Goodness Growth Holdings, Inc. - Annual Report: 2022 (Form 10-K)

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022

or

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For the Transition Period from                      to                     .

Commission file number 000-56225

GOODNESS GROWTH HOLDINGS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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(612) 999-1606

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:

None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:

Subordinate Voting Shares

Multiple Voting Shares

Super Voting Shares

(Title of class)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.   Yes  ◻    No  ⌧

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.   Yes  ◻    No  ⌧

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   Yes  ⌧     No  ◻

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).   Yes  ⌧    No  ◻

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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If an emerging growth company, indicate by checkmark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ◻

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ◻

Indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that require a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to Section 240.10 D-1(b). ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).   Yes  ☐    No  ⌧ 

The aggregate market value of the shares of Subordinate Voting Shares, Multiple Voting Shares and Super Voting Shares (based on as converted basis, based on the closing price of these shares on the OTCQX) on June 30, 2022, held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $146,312,593.

As of March 27, 2023, the registrant had the following number of shares of each of its classes of registered securities outstanding: Subordinate Voting Shares – 86,721,030; Multiple Voting Shares – 348,642; and Super Voting Shares – 65,411.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Part III incorporates certain information by reference from the definitive proxy statement to be filed by the registrant in connection with the 2022 Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders (the “2022 Management Information Circular and Proxy Statement”).

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GOODNESS GROWTH HOLDINGS, INC.

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EXPLANATORY NOTE

Unless the context provides otherwise, references herein to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Company” or “Goodness Growth” refer to Goodness Growth Holdings, Inc. together with our wholly owned subsidiaries. References to “Darien Business Development Corp.” or “Darien” refer to the Company prior to completion of the RTO (as hereinafter defined).

Unless otherwise indicated, all references to “$” or “US$” in this report refer to United States dollars, and all references to “C$” refer to Canadian dollars.

Emerging Growth Company Status

As a company with less than $1.235 billion in revenue during our most recently completed fiscal year, we qualify as an “emerging growth company” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”). As an emerging growth company, we may take advantage of specified reduced disclosure and other exemptions from requirements that are otherwise applicable to public companies that are not emerging growth companies. These provisions include:

We may take advantage of these exemptions for up to five years or such earlier time that we are no longer an emerging growth company. We would cease to be an emerging growth company if we have more than $1.235 billion in annual revenues as of the end of a fiscal year, if we are deemed to be a large-accelerated filer under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or if we issue more than $1.0 billion of non-convertible debt over a three-year period.

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Form 10-K contains statements that we believe are, or may be considered to be, “forward-looking statements” under U.S. or Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based on current beliefs, expectations, or assumptions regarding the future of the business, future plans and strategies, operational results, and other future conditions of the Company. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this report regarding the prospects of our industry or our prospects, plans, financial position, or business strategy may constitute forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “expect,” “plan,” “expected,” “scheduled,” “estimates,” “estimated,” “forecasts,” “continue,” “continued,” “anticipate,” “will,” “expectations,” “cannot,” “could,” “believe,” “focused,” “intention,” “strategic,” “future,” “approach,” “strategy,” “efforts,” “potential,” “potentially,” “possible,” “may,” “intend,” “intended,” “intent,” “should,” “might,” “would,” “achieve,” “allowed to,” “over time,” “likely,” “remain,” “opportunities,” “seeking,” or the negative or plural of these words or similar expressions or variations. Furthermore, forward-looking statements may be included in various filings that we make with the SEC or press releases or oral statements made by or with the approval of one of our authorized executive officers. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that these expectations will prove to be correct. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain known and unknown risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in these forward-looking statements.

By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks exist that predictions, forecasts, projections, and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these statements as many important factors could cause the actual results to differ materially from the beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, anticipations, estimates, and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company, as applicable, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information and statements include, but are not limited to, the risks described in “Risk Factors” in this report.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements contained in this report, which reflect management’s opinions only as of the date hereof. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to any forward-looking statements. You are advised, however, to consult any additional disclosures we make in our reports to the SEC. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained in this report.

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PART I

Item 1.Business

Background

Goodness Growth Holdings, Inc. is a reporting issuer in Canada, with its securities listed for trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the “CSE”) under the symbol “GDNS” and on the OTCQX under the symbol “GDNSF”. Goodness Growth is a cannabis company whose mission is to provide safe access, quality products and value to its customers while supporting its local communities through active participation and restorative justice programs. The Company is evolving with the industry and is in the midst of a transformation to being significantly more customer-centric across its operations, which include cultivation, manufacturing, wholesale and retail business lines. With our core operations strategically located in four limited-license medical and adult-use markets, Goodness Growth cultivates and manufactures cannabis products in environmentally friendly greenhouses and other facilities and distributes these products through our growing network of Green Goods™ and other Goodness Growth branded retail dispensaries, as well as third-party dispensaries in the markets in which our subsidiaries hold operating licenses.

As of March 27, 2023, Goodness Growth is licensed in seven states and territories, consisting of Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, and Puerto Rico. As of March 27, 2023, we retail cannabis products in 18 dispensaries located in Maryland (2), Minnesota (8), New Mexico (4), and New York (4) and wholesales cannabis products, through third-party companies, in Maryland, Minnesota, and New York.

Our registered office is located at 1500 Royal Centre, 1055 West Georgia Street, P.O. Box 11117, Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 4N7. Our head office is located at 207 South Ninth Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402.

History of the Company

Our business was established in 2014 as Minnesota Medical Solutions, LLC, and we received our first license in December 2014. The Company was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) on November 23, 2004 under the name “Initial Capital Inc.” On May 8, 2007, the Company changed its name to “Digifonica International Inc.” following the completion of a qualifying transaction. On December 9, 2013, the Company continued into British Columbia under the name of “Dominion Energy Inc.” The Company had several name changes before ultimately changing its name to “Darien Business Development Corp.” on March 13, 2017. Vireo Health, Inc. (“Vireo U.S.”) was organized as a limited liability company under Minnesota law on February 4, 2015 and converted to a Delaware corporation on January 1, 2018. Vireo U.S. acquired all the equity of Minnesota Medical Solutions, LLC, and Empire State Health Solutions, LLC, in an equity interest swap transaction on January 1, 2018. On March 18, 2019, Vireo U.S. completed the reverse takeover transaction of Goodness Growth (formerly Vireo Health International Inc., which was formerly Darien Business Development Corp. or “Darien”) (the “RTO”) whereby Darien acquired all the issued and outstanding shares of Vireo U.S. Following the completion of the reverse takeover, the former shareholders of Vireo U.S. acquired control of the Company as they owned a majority of the outstanding shares of the Company upon completion of the RTO. Concurrently with the completion of the RTO, the Company changed our name to “Vireo Health International, Inc.” In June 2021, we changed our name to “Goodness Growth Holdings, Inc.”

Arrangement Agreement

On January 31, 2022, we entered into an Arrangement Agreement (the “Arrangement Agreement”) with Verano Holdings Inc. (“Verano”), pursuant to which Verano was to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Goodness Growth pursuant to a plan of arrangement (the “Plan of Arrangement”) under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the “Arrangement”). Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Arrangement Agreement and the Plan of Arrangement, holders of Goodness Growth Shares were to receive 0.22652 of a subordinate voting share of Verano (each a “Verano Subordinate Voting Share”), subject to adjustment as described below (the “Exchange Ratio”), for each Subordinate Voting Share held, and 22.652 Verano Subordinate Voting Shares for each Multiple Voting Share and Super Voting Share held, immediately prior to the effective time of the Arrangement (the “Effective Time”). At the Effective Time, in accordance with the terms of Goodness Growth’s 2019 Company Equity Incentive Plan, the terms of each

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Goodness Growth option and RSU were to be adjusted to entitle the holder to receive, upon exercise, in substitution for the number of Goodness Growth Shares subject to such option or RSU, that number of Verano Shares based on the Exchange Ratio. In accordance with the terms of Goodness Growth’s outstanding warrants, the terms of each Goodness Growth warrant were to be adjusted to entitle the holder to receive, upon exercise, in substitution for the number of Goodness Growth Shares subject to such warrant, that number of Verano Shares based on the Exchange Ratio.

On October 13, 2022, Goodness Growth received a notice of purported termination of the Arrangement Agreement (the “Notice”) from Verano. The Notice asserted certain breaches of the Arrangement Agreement, including claims the Company’s public filings and communications with respect to its business and ongoing operations were misleading and that the Company breached its representations to Verano under the Arrangement Agreement. Verano also claimed, as a result of such breaches, it is entitled to payment of the $14,875,000 termination fee and its transaction expenses. Goodness Growth denies all of Verano’s allegations and affirmatively asserts that it has complied with its obligations under the Arrangement Agreement, and with its disclosure obligations under US and Canadian law, in all material respects at all times. Goodness Growth believes that Verano has no factual or legal basis to justify or support its purported grounds for termination of the Arrangement Agreement.

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On October 21, 2022, Goodness Growth commenced an action in the Supreme Court of British Columbia against Verano arising out of Verano’s repudiation of the Arrangement Agreement, which Goodness Growth believes was wrongful. Goodness Growth is seeking damages, costs and interest, based on Verano's breach of contract and of its duty of good faith and honest performance. On November 14, 2022, Verano filed counterclaims against the Company for the termination fee and transaction expenses described above. Due to uncertainties inherent in litigation, it is not possible for Goodness Growth to predict the timing or final outcome of the legal proceedings against Verano or to determine the amount of damages, if any, that may be awarded.

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Description of the Business

Overview of the Company

Goodness Growth is a United States-based multi-state cannabis company with significant operations in four core markets of Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, and New York. We are science-focused and dedicated to providing patients and adult-use customers with high quality cannabis-based products. We cultivate cannabis in environmentally friendly greenhouses, manufacture pharmaceutical-grade cannabis extracts, and sell our products at both Company-owned and third-party dispensaries to qualifying patients and adult-use customers. We currently serve thousands of customers each month.

New Mexico sales of adult-use products began on April 1, 2022. In 2021, New York adopted legislation allowing adult-use cannabis and sales began in January, 2023. Maryland voters approved recreational marijuana legalization in the fourth quarter of 2022, and recreational sales are expected to begin in the next eighteen months. Minnesota has the potential to enact adult-use legalization in the next 18 months; as of March 27, 2023, bills are pending in both houses of the Minnesota legislature that, if reconciled to a common text, passed by both houses and signed into law by the Minnesota Governor, would establish an adult-use program in Minnesota. As of March 27, 2023, four of our markets are operational, with 18 of our total retail dispensary licenses open for business.

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Our principal locations and type of operation are listed below:

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Our mission is to provide patients and consumers with best-in-class cannabis products and expert advice, informed by medicine and science. We also are seeking to develop intellectual property that is complementary to our mission, including novel product formulations, novel delivery systems and harm-mitigation processes.

We have developed proprietary cannabis strains, cultivation methods, carbon dioxide extraction, ethanol extraction, and other processes related to the production, refinement, and packaging of cannabis products. We have documented the relevant processes in the form of standard operating procedures and work instructions, which are only shared with third parties when absolutely required and then only upon receipt of written non-disclosure agreements.

We have sought and continue to seek to protect our trademark and service mark rights. Because the cultivation, processing, possession, transport and sale of cannabis and cannabis-related products remain illegal under the Controlled Substances Act (as defined below) we are not able to fully protect our intellectual property at the federal level. As a result, we have

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sought and continue to seek federal registrations in limited classes of goods and services and have obtained several state registrations.

The Cannabis Industry and Business Lines of the Company

According to market research projections by cannabis researcher Brightfield Group, U.S. sales of legal cannabis are expected to reach over $31.8 billion in 2023 and $50.7 billion in 2028.

As described further below, United States federal law now bifurcates the legality of “hemp” from “marihuana” (also commonly known as “marijuana”). For purposes of this filing, the term “cannabis” means “marihuana” as set forth in the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. § 811) (the “Controlled Substances Act”) and is used interchangeably with the term “marijuana.”

To date, in the United States, medical cannabis has been legalized in 39 states and the District of Columbia, while 21 states and the District of Columbia have approved cannabis for recreational use by adults (adult-use).

We strive to meet best-in-class health, safety and quality standards relating to the growth, production and sale of cannabis medicines, and products for consumers. Our offerings include cannabis flower, cannabis oil, cannabis topicals, orally ingestible tablets, capsules featuring cannabinoids, and vaporizer pens and cartridges.

We are a vertically integrated cannabis company that operates from “seed-to-sale.” We have three business lines:

Cultivation

We have rights to operate cultivation facilities in six states and Puerto Rico. Although pricing pressure for dried flower in several mature cannabis markets has led some operators to eschew cultivation, in certain markets the transition from medical-only to adult-use cannabis has increased wholesale market prices significantly. We believe that our cultivation operations provide certain other benefits, including:

Our focuses on quality, potency, strain diversity and production at scale are important because we believe that the wholesale market for cannabis plant material will become increasingly price competitive over time. More companies are

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entering, and will likely continue to enter, this segment of the industry. We believe that manufacturers and retailers that source high-quality, low-cost plant material will have a significant advantage in the medium and long term.

Cultivation and Production Facilities

Except for our bifurcated cultivation-only and production-only facilities in Maryland, we operate combined cultivation and production facilities. Each cultivation and production facility focuses primarily on the development of cannabis products and dried cannabis plant material for medical and other consumer use, as well as the research and development of new strains of cannabis. At all our facilities, we focus on consumer safety and maintaining strict quality control. The methods used in our facilities result in several key benefits, including consistent production of high-quality product and the minimization of product recalls and complaints from patients and adult-use customers.

We operate the following cultivation and production facilities as of the close of business on March 27, 2023:

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Manufacturing

We manufacture, assemble, and package cannabis finished goods across a variety of product segments:

We have wholesale operations in Maryland, Minnesota, and New York. Manufactured products are sold to third parties, where allowed, and are also distributed to Company-owned and operated retail dispensaries.

Principal Products or Services

Our brands include:

The following table shows which principal manufactured products we currently sell at our dispensaries in our various markets:

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Retail Strategy

We have invested substantial resources in developing customer-friendly store designs and floorplans. In 2020, we began constructing new dispensaries using a new layout and color scheme tied to the Green Goods™ trademark and began converting existing dispensaries to this new theme.

Members of our management team have experience in real estate development, which has enabled us to secure premium locations for some of our dispensaries. Typically, we seek locations with high foot traffic and good visibility, close to densely populated residential areas. We also consider location, vehicular traffic, demographics, and competitor locations when selecting retail locations.

Principal Business Objectives

Our principal business objectives over the next 12-month period include achieving positive operating cash flow; continuing growth and expansion in the Minnesota market through flower offerings and edibles; planning and execution in New York for impending adult use program through expanding our facilities and product offerings, subject to regulatory approval; improving margins in the adult-use New Mexico market, principally through reducing costs; and increasing wholesale sales in our core markets.

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Employees and Human Capital Resources

As of March 1, 2023, we had 519 employees, 409 of whom were full time employees. Certain of our employees in Maryland, Minnesota and New York are represented by local offices of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (“UFCW”). The collective bargaining agreements with the employees in these states expire as follows:

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In addition, our home delivery drivers in New York are represented by the Warehouse Production Sales & Allied Service Employees Union, AFL-CIO Local 811 (“Local 811”). Our collective bargaining agreement with Local 811 expires July 31, 2023. We consider our relations with our employees, with UFCW and with Local 811 to be good overall.

Our human capital resources objectives include identifying, recruiting, retaining, incenting and integrating our existing and additional employees into our collaborative, results-focused culture. Our compensation program is designed to attract, motivate and retain highly qualified executives and employees. We are committed to a culture that values diversity, mutual respect, equity and collaboration that helps achieve our enterprise goals.

Research and Development

Our former research and development activities primarily focused on developing new, innovative, and patent-protectable products for the cannabis market. These efforts have focused on novel cannabinoid formulations as well as accessory products designed to improve the cannabis consumption experience. We also experimented with plant spacing and nutrient blends, cannabis variety trialing and improved pest management techniques. We also engaged in research and development activities focused on developing new extracted or infused products.

Patents and Trademarks

We hold two patents for “Tobacco Products with Cannabinoid Additives and Methods for Reducing the Harm Associated with Tobacco Use” (US Patents 10,369,178 and 10,702,565) and have a number of other patents pending with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”).

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We have successfully registered the trademarks Vireo Health® and Green Goods® with the USPTO and have applied to register a number of other trademarks with the USPTO, including:

Competitive Conditions and Position

Historically, Vireo U.S. won licenses in competitive, merit-based selection processes. We pursued opportunities in limited license markets with higher barriers to entry presenting an opportunity for higher returns or the development of strategic opportunities.

The industry is highly competitive with many operators, including large multi-state operators and smaller regional and local enterprises. We face competition from other companies that have greater resources, enhanced access to public equity and debt markets, superior cultivation and manufacturing capabilities, lower operating costs, better-located retail facilities, more experienced management, or that may be more mature as businesses. There are several multi-state operators that we compete directly with in some of our operating markets. Aside from current direct competition, other operators that are sufficiently capitalized to enter the Company’s markets through new licensure or acquisitive growth are also considered potential competitors. Similarly, if and to the extent we continue to enter new markets, we will encounter new direct competitors.

See “Risk Factors – We face intense competition in a new and rapidly growing industry from licensed companies with more experience and financial resources than we have and from unlicensed and unregulated participants.”

Regulation of Cannabis in the United States

Below is a discussion of the federal and state-level U.S. regulatory regimes in those jurisdictions where we operate through our subsidiaries. We currently operate facilities in Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, and New York.

Regulation of Cannabis in the United States Federally

We currently directly derives a substantial portion of our revenues from the cannabis industry in certain U.S. states, which industry is illegal under U.S. Federal Law. As of December 31, 2022, the Company is directly involved (through licensed subsidiaries) in both the medical and adult-use cannabis industry in the states of New York, Minnesota, Maryland, and New Mexico, as permitted within such states under applicable state law. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that Congress has the constitutional authority to enact the existing federal prohibition on cannabis. As described further below, U.S. federal law now bifurcates the legality of “hemp” from “marihuana” (also commonly known as marijuana). For purposes of this filing, the term “cannabis” means “marihuana” as set forth in the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. § 811) (the “Controlled Substances Act”) and is used interchangeably with the term “marijuana.” The U.S. federal government regulates drugs through the Controlled Substances Act, which places controlled substances, including marijuana, on a schedule. Marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug. The Department of Justice defines Schedule I drugs, substances or chemicals as “drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” With the limited exceptions of Epidiolex, a pharmaceutical derived from the cannabis extract cannabidiol (“CBD”), and certain drugs that incorporate synthetically derived cannabinoids (i.e., Marinol, Syndros, and Cesamet), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved marijuana as a safe and effective drug for any indication. Moreover, under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (commonly referred to as the 2018 Farm Bill), marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act, with the exception of hemp and extracts derived from hemp (such as CBD) with a tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”) concentration of less than 0.3%.

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State laws regulating cannabis are in direct conflict with the Controlled Substances Act. Although certain states and territories of the U.S. authorize medical or recreational cannabis production and distribution by licensed or registered

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entities, under U.S. federal law, the possession, use, cultivation, and transfer of cannabis and any related drug paraphernalia is illegal; any such acts are criminal acts under federal law under the Controlled Substances Act. Although our activities are compliant with applicable state and local laws, strict compliance with state and local laws with respect to cannabis may neither absolve the Company of liability under U.S. federal law, nor may it provide a defense to any federal proceeding which may be brought against the Company.

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 U.S. Congress amends the Controlled Substances Act with respect to cannabis (and as to the timing or scope of any such potential amendments there can be no assurance), there is a risk that Federal authorities may enforce current U.S. federal law. We will continue to monitor compliance on an ongoing basis in accordance with our compliance program and standard operating agreement procedures. While our operations are in material compliance with all applicable state laws, regulations and licensing requirements, such activities remain illegal under United States federal law. If the Department of Justice policy were to aggressively pursue debt or equity owners of cannabis-related business and U.S. Attorneys followed such Department of Justice policies by pursuing prosecutions, then the Company could face, (i) seizure of its cash and other assets used to support or derived from its cannabis subsidiaries and (ii) the arrest of its employees, directors, officers, managers and investors, who could face charges of ancillary criminal violations of the CSA for aiding and abetting and conspiring to violate the Controlled Substances Act by virtue of providing financial support to state-licensed or permitted cultivators, processors, distributors and/or retailers of cannabis. Additionally, as has been affirmed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, employees, directors, officers, managers and investors of the Company who are not U.S. citizens face the risk of being barred from entry into the U.S., for life.

In August 2013, then-Deputy Attorney General, James Cole, authored a memorandum (the “Cole Memorandum”) addressed to all United States district attorneys acknowledging that, notwithstanding the designation of cannabis as a controlled substance at the federal level in the United States, several states had enacted laws relating to cannabis for medical purposes.

The Cole Memorandum outlined the priorities for the Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) relating to the prosecution of cannabis offenses. In particular, the Cole Memorandum noted that in jurisdictions that have enacted laws legalizing cannabis in some form and that have also implemented strong and effective regulatory and enforcement systems to control the cultivation, distribution, sale, and possession of cannabis, conduct in compliance with those laws and regulations is less likely to be a priority at the federal level. Notably, however, the DOJ never provided specific guidelines for what regulatory and enforcement systems it deemed sufficient under the Cole Memorandum standard. In light of limited investigative and prosecutorial resources, the Cole Memorandum concluded that the DOG should be focused on addressing only the most significant threats related to cannabis. States where medical cannabis had been legalized were not characterized as a high priority.

In March 2017, then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions again noted limited federal resources and acknowledged that much of the Cole Memorandum had merit. However, on January 4, 2018, Mr. Sessions issued a memorandum that rescinded and superseded the Cole Memorandum effective immediately (the “Sessions Memorandum”). The Sessions Memorandum stated, in part, that current law reflects Congress’ determination that cannabis is a dangerous drug and cannabis activity is a serious crime”, and Mr. Sessions directed all U.S. Attorneys to enforce the laws enacted by Congress and to follow well-established principles when pursuing prosecutions related to marijuana activities. The inconsistency between federal and state laws and regulations is a major risk factor.

