaining customers; and developing new solutions. There can be no assurance that the Subsidiaries will be successful in addressing these risks, and the failure to do so in any one area could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

Competition with the Company

The Company faces intense competition from other companies, some of which have longer operating histories and more financial resources and experience than the Company. Increased competition by larger and better financed competitors could materially and adversely affect the business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of the Company.

Because of the early stage of the industry in which the Company operates, the Company expects to face additional competition from new entrants. To become and remain competitive, the Company will require research and development, marketing, sales and support. In addition, the Company will have to establish and leverage best practices, standardize operating procedures and generate operational efficiencies through services shared among the Subsidiaries and other organizational methodologies. Pressure from the Company’s competitors may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects.

Competition with the Subsidiaries

The Subsidiaries face intense competition from other companies, some of which have longer operating histories and more financial resources and experience than the Subsidiaries. Currently, the cannabis industry is generally comprised of individuals and small to medium-sized entities; however, the risk remains that large conglomerates and companies who also recognize the potential for financial success through investment in this industry could strategically purchase or assume control of larger dispensaries, processing plants and cultivation facilities. In doing so, these larger competitors could establish price setting and cost controls which would effectively “price out” many of the individuals and small to medium-sized entities who currently make up the bulk of the participants in the varied businesses operating within and in support of the medical and adult-use cannabis industry. Competition between companies in the cannabis industry also relies heavily on the ability to attract community support.

Because of the early stage of the industry in which the Subsidiaries operate, the Company expects the Subsidiaries to face additional competition from new entrants. To become and remain competitive, the Subsidiaries will require research and development, marketing, sales and support. The Company may not have sufficient resources to maintain research and development, marketing, sales and support efforts on a competitive basis which could materially and adversely affect the business, financial condition and results of operations of the Subsidiaries and, in turn, the Company.

In addition, medical cannabis products compete against other healthcare drugs and a high volume of cannabis continues to be sold illegally on the illicit market.

Dependence on Performance of Subsidiaries

The Company is dependent on the operations, assets and financial health of the Subsidiaries. Accordingly, if the financial performance of any Subsidiary declines this will adversely affect the Company’s investment in such Subsidiary, the ability to realize a return on such investment and the financial results of the Company. The Company will conduct due diligence on each new entity prior to making any investment. Nonetheless, there is a risk that there may be some liabilities or other matters that are not identified through the due diligence or ongoing monitoring that may have an adverse effect on the business, and this could have a material adverse impact on the business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of the Company.

Competition from Synthetic Production and Technological Advances

The pharmaceutical industry may attempt to dominate the cannabis industry, and in particular, legal cannabis, through the development and distribution of synthetic products which emulate the effects and treatment of organic cannabis. If they are successful, the widespread popularity of such synthetic products could change the demand, volume and profitability of the cannabis industry. This could materially adversely affect the ability of the Company to secure long-term profitability and success through the sustainable and profitable operation of its business. There may be unknown additional regulatory fees and taxes that may be assessed in the future.

Ability to Identify Investments

A key element of the Company’s growth strategy will in part involve identifying and making acquisitions of interests in, or the businesses of, entities involved in the legal cannabis industry. The Company’s ability to identify such potential acquisition opportunities and make debt and/or equity investments is not guaranteed. Achieving the benefits of future acquisitions will depend in part on successfully identifying and capturing such opportunities in a timely and efficient manner and in structuring such arrangements to ensure a stable and growing stream of revenues.

Risks Associated with Failure to Manage Growth Effectively

The growth of High Street and the Company has placed and may continue to place significant demands on management and their operational and financial infrastructures. As the operations of the Company, High Street and the Subsidiaries grow in size, scope and complexity and as new opportunities are identified and pursued, the Company and High Street may need to increase in scale its infrastructure (financial, management, informational, personnel and otherwise). In addition, the Company will need to effectively execute on business opportunities and continue to build on and deploy its corporate development and marketing assets as well as access sufficient new capital, as may be required. The ability of the Company and High Street to successfully complete the proposed acquisitions and to capitalize on other growth opportunities may redirect the limited resources of the Company and/or High Street and require expansion of its infrastructure. This will require the commitment of financial, operational and technical resources in advance of an increase in the volume of business, with no assurance that the volume of business will increase.

There can be no assurance that the Company or High Street will be able to respond adequately or quickly enough to the changing demands that its proposed acquisition plans will impose on management, team members and existing infrastructure, and changes to the operating structure of the Company and High Street may result in increased costs or inefficiencies that cannot be anticipated. Changes as the Company and High Street grow may have a negative impact on their operations, and cost increases resulting from the inability to effectively manage its growth could adversely impact its profitability. In addition, continued growth could also strain the ability to maintain reliable service levels for its clients, develop and approve its operational, financial and management controls, enhance its reporting systems and procedures and recruit, train and retain highly-skilled personnel. Failure to effectively manage growth could result in difficulty or delays in servicing clients, declines in quality or client satisfaction, increases in costs, difficulties in introducing new products or applications or other operational difficulties, and any of these difficulties could adversely impact the business performance and results of operations of the Company and High Street.

Future Material Acquisitions or Dispositions of Strategic Transactions

Material acquisitions, dispositions and other strategic transactions involve a number of risks, including: (i) potential disruption of the Company’s ongoing business, (ii) distraction of management, (iii) the Company may become more financially leveraged, (iv) the anticipated benefits and cost savings of those transactions may not be realized fully or at all or may take longer to realize than expected, (v) increasing the scope and complexity of the Company’s operations, and (vi) loss or reduction of control over certain of the Company’s assets. Additionally, the Company or High Street may issue additional equity interests in connection with such transactions, which would dilute a shareholder’s holdings in the Company.

Proposed Transactions

The Company’s proposed transactions are subject to certain conditions, many of which are outside of the control of the Company and there can be no assurance that they will be completed, on a timely basis or at all. As a consequence, there is a risk that one or more of the proposed transactions will not close in a timely fashion or at all. If one or more of the proposed transactions is not completed for any reason, the ongoing business of the Company may be adversely affected and, without realizing any of the benefits of having completed such transactions, the Company will be subject to a number of risks, including, without limitation, (i) the Company may experience negative reactions from the financial markets, including negative

impacts on the Company’s stock price, (ii) in the case of a proposed acquisition, the Company may need to find an alternative use of any capital earmarked for such proposed acquisitions, (iii) in the case of a proposed disposition, the Company will not receive the anticipated proceeds of such disposition and accordingly may not be able to execute on other business opportunities for which such proceeds have been earmarked, and (iv) matters relating to the proposed transactions will require substantial commitments of time and resources by management of the Company which would otherwise have been devoted to day-to-day operations and other opportunities that may have been beneficial to the Company.

If one or more of the proposed transactions are not completed, the risks described above may materialize and they may adversely affect the business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects and stock price of the Company.

Ability to Access Public and Private Capital

The Company may require equity and/or debt financing to finance operations, undertake capital expenditures or to undertake acquisitions or other transactions. If the Company is required to access capital markets to carry out its development objectives, the state of capital markets and other financial systems could affect the Company’s access to, and cost of, capital. There can be no assurance that additional financing will be available to the Company when needed or on terms that are commercially viable.

The Company may have access to equity financing from the public capital markets in Canada and the U.S. by virtue of its status as a reporting issuer in each of the provinces of Canada (other than Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island and Quebec), and under the Exchange Act. The Company also may have access to equity and debt financing from the prospectus exempt (private placement) markets in Canada and the U.S. The Company also has relationships with sources of private capital (such as funds and high net worth individuals) that could be investigated at a higher cost of capital. While the Company is not able to obtain bank financing in the U.S. or financing from other U.S. federally regulated entities, it currently has access to equity financing through the public and private markets in Canada and the U.S., and to debt financing in the U.S. through certain specialty lenders.

However, additional equity financing may be dilutive to shareholders of the Company and could involve the sale of securities with rights and preferences superior to those of the Fixed Shares or the Floating Shares. Debt financing may involve restrictions on the Company’s financing and operating activities. Debt financing may be convertible into other securities of the Company or involve the issuance of equity fees, either of which may result in immediate or resulting dilution. In either case, additional financing may not be available to the Company on acceptable terms or at all. If the Company is unable to raise additional funds as needed, the scope of its operations or growth may be reduced and, as a result, the Company may be unable to fulfill its long-term goals. In this case, investors may lose all or part of their investment. Any default under such debt instruments could have a material adverse effect on the Company, its business or the results of operations.

Investments May be Pre-Revenue

The Company may make investments in companies with no significant sources of operating cash flow and no revenue from operations. The Company’s investment in such companies are subject to risks and uncertainties that new companies with no operating history may face. In particular, there is a risk that the Company’s investment in these pre-revenue companies will not be able to meet anticipated revenue targets or generate no revenue at all. The risk is that underperforming pre-revenue companies may lead to these businesses failing which could have a materially adverse impact on the business, financial condition and operating results of the Company.

Enforceability of Judgments Against Subsidiaries

High Street and the Subsidiaries are organized under the laws of various U.S. states. All of the assets of these entities are located outside of Canada and certain of the experts retained by the Company or its affiliates are residents of countries other than Canada. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for shareholders of the Company to effect service within Canada upon such persons, or to realize against them in Canada upon judgments of courts of Canada predicated upon the civil liability

provisions of applicable Canadian provincial securities laws or otherwise. There is some doubt as to the enforceability in the U.S. by a court in original actions, or in actions to enforce judgments of Canadian courts, of civil liabilities predicated upon such applicable Canadian provincial securities laws or otherwise. A court in the U.S. may refuse to hear a claim based on a violation of Canadian provincial securities laws or otherwise on the grounds that such jurisdiction is not the most appropriate forum to bring such a claim. Even if a court in the U.S. agrees to hear a claim, it may determine that the local law in the U.S., 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. Certain matters of procedure will also be governed by U.S. law in such circumstances.

Research and Market Development

Although the Company through High Street and the Subsidiaries, will be committed to researching and developing new markets and products and improving existing products, there can be no assurances that such research and market development activities will prove profitable or that the resulting markets and/or products, if any, will be commercially viable or successfully produced and marketed.

Due to the early stage of the legal cannabis industry, forecasts regarding the size of the industry and the sales of products by the Subsidiaries is inherently subject to significant unreliability. A failure in the demand for 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 and financial condition of High Street and the Subsidiaries, and consequently, the Company.

Our sales are difficult to forecast.

