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Pineapple Express Inc (PNPL)
OTHER OTC:PNPL
Risk Overview Q4, 2022
Risk Distribution
42% Finance & Corporate
27% Legal & Regulatory
13% Ability to Sell
7% Tech & Innovation
7% Production
4% Macro & Political
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.
Risk Change Over Time
S&P500 Average
Sector Average
Risks removed
Risks added
Risks changed
Pineapple Express Risk Factors
New Risk (0)
Risk Changed (0)
Risk Removed (0)
No changes from previous report
The chart shows the number of risks a company has disclosed. You can compare this to the sector average or S&P 500 average.
The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.
The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.
Risk Highlights Q4, 2022
Main Risk Category
Finance & Corporate
With 19 Risks
Finance & Corporate
With 19 Risks
Number of Disclosed Risks
45
-9
From last reportS&P 500 Average: 31
45
-9
From last reportS&P 500 Average: 31
Recent Changes
0Risks added
9Risks removed
3Risks changed
Since Dec 2022
0Risks added
9Risks removed
3Risks changed
Since Dec 2022
Number of Risk Changed
3
+2
From last reportS&P 500 Average: 3
3
+2
From last reportS&P 500 Average: 3
See the risk highlights of Pineapple Express in the last period.
Risk Word Cloud
The most common phrases about risk factors from the most recent report. Larger texts indicate more widely used phrases.
Risk Factors Full Breakdown - Total Risks 45
Finance & Corporate
Total Risks: 19/45 (42%)Above Sector Average
Share Price & Shareholder Rights9 | 20.0%
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1
Our Articles of Incorporation provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Eighth Judicial District Court of Clark County, Nevada will be the sole and exclusive forum for substantially all disputes between us and our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders' ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers, or employees.Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2
An investment in our securities is speculative and there can be no assurance of any return on any such investment.An investment in our securities is speculative and there is no assurance that investors will obtain any return on their investment. Investors will be subject to substantial risks involved in an investment in our Company, including the risk of losing their entire investment.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3
Offers or availability for sale of a substantial number of shares of our common stock may cause the price of our common stock to decline.If our stockholders sell substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, including upon the expiration of any lockup periods or the statutory holding period under Rule 144, or issued upon the conversion of preferred stock, it could create a circumstance commonly referred to as an "overhang" and in anticipation of which the market price of our common stock could fall. The existence of an overhang, whether or not sales have occurred or are occurring, also could make more difficult our ability to raise additional financing through the sale of equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we deem reasonable or appropriate.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4
Our common stock is subject to the "penny stock" rules of the SEC and the trading market in the securities is limited, which makes transactions in the stock cumbersome and may reduce the value of an investment in the stock.Rule 15g-9 under the Exchange Act establishes the definition of a "penny stock," for the purposes relevant to us, as any equity security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share or with an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. For any transaction involving a penny stock, unless exempt, the rules require: (a) that a broker or dealer approve a person's account for transactions in penny stocks; and (b) the broker or dealer receive from the investor a written agreement to the transaction, setting forth the identity and quantity of the penny stock to be purchased.
In order to approve a person's account for transactions in penny stocks, the broker or dealer must: (a) obtain financial information and investment experience objectives of the person and (b) make a reasonable determination that the transactions in penny stocks are suitable for that person and the person has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial matters to be capable of evaluating the risks of transactions in penny stocks.
The broker or dealer must also deliver, prior to any transaction in a penny stock, a disclosure schedule prescribed by the SEC relating to the penny stock market, which, in highlight form: (a) sets forth the basis on which the broker or dealer made the suitability determination; and (b) confirms that the broker or dealer received a signed, written agreement from the investor prior to the transaction. Generally, brokers may be less willing to execute transactions in securities subject to the "penny stock" rules. This may make it more difficult for investors to dispose of our common stock and cause a decline in the market value of our common stock.
