Unrivaled Brands, Inc. - Annual Report: 2017 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2017

or

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Transition Period from ____________ to ____________

Commission File Number 000-54258

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code) (855) 447-6967

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Common Stock, $0.001 Par Value

(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 x

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

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 and 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 x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files). Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨

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

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

At June 30, 2017, the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting stock held by non-affiliates (based on the closing sale price of the registrant’s Common Stock on the OTC Market Group Inc.’s OTCQX tier, and for the purpose of this computation only, on the assumption that all of the Registrant’s directors and officers are affiliates, was approximately $116,891,921.

As of March 8, 2018, there were 65,319,183 shares of common stock outstanding, 8 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, convertible at any time into 8 shares of common stock, 0 shares of Series B Preferred Stock, 948,189 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of all of our outstanding warrants and 659,774 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of all vested options.

TERRA TECH CORP.

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CAUTIONARY NOTE CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

In addition to historical information, this Annual Report on Form 10-K may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), which provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements made by us. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, including statements concerning our plans, objectives, goals, beliefs, business strategies, future events, business conditions, results of operations, financial position, business outlook, business trends, and other information, may be forward-looking statements. Words such as “might,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “estimates,” “expects,” “continues,” “contemplates,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “intends,” “believes,” “forecasts,” “future,” and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based upon our current expectations, beliefs, estimates and projections, and various assumptions, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond our control. Our expectations, beliefs, estimates, and projections are expressed in good faith and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them. However, there can be no assurance that management’s expectations, beliefs, estimates, and projections will occur or can be can achieved and actual results may vary materially from what is expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements.

There are a number of risks, uncertainties, and other important factors, many of which are beyond our control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Such risks, uncertainties, and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ include, among others, the risk, uncertainties and factors set forth under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other filings we make from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

We caution you that the risks, uncertainties, and other factors set forth in our periodic filings with the SEC may not contain all of the risks, uncertainties, and other factors that are important to you. In addition, we cannot assure you that we will realize the results, benefits, or developments that we expect or anticipate or, even if substantially realized, that they will result in the consequences or affect us or our business in the way expected. There can be no assurance that: (i) we have correctly measured or identified all of the factors affecting our business or the extent of these factors’ likely impact, (ii) the available information with respect to these factors on which such analysis is based is complete or accurate, (iii) such analysis is correct, or (iv) our strategy, which is based in part on this analysis, will be successful. All forward-looking statements in this report apply only as of the date of the report or as of the date they were made and, except as required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Unless the context indicates or suggests otherwise, references to “we,” “our,” “us,” the “Company,” or “Terra Tech” refer to Terra Tech Corp., a Nevada corporation, individually, or as the context requires, collectively with its consolidated subsidiaries.

Company Overview

Terra Tech is a holding company with the following subsidiaries:

Our corporate headquarters is located at 2040 Main Street, Suite 225, Irvine, California 92614 and our telephone number is (855) 447-6967. Our website addresses are as follows: www.terratechcorp.com, www.blumoak.com, www.letsblum.com, www.ivxx.com, and www.ediblegarden.com. No information available on or through our websites shall be deemed to be incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our common stock, par value $0.001 (the “Common Stock”), is quoted on the OTC Markets Group, Inc.’s OTCQX tier under the symbol “TRTCD.”

Recent Developments

On March 12, 2018, we implemented a 1-for-15 reverse stock split of our common stock (the “Reverse Stock Split”). The Reverse Stock Split became effective in the stock market upon commencement of trading on March 13, 2018. As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, every fifteen shares of our Pre-Reverse Stock Split common stock were combined and reclassified into one share of our common stock. No fractional shares were issued in connection with the Reverse Stock Split, and any fractional shares were rounded up to the nearest whole share. The number of shares of common stock subject to outstanding options, warrants and convertible securities were also reduced by a factor of fifteen as of March 13, 2018. All historical share and per share amounts reflected throughout this report have been adjusted to reflect the Reverse Stock Split. The authorized number of shares and the par value per share of our common stock were not affected by the Reverse Stock Split.

History and Background

On February 9 2012, we completed a reverse-triangular merger with GrowOp Technology whereby we acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of GrowOp Technology. As a result of the merger, GrowOp Technology became our wholly-owned subsidiary. Following the merger, we ceased our prior operations and are now solely a holding company with ten wholly-owned subsidiaries. We also own interests in four other subsidiaries.

Our Business

We are a vertically integrated retail, production and cultivation company, with an emphasis on providing the highest quality of medical and adult use cannabis products. We also hold an exclusive patent on an organic antioxidant rich Superleaf lettuce and living herbs that are grown using classic Dutch hydroponic farming methods.

We have a presence in three states (California, Nevada and New Jersey) and currently have a concentrated cannabis interest in California and Nevada. All of our cannabis dispensaries operate under the name Blüm. Our cannabis dispensaries in California operate as MediFarm SoCal in Santa Ana and Black Oak Gallery in Oakland and offer a broad selection of medical cannabis products including flowers, concentrates and edibles.

We are currently in various stages of construction in both states as we are rapidly expanding our commercial footprint focusing on building additional retail, cultivation and production locations for medical and adult use cannabis. The Hegenberger cultivation facility in Oakland under Black Oak is expected to be complete by the third quarter of 2018, with additional medical and adult use locations under Dyer and Carnegie in which we own the real property. We have received provisional permits to operate a dispensary and production facility in the city of San Leandro, California under Blüm San Leandro; and upon project completion and inspection, to receive final operating permits.

In Nevada, we have four dispensaries, three under MediFarm in Las Vegas and one under MediFarm I in Reno, which sell quality medical and adult use cannabis products. We own real property in Reno under MediFarm I RE, on which MediFarm I operates its dispensary. Under MediFarm II, we are constructing a state of the art cultivation and production facility, which will produce our IVXX proprietary brand of cannabis flowers and cannabis extracted products available throughout Nevada.

We have access to wide consumer markets for cannabis in both Nevada and California for which our focus is on building a brand portfolio of a line of quality IVXX cannabis products. Within our highly advanced and custom designed extraction labs, we produce the purest concentrates and cannabis extracted products including cartridges and vape pens. Our IVXX cannabis flowers are grown under meticulous standards ensuring exceptional quality and consistency.

Founded on the importance of providing consumers with healthy and natural products, Edible Garden is a wholesale seller of organic and locally grown hydroponic produce and herb products. EG Transportation supports the distribution of Edible Garden products to major grocery stores such as ShopRite, Walmart, Ahold, Aldi, Meijer, Kroger, and others throughout New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and the Midwest.

We have a “rollup” growth strategy, which includes the following components:

Our business also represents our operating segments. See our Part I, Item 1. Business, “Company Overview” and “Note 20 – Segment Information” to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion of our operating segments.

Marijuana Industry Overview

Marijuana cultivation refers to the planting, tending, improving and harvesting of the flowering plant Cannabis, primarily for the production and consumption of cannabis flowers, often referred to as “buds.” The cultivation techniques for marijuana cultivation differ for other purposes such as hemp production and generally references to marijuana cultivation and production do not include hemp.

Cannabis belongs to the genus Cannabis in the family Cannabaceae and for the purposes of production and consumption, includes three species, C. sativa (“Sativa”), C. indica (“Indica”), and C. ruderalis (“Ruderalis”). Sativa and Indica generally grow tall with some varieties reaching approximately four meters. The females produce flowers rich in tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”). Ruderalis is a short plant and produces trace amounts of THC, but is very rich in cannabidiol (“CBD”) and which is an antagonist (inhibits the physiological action) to THC.

As of December 2017, there are a total of 29 states, plus the District of Columbia, with legislation passed as it relates to medicinal cannabis. Of these states, 8 have decriminalized adult use cannabis legislation. These state laws are in direct conflict with the United States Federal Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. § 811) (“CSA”), which places controlled substances, including cannabis, in a schedule. Cannabis is classified as a Schedule I drug, which is viewed as having a high potential for abuse, has no currently-accepted use for medical treatment in the U.S., and lacks acceptable safety for use under medical supervision.

These 29 states, and the District of Columbia, have adopted laws that exempt patients who use medicinal cannabis under a physician’s supervision from state criminal penalties. These are collectively referred to as the states that have de-criminalized medicinal cannabis, although there is a subtle difference between de-criminalization and legalization, and each state’s laws are different.

The states that have legalized medicinal cannabis are as follows (in alphabetical order):

Medical cannabis decriminalization is generally referred to as the removal of all criminal penalties for the private possession and use of cannabis by adults, including cultivation for personal use and casual, nonprofit transfers of small amounts. Legalization is generally referred to as the development of a legally controlled market for cannabis, where consumers purchase from a safe, legal, and regulated source.

The dichotomy between federal and state laws has also limited the access to banking and other financial services by marijuana businesses. The U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Treasury have issued guidance for banks considering conducting business with marijuana dispensaries in states where those businesses are legal, pursuant to which banks must now file a Marijuana Limited Suspicious Activity Report that states the marijuana business is following the government’s guidelines with regard to revenue that is generated exclusively from legal sales. However, since the same guidance noted that banks could still face prosecution if they provide financial services to marijuana businesses, it has led to the widespread refusal of the banking industry to offer banking services to marijuana businesses operating within state and local laws.

In November 2016, California and Nevada voters both approved marijuana use for adults over the age of 21 without a physician’s prescription or recommendation, so called recreational marijuana, and permitted the cultivation and sale of marijuana, in each case subject to certain limitations. We have obtained the necessary permits and licenses to expand our existing business to cultivate and distribute marijuana in compliance with the laws in the State of Nevada and California. We have received provisional permits to operate a dispensary and production facility in the city of San Leandro, California, and upon project completion and inspection, to receive final operating permits. Although, there is no guarantee that we will be successful in doing so. Despite the changes in state laws, marijuana remains illegal under federal law.

In November 2016, California voters approved Proposition 64, which is also known as the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (“the AUMA”), in a ballot initiative. Among other things, the AUMA makes it legal for adults over the age of 21 to use marijuana and to possess up to 28.5 grams of marijuana flowers and 8 grams of marijuana concentrates. Individuals are also permitted to grow up to six marijuana plants for personal use. In addition, the AUMA establishes a licensing system for businesses to, among other things, cultivate, process and distribute marijuana products under certain conditions. On January 1, 2018, the California Bureau of Marijuana Control enacted regulations to implement the AUMA.