As a result of recent and ongoing regulatory and policy changes in the medical and adult use cannabis industries and unreliable levels of market supply, the market data available is limited and unreliable. We must rely largely on our own market research to forecast sales, as detailed forecasts are not generally obtainable from other sources in the states in which our business operates. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, we analyzed our inventory balances, and recorded wholesale inventory adjustments as a result of (i) having excess inventory and (ii) reducing the carrying value to ensure inventory balances are properly recorded at the lower of cost and net realizable value. We recognized $9,624 of wholesale inventory adjustments within Cost of goods sold, wholesale on the Statements of Operations for the fiscal year. Additionally, any market research and our projections of estimated total retail sales, demographics, demand and similar consumer research, are based on assumptions from limited and unreliable market data. A failure in the demand for our products to materialize as a result of competition, technological change or other factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Results of Future Clinical Research

Research in Canada, the U.S. and internationally regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, dosing and social acceptance of cannabis or isolated cannabinoids (such as CBD and THC), and associated terpenoids remains in early stages. There have been relatively few clinical trials on the benefits of cannabis or isolated cannabinoids (such as CBD and THC). Although the Company believes that the articles, reports and studies support its beliefs regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, risks, efficacy, dosing and social acceptance of cannabis, future basic research and clinical trials may prove such statements to be incorrect, or could raise concerns regarding, and perceptions relating to, cannabis. Future research studies and clinical trials may reach negative conclusions regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, dosing, social acceptance or other facts and perceptions related to cannabis, which could have a material adverse effect on the demand for the Company’s products with the potential to lead to a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects.

Environmental Risk and Regulation

The operations of the Company, High Street and the Subsidiaries are subject to environmental regulation in the various jurisdictions in which they operate. These regulations mandate, among other things, the maintenance of air and water quality standards and land reclamation. They also set forth limitations on the generation, transportation, storage and disposal of solid and hazardous waste. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner that will require stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects and a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and their officers, directors (or the equivalent thereof) and employees. There is no assurance that future changes in environmental regulation, if any, will not adversely affect the operations of the Company, High Street or the Subsidiaries.

Governmental Approvals and Permits and Laws

Government approvals and permits are currently, and may in the future be, required in connection with the operations of the Company, High Street or the Subsidiaries. To the extent such approvals are required and not obtained, the Company, High Street or any of the Subsidiaries may be curtailed or prohibited from their production of medical and adult-use cannabis or from proceeding with the development of their operations as currently proposed.

Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permitting requirements may result in enforcement actions thereunder, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities causing operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment, or remedial actions. The Subsidiaries may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of their operations and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violations of applicable laws or regulations.

The Subsidiaries may not be able to obtain or maintain the necessary licenses, permits, certificates, authorizations or accreditations to operate their respective businesses, or may only be able to do so at great cost. In addition, the Subsidiaries may not be able to comply fully with the wide variety of laws and regulations applicable to the cannabis industry. Failure to comply with or to obtain the necessary licenses, permits, certificates, authorizations or accreditations could result in restrictions on a Subsidiary’s ability to operate in the cannabis industry, which could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations and financial condition of the Company, High Street and/or the Subsidiaries.

Amendments to current laws, regulations and permits governing the production of medical and adult-use cannabis, or more stringent implementation thereof, could have a material adverse impact on the Company, High Street or any of the Subsidiaries and cause increases in expenses, capital expenditures or production costs or reduction in levels of production or require abandonment or delays in development.

Enforceability of Contracts

Since cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, courts in multiple U.S. states have on several occasions found cannabis-related contracts unenforceable due to illegality under federal law, even in the absence of any violation of state law. Therefore, there is uncertainty that the Company, High Street or any of the Subsidiaries will be able to legally enforce their respective material agreements.

Liability and Enforcement Complaints

The participation of the Company, High Street or the Subsidiaries in the cannabis industry may lead to litigation, formal or informal complaints, enforcement actions, and inquiries by various federal, state, or local governmental authorities against the Company, High Street or any of the Subsidiaries. Litigation, complaints, and enforcement actions could consume considerable amounts of financial and other corporate resources, which could have an adverse effect on the future cash flows, earnings, results of operations and financial condition of the Company, High Street or any of the Subsidiaries.

Service Providers

As a result of any adverse change to the approach in enforcement of the U.S. cannabis laws, adverse regulatory or political changes, additional scrutiny by regulatory authorities, adverse changes in the public perception in respect to the consumption of cannabis or otherwise, third-party service providers to the Company, High Street or any of the Subsidiaries could suspend or withdraw their services, which may have a material adverse effect on the business, revenues, operating results, financial condition or prospects of the Company, High Street or any of the Subsidiaries.

Reliance on Management or Consulting Services Agreements with Subsidiaries and Affiliates

The Subsidiaries and other affiliates provide assistance and advice in the medicinal cannabis business in certain cases through management or consulting services agreements entered into with state-licensed entities. Under such agreements, the Subsidiaries and affiliates perform certain operational or administrative services. In exchange for providing these services, the Subsidiaries and affiliates receive management fees which are a source of revenue. Payment of such fees is dependent on the continuing validity and enforceability of the relevant agreements.

Product Liability

Certain of the Subsidiaries manufacture, process and/or distribute products designed to be ingested by humans, and therefore face an inherent risk of exposure to product liability claims, regulatory action and litigation if products are alleged to have caused significant loss or injury. In addition, the manufacture and sale of cannabis products involve the risk of injury to consumers due to tampering by unauthorized third parties or product contamination. Previously unknown adverse reactions resulting from human consumption of cannabis products alone or in combination with other medications or substances could occur. The Company, High Street and/or the Subsidiaries may be subject to various product liability claims, including, among others, that the products produced by them caused injury or illness, include inadequate instructions for use or include inadequate warnings concerning possible side effects or interactions with other substances. A product liability claim or regulatory action could result in increased costs, could adversely affect the reputation of the Company, High Street or any of the Subsidiaries, and could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations and financial condition of the Company, High Street or any of the Subsidiaries. There can be no assurances that product liability insurance will be obtained or maintained on acceptable terms or with adequate coverage against potential liabilities.

Product Recalls

Cultivators, manufacturers and distributors of products are sometimes subject to the recall or return of their products for a variety of reasons, including product defects, such as contamination, unintended harmful side effects or interactions with other substances, packaging safety and inadequate or inaccurate labeling disclosure. If any of the products produced by the Subsidiaries are recalled due to an alleged product defect or for any other reason, the Subsidiaries could be required to incur the unexpected expense of the recall and any legal proceedings that might arise in connection with the recall and may lose a significant amount of sales and may not be able to replace those sales at an acceptable margin or at all. Additionally, if one of the products produced by a Subsidiary were subject to recall, the image of that product and the Subsidiary and potentially the Company could be harmed. A recall for any of the foregoing reasons could lead to decreased demand for products produced by the Subsidiaries and could have a material adverse effect on their results of operations and financial condition as well as those of the Company.

Risks Inherent in an Agricultural Business

Medical and adult-use cannabis is an agricultural product. There are risks inherent in the cultivation business, such as insects, plant diseases and similar agricultural risks.

Reliance on Key Inputs

The cultivation, extraction and processing of cannabis and derivative products is dependent on a number of key inputs and their related costs including raw materials, 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 and operating results of the Subsidiaries, and consequently, the Company. 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 relevant Subsidiary might be unable to find a replacement for such source in a timely manner or at all. Any inability to secure required supplies and services or to do so on appropriate terms could have a materially adverse impact on the business, financial condition and operating results of a Subsidiary, and consequently, the Company.

Rising or volatile energy costs may adversely impact the business of the Subsidiaries and their ability to operate profitably which may, in turn, adversely impact the Company.

Key Personnel

The success of the Company will depend on the abilities, experience, efforts and industry knowledge of senior management and other key employees of the Company and High Street. If one or more of the executive officers or key personnel of the Company, High Street or the Subsidiaries were unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions, the Company, High Street or the relevant Subsidiary, as applicable, might not be able to replace them easily or at all. The long-term loss of the services of any key personnel for any reason could have a material adverse effect on business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of the Company. In addition, if any of the executive officers or key employees of the Company, High

Street or the Subsidiaries joins a competitor or forms a competing company, the Company, High Street or the relevant Subsidiary may lose know-how, key professionals and staff members. Further, the hiring of any officer and the nomination of any director to the board of directors of the Company is subject to such proposed officer or director satisfying the criteria agreed to with Canopy Growth in the Existing Arrangement Agreement or otherwise obtaining prior written consent from Canopy Growth.

Talent Pool

As the Company, High Street and the Subsidiaries grow, they will need to hire additional human resources to continue to develop their businesses. However, experienced talent in the areas of medical cannabis research and development, growing cannabis and extraction is difficult to source, and there can be no assurance that the appropriate individuals will be available or affordable. Additionally, we have incurred and expect to continue to incur increased labor costs and experience staffing challenges. Without adequate personnel and expertise, the growth of the business of the Company, High Street or the Subsidiaries may suffer. There can be no assurance that any of the Company, High Street or the Subsidiaries will be able to effectively manage growth, and any failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of the Company, High Street or the Subsidiaries.

Fraudulent or Illegal Activity by Employees, Contractors and Consultants

The Company, High Street and the Subsidiaries are exposed to the risk that any of their employees, independent contractors, consultants or business counterparties 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, High Street or any Subsidiary that violates, (i) government regulations, (ii) manufacturing standards, (iii) federal and state 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, High Street or the Subsidiaries 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, High Street or the Subsidiaries 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, High Street or any of the Subsidiaries, and it is not successful in defending itself or asserting its rights, those actions could have a significant impact on the business of the Company, High Street or the Subsidiaries, 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 operations of the Company, High Street or the Subsidiaries, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of the Company, High Street or any of the Subsidiaries.

Intellectual Property

The success of the Company will depend, in part, on the ability of the Subsidiaries to maintain and enhance trade secret protection over their existing and potential proprietary techniques and processes. The Subsidiaries may be vulnerable to competitors who develop competing technology, whether independently or as a result of acquiring access to the proprietary products and trade secrets of the Subsidiaries, notwithstanding the Subsidiaries’ use and enforcement of non-disclosure and non-compete agreements. In addition, effective future patent, copyright and trade secret protection may be unavailable or limited in certain foreign countries and may be unenforceable under the laws of certain jurisdictions. Failure of the Subsidiaries to adequately maintain and enhance protection over their proprietary techniques and processes could have a materially adverse impact on the business, financial condition and operating results of the Company.

The Company May be Exposed to Infringement or Misappropriation Claims by Third Parties

The Company’s success may likely depend on the ability of the Subsidiaries to use and develop new extraction technologies, recipes, know-how and new strains of cannabis without infringing the intellectual property rights of third parties. The Company cannot ensure that third parties will not assert intellectual property claims against it. The Company is subject to additional risks if entities licensing intellectual property to the Company do not have adequate rights in any such licensed materials. If third parties assert copyright or patent infringement or violation of other intellectual property rights against the Company, it will be required to defend itself in litigation or administrative proceedings, which can be both costly and time consuming and may significantly divert the efforts and resources of management personnel. An adverse determination in any such litigation or proceedings to which the Company may become a party could subject it to significant liability to third parties, require it to seek licenses from third parties, to pay ongoing royalties or subject the Company to injunctions prohibiting the development and operation of its products and services.