Disclosure also has to be made about the risks of investing in penny stocks in both public offerings and in secondary trading and about the commissions payable to both the broker or dealer and the registered representative, current quotations for the securities and the rights and remedies available to an investor in cases of fraud in penny stock transactions. Finally, monthly statements have to be sent disclosing recent price information for the penny stock held in the account and information on the limited market in penny stocks.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5
Investors may experience dilution of their ownership interests because of the future issuance of additional shares of our common or preferred stock or other securities that are convertible into or exercisable for our common or preferred stock.In the future, we may issue our authorized but previously unissued equity securities, resulting in the dilution of the ownership interests of our present stockholders. We are authorized to issue an aggregate of 500,000,000 shares of common stock and 20,000,000 shares of "blank check" preferred stock. We may issue additional shares of our common stock or other securities that are convertible into or exercisable for our common stock in connection with hiring or retaining employees, future acquisitions, future sales of our securities for capital raising purposes, or for other business purposes. The future issuance of any such additional shares of our common stock may create downward pressure on the trading price of the common stock. We will need to raise additional capital in the near future to meet our working capital needs, and there can be no assurance that we will not be required to issue additional shares, warrants or other convertible securities in the future in conjunction with these capital raising efforts, including at a price (or exercise or conversion prices) below the price an investor paid for stock.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 6
There currently is no active public market for our common stock and there can be no assurance that an active public market will ever develop. Failure to develop or maintain a trading market could negatively affect the value of our common stock and make it difficult or impossible for you to sell your shares.There is currently no active public market for shares of our common stock, and one may never develop. Our common stock is currently traded on the OTC Pink Market. The OTC Pink Market is a thinly traded market and lacks the liquidity of certain other public markets with which some investors may have more experience. We may not ever be able to satisfy the requirements to be quoted on the OTC Markets or satisfy the listing requirements to be listed on a national securities exchange, which are often more widely traded and liquid markets. Some, but not all, of the factors which may delay or prevent the quotation or listing of our common stock on a more widely-traded and liquid market include the following: our stockholders' equity may be insufficient; the market value of our outstanding securities may be too low; our net income from operations may be too low; our common stock may not be sufficiently widely held; we may not be able to secure market makers for our common stock; and we may fail to meet the rules and requirements mandated by the several exchanges and markets to have our common stock listed. Should we fail to satisfy the initial listing standards of the national exchanges or OTC Markets, or our common stock is otherwise rejected for listing or quotation, and remains traded on the OTC Pink Market, the trading price of our common stock could suffer and the trading market for our common stock may be less liquid, and our common stock price may be subject to increased volatility, making it difficult or impossible to sell shares of our common stock.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 7
Our stock may be traded infrequently and in low volumes, so you may be unable to sell your shares at or near the quoted bid prices if you need to sell your shares.Until our common stock is listed on a national securities exchange, our common stock may only trade on one of the OTC Markets (if we are successful in applying to trade on such marketplaces) or on the OTC Pink Market. In those markets, however, the shares of our common stock may trade infrequently and in low volumes, meaning that the number of persons interested in purchasing our common stock at or near bid prices at any given time may be relatively small or non-existent. An investor may find it difficult to obtain accurate quotations as to the market value of our common stock or to sell his or her shares at or near bid prices or at all. In addition, if we fail to meet the criteria set forth in SEC reporting regulations, various requirements would be imposed by law on broker-dealers who sell our securities to persons other than established customers and accredited investors. Consequently, such regulations may deter broker-dealers from recommending or selling our common stock, which may further affect the liquidity of our common stock. This would also make it more difficult for us to raise capital.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 8
Due to our connection to the cannabis industry, there can be no assurance that our shares of common stock will ever be approved for listing on a national securities exchange.Currently, shares of our common stock are traded on the OTC Pink Market and are not listed on any national securities exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange or the NASDAQ Stock Market. Even if we desire to have our shares listed on a national securities exchange, the fact that our business is associated with the use of cannabis, the legal status of which is uncertain in some states and at the federal level, may make any efforts to become listed on a securities exchange more problematic as we believe national exchanges may be reluctant to list shares of companies whose business is associated with the recreational use of cannabis. While we plan to work with NASDAQ or other exchanges in an attempt to change their views of responsible cannabis related businesses, there can be no assurance that our common stock will ever be listed on NASDAQ or any other national securities exchange. As a result, our common stock may never develop an active trading market which may limit our investors' ability to liquidate their investments or cause our stock price to be particularly volatile.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 9
The OTC Markets Group identified our common stock with a caveat-emptor.Prior to April 28, 2016, our common stock was quoted on the OTC Pink Marketplace. On April 28, 2016, the SEC suspended the trading of our Common Stock due to unexplained market activity. It is management's belief that such activity was spawned by news of a public figure investing into the Company. The trading suspension ended on May 11, 2016 and as of the date hereof, a licensed broker filed a Form 15c2-11 to resume quotations on the OTC marketplace, since the Company regained current status with its filing obligations. That application was deemed complete by FINRA which resulted in public quotations to commence on the OTC Markets platform as of February 2023.
On March 31, 2016, the OTC Markets Group identified our securities with a caveat emptor symbol due to trading activity that caused our stock price to rise from a low of $10.10 on March 24, 2016, to a high of $42.38 on March 31, 2016. The caveat emptor symbol is intended to inform investors that there may be reason to exercise additional care and perform thorough due diligence in making investment decisions in an issuer.