Nevada voters approved Question 2 in a ballot initiative in November 2016. Among other things, Question 2 makes it legal for adults over the age of 21 to use marijuana and to possess up to one ounce of marijuana flowers and one-eighth of an ounce of marijuana concentrates. Individuals are also permitted to grow up to six marijuana plants for personal use. In addition, Question 2 authorizes businesses to cultivate, process and distribute marijuana products under certain conditions. On June 30, 2017, the State of Nevada Department of Taxation approved our Dual Use Marijuana business licenses. This approval allowed all four of our Blüm cannabis dispensaries in Nevada to commence sales of cannabis for adult-use beginning on July 1, 2017.

In an effort to provide guidance to federal law enforcement, the Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) has issued Guidance Regarding Marijuana Enforcement to all United States Attorneys in a memorandum from Deputy Attorney General David Ogden on October 19, 2009, in a memorandum from Deputy Attorney General James Cole on June 29, 2011 and in a memorandum from Deputy Attorney General James Cole on August 29, 2013. Each memorandum provides that the DOJ is committed to the enforcement of the CSA, but the DOJ is also committed to using its limited investigative and prosecutorial resources to address the most significant threats in the most effective, consistent, and rational way. On January 4, 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions revoked the Ogden Memo and the Cole Memos.

The DOJ has not historically devoted resources to prosecuting individuals whose conduct is limited to possession of small amounts of marijuana for use on private property but has relied on state and local law enforcement to address marijuana activity. In the event the DOJ reverses its stated policy and begins strict enforcement of the CSA in states that have laws legalizing medical marijuana and recreational marijuana in small amounts, there may be a direct and adverse impact to our business and our revenue and profits.

Furthermore, H.R. 83, enacted by Congress on December 16, 2014, provides that none of the funds made available to the DOJ pursuant to the 2015 Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act may be used to prevent certain states, including Nevada and California, from implementing their own laws that authorized the use, distribution, possession, or cultivation of medical marijuana. This prohibition is currently in place until March 23, 2018.

We are monitoring the Trump administration’s, the DOJ’s and Congress’ positions on federal marijuana law and policy. Based on public statements and reports, we understand that certain aspects of those laws and policies are currently under review, but no official changes have been announced. It is possible that certain changes to existing laws or policies could have a negative effect on our business and results of operations.

We currently operate medical and adult use marijuana businesses in California and Nevada. Although the possession, cultivation and distribution of marijuana for medical and adult use is permitted in California and Nevada, provided compliance with applicable state and local laws, rules, and regulations, marijuana is illegal under federal law. We believe we operate our business in compliance with applicable Nevada and California laws and regulations. Any changes in federal, state or local law enforcement regarding marijuana may affect our ability to operate our business. Strict enforcement of federal law regarding marijuana would likely result in the inability to proceed with our business plans, could expose us to potential criminal liability and could subject our properties to civil forfeiture. Any changes in banking, insurance or other business services may also affect our ability to operate our business.

Our Medical Marijuana Dispensaries, Cultivation and Manufacturing

Black Oak Gallery

On April 1, 2016, we acquired Black Oak, which operates a medical and adult use marijuana dispensary in Oakland, California under the name Blüm. Black Oak opened its retail storefront in Oakland, California in November 2012.

Black Oak sells a combination of our own cultivated products as well as high quality name-brand products from outside suppliers. In addition to multiple grades of medical and adult use marijuana, Black Oak sells “edibles”, which include cannabis-infused baked goods, chocolates, and candies; cannabis-infused topical products, such as lotions, massage oils and balms; clones of marijuana plants; and numerous kinds of cannabis concentrates, such as hash, shatter and wax.

Black Oak’s target markets are those individuals located in the areas surrounding its dispensary. Black Oak services approximately 1,000 consumers per day and has over 42,000 registered consumers that qualify as “patients’ under state and local rules and regulations. Collectively known as the Blüm Campus, Black Oak’s location consists of a retail dispensary storefront, indoor cultivation area, laboratory and a 20-car capacity parking lot.

During January 2017, we executed a lease for 13,000 square feet of industrial space on over 30,000 square feet of land in Oakland’s industrial corridor. The Hegenberger facility is currently under construction, we expect to complete construction by the third quarter of 2018.

On May 11, 2017, we terminated the Operations and Asset Management Agreement (the “Agreement”) by and among the Company, Black Oak and Platinum Standard, LLC (“Platinum”), dated March 31, 2016. There is no relationship between the Company or its affiliates and Platinum, other than pursuant to the Agreement. Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company hired and appointed Platinum as the operator and asset manager of the Company’s licensed medical cannabis dispensary business located at 578 West Grand Avenue, in the City of Oakland, State of California, commonly known as Blüm Oakland, in exchange for certain payments to be made by the Company to Platinum, all as more fully set forth in the Agreement. We terminated the Agreement as a result of the default by Platinum in the performance of certain of its material obligations under the Agreement. We did not incur any early termination penalty in connection with terminating the Agreement. A copy of the Agreement was filed as Exhibit 10.29 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016. See “Note 12 – Contingent Consideration” for further information.

Blüm San Leandro

We incorporated Blüm San Leandro on October 14, 2016. Blüm San Leandro has received the necessary governmental approvals and permitting to operate a medical and adult use marijuana dispensary and production facility in San Leandro, California. We have executed a lease for 13,300 square feet of industrial space in San Leandro’s industrial corridor and are in the final planning and design stages of the retail dispensary and production facility. We also plan on incorporating a community meeting space at this facility. We expect to complete construction of the dispensary, production facility, and community meeting space by early second quarter of 2018.

MediFarm SoCal

We incorporated MediFarm SoCal on August 17, 2017 to acquire all the assets of Tech Center Drive Management LLC. As a result of the acquisition, MediFarm SoCal now operates a medical and adult use marijuana dispensary under the name Blüm. MediFarm SoCal has the necessary governmental approvals and permitting to operate a medical and adult use marijuana dispensary in Santa Ana, California.

MediFarm, MediFarm I, and MediFarm II

We formed three subsidiaries for the purposes of cultivation or production of medical and adult use marijuana and/or operation of dispensary facilities in various locations in Nevada. MediFarm, MediFarm I, and MediFarm II have received four final dispensary licenses, two provisional cultivation licenses and two provisional production licenses from the State of Nevada, and we have received approval from local authorities with respect to all eight of such licenses. The receipt of both the provisional licenses from the State of Nevada and approval from local authorities were necessary to commence the final permitting process for the cultivation and production licenses. The receipt of final permits and licenses was necessary to commence the cultivation and production businesses of MediFarm, MediFarm I, and MediFarm II. Effectuation of the businesses of each of (i) MediFarm, (ii) MediFarm I, and (iii) MediFarm II is also dependent upon the continued legislative authorization of medical and adult use marijuana at the state level.

Each subsidiary was formed with different investors, thus necessitating the need for multiple entities with different strategic partners and advisory board members. In addition, we anticipate each subsidiary will service a different geographical market in Nevada. We expect to allocate future business opportunities among MediFarm, MediFarm I, and MediFarm II based on the locations of such opportunities.

We formed MediFarm on March 19, 2014. Prior to August 2017, we owned 60% of the membership interests in MediFarm. The remaining membership interests were owned by Camden Goorjian (20%) and by Richard Vonfeldt (20%), two otherwise unaffiliated individuals. In August 2017, we acquired an additional 38% ownership in MediFarm for no additional consideration due to changes in the planned level of involvement of the two individuals in the operations of MediFarm. We now own 98% of MediFarm. MediFarm has received the necessary governmental approvals and permitting to operate medical marijuana and adult use cultivation, production, and/or dispensary facilities in Clark County, Nevada and a medical and adult use marijuana dispensary facility in the City of Las Vegas. As of December 31, 2017, MediFarm has three fully operational retail medical and adult use marijuana dispensaries in the greater Las Vegas region.

We formed MediFarm I on July 18, 2014. We own 50% of the membership interests in MediFarm I. The remaining membership interests are owned by Forever Green NV, LLC (50%), an otherwise unaffiliated entity that also owns certain membership interests in MediFarm II. MediFarm I has the necessary governmental approvals and permitting to operate a medical and adult use marijuana dispensary in Reno, Nevada. As of December 31, 2017, MediFarm I has one fully operational retail medical and adult use marijuana dispensary in Reno, Nevada.

We formed MediFarm II on July 30, 2014. We own 55% of the membership interests in MediFarm II. The remaining membership interests are owned by Nevada MF, LLC (30%) and by Forever Green NV, LLC (15%), two otherwise unaffiliated entities. Forever Green NV, LLC also owns certain membership interests in MediFarm I. MediFarm II has received provisional licenses from the State of Nevada to operate a medical marijuana and adult use cultivation and production facility in Spanish Springs, Nevada.

MediFarm, MediFarm I, and MediFarm II may face substantial competition in the operation of cultivation, production, and dispensary facilities in Nevada. Numerous other companies were also granted licenses, and, therefore, we anticipate that we will face competition with these other companies if such companies operate cultivation, production, and dispensary facilities in and around the locations at which we operate our facilities. Our management has extensive experience in successfully developing, implementing, and operating all facets of equivalent businesses in other markets. We believe this experience will provide MediFarm, MediFarm I, and MediFarm II with a competitive advantage over these other companies.

MediFarm, MediFarm I, and MediFarm II rely on a combination of trademark laws, trade secrets, confidentiality provisions, and other contractual provisions to protect their proprietary rights. MediFarm, MediFarm I, and MediFarm II do not own any patents.

IVXX and IVXX Branded Products

On September 16, 2014, Terra Tech formed IVXX for the purposes of producing a line of IVXX branded cannabis flowers as well as a complete line of IVXX branded pure cannabis concentrates including: oils, waxes, shatters, and clears.

The science of cannabis concentrate extraction functions on the solubility of the cannabinoids and other active ingredients in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids are not water soluble, so to extract them properly, the cannabinoids must be dissolved in a solvent. IVXX utilizes multiple proprietary extraction methods to produce its concentrates. The Company’s extractors process raw cannabis plants and separate the chemical cannabinoids from the cannabis plant material, producing a concentrate. IVXX also sells clothing, apparel, and other various branded products.