As a result of the Sessions Memorandum, federal prosecutors were free to utilize their prosecutorial discretion to decide whether to prosecute cannabis activities despite the existence of state-level laws that may be inconsistent with federal prohibitions. No direction was given to federal prosecutors in the Sessions Memorandum as to the priority they should ascribe to such cannabis activities, and resultantly it is uncertain how active federal prosecutors will be in relation to such activities. Furthermore, the Sessions Memorandum did not discuss the treatment of medical cannabis by federal

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prosecutors. As an industry best practice, despite the rescission of the Cole Memorandum, we continue to do the following to ensure compliance with the guidance provided by the Cole Memorandum:

Former Attorney General William Barr, who succeeded Attorney General Sessions, did not provide a clear policy directive for the United States related to state-legal cannabis-related activities. 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 Memorandum.” Attorney General Barr’s statements were not an official declaration of the DOJ policy and were not binding on the DOJ, on any U.S. Attorney or on the Federal courts. On March 11, 2021, Merrick Garland was confirmed as the new Attorney General. Attorney General Garland has not yet made a formal statement or written response on the matter; however, during his confirmation hearings he stated that federal prosecution of state-licensed cannabis operators is not a “useful use” of limited prosecutorial resources. Moreover, 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 U.S. Congress amends the Controlled Substances Act with respect to cannabis (and as to the timing or scope of any such potential amendments there can be no assurance), there is a risk that Federal authorities may enforce current U.S. federal law. We will continue to monitor compliance on an ongoing basis in accordance with our compliance program and standard operating agreement procedures. While our operations are in material compliance with all applicable state laws, regulations and licensing requirements, such activities remain illegal under United States federal law. For the reasons described above and the risks further described in the Risk Factors section below, there are significant risks associated with our business.

Although the Cole Memorandum has been rescinded, Congress has passed a so-called “rider” provision in the FY 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 Consolidated Appropriations Acts to prevent the DOJ from using congressionally appropriated funds to prevent any state or jurisdiction from implementing a law that authorizes the use, distribution, possession, or cultivation of medical marijuana. The rider is known as the “Rohrabacher-Farr” Amendment after its original lead sponsors (it is also sometimes referred to as the “Rohrabacher-Blumenauer” or, in its Senate Form, the “Leahy” Amendment, but it is referred to in this report as “Rohrabacher-Farr”).

Rohrabacher-Farr is typically included in short-term funding bills or continuing resolutions by the House of Representatives, whereas the Leahy Amendment was included in the fiscal year 2020 budget by the Senate, which was signed on December 20, 2019. Rohrabacher-Farr prevents the DOJ from using congressionally appropriated funds to enforce federal cannabis laws against regulated medical cannabis actors operating in compliance with state and local law. Rohrabacher-Farr has been renewed effective through September 30, 2023.

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The risk of federal enforcement and other risks associated with the Company’s business are described in Item 1A.—"Risk Factors.”

Regulation of the Cannabis Market at State and Local Levels

Below is a summary overview of the licensing and regulatory framework in the states where Goodness Growth or our subsidiaries are currently operating under licenses or rights to operate.

Maryland

Maryland Regulatory Landscape

In 2012, a state law was enacted in Maryland to establish a state-regulated medical cannabis program. Legislation was signed in May 2013 and the program became operational on December 1, 2017. The Natalie M. LaPrade Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (the “MMCC”) regulates the state program and awarded operational licenses in a highly competitive application process. The market is divided into three primary classes of licenses: dispensary, cultivation, and processing. Medical cannabis dispensary license pre-approvals were issued to 102 dispensaries out of a pool of over 800 applicants, 15 processing licenses were awarded out of a pool of 124 applicants and 15 cultivation licenses were awarded out of a pool of 145 applicants.

The medical cannabis program was written to allow access to medical cannabis for patients with qualifying medical conditions, including chronic pain, nausea, seizures, glaucoma, and post-traumatic stress disorder or “PTSD.”

In April 2018, Maryland lawmakers agreed to expand the state’s medical cannabis industry by adding another 20 licenses: 7 for cultivation and 13 for processing. Permitted products for sale and consumption include oil-based formulations, dry flower and edibles and other concentrates.

In November 2022, Maryland voters approved recreational marijuana legalization via ballot initiative. Under the initiative, listed as Question 4 on the ballot, adults 21 and older in Maryland will be allowed to possess up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana and grow two plants out of the public view beginning July 1, 2023.

Licenses in Maryland

We operate one dispensary in Frederick, Maryland, which opened in March 2021 and one dispensary in Baltimore, Maryland, which we acquired in November 2021. We also operate a production facility of 30,000 square feet and a 110,000 square-foot cultivation facility. We hold phase 2 licenses for cultivation, processing, and dispensing. Wholesale revenues have grown, driven in part by new product offerings and increased market penetration. Our cultivation and production licenses, as well as the license for our Frederick, Maryland dispensary, were awarded to our affiliate MaryMed, LLC through merit-based license application processes. Merit-based license awards require limited investment and thus present high-return opportunities. Our dispensary license for our Baltimore, Maryland location was acquired from Charm City Medicus, LLC on November 19, 2021. We believe that our medical and scientific background helped Goodness Growth develop a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Maryland Licenses and Regulations

Maryland licenses are valid for six years and are subject to four-year renewals after required fees are paid and provided that the business remains in good standing. Renewal requests are typically communicated through email from the MMCC and include a renewal form.

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Maryland Reporting Requirements

The State of Maryland uses Marijuana Enforcement Tracking Regulation and Compliance system (METRC) as the state’s computerized track and trace (“T&T”) system for seed-to-sale. Individual licensees whether directly or through third-party integration systems are required to push data to the state to meet all reporting requirements. We use a third-party application for our computerized seed to sale software, which integrates with the state’s METRC program and captures the required data points for cultivation, manufacturing and retail a as required in the Maryland Medical Cannabis law. 

Minnesota

Minnesota Regulatory Landscape

Legislation passed during the 2014 Minnesota legislative session created a new process allowing seriously ill individuals from Minnesota to use medical cannabis to treat a set of nine qualifying medical conditions. The qualifying medical conditions have been expanded to now include 15 qualifying conditions. The Medical Cannabis Program is regulated and administered by the Minnesota Department of Health which oversees all cultivation, production, and distribution facilities. In the initial program the Minnesota Department of Health had registered two manufacturers, with each manufacturer having licenses for four distribution facilities across the state. Minnesota now allows a manufacturer to operate eight distribution facilities, which may include the manufacturer’s single location for cultivation, harvesting, manufacturing, packaging, and processing but is not required to include that location.

Medical cannabis is provided to patients as a dried raw cannabis, liquid, pill, topical (lotions, balms, and patches), vaporized delivery method that does not require the use of dried leaves or plant form, water-soluble cannabinoid multi-particulates (for example, granules, powders, and sprinkles) and orally dissolvable products such as lozenges, gums, mints, buccal tablets, and sublingual tablets.

In terms of safety and security, there are several precautions built into the program. For example, registered manufacturers must contract with a laboratory for testing the quality and consistency of the medical cannabis products. Manufacturers’ facilities are also subject to state inspections.

Minnesota has also implemented a process for monitoring and evaluating the health impacts of medical cannabis on patients which will be used to help patients and health professionals grow their understanding of the benefits, risks, and side effects of medical cannabis.

In 2022, edibles and dried cannabis flower for smoking were added to the medical program in Minnesota.

On July 1, 2022, Minnesota Statutes s. 151.72 went into effect, which permits the sale, to anyone age 21 or older in the state, of edible products derived from hemp and containing no more than 5mg of THC per serving and 50mg per package.

On January 5, 2023, H.F. No. 100 (“H.F. 100”) was introduced into the Minnesota House of Representatives. H.F. 100, if passed, reconciled with a companion bill in the Minnesota senate, and signed by the Governor, would create an adult-use cannabis program in the State of Minnesota. The probability and timing of the enactment of an adult-use cannabis program, as well as the Company’s ability to participate in any such program, remain uncertain as of the date of filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Licenses and Permits in Minnesota

Our license in Minnesota was awarded in 2015 through merit-based license application processes. Merit-based license awards require limited investment and thus present high-return opportunities. We believe that our medical and scientific expertise helped us develop a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Vireo Health of Minnesota, LLC (“Vireo Minnesota”), which is a subsidiary of Goodness Growth, holds one vertically-integrated medical cannabis license to operate one cultivation and production facility in Otsego, MN and eight retail

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medical cannabis dispensaries in the state of Minnesota, located in Blaine, Bloomington, Burnsville, Hermantown, Rochester, Minneapolis, Moorhead, and Woodbury.

Minnesota Licenses and Regulations

We currently operate eight retail dispensaries and one cultivation and production facility of approximately 90,000 square feet. Recent changes to the state’s qualifying conditions for medical cannabis patients have contributed to increases in patient enrollment. The March 2022 addition of dried raw cannabis to the list of allowed delivery methods, give our management team optimism that the Minnesota market remains a growth opportunity for the Company.

Minnesota state licenses are renewed every two years. Every two years, licensees are required to submit a renewal application with the commissioner at least six months before its registration term expires. The most recent manufacturer annual fee paid in 2021 was $189,220 and is non-refundable. Additionally, provided that the requisite renewal fees are paid, the renewal application is submitted in a timely manner, and there are no material violations noted against the applicable licenses, and subject to the possible effect of the enactment of H.F. 100 or any other adult-use cannabis legislation in the state, The Company expects to receive the applicable renewed license in the ordinary course of business. While the Company’s compliance controls have been developed to mitigate the risk of any material violations of a license arising, there is no assurance that the Company’s license will be renewed in the future in a timely manner. Any unexpected delays or costs associated with the licensing renewal process could impede the ongoing or planned operations of the Company and have a material, adverse effect on the Company’s business and financial results.

Minnesota Reporting Requirements

The State of Minnesota uses Marijuana Enforcement Tracking Regulation and Compliance system (METRC) as the state’s computerized T&T system for seed-to-sale. Individual licensees whether directly or through third-party integration systems are required to push data to the state to meet all reporting requirements. We use a third-party application for our computerized seed to sale software, which integrates with the state’s Metrc program and captures the required data points for cultivation, manufacturing and retail as required. 

New Mexico

New Mexico Regulatory Landscape

The Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act (“Compassionate Use Act”) was signed into law in 2007 and became effective July 1, 2007. The Compassionate Use Act established the regulatory framework for use of medical cannabis by New Mexico residents and created the New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program (“NMMCP”). It allows practitioners to prescribe medical cannabis to patients with a debilitating medical condition (as defined in the Compassionate Use Act). Currently, there are 23 qualifying conditions under the Compassionate Use Act. When a practitioner determines that the patient has a debilitating medical condition and provides written certification so stating and that the potential health benefits of the cannabis use would likely outweigh the health risks for the patient, the patient can apply with the New Mexico Department of Health (“NMDOH”) for a registry identification card. A qualified patient is allowed to possess cannabis in an amount that is reasonably necessary to ensure uninterrupted availability of cannabis for a period of three months. In 2019, New Mexico announced it would begin permitting non-residents of the state to obtain cannabis under the Compassionate Use Act and as of July 1, 2020, the state now extends reciprocity to residents of all other medical cannabis states, allowing visiting medical marijuana patients to use their home-state credentials to purchase at licensed New Mexico medical marijuana dispensaries.

The Cannabis Regulation Act (“Cannabis Regulation Act”) was signed into law on April 12, 2021. The Cannabis Regulation Act established the regulatory framework for use of recreational cannabis within the State of New Mexico to allow for the sale, possession, and consumption of recreational marijuana in the state for adults 21 and older. The Cannabis Regulation Act also created the Cannabis Control Division (“NMCCD”) under the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, which now oversees the NMMCP. The NMMCP was previously subject to the regulatory authority of NMDOH. The first dispensaries providing adult-use cannabis began sales in April 2022.

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Licenses in New Mexico

Pursuant to a management agreement with our affiliate Red Barn Growers, Inc. (“Red Barn”), a New Mexico non-profit corporation and NMCCD licensee, Vireo Health of New Mexico, LLC (“VHNM”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Goodness Growth, currently operates four dispensaries located in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Santa Fe and Gallup and a cultivation and processing facility located in Gallup.

New Mexico Licenses and Regulations

In New Mexico, we currently operate an approximately 15,600 square feet of cultivation and production and have four operational retail dispensaries.

The NMCCD has established the following types of cannabis licenses: couriers; producers; manufacturers; retailers; microbusinesses; cannabis consumption lounges; vertically integrated establishments; and integrated microbusinesses. Red Barn operates pursuant to a vertically integrated establishment license issued by NMCCD. Red Barn’s vertically integrated establishment licenses allows it to cultivate, process, and distribute cannabis.. Each vertically integrated licensee can operate an unlimited number of dispensaries.

New Mexico Reporting Requirements

The state of New Mexico uses BIOTRACKTHC^© as the state’s computerized T&T system used to track commercial cannabis activity and seed-to-sale. Individual licensees are required to push data to the state to meet all reporting requirements.

New York

New York Regulatory Landscape

The Compassionate Care Act was signed into law on July 5, 2014. The law was expanded in January 2022 to remove a previous list of qualifying conditions. The law now allows patients to use medical cannabis for any condition that could be treated by medical cannabis as recommended by their doctor.

Physicians must complete a New York State Department of Health-approved course and register with the New York Department of Health Medical Marijuana Program to certify patients. Practitioners must consult the New York State Prescription Monitoring Program Registry prior to issuing a certification to a patient for medical cannabis.

Patients who are certified by their practitioners are required to apply to obtain a registry identification card in order to obtain medical cannabis certified patients may designate up to two caregivers, who must also register with the Department of Health, to obtain and administer medical cannabis products on behalf of the patients.

There are ten registered organizations, which each hold a vertically integrated license allowing the cultivation, manufacture, transport, distribution, and dispensation of medical cannabis. Registered organizations may only manufacture medical cannabis products in forms approved by the Commissioner of the Department of Health. Approved forms currently include whole flower, metered liquid or oil preparations, solid and semisolid preparations (e.g., capsules, chewable and effervescent tablets, lozenges), metered ground plant preparations, and topical forms and transdermal patches. The Compassionate Care Act expressly provides that a certified medical use of cannabis does not include smoking and that all prices must be approved by the New York Department of Health.

Each registered organization may have up to four dispensing facilities, owned and operated by the registered organization, where approved medical cannabis products will be dispensed to certified patients or their designated caregivers, who have registered with the Department. Dispensing facilities must report dispensing data to the New York State Prescription Monitoring Program Registry and consult the registry prior to dispensing approved medical cannabis products to certified patients or their designated caregivers.

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The Marihuana Regulation & Taxation Act was signed into law on March 31, 2022, legalizing adult-use cannabis in New York State. MRTA established a new Office of Cannabis Management governed by a Cannabis Control Board to comprehensively regulate adult-use, medical, and hemp cannabis. The OCM has begun to issue licenses and is currently promulgating rules and regulations outlining how and when our business can participate in the adult-use cannabis market.

Licenses and Permits in New York

Our licenses in New York were each awarded to us through merit-based license application processes.

Through our subsidiary Vireo Health of New York, LLC, we hold one of ten vertically integrated medical cannabis licenses. We currently have a cultivation and processing facility in Johnstown, NY and four dispensaries throughout the State in New York City (Queens County), Binghamton, White Plains and Albany. We also operate a home-delivery service based out of our Queens dispensary.

Our New York cultivation and processing facility is approximately 21 acres and compromised of 13,650 square foot of indoor cultivation space, 38,304 square feet of greenhouse cultivation space, and 7,350 square feet of laboratory and processing space. The facility has been in continuous production and sale of cannabis since January 2016. In addition, we have under construction, on an adjacent parcel to the existing facility, approximately 110,000 square feet of incremental cultivation and processing facility housed inside a building exceeding 300,000 square feet.

New York Licenses and Regulations

In New York, we were one of the original five registered organizations, placing second in the initial selection process, and are currently one of ten registered organizations (vertically integrated medical cannabis licensees) in the state. While we believe the long-term opportunity in New York is substantial, recent performance has been impacted by neighboring states transitioning to recreational-use jurisdictions, as well as by increasing competition from other developing operators. New product introductions and the beginning of wholesale revenue streams may contribute to improving profit margins in the future. We anticipate additional growth of our home delivery service.

New York registered organization licenses expire 2 years after the date of issuance. An application to renew must be filed with the Department not more than six months nor less than four months prior to the expiration thereof. Registration fees are $200,000 and are refundable if the applicant is not granted a renewal registration.

New York Reporting Requirements

The state of New York uses BIOTRACKTHC^© as the state’s cultivation and production computerized T&T system. Leaf Logix is used as state’s point of sale T&T system. Individual licensees are required to push data to the state to meet all reporting requirements.

Our Compliance Program

Expenditures for compliance with federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations are consistent from year to year and are not material to our financial results. We are compliant with all applicable regulations and properly disposes of the toxic and hazardous substances it uses in our operations.

The Company is classified as having “direct” involvement in the U.S. marijuana industry and are in material compliance with applicable licensing requirements and the regulatory framework enacted by each state in which it operates. We are not subject to any material citations or notices of violation with applicable licensing requirements and the regulatory framework enacted by each applicable state that may have an impact on our licenses, business activities or operations.

With the oversight of our General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, our compliance team oversees, maintains, and implements our compliance program. In addition to our internal legal department, we have engaged state regulatory compliance counsel in many jurisdictions.

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The compliance team oversees training for cultivation, production and dispensary managers and employees, along with other department leaders and other designated persons as needed, on compliance with state and local laws and regulations. Our compliance team also monitors all compliance notifications from the regulators and inspectors and lead the effort to timely resolve any issues identified. We keep records of all compliance notifications received from the state regulators or inspectors and how and when the issue was resolved.

We have created comprehensive standard operating procedures that include detailed descriptions and instructions for receiving shipments of inventory, inventory tracking, recordkeeping and record retention practices related to inventory, as well as procedures for performing inventory reconciliation and ensuring the accuracy of inventory tracking and recordkeeping. We maintain accurate records of our inventory at all licensed facilities. We conduct audits of our cannabis and cannabis products inventories at least weekly in order to detect any possible diversion. In addition to weekly inventory audits, security and/or compliance staff conduct unscheduled, unannounced audits to prevent complacency or the perception thereof. Adherence to our standard operating procedures is mandatory and ensures that our operations are compliant with the rules set forth by the applicable state and local laws, regulations, ordinances, licenses and other requirements. We also verify adherence to standard operating procedures by regularly conducting internal inspections and ensure that any issues identified are resolved quickly and thoroughly.

In January 2018, United States Attorney General, Jeff Sessions rescinded the Cole Memorandum and thereby created a vacuum of guidance for enforcement agencies and the DOJ. As an industry best practice, despite the recent rescission of the Cole Memorandum, we continue to do the following to ensure compliance with the guidance provided by the Cole Memorandum:

We will continue to monitor compliance on an ongoing basis in accordance with our compliance program and standard operating procedures. While our operations are in compliance with all applicable state laws, regulations and licensing requirements in all material respects, such activities remain illegal under United States federal law. For the reasons described above and the risks further described in Risk Factors below, there are significant risks associated with our business. Readers are strongly encouraged to carefully read all the risk factors contained in Item 1A. Risk Factors, below.

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Item 1A. Risk Factors

Investing in our securities involves risks. You should carefully consider the risks described in this section before deciding to invest in our securities. If any of these risks occurs, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially, adversely affected. In such case, the trading price of our securities would likely decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

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Set forth below is a summary of the principal risks we face:

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The following are certain factors relating to our business. These risks and uncertainties are not the only ones facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or currently deemed immaterial by us, may also impair our operations. If any such risks occur, our shareholders could lose all or part of their investment and our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, and prospects could be materially, adversely affected and our ability to implement our growth plans could be adversely affected. Our shareholders should carefully evaluate the following risk factors associated with the Subordinate Voting Shares.

Going Concern Risk

We have a history of operating losses and our management has concluded that factors raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern and our auditor has included an explanatory paragraph relating to its ability to continue as a going concern in their audit report for the year ended December 31, 2022.

We are focused on cultivating, processing and supplying cannabis and cannabis-derived products in our four core markets. We have negative operating cash flow. In addition, for the year ended December 31, 2022, we had a loss of $42,457,444, and an accumulated deficit of $177,880,963. The costs for cultivating and manufacturing cannabis and cannabis products,

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purchasing cannabis products on the wholesale marketplace, marketing and selling expenses, and general and administrative expenses, are the principal causes of our losses. Our financing costs, which include both debt service and rent payments on the leases of our New York and Minnesota cultivation and processing facilities, are also important contributors to our losses. We may never become profitable and if we do not become profitable your investment could be lost completely.

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We anticipate that we will continue to report losses and negative cash flow for the foreseeable future. We have concluded that our historical recurring losses from operations and negative cash flows from operations as well as our dependence on debt and other financings raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern and our auditor has included an explanatory paragraph relating to our ability to continue as a going concern in its audit report for the year ended December 31, 2022.

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The consolidated financial statements of the Company do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. These adjustments would likely include substantial impairment of the carrying amount of our assets and potential contingent liabilities that may arise if we are unable to fulfill various operational commitments. In addition, the value of our securities, including common stock issued in this offering, would be greatly impaired. Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon generating sufficient cash flow from operations and obtaining additional capital and financing. If our ability to generate cash flow from operations is delayed or reduced and we are unable to raise additional funding from other sources, we may be unable to continue in business. For further discussion about our ability to continue as a going concern and our plan for future liquidity, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Going Concern.”

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Risks Related to the Regulatory System and Business Environment for Cannabis

Marijuana remains illegal under U.S. federal law, and enforcement of U.S. cannabis laws could change.

United States federal law now bifurcates the legality of “hemp” from “marihuana” (also commonly known as marijuana). For purposes of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the term “cannabis” means “marihuana” as set forth in the Controlled Substances Act and is used interchangeably with the term “marijuana.”

There are significant legal restrictions and regulations that govern the cannabis industry in the United States. Marijuana remains a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, making it illegal under federal law in the United States to, among other things, cultivate, distribute, use or possess cannabis in the United States. In those states in which the cultivation, production, extraction, distribution, transportation, possession or use of marijuana has been legalized, these actions continue to be a violation of federal law pursuant to the Controlled Substances Act. The Controlled Substances Act classifies marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance and, as such, medical and adult-use cannabis use are illegal under U.S. federal law. Unless and until the U.S. Congress amends the Controlled Substances Act with respect to marijuana (and the President approves such amendment), there is a risk that federal authorities may enforce current federal law. Financial transactions involving proceeds generated by, or intended to promote, cannabis-related business activities in the United States may form the basis for prosecution under applicable U.S. federal money-laundering laws. While the approach to enforcement of such laws by the federal government in the United States has trended toward non-enforcement against individuals and businesses that comply with medical or adult-use cannabis regulatory programs in states where such programs are legal, strict compliance with state laws with respect to cannabis will neither absolve Goodness Growth of liability under U.S. federal law, nor will it provide a defense to any federal proceeding that may be brought against Goodness Growth. Since federal law criminalizing the cultivation, production, extraction, distribution, transportation, possession or use of marijuana pre-empts state laws that legalize such actions, enforcement of federal law regarding marijuana is a significant risk and would greatly harm our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition. Any proceedings brought against Goodness Growth under federal law may materially, adversely affect our operations and financial performance.