Insurance Coverage

There is a risk that a greater number of state regulatory agencies will begin requiring entities engaged in certain aspects of the business or industry of legal cannabis to post a bond or significant fees when applying for example for a dispensary license or renewal as a guarantee of payment of sales and franchise tax. The Company is not able to quantify at this time the potential scope for such bonds or fees in the states in which it currently or may in the future have operations. Any bonds or fees of material amounts could have a negative impact on the ultimate success of the business of the Subsidiaries and High Street, and consequently, the Company.

The Company’s business is subject to numerous risks and hazards generally, including adverse environmental conditions, accidents, labor 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 High Street 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 High Street and the Subsidiaries is not generally available on acceptable terms. The Company might also become subject to liability for pollution or other hazards which may not be insured against or which the Company may elect not to insure against because of premium costs or other reasons. Losses from these events may cause the Company to incur significant costs that could have a material adverse effect upon its business, results of operations, financial condition or prospects.

Litigation

Any of the Company, High Street or the Subsidiaries may become party to litigation from time to time in the ordinary course of business which could adversely affect their businesses. Should any litigation in which any of the Company, High Street or the Subsidiaries becomes involved result in a decision or verdict against them, such decision or verdict could materially adversely affect the ability of the Company, High Street or any Subsidiary to continue operating and could materially adversely impact the market price for Fixed Shares and Floating Shares as well as result in the expenditure of significant resources. Even if any of the Company, High Street or the Subsidiaries are involved in litigation and wins, litigation can redirect significant resources from business operations to prosecuting or defending such litigation, which can adversely affect the business, operations or financial condition of the Company, High Street and/or the Subsidiaries, as applicable.

Internal Controls

Effective internal controls are necessary for the Company to provide reliable financial reports and to help prevent fraud. Although the Company will implement a number of safeguards in efforts to ensure the reliability of its financial reports, including those imposed on the Company under U.S. and Canadian laws, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Company cannot be certain that such measures will ensure that the Company will maintain adequate control over financial reporting. Failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation, could harm the Company’s ability to meet its reporting obligations. If the Company or its auditors discover a material weakness, as we reported in Item 9A. of this Form 10-K, the disclosure of that fact, even if quickly remedied, could reduce the market’s confidence in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and adversely affect the trading price of the Fixed Shares and Floating Shares.

We are exposed to potential risks from legislation requiring companies to evaluate internal controls under Section 404(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. As an emerging growth company, we will be exempt from auditor attestation requirements concerning any such report so long as we are an emerging growth company. Management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on the framework established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Refer to Item 9A. Controls and Procedures for further discussion.

If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting in the future, we may not be able to accurately report our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, which may adversely affect investor confidence in us and, as a result, the value of our common stock.

This assessment needs to include disclosure of any material

weaknesses identified by our management in our internal control over financial reporting. A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control that results in more than a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. As a non-accelerated filer and an emerging growth company, we are currently exempt from auditor attestation requirements concerning any such report Management conducted an assessment, based on the framework established in the Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and concluded that internal controls over financial reporting were not effective as of December 31, 2023 due to a material weakness in controls. Refer to Item 9A.

Operational Risks

The Company, High Street and the Subsidiaries may be affected by a number of operational risks and may not be adequately insured for certain risks, including: labor disputes; catastrophic accidents; fires; blockades or other acts of social activism; changes in the regulatory environment; impact of non-compliance with laws and regulations; natural phenomena, such as inclement weather conditions, floods, earthquakes and ground movements. There is no assurance that the foregoing risks and hazards will not result in damage to, or destruction of, the Subsidiaries’ properties, dispensary facilities, grow facilities and extraction facilities, personal injury or death, environmental damage, or have an adverse impact on the Subsidiaries’ operations, costs, monetary losses, potential legal liability and adverse governmental action, any of which could have an adverse impact on the future cash flows, earnings and financial condition of the Company, High Street or the Subsidiaries. Also, the Subsidiaries may be subject to or affected by liability or sustain loss for certain risks and hazards against which they may elect not to insure because of the cost. This lack of insurance coverage could have an adverse impact on future cash flows, earnings, results of operations and financial condition of the Company, High Street or the Subsidiaries.

Conflicts of Interest

Certain of the Company’s directors and officers are, and may continue to be, involved in other business ventures through their direct and indirect participation in corporations, partnerships, joint ventures, etc. that may become potential competitors of the products and services the Company intends to provide. Situations may arise in connection with potential acquisitions or investment opportunities where the other interests of these directors and officers conflict with or diverge from the Company’s interests. In accordance with applicable corporate law, directors who have a material interest in or who are a party to a material contract or a proposed material contract with the Company are required, subject to certain exceptions, to disclose that interest and generally abstain from voting on any resolution to approve the contract. In addition, the directors and officers are required to act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Company. However, in conflict of interest situations, the Company’s directors and officers may owe the same duty to another company and will need to balance their competing interests with their duties to the Company. Circumstances (including with respect to future corporate opportunities) may arise that may be resolved in a manner that is unfavorable to the Company.

Effect of General Economic and Political Conditions

The business of each of the Company, High Street and the Subsidiaries, is subject to the impact of changes in national or North American economic conditions including, but not limited to, recessionary or inflationary trends, equity market conditions, consumer credit availability, interest rates, consumers’ disposable income and spending levels, job security and unemployment, and overall consumer confidence. These economic conditions may be further affected by political events throughout the world that cause disruptions in the financial markets, either directly or indirectly. Adverse economic and political developments could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of the Company, High Street and the Subsidiaries.

Information Technology Systems and Cyber Security Risk

The Subsidiaries’ use of technology is critical in their respective continued operations. The Subsidiaries are susceptible to operational, financial and information security risks resulting from cyber-attacks and/or technological malfunctions. Successful cyber-attacks and/or technological malfunctions affecting the Subsidiaries or their service providers can result in, among other things, financial losses, the inability to process transactions, the unauthorized release of customer information or confidential information and reputational risk.

The Subsidiaries have not experienced any material losses to date relating to cybersecurity attacks or other information breaches. However, there can be no assurance that the Subsidiaries will not incur such losses in the future. As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, the Subsidiaries may be required to use additional resources to continue to modify or enhance protective measures or to investigate security vulnerabilities.

Security Risks

The business premises of the Company’s operating locations may be targets for theft. While the Subsidiaries have implemented security measures at each location and continue to monitor and improve their security measures, their cultivation, processing and dispensary facilities could be subject to break-ins, robberies and other breaches in security. If there was a breach in security and a Subsidiary fell victim to a robbery or theft, the loss of cannabis plants, cannabis oils, cannabis flowers and cultivation and processing equipment could have a material adverse impact on the business, financial condition and results of operations of such Subsidiary and, consequentially, the Company and High Street.

As the Subsidiaries’ businesses involve the movement and transfer of cash which is collected from dispensaries or patients/customers and deposited into its bank, there is a risk of theft or robbery during the transport of cash. The Subsidiaries have engaged security firms to provide security in the transport and movement of large amounts of cash. While the Subsidiaries have taken robust steps to prevent theft or robbery of cash during transport, there can be no assurance that there will not be a security breach during the transport and the movement of cash involving the theft of product or cash.

Going Concern Risk

The Company will continually monitor its capital requirements based on its capital and operational needs and the economic environment and may raise new capital as necessary. The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern will depend on its ability to realize profits from High Street and or the ability to raise additional equity or debt in the private or public markets. While the Company and High Street have been successful in raising equity and debt to date, there can be no assurances that the Company will be successful in completing an equity or debt financing or in achieving profitability in the future.

Additionally, subsequent to year end the Company was in default of the Prime rate credit facilities due January 2026, as amended. Refer to Note 18 for further discussion. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Continuation as a going concern is dependent upon continued operations of the Company, which is dependent upon the Company’s ability to meet its financial requirements and the success of its future operations. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to the amount and classification of assets and liabilities that may be necessary should the Company not continue as a going concern.

However, management believes that substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to meet its obligations for the next twelve months from the date these financial statements were issued can be alleviated due to, but not limited to, (i) renewed sales growth from the Company’s consolidated operations, (ii) latitude as to the timing and amount of certain operating expenses as well as capital expenditures, (iii) expense reduction plans that have already been put in place to improve the Company’s results, and (iv) access to the U.S. and Canadian public equity markets.

Management also cannot provide any assurance as to unforeseen circumstances that could occur at any time within the next twelve months or thereafter which could increase the Company’s need to raise additional capital on an immediate basis.

Indemnification

The Company’s Articles provide that the Company will, to the fullest extent permitted by law, indemnify directors and officers for certain liabilities incurred by them by virtue of having been a director or officer of the Company.

The Company may also have contractual indemnification obligations under any future employment agreements with its officers or agreements entered into with its directors. The foregoing indemnification obligations could result in it incurring substantial expenditures to cover the cost of settlement or damage awards against directors and officers, which the Company may be unable to recoup. These provisions and the resulting costs may also discourage it from bringing a lawsuit against directors and officers for breaches of their fiduciary duties, and may similarly discourage the filing of derivative litigation by its shareholders against its directors and officers even though such actions, if successful, might otherwise benefit it and its shareholder.

Difficulty in Enforcing Judgments and Effecting Service of Process on Directors and Officers

Certain directors and officers of the Company reside outside of Canada and some or all of the assets of such persons are located outside of Canada. Therefore, it may not be possible for 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 shareholders to effect service of process within Canada upon such persons.

Risks Related to Ownership

Voting Control

As a result of the Class F Multiple Voting Shares (the “Fixed Multiple Shares”) held by Mr. Murphy, the founder and former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, he exercises a significant majority of the voting power in respect of our shares. The Fixed Shares and the Floating Shares are each entitled to one vote per share and the Fixed Multiple Shares are entitled to 4,300 votes per share. As a result, Mr. Murphy has the ability to control the outcome of all matters submitted to the Company’s shareholders for approval, including the election and removal of directors and any arrangement or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company. This concentrated control could delay, defer, or prevent a change of control of the Company, an arrangement or amalgamation involving the Company or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company that its other shareholders support. Conversely, this concentrated control could allow Mr. Murphy, as the holder of the Fixed Multiple Shares, to cause the Company to consummate such a transaction that the Company’s other shareholders do not support. In addition, the holder of the Fixed Multiple Shares may cause the Company to make long-term strategic investment decisions and take risks that may not be successful and may seriously harm the Company’s business.

Because Mr. Murphy holds most of his economic interest in the Company’s business through High Street, rather than through the Company, he may have conflicting interests with holders of our shares. For example, Mr. In addition, the structuring of future transactions may take into consideration these tax or other considerations even where no similar benefit would accrue to the Company. In addition, the significant ownership of Mr. Murphy in the Company and his resulting ability to effectively control the Company may discourage someone from making a significant equity investment in the Company, or could discourage transactions involving a change in control, including transactions in which holders of our shares might otherwise receive a premium for their shares over the then-current market price.