IVXX sells its branded products at wholesale to multiple cannabis dispensaries throughout California. None of IVXX’s products cross state lines. IVXX’s target markets are those individuals located in the areas surrounding the dispensaries that sell IVXX’s branded products and that are qualified to purchase its products under state rules and regulations. IVXX continues to actively seek opportunities to sell its products to other retailers located throughout the State of California. IVXX anticipates expanding its business into other states in which the sale of marijuana is legally permitted. In order for such expansion to occur, IVXX must secure the necessary licenses and permits required to operate in any given state, the timing and occurrence of which there can be no assurance. Initially, IVXX anticipates selling its products in Nevada in the four dispensaries operated by MediFarm and MediFarm I. They will be produced at our extraction lab operated by MediFarm II once they are issued final permits and commence operations, as to the occurrence of which there can be no assurance.

IVXX produces, markets and sells their line of IVXX branded cannabis products both to adult use and recreational cannabis markets in California and Nevada pursuant to Proposition 64 and Question 2, respectively, which made marijuana consumption legal (January 1, 2018 for California and July 1, 2017 for Nevada), with certain restrictions and rules, for adults over the age of 21. IVXX is consistently engaged in research and development with respect to increasing the efficiency of the processes used to produce its products, as well as improving the quality of its products for the benefit of its consumers.

On May 24, 2017, we announced the launch of a new “Craft Cultivation” model to expand our cultivation capabilities and the signing of our first “Craft Cultivator” in Northern California under the name Panther Gap Farms. This farm, which is approved for up to one full acre (approximately 44,000 square feet) of cannabis cultivation and uses 22,000 square feet of engineered greenhouse space, is estimated to yield approximately one metric ton of our proprietary high grade “IVXX” cannabis on an annual basis. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we purchased 2,000 pounds from this cultivator.

On September 19, 2017, we announced that we signed a second craft cultivator to grow our proprietary high grade "IVXX" cannabis flowers and oils. The craft cultivator, Cultivar Inc., is located in Salinas, California and is approved for up to six acres (approximately 244,000 square feet) of cannabis cultivation, to be grown in high tech, climate-controlled greenhouses. To date we have not received or sold product from Cultivar Inc.

On October 26, 2017, the Company entered into agreements with NuLeaf Sparks Cultivation, LLC and NuLeaf Reno Productions, LLC (“NuLeaf”) to build and operate cultivation and production facilities for our IVXX brand of cannabis products in Nevada, subject to regulatory approval by the State of Nevada. As part of the agreements the Company made convertible loans on the date of agreement of $4.5 million in the aggregate to the NuLeaf entities bearing an interest rate of 6% per annum, payable quarterly. The Company funded an additional $0.5 million through December 31, 2017. The convertible loans will automatically convert into a 50% ownership in each NuLeaf entity upon approval by the State of Nevada.

MediFarm I RE

On October 14, 2015, we formed MediFarm I RE. We own 50% of the membership interests in MediFarm I RE. The remaining membership interests are owned by Forever Young Investments, LLC (50%), an otherwise unaffiliated entity. MediFarm I RE is a real estate holding company that owns the real property and a building that is situated on such real property, at which in January 1, 2017 our medical marijuana dispensary facility is located and operates.

Carnegie

On October 31, 2017, we formed Carnegie, a wholly owned subsidiary. Carnegie is a real estate holding company that owns the real property and a building located in Santa Ana, California, of which the Company plans to open a second cannabis operation in Santa Ana, California.

Dyer

On October 31, 2017, we formed Dyer, a wholly owned subsidiary. Dyer is a real estate holding company for the purpose of acquiring real property and a building located in Santa Ana, California, where the Company plans to open a third cannabis operation in Santa Ana, California.

Herbs and Produce Products

Edible Garden

Edible Garden was incorporated on April 9, 2013. Edible Garden is a retail seller of locally grown hydroponic produce and herb products that are distributed throughout the Northeast, Midwest and Western United States. Currently, Edible Garden’s products are sold at approximately 1,800 retailers throughout these markets. Most of the produce and herbs grown by Edible Garden are certified organic. Our target customers are those individuals seeking organic and fresh produce locally grown using environmentally sustainable methods.

Pursuant to letter agreements with Gro-Rite Inc., a New Jersey corporation, and related party, Naturally Beautiful Plant Products LLC ("NB Plants"), a New Jersey limited liability company and related party, and Heartland Growers Inc. (collectively the “Farmers”), have agreed to cultivate the various parts of the line of Edible Garden produce to be sold into the retail grocery channel. Pursuant to the terms of the agreements, Edible Garden will manage the marketing and sales, while the farmers will be responsible for the cultivation, packaging, and shipping of the product for retail sale under the Edible Garden brand. The terms of the agreements are now month-to-month. The agreement with NB Plants was terminated as of December 31, 2016.

There are numerous growers that are available to us, and therefore, we are not limited in the number of growers available nor are we dependent on any one grower. We completed construction of a greenhouse structure in 2014, which can be used to grow plants to satisfy selling demands; however, we may incur additional freight costs to distribute these plants until growers are replaced.

Edible Garden’s main competitors are Shenandoah Growers and Sun Aqua Farms. To a lesser extent, Edible Garden competes with Green Giant, Del Monte, Rock Hedge Herbs, and Infinite Herbs. Edible Garden is an up and coming brand that has increased its retailers to approximately 1,800 retail sellers since we acquired Edible Garden in April 2013. Edible Garden believes the following three factors set it apart from its competitors: (1) its branding and marketing displays, which are predominately placed in high traffic areas on its proprietary racks; (2) it uses proprietary strands and seeds for its produce and its methodology for growing such produce; and (3) all of its produce is hydroponically grown and sold “alive” (i.e., the produce is sold “rooted”).

Edible Garden relies on a combination of trademark laws, trade secrets, confidentiality provisions, and other contractual provisions to protect its proprietary rights, which are primarily its brand names, marks, and proprietary pods and seeds. Edible Garden owns trademarks but does not own any patents. Edible Garden signed an exclusive license agreement with Nutrasorb LLC, a spin-off from Rutgers University, to grow and commercialize nutritionally-enhanced lettuce varieties. Under the terms of the agreement, Edible Garden has the right to grow and sell Green and Red Superleaf Lettuce across the North American and European continents as well as Australia. With five times more antioxidants than ordinary lettuce, the produce is high in vitamins A and C, magnesium, iron and potassium contents. It also has high levels of fiber and chlorogenic acid for superior digestion. These nutritionally-enhanced, proprietary Green and Red Superleaf Lettuces were developed by scientists at Rutgers University following years of intensive research. Edible Garden pays a license fee to Nutrasorb, LLC for each unit sold.

Edible Garden’s produce is Global Food Safety Initiative certified. Edible Garden also obtained certain organic certifications for its products. No other governmental regulations or approvals are needed or affect its business.

Edible Garden’s research and development activities have primarily focused on developing and testing new pods and seeds, as well as different fertilizers, nutrient blends, and lighting.

On August 22, 2017, Edible Garden continued to expand its product range with the launch of a new line of fresh-cut herbs, under the name ‘Snip Its™’, for individuals seeking out healthier salad alternatives that are free of genetically modified organisms.

Our Operations

We are organized into two reportable segments:

Our segment net revenue and contributions to consolidated net revenue for each of the last three fiscal years were as follows:

See “Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our consolidated financial statements for financial information about our segments. See also “Item 1A. Risk Factors” below for a discussion of certain risks associated with our operations.

Herbs and Produce Products

Either independently or in conjunction with third parties, we are a retail seller of locally grown hydroponic herbs and produce, which are distributed through major grocery stores throughout the East, West and Midwest regions of the U.S.

Cannabis Dispensary, Cultivation and Production

Either independently or in conjunction with third parties, we operate medical marijuana retail and adult use dispensaries and a medical marijuana and adult use cultivation in California. In addition, we operate four retail medical and adult use marijuana dispensary facilities in Nevada, and have in various stages of construction, medical marijuana and adult use cultivation and production facilities in Nevada. We own real property in Nevada on which we plan to build a medical and adult use marijuana dispensary. All of our retail dispensaries in California and Nevada offer a broad selection of medical and adult use cannabis products including flowers, concentrates and edibles. We also produce and sell a line of medical and adult use cannabis flowers, as well as a line of medical and adult use cannabis-extracted products, which include concentrates, cartridges, vape pens and wax products.

Employees

As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we had approximately 270 employees.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. Before deciding to purchase, hold, or sell our common stock, you should carefully consider the risks described below in addition to the cautionary statements and risks described elsewhere and the other information contained in this Report and in our other filings with the SEC, including subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations. If any of these known or unknown risks or uncertainties actually occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations and/or liquidity could be seriously harmed, which could cause our actual results to vary materially from recent results or from our anticipated future results. In addition, the trading price of our common stock could decline due to any of these known or unknown risks or uncertainties, and you could lose all or part of your investment. An investment in our securities is speculative and involves a high degree of risk. You should not invest in our securities if you cannot bear the economic risk of your investment for an indefinite period of time and cannot afford to lose your entire investment. See also “Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements.”

Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry

We have a limited operating history, which may make it difficult for investors to predict future performance based on current operations.

We have a limited operating history upon which investors may base an evaluation of our potential future performance. In particular, we have not proven that we can sell produce and herb products, or cannabis products in a manner that enables us to be profitable and meet customer requirements, enhance our produce and herb products, obtain the necessary permits and/or achieve certain milestones to develop our dispensary businesses, enhance our line of cannabis products, including IVXX, develop and maintain relationships with key manufacturers and strategic partners to extract value from our intellectual property, raise sufficient capital in the public and/or private markets, or respond effectively to competitive pressures. As a result, there can be no assurance that we will be able to develop or maintain consistent revenue sources, or that our operations will be profitable and/or generate positive cash flow.

Any forecasts we make about our operations may prove to be inaccurate. We must, among other things, determine appropriate risks, rewards, and level of investment in our product lines, respond to economic and market variables outside of our control, respond to competitive developments and continue to attract, retain, and motivate qualified employees. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in meeting these challenges and addressing such risks and the failure to do so could have a materially adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. Our prospects must be considered in light of the risks, expenses, and difficulties frequently encountered by companies in the early stage of development. As a result of these risks, challenges, and uncertainties, the value of your investment could be significantly reduced or completely lost.