Our activities are, and will continue to be, subject to evolving regulation by governmental authorities. We are directly and indirectly engaged in the medical and adult-use cannabis industry in the United States, where state law permits such activities. The legality of the production, cultivation, extraction, distribution, transportation and use of cannabis differs

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among states in the United States. Due to the current regulatory environment in the United States, new risks may emerge; management may not be able to predict all such risks.

As of the date of this filing, there are 39 states, plus the District of Columbia (and the territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Northern Mariana 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. Similarly, 21 states and the District of Columbia have legalized cannabis for adult use.

Because our current and anticipated future activities in the medical and adult-use cannabis industry may be illegal under the applicable federal laws of the United States, there can be no assurance that the U.S. federal government will not seek to enforce the applicable laws against us. The consequences of such enforcement would likely be materially adverse to the Company and our business, including our reputation, profitability and the market price of our publicly traded Subordinate Voting Shares, and could result in the forfeiture or seizure of all or substantially all of our assets.

Due to the conflicting views between state legislatures and the federal government regarding cannabis, cannabis businesses are subject to inconsistent laws and regulations. There can be no assurance that the federal government will not enforce federal laws relating to marijuana and seek to prosecute cases involving marijuana businesses that are otherwise compliant with state laws in the future. In 2013, the DOJ attempted to address the inconsistent treatment of cannabis under state and federal law. Deputy Attorney General James Cole sent all U.S. Attorneys the Cole Memorandum in August 2013, which outlined certain priorities for the DOJ relating to the prosecution of cannabis offenses. The Cole Memorandum noted that, in jurisdictions that have enacted laws legalizing cannabis in some form and that have also implemented strong and effective regulatory and enforcement systems to control the cultivation, production, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis, conduct in compliance with such laws and regulations was not a priority for the DOJ. However, the DOJ did not provide (and has not provided since) specific guidelines for what regulatory and enforcement systems would be deemed sufficient under the Cole Memorandum.

On January 4, 2018, former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions formally issued the Sessions Memorandum, which rescinded the Cole Memorandum effective upon its issuance. The Sessions Memorandum stated, in part, that current law reflects “Congress’ determination that cannabis is a dangerous drug and cannabis activity is a serious crime,” and Mr. Sessions directed all U.S. Attorneys to enforce the laws enacted by Congress and to follow well-established principles when pursuing prosecutions related to cannabis activities.

As a result of the Sessions Memorandum, federal prosecutors are now free to utilize their prosecutorial discretion to decide whether to prosecute cannabis activities, despite the existence of state-level laws that may be inconsistent with federal prohibitions. No direction was given to federal prosecutors in the Sessions Memorandum as to the priority they should ascribe to such cannabis activities, and thus it is uncertain how active U.S. federal prosecutors will be in the future in relation to such activities.

There can be no assurance that the federal government will not enforce federal laws relating to cannabis and seek to prosecute cases involving cannabis businesses that are otherwise compliant with state laws in the future. On March 11, 2021, Merrick Garland was sworn in as the 86^th Attorney General of the United States. Mr. Garland has not yet taken a public position on the appropriate prosecutorial posture regarding cannabis.

Most states that have legalized cannabis continue to craft their regulations pursuant to the Cole Memorandum. Federal enforcement agencies have taken little or no action against state-compliant cannabis businesses. However, the DOJ may change its enforcement policies at any time, with or without advance notice.

There is a substantial risk of regulatory or political change.

The success of our business strategy depends on the legality of the cannabis industry in the U.S. The political environment surrounding the cannabis industry in the U.S. in general can be volatile and the regulatory framework in the U.S. remains in flux. Despite the currently implemented laws and regulations in the U.S. and its territories to legalize and regulate the cultivation, production, processing, sale, possession and use of cannabis, and additional states that have pending legislation regarding the same, the risk remains that a shift in the regulatory or political realm could occur and have a drastic impact

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on the industry as a whole, adversely impacting our ability to successfully invest and/or participate in the selected business opportunities.

Further, there is no guarantee that at some future date, voters and/or the applicable legislative bodies will not repeal, overturn or limit any such legislation legalizing the sale, disbursement and consumption of medical or adult-use cannabis. It is also important to note that local and city ordinances may strictly limit and/or restrict disbursement of cannabis in a manner that will make it extremely difficult or impossible to transact business that is necessary for the continued operation of the cannabis industry.

Cannabis remains illegal under U.S. federal law, and the U.S. federal government could bring criminal and civil charges against us or our subsidiaries or our investments at any time. Federal actions against any individual or entity engaged in the cannabis industry or a substantial repeal of cannabis-related legislation could have a material, adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

We may be subject to action by the U.S. federal government through various government agencies for participation in the cannabis industry.

Because the cultivation, processing, production, distribution, possession and sale of cannabis for any purpose, medical, adult use or otherwise, remain illegal under U.S. federal law, it is possible that we may be forced to cease any such activities. The U.S. federal government, through, among others, the DOJ, its sub-agency the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“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 our property. Any action taken by the DOJ, the DEA and/or the IRS to interfere with, seize or shut down our operations will have an adverse effect on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.

Since federal law criminalizing the use of cannabis pre-empts state laws that legalize its use, the federal government can assert criminal violations of federal law despite state laws permitting the use of cannabis. It does not appear that federal law enforcement and regulatory agencies are focusing resources on licensed marijuana-related businesses that are operating in compliance with state law. As the rescission of the Cole Memorandum and the implementation of the Sessions Memorandum demonstrate, the DOJ may at any time issue additional guidance that directs federal prosecutors to devote more resources to prosecuting marijuana related businesses. In the event that the DOJ aggressively pursues financiers or equity owners of cannabis-related businesses, and U.S. Attorneys follow the DOJ policies through pursuing prosecutions, then we could face:

Because the Cole Memorandum was rescinded, the DOJ or an aggressive federal prosecutor could allege that the Company and our Board and, potentially, our shareholders, “aided and abetted” violations of federal law by providing finances and services to our portfolio cannabis companies. Under these circumstances, federal prosecutors could seek to seize our assets, and to recover the “illicit profits” previously distributed to shareholders resulting from any of our financing or services. In these circumstances, our operations would cease, shareholders may lose their entire investments and directors, officers and/or shareholders may be left to defend any criminal charges against them at their own expense and, if convicted, be sent to federal prison.

Additionally, there can be no assurance as to the position the current or any new federal administration may take on marijuana. Any enforcement of current federal marijuana laws could cause significant financial damage to the Company and our shareholders. Further, future presidential administrations may choose to treat marijuana differently and potentially enforce the federal laws more aggressively.

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Violations of any federal laws and regulations could result in significant fines, penalties, administrative sanctions, convictions, or settlements arising from civil proceedings conducted by either the federal government or private citizens, or criminal charges, including, but not limited to, disgorgement of profits, cessation of business activities or divestiture. These results could have a material, adverse effect on the Company, including our reputation and ability to conduct business, our holding (directly or indirectly) of cannabis licenses in the United States, the listing of our securities on various stock exchanges, our financial position, operating results, profitability or liquidity or the market price of our Subordinate Voting Shares. In addition, it is difficult to estimate the time or resources that would be needed for the investigation or final resolution of any such matters because: (i) the time and resources that may be needed depend on the nature and extent of any information requested by the authorities involved; and (ii) such time or resources could be substantial.

U.S. state and local regulation of cannabis is uncertain and changing.

There is no assurance that state laws legalizing and regulating the sale and use of cannabis will not be repealed or overturned, or that local governmental authorities will not limit the applicability of state laws within their respective jurisdictions. If the U.S. federal government begins to enforce U.S. federal laws relating to cannabis in states where the sale and use of cannabis is currently legal, or if existing state laws are repealed or curtailed, our 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 materially adversely affect the Company, our business and our assets or investments.

State and local laws permitting the cultivation, production, extraction, distribution, transportation, possession or use of cannabis may also be modified in a manner that is contrary to our interests. For example, states could authorize the issuance of licenses to cultivate, produce, transport or distribute cannabis to additional parties; the maximum number  of such licenses could be unlimited, as is the case under the current adult-use legislation in New Mexico. States currently permitting only medical-use cannabis could implement adult-use cannabis laws that give preferences to applicants and/or participants that compete with us, or even prohibit us to participate in portions or the entirety of the adult-use marketplace. Any such change in New York or Minnesota would have a material, adverse effect on our business, financial position or results of operations.

The rulemaking process at the state level that applies to cannabis operators in any state will be ongoing and result in frequent changes. As a result, a compliance program is essential to manage regulatory risk. All operating policies and procedures implemented by the Company are compliance-based and are derived from the state regulatory structure governing cannabis businesses. Notwithstanding our efforts and diligence, regulatory compliance, and the process of obtaining regulatory approvals can be costly and time-consuming. No assurance can be given that we will receive and maintain the necessary licenses, permits or cards to continue operating our business. A state implementing an adult-use cannabis program may prohibit participation by the Company in one or more aspects of that program, or require the Company to pay fees to participate, which fees may be material or prohibitive.

Local laws and ordinances could also restrict our business activity. Although our operations are legal under the laws of the states in which it operates, local governments often have the ability to limit, restrict and ban cannabis businesses from operating within their jurisdiction. Land use, zoning, local ordinances, and similar laws could be adopted or changed and have a material, adverse effect on our business.

Multiple states where medical and/or adult use cannabis is legal have imposed or are considering special taxes or fees on businesses in the marijuana industry. It is uncertain at this time whether other states are in the process of reviewing such additional taxes and fees. The implementation of special taxes or fees could have a material, adverse effect upon our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.

We currently operate cannabis businesses in Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, and New York.

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State regulatory agencies may require us to post bonds or significant fees.

There is a risk that a greater number of state regulatory agencies will begin requiring entities engaged in certain aspects of the business or industry of legal marijuana to post a bond or significant fees when applying, for example, for a dispensary license or renewal, as a guarantee of payment of sales and franchise taxes. We are not able to quantify at this time the potential scope of such bonds or fees in the states in which we currently operate or may in the future operate, but they may be materially adverse to our results of operations, financial condition and ultimate business success, individually or in the aggregate.

We may be subject to heightened scrutiny by United States and Canadian authorities, which could ultimately lead to the market for Subordinate Voting Shares becoming highly illiquid and our shareholders having no ability to effect trades in Subordinate Voting Shares in Canada.

Currently, our Subordinate Voting Shares are traded on the Canadian Securities Exchange and on the OTCQX tier of the OTC Markets in the United States. Our business, operations, and investments in the United States, and any such future business, operations, or investments, may become the subject of heightened scrutiny by regulators, stock exchanges and other authorities in Canada and the United States. As a result, we may be subject to significant direct and indirect interaction with public officials. There can be no assurance that this heightened scrutiny will not in turn lead to the imposition of certain restrictions on our ability to operate or invest in the United States or any other jurisdiction, in addition to those described herein.

In 2017, there were concerns that the Canadian Depository for Securities Limited, through its subsidiary CDS Clearing and Depository Services Inc. (“CDS”), Canada’s central securities depository (clearing and settling trades in the Canadian equity, fixed income, and money markets), would refuse to settle trades for cannabis issuers that have investments in the United States. However, CDS has not implemented this policy.

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

On February 8, 2018, following discussions with the Canadian Securities Administrators and recognized Canadian securities exchanges, the TMX Group, which is the owner and operator of CDS, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Aequitas NEO Exchange Inc., the Canadian Securities Exchange, the Toronto Stock Exchange and the TSX Venture Exchange. The MOU outlines the parties’ understanding of Canada’s regulatory framework applicable to the rules, procedures, and regulatory oversight of the exchanges and CDS as it relates to issuers with cannabis-related activities in the United States. The MOU confirms, with respect to the clearing of listed securities, that CDS relies on the Canadian securities exchanges to review the conduct of listed issuers. The MOU notes that securities regulation requires that the rules of each of the exchanges must not be contrary to the public interest and that the rules of each of the exchanges have been approved by the securities regulators. Pursuant to the MOU, CDS will not ban accepting deposits of or transactions for clearing and settlement of securities of issuers with cannabis-related activities in the United States. Even though the MOU indicated that there are no plans to ban the settlement of securities through CDS, there can be no guarantee that this approach to regulation will continue in the future. If such a ban were implemented at a time when the Subordinate Voting Shares are listed on a Canadian stock exchange, it would have a material, adverse effect on the ability of holders of Subordinate Voting Shares to make and settle trades. In particular, the market for Subordinate Voting Shares would become highly illiquid until an alternative (if available) was implemented, and investors would have no ability to effect a trade of Subordinate Voting Shares through the facilities of the applicable Canadian stock exchange.

We are involved in litigation with Verano, the outcome of which is uncertain.

On October 13, 2022, the Company received a notice of purported termination of the Arrangement Agreement, which asserted certain breaches of the Arrangement Agreement, including claims the Company’s public filings and

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communications with respect to its business and ongoing operations were misleading and that the Company breached its representations to Verano under the Arrangement Agreement. Verano also claimed, as a result of such breaches, it is entitled to payment of the $14,875,000 termination fee and its transaction expenses. The Company denies all of Verano’s allegations and affirmatively asserts that it has complied with its obligations under the Arrangement Agreement, and with its disclosure obligations under US and Canadian law, in all material respects at all times. The Company believes that Verano had no factual or legal basis to justify or support its purported grounds for termination of the Arrangement Agreement.

​

On October 21, 2022, the Company commenced an action in the Supreme Court of British Columbia against Verano arising out of Verano’s repudiation of the Arrangement Agreement, which Goodness Growth believes was wrongful. The Company is seeking damages, costs and interest, based on Verano's breach of contract and of its duty of good faith and honest performance. On November 14, 2022, Verano filed counterclaims against the Company for the termination fee and transaction expenses described above. Due to uncertainties inherent in litigation, it is not possible for Goodness Growth to predict the timing or final outcome of the legal proceedings against Verano or to determine the amount of damages, if any, that may be awarded to either party. In addition, the costs of prosecuting the Company’s claims and defending against the claims made by Verano could be material.

We may face state limitations on ownership of cannabis licenses.

Certain jurisdictions in which we operate limit the number of cannabis licenses and certain economic or commercial interests in the entity that holds the license that can be held by one entity within that state. As a result of the completion of certain acquisition transactions that we have entered into or may enter into in the future, we may potentially hold more than the prescribed number of licenses or economic or commercial interests in a licensed entity in certain states, and accordingly may be required to divest certain licenses or entities that hold such license in order to comply with applicable regulations. The divestiture of certain licenses or entities that hold such licenses may result in a material, adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

We may become subject to FDA or ATF regulation.

Marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance under U.S. federal law. If the federal government reclassifies marijuana to a Schedule II, Schedule III, Schedule IV, or Schedule V controlled substance or declassifies it as a controlled substance, it is possible that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) would seek to regulate cannabis under the Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act of 1938, as amended (the “FDCA”). The FDA is responsible for ensuring public health and safety through regulation of food, drugs, supplements, and cosmetics, among other products, through its enforcement authority pursuant to the FDCA. The FDA’s responsibilities include regulating the ingredients as well as the marketing and labeling of drugs sold in interstate commerce. Because marijuana is federally illegal to produce and sell, and because it has few federally recognized medical uses, the FDA has historically deferred enforcement related to cannabis to the DEA; however, the FDA has enforced the FDCA with regard to industrial hemp-derived products, especially CBD derived from industrial hemp sold outside of state-regulated cannabis businesses. The FDA had asserted its authority to regulate CBD derived from both marijuana and industrial hemp, and its intention to develop a framework for regulating the production and sale of CBD derived from industrial hemp. On January 26, 2023, the FDA announced that it would not seek to regulate CBD as a dietary supplement.

Additionally, the FDA may issue rules and regulations, including good manufacturing practices related to the growth, cultivation, harvesting, processing, and production of cannabis. Clinical trials may be needed to verify the efficacy and safety of cannabis and cannabis products. It is also possible that the FDA would require facilities where medical-use cannabis is grown to register with the FDA and comply with certain federally prescribed regulations. If some or all these regulations are imposed, the impact they would have on the cannabis industry is unknown, including the costs, requirements and possible prohibitions that may be enforced. If we are unable to comply with the potential regulations or registration requirements prescribed by the FDA, it may have a material, adverse effect on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.

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It is also possible that the federal government could seek to regulate cannabis under the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”). The ATF may issue rules and regulations related to the use, transport, sale and advertising of cannabis or cannabis products.

Cannabis businesses are subject to applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations and have restricted access to banking and other financial services. Recent events in the banking industry may further restrict our ability to access financial services.

Banks and other depository institutions are currently hindered by federal law from providing financial services to marijuana businesses, even in states where those businesses are regulated.

The Company and our subsidiaries are subject to a variety of laws and regulations domestically and internationally 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 Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (Canada), as amended, 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. and Canada. 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.

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury issued the FinCEN Memorandum on February 14, 2014, outlining the pathways for financial institutions to bank cannabis businesses in compliance with federal enforcement priorities. The FinCEN Memorandum states that, in some circumstances, it is permissible for banks to provide services to cannabis-related businesses without risking prosecution for violation of federal money laundering laws. The FinCEN Memorandum refers to the Cole Memorandum’s enforcement priorities.

The revocation of the Cole Memorandum has not yet affected the status of the FinCEN Memorandum, nor has FinCEN given any indication that it intends to rescind the FinCEN Memorandum itself. Shortly after the Sessions Memorandum was issued, FinCEN did state that it would review the FinCEN Memorandum, but FinCEN has not yet issued further guidance.

Although the FinCEN Memorandum remains in effect, it is unclear whether the Biden administration will continue to follow its guidelines. 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 prosecution of banks and financial institutions for crimes that were not previously prosecuted.

If our operations, or proceeds thereof, dividend distributions or profits or revenues derived from our operations were found to be in violation of money laundering legislation or otherwise, such transactions may be viewed as proceeds from a crime (the sale of a Schedule I drug) under the Bank Secrecy Act’s money laundering provisions. This may restrict our ability to declare or pay dividends or effect other distributions.

The FinCEN Memorandum does not provide any safe harbors or legal defenses from examination or regulatory or criminal enforcement actions by the DOJ, FinCEN or other federal regulators. Thus, most banks and other financial institutions in the United States do not appear willing to provide banking services to cannabis-related businesses or to rely on this guidance. In addition to the foregoing, banks may refuse to process debit card payments and credit card companies generally refuse to process credit card payments for cannabis-related businesses. As a result, we may have limited or no access to banking or other financial services in the United States. In addition, federal money laundering statutes and Bank Secrecy Act regulations discourage financial institutions from working with any organization that sells a controlled substance, regardless of whether the state it operates in permits cannabis sales. The inability or limitation of our ability to open or maintain bank accounts, obtain other banking services and/or accept credit card and debit card payments may make it difficult for us to operate and conduct our business as planned or to operate efficiently and could subject our

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businesses to robbery, embezzlement or other crimes related to our possession or transport of cash, sometimes in substantial quantities.

In March 2023, Federal banking regulators closed Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank to prevent the banks from failing. The closures have prompted broader inquiries into the financial health of banks and other financial institutions in the United States and other countries. While none of the banks with which the Company maintains financial relationships has been identified as a target of such an inquiry or as at risk of closure by regulators, there remains the possibility that one or more of the banks could fail, which would further limit the Company’s access to financial services, which could lead to the need to maintain more cash at some or all of the Company’s locations, increasing the risk of theft or other loss. Such events could lead to the smaller number of banks that continue to provide financial services to the Company imposing further restrictions, higher fees, or both on the Company’s accounts.

We operate in a highly regulated sector and may not always succeed in complying fully with applicable regulatory requirements in all jurisdictions where we carry on business.

Our business and activities are heavily regulated in all jurisdictions where we carry on business. Our operations are subject to various laws, regulations and guidelines by state and local governmental authorities relating to the manufacture, marketing, management, transportation, storage, sale, pricing and disposal of cannabis, cannabis oil and consumable cannabis products, and also including laws and regulations relating to health and safety, insurance coverage, the conduct of operations and the protection of the environment. Laws and regulations, applied generally, grant government agencies and self-regulatory bodies broad administrative discretion over our activities, including the power to limit or restrict business activities as well as impose additional disclosure requirements on our products and services. Achievement of our business objectives is contingent, in part, upon compliance with regulatory requirements enacted by these governmental authorities and obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals for the manufacture, production, storage, transportation, sale, import and export, as applicable, of our products. The commercial cannabis industry is still a new industry at the state and local level. The effect of relevant governmental authorities’ administration, application and enforcement of their respective regulatory regimes and delays in obtaining, or failure to obtain, applicable regulatory approvals that may be required may significantly delay or impact the development of markets, products and sales initiatives and could have a material, adverse effect on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.

While we endeavor to comply with all applicable laws, regulations and guidelines and, to our knowledge, we are in compliance with, or are in the process of being assessed for compliance with all such laws, regulations and guidelines, any failure to comply with the regulatory requirements applicable to our operations may lead to possible sanctions including the revocation or imposition of additional conditions on licenses to operate our business; the suspension or expulsion from a particular market or jurisdiction of our key personnel; the imposition of additional or more stringent inspection, testing and reporting requirements; and the imposition of fines and censures. In addition, changes in regulations, more vigorous enforcement thereof or other unanticipated events could require extensive changes to our operations, increase compliance costs or give rise to material liabilities and/or revocation of our licenses and other permits, which could have a material, adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Furthermore, governmental authorities may change their administration, application, or enforcement procedures at any time, which may adversely affect our ongoing costs relating to regulatory compliance.

Because marijuana is illegal under U.S. federal law, we may be unable to access to U.S. bankruptcy protections in the event of our bankruptcy or a bankruptcy in an entity in which we invest.