Unpredictability Caused by Voting Control

Although other companies have dual class or multiple voting share structures, given the unique capital structure of the Company and the concentration of voting control held by the Mr. Murphy, as the sole holder of the Fixed Multiple Shares, this structure and control could result in a lower trading price for, or greater fluctuations in the trading price of, the Fixed Shares and the Floating Shares, or may result in adverse publicity to the Company or other adverse consequences.

Price Volatility of Publicly Traded Securities

In recent years, the cannabis-related securities markets in the U.S. and Canada have experienced a high level of price and volume volatility, and the market prices of securities of many companies have experienced wide fluctuations in price which have not necessarily been related to the operating performance, underlying asset values or prospects of such companies. There can be no assurance that fluctuations in price of the Fixed Shares and the Floating Shares will not occur. The market price of the Fixed Shares and the Floating Shares could be subject to significant fluctuations in response to variations in quarterly and annual operating results, the results of any public announcements the Company makes, general economic conditions, and other factors. Increased levels of volatility and resulting market turmoil may adversely impact the price of the Fixed Shares and the Floating Shares.

Dividends

Holders of our shares will not have a right to dividends on such shares unless declared by the Board. It is not anticipated that the Company will pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. Dividends paid by the Company would be subject to tax and, potentially, withholdings. The declaration of dividends is at the discretion of the Board, even if the Company has sufficient funds, net of its liabilities, to pay such dividends, and the declaration of any dividend will depend on the Company’s financial results, cash requirements, future prospects and other factors deemed relevant by the Board. Furthermore, the Company cannot declare, set aside or pay any dividend in respect of our shares without the prior written consent of Canopy Growth. See “Canopy Growth Corporation Arrangement”.

Dilution

The Company and High Street may issue additional securities in the future, which may dilute a shareholder’s holdings in the Company and the Company’s revenue per share. The Board has discretion to determine the price and the terms of further issuances. Moreover, additional Fixed Shares and Floating Shares will be issued by the Company on the exercise of options under the Company’s Omnibus Incentive Plan, upon the exercise of the outstanding warrants and upon the redemption of outstanding Units. Moreover, additional Fixed Shares and Floating Shares will be issued by the Company on the exercise, conversion or redemption of certain outstanding securities of the Company, Acreage Holdings America, Inc. (“USCo”), Acreage Holdings WC, Inc. (“USCo2”) and High Street in accordance with their terms. The Company may also issue Fixed Shares and Floating Shares to finance future acquisitions. The Company cannot predict the size of future issuances of Fixed Shares and Floating Shares or the effect that future issuances and sales of Fixed Shares and Floating Shares will have on the market price of the Fixed Shares and the Floating Shares. Issuances of a substantial number of additional Fixed Shares and Floating Shares, or the perception that such issuances could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices for the Fixed Shares and the Floating Shares.

Costs of Maintaining a Public Listing

As a public company, there are costs associated with legal, accounting and other expenses related to regulatory compliance. Securities legislation and the rules and policies of the CSE require listed companies to, among other things, adopt corporate governance and related practices, and to continuously prepare and disclose material information, all of which add to a company’s legal and financial compliance costs. The Company may also elect to devote greater resources than it otherwise would have on communication and other activities typically considered important by publicly traded companies.

Cash Flow From Operations

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company sustained net losses from operations and had negative cash flow from operating activities. As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s accumulated deficit was approximately $747.6 million. See “Sufficiency of Capital”.

Sufficiency of Capital

Should the Company’s costs and expenses prove to be greater than currently anticipated, or should the Company change its current business plan in a manner that will increase or accelerate its anticipated costs and expenses, the depletion of its working capital would be accelerated. To the extent it becomes necessary to raise additional cash in the future as its current cash and working capital resources are depleted, the Company will seek to raise it through the public or private sale of assets, debt or equity securities, the procurement of advances on contracts or licenses, funding from joint-venture or strategic partners, debt financing or short-term loans, or a combination of the foregoing. The Company may also seek to satisfy indebtedness without any cash outlay through the private issuance of debt or equity securities. The Company cannot guarantee that it will be able to secure the additional cash or working capital it may require to continue our operations. Failure by the Company to obtain additional cash or working capital on a timely basis and in sufficient amounts to fund its operations or to make other satisfactory arrangements may cause the Company to delay or indefinitely postpone certain of its activities, including potential acquisitions, or to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell material assets, seek additional capital (if available) or seek compromise arrangements with its creditors. The foregoing could materially and adversely impact the business, operations, financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

United States Tax Classification of the Company

Although the Company is and will continue to be a British Columbia company, the Company is also treated as a United States corporation for United States federal income tax purposes under section 7874 of the Code and is subject to United States federal income tax on its worldwide income. However, for Canadian tax purposes, the Company is, regardless of any application of section 7874 of the Code, to be treated as being resident of Canada under the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “Tax Act”). As a result, the Company will be subject to taxation both in Canada and the United States which could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations.

Any dividends received by shareholders who are residents of Canada for purposes of the Tax Act will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as provided in an applicable treaty. In addition, a Canadian foreign tax credit or deduction may not be available under the Tax Act in respect of such taxes.

Dividends received by U.S. resident shareholders will not be subject to U.S. withholding tax but will be subject to Canadian withholding tax under the Tax Act at a 25% rate or such lower rate as provided in an applicable treaty. Dividends paid by the Company will be characterized as U.S. source income for purposes of the foreign tax credit rules under the Code. Accordingly, U.S. shareholders generally will not be able to claim a credit for any Canadian tax withheld unless, depending on the circumstances, they have an excess foreign tax credit limitation due to other foreign source income that is subject to a low or zero rate of foreign tax.

Dividends received by shareholders that are neither Canadian nor U.S. residents will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax and will also be subject to Canadian withholding tax. These dividends may not qualify for a reduced rate of U.S. withholding tax under any income tax treaty otherwise applicable to a shareholder of the Company, subject to examination of the relevant treaty.

The Company is treated as a U.S. domestic corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes under section 7874 of the Code. As a U.S. domestic corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the taxation of the Company’s non-U.S. holders of Fixed Shares or the Floating Shares upon a disposition of Fixed Shares or the Floating Shares generally depends on whether the Company is classified as a United States real property holding corporation (a “USRPHC”) under the Code. The Company believes that it is not currently, and has never been, a USRPHC. However, the Company has not sought and does not intend to seek formal confirmation of its status as a non-USRPHC from the IRS. If the Company ultimately is determined by the IRS to constitute a USRPHC, its non-U.S. holders of the Fixed Shares and the Floating Shares may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any gain associated with the disposition of the Fixed Shares and the Floating Shares.

EACH SHAREHOLDER SHOULD SEEK TAX ADVICE, BASED ON SUCH SHAREHOLDER’S PARTICULAR FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES, FROM AN INDEPENDENT TAX ADVISOR, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, IN CONNECTION WITH THE COMPANY’S CLASSIFICATION AS A U.S. DOMESTIC CORPORATION FOR UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES UNDER SECTION 7874(b) OF THE CODE, THE APPLICATION OF THE CODE, THE APPLICATION OF A U.S. TAX TREATY, THE APPLICATION OF U.S. FEDERAL ESTATE AND GIFT TAXES, THE APPLICATION OF U.S. FEDERAL TAX WITHHOLDING REQUIREMENTS, THE APPLICATION OF U.S. ESTIMATED TAX PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS AND THE APPLICATION OF U.S. TAX RETURN FILING REQUIREMENTS.

Risks Related to the Company’s Organizational Structure

Corporate Structure Risks

The Company is a holding company and has no material assets other than its indirect ownership of Units of High Street. As such, the Company has no independent means of generating revenue or cash flow. The Company has determined that High Street will be a variable interest entity (a “VIE”) and that it will be the primary beneficiary of High Street. Accordingly, pursuant to the VIE accounting model, the Company will consolidate High Street in its consolidated financial statements. In the event of a change in accounting guidance or amendments to the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement which governs High Street (the “A&R LLC Agreement”) resulting in the Company no longer having a controlling interest in High Street, the Company may not be able to consolidate High Street’s results of operations with its own, which would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations. Moreover, the Company’s ability to pay its taxes and operating expenses or declare and pay dividends in the future, if any, will be dependent upon the financial results and cash flows of High Street and the Subsidiaries and distributions it receives indirectly from High Street. There can be no assurance that any of High Street or the Subsidiaries will generate sufficient cash flow to distribute funds to the Company or that applicable state law and contractual restrictions will permit such distributions.

High Street will continue to be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, as such, will not be subject to any entity-level U.S. federal income tax. Instead, taxable income will be allocated to the holders of Units. Accordingly, holders of Units will incur income taxes on their allocable share of any net taxable income of High Street. Under the terms of the A&R LLC Agreement, High Street will be obligated to make tax distributions to holders of Units. USCo intends, as its manager, to cause High Street to make cash distributions to the owners of Units in an amount sufficient to (i) fund their tax obligations in respect of taxable income allocated to them, and (ii) cover the operating expenses of USCo, USCo2 and the Company, including payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement. However, High Street’s ability to make such distributions may be subject to various limitations and restrictions, such as restrictions on distributions that would either violate any contract or agreement to which High Street is then a party, including debt agreements, or any applicable law, or that would have the effect of rendering High Street insolvent. If the Company does not have sufficient funds to pay tax or other liabilities or to fund its operations, it may have to borrow funds, which could materially adversely affect its liquidity and financial condition and subject it to various restrictions imposed by any such lenders. In addition, if High Street does not have sufficient funds to make distributions, the Company’s ability to declare and pay cash dividends will also be restricted or impaired.

High Street Tax Receivable Agreement

USCo is a party to the tax receivable agreement originally dated November 14, 2018 (the “Tax Receivable Agreement”) between USCo, High Street and certain executive employees of the Company, whose rights were assigned to Canopy USA (the “Tax Receivable Recipients”) pursuant to the Third Amendment to the Tax Receivable Agreement dated October 24, 2022. Under the Tax Receivable Agreement, USCo is required to make cash payments to the Tax Receivable Recipients equal to 65% of the tax benefits, if any, that USCo actually realizes, or in certain circumstances is deemed to realize, as a result of (i) the increases in its share of the tax basis of assets of High Street resulting from any redemptions or exchanges of Units from the High Street Members, and (ii) certain other tax benefits related to USCo making payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement. Although the actual timing and amount of any payments that USCo makes to the Tax Receivable Recipients under the Tax Receivable Agreement will vary, it expects those payments will be significant. Any payments made by USCo to the Tax Receivable Recipients under the Tax Receivable Agreement may generally reduce the amount of overall cash flow that might have otherwise been available to it. Furthermore, USCo’s future obligation to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement could make the Company a less attractive target for an acquisition. Payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement are not conditioned on any Tax Receivable Recipient’s continued ownership of Units or our shares after the completion of the RTO.