We have incurred significant losses in prior periods, and losses in the future could cause the quoted price of our Common Stock to decline or have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, our ability to pay our debts as they become due and on our cash flow.

We have incurred significant losses in prior periods. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we incurred a net loss of $32.68 million and, as of that date, we had an accumulated deficit of $105.55 million. For the year ended December 31, 2016, we incurred a net loss of $26.92 million and, as of that date, we had an accumulated deficit of $72.87 million. Any losses in the future could cause the quoted price of our Common Stock to decline or have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, our ability to pay our debts as they become due, and on our cash flow.

We will likely need additional capital to sustain our operations and will likely need to seek further financing, which we may not be able to obtain on acceptable terms, or at all. If we fail to raise additional capital, as needed, our ability to implement our business model and strategy could be compromised.

We have limited capital resources and operations. To date, our operations have been funded primarily from the proceeds of debt and equity financings. We expect to require substantial capital in the near future to commence operations at additional cultivation and production facilities, expand our product lines, develop our intellectual property base, and establish our targeted levels of commercial production. We may not be able to obtain additional financing on terms acceptable to us, or at all. In particular, because marijuana is illegal under federal law, we may have difficulty attracting investors.

Even if we obtain financing for our near-term operations, we expect that we will require additional capital thereafter. Our capital needs will depend on numerous factors including: (i) our profitability; (ii) the release of competitive products by our competition; (iii) the level of our investment in research and development; and (iv) the amount of our capital expenditures, including acquisitions. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain capital in the future to meet our needs.

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

We cannot give you any assurance 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 face intense competition and many of our competitors have greater resources that may enable them to compete more effectively.

The industries in which we operate in general are subject to intense and increasing competition. Some of our competitors may have greater capital resources, facilities, and diversity of product lines, which may enable them to compete more effectively in this market. Our competitors may devote their resources to developing and marketing products that will directly compete with our product lines. Due to this competition, there is no assurance that we will not encounter difficulties in obtaining revenues and market share or in the positioning of our products. There are no assurances that competition in our respective industries will not lead to reduced prices for our products. If we are unable to successfully compete with existing companies and new entrants to the market this will have a negative impact on our business and financial condition.

If we fail to protect our intellectual property, our business could be adversely affected.

Our viability will depend, in part, on our ability to develop and maintain the proprietary aspects of our intellectual property to distinguish our products from our competitors’ products. We rely on copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, and confidentiality provisions to establish and protect our intellectual property. We may not be able to enforce some of our intellectual property rights because cannabis is illegal under federal law.

Any infringement or misappropriation of our intellectual property could damage its value and limit our ability to compete. We may have to engage in litigation to protect the rights to our intellectual property, which could result in significant litigation costs and require a significant amount of our time. In addition, our ability to enforce and protect our intellectual property rights may be limited in certain countries outside the United States, which could make it easier for competitors to capture market position in such countries by utilizing technologies that are similar to those developed or licensed by us.

Competitors may also harm our sales by designing products that mirror our products or processes without infringing on our intellectual property rights. If we do not obtain sufficient protection for our intellectual property, or if we are unable to effectively enforce our intellectual property rights, our competitiveness could be impaired, which would limit our growth and future revenue.

We may also find it necessary to bring infringement or other actions against third parties to seek to protect our intellectual property rights. Litigation of this nature, even if successful, is often expensive and time-consuming to prosecute and there can be no assurance that we will have the financial or other resources to enforce our rights or be able to enforce our rights or prevent other parties from developing similar products or processes or designing around our intellectual property.

Although we believe that our products and processes do not and will not infringe upon the patents or violate the proprietary rights of others, it is possible such infringement or violation has occurred or may occur, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We are not aware of any infringement by us of any person’s or entity’s intellectual property rights. In the event that products we sell or processes we employ are deemed to infringe upon the patents or proprietary rights of others, we could be required to modify our products or processes or obtain a license for the manufacture and/or sale of such products or processes or cease selling such products or employing such processes. In such event, there can be no assurance that we would be able to do so in a timely manner, upon acceptable terms and conditions, or at all, and the failure to do any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect upon our business.

There can be no assurance that we will have the financial or other resources necessary to enforce or defend a patent infringement or proprietary rights violation action. If our products or processes are deemed to infringe or likely to infringe upon the patents or proprietary rights of others, we could be subject to injunctive relief and, under certain circumstances, become liable for damages, which could also have a material adverse effect on our business and our financial condition.

Our trade secrets may be difficult to protect.

Our success depends upon the skills, knowledge, and experience of our scientific and technical personnel, our consultants and advisors, as well as our licensors and contractors. Because we operate in several highly competitive industries, we rely in part on trade secrets to protect our proprietary technology and processes. However, trade secrets are difficult to protect. 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 us. 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 agreements may be breached and may not effectively assign intellectual property rights to us. Our trade secrets also could be independently discovered by competitors, in which case we would not be able to prevent the use of such trade secrets by our competitors. The enforcement of a claim alleging that a party illegally obtained and was using our trade secrets 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 trade secrets. The failure to obtain or maintain meaningful trade secret protection could adversely affect our competitive position.

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

Future disruptions and volatility in global financial markets and declining consumer and business confidence could lead to decreased levels of consumer spending. These macroeconomic developments could negatively impact our business, which depends on the general economic environment and levels of consumer spending. As a result, we may not be able to maintain our existing customers or attract new customers, or we may be forced to reduce the price of our products. We are unable to predict the likelihood of the occurrence, duration, or severity of such disruptions in the credit and financial markets 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 cash flow.

Our future success depends on our key executive officers and our ability to attract, retain, and motivate qualified personnel.

Our future success largely depends upon the continued services of our executive officers and management team. If one or more of our executive officers are unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions, we may not be able to replace them readily, if at all. Additionally, we may incur additional expenses to recruit and retain new executive officers. If any of our executive officers joins a competitor or forms a competing company, we may lose some or all of our customers. Finally, we do not maintain “key person” life insurance on any of our executive officers. Because of these factors, the loss of the services of any of these key persons could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations, and thereby an investment in our stock.

Our continuing ability to attract and retain highly qualified personnel will also be critical to our success because we will need to hire and retain additional personnel as our business grows. There can be no assurance that we will be able to attract or retain highly qualified personnel. We face significant competition for skilled personnel in our industries. In particular, if the marijuana industry continues to grow, demand for personnel may become more competitive. This competition may make it more difficult and expensive to attract, hire, and retain qualified managers and employees. Because of these factors, we may not be able to effectively manage or grow our business, which could adversely affect our financial condition or business. As a result, the value of your investment could be significantly reduced or completely lost.

We may not be able to effectively manage our growth or improve our operational, financial, and management information systems, which would impair our results of operations.

In the near term, we intend to expand the scope of our operations activities significantly. If we are successful in executing our business plan, we will experience growth in our business that could place a significant strain on our business operations, finances, management, and other resources. The factors that may place strain on our resources include, but are not limited to, the following:

Additionally, our strategy envisions a period of rapid growth that may impose a significant burden on our administrative and operational resources. Our ability to effectively manage growth will require us to substantially expand the capabilities of our administrative and operational resources and to attract, train, manage, and retain qualified management and other personnel. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in recruiting and retaining new employees or retaining existing employees.

We cannot provide assurances that our management will be able to manage this growth effectively. Our failure to successfully manage growth could result in our sales not increasing commensurately with capital investments or otherwise materially adversely affecting our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

If we are unable to continually innovate and increase efficiencies, our ability to attract new customers may be adversely affected.

In the area of innovation, we must be able to develop new technologies and products that appeal to our customers. This depends, in part, on the technological and creative skills of our personnel and on our ability to protect our intellectual property rights. We may not be successful in the development, introduction, marketing, and sourcing of new technologies or innovations, that satisfy customer needs, achieve market acceptance, or generate satisfactory financial returns.

We are dependent on the popularity of consumer acceptance of our product lines, including IVXX.

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, including IVXX. Acceptance of our products will depend on several factors, including availability, cost, ease of use, familiarity of use, 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.

A drop in the retail price of medical and adult use marijuana products may negatively impact our business.

The demand for our products depends in part on the price of commercially grown marijuana. Fluctuations in economic and market conditions that impact the prices of commercially grown marijuana, such as increases in the supply of such marijuana and the decrease in the price of products using commercially grown marijuana, could cause the demand for medical marijuana products to decline, which would have a negative impact on our business.

Federal regulation and enforcement may adversely affect the implementation of cannabis laws and regulations may negatively impact our revenues and profits.

Currently, there are 29 states plus the District of Columbia that have laws and/or regulations that recognize, in one form or another, legitimate medical and adult uses for cannabis and consumer use of cannabis in connection with medical treatment. Many other states are considering similar legislation. Conversely, under the CSA, the policies and regulations of the federal government and its agencies are that cannabis has no medical benefit and a range of activities including cultivation and the personal use of cannabis is prohibited. Unless and until Congress amends the CSA with respect to medical marijuana, 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 federal law, and we may be deemed to be producing, cultivating, or dispensing marijuana in violation of federal law. Active enforcement of the current federal regulatory position on cannabis may thus indirectly and adversely affect our revenues and profits. The risk of strict enforcement of the CSA in light of Congressional activity, judicial holdings, and stated federal policy remains uncertain. In February 2017, the Trump administration announced that there may be “greater enforcement” of federal laws regarding marijuana. Any such enforcement actions could have a negative effect on our business and results of operations.

In an effort to provide guidance to federal law enforcement, the DOJ has issued Guidance Regarding Marijuana Enforcement to all United States Attorneys in a memorandum from Deputy Attorney General David Ogden on October 19, 2009, in a memorandum from Deputy Attorney General James Cole on June 29, 2011 and in a memorandum from Deputy Attorney General James Cole on August 29, 2013. Each memorandum provides that the DOJ is committed to the enforcement of the CSA, but, the DOJ is also committed to using its limited investigative and prosecutorial resources to address the most significant threats in the most effective, consistent, and rational way. On January 4, 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions revoked the Ogden Memo and the Cole Memos.