We regained current status with our filing obligations in the fourth quarter of 2021, and a licensed broker filed a Form 15c2-11 application that was deemed complete in order to remove the caveat emptor symbol and resume quotations on the OTC marketplace. Should the OTC Markets Group refuse to remove the caveat emptor symbol, our common stock may never be able to transition from the OTC Pink Market, the trading price of our common stock could suffer, the trading market for our common stock may be less liquid and our stock price may be subject to increased volatility, making it difficult or impossible for you to resell shares of our common stock.
Accounting & Financial Operations4 | 8.9%
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1
We do not intend to pay dividends in the foreseeable future.Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2
We may be required to recognize impairment charges that could materially affect our results of operations.We assess our goodwill and other intangible assets, and our other long-lived assets as and when required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") to determine whether they are impaired. If they are impaired, we would record appropriate impairment charges. It is possible that we may be required to record significant impairment charges in the future and, if we do so, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 3
Uncertainty of profitability.Our business strategy may result in increased volatility of revenues and earnings. As we will only develop a limited number of products and services at a time, our overall success will depend on a limited number of products and services, which may cause variability and unsteady profits and losses depending on the products and services offered and their market acceptance.
Our revenues and our profitability may be adversely affected by economic conditions and changes in the market for medical and recreational marijuana. Our business is also subject to general economic risks that could adversely impact the results of operations and financial condition.
Because of the anticipated nature of the products and services that we offer and attempt to develop, it is difficult to accurately forecast revenues and operating results and these items could fluctuate in the future due to a number of factors. These factors may include, among other things, the following:
- Our ability to raise sufficient capital to take advantage of opportunities and generate sufficient revenues to cover expenses. - Our ability to source strong opportunities with sufficient risk adjusted returns. - Our ability to manage our capital and liquidity requirements based on changing market conditions generally and changes in the developing legal medical marijuana and recreational marijuana industries. - The acceptance of the terms and conditions of our services. - The amount and timing of operating and other costs and expenses. - The nature and extent of competition from other companies that may reduce market share and create pressure on pricing and investment return expectations. - Adverse changes in the national and regional economies in which we will participate, including, but not limited to, changes in our performance, capital availability, and market demand. - Adverse changes in the projects in which we plan to invest which result from factors beyond our control, including, but not limited to, a change in circumstances, capacity and economic impacts. - Adverse developments in the efforts to legalize marijuana or increased federal enforcement. - Changes in laws, regulations, accounting, taxation, and other requirements affecting our operations and business. - Our operating results may fluctuate from year to year due to the factors listed above and others not listed. At times, these fluctuations may be significant.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 4
We have incurred significant losses since our inception, have generated minimal revenues to date and anticipate that we will continue to incur significant losses for the foreseeable future; our auditors have included in their audit report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, an explanatory paragraph as to substantial doubt as to our ability to continue as a going concern.Changed
We have incurred significant net losses in each year since our inception, including net losses of $7,856,392 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, and $1,104,819 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. As of December 31, 2022, we had an accumulated deficit of $23,528,700. We anticipate incurring additional losses until such time we can generate significant revenues, and/or reduce operating costs. To date, we have generated minimal revenues and have financed our operations exclusively through the sale of our equity and debt securities. The size of our future net losses will depend, in part, on the rate of future expenditures and our ability to generate revenue. We expect a continued increase in our expenses associated with our operations as we are currently a reporting publicly traded company. We may incur significant losses in the future for a number of other reasons, including unsuccessful acquisitions, costs of integrating new businesses and assets, expenses, difficulties, complications, delays and other unknown events. As a result of the foregoing, we expect to continue to incur significant losses for the foreseeable future and we may not be able to achieve or sustain profitability.
Our auditors have included in their audit reports for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022, and 2021, a "going concern" explanatory paragraph as to substantial doubt as to our ability to continue as a going concern. Our ability to meet our total liabilities of $1,376,972 as of December 31, 2022, and to continue as a going concern, is dependent on us generating substantial revenues and/or obtaining adequate capital to fund operating losses until we become profitable. We may never achieve profitability, and even if we do, we may not be able to sustain being profitable. As a result of our going concern qualification, there is an increased risk that you could lose the entire amount of your investment in our Company, which assumes the realization of our assets and the satisfaction of our liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business.