Concurrently with the execution of the Floating Share Agreement, Canopy, Canopy USA, High Street, USCo and certain individuals party to the Tax Receivable Agreement, amended the Tax Receivable Agreement. Pursuant to the Floating Share Agreement, Canopy, on behalf of Canopy USA agreed to: (i) issue Canopy Shares with a value of approximately $30.5 million due to the participants of a tax receivable agreement (the “Tax Receivable Agreement Members”) in exchange for each such individual executing an assignment of rights agreement assigning such individual’s rights under the Tax Receivable Agreement to Canopy USA, such that following assignment, Canopy USA is the sole member and beneficiary under the TRA; and (ii) fund a payment with a value of approximately $19.5 million to be made by the Company in Canopy Shares to certain eligible participants pursuant to the Bonus Plans, as amended on October 24, 2022, both in order to reduce a potential liability of approximately $121 million under the Tax Receivable Agreement and the Bonus Plans. In connection with the foregoing, Canopy, on behalf of Canopy USA, issued: (i) 5,648,927 Canopy Shares (equivalent to 564,893 Canopy Shares on a post-Canopy Consolidation basis) with a value of $15.2 million to certain Tax Receivable Agreement Members on November 4, 2022 as the first installment; and (ii) 7,102,081 Canopy Shares (equivalent to 710,208 Canopy Shares on a post-Canopy Consolidation basis) with a value of $15.2 million to certain Tax Receivable Agreement Members on March 17, 2023, as the second installment, as consideration for the assignment of such Tax Receivable Agreement Members’ rights under the Tax Receivable Agreement to Canopy USA. Canopy, on behalf of Canopy USA, also agreed to issue common shares of the Canopy with a value of approximately US$19.6 million to certain eligible participants pursuant to the Bonus Plans to be issued immediately prior to completion of the Floating Share Arrangement.

Payments Made Under the Tax Receivable Agreement

Payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement will be based on the tax reporting positions that USCo determines, and the IRS or another tax authority may challenge all or part of the tax basis increases, as well as other related tax positions USCo takes, and a court could sustain such challenge. If the outcome of any such challenge would reasonably be expected to materially affect a recipient’s payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement, then USCo will not be permitted to settle or fail to contest such challenge without the consent (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) of each Tax Receivable Recipient that directly or indirectly owns at least 10% of the outstanding Units of High Street. USCo will not be reimbursed for any cash payments previously made under the Tax Receivable Agreement in the event that any tax benefits initially claimed by USCo and for which payment has been made are subsequently challenged by a taxing authority and are ultimately disallowed. Instead, any excess cash payments made by USCo to a Tax Receivable Recipient will be netted against any future cash payments that USCo might otherwise be required to make under the terms of the Tax Receivable Agreement. However, USCo might not determine that USCo has effectively made an excess cash payment to a Tax Receivable Recipient for a number of years following the initial time of such payment and, if any of USCo tax reporting positions are challenged by a taxing authority, USCo will not be permitted to reduce any future cash payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement until any such challenge is finally settled or determined. As a result, payments could be made under the Tax Receivable Agreement in excess of the tax savings that USCo realizes in respect of the tax attributes with respect to a Tax Receivable Recipient that are the subject of the Tax Receivable Agreement.

Fluctuations in the Company’s tax obligations and effective tax rate and realization of the Company’s deferred tax assets may result in volatility of the Company’s operating results.

The Company will be subject to taxes by the Canadian federal, state, local and foreign tax authorities, and the Company’s tax liabilities will be affected by the allocation of expenses to differing jurisdictions. The Company records tax expenses based on estimates of future earnings, which may include reserves for uncertain tax positions in multiple tax jurisdictions, and valuation

allowances related to certain net deferred tax assets. At any one time, many tax years may be subject to audit by various taxing jurisdictions. The results of these audits and negotiations with taxing authorities may affect the ultimate settlement of these matters. The Company expects that throughout the year there could be ongoing variability in the quarterly tax rates as events occur and exposures are evaluated. The Company’s future effective tax rates could be subject to volatility or adversely affected by a number of factors, including:


			•			changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities;


			•			expected timing and amount of the release of any tax valuation allowances;


			•			tax effects of share-based compensation;


			•			changes in tax laws, regulations or interpretations thereof; or


			•			future earnings being lower than anticipated in countries where the Company has lower statutory tax rates and higher than anticipated earnings in countries where the Company has higher statutory tax rates.

In addition, the Company’s effective tax rate in a given financial statement period may be materially impacted by a variety of factors including but not limited to changes in the mix and level of earnings, varying tax rates in the different jurisdictions in which the Company, High Street and the Subsidiaries operate, fluctuations in valuation allowances, deductibility of certain items, or by changes to existing accounting rules or regulations. Further, tax legislation may be enacted in the future which could negatively impact the Company’s current or future tax structure and effective tax rates. The Company, High Street or any Subsidiary may be subject to audits of income, sales, and other transaction taxes by federal, state, local, and foreign taxing authorities. Outcomes from these audits could have an adverse effect on the Company’s operating results and financial condition of the Company, High Street or the Subsidiaries.

Under Sections 3(a)(1)(A) and (C) of the United States Investment Company Act 1940 (the “1940 Act”), a company generally will be deemed to be an “investment company” for purposes of the 1940 Act if (i) it is, or holds itself out as being, engaged primarily, or proposes to engage primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities or (ii) it engages, or proposes to engage, in the business of investing, reinvesting, owning, holding or trading in securities and it owns or proposes to acquire investment securities having a value exceeding 40% of the value of its total assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis. The Company does not believe it is an “investment company,” as such term is defined in either of those sections of the 1940 Act.

The Company indirectly controls and operates High Street. On that basis, the Company believes that its interest in High Street is not an “investment security” as that term is used in the 1940 Act. However, if the Company were to cease participation in the management of High Street, its interest in High Street could be deemed an “investment security” for purposes of the 1940 Act.

The Company and High Street intend to conduct their operations so that the Company will not be deemed an investment company. However, if the Company were to be deemed an investment company, restrictions imposed by the 1940 Act, including limitations on the Company’s capital structure and the Company’s ability to transact with affiliates, could make it impractical for the Company to continue its business as contemplated and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.

Risks Related to the Acquisition

The Existing Arrangement Agreement contains restrictive covenants which may adversely limit management’s discretion in operating our business.

The restrictive covenants set out in the Existing Arrangement Agreement may significantly impair management’s ability to operate Acreage’s business. A failure to comply with these terms, if not cured or waived, could result in a breach of the Existing Arrangement Agreement.

Under the Existing Arrangement Agreement, Acreage will be required to comply with the Initial Business Plan.

The Initial Business Plan sets forth certain Pro-Forma Net Revenue Targets (as defined in the Arrangement Agreement) and Consolidated Adj. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company did not exceed

the 90% threshold for both the Pro-Forma Net Revenue Target and the Consolidated Adj. EBITDA Target set forth in the Initial Business Plan. Therefore, Canopy Growth could, but has not, required the Company to implement austerity measures (as defined in the Existing Arrangement Agreement) by providing such notice to the Company.

The Austerity Measures place significant restrictions on our ability to take certain actions in the operation of our business. The Austerity Measures also prevent us and our subsidiaries from entering into any business combination, merger or acquisition of assets (other than in the ordinary course of business), from making any new capital investments or incurring any new capital expenditures, and from entering into any contract to dispose of any assets (other than in the ordinary course of business). The Austerity Measures will apply until the non-compliance causing the Interim Failure to Perform is cured by us and our subsidiaries, as applicable.

A Material Failure to Perform will be deemed to occur if our Pro-Forma Revenue is less than 80% of the Pro-Forma Net Revenue Target or our Consolidated EBITDA is less than 80% of the Consolidated Adj. EBITDA Target, as determined on an annual basis (commencing in respect of the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021). The occurrence of a Material Failure to Perform is considered a breach of a material term of the Existing Arrangement Agreement incapable of being cured. In addition, the occurrence of a Material Failure to Perform is likely to constitute an event of default under the Debenture, causing the Hempco Loan to become immediately due and payable. If the Hempco Loan is required to be repaid prior to the maturity date, it would have an immediate and lasting material adverse effect on us and our ability to complete the Acquisition.

In addition, if our Pro-Forma Revenue is less than 60% of the Pro-Forma Net Revenue Target or the Consolidated EBITDA is less than 60% of the Consolidated Adj. EBITDA Target for the trailing 12 month period ending on the date that is 30 days prior to the proposed Acquisition Time, a Failure to Perform shall occur and a material adverse impact will be deemed to have occurred for purposes of Section 6.2(2)(h) of the Existing Arrangement Agreement. In the event of a Failure to Perform, Canopy Growth will not be required to complete the Acquisition.

If Canopy Growth fails to complete the Acquisition or the Acquisition is completed on different terms, there could be a material adverse effect on our business.

Certain of these conditions, including the approval of the Canopy Capital Reorganization and the exchange of all Canopy Shares held by CBG and Greenstar into Exchangeable Canopy Shares, are outside of our control. There can be no certainty, nor can we provide any assurance, that all conditions precedent will be satisfied or waived, or, if satisfied or waived, when they will be satisfied or waived and, accordingly, the Acquisition may not be completed.

In addition, if the Acquisition is not completed, our ongoing business may be adversely affected as a result of the costs (including opportunity costs) incurred in respect of pursuing the Acquisition, and we could experience negative reactions from the financial markets, which could cause a decrease in the market price of the Fixed Shares, particularly if the market price reflects market assumptions that the Acquisition will be completed or completed on certain terms. We may also experience negative reactions from our customers and employees and there could be negative impact on our ability to attract

future acquisition opportunities. Failure to complete the Acquisition or a change in the terms of the Acquisition could each have a material adverse effect on Acreage’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Related to the Acquisition by Canopy Growth of the Fixed Shares only and not the Floating Shares

In the event that the Fixed Shares are acquired upon exercise of the Fixed Call Option pursuant to the Existing Arrangement and the Floating Share Arrangement is not completed, notwithstanding that it is proposed that the Floating Shares will remain listed for trading on the CSE, such listing may not provide significant liquidity, and the Floating Shares may not trade at prices advantageous to Floating Shareholders. An active or liquid trading market in the Floating Shares may not continue following the Acquisition Time. It is possible that low demand for the Floating Shares may make it difficult, or impossible, for a Floating Shareholder to sell their Floating Shares. Therefore, the sale of Floating Shares may take more time or require Floating Shareholders to accept a sale at a lower price. In addition, the market price of the Floating Shares may be subject to fluctuation, whether or not due to fluctuations in Acreage’s operating results and financial condition, which could, in turn, result in substantial losses being incurred by Floating Shareholders.