The DOJ has not historically devoted resources to prosecuting individuals whose conduct is limited to possession of small amounts of marijuana for use on private property but has relied on state and local law enforcement to address marijuana activity. In the event the DOJ reverses its stated policy and begins strict enforcement of the CSA in states that have laws legalizing medical marijuana and recreational marijuana in small amounts, there may be a direct and adverse impact to our business and our revenue and profits. Furthermore, H.R. 83, enacted by Congress on December 16, 2014, provides that none of the funds made available to the DOJ pursuant to the 2015 Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act may be used to prevent certain states, including Nevada and California, from implementing their own laws that authorized the use, distribution, possession, or cultivation of medical marijuana. This prohibition is currently in place until March 23, 2018.

We could be found to be violating laws related to cannabis.

Currently, there are 29 states plus the District of Columbia 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. Many other states are considering similar legislation. Conversely, under the CSA, the policies and regulations of the federal government and its agencies are that cannabis has no medical benefit and a range of activities including cultivation and the personal use of cannabis is prohibited. Unless and until Congress amends the CSA with respect to medical marijuana, as to the timing or scope of any such amendments there can be no assurance, there is a risk that federal authorities may enforce current federal law. The risk of strict enforcement of the CSA in light of Congressional activity, judicial holdings, and stated federal policy remains uncertain. Because we cultivate, produce, sell and distribute medical marijuana, we have risk that we will be deemed to facilitate the selling or distribution of medical marijuana in violation of federal law. Finally, we could be found in violation of the CSA in connection with the sale of IVXX’s products. This would cause a direct and adverse effect on our subsidiaries’ businesses, or intended businesses, and on our revenue and prospective profits.

Variations in state and local regulation, and enforcement in states that have legalized cannabis, may restrict cannabis-related activities, which may negatively impact our revenues and prospective profits.

Individual state laws do not always conform to the federal standard or to other states' laws. A number of states have decriminalized marijuana to varying degrees, other states have created exemptions specifically for medical cannabis, and several have both decriminalization and medical laws. As of December 2017, eight states and the District of Columbia have legalized the recreational use of cannabis. Variations exist among states that have legalized, decriminalized, or created medical marijuana exemptions. For example, certain states have limits on the number of marijuana plants that can be homegrown. In most states, the cultivation of marijuana for personal use continues to be prohibited except for those states that allow small-scale cultivation by the individual in possession of medical marijuana needing care or that person’s caregiver. Active enforcement of state laws that prohibit personal cultivation of marijuana may indirectly and adversely affect our business and our revenue and profits.

In November 2016, California voters approved Proposition 64, also known as the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (“AUMA”), in a ballot initiative. Among other things, the AUMA makes it legal for adults over the age of 21 to use marijuana and to possess up to 28.5 grams of marijuana flowers and 8 grams of marijuana concentrates. Individuals are also permitted to grow up to six marijuana plants for personal use. In addition, the AUMA establishes a licensing system for businesses to, among other things, cultivate, process and distribute marijuana products under certain conditions. On January 1, 2018 and the California Bureau of Marijuana Control enacted regulations to implement the AUMA.

Also, in November 2016, Nevada voters approved Question 2 in a ballot initiative. Among other things, Question 2 makes it legal for adults over the age of 21 to use marijuana and to possess up to one ounce of marijuana flowers and one-eighth of an ounce of marijuana concentrates. Individuals are also permitted to grow up to six marijuana plants for personal use. In addition, Question 2 authorizes businesses to cultivate, process and distribute marijuana products under certain conditions. The Nevada Department of Taxation enacted regulations to implement Question 2 in the summer of 2017.

If we are unable to obtain and maintain the permits and licenses required to operate our business in compliance with state and local regulations in California, we may experience negative effects on our business and results of operations.

California has only issued temporary cannabis licenses and there is no guarantee we will receive permanent licenses.

California’s cannabis licensing system is being implemented in two phases. First, beginning on January 1, 2018, the state began issuing temporary licenses that will expire on May 1, 2018 for retail and distribution permits and May 20, 2018 for cultivation permits. Our prior licenses obtained by the State of California were used as a basis for obtaining the temporary permits on January 1, 2018 as the State gave priority treatment for those with the prior licenses. The temporary permits may be extended for an additional period of time. As a result, all the prior licenses we have received from the State of California to conduct our business have been converted into such are temporary and will expire on May 1, 2018 for our distribution and retail permits and on May 20, 2018 for our cultivation permits. While the prior license has been converted to temporary permits, we believe that having the prior license will aid in our ability to obtain the annual permits. We intend to submit our applications for the annual permits in April 2018. Although we believe we will receive the necessary licenses from the state to conduct our business in a timely fashion, there is no guarantee we will be able to do so and any failure to do so may have a negative effect on our business and results of operations.

Prospective customers may be deterred from doing business with a company with a significant nationwide online presence because of fears of federal or state enforcement of laws prohibiting possession and sale of medical or recreational marijuana.

Our website is visible in jurisdictions where medicinal and adult use of marijuana is not permitted and, as a result, we may be found to be violating the laws of those jurisdictions.

Marijuana remains illegal under federal law.

Marijuana is a Schedule-I controlled substance and is illegal under federal law. Even in those states in which the use of marijuana has been legalized, its use remains a violation of federal law. Since federal law criminalizing the use of marijuana preempts state laws that legalize its use, strict enforcement of federal law regarding marijuana would likely result in our inability to proceed with our business plan, especially in respect of our marijuana cultivation, production and dispensaries. In addition, our assets, including real property, cash, equipment and other goods, could be subject to asset forfeiture because marijuana is still federally illegal.

In February 2017, the Trump administration announced that there may be “greater enforcement” of federal laws regarding marijuana. In addition, on January 4, 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions revoked the Ogden Memo and the Cole Memos. Any such enforcement actions could have a negative effect on our business and results of operations. 

We are not able to deduct some of our business expenses.

Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code prohibits marijuana businesses from deducting their ordinary and necessary business expenses, forcing us to pay higher effective federal tax rates than similar companies in other industries. The effective tax rate on a marijuana business depends on how large its ratio of nondeductible expenses is to its total revenues. Therefore, our marijuana business may be less profitable than it could otherwise be.

We may not be able to attract or retain a majority of independent directors.

Our board of directors is not currently comprised of a majority of independent directors. We may in the future desire to list our common stock on The New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) or The NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”), both of which require that a majority of our board be comprised of independent directors. We may have difficulty attracting and retaining independent directors because, among other things, we operate in the marijuana industry, and as a result we may be delayed or prevented from listing our common stock on the NYSE or NASDAQ.

We may not be able to successfully execute on our merger and acquisition strategy

Our business plan depends in part on merging with or acquiring other businesses in the marijuana industry. The success of any acquisition will depend upon, among other things, our ability to integrate acquired personnel, operations, products and technologies into our organization effectively, to retain and motivate key personnel of acquired businesses, and to retain their customers. Any acquisition may result in diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns, and such acquisition may be dilutive to our financial results and/or result in impairment charges and write-offs. We might also spend time and money investigating and negotiating with potential acquisition or investment targets, but not complete the transaction.

Although we expect to realize strategic, operational and financial benefits as a result of our acquisitions, we cannot predict whether and to what extent such benefits will be achieved. There are significant challenges to integrating an acquired operation into our business.

Any future acquisition could involve other risks, including the assumption of unidentified liabilities for which we, as a successor owner, may be responsible. These transactions typically involve a number of risks and present financial and other challenges, including the existence of unknown disputes, liabilities, or contingencies and changes in the industry, location, or regulatory or political environment in which these investments are located, that our due diligence review may not adequately uncover and that may arise after entering into such arrangements.

Laws and regulations affecting the medical and adult use marijuana industry are constantly changing, which could detrimentally affect our cultivation, production and dispensary operations, and the business of IVXX.

Local, state, and federal medical and adult use marijuana laws and regulations are broad in scope and subject to evolving interpretations, which could require us to incur substantial costs associated with compliance or alter certain aspects of our business plan. In addition, violations of these laws, or allegations of such violations, could disrupt certain aspects of our business plan and result in a material adverse effect on certain aspects of our planned operations. In addition, it is possible that regulations may be enacted in the future that will be directly applicable to certain aspects of our cultivation, production and dispensary businesses, and our business of selling cannabis products through IVXX. We cannot predict the nature of any future laws, regulations, interpretations or applications, nor can we determine what effect additional governmental regulations or administrative policies and procedures, when and if promulgated, could have on our business.

We may not obtain the necessary permits and authorizations to operate the medical and adult use marijuana business.

We may not be able to obtain or maintain the necessary licenses, permits, authorizations, or accreditations for our cultivation, production and dispensary businesses, or may only be able to do so at great cost. In addition, we may not be able to comply fully with the wide variety of laws and regulations applicable to the medical and adult use marijuana industry. Failure to comply with or to obtain the necessary licenses, permits, authorizations, or accreditations could result in restrictions on our ability to operate the medical and adult use marijuana business, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

If we incur substantial liability from litigation, complaints, or enforcement actions, our financial condition could suffer.

Our participation in the medical and adult use marijuana industry may lead to litigation, formal or informal complaints, enforcement actions, and inquiries by various federal, state, or local governmental authorities against us. Litigation, complaints, and enforcement actions could consume considerable amounts of financial and other corporate resources, which could have a negative impact on our sales, revenue, profitability, and growth prospects. We have not been, and are not currently, subject to any material litigation, complaint, or enforcement action regarding marijuana (or otherwise) brought by any federal, state, or local governmental authority. IVXX is presently engaged in the distribution of marijuana; however, we have not been, and are not currently, subject to any material litigation, complaint or enforcement action regarding marijuana (or otherwise) brought by any federal, state, or local governmental authority with respect to IVXX’s business.

We may have difficulty accessing the service of banks, which may make it difficult for us to operate.

Since the use of marijuana is illegal under federal law, many banks will not accept for deposit funds from businesses involved with the marijuana industry. Consequently, businesses involved in the marijuana industry often have difficulty finding a bank willing to accept their business. The inability to open or maintain bank accounts may make it difficult for us to operate our medical and adult use marijuana businesses. If any of our bank accounts are closed, we may have difficulty processing transactions in the ordinary course of business, including paying suppliers, employees and landlords, which could have a significant negative effect on our operations.

We are dependent on the popularity of consumer acceptance of produce and herbs.