Many courts have denied cannabis businesses federal bankruptcy protections because the use of cannabis is illegal under federal law. In the event one or more of our businesses were to become unable to pay its liabilities, federal bankruptcy laws sometimes enable businesses to reorganize, reduce debt and continue to operate, or to wind down in an orderly manner so that creditors and sometimes equity holder realize some return of the funds they have provided to the bankrupt business.  If federal bankruptcy laws do not apply to cannabis businesses, it would be very difficult for lenders or other creditors and the owners of Subordinate Voting Shares or other equity to recoup their investments in us. If we were to experience a bankruptcy, there is no guarantee that U.S. federal bankruptcy protections would be available to us, which would have a material, adverse effect on the Company, including the potential to disable our ability to conduct our businesses at all.

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Additionally, there is no guarantee that we will be able to effectively enforce any interests we may have in our other subsidiaries and investments. A bankruptcy or other similar event related to an entity in which we hold an interest that precludes such entity from performing its obligations under an agreement may have a material, adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations. Further, should an entity in which we hold an interest have insufficient assets to pay its liabilities, it is possible that other liabilities will be satisfied prior to the liabilities or equity owed to us. 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 our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Because our contracts involve marijuana and related activities, which are not legal under U.S. federal law, we may face difficulties in enforcing our contracts.

Because our contracts involve cannabis and other activities that are not legal under federal law and in some state jurisdictions, we may face difficulties in enforcing our contracts in federal courts and certain state courts. Therefore, there is uncertainty as to whether we will be able to legally enforce our agreements, which could have a material, adverse effect on the Company.

We may not be able to secure our payment and other contractual rights with liens on the inventory or licenses of our clients and contracting parties under applicable state laws.

In general, the laws of the various states that have legalized cannabis sale and cultivation do not expressly or impliedly allow for the pledge of inventory containing cannabis as collateral for the benefit of third parties, such as the Company and our subsidiaries, that do not possess the requisite licenses and entitlements to cultivate, process, sell, or possess cannabis pursuant to the applicable state law. Likewise, the laws of those states generally do not allow for transfer of the licenses and entitlements to sell or cultivate cannabis to third parties that have not been granted such licenses and entitlements by the applicable state agency. Our inability to secure our payment and other contractual rights with liens on the inventory and licenses of our clients and contracting parties increases the risk of loss resulting from breaches of the applicable agreements by the contracting parties, which, in turn, could have a material, adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Because marijuana is illegal under U.S. federal law, marijuana businesses may be subject to civil asset forfeiture.

Because the marijuana industry remains illegal under U.S. federal law, any properties owned by participants in the marijuana industry which are either used in the course of conducting such business, or are the proceeds of such business, could be subject to seizure by law enforcement and subsequent civil asset forfeiture. Even if the owner of the property were never charged with a crime, the property in question could still be seized and subject to an administrative proceeding by which, with minimal due process, it could be subject to forfeiture.

We may be subject to constraints on and differences in marketing our products under varying state laws.

There are and may continue to be restrictions on sales and marketing activities imposed by government regulatory bodies that could hinder the development of our business and operating results. Restrictions may include regulations that specify what, where and to whom product information and descriptions may appear and/or be advertised. Marketing, advertising, packaging, and labeling regulations also vary from state to state, potentially limiting the consistency and scale of consumer branding communication and product education efforts. The regulatory environment in the U.S. limits our ability to compete for market share in a manner similar to other industries. If we are unable to effectively market our products and compete for market share, or if the costs of compliance with government legislation and regulation cannot be absorbed through increased selling prices for our products, our sales and operating results could be materially, adversely affected.

The results of future clinical research may be unfavorable to cannabis, which may have a material, adverse effect on the demand for our products.

The cannabis industry is highly dependent upon consumer perception regarding the safety, efficacy and quality of the cannabis produced. Consumer perception can be significantly influenced by scientific research or findings regarding the

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consumption of cannabis products. There can be no assurance that future scientific research or findings will be favorable to the cannabis market or any particular product, or consistent with earlier research or findings. Research in Canada, the U.S. and internationally regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy and dosing of cannabis or isolated cannabinoids (such as CBD and THC) remains in early stages. There have been relatively few clinical trials on the benefits of cannabis or isolated cannabinoids. Although we believe that various articles, reports, and studies support our beliefs regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy and dosing of cannabis, future research and clinical trials may prove such statements to be incorrect or could raise concerns regarding cannabis. Future research studies and clinical trials may draw opposing conclusions to those stated in this document or reach negative conclusions regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, dosing, or other facts related to cannabis, which could have a material, adverse effect on the demand for our products, and therefore on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.

Inconsistent public opinion and perception of the medical and adult-use use cannabis industry hinders market growth and state adoption.

Public opinion and support for medical and adult-use cannabis has traditionally been inconsistent and varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. While public opinion and support appears to be rising generally 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). Inconsistent public opinion and perception of the medical and adult-use cannabis may hinder growth and state adoption, which could have a material, adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

Our ability to generate revenue and be successful in the implementation of our business plan is dependent on consumer acceptance and demand of our product lines. Our management believes the medical and adult-use cannabis industry is highly dependent upon consumer perception regarding the safety, efficacy and quality of the cannabis produced. Acceptance of our products depends on several factors, including availability, cost, familiarity of use, perceptions of acceptance by other people, convenience, effectiveness, safety, and reliability. If customers do not accept our products, or if we fail to meet customers’ needs and expectations adequately, our ability to continue generating revenues could be reduced. Consumer perception of our products may be significantly influenced by scientific research or findings, regulatory investigations, litigation, media attention and other publicity regarding the consumption of medical and adult-use cannabis products. There can be no assurance that future scientific research, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention or other research findings or publicity will be favorable to the medical and adult-use 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 our products and our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. Our dependence upon consumer perceptions means that adverse scientific research reports, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention or other publicity, whether or not accurate or with merit, could have a material, adverse effect on the Company, the demand for our products, and our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Further, adverse publicity reports or other media attention regarding the safety, efficacy, and quality of cannabis in general, or our products specifically, or associating the consumption of cannabis with illness or other negative effects or events, could have such a material, adverse effect or our business, financial position and results of operations. Such adverse publicity reports or other media attention could arise even if the adverse effects associated with such products resulted from consumers’ failure to consume such products appropriately or as directed.

Investors in the Company who are not U.S. citizens may be denied entry into the United States.

Because cannabis remains illegal under U.S. federal law, those individuals who are not U.S. citizens employed at or investing in legal and licensed U.S. cannabis companies could face detention, denial of entry or lifetime bans from the United States for their business associations with U.S. cannabis businesses. Entry happens at the sole discretion of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) officers on duty, and these officers have wide latitude to ask questions to determine the admissibility of a foreign national. The government of Canada has started warning travelers on its website that previous use of cannabis, or any substance prohibited by U.S. federal laws, could mean denial of entry to the United States. Business or financial involvement in the legal cannabis industry in Canada or in the United States could also be reason enough for U.S. border guards to deny entry. On September 21, 2018, CBP released a statement outlining its current

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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 U.S. laws regarding controlled substances and, because cannabis continues to be a controlled substance under U.S. law, working in or facilitating the proliferation of the legal cannabis industry in U.S. states where it is deemed legal or Canada may affect admissibility to the United States. 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 or Canada (such as the Company), who are not U.S. citizens face the risk of being barred from entry into the United States for life. 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 cannabis business, we are subject to unfavorable tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code.

Under Section 280E of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (together with the Treasury regulations promulgated and the rulings issued thereunder, the “Code”), no deduction or credit is allowed for any amount paid or incurred during the taxable year in carrying on any trade or business if the trade or business (or the activities which comprise the trade or business) consists of trafficking in controlled substances (within the meaning of Schedules I and II of the Controlled Substances Act), which is prohibited by federal law or the law of any state in which that trade or business is conducted. The IRS has applied this provision to cannabis operations, prohibiting them from deducting many expenses associated with cannabis businesses other than certain costs and expenses related to cannabis cultivation and manufacturing operations. Accordingly, Section 280E has a significantly adverse impact on the operations of cannabis companies, including the Company, and an otherwise profitable business may operate at a loss, after taking into account its U.S. income tax expenses.

If our operations are found to be in violation of applicable money laundering legislation and our revenues are viewed as proceeds of crime, we may be unable to effect distributions or repatriate funds to Canada.

We are subject to a variety of laws and regulations in the U.S. and Canada that involve money laundering, financial record-keeping and proceeds of crime, including 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 Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (Canada), as amended, 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. and Canada.

If the operations of the Company or our subsidiaries, or any proceeds thereof, any dividend distributions or any profits or revenues derived from these operations in the United States were found to be in violation of money laundering legislation or otherwise, such transactions may be viewed as proceeds of crime under one or more of the statutes noted above, or any other applicable legislation. This could have a material, adverse effect on the Company and, among other things, could restrict or otherwise jeopardize our ability to declare or pay dividends, effect other distributions, or subsequently repatriate such funds back to Canada.

Risks Related to our Business and Operations

We incurred net losses in fiscal years 2022 and 2021 with net cash used in operating activities and cannot provide assurance as to when or if we will become profitable and generate cash in our operating activities.

We incurred net losses, under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, of $42,457,444 and $33,690,475 and net cash used in operating activities of $18,073,265 and $30,517,197 for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. As of December 31, 2022, we had an aggregate accumulated deficit of $177,880,963. Such losses have historically required us to seek additional funding through the issuance of debt or equity securities. In addition, we have historically experienced and may prospectively experience fluctuations in our quarterly earnings due to the nature of our business. Our long-term success is dependent upon among other things, achieving positive cash flows from operations and

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augmenting such cash flows using external resources to satisfy our cash needs, and there is no assurance that we will be able to achieve such cash flows.

We anticipate requiring additional financing to operate our business and we may face difficulties acquiring additional financing on terms acceptable to us or at all.

We will need additional capital to sustain our operations and will likely seek further financing. If we fail to raise additional capital, as needed, our ability to implement our business model and strategy could be compromised. To date, our operations and expansion of our business have been funded primarily from cash-flow from operations as substantially supplemented by the proceeds of debt and equity financings and the sale of our former Pennsylvania subsidiaries and Arizona dispensary and cannabis licenses. We expect to require substantial additional capital in the future primarily to fund working capital requirements of our business, including operational expenses, planned capital expenditures including the focused development and growth of cultivation and dispensary facilities, debt service and acquisitions.

Even if we obtain financing for our near-term operations and expansion, we expect that we will require additional capital thereafter. Our capital needs will depend on numerous factors including, without limitation: (i) our profitability; (ii) the release of competitive products by our competition; (iii) the level of our investment in research and development; (iv) the amount of our capital expenditures, including acquisitions; (v) debt service; and (vi) the taxes to which our businesses and operations are subject.

If we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity or convertible debt securities, the percentage ownership held by our existing shareholders will be reduced and our shareholders may experience significant dilution. In addition, new securities may contain rights, preferences, or privileges that are senior to those of existing securities. If we raise additional capital by incurring debt, this will result in increased interest expense. If we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity securities, market fluctuations in the price of our securities could limit our ability to obtain additional equity financing.

No assurance can be given that any additional financing will be available to us, or if available, will be on terms favorable to us. If we are unable to raise capital when needed, our business, financial condition, and results of operations would be materially, adversely affected, and we could be forced to reduce or discontinue our operations.

We are a holding company, and our earnings are dependent on the earnings and distributions of our subsidiaries.

We are a holding company and essentially all our assets are the capital stock or membership interests of our subsidiaries or management services agreements with entities in each of the markets in which we operate, including in our core markets of Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, and New York. As a result, our shareholders are subject to the risks attributable to our subsidiaries. As a holding company, we conduct substantially all our business through our subsidiaries, which generate substantially all our revenues. Consequently, our cash flows and ability to complete current or desirable future enhancement opportunities are dependent on the earnings of our subsidiaries and the distribution of those earnings to us. The ability of these entities to pay dividends and other distributions will depend on their operating results and will be subject to applicable laws and regulations which require that solvency and capital standards be maintained by such companies and contractual restrictions contained in the instruments governing their debt. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation, or reorganization of any of our material subsidiaries, holders of indebtedness and trade creditors may be entitled to payment of their claims from the assets of those subsidiaries before us.

Our subsidiaries may not be able to obtain necessary permits and authorizations.

Our 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, our 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 our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

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Disparate state-by-state regulatory landscapes and the constraints related to holding cannabis licenses in various states results in operational and legal structures for realizing the benefit from cannabis licenses that could result in materially detrimental consequences to us.

We realize, and will continue to realize, the benefits from cannabis licenses pursuant to a number of different structures, depending on the regulatory requirements from state-to-state, including realizing the economic benefit of cannabis licenses through management agreements. Such agreements are often required to comply with applicable laws and regulations or are in response to perceived risks that we determine warrant such arrangements.

The foregoing structures present various risks to the Company and our subsidiaries, including but not limited to the following risks, each of which could have a material, adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations:

In any or all of the above situations, it may be difficult and expensive for us to protect our rights through litigation, arbitration, or similar proceedings.

The success of our business depends, in part, on our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses and to retain key employees of acquired businesses.

Since the Company’s inception, we have acquired and integrated complementary businesses, which have contributed to a significant portion of our growth. We continue to evaluate strategic acquisition opportunities that have the potential to support and strengthen our business, including acquisitions in the United States, as part of our ongoing growth strategy. We cannot predict the timing or size of any future acquisitions. To successfully acquire a significant target, we may need to raise additional equity and/or indebtedness, which could increase our debt. There can be no assurance that we will enter into definitive agreements with respect to any contemplated transaction or that any contemplated transaction will be completed. The investigation of acquisition candidates and the negotiation, drafting and execution of relevant agreements,

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disclosure documents and other instruments will require substantial management time and attention and substantial costs for accountants, attorneys, and others. If we fail to complete any acquisition for any reason, including events beyond our control, the costs incurred up to that point for the proposed acquisition would not be recoverable.

Acquisitions typically require integration of the acquired company’s estimation, project management, finance, information technology, risk management, purchasing and fleet management functions. We may be unable to successfully integrate an acquired business into our existing business, and an acquired business may not be as beneficial or profitable as and when expected or at all. Our inability to successfully integrate new businesses in a timely and orderly manner could increase costs, reduce profits, or generate losses. Factors affecting the successful integration of an acquired business include, but are not limited to, the following:

Acquisitions involve risks that the acquired business will not perform as expected and that business judgments concerning the value, strengths and weaknesses of the acquired business will prove incorrect. In addition, potential acquisition targets may be in states in which we do not currently operate, which could result in unforeseen operating difficulties and difficulties in coordinating geographically dispersed operations, personnel, and facilities. In addition, if we enter new geographic markets, we may be subject to additional and unfamiliar legal and regulatory requirements.

We cannot guarantee that we will achieve synergies and cost savings in connection with completed or future acquisitions within the timing anticipated or at all. Many of the businesses that we have acquired and may acquire in the future have unaudited financial statements that have been prepared by management and have not been independently reviewed or audited. We cannot guarantee that such financial statements would not be materially different if such statements were independently reviewed or audited. We cannot guarantee that we will continue to acquire businesses at valuations consistent with prior acquisitions or that we will complete future acquisitions at all. We cannot guarantee that there will be attractive acquisition opportunities at reasonable prices, that financing will be available or that we can successfully integrate acquired businesses into existing operations. In addition, the results of operations from these acquisitions could, in the future, result in impairment charges for any of our intangible assets, including goodwill or other long-lived assets, particularly if economic conditions worsen unexpectedly. Our inability to effectively manage the integration of our completed and future acquisitions could prevent us from realizing expected rates of return on an acquired business and could have a material and adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

Our senior secured credit facility contains covenant restrictions that may limit our ability to operate our business.

On March 25, 2021, we entered into the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility contains, and any of our other future debt agreements may contain, covenant restrictions that limit our ability to operate our business, including restrictions on our

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ability to, among other things, incur additional debt or issue guarantees, create additional liens, pay cash dividends, repurchase stock or make other restricted payments, make certain voluntary prepayments of specified debt, engage in sale-leasebacks involving certain assets, and enter into mergers or acquisitions or dispose of certain assets. The Credit Facility also contains, and any of our other future debt agreements may contain, financial covenants regarding our liquidity, minimum consolidated adjusted EBITDA, and consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio. As a result of these covenants, our ability to respond to changes in business and economic conditions and engage in beneficial transactions, including to obtain additional financing as needed, may be restricted. Furthermore, our failure to comply with our debt covenants could result in a default under our debt agreements, which could permit the holders to accelerate our obligation to repay the debt. If any of our debt is accelerated, we may not have sufficient funds available to repay it.

Servicing our debt will require a significant amount of cash, and we may not have sufficient cash flow from our business to pay our substantial debt.

As of December 31, 2021, we had $61,250,000 in aggregate principal indebtedness (refer to Note 14) to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K).

Our substantial consolidated indebtedness may increase our vulnerability to any generally adverse economic and industry conditions. We and our subsidiaries may, subject to the limitations in the terms of our existing and future indebtedness, incur additional debt, secure existing or future debt, or recapitalize our debt. Our ability to make scheduled payments of the principal of, to pay interest on, or to refinance our current and future indebtedness, depends on our future performance, which is subject to economic, financial, competitive, and other factors beyond our control. Our business has not generated positive cash flow from operations. If this continues in the future, we may not have sufficient cash flows to service our debt and make necessary capital expenditures. If we are unable to generate such cash flow, we may be required to adopt one or more alternatives, such as selling assets, restructuring debt, or obtaining additional equity capital on terms that may be onerous or highly dilutive. Our ability to refinance our current and future indebtedness will depend on the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. We may not be able to engage in any of these activities or engage in these activities on desirable terms, which could result in a default on our debt obligations.

The nature of the medical and adult-use cannabis industry may result in unconventional due diligence processes and acquisition terms that could have unknown and materially detrimental consequences to us.

The uncertainty inherent in various aspects of the medical and adult-use cannabis industry may result in what otherwise would be considered to be inadequate investment due diligence information and uncertain legal consequences relative to arrangements affecting a target investment. The reluctance of banks and other financial institutions to facilitate financial transactions in the medical and adult-use cannabis industry can result in inadequate and unverifiable financial information about target investments, as well as cash management practices that are vulnerable to theft and fraud. The lack of established, traditional sources of financing for industry participants can result in unusual and uncertain arrangements affecting the ownership and obligations of a target investment. The reluctance of lawyers to represent industry participants in furtherance of financing and other business transactions can result in the lack of appropriate documentation setting forth the terms of the transactions, inadequately documented transactions, and transactions that in whole or in part are illegal under applicable state law, among other detrimental consequences. We may have invested in, and may in the future invest in, businesses and companies that are or may become party to legal proceedings, may have inadequate financial and other due diligence information, may employ vulnerable cash management practices, lack written or adequate legal documents governing significant transactions, and otherwise have known or unknown conditions that could be detrimental to our business and assets.

Our assets may be purchased with limited representations and warranties from the sellers of those assets.

We will generally acquire assets and businesses, after conducting our due diligence, with only limited representations and warranties from the seller regarding the quality of the assets and the likelihood of payment. As a result, if defects in the assets or business are subsequently discovered, we may not be able to pursue a claim for all or any of our damages against the owners of such seller, and may be limited to asserting our claims against the seller. The extent of damages that we may incur as a result of such matters cannot be predicted, but potentially could have a material, adverse effect on the value of our assets and revenue stream and, as a result, on our ability to pay dividends.

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Lending by us to third parties may be unsecured, subordinate in interest or backed by unrealizable license assets.

In connection with certain transactions, we may also act as lender to one or more counterparties. Certain of these loans are unsecured, which places us at a greater risk of not receiving repayment or the equivalent value thereof. Even for loans that are secured, there is a risk that other lenders may have priority interest to us or that the assets of the borrower may be insufficient to satisfy the loan. In addition, we may have difficulty putting liens on the assets of a borrower, as the major asset is generally the cannabis license which is not transferrable pursuant to state law. Any inability of a borrower to repay a loan or of the Company to realize the value of secured assets could have a material, adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

Competition for the acquisition and leasing of properties suitable for the cultivation, production, and sale of medical and adult-use cannabis may impede our ability to make acquisitions or increase the cost of these acquisitions, which could materially, adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.

We compete for the acquisition of properties suitable for the cultivation, production, and sale of medical and adult-use cannabis with entities engaged in agriculture and real estate investment activities, including corporate agriculture companies, cultivators, producers, and sellers of cannabis. These competitors may prevent us from acquiring and leasing desirable properties, may cause an increase in the price we must pay for properties or may result in us having to lease our properties on less favorable terms than we expect. Our competitors may have greater financial and operational resources than we do and may be willing to pay more for certain assets or may be willing to accept more risk than we believe can be prudently managed. In particular, larger companies may enjoy significant competitive advantages that result from, among other things, a lower cost of capital and enhanced operating efficiencies. Our competitors may also adopt transaction structures similar to ours, which would decrease our competitive advantage in offering flexible transaction terms. In addition, due to a number of factors, including but not limited to potential greater clarity of the laws and regulations governing medical use cannabis by state and federal governments, the number of entities and the amount of funds competing for suitable investment properties may increase, resulting in increased demand and increased prices paid for these properties. If we pay higher prices for properties or enter into leases for such properties on less favorable terms than we expect, our profitability and ability to generate cash flow and make distributions to our shareholders may decrease. Increased competition for properties may also preclude us from acquiring those properties that would generate attractive returns.

We face security risks related to our physical facilities and cash transfers.

The business premises of our operating locations are targets for theft. While we have implemented security measures at each location and continue to monitor and improve such security measures, our cultivation, production, processing, and dispensary facilities could be subject to break-ins, robberies, and other breaches in security. If there were a breach in security and we fell victim to a robbery or theft, the loss of cannabis plants, cannabis oils, cannabis flowers, cannabis products and cultivation, production, processing, and packaging equipment could have a material, adverse effect on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.

Our business involves the movement and transfer of cash, which is collected from dispensaries or patients/customers and deposited into our bank. There is a risk of theft or robbery during the transport of cash. We have engaged security firms to provide security in the transport and movement of large amounts of cash. Employees sometimes transport cash and/or products. While we have taken robust steps to prevent theft or robbery of cash and products during transport, there can be no assurance that there will not be a security breach during the transport and the movement of cash or products, involving the theft of product or cash.

We face exposure to fraudulent or illegal activity by employees, contractors, consultants, and agents, which may subject us to investigations and actions.