The Company will incur substantial transaction-related costs in connection with the Acquisition

The Company expects to incur a number of non-recurring transaction-related costs associated with completing the Acquisition which will be incurred whether or not the Acquisition is completed. Such costs may offset any expected cost savings and other synergies from the Acquisition.

The Canopy Shares to be received by shareholders as a result of the Acquisition will have different rights from the Fixed Shares and the Floating Shares

Following completion of the Acquisition, shareholders will no longer be shareholders of the Company, a corporation governed by the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the “BCBA”), but will instead be shareholders of Canopy Growth, a corporation governed by the Canada Business Corporations Act (the “CBCA”). There may be important differences between the current rights of shareholders and the rights to which such shareholders will be entitled as shareholders of Canopy Growth under the CBCA and Canopy Growth’s constating documents.

Securing additional financing

The continued development of Acreage’s business may require additional financing. In the event that the Floating Share Arrangement is not completed and the Fixed Call Option has not been exercised under the Existing Arrangement prior to the termination of the Floating Share Agreement, Canopy will retain the Fixed Call Option to acquire the Fixed Shares under the Existing Arrangement. In addition, the Existing Arrangement Agreement contains restrictive covenants and consent requirements relating to capital raising activities, incurring indebtedness and other financial and operational matters, which may make it more difficult for Acreage to obtain additional capital and to pursue business opportunities, including potential acquisitions.

Acreage may require additional financing to fund its operations until positive cash flow is achieved. If the Floating Share Arrangement is not completed and the Fixed Call Option is not exercised under the Existing Arrangement as currently proposed, risks may materialize and may materially and adversely affect Acreage’s business, financial results and the price of the Floating Shares and the Fixed Shares. This could result in the delay or indefinite postponement of Acreage’s current business objectives or Acreage ceasing to carry on business. If Acreage is able to raise additional equity financing through the issuance of Floating Shares and Fixed Shares, such issuances may substantially dilute the interests of Floating Shareholders. If Acreage is able to raise additional debt financing, payment of the associated interest costs is likely to impose a substantial financial burden on Acreage.

Risks Relating to the Floating Share Arrangement

The Floating Share Arrangement may not be completed

There can be no assurance that the Floating Share Arrangement will be completed. The completion of the Floating Share Arrangement is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of a number of conditions which include, among other things: (i) obtaining necessary approvals, including the court approvals, exchange approvals and other regulatory approvals (as defined in the Floating Share Agreement); (ii) performance by Acreage, Canopy and Canopy USA of their respective obligations and covenants in the Floating Share Agreement; and (iii) satisfaction or, if permitted, waiver of the Acquisition Closing Conditions (as defined in the Floating Share Agreement), excluding conditions that by their terms cannot be satisfied until the Acquisition

Effective Time (as defined in the Floating Share Agreement), and the conditions precedent set out in the Floating Share Agreement, including, among others, completion of the Canopy Capital Reorganization (as defined in the Floating Share Agreement) on or prior to March 31, 2024 (or such date as may be agreed to in writing by Acreage Canopy USA and Canopy).

If these conditions are not fulfilled or waived, or the Floating Share Arrangement is not completed for any other reason, Floating Shareholders will not receive the Canopy Shares. Certain of these conditions are outside of the control of Acreage. There can be no certainty, nor can Acreage provide any assurance, that all conditions precedent to the completion of the Floating Share Arrangement will be satisfied or waived, or, if satisfied or waived, when they will be satisfied or waived and, accordingly, the Floating Share Arrangement may not be completed. In addition, in the event that the Floating Share Arrangement is not completed, Canopy will still retain the right to acquire all of the Fixed Shares pursuant to Fixed Call Option under the Existing Arrangement. If the Fixed Call Option is exercised, it is anticipated Canopy USA will beneficially own approximately 70% of the voting rights attached to all the outstanding Acreage Shares at the Acquisition Time (as defined in the Floating Share Agreement). If the Floating Share Arrangement is not completed and the Acquisition is completed within the anticipated timeframe, thereafter holders of Floating Shares will have little or no influence on the conduct of Acreage’s business and affairs, and there may not be an active trading market for the Floating Shares, among other things.

Further, if the Floating Share Arrangement is not completed, the ongoing business of Acreage may be adversely affected as a result of the costs (including opportunity costs) incurred in respect of pursuing the Floating Share Arrangement, and Acreage could experience negative reactions from the financial markets, which could cause a decrease in the market price of the Floating Shares and/or the Fixed Shares. Failure to complete the Floating Share Agreement or a change in the terms of the Floating Share Agreement could each have a material adverse effect on Acreage’s business, financial condition and results of operations and its ability to comply with the covenants and conditions set forth in the Existing Arrangement Agreement.

Market overhang risk

Upon completion of the Floating Share Arrangement and assuming completion of the Acquisition, a significant number of additional Canopy Shares will be issued and available for trading in the public market. Such increase in the number of Canopy Shares available for trading in the public market may lead to sales of such Canopy Shares, or the perception that such sales may occur (commonly referred to as “market overhang”), either of which may adversely affect the market for, and the market price of, the Canopy Shares.

Nasdaq listing and share consolidation

The Canopy Shares are listed for trading on the TSX and the Nasdaq. In order to maintain the listing of the Canopy Shares on the Nasdaq, Canopy must comply with the Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements and standards, which stipulate that the Canopy Shares must maintain a minimum bid price of at least $1.00 per share (the “Minimum Share Price Listing Standard”). On December 15, 2023, Canopy completed the Canopy Consolidation, pursuant to which it implemented a 1-for-10 share consolidation (or reverse split) of its issued and outstanding Canopy Shares in order for it to regain compliance with the Minimum Share Price Listing Standard. There can be no assurance that there will be sufficient liquidity of the Canopy Shares, nor that Canopy will be able to continue to meet the Minimum Share Price Listing Standard on an ongoing basis. In the event that the trading price of the Canopy Shares drops below $1.00 again, Canopy may be required to conduct another share consolidation into a lesser number of issued and outstanding Canopy Shares. This may have a dilutive effect on the Floating Shareholders that receive Canopy Shares pursuant to the Floating Share Arrangement. If Canopy is unable to regain compliance with the Minimum Share Price Listing Standard, the Canopy Shares may be subject to delisting from the Nasdaq.

The Canopy Shares to be received by Floating Shareholders as a result of the Floating Share Arrangement will have different rights from the Floating Shares

Upon completion of the Floating Share Arrangement, Floating Shareholders will no longer be shareholders of Acreage, a company governed by the BCBCA, but will instead be shareholders of Canopy, a corporation governed by the CBCA. Shareholder rights under the CBCA are in many instances comparable to those under the BCBCA; however, there are several differences.

Anticipated benefits of integration with Canopy USA may not materialize

It is anticipated that Canopy USA will exercise its option to acquire 100% of the shares of Jetty (the “Jetty Option”) and 100% of the shares of Wana (the “Wana Option”). If such options are exercised, upon completion of the Floating Share Arrangement, it is anticipated that Canopy USA’s business will involve the integration of companies that previously operated independently.

Such integration may present challenges for Canopy USA, including the integration of the operations, systems and personnel, and special risks, including possible unanticipated liabilities, unanticipated costs, diversion of time and attention and the loss of key employees. The difficulties Canopy USA may encounter in the transition and integration process could have an adverse effect on the revenues, level of expenses and operating results of Canopy and Canopy USA.

The ability to realize the benefits of the Floating Share Arrangement may depend in part on successfully consolidating functions and integrating operations, procedures and personnel in a timely and efficient manner, as well as on Canopy USA’s ability to realize the anticipated growth opportunities and synergies, efficiencies and cost savings from integrating the businesses of Acreage with Wana and Jetty, in the event the Wana Option and the Jetty Option are exercised.

Operational, strategic and staffing decisions have not yet been made. These decisions, coupled with the integration of Acreage, Wana and Jetty, in the event the options to acquire ownership of these entities is exercised, into Canopy USA’s operations, may present challenges, including the integration of systems and personnel, and special risks, including possible unanticipated liabilities, unanticipated costs, and the loss of key employees. The performance of Canopy USA after completion of the Floating Share Arrangement could be adversely affected if Canopy USA cannot attract and retain key employees to assist in its operations.

It is expected that integration will require the dedication of substantial effort, time and resources, which may divert the focus of Canopy USA and resources from other strategic opportunities following completion of the Floating Share Arrangement, as well as from operational matters.

The anticipated benefits of the strategy involving Canopy USA may not be realized

Achieving the benefits anticipated through Canopy USA depends in part on the ability of Canopy USA to effectively capitalize on its scale, to realize the anticipated capital and operating synergies, to profitably sequence the growth prospects and to maximize the potential of its growth opportunities. The ability to realize these benefits from the proposed acquisitions of Acreage, Wana and Jetty by Canopy USA may depend, in part, on successfully consolidating certain functions and integrating operations, procedures and personnel in a timely and efficient manner, and on Canopy USA’s ability to realize the anticipated growth opportunities and synergies. The integration of Acreage with Wana and Jetty, in the event the Wana Option and Jetty Option are exercised, by Canopy USA will require the dedication of substantial effort, time and resources on the part of Canopy USA which may divert time, focus and resources from other strategic opportunities available to Canopy USA and from operational matters during this process. In addition, the integration process could result in disruption of existing relationships with suppliers, employees, customers and other constituencies of each company. There can be no assurance that Canopy USA will be able to integrate the operations of each of the businesses successfully or achieve any of the synergies or other benefits that are anticipated.

Operational and strategic decisions with respect to the integration of Acreage with Wana and Jetty, in the event the Wana Option and Jetty Option are exercised, have not yet been made and may present challenges. It is possible that the integration process could result in the inability to attract and retain key employees, the disruption of the respective ongoing businesses or inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies that adversely affect the ability to maintain relationships with clients, suppliers, employees or to achieve the anticipated benefits. The performance of Canopy USA could be adversely affected if Canopy USA cannot attract and retain key employees. Any inability of Canopy USA to successfully integrate the operations could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of operations of Canopy and Canopy USA.

Upon the closing of the Floating Share Arrangement, Shareholders will own shares of Canopy whose management team will not have the ability to direct or manage the operations of Canopy USA

Current Shareholders will not receive shares of Canopy USA as part of the Floating Share Arrangement but only shares of Canopy yet upon the closing of the Floating Share Arrangement, Canopy USA will hold all of the Acreage Shares. Canopy does not have the ability to direct or manage the operations of Canopy USA. The interests of Canopy USA may not coincide with the interests of Canopy and its shareholders and, consequentially, management of Canopy USA may not necessarily act in accordance with the best interests of the shareholders of Canopy. To the extent that conflicts of interests may arise, Canopy USA may act in a manner adverse to Canopy and its shareholders.