Our ability to generate revenue and be successful in the continued implementation of Edible Garden’s business plan is dependent on consumer acceptance and demand of produce and herbs, and in particular for organic products. Acceptance of Edible Garden’s products will depend on several factors, including availability, cost, and convenience. If these customers do not accept Edible Garden’s products, or if we fail to meet Edible Garden’s customers’ needs and expectations adequately, our ability to continue generating revenues could be reduced.

A drop in the retail price of commercially grown produce may negatively impact our business.

The demand for Edible Garden’s produce depends in part on the price of commercially grown produce. Fluctuations in economic and market conditions that impact the prices of commercially grown produce, such as increases in the supply of such produce and the decrease in the price of commercially grown produce, could cause the demand for produce to decline, which would have a negative impact on our business.

Litigation may adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

From time to time in the normal course of our business operations, we may become subject to litigation that may result in liability material to our financial statements as a whole or may negatively affect our operating results if changes to our business operations are required. The cost to defend such litigation may be significant and may require a diversion of our resources. There also may be adverse publicity associated with litigation that could negatively affect customer perception of our business, regardless of whether the allegations are valid or whether we are ultimately found liable. Insurance may not be available at all or in sufficient amounts to cover any liabilities with respect to these or other matters. A judgment or other liability in excess of our insurance coverage for any claims could adversely affect our business and the results of our operations.

Our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 and our auditors expressed an adverse opinion, which could result in material weaknesses in our financial reporting, such as errors in our financial statements and in the accompanying footnote disclosures, that could require restatements.

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, management assessed the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting. Management concluded, for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, that our internal controls and procedures were not effective to detect the inappropriate application of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Management concluded that our internal controls were adversely affected by deficiencies in the design or operation of our internal controls, which management considered to be material weaknesses. These material weaknesses include the following:

The failure to implement and maintain proper and effective internal controls and disclosure controls could result in material weaknesses in our financial reporting, such as errors in our financial statements and in the accompanying footnote disclosures that could require restatements. Investors may lose confidence in our reported financial information and disclosure, which could negatively impact our stock price.

We do not expect that our internal controls over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. Over time, controls may become inadequate because changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may occur. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

In addition, we did not assess the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Black Oak Gallery, as of December 31, 2016, because of the timing of its acquisition on April 1, 2016.

Our insurance coverage may be inadequate to cover all significant risk exposures.

We will be exposed to liabilities that are unique to the products we provide. While we intend to maintain insurance for certain risks, the amount of our insurance coverage may not be adequate to cover all claims or liabilities, and we may be forced to bear substantial costs resulting from risks and uncertainties of our business. It is also not possible to obtain insurance to protect against all operational risks and liabilities. In particular, we may have difficulty obtaining insurance because we operate in the marijuana industry. The failure to obtain adequate insurance coverage on terms favorable to us, or at all, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. We do not have any business interruption insurance. Any business disruption or natural disaster could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources.

If our products are contaminated, we may have litigation and products liability exposure.

We source some of our products from third-party suppliers. Although we test the products we receive from third-party suppliers, we may not identify all contamination in those products. Possible contaminates include pesticides, molds and fungus. If a customer suffers an injury from our products, they may sue us in addition to the supplier and we may not have adequate insurance to cover any such claims, which could result in a negative effect on our results of operations.

Some of our lines of business rely on our third-party service providers to host and deliver services and data, and any interruptions or delays in these hosted services, security or privacy breaches, or failures in data collection could expose us to liability and harm our business and reputation.

Some of our lines of business and services, including our dispensaries, rely on services hosted and controlled directly by third-party service providers. We do not have redundancy for all of our systems, many of our critical applications reside in only one of our data centers, and our disaster recovery planning may not account for all eventualities. If our business relationship with a third-party provider of hosting or software services is negatively affected, or if one of our service providers were to terminate its agreement with us, we might not be able to deliver access to our data, which could subject us to reputational harm and cause us to lose customers and future business, thereby reducing our revenue.

We hold large amounts of customer data, some of which is hosted in third-party facilities. A security incident at those facilities or ours may compromise the confidentiality, integrity or availability of customer data. Unauthorized access to customer data stored on our computers or networks may be obtained through break-ins, breaches of our secure network by an unauthorized party, employee theft or misuse or other misconduct. It is also possible that unauthorized access to customer data may be obtained through inadequate use of security controls by customers. Accounts created with weak passwords could allow cyber-attackers to gain access to customer data. If there were an inadvertent disclosure of customer information, or if a third party were to gain unauthorized access to the information we possess on behalf of our customers, our operations could be disrupted, our reputation could be damaged and we could be subject to claims or other liabilities. In addition, such perceived or actual unauthorized disclosure of the information we collect or breach of our security could damage our reputation, result in the loss of customers and harm our business.

Because of the large amount of data we collect and manage using our hosted solutions, it is possible that hardware or software failures or errors in our systems (or those of our third-party service providers) could result in data loss or corruption, cause the information that we collect to be incomplete or contain inaccuracies that our customers regard as significant or cause us to fail to meet committed service levels. Furthermore, our ability to collect and report data may be delayed or interrupted by a number of factors, including access to the Internet, the failure of our network or software systems or security breaches. In addition, computer viruses or other malware may harm our systems, causing us to lose data, and the transmission of computer viruses or other malware could expose us to litigation. We may also find, on occasion, that we cannot deliver data and reports in near real time because of a number of factors, including failures of our network or software. If we supply inaccurate information or experience interruptions in our ability to capture, store and supply information in near real time or at all, our reputation could be harmed and we could lose customers, or we could be found liable for damages or incur other losses.

In January 2017, one of our software providers reported that its system was hacked, and we were unable to access some of our data. We currently have access to the data again. However, another loss of access to our data could have a negative impact on our business and results of operations. In particular, the states in which we operate require that we maintain certain information about our customers and transactions. If we fail to maintain such information, we could be in violation of state laws.

Disruptions to cultivation, manufacturing and distribution of cannabis in California may negatively affect our access to products for sale at our dispensaries.

California laws and regulations require us to purchase products only from licensed vendors and through licensed distributors. To date, a relatively small number of licenses have been issued in California to cultivate, manufacture and distribute cannabis products. We have obtained a license to distribute products from our cultivation and manufacturing facilities to our dispensaries, however we do not cultivate and manufacture enough of our own products to satisfy customer demand. In addition, we carry products cultivated and manufactured by third parties. As a result, if an insufficient number of cultivators, manufacturers and distributors are able to obtain licenses our ability to purchase products and have them delivered to our dispensaries may be limited and may impact our sales.

High tax rates on cannabis and compliance costs in California may limit our customer base.

The State of California imposes a 15.0% excise tax on products sold at licensed cannabis dispensaries. Local jurisdictions typically impose additional taxes on cannabis products. In addition, we incur significant costs complying with state and local laws and regulations. As a result, products sold at our dispensaries will likely cost more than similar products sold by unlicensed vendors and we may lose market share to those vendors.

New accounting standards for revenue recognition may have negative impact to our operations upon implementation.

The implementation of the new revenue recognition may negatively impact the results of our operations starting in the fiscal year 2018. Adopting the new accounting standards may cause the deferment of revenue recognized. This may also require us to review our current agreements and contracts and amend them to properly conform with the new accounting standards. We have and continue to assess the impact of adopting the new accounting standards and do not believe the adoption of such standards will have a material impact to our operations.

Risks Related to the Reverse Split

On March 12, 2018, we implemented a 1-for-15 reverse stock split of our common stock. The reverse stock split became effective in the stock market upon commencement of trading on March 13, 2018. If the market price of our common stock declines following the reverse stock split, the percentage decline may be greater than would occur in the absence of a reverse stock split.

The reverse stock split of our outstanding common stock is intended to increase the market price of our common stock. However, the effect of a reverse stock split upon the market price of our common stock cannot be predicted with certainty, and the results of reverse stock splits by companies in similar circumstances have been varied. It is not uncommon for the market price of a company’s common stock to decline in the period following a reverse stock split. If the market price of our common stock declines following the reverse stock split, the percentage decline may be greater than would occur in the absence of a reverse stock split. In any event, other factors unrelated to the number of shares of our common stock outstanding, such as negative financial or operational results, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

The reverse stock split may decrease the liquidity of the shares of our common stock.

The liquidity of the shares of our common stock may be affected adversely by the reverse stock split given the reduced number of shares that are outstanding following the reverse stock split, especially if the market price of our common stock does not increase as a result of the reverse stock split.

Following the reverse stock split, the resulting market price of our common stock may not attract new investors, including institutional investors, and may not satisfy the investing requirements of those investors. Consequently, the trading liquidity of our common stock may not improve.

Although we believe that a higher market price of our common stock may help generate greater or broader investor interest, there can be no assurance that the reverse stock split will result in a share price that will attract new investors, including institutional investors. In addition, there can be no assurance that the market price of our common stock will satisfy the investing requirements of those investors. As a result, the trading liquidity of our common stock may not necessarily improve.

Risks Related to an Investment in Our Securities

We expect to experience volatility in the price of our Common Stock, which could negatively affect stockholders’ investments.

The trading price of our Common Stock may be highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors, some of which are beyond our control. The stock market in general has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of companies with securities traded in those markets. Broad market and industry factors may seriously affect the market price of companies’ stock, including ours, regardless of actual operating performance. All of these factors could adversely affect your ability to sell your shares of Common Stock or, if you are able to sell your shares, to sell your shares at a price that you determine to be fair or favorable.

The relative lack of public company experience of our management team could adversely impact our ability to comply with the reporting requirements of U.S. securities laws.

Our senior management may not be able to implement programs and policies in an effective and timely manner that adequately respond to increased legal, regulatory compliance, and reporting requirements, including the establishing and maintaining of internal controls over financial reporting. Any such deficiencies, weaknesses, or lack of compliance could have a materially adverse effect on our ability to comply with the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which is necessary to maintain our public company status. If we were to fail to fulfill those obligations, our ability to continue as a U.S. public company would be in jeopardy, we could be subject to the imposition of fines and penalties, and our management would have to divert resources from attending to our business plan.

Our Common Stock is categorized as “penny stock,” which may make it more difficult for investors to sell their shares of Common Stock due to suitability requirements.