Corporate Activity and Growth6 | 13.3%
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1
We have a limited operating history and operate in a new industry, and we may not succeed.Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2
We may not be able to effectively control and manage our growth.Our strategy envisions a period of potentially rapid growth. We currently maintain nominal administrative and personnel capacity due to the startup nature of our business, and our expected growth may impose a significant burden on our future planned administrative and operational resources. The growth of our business may require significant investments of capital and increased demands on our management, workforce and facilities. We will be required to substantially expand our administrative and operational resources and attract, train, manage and retain qualified management and other personnel. Failure to do so or satisfy such increased demands would interrupt or would have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 3
If we fail to successfully introduce new partnerships or products, we may lose market position.New partnerships, products, and product improvements, and line extensions will be an important factor in our sales growth. If we fail to identify emerging consumer and technological trends, to maintain and improve the competitiveness of our existing partnerships and products or to successfully introduce new products on a timely basis, we may lose market position. Continued business development, product development, and marketing efforts have all the risks inherent in the development of new partnerships, products, and line extensions, including development delays, the failure of new partnerships, products and line extensions to achieve anticipated levels of market acceptance and the cost of failed product introductions.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 4
The success of our new and existing partnerships, products, and services is uncertain, and large resources may be required to sustain our current business model.We have committed, and expect to continue to commit, significant resources and capital to develop and market existing partnership, product, and service enhancements as well as new partnerships, products and services. These partnerships, products and services are relatively new and untested, and we cannot assure you that we will achieve market acceptance for these partnerships, products, and services, or other new partnerships, products and services that we may offer in the future. Moreover, these and other new partnerships, products and services may be subject to significant competition with offerings by new and existing competitors in our sector. In addition, new partnerships, products, services and enhancements may pose a variety of technical challenges and require us to attract additional qualified employees. The failure to successfully develop and market these new partnerships, products, services, or enhancements could seriously harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 5
New well-capitalized entrants into our industry may develop large-scale operations which will make it difficult for our business to compete and remain profitable.Currently, the marijuana industry generally is 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 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 marijuana industry. While the trend in most state laws and regulations seemingly deters this type of takeover, this industry remains quite nascent, so what the landscape will be in the future remains largely unknown, which in itself is a risk.
Our proposed business plan is subject to all business risks associated with new business enterprises, including the absence of any significant operating history upon which to evaluate an investment. The likelihood of our success must be considered in light of the problems, expenses, difficulties, complications and delays frequently encountered in connection with the formation of a new business, the development of new strategy and the competitive environment in which the Company will operate. It is possible that the Company will incur losses in the future. There is no guarantee that the Company will be profitable.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 6
Being a public company is expensive and administratively burdensome.As a company whose common stock is registered under Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), we are fully subject to the information and reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and other federal securities laws, rules and regulations related thereto, including compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Complying with these laws and regulations requires the time and attention of our Board of Directors and management and increases our expenses.
Among other things, we are required to:
- maintain and evaluate a system of internal controls over financial reporting in compliance with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the related rules and regulations of the SEC and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; - maintain policies relating to disclosure controls and procedures; - prepare and distribute periodic reports in compliance with our obligations under federal securities laws; - institute a more comprehensive compliance function, including corporate governance; and - involve, to a greater degree, our outside legal counsel and accountants in the above activities.
The costs of preparing and filing annual and quarterly reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC and furnishing audited reports to stockholders are expensive and much greater than that of a privately-held company, and compliance with these rules and regulations may require us to hire additional financial reporting, internal controls and other finance personnel, and will involve a material increase in regulatory, legal and accounting expenses and the attention of management. There can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with the applicable regulations in a timely manner, if at all. In addition, being a public company makes it more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance. In the future, we may be required to accept reduced coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain this coverage.
Legal & Regulatory
Total Risks: 12/45 (27%)Above Sector Average
Regulation9 | 20.0%
Regulation - Risk 1
If we are deemed an investment company under the Investment Company Act, applicable restrictions could have an adverse effect on our business.Regulation - Risk 2
We are subject to complex laws and regulations, including environmental laws and regulations, which can adversely affect the cost, manner and feasibility of doing business.We are subject to complex laws and regulations, including environmental laws and regulations, which can adversely affect the cost, manner and feasibility of doing business. The operations and facilities of our facilities will be subject to extensive federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to the growth of cannabis and the manufacture and distribution of products containing cannabis (and/or its psychoactive compound, THC). Such existing laws or regulations regarding cannabis and its psychoactive compound, as currently interpreted or reinterpreted in the future, or future laws or regulations, may adversely affect our businesses and sales. Consequently, our revenues would thereby decrease, which may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Regulation - Risk 3
We may not obtain the required state and local licenses required to conduct our business.Where applicable, we apply for state and/or licenses that are necessary to conduct our business in compliance with local laws. While we are not required to obtain governmental approval in connection with providing the services we offer or for manufacturing the products we sell, establishing an operating dispensary requires governmental approval, usually at the local and state level. Such approval is obtained through a complex licensing process that is newly adopted by the states in almost all cases, which we monitor on behalf of our clients. If we are not granted necessary licenses by the relevant governing bodies, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Regulation - Risk 4
Laws and regulations affecting the cannabis industry are constantly changing, which could detrimentally affect our business, and we cannot predict the impact that future regulations may have on us.Local, state and federal medical cannabis laws and regulations are broad in scope, and they are subject to evolving interpretations, which could require our licensees to incur substantial costs associated with compliance or to alter one or more of their sales or marketing practices. For example, the rescission of the Cole Memo by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions on January 4, 2018. In addition, violations of these laws, or allegations of such violations, could disrupt our license business and result in a material adverse effect on our revenues under our license agreements, which would negatively affect our profitability and financial condition.