Canopy may issue additional equity securities

Canopy may issue equity securities to finance its activities, including in order to finance acquisitions. In addition, if Canopy is successful in negotiating the exchange of certain outstanding promissory notes owed to Greenstar for Exchangeable Canopy Shares (see “Canopy may be unable to renegotiate its debt to Greenstar” above), additional Exchangeable Canopy Shares will be issued, which will be convertible into Canopy Shares. Following any issuance of additional equity securities by Canopy, whether prior to or following the completion of the Floating Share Arrangement, the ownership interest of Floating Shareholders in Canopy upon such completion of the Floating Share Arrangement may be diluted, and some or all of Canopy’s financial measures on a per share basis may be reduced.

The Acquisition will affect the rights of Floating Shareholders

Following the completion of the Floating Share Arrangement, Floating Shareholders will no longer have an interest in Acreage, its assets, revenues or profits. In the event that the actual value of Acreage’s assets or business as at the Effective Date (as defined in the Floating Share Agreement), exceeds the value of Acreage implied by the exchange ratio of 0.04500 (after giving effect to the Canopy Consolidation) of a Canopy Share to be issued for each Floating Share exchanged pursuant to the Floating Share Arrangement (the “Exchange Ratio”), holders of Floating Shares will not be entitled to additional consideration.

Adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Floating Share Arrangement is expected not to qualify as a reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Code and is expected to be a fully taxable transaction. U.S. Holders may be required to pay substantial U.S. federal income taxes in connection with the Floating Share Arrangement. Assuming the Floating Share Arrangement does not qualify as a reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Code, a U.S. Holder that receives Canopy Shares in exchange for Floating Shares would generally recognize a capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the fair market value of the Canopy Shares received and the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the Floating Shares exchanged therefor. For additional information, see the section entitled “Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations”. Special rules apply to Non-U.S. Holders based on their particular circumstances. There is a risk that such Non-U.S. Holders could be subjected to U.S. federal income tax under certain circumstances.

Canopy is subject to certain restrictions of the TSX and the Nasdaq, which may constrain its ability to expand its business in the United States

The Canopy Shares are currently listed on the TSX and the Nasdaq. So long as Canopy continues to be listed on the TSX and the Nasdaq, Canopy must comply with their requirements and guidelines when conducting business, particularly when pursuing opportunities in the United States.

While the Nasdaq has not issued official rules specific to the cannabis or hemp industry, stock exchanges in the United States, including the Nasdaq, have historically refused to list certain cannabis related businesses, including cannabis retailers, that operate primarily in the United States. Failure to comply with any requirements imposed by the Nasdaq could result in the delisting of the Canopy Shares from the Nasdaq, or the denial of any application to have additional securities listed on the Nasdaq, which could have a material adverse effect on the trading price of the Canopy Shares. See “Regulatory Matters — Stock Exchange Matters”.

A delisting could adversely impact the liquidity of the Canopy Shares

The Canopy Shares are currently listed on the TSX and the Nasdaq. If the Canopy Shares are delisted from the Nasdaq, there may be a reduction in the liquidity of the Canopy Shares. The pool of potential purchasers of Canopy Shares could also become more limited as a result. Accordingly, a purchase or sale of Canopy Shares may take longer to complete unless Canopy was able to list the Canopy Shares on an alternative exchange. Any inability to purchase and sell Canopy Shares on a timely basis in sufficient quantities could have a material adverse effect on the market price of the Canopy Shares or the ability of Canopy to complete future equity financings on terms favorable to it.

Canopy’s ability to meet its debt obligations may have an adverse impact on its capital position, business and operations

Canopy’s publicly available interim financial statements as of and for nine months ended December 31, 2023 reflect a net loss and negative cash flow from operating activities for the nine months ended December 31, 2023. Canopy has approximately C$85.5 million in debt maturing in 2024. If Canopy is unable or does not have the resources to repay or refinance such debt coming due in 2024, that may have an adverse impact on Canopy’s capital position, business and operations and, consequentially, the liquidity and price of the Canopy Shares.

Risk of a change of control of Canopy USA but not Canopy

There can be no assurance that Canopy will maintain its ownership interest in Canopy USA. If Canopy divests its ownership interest in Canopy USA, whether as a result of a forced divestiture or by voluntary sale, Floating Shareholders will no longer have an interest in Canopy USA or its U.S. cannabis investments previously held by Canopy.

The Reorganization may not be acceptable to certain of Canopy’s financial lenders or other capital providers

Although the sale of cannabis is permissible at the state level in a number of states in United States, cannabis continues to be categorized as a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act, and the cultivation, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis remains federally illegal in the United States. As such, the Controlled Substances Act may still be enforced against individuals and companies operating in states in which the sale of cannabis is permissible. This poses a risk that certain of Canopy’s lenders or other capital providers may choose not to engage in business with Canopy if it is believed that Canopy is in contravention of the Controlled Substances Act.

Prior to the Effective Time, Acreage is restricted from taking certain actions pursuant to the Floating Share Arrangement

The Floating Share Agreement restricts Acreage from taking specified actions until the earlier of the (12:00 a.m. (Vancouver time) on the Effective Date (the “Effective Time”) and the time that the Floating Share Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms, including issuing additional Floating Shares subject to certain exceptions, without the consent of Canopy which may adversely affect the ability of Acreage to execute certain business strategies. These restrictions may prevent Acreage from pursuing certain business opportunities that may arise prior to the Effective Time.

Ability to integrate successfully

The Floating Share Arrangement will involve the integration of companies that previously operated independently. The ability to realize the benefits of such transactions will depend in part on successfully consolidating functions and integrating operations, procedures and personnel in a timely and efficient manner, as well as the ability to realize the anticipated growth opportunities and synergies, efficiencies and cost savings from integrating Acreage’s businesses. Operational and strategic decisions and staffing decisions have not yet been made. The loss of the services of Acreage personnel and key employees following the Effective Date, whether as a direct result of the completion of the transaction, inability to retain such personnel due to a change of job requirements thereafter, or otherwise the inability to successfully integrate, or an inability to attract other suitably qualified persons when needed, could have a material adverse effect on the ability of Canopy and Canopy USA to execute on the business plan and strategy, and Canopy and Canopy USA may be unable to find adequate replacements on a timely basis, or at all.

Risks if the Floating Share Arrangement is not completed and Canopy acquires the Fixed Shares

Pursuant to the Floating Share Agreement, Canopy has irrevocably waived the Floating Call Option to acquire the Floating Shares pursuant to the Existing Arrangement. If the Floating Share Arrangement is not completed, the Fixed Call Option may have already been exercised pursuant to the Floating Share Agreement. If the Fixed Call Option has not yet been exercised, Canopy will still retain the right to acquire all of the Fixed Shares pursuant to the Fixed Call Option under the Existing Arrangement. If the Fixed Call Option is exercised in either such scenario and Canopy USA acquires the Fixed Shares, it is anticipated that Canopy USA will beneficially own approximately 70% of the voting rights attached to all the outstanding Acreage Shares at the Acquisition Time.

Risks relating to holding Floating Shares in a company with a majority controlling shareholder

In the event that the Floating Share Arrangement is not completed but the Acquisition is completed, following the Acquisition Time until the End Date, the Existing Arrangement Agreement provides that Canopy will have certain rights including, without limitation, the right to nominate a majority of the Acreage Board, pre-emptive rights, top-up rights, approval rights and certain audit and inspection rights. In addition, there will be a number of restrictions imposed on Acreage, including, without limitation, restrictions regarding the payment of dividends, Acreage’s merger and acquisition activities, acquisitions, divestitures, amendments to constating documents, the issuance of certain securities and entering into any agreements that limit Acreage’s ability to compete, in each case without the consent of Canopy. Floating Shareholders will have little or no influence on the conduct of Acreage’s business and affairs.

By virtue of becoming the controlling shareholder of Acreage, together with the rights and restrictions in the Existing Arrangement Agreement, Canopy will have the power to exercise decisive influence over Acreage. There are no guarantees that Canopy’s interests will align with the interests of Acreage or the interests of its Floating Shareholders. As a result, Acreage could be prevented from entering into transactions that could be beneficial to Acreage or its Floating Shareholders, and third parties will likely be discouraged from making a take-over bid for all of the Floating Shares as a result of the existence of a controlling shareholder. Any such transaction would likely involve payment of an amount of consideration per Floating Share less than would have been received by the holders pursuant to the Floating Share Arrangement. If a third-party were to offer to acquire all of the Fixed Shares from Canopy, holders of Floating Shares would have no “coattail rights” which would oblige such a third-party to offer to acquire the Floating Shares on the same terms. In addition, any sale of a substantial number of Floating Shares by a controlling shareholder could cause the market price of the Floating Shares to decline.

There may not be an active trading market for the Floating Shares

Limited ability to pursue strategic and organic growth opportunities without Canopy’s consent

The Existing Arrangement Agreement includes certain covenants in favor of Canopy that will apply following the Acquisition Time until the End Date. Such covenants include, among other things, the right to nominate a majority of the Acreage Board, preemptive rights, top-up rights, approval rights and certain audit and inspection rights. In addition, during such time there will be a number of restrictions imposed on Acreage, including, without limitation, restrictions regarding the payment of dividends, Acreage’s merger and acquisition activities, acquisitions, divestitures, amendments to Acreage’s constating documents, the issuance of certain securities and entering into any agreements that limit Acreage’s ability to compete, in each case without the consent of Canopy.

As a result, following the Acquisition Time, Acreage will be subject to a number of constraints. Acreage is not permitted to pursue various strategic and other business opportunities without obtaining Canopy’s consent.

Canopy USA may compete or divert opportunities to its other investees that participate in the U.S. cannabis industry

Canopy USA may compete with the business of Acreage. There is a risk that there will be situations when the interests of Canopy USA conflict with the interests of Acreage or Canopy Shareholders. Any increased competitive pressure against Acreage from Canopy, its Subsidiaries, Canopy USA or any investee companies after the Acquisition Time may have a material adverse effect on Acreage’s business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Additional risks and uncertainties, including those currently unknown or considered immaterial by Acreage, Canopy and Canopy USA, may also adversely affect the business of Acreage or Canopy following completion of the Acquisition.

Risks Related to the Fixed Shares and Floating Shares

We cannot guarantee returns on our Fixed Shares or Floating Shares.

There is no guarantee that either the Fixed Shares or the Floating Shares will earn any positive return in the short term or long term. A holding of Fixed Shares or Floating Shares is speculative and involves a high degree of risk and should be undertaken only by holders whose financial resources are sufficient to enable them to assume such risks and who have no need for immediate liquidity in their investment. A holding of Fixed Shares or Floating Shares is appropriate only for holders who have the capacity to absorb a loss of some or all of their investment.

Our Fixed Shares and Floating Shares may have a volatile market price.

The market price of the Fixed Shares and Floating Shares may be volatile and subject to wide fluctuations in response to numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control. This volatility may affect the ability of holders of Fixed Shares or Floating Shares to sell their securities at an advantageous price. Market price fluctuations in the Fixed Shares or Floating Shares may be due to our operating results failing to meet expectations of securities analysts or investors in any period, downward revision in securities analysts’ estimates, adverse changes in general market conditions or economic trends, acquisitions, dispositions or other material public announcements by us or our competitors, along with a variety of additional factors. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of the Fixed Shares or Floating Shares.