Our Common Stock is categorized as “penny stock.” The Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted Rule 15g-9, which generally defines “penny stock” to be any equity security that has a market price (as defined) less than $5.00 per share or an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. The price of our Common Stock is significantly less than $5.00 per share and is therefore considered “penny stock.” This designation imposes additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell to persons other than established customers and accredited investors. The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer buying our securities to disclose certain information concerning the transaction, obtain a written agreement from the purchaser and determine that the purchaser is reasonably suitable to purchase the securities given the increased risks generally inherent in penny stocks. These rules may restrict the ability and/or willingness of brokers or dealers to buy or sell our Common Stock, either directly or on behalf of their clients, may discourage potential stockholders from purchasing our Common Stock, or may adversely affect the ability of stockholders to sell their shares.

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) sales practice requirements may also limit a stockholder’s ability to buy and sell our Common Stock, which could depress the price of our Common Stock.

In addition to the “penny stock” rules described above, FINRA has adopted rules that require a broker-dealer to have reasonable grounds for believing that the investment is suitable for that customer before recommending an investment to a customer. Prior to recommending speculative low-priced securities to their non-institutional customers, broker-dealers must make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the customer’s financial status, tax status, investment objectives, and other information. Under interpretations of these rules, FINRA believes that there is a high probability that speculative low-priced securities will not be suitable for at least some customers. Thus, the FINRA requirements make it more difficult for broker-dealers to recommend that their customers buy our Common Stock, which may limit your ability to buy and sell our shares of Common Stock, have an adverse effect on the market for our shares of Common Stock, and thereby depress our price per share of Common Stock.

The elimination of monetary liability against our directors, officers, and employees under Nevada 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 of Incorporation contain a provision permitting us to eliminate the personal liability of our directors to us and our stockholders for damages for the breach of a fiduciary duty as a director or officer to the extent provided by Nevada law. We may also have contractual indemnification obligations under any future employment agreements with our officers or agreements entered into with our directors. The foregoing indemnification obligations could result in us 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 us 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 stockholders against our directors and officers even though such actions, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our stockholders.

We may issue additional shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock in the future, which could cause significant dilution to all stockholders.

Our Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of up to 990,000,000 shares of Common Stock and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, with a par value of $0.001 per share. As of March 8, 2018, we had 65,319,183 shares of Common Stock, 8 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and zero shares of Series B Preferred Stock outstanding; however, we may issue additional shares of Common Stock or preferred stock in the future in connection with a financing or an acquisition. Such issuances may not require the approval of our stockholders. In addition, certain of our outstanding rights to purchase additional shares of Common Stock or securities convertible into our Common Stock are subject to full-ratchet anti-dilution protection, which could result in the right to purchase significantly more shares of Common Stock being issued or a reduction in the purchase price for any such shares or both. Any issuance of additional shares of our Common Stock, or equity securities convertible into our Common Stock, including but not limited to, preferred stock, warrants, and options, will dilute the percentage ownership interest of all stockholders, may dilute the book value per share of our Common Stock, and may negatively impact the market price of our Common Stock.

Anti-takeover effects of certain provisions of Nevada state law hinder a potential takeover of us.

Nevada has a business combination law that prohibits certain business combinations between Nevada corporations and “interested stockholders” for three years after an “interested stockholder” first becomes an “interested stockholder,” unless the corporation’s board of directors approves the combination in advance. For purposes of Nevada law, an “interested stockholder” is any person who is (i) the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of ten percent or more of the voting power of the outstanding voting shares of the corporation or (ii) an affiliate or associate of the corporation and at any time within the three previous years was the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of ten percent or more of the voting power of the then outstanding shares of the corporation. The definition of the term “business combination” is sufficiently broad to cover virtually any kind of transaction that would allow a potential acquirer to use the corporation’s assets to finance the acquisition or otherwise to benefit its own interests rather than the interests of the corporation and its other stockholders.

The effect of Nevada’s business combination law is potentially to discourage parties interested in taking control of us from doing so if they cannot obtain the approval of our Board. Both of these provisions could limit the price investors would be willing to pay in the future for shares of our Common Stock.

Because we do not intend to pay any cash dividends on our Common Stock, our stockholders will not be able to receive a return on their shares unless they sell them.

We intend to retain any future earnings to finance the development and expansion of our business. We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our Common Stock in the foreseeable future. Declaring and paying future dividends, if any, will be determined by our Board, based upon earnings, financial condition, capital resources, capital requirements, restrictions in our Articles of Incorporation, contractual restrictions, and such other factors as our Board deems relevant. Unless we pay dividends, our stockholders will not be able to receive a return on their shares unless they sell them. There is no assurance that stockholders will be able to sell shares when desired.

Failure to execute our strategies could result in impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets, which may negatively impact profitability.

For the year ended December 31,2017, we have goodwill of $28.92 million and other intangible assets of $27.77 million, which represents 57.74% of our total assets. For the year ended December 31, 2016, we had goodwill of $28.92 million and other intangible assets of $23.63 million, which represents 68.98% of our total assets. We evaluate goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if impairment indicators are present based upon the fair value of each reporting unit. We assess the impairment of other intangible assets on an annual basis, or more frequently if impairment indicators are present, based upon the expected future cash flows of the respective assets. These valuations include management’s estimates of sales, profitability, cash flow generation, capital structure, cost of debt, interest rates, capital expenditures, and other assumptions. Significant negative industry or economic trends, disruptions to our business, inability to achieve sales projections or cost savings, inability to effectively integrate acquired businesses, unexpected significant changes or planned changes in use of the assets or in entity structure, and divestitures may adversely impact the assumptions used in the valuations. If the estimated fair value of our reporting units changes in future periods, we may be required to record an impairment charge related to goodwill or other intangible assets, which would reduce earnings in such period.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

A summary of the offices and properties we lease or own are presented in the table below. Each of our facilities is considered to be in good condition, adequate for its purpose and suitably utilized according to the individual nature and requirements of the relevant operations.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

See Note 21- “Litigation and Claims” of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information

Our Common Stock is quoted on the OTC Markets Group, Inc.’s OTCQX tier under the symbol “TRTCD.” The following is a summary of the high and low closing bid prices of our Common Stock (rounded to the nearest penny) for the periods indicated, as reported by the OTC Markets Group, Inc. The quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commissions and may not necessarily represent actual transactions. The amounts reflected in the following table are also adjusted to reflect the impact of the Reverse Stock Split, which became effective in the stock market upon commencement of trading on March 13, 2018.

On March 8, 2018, the closing bid price on the OTC Markets Group, Inc.’s OTCQX tier for our Common Stock was $3.75.

Holders

As of March 8, 2018, there were 65,319,183 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding (excluding shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion or conversion into shares of Common Stock of all of our currently outstanding Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock and exercise of our warrants and options) held by approximately 163 stockholders of record. We believe that we have more than 114,000 beneficial holders of our Common Stock. As of March 8, 2018, there were no shares issued and outstanding of our Series B Preferred Stock, Series G Preferred Stock, Series N Preferred Stock and Series Z Preferred Stock.

Dividends

We have not declared any dividends and we do not plan to declare any dividends in the foreseeable future. There are no restrictions in our Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws that prevent us from declaring dividends. The Nevada Revised Statutes, however, prohibit us from declaring dividends where, after giving effect to the distribution of the dividend:

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

On January 8, 2016, we adopted the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). Our stockholders approved the Plan at our Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on September 26, 2016. Pursuant to the terms of the Plan, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock available for the grant of awards under the Plan shall not exceed 30,000,000. During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we granted to certain of our directors, executive officers, and employees ten-year options to acquire 731,065 and 446,667 shares of Common Stock, respectively, at exercise prices ranging from $1.35 to $5.10 per share, which represented the closing prices reported on the OTC Market Group, Inc.’s OTCQX tier on the grant date. Generally, one-twelfth of each option vests quarterly for the next twelve quarters. As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, there were 491,035 and 148,889 vested options, respectively. No options were exercised or forfeited during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. As of March 8, 2018, there were 659,774 vested options.

Performance Graph

The following graph sets forth the cumulative total shareholder return (assuming reinvestment of dividends) to Terra Tech’s shareholders during the period from May 10, 2012 (Terra Tech’s first day of trading) to December 31, 2017, as well as the corresponding returns on an overall stock market index (The Nasdaq Composite Index and The Nasdaq 100 Index). No cash dividends have been declared on our common stock.

The stock performance graph assumes $100 was invested on May 10, 2012 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any of our previous filings made under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that might incorporate future filings made by us under those statutes, the preceding Stock Performance Graph is not to be incorporated by reference into any such prior filings, nor shall such graph be incorporated by reference into any future filings made by us under those statues.

Penny Stock Regulations

The SEC has adopted regulations that generally define “penny stock” to be an equity security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share. Our Common Stock, when and if a trading market develops, may fall within the definition of penny stock and be subject to rules that impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell such securities to persons other than established customers and accredited investors (generally those with assets in excess of $1,000,000, or annual incomes exceeding $200,000 individually, or $300,000, together with their spouse).

For transactions covered by these rules, the broker-dealer must make a special suitability determination for the purchase of such securities and have received the purchaser’s prior written consent to the transaction. Additionally, for any transaction, other than exempt transactions, involving a penny stock, the rules require the delivery, prior to the transaction, of a risk disclosure document mandated by the SEC relating to the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must disclose the commissions payable to both the broker-dealer and the registered representative, current quotations for the securities and, if the broker-dealer is the sole market-maker, the broker-dealer must disclose this fact and the broker-dealer’s presumed control over the market. Finally, monthly statements must be sent disclosing recent price information for the penny stock held in the account and information on the limited market in penny stocks. Consequently, the “penny stock” rules may restrict the ability of broker-dealers to sell our Common Stock and may affect the ability of investors to sell their Common Stock in the secondary market.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

On November 28, 2016, Terra Tech Corp. entered into an Investment Agreement (the “Investment Agreement”) with an accredited investor (the “Purchaser”) pursuant to which, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein, the Investor is committed to purchase up to $20,000,000 of shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”) over the 30-month term of the Investment Agreement. From time to time over the term of the Investment Agreement, at the Company’s sole discretion, the Company may present the Purchaser with a put notice to purchase Common Stock. The maximum amount of any put shall be equal to the lesser of (i) $1,500,000 and (ii) 200% of the average of the daily trading volume of the Common Stock in the ten (10) trading days prior to the delivery of a put notice. The Company may not deliver more than one put notice during any five (5) trading day period. The purchase price of the Common Stock shall be 95% of the average of the three (3) lowest daily volume weighted average prices of the Common Stock in the five (5) trading days prior to the delivery of a put notice (the “Purchase Price”). In the event the average of the three (3) lowest daily volume weighted average prices of the Common Stock in the five (5) trading days following the delivery of a put notice is less than the Purchase Price, the Company shall deliver to the Purchaser additional shares of Common Stock such that the effective price per share of Common Stock paid by the Purchaser is equal to the Purchase Price. Upon execution of the Investment Agreement, the Company issued the Purchaser 13,333 shares of Common Stock as a commitment fee (the “Commitment Shares”). In addition, the Company agreed to pay up to $15,000 of the Purchaser’s attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution and delivery of the Investment Agreement. The Investment Agreement also contains customary representations, warranties, and covenants by, among, and for the benefit of the parties.