We are exposed to the risk that any of our employees, independent contractors and consultants may engage in fraudulent or other illegal activity. Misconduct by these parties could include intentional, reckless and/or negligent conduct or disclosure of unauthorized activities to us that violates one or more of the following: (i) government regulations; (ii) manufacturing standards; (iii) federal or state privacy laws and regulations; (iv) laws that require the true, complete,

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and accurate reporting of financial information or data; or (v) other laws or regulations. It may not always be possible for us to identify and prevent misconduct by our employees and other third parties, and the precautions taken by us to detect and prevent this activity may not be effective in controlling unknown or unmanaged risks or losses or in protecting us from governmental investigations or other actions or lawsuits stemming from a failure to be in compliance with such laws or regulations. We cannot provide assurance that our internal controls and compliance systems will protect us from acts committed by our employees, agents, or business partners in violation of U.S. federal or state or local laws. If any such actions are instituted against us, and we are not successful in defending the Company or asserting our rights, those actions could have a significant impact on our business, including the imposition of civil, criminal and administrative penalties, damages, monetary fines, contractual damages, reputational harm, diminished profits and future earnings, and curtailment of our operations, any of which could have a material, adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We face risks related to the novelty of the cannabis industry, and the resulting lack of information regarding comparable companies, unanticipated expenses, difficulties and delays, and the offering of new products and services in an untested market.

As a relatively new industry, there are not many established players in the cannabis industry whose business model we can follow or emulate. Similarly, there is little information about comparable companies available for potential investors to review in deciding whether to invest in the Company.

Shareholders and investors should consider, among other factors, our prospects for success in light of the risks and uncertainties encountered by companies, like us, that are in their early stages. For example, unanticipated expenses and problems or technical difficulties may occur, which may result in material delays in the operation of our business. We may fail to successfully address these risks and uncertainties or successfully implement our operating strategies. If we fail to do so, it could materially harm our business to the point of having to cease operations and could impair the value of the Subordinate Voting Shares to the point where investors may lose their entire investments.

We have committed and expect to continue committing significant resources and capital to develop and market existing products and services and new products and services. These products and services are relatively untested in the marketplace, and we cannot provide assurance that we will achieve market acceptance for these products and services, or other new products and services that we may offer in the future. Moreover, these and other new products and services may be subject to significant competition from offerings by new and existing competitors in the business. In addition, new products and services may pose a variety of challenges and require us to attract additional qualified employees. The failure to successfully develop and market these new products and services could materially harm our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.

We are dependent on the popularity and acceptance of our brand portfolio.

Our ability to generate revenue and be successful in the implementation of our business plan is dependent on consumer acceptance of and demand for our products. Acceptance of and demand for our products depends on several factors, including availability, cost, ease of use, familiarity of use, convenience, effectiveness, safety, and reliability. If these customers do not accept our products, or if such products fail to adequately meet customers’ needs and expectations, our ability to continue generating revenues could be reduced.

We believe that establishing and maintaining the brand identities of products is a critical aspect of attracting and expanding a large customer base. Promotion and enhancement of brands will depend largely on success in providing high-quality products. If customers and end users do not perceive our products to be of high quality, or if we introduce new products or enter into new business ventures that are not favorably received by customers and consumers, we will risk diluting brand identities and decreasing their attractiveness to existing and potential customers. Moreover, in order to attract and retain customers and to promote and maintain brand equity in response to competitive pressures, we may have to increase substantially financial commitment to creating and maintaining a distinct brand loyalty among customers. If we incur significant expenses in an attempt to promote and maintain brands, this could have a material, adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

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Our business is subject to the risks inherent in agricultural operations.

Medical and adult-use cannabis is an agricultural product. There are risks inherent in the cultivation business, such as insects, plant diseases, and similar agricultural risks. Although our cultivation is substantially completed indoors under climate-controlled conditions, some cultivation is completed outdoors and there can be no assurance that extreme weather and other natural events and conditions will not have a material, adverse effect on the production of our products and, consequentially, on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

We may encounter increasingly strict environmental regulation in connection with our operations and the associated permitting, which may increase the expenses for cannabis production or subject us to enforcement actions by regulatory authorities.

Our operations will be 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 which 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, and employees. There is no assurance that future changes in environmental regulation, if any, will not have a material, adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations of the Company.

Government approvals and permits are currently, and may in the future be, required in connection with our operations. To the extent such approvals are required and not obtained, we may be curtailed or prohibited from our proposed production of cannabis or from proceeding with the development of our operations as currently proposed.

We may face potential enforcement actions if we fail to comply with applicable laws.

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.

Amendments to current laws, regulations and permits governing the production of cannabis, or more stringent implementation thereof, could cause increases in expenses, capital expenditures or production costs or reduction in levels of production or require abandonment or delays in development, and could have a material, adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

We face risks related to our information technology systems, including potential cyber-attacks and security and privacy breaches.

Our use of technology is critical in our continued operations. We 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 us or our service providers can result in, among other things, financial losses, the inability to process transactions, the unauthorized release of customer information or other confidential information and reputational risk. We have not experienced any material losses to date relating to cyber-attacks, other information breaches or technological malfunctions. However, there can be no assurance that we will not incur such losses in the future. As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, we may be required to use additional resources to continue to modify or enhance protective measures or to investigate and redress security vulnerabilities.

We are subject to laws, rules and regulations in the United States and other jurisdictions relating to the collection, production, storage, transfer and use of personal data. We may store and collect personal information about customers and employees. It is our responsibility to protect that information from privacy breaches that may occur through procedural or process failure, information technology malfunction or deliberate, unauthorized intrusions. Any such theft or privacy

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breach could have a material, adverse effect on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition. Additionally, our ability to execute transactions and to possess and use personal information and data in conducting our business subjects us to legislative and regulatory burdens that may require us to notify regulators and customers, employees, and other individuals of a data security breach. Evolving compliance and operational requirements under the privacy laws, rules, and regulations of jurisdictions in which we operate impose significant costs that are likely to increase over time. In addition, non-compliance could result in proceedings against us by governmental entities and/or the imposition of significant fines, could negatively impact our reputation and may otherwise materially, adversely impact our business, financial condition, and operating results.

We may be required to disclose personal information to government or regulatory entities.

We own, manage, or provide services to various U.S. state-licensed cannabis operations. Acquiring even a minimal and/or indirect interest in a U.S. state-licensed cannabis business can trigger requirements to disclose investors’ personal information. While these requirements vary by jurisdiction, some require interest holders to apply for regulatory approval and to provide tax returns, compensation agreements, fingerprints for background checks, criminal history records and other documents and information. Some states require disclosures of directors, officers, and holders of more than a certain percentage of equity of the applicant. While certain states include exceptions for investments in publicly traded entities, not all states do so, and some such exceptions are confined to companies traded on a U.S. securities exchange. If these regulations were to extend to the Company, investors would be required to comply with such regulations, or face the possibility that the relevant cannabis license could be revoked or cancelled by the state licensing authority.

We face risks related to our insurance coverage and uninsurable risks.

Our business is subject to a number of risks and hazards generally, including adverse environmental conditions, accidents, fires, riots, civil unrest, labor disputes, litigation and changes in the regulatory environment. Such occurrences could result in damage to assets, personal injury or death, environmental damage, delays in operations, monetary losses and possible legal liability.

Although we intend to continue to maintain insurance to protect against certain risks in such amounts as we consider to be reasonable, our insurance will not cover all the potential risks associated with our operations. We may also be unable to maintain insurance to cover these risks at economically feasible premiums. Insurance coverage may not continue to be available or may not be adequate to cover any resulting liability. Moreover, insurance against risks such as environmental pollution or other hazards encountered in our operations is not generally available on acceptable terms. We might also become subject to liability for pollution or other hazards which we may not be insured against or which we may elect not to insure against because of premium costs or other reasons. Losses from these events may cause the Company to incur significant costs that could have a material, adverse effect upon our financial performance and results of operations.

Our reputation and ability to do business may be negatively impacted by our suppliers’ inability to produce and ship products.

We depend on third-party suppliers to produce and timely ship orders to us. Some products purchased from our suppliers are resold to our customers, while others are used in the production or packaging of our products. These suppliers could fail to produce products to our specifications or quality standards and may not deliver units on a timely basis. Any changes in our suppliers’ ability to timely resolve production issues could impact our ability to fulfill orders and could also disrupt our business due to delays in finding new suppliers.

We are dependent on key inputs, suppliers and skilled labor for the cultivation, extraction, and production of cannabis products.

The cultivation, extraction and production of cannabis and derivative products is dependent on a number of key inputs and their related costs, including raw materials and supplies related to growing operations, as well as electricity, water and other local utilities. Any significant interruption or negative change in the availability or economics of the supply chain for key inputs, such as the raw material cost of cannabis, could materially impact our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects. Some of these inputs may only be available from a single supplier or a limited group of

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suppliers. If a sole source supplier were to go out of business, we might be unable to find a replacement for such source in a timely manner, or at all. If a sole-source supplier were to be acquired by a competitor of ours, that competitor may elect not to sell to the Company in the future. Any inability to secure required supplies and services, or to do so on appropriate terms, could have a material, adverse effect on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition. We purchase key inputs on a purchase order basis from suppliers at market prices based on its production requirements and anticipated demand. We believe that we will have access to a sufficient supply of the key inputs for the foreseeable future.

Our cannabis growing operations consume considerable energy, which makes us vulnerable to rising energy costs. Accordingly, rising or volatile energy costs may adversely affect our business and our ability operate profitably.

The ability to compete and grow our business will be dependent on our continued access, at a reasonable cost and in a timely manner, to skilled labor, equipment, parts, and components. No assurances can be given that we will be successful in maintaining our required supply of skilled labor, equipment, parts, and components. This could have a material, adverse effect on our financial results.

Our inability to attract and retain key personnel could materially, adversely affect our business.

Our success is dependent upon the ability, expertise, judgment, discretion and good faith of our senior management and key personnel. We compete with other companies both within and outside the cannabis industry to recruit and retain competent employees. If we cannot maintain qualified employees to meet the needs of our anticipated growth, our business and financial condition could be materially, adversely affected.

Our sales are difficult to forecast due to limited and unreliable market data.

As a result of recent and ongoing regulatory and policy changes in the medical and adult use cannabis industries and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the market data that is available is limited and unreliable. We must rely largely on our own market research to forecast sales, as detailed forecasts are not generally obtainable from other sources in the states in which our business operates. Additionally, any market research and projections by the Company of estimated total retail sales, demographics, demand, and similar consumer research, are based on assumptions from limited and unreliable market data. A failure in the demand for our products to materialize as a result of inaccurate research and projections may have a material, adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We may be subject to growth-related risks.

We may be subject to growth-related risks, including capacity constraints and pressure on our internal personnel, processes, systems, and controls. Our ability to manage growth effectively will require us, among other things, to continue to implement and improve our operational and financial systems and processes, and to expand, train and manage our employee base. Our inability to manage this growth effectively and efficiently may have a material, adverse effect on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.

We are currently involved in litigation, and there may be additional litigation in which we will be involved in the future.

We are currently involved in litigation and may become party to litigation from time to time in the future with various counterparties, including, but not limited to, joint venture partners and other affiliates. An adverse decision in any litigation could have a material, adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations and could result in negative publicity and reputational harm. Furthermore, even if we are successful in the litigation, we may incur substantial legal fees, which could have a material, adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

We face an inherent risk of product liability claims as a manufacturer, processor and producer of products that are intended to be ingested by people.

As a cultivator, manufacturer, processor, and distributor of products designed to be ingested by humans, we face an inherent risk of exposure to product liability claims, regulatory action, and litigation if our products are alleged to have

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caused significant loss or injury. In addition, the manufacture and sale of our products involves the risk of injury to consumers due to tampering by unauthorized third parties or product contamination. Previously unknown adverse reactions resulting from human consumption of our products alone or in combination with other medications or substances could occur. Although we will continue to have quality control procedures in place, we may be subject to various product liability claims, including, among others, that the products produced by us, or the products that are purchased by us from third-party licensed producers, caused injury, illness, or death, 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 against us could result in increased costs, could adversely affect our reputation with our customers and consumers generally and could have a material, adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. There can be no assurances that we will be able to obtain or maintain product liability insurance on acceptable terms or with adequate coverage against potential liabilities. Such insurance is expensive and may not be available in the future on acceptable terms, or at all. The inability to obtain sufficient insurance coverage on reasonable terms or to otherwise protect against potential product liability claims could prevent or inhibit the commercialization of our potential products and have a material, adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our intellectual property may be difficult to protect.

We rely upon certain proprietary intellectual property, including but not limited to brands, trademarks, trade names, patents and proprietary processes. Our success will depend, in part, on our ability to maintain and enhance protection over our intellectual property, know-how and other proprietary information. We enter into confidentiality or non-disclosure agreements with our corporate partners, employees, consultants, outside scientific collaborators, developers, and other advisors. These agreements generally require that the receiving party keep confidential and not disclose to third-parties confidential information developed by the receiving party or made known to the receiving party by us during the course of the receiving party’s relationship with the Company. These agreements also generally provide that inventions conceived by the receiving party in the course of rendering services to us will be our exclusive property, and we enter into assignment agreements to perfect our rights. These confidentiality, inventions, and assignment confidentiality agreements may be breached and may not effectively assign rights to proprietary information to us. In addition, our proprietary information could be independently discovered by competitors, in which case we may not be able to prevent the use of such proprietary information by our competitors. The enforcement of a claim alleging that a party illegally obtained and was using our proprietary information could be difficult, expensive, and time consuming and the outcome would be unpredictable. In addition, courts outside the United States may be less willing to protect such proprietary information. The failure to obtain or maintain meaningful intellectual property protection could adversely affect our competitive position.

In addition, effective future patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret protection may be unavailable or limited in certain countries and may be unenforceable under the laws of certain jurisdictions. As long as cannabis remains illegal under U.S. federal law as a Schedule I controlled substance pursuant to the Controlled Substances Act, 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. While many states do offer the ability to protect trademarks independent of the federal government, patent protection is wholly unavailable on a state level, and state-registered trademarks provide a lower degree of protection than would federally registered marks. As a result, our intellectual property may never be adequately or sufficiently protected against the use or misappropriation by third parties.

Our failure to adequately maintain and enhance protection over our proprietary information, as well as over unregistered intellectual property of companies that we acquire, could have a material, adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

We may be exposed to infringement or misappropriation claims by third parties, which, if determined adversely to us, could subject us to significant liabilities and other costs.

Our success may depend on our ability to use and develop new extraction technologies, recipes, know-how and new strains of cannabis without infringing the intellectual property rights of third parties. We cannot assure that third parties will not assert intellectual property claims against us. We are subject to additional risks if entities licensing intellectual property to us do not have adequate rights to the licensed materials. If third parties assert copyright or patent infringement or violation

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of other intellectual property rights against Goodness Growth, we will be required to defend ourselves in litigation or administrative proceedings, which can be both costly and time consuming and may significantly divert the efforts and resources of management personnel. An adverse determination in any such litigation or proceedings to which we may become a party could subject us to significant liability to third parties, require us to seek licenses from third parties, require us to pay ongoing royalties or subject us to injunctions that may prohibit the development and operation of our applications, any of which could have a material, adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our products may be subject to product recalls, which may result in expense, legal proceedings, regulatory action, loss of sales and reputation, and diversion of management attention.

Despite our quality control procedures, 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 our products, or any of the products that are purchased by us from a third-party licensed producer, are recalled due to an alleged product defect or for any other reason, we could be required to incur the unexpected expense of the recall and any legal proceedings that might arise in connection with the recall. We may lose a significant amount of sales and may not be able to replace those sales at an acceptable margin, if at all. In addition, a product recall may require significant management attention. Although we have detailed procedures in place for testing our products, there can be no assurance that any quality, potency, or contamination problems will be detected in time to avoid unforeseen product recalls, regulatory action, or lawsuits. Additionally, if one of our significant brands were subject to recall for any reason, the image of that brand and the Company could be harmed. A recall could lead to decreased demand for our products and could have a material, adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Additionally, product recalls may lead to increased scrutiny of our operations by the FDA or other regulatory agencies, requiring further management attention and potential legal fees and other expenses.

We may face unfavorable publicity or consumer perception of the safety, efficacy, and quality of our cannabis products as a result of research, investigations, litigation and publicity.

Management believes the cannabis industry is highly dependent upon consumer perception regarding the safety, efficacy and quality of the cannabis produced. Consumer perception of our products may be significantly influenced by scientific research or findings, regulatory investigations, litigation, media attention and other publicity regarding the consumption of cannabis products. There can be no assurance that future scientific research, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention or other research findings or publicity will be favorable to the cannabis market or any particular product, or consistent with earlier publicity. Future research reports, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention or other publicity that is perceived as less favorable than, or questions earlier research reports, findings or publicity could have a material, adverse effect on the demand for our products and our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. Our dependence upon consumer perceptions means that adverse scientific research reports, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention or other publicity, whether or not accurate or with merit, could have a material, adverse effect on the Company, the demand for our products and our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Further, adverse publicity reports or other media attention regarding the safety, efficacy, and quality of cannabis in general, or our products specifically, or associating the consumption of adult use cannabis with illness or other negative effects or events, could have such a material, adverse effect. Adverse publicity reports or other media attention could arise even if the adverse effects associated with such products resulted from consumers’ failure to consume such products appropriately or as directed.

In addition, the use of vape products and vaping may pose health risks. According to the Centers for Disease Control, vape products may contain ingredients that are known to be toxic to humans and may contain other ingredients that may not be safe. Because clinical studies about the safety and efficacy of vape products have not been submitted to the FDA, consumers currently have no way of knowing whether they are safe for their intended uses or what types or concentrations of potentially harmful substances are found in these products.

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We face intense competition in a new and rapidly growing industry by other licensed companies with more experience and financial resources than we have and by unlicensed, unregulated participants.

We face intense competition from other companies, some of which have longer operating histories and more financial resources and manufacturing and marketing experience than we have. Increased competition by larger and better-financed competitors could materially, adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Because of the early stage of the industry in which we operate, we face additional competition from new entrants. If the number of consumers of cannabis in the states in which we operate increases, the demand for products will increase and we expect that competition will become more intense as current and future competitors begin to offer an increasing number of diversified products. To remain competitive, we will require a continued high level of investment in research and development, facilities, marketing, and sales support. We may not have sufficient resources to maintain research and development, facilities, marketing, and sales support efforts on a competitive basis, which could materially, adversely affect the business, financial condition, and results of our operations.

We also face competition from illegal dispensaries and black market sources of cannabis and cannabis products, which are unlicensed and unregulated, and which may sell products that are deemed more desirable than ours by certain consumers, including products with higher concentrations of active ingredients, and using delivery methods, including edibles and extract vaporizers, that we are prohibited from offering to individuals in certain of the states in which we operate as they are not currently permitted by the laws of such states. Any inability or unwillingness of law enforcement authorities to enforce existing laws prohibiting the unlicensed cultivation and sale of cannabis and cannabis-based products could result in the perpetuation of the black market for cannabis and/or have a material, adverse effect on the perception of cannabis use. Any or all these events could have a material, adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

There are risks associated with consolidation of the industry by well-capitalized entrants developing large-scale operations.

Currently, the cannabis industry generally is comprised of individuals and small to medium-sized entities, like the Company; 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 and adult-use cannabis 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.

Synthetic products from the pharmaceutical industry may compete with cannabis use and products.

The pharmaceutical industry may attempt to dominate the cannabis industry, and in particular, legal cannabis, through the development and distribution of synthetic products that 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 adversely affect our ability to secure long-term profitability and success through the sustainable and profitable operation of the anticipated businesses and investment targets and could have a material, adverse effect on our anticipated business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Our internal controls over financial reporting may not be effective, and our independent auditors may not be able to certify as to their effectiveness, which could have a significant and adverse effect on our business.

We are subject to various Canadian and U.S. reporting and other regulatory requirements. We incur expenses and, to a lesser extent, diversion of our management’s time in our efforts to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and applicable Canadian securities laws regarding internal controls over financial reporting. Effective internal controls over financial reporting are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and, together with adequate disclosure controls and procedures, are designed to prevent fraud. Any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation could cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. In addition, any testing by us

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conducted in connection with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and applicable Canadian securities laws, or the subsequent testing by our independent registered public accounting firm if required, may reveal deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses or that may require prospective or retrospective changes to our consolidated financial statements or identify other areas for further attention or improvement. Inadequate internal controls could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of our Subordinate Voting Shares. The existence of any material weakness or significant deficiency would require management to devote significant time and incur significant expense to remediate any such material weakness or significant deficiency and management may not be able to remediate any such material weakness or significant deficiency in a timely manner. The existence of any material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting could also result in errors in our financial statements that could require us to restate our financial statements, cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations, and cause shareholders to lose confidence in our reported financial information, all of which could materially and adversely affect our business and share price.

We identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, which has been remediated as of December 31, 2022 (see Item 9A to this Form 10-K for more information). A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company's annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The material weakness was primarily attributable to the misapplication of GAAP accounting guidance surrounding the treatment of warrants issued with a Canadian dollar denominated exercise price.  Management updated it’s control procedures over the accounting for infrequent and unusual transactions during the year ended December 31, 2022. More specifically, management added a process step to consult with external GAAP accounting experts when a new significant, infrequent, or unusual transaction occurs. We cannot assure you that the measures we have taken to date, and are continuing to implement, will be sufficient to avoid potential future material weaknesses. Moreover, we cannot be certain that we will not in the future have additional material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, or that we will successfully remediate any that we find. In addition, the processes and systems we have developed to date may not be adequate.

There could continue to be a reasonable possibility that significant deficiencies, other material weaknesses or deficiencies could result in a misstatement of our accounts or disclosures that would result in a material misstatement of our financial statements that would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis, or cause us to fail to meet our obligations to file periodic financial reports on a timely basis. Any of these failures could result in adverse consequences that could materially and adversely affect our business, including an adverse impact on the market price of our Subordinate Voting Shares, potential action by the SEC against us, possible defaults under our debt agreements, shareholder lawsuits, delisting of our Shares, general damage to our reputation and the diversion of significant management and financial resources.

The elimination of monetary liability against our directors, officers, and employees under British Columbia law and the existence of indemnification rights for our obligations to our directors, officers, and employees may result in substantial expenditures by us and may discourage lawsuits against our directors, officers, and employees.

Our Articles contain a provision permitting us to eliminate the personal liability of our directors to us and our shareholders for damages incurred as a director or officer to the extent provided by British Columbia law. We may also have contractual indemnification obligations under any employment agreements with our officers or agreements entered into with our directors. The foregoing indemnification obligations could result in the Company incurring substantial expenditures to cover the cost of settlement or damage awards against directors and officers, which we may be unable to recoup. These provisions and the resulting costs may also discourage the Company from bringing a lawsuit against directors and officers for breaches of their fiduciary duties and may similarly discourage the filing of derivative litigation by our shareholders against our directors and officers even though such actions, if successful, might otherwise benefit the Company and our shareholders.