Financial markets historically at times have experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that have particularly affected the market prices of equity securities of companies and that have often been unrelated to the operating performance, underlying asset values or prospects of such companies. Accordingly, the market price of the Fixed Shares or Floating Shares may decline even if our operating results, underlying asset values or prospects have not changed. Additionally, these factors, as well as other related factors, may cause decreases in asset values that are deemed to be other than temporary, which may result in impairment losses. There can be no assurance that continuing fluctuations in price and volume will not occur. If such increased levels of volatility and market turmoil continue, our operations could be adversely impacted, and the trading price of the Fixed Shares or Floating Shares may be materially adversely affected.

Lowered market price of the Floating Shares

The current price of the Floating Shares may reflect a market assumption that the transactions contemplated pursuant to the Floating Share Agreement will occur. A failure to complete the transactions contemplated pursuant to the Floating Share Agreement may result in a material decline in the price of the Floating Shares. Financial markets may experience significant price and volume fluctuations that affect the market prices of equity securities of companies that are unrelated to the operating performance, underlying asset values or prospects of such companies. Accordingly, the market price of the Floating Shares may decline even if Shareholder Approval is obtained.

Our security holders resident in the United States may have difficulty settling trades because we operate in the cannabis sector.

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 security holders of companies with operations in the United States cannabis industry which may prohibit or significantly impair the ability of security holders in the United States to trade the Fixed Shares or Floating Shares. In the event residents of the United States are unable to settle trades of the Fixed Shares or Floating Shares, this may affect the pricing of the Fixed Shares or Floating Shares in the secondary market, the transparency and availability of trading prices and the liquidity of these securities.

There can be no assurance as to the liquidity of the trading market for our Fixed Shares or Floating Shares.

Our shareholders may be unable to sell significant quantities of Fixed Shares or Floating Shares into the public trading markets without a significant reduction in the price of their Fixed Shares or Floating Shares, or at all. There can be no assurance that there will be sufficient liquidity of the Fixed Shares or Floating Shares on the trading market, or that we will continue to meet the listing requirements of one or more of the CSE, OTCQX or FRA or achieve listing on any other public listing exchange.

Our Fixed Shares may trade at a price that is not indicative of our performance or at a discount to the Fixed Exchange Ratio.

There is no guarantee that the Fixed Shares will trade at a price that reflects our performance or at a price relative to the trading price of the Canopy Shares based upon the Fixed Exchange Ratio of 0.03048 (after giving effect to the Canopy Consolidation) of a Canopy Share for each Fixed Share exchanged pursuant to the Existing Arrangement, subject to adjustment in accordance with the Existing Arrangement and the Existing Arrangement Agreement. Given the uncertainties regarding the completion of the Acquisition, it is possible the Fixed Shares will trade at a significant discount to the Fixed Exchange Ratio.

Floating Shares may not trade at prices that reflect the Exchange Ratio and will not trade at an intrinsic value.

Until the Effective Date, there is no guarantee that the Floating Shares will trade at a price that reflects the performance of Acreage or at a price relative to the trading price of the Canopy Shares based upon the Exchange Ratio. Moreover, the intrinsic value of the Floating Shares is indeterminate.

Our credit agreements and the Debenture contain restrictive covenants that limit the discretion of management with respect to certain limited matters. A failure to comply with these terms could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, could result in accelerated repayment and may have a material and adverse consequence on our business, operations or financial condition, on a consolidated basis.

If certain U.S. states do not legalize recreational cannabis use within a proximate timeframe, we may not be able to comply with the Initial Business Plan which may result in significant restrictions on the operation of our business and Canopy Growth may not be required to complete the Acquisition.

The Initial Business Plan has been prepared based on the assumption that certain regulatory initiatives legalizing recreational cannabis will be approved in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, New Jersey, Maine and Ohio within a proximate timeframe. If some or all of the anticipated regulatory initiatives do not occur in the foregoing states within the contemplated timeline, or at all, it will have a significant adverse impact on our ability to meet the Pro-Forma Net Revenue Targets and Consolidated Adj. EBITDA Targets prescribed in the Initial Business Plan, which will likely result in an Interim Failure to Perform that could lead to a Material Failure to Perform and ultimately, a Failure to Perform.

Risks Related to our Articles

Our Articles contain a forum selection provision under Article 30, which, among other things, identifies the Supreme Court of British Columbia and the Court of Appeal of British Columbia as the exclusive forum for certain litigation. Given that, under United States law, investors cannot waive compliance by us with U.S. federal securities laws, it is uncertain whether the forum selection provision applies to actions arising under U.S. federal securities laws, and if it does, whether a British Columbia Court would enforce such provision. It is also uncertain whether a breach of U.S. securities law in and of itself would give rise to a direct cause of action in British Columbia, although indirect causes of action may arise thereunder as a result of, without limitation, breach, misrepresentation or the like. In the event it was determined that the forum selection provision applies to actions arising under U.S. federal securities laws or, if it did, a British Columbia court refused to enforce such provision or a breach of U.S. securities law did not give rise to a cause of action in British Columbia, there is a risk that we would be required to litigate any such breach in a jurisdiction which is less favorable to us, which could result in additional costs and financial losses that could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Risks Related to the United States Regulatory System

Our employees, directors, officers, managers and/or investors could face detention, denial of entry or lifetime bans from the United States for their business associations with us.

Because cannabis remains illegal under United States federal law, those investing in Canadian companies with operations in the United States cannabis industry could face detention, denial of entry or lifetime bans from the United States for their business associations with United States cannabis businesses. Entry happens at the sole discretion of U.S. Customers and Border Protection (“CBP”) officers on duty, and these officers have wide latitude to ask questions to determine the admissibility of a non-United States citizen or foreign national. The government of Canada warns travelers on its website that previous use of cannabis, or any substance prohibited by United States federal laws, could mean denial of entry to the United States. Business or financial involvement in the cannabis industry in the United States could also be reason enough for United States border guards to deny entry. On September 21, 2018, CBP released a statement outlining its current position with respect to enforcement of the laws of the United States. It stated that Canada’s legalization of cannabis will not change CBP enforcement of United States laws regarding controlled substances and because cannabis continues to be a controlled substance under United States law, working in or facilitating the proliferation of the legal cannabis industry in U.S. states where it is deemed legal may affect admissibility to the United States. On October 9, 2018, CBP released an additional statement regarding the admissibility of Canadian citizens working in the legal cannabis industry. CBP stated that a Canadian citizen working in or facilitating the proliferation of the legal cannabis industry in Canada coming into the United States for reasons unrelated to the cannabis industry will generally be admissible to the United States; however, if such person is found to be coming into the United States for reasons related to the cannabis industry, such person may be deemed inadmissible. As a result, CBP has affirmed that, employees, directors, officers, managers and investors of companies involved in business activities related to cannabis in the United States who are not United States citizens face the risk of being barred from entry into the United States for life.

Uncertainty regarding the regulations under the U.S. 2018 Farm Bill, and undeveloped shared state-federal regulations over hemp cultivation and production, may impact our hemp business.

The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, otherwise known as the Farm Bill was signed into law on December 20, 2018. Under Section 10113 of the Farm Bill, state departments of agriculture must consult with the state’s governor and chief law enforcement officer to devise a plan that must be submitted to the Secretary of the USDA. A state’s plan to license and regulate

hemp can only commence once the Secretary of USDA approves that state’s plan. The USDA has constructed a regulatory program under which hemp cultivators in those states without their own regulatory plan must apply for licenses and comply with a federally-run program. Even if a state creates a plan in conjunction with its governor and chief law enforcement officer, the Secretary of the USDA must approve such plan. There can be no guarantee that any state plan will be approved. Review times may be extensive. USDA published a final rule on January 19, 2021 that provided regulations for the production of hemp in the United States and which became effective on March 22, 2021. There may be future amendments and the resulting amended plans, if approved by the states and the USDA, may materially limit our hemp business depending upon the scope of the regulations.

Laws and regulations affecting our industry governing operations under the Farm Bill are evolving.

There will likely be a constant evolution of laws and regulations affecting the hemp industry that could detrimentally affect our operations. These changes may require us to incur substantial costs associated with legal and compliance fees and ultimately require us to alter our business plan. Furthermore, violations of these laws, or alleged violations, could disrupt our business and result in a material adverse effect on our operations. In addition, we cannot predict the nature of any future laws, regulations, interpretations or applications, and it is possible that regulations may be enacted in the future that will be directly applicable to our business.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Risk Management

The Company has processes for assessing, identifying, and managing material risks from cybersecurity threats. These processes are integrated into the Company’s overall risk management systems. These processes also include overseeing and identifying risks from cybersecurity threats associated with the use of third-party service providers. The Company has established monitoring procedures in its effort to mitigate risks related to data breaches or other security incidents originating from third parties. The Company, from time-to-time, may engage third-party consultants, legal advisors, and audit firms to evaluate and test the Company’s risk management systems and assess and remediate certain potential cybersecurity incidents, as appropriate.

Governance

As part of our enterprise risk management program, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) meets with our senior management team, which includes our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and General Counsel to address risks associated with cybersecurity threats on a regular basis. The Board receives prompt and timely information regarding any cybersecurity incident that meets established reporting thresholds, as well as ongoing updates regarding any such incident until it has been resolved.

Cybersecurity threats are one of the Company’s most critical risks, with our Senior Director of Technology assigned as the executive risk owner. Our Senior Director of Technology, in coordination with our senior management team, works collaboratively across the Company to implement a program designed to protect the Company’s information systems from cybersecurity threats and to promptly respond to any cybersecurity incidents in accordance with the Company’s incident response and recovery plans. Multidisciplinary teams throughout the Company are deployed to address cybersecurity threats and to respond to cybersecurity incidents. Through ongoing communications with these teams, the Senior Director of Technology and the senior management team monitor the prevention, detection, mitigation and remediation of cybersecurity threats and incidents in real time and report such threats and incidents to the Board, when appropriate.

Our Senior Director of Technology boasts over ten years of experience spearheading technology operations for organizations with a keen emphasis on cybersecurity. His extensive background has been pivotal in shaping our cybersecurity policies, implementing our cybersecurity program, and supervising information governance and compliance measures.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, we did not identify any cybersecurity threats that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition. However, despite the capabilities, processes, and other security measures we employ that we believe are designed to detect, reduce, and mitigate the risk of cybersecurity incidents, we may not be aware of all vulnerabilities or might not accurately assess the risks of incidents, and such preventative measures cannot provide absolute security and may not be sufficient in all circumstances or mitigate all potential risks.

See “Item 1 A. Risk Factors” for more information on the Company’s cybersecurity-related risks.

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