In addition, it is possible that regulations may be enacted in the future that will be directly applicable to us and our business. We cannot predict the nature of any future laws, regulations, interpretations or applications, nor can we determine what effect additional governmental regulations or administrative policies and procedures, when and if promulgated, could have on our business. These potential effects could include, however, requirements for the revisions to our business model to meet new standards, the recall or discontinuance of certain products, or additional record keeping and reporting requirements. Any or all of these requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Regulation - Risk 5
Our ability to grow our medical and adult-use cannabis product offerings and dispensary services may be limited.As we introduce or expand our medical and adult-use cannabis product offerings and dispensary services, we may incur losses or otherwise fail to enter certain markets successfully. Our expansion into new markets may place us in competitive and regulatory environments with which we are unfamiliar and involve various risks, including the need to invest significant resources and the possibility that returns on those investments will not be achieved for several years, if at all. In attempting to establish new product offerings or dispensary services, we may incur significant expenses and face various other challenges, such as expanding our work force and management personnel to cover these markets and complying with complicated cannabis regulations that apply to these markets. In addition, we may not successfully demonstrate the value of these product offerings and dispensary services to consumers, and failure to do so would compromise our ability to successfully expand these additional revenue streams.
Regulation - Risk 6
There may be a U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") risk.If legalization occurs federally, the FDA could impose additional regulations or risks on cannabis.
Regulation - Risk 7
Cannabis remains illegal under federal law.Cannabis is a categorized as a Schedule I controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Agency and the United States Department of Justice and is illegal to grow, possess and consume under federal law. Even in those jurisdictions in which the use of medical cannabis has been legalized at the state level, its use remains a violation of federal law. The United States Supreme Court has ruled in United States v. Oakland Cannabis Buyers' Coop. and Gonzales v. Raich that it is the federal government that has the right to regulate and criminalize cannabis, even for medical purposes. Therefore, federal law criminalizing the use of cannabis preempts state laws that legalize its use for medicinal or adult-retail purposes. Strict enforcement of federal law regarding cannabis would likely result in our inability to proceed with our business plan.
The previous Obama administration has effectively stated that it is not an efficient use of resources to direct federal law enforcement agencies to prosecute those lawfully abiding by state-designated laws allowing the use and distribution of medical cannabis. In furtherance thereof, on August 29, 2013, the Department of Justice provided guidance to all U.S. federal prosecutors with respect to the enforcement of laws regarding cannabis via the publication of a memorandum authored by former US Attorney General James M. Cole (the "Cole Memo"). The Cole Memo stated that enforcement should be focused on eight priorities, which is to prevent: (1) distribution of cannabis to minors; (2) revenue from sale of cannabis to criminal enterprises, gangs and cartels; (3) transfer of cannabis from states where it is legal to states where it is illegal; (4) cannabis activity from being a pretext for trafficking of other illegal drugs or illegal activity; (5) violence of use of firearms in cannabis growth and distribution; (6) drugged driving and adverse public health consequences from cannabis use; (7) growth of cannabis on federal lands; and (8) cannabis possession or use on federal property.
On January 4, 2017, the U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded the Cole Memo and restored the "rule of law." Such rescission essentially shifts federal policy from the hands-off approach adopted under the Obama administration to allowing federal prosecutors across the U.S. to decide individually how to prioritize resources to crack down on pot possession, distribution and cultivation of the drug in states where it is legal. Furthermore, the Trump administration has previously indicated that it will pursue the enforcement of federal cannabis laws.
While we do not believe our current activities involve those enumerated in the Cole Memo, in light of the rescission of the memo by the current Attorney General, federal prosecutors will now have significant discretion on their interpretation of these priorities, and no assurances can be given that federal prosecutors will agree with our position. We therefore cannot provide assurance that our actions are in full compliance with the Cole Memo or any other state or federal laws or regulations. In addition, there is no guarantee that the current administration will not further change its policy regarding the strict enforcement of federal laws or the eight listed priorities. Additionally, any new administration that follows could change this policy and decide to enforce the federal laws even stronger. Any such change in the federal government's enforcement of current federal laws could cause significant financial damage to us and our shareholders.