There is doubt as to the ability to enforce judgments in Canada or under Canadian law against U.S. subsidiaries, assets, and experts.

Our 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 that will be retained by us or our affiliates are residents of countries other than Canada.

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As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for our shareholders 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.

Our directors and officers reside outside of Canada. Most or all of the assets of such persons are located outside of Canada. Therefore, it may not be possible for Company shareholders to collect or to enforce judgments obtained in Canadian courts predicated upon the civil liability provisions of applicable Canadian securities laws against such persons. Moreover, it may not be possible for Company shareholders to effect service of process within Canada upon such persons. Courts in the United States may refuse to hear a claim based on a violation of Canadian securities laws on the grounds that such jurisdiction is not the most appropriate forum to bring such a claim. Even if a United States court agrees to hear a claim, it may determine that the local law, and not Canadian law, is applicable to the claim. If Canadian law is found to be applicable, the content of applicable Canadian law must be proven as a fact, which can be a time-consuming and costly process.

Our past performance may not be indicative of our future results.

Our prior investment and operational performance may not be indicative of our future operating results. There can be no assurance that the historical operating results achieved by us or our affiliates will be achieved by us, and our performance may be materially different.

Our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flow may be negatively impacted by challenging global economic conditions.

Disruptions and volatility in global financial markets and declining consumer and business confidence, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, could lead to decreased levels of consumer spending. Our operations could be affected by the economic context should the unemployment level, interest rates or inflation reach levels that influence consumer spending and, consequently, impact our sales and profitability. These macroeconomic developments could negatively impact our business, which depends on the general economic environment and levels of consumer spending. As a result, we may not be able to maintain our existing customers or attract new customers, or we may be forced to reduce the price of our products. We are unable to predict the likelihood of the occurrence, duration, or severity of such disruptions in the credit and financial markets and adverse global economic conditions. Any general or market-specific economic downturn could have a material, adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cashflow.

Diseases and epidemics (such as COVID-19) may adversely impact our business.

Emerging infectious diseases or the threat of outbreaks of viruses or other contagions or epidemic diseases, including the COVID-19 outbreak, could have a material adverse effect on the Company by causing operational and supply chain delays and disruptions (including as a result of government regulation and prevention measures), labor shortages and shutdowns, social unrest, breach of material contracts and customer agreements, government or regulatory actions or inactions, increased insurance premiums, decreased demand or the inability to sell and deliver the Company’s products, delays in permitting or approvals, governmental disruptions, capital markets volatility, or other unknown but potentially significant impacts. In addition, governments may impose strict emergencies measures in response to the threat or existence of an infectious disease. The full extent and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is unknown and to date has included extreme volatility in financial markets, a slowdown in economic activity and has raised the prospect of a global recession. The international response to COVID-19 led to significant restrictions on travel, temporary business closures, quarantines, global stock market volatility and a general reduction in global consumer activity. In addition, a significant outbreak of contagious diseases in the human population, such as COVID-19, could result in a widespread health crisis that could

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adversely affect the economies and financial markets of many countries, resulting in an economic downturn that could result in a material adverse effect on input prices, demand for our products, investor confidence, and general financial market liquidity, all of which may materially, adversely affect the Company's business and the market price of the Subordinate Voting Shares. Accordingly, any outbreak or threat of an outbreak of an epidemic disease or similar public health emergency, including COVID-19, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. It is unknown whether and how the Company may be affected if a pandemic, such as the COVID-19 outbreak, continues to persist for an extended period of time.

Risks Related to Our Securities

A return on our securities is not guaranteed.

There is no guarantee that our securities will earn any positive return in the short term or long term. A holding of our securities 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 our securities is appropriate only for holders who have the capacity to absorb a loss of some or all of their investment.

Our voting control is concentrated given approximately 35.0% of our voting power is held by our Chief Executive Officer.

As of March 1, 2023, the holder of our Super Voting Shares, Dr. Kyle E. Kingsley, exercises in the aggregate approximately 35.0% of the voting power in respect of our outstanding shares. As a result, Dr. Kingsley has substantial ability to control the outcome of matters submitted to our shareholders for approval, including the election and removal of directors and any arrangement or sale of all or substantially all our assets. Even if Dr. Kingsley does not retain any employment with us, he will continue to have the ability to exercise the same significant voting power.

The concentrated control through the Super Voting Shares could delay, defer, or prevent a change of control of the Company, an arrangement involving us or a sale of all or substantially all our assets that our other shareholders support. Conversely, this concentrated control could allow the holder of the Super Voting Shares to consummate such a transaction that our other shareholders do not support. In addition, the holder of Super Voting Shares may make long-term strategic investment decisions and take risks that may not be successful and may seriously harm our business.

As a director and Executive Chairman of the Company, Dr. Kingsley has significant influence on major strategic decisions of the Company, subject to authorization and oversight by the Board. As a Board member, Dr. Kingsley owes a fiduciary duty to our shareholders and is obligated to act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Company. As a shareholder, Dr. Kingsley is entitled to vote his shares, and shares over which he has voting control, in his own interests, which may not always be in the interests of the Company or our other shareholders.

Our capital structure and voting control may cause unpredictability.

Although other Canadian companies have dual class or multiple voting share structures, given the concentration of voting control that is held by Dr. Kingsley, the sole holder of the Super Voting Shares, this structure and control could result in a lower trading price for, or greater fluctuations in, the trading price of the Subordinate Voting Shares, adverse publicity to us or other adverse consequences.

Additional issuances of Subordinate Voting Shares, or securities convertible into Subordinate Voting Shares, may result in dilution.

We may issue additional equity or convertible debt securities in the future, which may dilute an existing shareholder’s holdings in the Company. Our Articles permit the issuance of an unlimited number of Super Voting Shares, Multiple Voting Shares and Subordinate Voting Shares, and existing shareholders will have no pre-emptive rights in connection with such further issuances. Our Board of Directors has discretion to determine the price and the terms of further issuances, and such terms could include rights, preferences, and privileges superior to those existing holders of our securities.

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Moreover, additional Subordinate Voting Shares will be issued by the Company on the conversion of the Multiple Voting Shares and Super Voting Shares in accordance with their terms. To the extent holders of our options or other convertible securities convert or exercise their securities and sell Subordinate Voting Shares they receive, the trading price of the Subordinate Voting Shares may decrease due to the additional amount of Subordinate Voting Shares available in the market. Further, the Company may issue additional securities in connection with strategic acquisitions. The Company cannot predict the size or nature of future issuances or the effect that future issuances and sales of Subordinate Voting Shares (or securities convertible into Subordinate Voting Shares) will have on the market price of the Subordinate Voting Shares. Issuances of a substantial number of additional Subordinate Voting Shares, or the perception that such issuances could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices for the Subordinate Voting Shares. With any additional issuance of Subordinate Voting Shares, investors will suffer dilution to their voting power and economic interest in the Company.

Sales of substantial numbers of Subordinate Voting Shares may have an adverse effect on their market price.

Sales of a substantial number of Subordinate Voting Shares in the public market could occur at any time either by existing holders of Subordinate Voting Shares or by holders of the Multiple Voting Shares, which are convertible into Subordinate Voting Shares on the satisfaction of certain conditions. These sales, or the market perception that the holders of a large number of Subordinate Voting Shares or Multiple Voting Shares intend to sell Subordinate Voting Shares, could reduce the market price of the Shares. If this occurs and continues, it could impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of securities.

The market price for the Subordinate Voting Shares may continue to be volatile.

The market prices for securities of cannabis companies generally have been volatile. In addition, the market price for the Subordinate Voting Shares has been and may be subject to wide fluctuations in response to numerous factors within and beyond our control including, but not limited to:

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Financial markets have at times historically experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that: (i) have especially affected the market prices of equity securities of companies and (ii) have often been unrelated to the operating performance, underlying asset values or prospects of such companies. Accordingly, the market price of the Subordinate Voting Shares from time to time may decline even if our operating results, underlying asset values and prospects have not changed. Additionally, these factors, as well as other related factors, may cause decreases in asset values that may result in impairment losses to us. There can be no assurance that further fluctuations in price and volume of Subordinate Voting Shares traded will not occur. If increased levels of volatility and market turmoil continue, our operations could be adversely impacted, and the trading price of the Subordinate Voting Shares may be materially, adversely affected.

A further decline in the price or trading volume of the Subordinate Voting Shares could affect our ability to raise further capital and adversely impact our ability to continue operations.

The market price for the Subordinate Voting Shares has historically been volatile, with relatively few shares traded on most trading days. Since the termination of the Arrangement Agreement, the Subordinate Voting Shares have been trading at or near the all-time low price and have had generally low trading volume. As a result, our ability to raise equity capital is impaired. The market price and trading volume of the Subordinate Voting Shares could decline further. A further decline in the price or trading volume of the Subordinate Voting Shares could result in a further reduction in the liquidity of the Subordinate Voting Shares and a further reduction in our ability to raise capital. Because a significant portion of our operations have been and may continue to be financed through the sale of equity securities, a further decline in the price or trading volume of our Subordinate Voting Shares could be especially detrimental to our liquidity and our operations. Such reductions may force us to reallocate funds from other planned uses and may have a material, adverse effect on our business plan and operations, including our ability to operationalize existing licenses and complete planned capital expenditures. If the price or trading volume of our Subordinate Voting Shares declines further, there can be no assurance that we will be able to raise additional capital or generate funds from operations sufficient to meet our obligations. If we are unable to raise sufficient capital in the future, we may not have the resources to continue to operate all of our current businesses, or at all.

If securities or industry analysts do not publish or cease publishing research or reports or publish misleading, inaccurate, or unfavorable research about us, our business or our market, our share price and trading volume could decline.

The trading market for our Subordinate Voting Shares may be influenced by the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us, our business, our market, or our competitors. If no or few securities or industry analysts cover our Company, as is currently the case, the trading price and volume of our Subordinate Voting Shares is likely negatively impacted and will likely continue to be negatively impacted for so long as analyst coverage is minimal or no analysts cover us. If one or more of the analysts who covers us downgrades our Subordinate Voting Shares or publishes unfavorable research about our business, or provides more favorable relative recommendations about our competitors, the price of our Subordinate Voting Shares would likely decline. If any analyst ceases coverage of us or fails to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our Subordinate Voting Shares could decrease, which could cause our share price or trading volume, or both, to decline further.

An investor may face liquidity risks with an investment in our Subordinate Voting Shares.

There is a significant liquidity risk associated with an investment in our Subordinate Voting Shares. The Subordinate Voting Shares currently trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange and are quoted on the OTCQX tier of the OTC Markets

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in the United States. We cannot predict at what prices the Subordinate Voting Shares will continue to trade, and there is no assurance that an active trading market will be sustained. The Subordinate Voting Shares do not currently trade on any U.S. national securities exchange. In the event the Subordinate Voting Shares begin trading on any U.S. national securities exchange, we cannot predict at what prices the Subordinate Voting Shares will trade and there is no assurance that an active trading market will develop or be sustained.

Trading in securities quoted on the OTC Markets is often thin and characterized by wide fluctuations in trading prices, due to many factors, some of which may have little to do with our operations or business prospects. This volatility could depress the market price of Subordinate Voting Shares for reasons unrelated to operating performance. Moreover, the OTC Markets is not a U.S. national securities exchange, and trading of securities on the OTC Markets is often more sporadic than the trading of securities listed on a U.S. national securities exchange like the Nasdaq or the NYSE. These factors may result in investors having difficulty reselling Subordinate Voting Shares on the OTC Markets.

We are subject to increased costs as a result of being a public company in Canada and the United States.

As a public company both in Canada and the United States, we are subject to the reporting requirements, rules and regulations under the applicable Canadian and United States securities laws and rules of stock exchange(s) on which our securities may be listed. We incur increased costs associated with legal, accounting, and other expenses related to such regulatory compliance. Securities legislation and the rules and policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange 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 our legal and financial compliance costs. We may also elect to devote greater resources than we otherwise would have on communication and other activities typically considered important by publicly traded companies.

We do not intend to pay dividends on our Subordinate Voting Shares and, consequently, the ability of investors to achieve a return on their investment will depend entirely on appreciation in the price of our Subordinate Voting Shares.

We have never declared or paid any cash dividend on our Subordinate Voting Shares and do not currently intend to do so in the foreseeable future. We currently anticipate that we will retain future earnings, if any, for the development, operation and expansion of our business and do not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Therefore, the success of an investment in our Subordinate Voting Shares will depend upon any future appreciation in their value. There is no guarantee that our Subordinate Voting Shares will appreciate in value or even maintain the price at which they were purchased.

We are an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act and our election to delay adoption of new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies may result in our financial statements not being comparable to those of some other public companies. As a result of this and other reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies, the Subordinate Voting Shares may be less attractive to investors.

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act. Under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies may take advantage of certain reduced disclosures and may, as hawse have, elect to delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies, which may result in our financial statements not being comparable to those of some other public companies.

For as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we may take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies, including (1) not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, (2) reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and (3) 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 could be an emerging growth company for up to five years, although circumstances could cause the Company to lose that status earlier, including if we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer under the rules of the SEC of any fiscal year, if we have total annual gross revenue of $1.235 billion as of the end of a fiscal year, or if we issue more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during any three-year period. We cannot predict if investors will find the Subordinate Voting Shares less attractive because we

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may rely on these exemptions. If some investors find the Subordinate Voting Shares less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for the Subordinate Voting Shares, and the share price may be more volatile.

Our shareholders are subject to extensive governmental regulation and, if a shareholder is found unsuitable by one of our licensing authorities, that shareholder would not be able to beneficially own our securities. Our shareholders may also be required to provide information that is requested by licensing authorities and we have the right, under certain circumstances, to redeem a shareholder’s securities; we may be forced to use our cash or incur debt to fund such redemption of our securities.

The Company is, subject to certain conditions, entitled to redeem its securities held by certain shareholders in order to permit the Company to comply with applicable licensing regulations. The purpose of the redemption right is to provide the Company with a means of protecting itself from having a shareholder (an “Unsuitable Person”) with an ownership interest of five percent (5%) or more of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares (calculated on as-converted to Subordinate Voting Shares basis):

In the event a shareholder’s background or status jeopardizes our current or proposed licensure, we may be required to redeem such shareholder’s securities in order to continue our operations or obtain licenses in the future. This redemption may divert our cash resources from other productive uses and require us to obtain additional financing which, if in the form of equity financing, would be dilutive to our shareholders. Further, any debt financing may involve additional restrictive covenants and further leveraging of our fixed assets. The inability to obtain additional financing to redeem an Unsuitable Person’s securities may result in the loss of a current or potential license.

Certain Tax Risks

THE FOLLOWING IS A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN MATERIAL TAX RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ACQUISITION AND OWNERSHIP OF SHARES. THIS REPORT DOES NOT DISCUSS RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ANY APPLICABLE STATE, PROVINCIAL, LOCAL OR FOREIGN TAX LAWS. THE TAX RELATED INFORMATION IN THIS REPORT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE TAX ADVICE AND IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. FOR ADVICE ON TAX LAWS APPLICABLE TO A SHAREHOLDER’S INDIVIDUAL TAX SITUATIONS, SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD SEEK THE ADVICE OF THEIR TAX ADVISORS. NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND IS MADE BY US OR ANY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, LEGAL COUNSEL, OTHER AGENTS OR AFFILIATES WITH RESPECT TO THE TAX TREATMENT APPLICABLE TO ANY PERSON WHO ACQUIRES SHARES. EACH INVESTOR IS URGED TO REVIEW THE REPORT IN ITS ENTIRETY AND TO CONSULT HIS OR HER OWN TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO THE FEDERAL, STATE, PROVINCIAL, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACQUISITION AND OWNERSHIP OF SHARES.

We are subject to Canadian and United States tax on our worldwide income.

We are deemed to be a resident of Canada for Canadian federal income tax purposes by virtue of being organized under the laws of a Province of Canada. Accordingly, we are subject to Canadian taxation on our worldwide income, in accordance with the rules in the Tax Act generally applicable to corporations resident in Canada.

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Notwithstanding that we are deemed to be a resident of Canada for Canadian federal income tax purposes, we are treated as a United States corporation for United States federal income tax purposes, pursuant to Section 7874(b) of the Code, and will be subject to United States federal income tax on our worldwide income. As a result, we are subject to taxation both in Canada and the United States, which could have a material, adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

Dispositions of Shares are subject to Canadian and/or United States tax.

Dispositions of Shares are subject to Canadian tax. In addition, dispositions of Shares by U.S. Holders are subject to U.S. tax, and certain dispositions of Shares by Non-U.S. Holders (including, if we are treated as a USRPHC, as defined below) are subject to U.S. tax. For purposes of this discussion, a “U.S. Holder” is a holder who, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is a beneficial owner of the shares and is (i) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States; (ii) a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state therein or the District of Columbia; (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or (iv) a trust if (1) a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons have authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (2) the trust has a valid election in effect to be treated as a U.S. person under applicable Treasury regulations. For purposes of this discussion, a “Non-U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of the shares other than a U.S. Holder or partnership.

Although we do not intend to pay dividends on our Shares, any such dividends would be subject to Canadian and/or United States withholding tax.

It is currently not anticipated that we will pay any dividends on any of our Shares in the foreseeable future.

To the extent dividends are paid on our Shares, dividends received by shareholders who are residents of Canada for purposes of the Tax Act (and Non-U.S. Holders for purposes of the Code) will be subject to U.S. withholding tax. Any such dividends may not qualify for a reduced rate of withholding tax under the Canada-United States tax treaty. In addition, a Canadian foreign tax credit or a deduction in respect of such U.S. withholding taxes paid may not be available.

Dividends received by U.S. Holders will not be subject to U.S. withholding tax but will be subject to Canadian withholding tax. Dividends paid by us will be characterized as U.S. source income for purposes of the foreign tax credit rules under the Code. Accordingly, U.S. Holders may not be able to claim a credit for any Canadian tax withheld unless, depending on the circumstances, they have 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. Holders will be subject to U.S. withholding tax and will also be subject to Canadian withholding tax. These dividends may not qualify for a reduced rate of U.S. withholding tax under any income tax treaty otherwise applicable to a shareholder of the Company, subject to examination of the relevant tax treaty. These dividends may, however, qualify for a reduced rate of Canadian withholding tax under any income tax treaty otherwise applicable to a shareholder of the Company, subject to examination of the relevant tax treaty.

Transfers of Shares may be subject to United States estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes.

Because the Shares are treated as shares of a U.S. domestic corporation, the U.S. estate and generation-skipping transfer tax rules generally may apply to a Non-U.S. Holder of Shares.

Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders upon a disposition of Shares depends on whether we are classified as a United States real property holding corporation.

We are 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 our Non-U.S. Holders upon a disposition of Shares generally depends on whether we are classified as a “United States real property holding corporation” for U.S. federal income tax purposes (a “USRPHC”). We have not performed any analysis to determine whether we are currently, or have ever been, a USRPHC. In addition, we have not sought and do not intend to seek formal confirmation of our status

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as a Non-USRPHC from the IRS. If we ultimately are determined by the IRS to constitute a USRPHC, our non-U.S. Holders may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any gain associated with the disposition of the Shares.

Changes in tax laws may affect the Company and holders of Shares.

There can be no assurance that the Canadian and U.S. federal income tax treatment of the Company or an investment in the Company will not be modified, prospectively or retroactively, by legislative, judicial, or administrative action, in a manner adverse to us or holders of our Shares.

ERISA imposes additional obligations on certain investors.

In considering an investment in the Shares, trustees, custodians, investment managers, and fiduciaries of retirement and other plans subject to the fiduciary responsibility provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) and/or Section 4975 of the Code, should consider, among other things: (i) whether an investment in the Company shares is in accordance with plan documents and satisfies the diversification requirements of Sections 404(a)(1)(C) and 404(a)(1)(D) of ERISA, if applicable; (ii) whether an investment in our Shares will result in unrelated business taxable income to the plan; (iii) whether an investment in the Shares is prudent under Section 404(a)(1)(B) of ERISA, if applicable, given the nature of an investment in, and the compensation structure of, the Company and the potential lack of liquidity of Shares during the lock-up period following the RTO; (iv) whether the Company or any of our affiliates is a fiduciary or party in interest to the plan; and (v) whether an investment in the Shares complies with the “indicia of ownership” requirement set forth in ERISA Section 404(b). Fiduciaries and other persons responsible for the investment of certain governmental and church plans that are subject to any provision of federal, state, or local law that is substantially similar to the fiduciary responsibility provisions of Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code that are considering the investment in the Shares should consider the applicability of the provisions of such similar law and whether the Shares would be an appropriate investment under such similar law. The responsible fiduciary must take into account all of the facts and circumstances of the plan and of the investment when determining if a particular investment is prudent.

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Item 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

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Item 2.Properties

The following tables set forth our principal physical properties.

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Through our subsidiaries, we have entered into material lease agreements related to our Maryland, Minnesota, and New York operations. Those agreements are discussed below.