Regulation - Risk 8
If no additional states allow the medicinal or adult-retail use of cannabis, or if one or more states that currently allow it, reverse their position, we may not be able to continue our growth, or the market for our products and services may decline.As of December 31, 2022, 37 states and the District of Columbia, the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam and Puerto Rico have passed laws allowing some degree of medical use of cannabis, while eighteen (18) of those states and the District of Columbia, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam, have also legalized the adult-use of cannabis. There can be no assurance that number of states that allow the use of medicinal and recreational cannabis will grow, and if it does not, there can be no assurance that the 37 existing states and/or the District of Columbia will not reverse their position and make medicinal and recreational cannabis illegal again. If either of these things happens, then not only will the growth of our business be materially impacted, but we may experience declining revenue as the market for our products and services declines.
Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, South Dakota, New York, Virginia, Connecticut, and New Mexico passed laws allowing recreational (adult-use) marijuana and Mississippi and Alabama passed an initiative allowing medical marijuana.
Regulation - Risk 9
Some of the Company's former equity-method investee, PVI's, business activities and the business activities of some of PVI's customers, while believed to be compliant with applicable state law, are illegal under federal law because they violate the Federal Controlled Substances Act. If we or our customers are closed by law enforcement authorities, it will materially and adversely affect our business.Changed
As of the date of this filing, 37 states and 4 territories allow for the medical use of cannabis products., and four U.S. Territories Puerto Rico and Guam while 18 of those states, the District of Columbia, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam have also legalized the adult-use of cannabis. Although legalized in some states, cannabis is a "Schedule 1" drug under the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. § 811) ("CSA") and is illegal under federal law.
The Federal Controlled Substances Act, the possession, use, cultivation, marketing, and transfer of cannabis is illegal. The federal, and in some cases state, law enforcement authorities have frequently closed down dispensaries and investigated and/or closed physician offices that provide medicinal cannabis recommendations. To the extent that we our customers' dispensary or factory is closed, it will negatively affect our revenue, and to the extent that it prevents or discourages other similar businesses from entering the cannabis industry, our potential customer base would contract, leading to a material negative effect on our business and operations.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities2 | 4.4%
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1
We could experience difficulty enforcing our contracts.Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 2
Unfavorable outcomes in legal proceedings may adversely affect our business, financial conditions and results of operations.Our results may be affected by the outcome of future litigation. Unfavorable rulings in our legal proceedings may have a negative impact on us that may be greater or smaller depending on the nature of the rulings. In addition, from time to time in the future we may be subject to various claims, investigations, legal and administrative cases and proceedings (whether civil or criminal) or lawsuits by governmental agencies or private parties, including as described in the immediately preceding risk factor. For example, see "Item 3. Legal Proceedings" regarding our ongoing and recently resolved litigation. If the results of these investigations, proceedings or suits are unfavorable to us or if we are unable to successfully defend against third party lawsuits, we may be required to pay monetary damages or may be subject to fines, penalties, injunctions or other censure that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Even if we adequately address the issues raised by an investigation or proceeding or successfully defend a third-party lawsuit or counterclaim, we may have to devote significant financial and management resources to address these issues, which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Taxation & Government Incentives1 | 2.2%
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1
Ordinary and necessary business deduction other than the cost of goods sold are disallowed by the Internal Revenue Service for Cannabis companies under the Internal Revenue Code (the "IRC") Section 280E.Ability to Sell
Total Risks: 6/45 (13%)Above Sector Average
Competition2 | 4.4%
Competition - Risk 1
Our industry is subject to intense competition.Competition - Risk 2
Our industry is highly competitive, and we have less capital and resources than many of our competitors which may give them an advantage in developing and marketing products similar to ours or make our products obsolete.We are involved in a highly competitive industry where we may compete with numerous other companies who offer alternative methods or approaches, who may have far greater resources, more experience, and personnel perhaps more qualified than we do. Such resources may give our competitors an advantage in developing and marketing products similar to ours or products that make our products obsolete. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully compete against these other entities.
Demand2 | 4.4%
Demand - Risk 1
Our business is dependent upon continued market acceptance by consumers.Demand - Risk 2
The cannabis industry is relatively new.We are operating in a relatively new industry and market. In addition to being subject to general business risks, we must continue to build brand awareness in this industry and market share through significant investments in our strategy, production capacity, quality assurance and compliance with regulations. Research in the United States and internationally regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy and dosing of cannabis or isolated cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol, or CBD, and tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, remains in relatively early stages. Few clinical trials on the benefits of cannabis or isolated cannabinoids have been conducted. Future research and clinical trials may draw opposing conclusions to statements contained in the articles, reports and studies currently favored, or could reach different or negative conclusions regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, dosing or other facts and perceptions related to medical cannabis, which could adversely affect social acceptance of cannabis and the demand for our products and dispensary services.
Accordingly, there is no assurance that the cannabis industry and the market for medicinal and/or adult-use cannabis will continue to exist and grow as currently anticipated or function and evolve in a manner consistent with management's expectations and assumptions. Any event or circumstance that adversely affects the cannabis industry, such as the imposition of further restrictions on sales and marketing or further restrictions on sales in certain areas and markets could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Sales & Marketing2 | 4.4%
Sales & Marketing - Risk 1
We and our customers and clients may have difficulty accessing the service of banks, which may make it difficult for them to operate.Sales & Marketing - Risk 2
Our services have never been provided on a mass market commercial basis, and we do not know whether they will be accepted by the market.The market for cannabis products is at a relatively early stage of development and the extent to which its use will be widely adopted is uncertain. If our services are not accepted by the market, our business plans, prospects, results of operations and financial condition will suffer. Moreover, jurisdictions that have not approved the medicinal and/or adult-retail use of cannabis products may decide not to permit the use of such products. The development of a successful market for our proposed operations and our ability to license our intellectual property and implement our business plan may be affected by a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control. If our proposed operations fail to gain sufficient market acceptance, our business plans, prospects, results of operations and financial condition will suffer.
Tech & Innovation
Total Risks: 3/45 (7%)Below Sector Average
Trade Secrets3 | 6.7%
Trade Secrets - Risk 1
Litigation brought by third parties claiming infringement of their intellectual property rights or trying to invalidate intellectual property rights owned or used by us may be costly and time consuming.Trade Secrets - Risk 2
We may be unable to adequately protect or enforce our patents and proprietary rights.Our continuing success depends, in part, on our ability to protect our intellectual property and maintain the proprietary nature of our technology through a combination of patents, trademarks, licenses and other intellectual property arrangements, without infringing the proprietary rights of third parties. We cannot assure that these patents, trademarks, licenses and other intellectual property arrangements will be held valid if challenged, or that other parties will not claim rights in or ownership of our patent and other proprietary rights. We also cannot assure that our pending patents will be issued. Moreover, patents issued to us or those we license patents from may be circumvented or fail to provide adequate protection.
Trade Secrets - Risk 3
There is uncertainty regarding the availability of U.S. federal patent and trademark protection.As long as cannabis remains illegal under U.S. federal law, the benefit of certain federal laws and protections which may be available to most businesses, such as federal trademark and patent protection regarding the intellectual property of a business, may not be available to us. As a result, our intellectual property may never be adequately or sufficiently protected against the use or misappropriation by third parties. In addition, since the regulatory framework of the cannabis industry is in a constant state of flux, we can provide no assurance that it will ever obtain any protection of its intellectual property, whether on a federal, state, or local level.
Production
Total Risks: 3/45 (7%)Below Sector Average
Employment / Personnel1 | 2.2%
Employment / Personnel - Risk 1
We are dependent upon key personnel whose loss may adversely impact our business.Supply Chain1 | 2.2%
Supply Chain - Risk 1
We face risks due to industry immaturity or limited comparable, competitive, or established industry best practices.Costs1 | 2.2%
Costs - Risk 1
Due to our ancillary involvement in the cannabis industry, we may have a difficult time obtaining the various insurances that are desired to operate our business, which may expose us to additional risk and financial liability.Changed
Macro & Political
Total Risks: 2/45 (4%)Below Sector Average
Natural and Human Disruptions2 | 4.4%
Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1
Damage from catastrophic weather and other natural events and climate change could result in losses to our Company.Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 2
The cannabis industry faces strong opposition.It is believed by many that large well-funded businesses may have a strong economic opposition to the cannabis industry. We believe that the pharmaceutical industry does not want to cede control of any product that could generate significant revenue. For example, medical cannabis will likely adversely impact the existing market for medicines sold by mainstream pharmaceutical companies that contain active ingredients from cannabis. Furthermore, the medical marijuana industry could face a material threat from the pharmaceutical industry, should marijuana displace other drugs or encroach upon the pharmaceutical industry's products. The pharmaceutical industry is well funded with a strong and experienced lobby that eclipses the funding of the medical cannabis movement. Any inroads the pharmaceutical industry could make in halting or impeding the cannabis industry could have a detrimental impact on our proposed business.