Maryland Lease

100 Enterprise Drive, LLC (“Maryland Lessor”) entered into a lease agreement with MaryMed, LLC on April 21, 2017 and continuing for a period of ten years (“MaryMed Lease Agreement”). Pursuant to the MaryMed Lease Agreement, MaryMed LLC agreed to lease from Maryland Lessor the premises located at 10 Enterprise Drive, in the Town of Hurlock County, of Dorchester, Maryland. The monthly base rent for the first 12 months of the term of the lease was $20,000 per month and $300,000 as security deposit. The foregoing description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the MaryMed Lease Agreement, which is included as Exhibit 10.17 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

Maryland Lessor entered into a lease amendment with MaryMed, LLC on May 8, 2020 (“MaryMed Lease Amendment”) with respect to the MaryMed Lease Agreement. Pursuant to the MaryMed Lease Amendment, the base rent was reduced to an amount of $10,506.25 per month from June 1, 2020 through August 1, 2020. The foregoing description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the MaryMed Lease Amendment, which is included as Exhibit 10.13 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

Minnesota Lease

IIP-MN 1 LLC (“Minnesota Landlord”) and Minnesota Medical Solutions, LLC (predecessor to Vireo Health of Minnesota, LLC) entered into a lease agreement on November 8, 2017 that was set to expire on November 8, 2032 (“MN Lease Agreement”). Concurrent with the execution of the lease, Minnesota Landlord closed on a purchase of real property and improvements on the property located at 8740 77th Street Northeast, Ostego, Minnesota on October 6, 2017. The monthly base rent for the first 12 months of the term of the MN Lease Agreement was $50,000, with $300,000 to be paid in security deposit. The foregoing description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the MN Lease Agreement, which is included as Exhibit 10.19 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

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Pursuant to the First Amendment to the MN Lease Agreement (“1^st Amendment to the MN Lease Agreement”), dated December 7, 2018, the term of the MN Lease Agreement was extended to December 7, 2033 and Minnesota Medical Solutions, LLC was permitted to make improvements at a cost to Minnesota Landlord not to exceed $2,988,000 rather than $988,000 as initially detailed in the MN Lease Agreement. In addition, the monthly base rest was increased to $77,625 and the security deposit was increased to $450,000. The foregoing description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the 1^st Amendment to the MN Lease Agreement, which is included as Exhibit 10.15 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

Pursuant to the Second Amendment to the MN Lease Agreement (“2^nd Amendment to the MN Lease Agreement”), dated September 25, 2019, the term of the MN Lease Agreement was extended to December 7, 2038 and Minnesota Medical Solutions, LLC was permitted to make improvements at a cost to Minnesota Landlord not to exceed $5,588,000 rather than $2,988,000 as detailed in the 1^st Amendment to the MN Lease Agreement, and the monthly base rest was increased to $111,262.50. The foregoing description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the 2^nd Amendment to the MN Lease Agreement, which is included as Exhibit 10.16 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

Pursuant to the Third Amendment to the MN Lease Agreement (“3^rd Amendment to the MN Lease Agreement”), dated February 18, 2020, Minnesota Medical Solutions, LLC was permitted to make improvements at a cost to Minnesota Landlord not to exceed $5,638,183 rather than $2,988,000 as detailed in the 2^nd Amendment to the MN Lease Agreement. The foregoing description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the 3^rd Amendment to the MN Lease Agreement, which is included as Exhibit 10.17 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

Pursuant to the Fourth Amendment to the MN Lease Agreement (“4^th Amendment to the MN Lease Agreement”), dated April 10, 2020, Minnesota Medical Solutions, LLC was permitted to make improvements at a cost to Minnesota Landlord not to exceed $6,698,183 rather than $5,638,183 as detailed in the 3^rd Amendment to the MN Lease Agreement, and the term of the MN Lease Agreement was extended to April 9, 2040. In addition, the monthly base rent was increased to $129,350.42. The security deposit will be reduced to $225,000 on November 8, 2023 and the security deposit will be further reduced to $112,500 on November 8, 2026. The foregoing description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the 4^th Amendment to the MN Lease Agreement, which is included as Exhibit 10.18 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

Pursuant to the Fifth Amendment to the MN Lease Agreement (“5^th Amendment to the MN Lease Agreement”), dated February 24, 2023, a default by any affiliate of Vireo Health of Minnesota, LLC (f/k/a Minnesota Medical Solutions, LLC), under another lease with the Minnesota Landlord or any affiliate of the Minnesota Landlord, beyond any applicable notice and cure periods, constitutes a default under the MN Lease Agreement, as amended. The forgoing description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the 5^th Amendment to the MN Lease Agreement, which is included as Exhibit 10.43 hereto and incorporated by reference.  

New York Lease

IIP-NY2 LLC (“New York Landlord”) and Vireo Health of New York, LLC entered into a lease agreement on October 23, 2017 that was set to expire on October 23, 2032 (“NY Lease Agreement”). Concurrent with the execution of the lease, IIP-NY 2 LLC closed on a purchase of real property and improvements on the property located at 256 County Route 117, Perth, New York on September 21, 2017. The monthly base rent for the first 12 months of the term of the NY Lease Agreement was $55,000, with $330,000 to be paid in security deposit. The foregoing description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the NY Lease Agreement, which is included as Exhibit 10.19 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

Pursuant to the First Amendment to the NY Lease Agreement (“1^st Amendment to the NY Lease Agreement”), dated December 7, 2018, the term of the NY Lease Agreement was extended to December 7, 2033 and Vireo Health of New York, LLC was permitted to make improvements at a cost to New York Landlord not to exceed $3,000,000, instead of $1,000,000 as initially outlined in the NY Lease Agreement. The foregoing description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the 1^st Amendment to the NY Lease Agreement, which is included as Exhibit 10.10 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

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Pursuant to the Second Amendment to the NY Lease Agreement (“2^nd Amendment to the NY Lease Agreement”), dated April 10, 2020, the term of the NY Lease Agreement was extended to April 9, 2035 and Vireo Health of New York, LLC was permitted to make improvements at a cost to New York Landlord not to exceed $3,360,000 rather than $3,000,000 as detailed in the 1^st Amendment to the NY Lease Agreement. In addition, the monthly base rent was increased to $90,518.51 and the Company provided a new guaranty on behalf of New York Landlord. The foregoing description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the 2^nd Amendment to the NY Lease Agreement, which is included as Exhibit 10.11 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

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Pursuant to the Third Amendment to the NY Lease Agreement (“3^rd Amendment to the NY Lease Agreement”), dated September 24, 2022, the term of the NY Lease Agreement was extended to September 23, 2041. Concurrent with the execution of the 3^rd Amendment to the NY Lease Agreement, Vireo Health of New York and the New York Landlord closed on a purchase of 92.3 acres of real property adjacent to 256 County Route 117, Perth, New York. Vireo Health of New York, LLC was permitted to make improvements at a cost to New York Landlord not to exceed $49,435,000, instead of $3,360,000 as initially outlined in the 2^nd Amendment to the NY Lease Agreement. In addition, the monthly base rent was increased to $615,629.65 and the Company provided a new guaranty on behalf of the New York Landlord. The forgoing description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the 3^rd Amendment to the NY Lease Agreement, which is included as Exhibit 10.12 hereto and incorporated by reference.

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Pursuant to the Fourth Amendment to the NY Lease Agreement (“4^th Amendment to NY Lease Agreement”), dated February 24, 2023, (1) the tenant improvement allowance was increased to a cost not to exceed $53,435,000, instead of $49,435,000 as initially outlined in the 3^rd Amendment to the NY Lease Agreement. In addition, the monthly base rent was increased by an additional $50,000, (2) the security deposit was increased by an additional $150,000, and (3) a default by any affiliate of Vireo Health of New York, LLC, under another lease with the New York Landlord or any affiliate of the New York Landlord, beyond any applicable notice and cure periods, constitutes a default under the NY Lease Agreement, as amended. The forgoing description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the 4^th Amendment to the NY Lease Agreement, which is included as Exhibit 10.44 hereto and incorporated by reference.  

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Item 3.Legal Proceedings

We are involved in various regulatory issues, claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business, none of which, in the opinion of management, is expected to have a material, adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

Schneyer Litigation

On February 25, 2019, Dr. Mark Schneyer (“Schneyer”) filed a lawsuit in Minnesota District Court, Fourth District (the “Court”), on his own behalf and, derivatively, on behalf of Dorchester Capital, LLC, naming Vireo Health, Inc. (“Vireo U.S.”), Dorchester Management, LLC (“Dorchester Management”), and Dorchester Capital, LLC (“Capital”), as defendants. The essence of the claims made by Schneyer is Vireo U.S. paid an inadequate price for MaryMed, LLC (“MaryMed”), which it purchased it from Capital in 2018, and that the consideration given – shares of preferred stock in Vireo U.S. – was distributed inappropriately by Capital at the direction of Dorchester Management (the managing member of Capital). Schneyer, who is a Class B member of Capital, is seeking unspecified damages in excess of $50,000 and other relief. Dorchester Management, LLC is an affiliated entity to Vireo U.S. and was previously used as a management company over Dorchester Capital, LLC. It no longer has active operations following Vireo Health, Inc.’s acquisition of MaryMed, LLC in 2018. It is owned and controlled by Kyle E. Kingsley, who is a director and Executive Chairman of the Company, and Amber H. Shimpa, who is a director and President of Vireo U.S. and the Company.

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Simultaneously with the complaint, Schneyer filed a motion seeking a temporary restraining order (“TRO”) to prevent the “further transfer” of MaryMed which would, Schneyer claimed, occur if Vireo U.S.’s RTO transactions were allowed to occur. The Court held a hearing on the motion for TRO on March 5, 2019 and denied the motion on the same day.

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Weeks prior to commencement of the litigation, Dorchester Management had appointed a special litigation committee (“SLC”) on behalf of Capital to investigate the consideration provided by Vireo U.S. for the purchase of MaryMed and

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assess any potential claims Capital may have as a result of the transaction. The SLC, a retired judge who engaged another retired judge as legal counsel to the SLC, was appointed in accordance with Minnesota law, issued a report on May 1, 2021, recommending, among other things, that certain claims be permitted to proceed (the “Remaining Derivative Claims”) and other claims not be permitted to proceed by the Court (the “Rejected Derivative Claims”).

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On July 7, 2021, Schneyer filed a Second Amended Complaint asserting direct claims on behalf of himself and the Remaining Derivative Claims on behalf of Capital and some Rejected Derivative Claims on behalf of Capital. Under Delaware law, Capital has a right to control the litigation of the Remaining Derivative Claims, the Rejected Derivative Claims, and any other derivative allegations that may be asserted on behalf of Capital. On August 17, 2021, Management exercised this right for Capital and appointed a second independent special litigation committee (the “Second SLC”), a partner at an international law firm, to manage the litigation of the claims raised in Schneyer’s Second Amended Complaint. On August 31, 2021, Capital filed a complaint at the Second SLC’s direction alleging the Remaining Derivative Claims and the Rejected Derivative Claims. Schneyer opposed the appointment of the Second SLC.

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On December 9, 2021, the Court dismissed Schneyer’s claim for rescissory damages and the Remaining Derivative Claim alleging fraud. The Court also ruled that the Remaining Derivative Claims should be pursued by the Second SLC. Finally, the Court also denied Schneyer’s request to seek punitive damages.

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On February 22, 2022, the Minnesota Court of Appeals denied the immediate review of the December 9, 2021 order.

On June 20,2022 the Court issued an order amending and realigning the complaint brought by Capital for the Remaining Derivative Claims. The order also denied Vireo U.S.’ and Dorchester Management’s motion to dismiss the Remaining Derivative Claims brought by Capital.

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Verano

On January 31, 2022, the Company entered into the Arrangement Agreement with Verano, pursuant to which Verano was to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Goodness Growth pursuant to a Plan of Arrangement. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Arrangement Agreement and the Plan of Arrangement, holders of Goodness Growth Shares would receive 0.22652 of a Verano Subordinate Voting Share, subject to adjustment as described below, for each Subordinate Voting Share held, and 22.652 Verano Subordinate Voting Shares for each Multiple Voting Share and Super Voting Share held, immediately prior to the effective time of the Arrangement.

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On October 13, 2022, Goodness Growth received a notice of purported termination of the Arrangement Agreement (the “Notice”) from Verano. The Notice asserted certain breaches of the Arrangement Agreement, including claims the Company’s public filings and communications with respect to its business and ongoing operations were misleading and that the Company breached its representations to Verano under the Arrangement Agreement. Verano also claimed, as a result of such breaches, it is entitled to payment of the $14,875,000 termination fee and its transaction expenses of up to $3,000,000. Goodness Growth denies all of Verano’s allegations and affirmatively states that it has complied with its obligations under the Arrangement Agreement, and will continue to comply with its disclosure obligations under US and Canadian law, in all material respects at all times. We believe that Verano has no factual or legal basis to justify or support its purported grounds for termination of the Arrangement Agreement.

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On October 21, 2022, Goodness Growth commenced an action in the Supreme Court of British Columbia against Verano after Verano wrongfully repudiated the Arrangement Agreement. The Company is seeking as-yet-unspecified damages, costs and interest, based on Verano's breach of contract and of its duty of good faith and honest performance.

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On November 14, 2022, Verano filed counterclaims against the Company for the termination fee and transaction expenses described above. Due to uncertainties inherent in litigation, it is not possible for Goodness Growth to predict the timing or final outcome of the legal proceedings against Verano or to determine the amount of damages, if any, that may be awarded.

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Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

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PART II

Item 5.Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Trading Price and Volume

Our Subordinate Voting Shares are traded on the CSE under the symbol “GDNS.” The following table sets forth trading information for the Subordinate Voting Shares for the periods indicated, as quoted on the CSE.

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Our Subordinate Voting Shares also are traded on the OTCQX under the symbol “GDNSF.” The following table sets forth trading information for the Subordinate Voting Shares for the periods indicated, as quoted on the OTCQX.

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Shareholders

As of March 1, 2023, there were 127 holders of record of our Subordinate Voting Shares, 173 holders of record of our Multiple Voting Shares, and 1 holder of record of our Super Voting Shares.

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Dividends

We have not paid, and do not in the foreseeable future intend to pay, any dividends on the Subordinate Voting Shares or any other equity. The declaration and payment of future dividends to holders of our Shares will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend upon many factors, including our financial condition, earnings, legal requirements, restrictions in our debt agreements and other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors. In addition, as a holding company, our ability to pay dividends depends on our receipt of cash dividends from our operating subsidiaries, which may further restrict our ability to pay dividends as a result of the laws of their respective jurisdictions of organization, agreements of our subsidiaries or covenants under future indebtedness that the Company or our subsidiaries may incur. See “Risk Factors - Risks Related to the Company’s Securities – We do not intend to pay dividends on our Shares and, consequently, the ability of investors to achieve a return on their investment will depend entirely on appreciation in the price of the Subordinate Voting Shares.”

Equity Compensation Plans

The following table sets forth, as of December 31, 2022, securities authorized for issuance under each of the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2018 Plan”), the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2019 Plan”), and any equity issued under an employment agreement. All outstanding options under the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan, as well as all outstanding compensation warrants, settle in Subordinate Voting Shares. Outstanding options and under the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan settle in either Subordinate Voting Shares of Vireo or Multiple Voting Shares, at the Company’s option. All restricted stock units issued under the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan or an employment agreement settle in Subordinate Voting Shares. Figures below are presented on an as-converted basis.

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In January 2019, the Company adopted the 2019 Plan, which was approved by shareholders. Subject to adjustment provisions as provided in the 2019 Plan, the maximum number of Subordinate Voting Shares that may be issued under the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan is equal to 10% of the number of issued and outstanding Subordinate Voting Shares from time to time, on an as converted to Subordinate Voting Shares basis. No future awards will be made under the 2018 Plan. Awards under the 2019 Plan may be made in any form permitted under the 2019 Plan, in any combinations approved by the Board of Directors. For the purposes of this report, the term “as converted to Subordinate Voting Shares basis” includes the conversion of the Multiple Voting Shares and Super Voting Shares into Subordinate Voting Shares.

In January 2018, Vireo U.S. adopted the 2018 Plan, which permitted the Company to grant incentive stock options, restricted shares, restricted share units, or other awards. The 2018 Plan was not approved by shareholders. Under the terms of the 2018 Plan, a total of 1,000,000 common shares were reserved for issue. The exercise price for incentive stock options issued under the 2018 Plan were to be set by the committee (as defined under the 2018 Plan) but were not to be less 100% of the fair market value of Vireo U.S.’s shares on the date of grant. Incentive stock options to be issued were to have a maximum term of 10 years from the date of grant. The incentive stock options vested at the discretion of the Board.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

We did not issue any unregistered securities during the quarter ended December 31, 2022.

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Item 6.Reserved

The following are selected financial data derived from our Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. The data set forth below should be read in conjunction with Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP on a going-concern basis that contemplates continuity of operations and realization of assets and liquidation of liabilities in the ordinary course of business.

The selected consolidated financial information set forth below may not be indicative of our future performance.

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Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with the financial information and the notes thereto included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including information with respect to our plans and strategy for our business and related financing, includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, or “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. These statements are often identified by the use of words such as “expect,” “plan,” “expected,” “scheduled,” “estimates,” “estimated,” “forecasts,” “continue,” “continued,” “anticipate,” “will,” “expectations,” “cannot,” “could,” “believe,” “focused,” “intention,” “strategic,” “future,” “approach,” “strategy,” “efforts,” “potential,” “potentially,” “possible,” “may,” “intend,” “intended,” “intent,” “should,” “might,” “would,” “achieve,” “allowed to,” “over time,” “likely,” “remain,” “opportunities,” “seeking,” or the negative or plural of these words or similar expressions or variations. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that could cause actual results and the timing of certain events to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those identified in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and those discussed in the section titled “Risk Factors” set forth in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in our other SEC and Canadian public filings. In addition, statements that “we believe” and similar statements reflect our beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and while we believe that information provides a reasonable basis for these statements, that information may be limited or incomplete. Our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain, and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely on these statements. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements or forward-looking information as predictions of future events. Furthermore, such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information speak only as of the date of this report. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

Amounts are presented in United States dollars, except as otherwise indicated.

Overview of the Company

Goodness Growth is a cannabis company whose mission is to provide safe access, quality products and value to its customers while supporting its local communities through active participation and restorative justice programs. The Company is evolving with the industry and is in the midst of a transformation to being significantly more customer-centric across its operations, which include cultivation, manufacturing, wholesale and retail business lines. With our core operations strategically located in four limited-license markets through our state-licensed subsidiaries, we cultivate and manufacture cannabis products and distribute these products through our growing network of Green Goods^® and other retail dispensaries we own or operate as well as to third-party dispensaries in the markets in which our subsidiaries hold operating licenses.

On January 31, 2022, we entered into an Arrangement Agreement (the “Arrangement Agreement”) with Verano Holdings Corp. (“Verano”), pursuant to which Verano was to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Goodness Growth pursuant to a plan of arrangement (the “Plan of Arrangement”) under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the “Arrangement”). Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Arrangement Agreement and the Plan of Arrangement, holders of Goodness Growth Shares was to receive 0.22652 of a subordinate voting share of Verano (each a “Verano Subordinate Voting Share”), subject to adjustment as described below, for each Subordinate Voting Share held, and 22.652 Verano Subordinate Voting Shares for each Multiple Voting Share and Super Voting Share held, immediately prior to the effective time of the Arrangement.

On October 13, 2022, we received a notice of purported termination of the Arrangement Agreement (the “Notice”) from Verano. The Notice asserted certain breaches of the Arrangement Agreement, including claims our public filings and

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communications with respect to our business and ongoing operations were misleading and that we breached our representations to Verano under the Arrangement Agreement. Verano also claimed, as a result of such breaches, it is entitled to payment of the $14,875,000 termination fee and its transaction expenses of up to $3,000,000. We deny all of Verano’s allegations and have complied with our obligations under the Arrangement Agreement in all material respects at all times. Verano has no factual or legal basis to justify or support its purported grounds for termination of the Arrangement Agreement.

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On October 21, 2022, we commenced an action in the Supreme Court of British Columbia against Verano seeking damages after Verano wrongfully terminated the Arrangement Agreement. We are seeking damages, costs and interest, based on Verano's breach of contract and of its duty of good faith and honest performance. On November 14, 2022, Verano filed counterclaims against the Company for the termination fee and transaction expenses described above. Due to uncertainties inherent in litigation, it is not possible to predict the timing or final outcome of the legal proceedings against Verano or to determine the amount of damages, if any, that may be awarded.

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The termination of the Arrangement Agreement gives rise to substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to meet its obligations over the next twelve months. Company management is working with the Company’s lenders, counsel, and other applicable parties to implement a plan to effectively mitigate the conditions giving rise to substantial doubt. Elements of this plan may include, but are not limited to, asset sales, debt restructuring, and capital raises. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. However, the Company’s continuance as going concern is dependent on its future profitability and implementation of the aforementioned plan. The Company may not be successful in these efforts.

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Operating Segments

We report our operating results in one business segment: the cultivation, production, and sale of cannabis. We cultivate, manufacture, and distribute cannabis products to third parties in wholesale markets and cultivate, manufacture, and sell cannabis products directly to approved patients and adult-use-customers in our owned or operated retail stores.

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company had operating revenue in five states: Arizona, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, and New York. Retail revenues were derived from sales in eighteen dispensaries throughout four states. We had eight operational dispensaries in Minnesota, four in New Mexico, four in New York, and two in Maryland. Wholesale revenues were derived from sales of products to third parties in the states of Arizona, Maryland, Minnesota, and New York. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we ceased all operations in Arizona. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we divested our retail operation in Arizona, and the Ohio business.

Year ended December 31, 2022 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2021

Revenue

We derived our revenue from cultivating, processing, and distributing cannabis products through our nineteen dispensaries in five states and our wholesale sales to third parties in four states. For the year ended December 31, 2022, 83% of the revenue was generated from retail dispensaries and 17% from wholesale business.  For the year ended December 31, 2021, 82% of the revenue was generated from retail business and 18% from wholesale business.

For the year ended December 31, 2022, Minnesota operations contributed approximately 51% of revenues, New York contributed 20%, Arizona contributed 3%, New Mexico contributed 8%, and Maryland contributed 18%. For the year ended December 31, 2021, Minnesota operations contributed approximately 40% of revenues, New York contributed 25%, Arizona contributed 16%, New Mexico contributed 6%, and Maryland contributed 13%.

Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $74,625,867, an increase of $20,179,699 or 37% compared to revenue of $54,446,168 for year ended December 31, 2021. The increase is primarily attributable to revenue contributions from the retail business in Minnesota of $15.7 million, the retail business in Maryland of $4.7 million, and the retail business in New Mexico of $2.9 million, partially offset by the lack of revenues from the Arizona retail business, which was divested

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in 2021.  Key revenue drivers are the increased patient demand in Minnesota driven by the addition of cannabis flower to the Minnesota medical program in March of 2022, the commencement of recreational marijuana sales in New Mexico on April 1, 2022, and the acquisition of Charm City Medicus, LLC in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Retail revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $62,123,357, an increase of $17,430,972 or 39% compared to retail revenue of $44,692,385 for the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to increased revenue contributions from Minnesota, Maryland, and New Mexico.

Wholesale revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $12,502,510, an increase of $2,748,727 compared to wholesale revenue of $9,753,783 for year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to increased wholesale demand in Maryland and New York.

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Cost of Goods Sold and Gross Profit

Cost of goods sold are determined from costs related to the cultivation and processing of cannabis and cannabis-derived products as well as the cost of finished goods inventory purchased from third parties.

Cost of goods sold for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $43,717,706, an increase of $9,070,223 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021 of $34,647,483, driven most significantly by the product costs associated with the increase in revenues year over year.

Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $30,908,161, representing a gross margin of 41%. This is compared to gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2021, of $19,798,685 or a 36% gross margin. The increase in margin and gross profit was driven primarily by increased retail revenues, specifically increased Minnesota retail contributions as a percentage of overall revenue, which carry higher margins.

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Total Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022, were $37,847,526, a decrease of $2,432,723 compared to total expenses of $40,280,249 for the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease in total expenses was attributable to a decrease in share-based compensation of $2,488,444.

Operating Loss before Income Taxes and Other Income (Expense)

Operating loss before other income (expense) and provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $(6,939,365), a decrease of $13,542,199 compared to an operating loss before other income (expense) and provision for income taxes of $(20,481,564) for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Total Other Income (Expense)

Total other expense for the year ended December 31, 2022, was ($29,625,079), an increase of $20,538,168 compared to other expense of ($9,086,911) or the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in other expense is primarily attributable to increased interest expense of $12,018,182 in 2022 driven by the issuance of promissory notes, increased impairment charges of $3,426,250 related to long-lived assets, and a decrease of $6,734,680 in asset disposal gains due to a lack of asset divestitures in 2022.

Provision for Income Taxes

Income tax expense is recognized based on the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at year-end. For the year ended December 31, 2022, Federal and State income tax expense totaled $5,893,000 compared to tax expense of $4,122,000 for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in tax expense is primarily attributable to the increase in gross profit relative to the prior year.

Year ended December 31, 2021 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2020

Revenue

We derived our revenue from cultivating, processing, and distributing cannabis products through our nineteen dispensaries in five states and our wholesale sales to third parties in four states. For the year ended December 31, 2021, 82% of the revenue was generated from retail dispensaries and 18% from wholesale business.  For the year ended December 31, 2020, 76% of the revenue was generated from retail business and 24% from wholesale business.

For the year ended December 31, 2021, Minnesota operations contributed approximately 40% of revenues, New York contributed 25%, Arizona contributed 16%, New Mexico contributed 6%, and Maryland contributed 13%. For the year ended December 31, 2020, Minnesota operations contributed approximately 34% of revenues, New York contributed 23%, Arizona contributed 15%, New Mexico contributed 5%, Maryland contributed 8%, Ohio contributed 1%, and Pennsylvania contributed 14%.

Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2021, was $54,446,168, an increase of $5,234,839 or 11% compared to revenue of $49,211,329 for year ended December 31, 2020. The increase is primarily attributable to revenue contributions from the retail business in Minnesota of $5.3 million, the retail business in Maryland of $3.3 million, and the wholesale business in New York of $1.8 million, partially offset by the lack of revenues from the Pennsylvania retail and wholesale businesses, which were divested in 2020. Key revenue drivers were the opening of the Fredrick dispensary in Maryland in the first quarter of 2021, increased patient demand in Minnesota, which is primarily the result of four new dispensary openings that occurred in the fourth quarter of 2020, and a large New York bulk oil sale that occurred during 2021.

Retail revenue for the year ended December 31, 2021, was $44,692,385, an increase of $7,456,084 or 20% compared to retail revenue of $37,236,301 for the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to revenue contributions from Minnesota and Maryland.

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Wholesale revenue for the year ended December 31, 2021, was $9,753,783, a decrease of $2,218,531 compared to wholesale revenue of $11,972,314 for year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease was primarily due to the divestiture of the Pennsylvania wholesale business in 2020.

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Cost of Goods Sold and Gross Profit

Cost of goods sold are determined from costs related to the cultivation and processing of cannabis and cannabis-derived products as well as the cost of finished goods inventory purchased from third parties.

Cost of goods sold for the year ended December 31, 2021, was $34,647,483, an increase of $2,563,875 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 of $32,083,608, driven most significantly by the product costs associated with the increase in revenues year over year, and an increase in inventory valuation adjustments driven by a significant and unusual weather period in Arizona.

Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2021, was $19,798,685, representing a gross margin of 36%. This is compared to gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2020, of $17,127,721 or a 35% gross margin. The increase in margin was driven by increased retail revenue, which carries a higher margin, as a percentage of total revenue in 2021, partially offset by an increase in inventory valuation adjustments of $1,666,696.  The increase in inventory valuation adjustments was driven by a significant and unusual weather period in Arizona, which lead to increased obsolete inventory.

Total Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2021, were $40,280,249, an increase of $109,406 compared to total expenses of $40,170,843 for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in total expenses was attributable to an increase in salaries and wages, professional fees, and general and administrative expenses of $7.3 million, an increase in amortization and depreciation of $0.4 million, offset by a decrease in share-based compensation of $7.6 million. The

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increase in salaries and wages, and general and administrative expenses was driven by significant operational buildout in existing markets, and the decrease in share-based compensation was driven by the lack of share-based compensation expense affiliated with warrant vesting in 2021.

Operating Loss before Income Taxes and Other Income (Expense)

Operating loss before other income (expense) and provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2021, was $(20,481,564), a decrease of $2,561,558 compared to operating income before other income (expense) and provision for income taxes of $(23,043,122) for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Total Other Income (Expense)

Total other expense for the year ended December 31, 2021, was ($9,086,911), an increase of $17,977,839 compared to other income of $8,890,928 for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in other expense is primarily attributable to increased interest expense of $5,479,522 in 2021 driven by the issuance of promissory notes, the impairment charge of $5,169,951 related to long-lived assets, as well as the decrease in the gain on disposal of assets of $13,350,138, partially offset by the 2020 derivative loss of $6,260,480.

Provision for Income Taxes

Income tax expense is recognized based on the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at year-end. For the year ended December 31, 2021, Federal and State income tax expense totaled $4,122,000 compared to a tax expense of $8,790,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020. The 2020 expense is significantly impacted by the $20.3 million gain affiliated with the divestiture of various subsidiaries.

Non-GAAP Measures

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures and do not have standardized definitions under GAAP. The following information provides reconciliations of the supplemental non-GAAP financial measures presented herein to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. The Company has provided the non-GAAP financial measures, which are not calculated or presented in accordance with GAAP, as supplemental information and in addition to the financial measures that are calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Management occasionally elects to provide supplemental non-GAAP financial measures in circumstances which it believes provide additional perspective and insights when analyzing the core operating performance of the business. These supplemental non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered superior to, as a substitute for, or as an alternative to, and should be considered in conjunction with, the GAAP financial measures presented. During fiscal year 2022, management discussed and provided reconocilations of quarterly EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to directly comparable GAAP financial measures. As a result, references and reconciliations to these measures have been provided for the full year. However, management does not undertake any responsibility to provide similar disclosures in future periods.

Our calculation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA excludes “depreciation included in the cost of goods sold.” We believe excluding these additional items better represents EBITDA by excluding all depreciation.Our calculation of EBITDA and

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Adjusted EBITDA now excludes “depreciation included in the cost of goods sold.” We believe excluding these additional items better represents EBITDA by excluding all depreciation.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had working capital of $17,019,820 and $25,233,518 respectively, reflecting a decrease in working capital of $8,213,698 for the year ended December 31, 2022.

The Company is an early-stage growth company. It is generating cash from sales and is deploying its capital reserves to acquire and develop assets capable of producing additional revenues and earnings over both the immediate and near term. Capital reserves are being utilized for capital expenditures and improvements in existing facilities, product development and marketing, as well as customer, supplier and investor and industry relations.

Credit Facility

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During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company signed a promissory note payable in the amount of $1,010,000. The note bears interest at a rate of 15% per annum with interest payments required on a monthly basis. Effective November 13, 2019, the Company’s promissory note payable in the amount of $1,010,000 was modified to increase the amount payable to $1,110,000 and extend the maturity date to December 31, 2021. On December 28, 2021, the Company’s promissory note payable in the amount of $1,110,000 was modified to extend the maturity date to December 31, 2023, and the Company paid off $60,000 in principal.

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On March 25, 2021, the Company entered into a credit agreement for a senior secured delayed draw term loan with an aggregate principal amount of up to $46,000,000 (the “Credit Facility”), and executed a draw of $26,000,000 in principal. Net of fees and closing costs of $1,971,705, the Company received $24,028,295 of the first tranche on March 25, 2021. Additionally, the Company incurred fees and closing costs of $1,083,422 which were paid in cash. The unpaid principal amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility bear interest at a rate of (a) the U.S. prime rate plus 10.375% per annum payable monthly in cash, and (b) 2.75% per annum paid in kind interest payable monthly. The Credit Facility matures on March 31, 2024.

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On March 25, 2021, in connection with closing the Credit Facility, Goodness Growth issued (a) five year warrants to the agent and each lender to purchase an aggregate of 2,803,984 subordinate voting shares at an exercise price of C$3.50 per share, and (b) a five year warrant to the broker to purchase 233,665 subordinate voting shares at an exercise price of C$3.50 per share. Each warrant provides customary anti-dilution provisions. The fair value of these warrants at the time of issuance was $5,395,759 which is treated as a deferred financing cost.

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On November 18, 2021, the Company and lenders amended the Credit Facility to provide for an additional loan of $4,200,000 with a cash interest rate of 15% per annum and PIK interest of 2% per annum and no warrants were issued in

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connection with this loan.  Cash received net of $156,900 in financing costs was $4,043,100. Obligations under the Credit Facility are secured by substantially all the assets of the Company.

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On January 31, 2022, Goodness Growth and certain of its subsidiaries, as borrowers (collectively, “Borrowers”), entered into a Third Amendment to the Credit Facility (the “Third Amendment”) providing for additional delayed draw term loans of up to $55 million (the “Delayed Draw Loans”). Subject to certain conditions to be satisfied prior to the initial funding thereunder, Goodness Growth may borrow a portion of the $55 million for working capital and other general corporate purposes and may borrow the remainder for other specific purposes, including relating to its ongoing expansion in New York. The Delayed Draw Loans have a maturity date of April 30, 2023 with an option to extend another 12 months for an additional fee of $1,375,000. The cash interest rate on the Delayed Draw Loans under the Third Amendment is equal to the U.S. prime rate plus 10.375%, with a minimum required rate of 13.375% per annum, in addition to paid-in-kind interest of 2.75% per annum. Pursuant to the Arrangement Agreement, Verano reimbursed Goodness Growth for all interest expenses related to the Third Amendment in excess of 10% per annum through the purported termination of the Arrangement Agreement on October 13, 2022.

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During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company drew $28,000,000 in principal debt from the Delayed Draw Loans.  Proceeds received, net of deferred financing fees of $2,236,919 were $25,763,081. The Company was reimbursed by Verano for $1,190,863 of these deferred financing fees pursuant to the Arrangement Agreement. These fees are included as other income in the unaudited statement of loss and comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2022.

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Unless otherwise specified, all deferred financing costs are treated as a contra-liability, to be netted against the outstanding loan balance and amortized over the remaining life of the loan.

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On November 19, 2021, the Company signed a promissory note payable in the amount of $2,000,000 in connection with the acquisition of Charm City Medicus, LLC. The note bears an interest rate of 8% per annum with interest payments due on the last day of each calendar quarter. The maturity date of the note is November 19, 2023, and the note is secured by 25% of the membership interests in Vireo Health of Charm City, LLC.

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Cash Used in Operating Activities

Net cash used in operating activities was $18.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, a decrease of $12.4 million as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease is due to more favorable changes in working capital relative to 2021, increased gross profit, and decreased operating expenses.

Cash Flow from Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $5.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to net cash used of $7.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease in cash used is primarily attributable to decreased capital expenditures of $12.5 million, partially offset by the lack of asset disposals in 2022.

Cash Flow from Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities was $23.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an decrease of $2.1 million as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease was principally due to fewer net proceeds received from the Credit Facility in 2022.

Lease Transactions

As of December 31, 2022, we have entered into lease agreements for the use of buildings used in cultivation, production and sales of cannabis products in Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, and Puerto Rico.

The lease agreements for all retail space used for our dispensary operations are with third-party landlords and remaining duration ranges from 1 to 6 years. These agreements are short-term facility leases that require the Company to

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make monthly rent payments as well as to fund common area costs, utilities and maintenance. In some cases, we have received tenant improvement funds to assist in the buildout of the space to meet our operating needs. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had 18 retail locations secured under these agreements.

We have also entered into sale and leaseback arrangements for our cultivation and processing facilities in Minnesota and New York with a special-purpose real estate investment trust. These leases are long-term agreements that provide, among other things, funds to make certain improvements to the property to increase production capacity and operational efficiency of the facility.

Excluding any contracts under one year in duration, the future minimum lease payments (principal and interest) on all our leases are as follows:

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Outstanding Share Data

As of March 27, 2023, we had 87,135,083 shares issued and outstanding, consisting of the following:

(a)  Subordinate Voting Shares

86,721,030 shares issued and outstanding. The holders of Subordinate Voting Shares are entitled to receive dividends which may be declared from time to time and are entitled to one vote per share at all shareholder meetings. All Subordinate Voting Shares are ranked equally with regards to the Company’s residual assets. The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of no-par value Subordinate Voting Shares.

(b)  Multiple Voting Shares

348,642 shares issued and outstanding. The holders of Multiple Voting Shares are entitled to one hundred votes per share at all shareholder meetings. Each Multiple Voting Share is exchangeable for one hundred Subordinate Voting Shares. The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of Multiple Voting Shares.

(c)  Super Voting Shares

65,411 shares issued and outstanding. The holders of Super Voting Shares are entitled to one thousand votes per share at all shareholder meetings. Each Super Voting Share is exchangeable for one hundred Subordinate Voting Shares. The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of Super Voting Shares.

Options, Warrants, and Convertible Promissory Notes

As of December 31, 2022, we had 23,547,558 employee stock options outstanding, 3,037,649 Subordinate Voting Share compensation warrants denominated in C$ related to financing activities, and 150,000 Subordinate Voting Share compensation warrants outstanding.

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of the date of this filing, we do not have any off-balance-sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future effect on our results of operations or financial condition, including, and without limitation, such considerations as liquidity and capital resources.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The critical accounting estimates, assumptions, and judgments that we believe to have the most significant impact on our consolidated financial statements are described below. Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K describes the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Use of estimates and significant judgments

The preparation of our financial statements requires management to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the reported amounts of revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, accompanying disclosures and the disclosure of contingent liabilities. These estimates and judgments are subject to change based on experience and new information which could result in outcomes that require a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets or liabilities affecting future periods. Estimates and judgments are assessed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to estimates are recognized prospectively.

Examples of key estimates in these financial statements include cash flows and discount rates used in accounting for business combinations including contingent consideration, asset impairment including estimated future cash flows and fair values, the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable and trade receivables, inventory valuation adjustments that contemplate the market value of, and demand for inventory, estimated useful lives of property and equipment and intangible assets, valuation allowance on deferred income tax assets, determining the fair value of financial instruments, fair value of stock-based compensation, estimated variable consideration on contracts with customers, sales return estimates, the fair value of the convertible notes and equity component and the classification, incremental borrowing rates and lease terms applicable to lease contracts. We believe that the estimates, judgments, and assumptions used to determine certain amounts that affect the financial statements are reasonable, based on information available at the time they are made. To the extent there are differences between these estimates and actual results, our consolidated financial statements may be materially affected.

Revenue Recognition

The Company’s primary source of revenue is from wholesale of cannabis products to dispensary locations and direct retail sales to eligible customers at the Company-owned dispensaries. Substantially all of the Company’s retail revenue is from the direct sale of cannabis products to medical customers.

Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services, through performance obligations by the Company, is transferred to the customer in an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to be entitled to in exchange for the performance obligations. More specifically, wholesale revenues are recognized upon delivery and acceptance by wholesale customers. Retail revenues are recognized at the point of sale. Discounts are recorded at the time of revenue recognition.  Returns were not material during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, but are recognized when the customer is refunded. Revenues are presented net of discounts and returns.

Sales taxes collected from customers are remitted to the appropriate taxing jurisdictions and are excluded from sales revenue as the Company considers itself a pass-through conduit for collecting and remitting sales taxes. Excise duties that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction, that are collected by the Company from a customer are included in revenue. Freight revenues on all product sales, when applicable, are also recognized, on a consistent manner, at a point in time. The term between invoicing and when payment is due is not significant and the period between when the entity transfers the promised good or service to the customer and when the customer pays for that good or service is one year or less.

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Cost of sales

Cost of sales represents costs directly related to manufacturing and distribution of our products. Primary costs include raw materials, packaging, direct labor, overhead, shipping and handling and the depreciation of manufacturing equipment and production facilities. Manufacturing overhead and related expenses include salaries, wages, employee benefits, utilities, maintenance, and property taxes. Cost of sales also includes inventory valuation adjustments. We recognize the cost of sales as the associated revenues are recognized.

Inventory

Inventory is comprised of cannabis work-in-process, cannabis finished goods and other inventory. Work-in-process inventory includes cannabis plants, bulk harvested material, and various bulk oils and extracts. Finished goods include packaged flower and extracts. Other inventory includes product packaging, hemp derived CBD, apparel, and paraphernalia.

Inventory cost includes pre-harvest, post-harvest and shipment and fulfillment, as well as related accessories. Pre-harvest costs include labor and direct materials to grow cannabis, which includes water, electricity, nutrients, integrated pest management, growing supplies and allocated overhead. Post-harvest costs include costs associated with drying, trimming, blending, extraction, purification, quality testing and allocated overhead. Shipment and fulfillment costs include the costs of packaging, labelling, courier services and allocated overhead.

Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, determined using weighted average cost. Net realizable value is defined as the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. At the end of each reporting period, we perform an assessment of inventory and records write-downs for excess and obsolete inventories based on our estimated forecast of product demand, production requirements, market conditions, regulatory environment, and spoilage. Factors considered in the determination of obsolescence include slow-moving or non-marketable items. Actual inventory losses may differ from management’s estimates and such differences could be material our consolidated balance sheets, statements of net loss and comprehensive loss and statements of cash flows. In calculating the value of the inventory, management is required to make a number of estimates, including estimating the stage of growth of the cannabis plant up to the point of harvest, harvesting costs, selling costs, sales price, wastage and expected yields of the cannabis plant. In calculating final inventory values, management is required to determine an estimated fail rate and compare the inventory cost to estimated net realizable value. If the assumptions around future demand for our inventory are more optimistic than actual future results, then the excess and obsolete inventory provision may not be sufficient, resulting in our inventory being valued in excess of its net realizable value.

Assessing Recoverability of long-lived assets

We review long-lived assets, including property and equipment and definite life intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Asset impairment tests require the allocation of assets to asset groups, where appropriate, which requires significant judgment and interpretation with respect to the integration between the assets and shared resources. In order to determine if assets have been impaired, assets are grouped and tested at the lowest level for which identifiable independent cash flows are available (“asset group”). Asset impairment tests require the determination of whether there is an indication of impairment. The assessment of whether an indication of impairment exists is performed at the end of each reporting period and requires the application of judgment, historical experience, and external and internal sources of information. An impairment loss is recognized when the sum of projected undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value of the asset group. The measurement of the impairment loss to be recognized is based on the difference between the fair value and the carrying value of the asset group. Fair value can be determined using a market approach, income approach or cost approach. The reversal of impairment losses is prohibited. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. If impairment indicators exist and are not identified, or judgment and assumptions used in assessing the recoverable amount change, the carrying value of long-lived assets can exceed the recoverable amount.

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Impairment of goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets

Goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently when events or circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. As part of the impairment evaluation, the Company may elect to perform an assessment of qualitative factors. If this qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset or the reporting unit (for goodwill) is less than its carrying value, a quantitative impairment test to compare the fair value to the carrying value. An impairment charge is recorded if the carrying value exceeds the fair value. If the judgments relating to the qualitative or quantitative assessments performed differ from actual results, or if assumptions are different, the values of the indefinite life intangible assets and goodwill can differ from the amounts recorded.

Estimating the fair value of Stock-based compensation

In January 2019, the Company adopted the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan under which the Company may grant incentive stock option, restricted shares, restricted share units, or other awards. The exercise price for incentive stock options issued under the plan will be set by the Administrator (as defined under the plan) but will not be less 100% of the fair market value of the Company’s shares on the date of grant. The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for stock options to employees and non-employees on a straight-line basis over the vesting period based on their grant date fair values. The Company estimates the fair value of stock options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Estimates in our stock-based compensation valuations are highly complex and subjective. Determining the estimated fair value of at the grant date requires judgment in determining the appropriate valuation model and assumptions, including the fair value of common shares on the grant date, risk-free rate, volatility rate, annual dividend yield and the expected term. The volatility rate is based on historical volatilities of public companies operating in a similar industry to the Company. Stock options have a maximum term of 10 years from the date of grant. The stock options vest at the discretion of the Board. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.

For stock options granted, the fair value of common stock at the date of grant was determined by the Board of Directors with assistance from third-party valuation specialists. The Company estimates forfeitures at the time of grant and revises these estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

For performance-based stock options and RSUs, the Company records compensation expense over the estimated service period adjusted for a probability factor of achieving the performance-based milestones. At each reporting date, the Company assesses the probability factor and records compensation expense accordingly, net of estimated forfeitures.

Fully vested, non-forfeitable equity instruments issued to parties other than employees are measured on the date they are issued where there is no specific performance required by the grantee to retain those equity instruments. Stock-based payment transactions with non-employees are measured at the fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of the equity instruments issued, whichever is more reliably measurable. Where fully vested, non-forfeitable equity instruments are granted to parties other than employees in exchange for notes or financing receivable, the note or receivable is presented in additional paid-in capital on the balance sheets.

Assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets

The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial reporting and the tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Management assesses the likelihood that the resulting deferred tax assets will be realized. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized.

The Company recognizes uncertain income tax positions at the largest amount that is more likely than not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant taxing authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which judgment occurs.

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Recently Issued Accounting Standards

For a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements, please see Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

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Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

As a “smaller reporting company” as defined by Item 10 of Regulation S-K, we are not required to provide this information.

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Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and Directors of

Goodness Growth Holdings, Inc.

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

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We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Goodness Growth Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the related consolidated statements of net loss and comprehensive loss, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Goodness Growth Holdings, Inc. as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

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Going Concern

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The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has concluded that the historical recurring losses from operations, negative cash flows from operations, dependence on debt and other financings and the termination of the Arrangement Agreement gives rise to substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 2. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

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Basis for Opinion

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These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB

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We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

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Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatements of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

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We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2018.

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GOODNESS GROWTH HOLDINGS, INC.

Consolidated Balance Sheets (In U.S Dollars)

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