Additionally, we are substantially dependent on continued market acceptance and proliferation of consumers of cannabis, medical marijuana, and recreational marijuana. We believe that as marijuana becomes more accepted the stigma associated with marijuana use will diminish and as a result consumer demand will continue to grow. While we believe that the market and opportunity in the marijuana space continues to grow, we cannot predict the future growth rate and size of the market. Any negative outlook on the marijuana industry will adversely affect our business operations.
See a full breakdown of risk according to category and subcategory. The list starts with the category with the most risk. Click on subcategories to read relevant extracts from the most recent report.
FAQ
What are “Risk Factors”?
Risk factors are any situations or occurrences that could make investing in a company risky.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires that publicly traded companies disclose their most significant risk factors. This is so that potential investors can consider any risks before they make an investment.
They also offer companies protection, as a company can use risk factors as liability protection. This could happen if a company underperforms and investors take legal action as a result.
It is worth noting that smaller companies, that is those with a public float of under $75 million on the last business day, do not have to include risk factors in their 10-K and 10-Q forms, although some may choose to do so.
How do companies disclose their risk factors?
Publicly traded companies initially disclose their risk factors to the SEC through their S-1 filings as part of the IPO process.
Additionally, companies must provide a complete list of risk factors in their Annual Reports (Form 10-K) or (Form 20-F) for “foreign private issuers”.
Quarterly Reports also include a section on risk factors (Form 10-Q) where companies are only required to update any changes since the previous report.
According to the SEC, risk factors should be reported concisely, logically and in “plain English” so investors can understand them.
How can I use TipRanks risk factors in my stock research?
Use the Risk Factors tab to get data about the risk factors of any company in which you are considering investing.
You can easily see the most significant risks a company is facing. Additionally, you can find out which risk factors a company has added, removed or adjusted since its previous disclosure. You can also see how a company’s risk factors compare to others in its sector.
Without reading company reports or participating in conference calls, you would most likely not have access to this sort of information, which is usually not included in press releases or other public announcements.
A simplified analysis of risk factors is unique to TipRanks.
What are all the risk factor categories?
TipRanks has identified 6 major categories of risk factors and a number of subcategories for each. You can see how these categories are broken down in the list below.
1. Financial & Corporate
- Accounting & Financial Operations - risks related to accounting loss, value of intangible assets, financial statements, value of intangible assets, financial reporting, estimates, guidance, company profitability, dividends, fluctuating results.
- Share Price & Shareholder Rights – risks related to things that impact share prices and the rights of shareholders, including analyst ratings, major shareholder activity, trade volatility, liquidity of shares, anti-takeover provisions, international listing, dual listing.
- Debt & Financing – risks related to debt, funding, financing and interest rates, financial investments.
- Corporate Activity and Growth – risks related to restructuring, M&As, joint ventures, execution of corporate strategy, strategic alliances.
2. Legal & Regulatory
- Litigation and Legal Liabilities – risks related to litigation/ lawsuits against the company.
- Regulation – risks related to compliance, GDPR, and new legislation.
- Environmental / Social – risks related to environmental regulation and to data privacy.
- Taxation & Government Incentives – risks related to taxation and changes in government incentives.
3. Production
- Costs – risks related to costs of production including commodity prices, future contracts, inventory.
- Supply Chain – risks related to the company’s suppliers.
- Manufacturing – risks related to the company’s manufacturing process including product quality and product recalls.
- Human Capital – risks related to recruitment, training and retention of key employees, employee relationships & unions labor disputes, pension, and post retirement benefits, medical, health and welfare benefits, employee misconduct, employee litigation.
4. Technology & Innovation
- Innovation / R&D – risks related to innovation and new product development.
- Technology – risks related to the company’s reliance on technology.
- Cyber Security – risks related to securing the company’s digital assets and from cyber attacks.
- Trade Secrets & Patents – risks related to the company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and to infringement claims against the company as well as piracy and unlicensed copying.
5. Ability to Sell
- Demand – risks related to the demand of the company’s goods and services including seasonality, reliance on key customers.
- Competition – risks related to the company’s competition including substitutes.
- Sales & Marketing – risks related to sales, marketing, and distribution channels, pricing, and market penetration.
- Brand & Reputation – risks related to the company’s brand and reputation.
6. Macro & Political
- Economy & Political Environment – risks related to changes in economic and political conditions.
- Natural and Human Disruptions – risks related to catastrophes, floods, storms, terror, earthquakes, coronavirus pandemic/COVID-19.
- International Operations – risks related to the global nature of the company.
- Capital Markets – risks related to exchange rates and trade, cryptocurrency.