Pursuant to the Investment Agreement, the Company agreed to sell the Common Stock, including the Commitment Shares, pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-210673), declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 12, 2016, and a related prospectus supplement thereto.

Debt and Interest Converted into Equity

For the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, senior secured convertible promissory notes and accrued interest in the amount of $19,949,725 and $13,558,388 were converted into 8,284,283 and 3,778,581 shares of common stock, respectively.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

We did not, nor did any affiliated purchaser, make any repurchases of our securities during the fourth quarter of the year ended December 31, 2017.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K beginning on page F-1. The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and actual results could differ materially from those discussed herein. Factors that could cause or contribute to the differences are discussed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our actual results could differ materially from those predicted in these forward-looking statements, and the events anticipated in the forward-looking statements may not actually occur. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. We are under no duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K to conform these statements to actual results or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, unless required by applicable laws or regulations.

Results of Operations

Year Ended December 31, 2017 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2016

Revenues – For the year ended December 31, 2017, we generated revenues of approximately $35.80 million, compared to approximately $25.33 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, an increase of approximately $10.47 million. The increase was primarily due to revenue generated by our Blüm dispensaries and IVXX from the sales of its cannabis products in the amount of $16.82 million, revenue generated by Edible Garden from the sales of its produce and herb products offset by the discontinuation of the floral products resulted in a reduction of $6.30 million. The increase in cannabis revenue relates primarily to a full year of operations of Black Oak and increased sales in our Nevada operations resulting from the legalization of adult use. The production facilities of IVXX are currently being moved so that we can produce more consistent products and achieve greater distribution throughout California. The move will be complete in the second quarter of 2018.

   At this stage in our development, revenues are not yet sufficient to cover ongoing operating expenses.

Cost of Goods Sold – For the year ended December 31, 2017, cost of goods sold was approximately $30.32 million, compared to approximately $22.76 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, an increase of approximately $7.57 million. The increase was attributable to the cannabis segment in the amount of $13.45 million offset by the discontinuation of the floral products in the amount of $5.81 million.

Gross Profit and Gross Margin – Our gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2017 was approximately $5.48 million, compared to a gross profit of approximately $2.57 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, an increase of approximately $2.90 million. Our gross margin for the year ended December 31, 2017 was approximately 15.30%, compared to approximately 10.16% for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in gross profit was due to the gross profit generated from the cannabis segment, which increased by $3.38 million due to higher sales while the gross margin percentage increased by 40.24%. In addition, the slight decrease in gross profit was due to the decreased sales for the produce and herb segment, which decreased $0.49 million while the gross margin percentage increased by 5.26%.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses – Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2017 were approximately $25.36 million, compared to approximately $20.72 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, an increase of approximately $4.64 million. The increase was primarily due to: (i) an increase of approximately $2.39 million in compensation expense during the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to the prior year, due to the full year of operations of the Blüm dispensaries; (ii) an increase of approximately $0.78 million for licenses and permits in connection with the opening of additional dispensaries; (iii) an increase of approximately $0.24 million in amortization and depreciation expense due primarily to the acquisition of intangible assets from the acquisition of Black Oak Gallery and the full year operation of the Blüm dispensaries; (iv) an increase of approximately $0.43 million in accounting fees relating to the increased audit fees for all of the operating entities, including the cost resulting from becoming subject to SOX; (v) an increase of approximately $0.74 million for advertising and promotion in connection with the Blüm dispensaries; (vi) an increase of $0.12 million for rent expense incurred from the new dispensaries and grow facilities; (vii) an increase of $0.24 million for travel expense incurred at the new dispensaries; (viii) an increase of $0.09 million for repairs and maintenance at the new dispensaries; (ix) an increase of $0.13 million in bank charges related to the new dispensaries; and (x) an increase of $0.11 million for computer and technology expense for the Blüm dispensaries open a full year. These increases were offset by: (i) a decrease of approximately $0.26 million in warrant expense for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to the prior year period, as a result of less warrants being issued; and (ii) a decrease of approximately $0.24 million in legal expense versus the prior year because fewer deals were considered for acquisitions and legal has since been brought in-house; and (iii) a decrease of approximately $1.46 million from the reduction of outside consultants replaced by full time employees. 

Income (Loss) from Operations – We realized an operating loss of approximately $19.88 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to approximately $18.15 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Other Income (Expense) – Other expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 was approximately $13.65 million, compared to approximately $9.84 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. This increase is primarily due to more debt outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the prior year. For the year ended December 31, 2017, amortization of debt discount was approximately $2.14 million, an increase of $0.73 million versus the prior year, due to additional capital raised with a high debt discount in the current year through the issuance of debt. We had an increase in loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $1.76 million versus the prior year, due to more senior secured debt converting into equity at a discount to market in the current year. Regarding derivatives issued with debt greater than debt carrying value, we had no loss in the current year which resulted in a decrease in the amount of $1.49 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to the prior year. We raised more capital in the current year through the issuance of debt that did not result in the derivatives having a value greater than the underlying debt instrument. We had an increase in the loss from the fair market valuation of derivatives in the approximate amount of $1.65 million. We had an increase in loss on fair market valuation of derivatives in the amount of $5.09 million versus the prior year. The increase was due to more debt outstanding, the increased volatility in the underlying common stock and the appreciation in the price of the common stock. Interest expense increased $0.17 million compared to the prior year. We had an impairment charge of $0.14 million on property owned and an impairment charge of $0.76 million on intangible assets versus zero in the prior year. We had a gain on the settlement of the contingent consideration in the approximate amount of $4.99 million from Black Oak Gallery.

Net Loss – We incurred a net loss of approximately $32.68 million, or $0.71 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to a net loss of approximately $26.92 million, or $1.04 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2016. The primary reasons for the increase in net loss is an increase in revenue from both of the cannabis and produce and herb segments, an increase in cost of goods sold, a significant increase in sales, general and administrative expenses from the opening of the new dispensaries, an increase in the amortization of debt discount, an increase in loss on the extinguishment of debt, and an increase in loss on fair market valuation of derivatives in the year ended December 31, 2017.

Management will continue its efforts to lower operating expenses and increase revenue. We will continue to invest in further expanding our operations and a comprehensive marketing campaign with the goal of accelerating the education of potential clients and promoting our name and our products. Given that most of the operating expenses are fixed or have a quasi-fixed character, management expects that, as revenue increases, those expenses, as a percentage of revenue, will significantly decrease. Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that we will be able to increase our revenues in succeeding quarters.

Year Ended December 31, 2016 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2015

Revenues – For the year ended December 31, 2016, we generated revenues of approximately $25.33 million, compared to approximately $9.98 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, an increase of approximately $15.35 million. The increase was primarily due to revenue generated by Black Oak and IVXX from the sales of its cannabis products, revenue generated by Edible Garden from the sales of its produce, herbs, and floral products. At this stage in our development, revenues are not yet sufficient to cover ongoing operating expenses.

Cost of Goods Sold – For the year ended December 31, 2016, cost of goods sold was approximately $22.76 million, compared to approximately $8.96 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, an increase of approximately $13.80 million. The increase was attributable to the cannabis segment in the amount of $10.59 million and the balance of $3.25 million was from the produce, herbs and floral segment.

Gross Profit and Gross Margin – Our gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2016 was approximately $2.57 million, compared to a gross profit of approximately $1.02 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, an increase of approximately $1.55 million. Our gross margin for the year ended December 31, 2016 was approximately 10.16%, compared to approximately 10.19% for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase in gross profit was due to the gross profit generated from the cannabis segment, which increased by $1.44 million due to higher sales while the gross margin increased by 1.2%. In addition, the slight decrease in gross profit was due to the increased sales for the produce, herbs and floral segment, which increased $0.51 million while the gross margin increased by 1.5%.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses – Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016 were approximately $20.72 million, compared to approximately $9.83 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, an increase of approximately $10.89 million. The increase was primarily due to: (i) an increase of approximately $4.65 million in compensation expense during the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the prior year, due to the acquisition of Black Oak, the opening of additional dispensaries, and higher stock compensation expense; (ii) an increase of approximately $2.86 million for consulting services in connection with the opening of additional dispensaries; (iii) an increase of approximately $1.27 million in amortization expense due primarily to the acquisition of intangible assets from the acquisition of Black Oak; (iv) an increase of approximately $0.77 million in accounting fees relating to the increased audit fees for all of the operating entities, of which $0.14 million was for Black Oak Gallery and the costs incurred to become SOX compliant; (v) an increase of approximately $0.64 million for license fees in connection with the dispensaries licenses; (vi) an increase of $0.43 million for director compensation; (vii) an increase of $0.41 million for depreciation expense incurred from the new dispensaries; and (viii) an increase of $0.29 million for security expense incurred at the new dispensaries. These increases were offset by: (i) a decrease of approximately $0.68 million in warrant expense for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the prior year period, as a result of less warrants being issued; and (ii) a decrease of approximately $0.93 million in legal expense versus the prior year because fewer deals were done for capital raises and acquisitions and legal has since been brought in-house. 

Income (Loss) from Operations – We realized an operating loss of approximately $18.15 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to approximately $8.82 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Other Income (Expense) – Other expense for the year ended December 31, 2016 was approximately $9.84 million, compared to approximately $546,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015. This increase is primarily due to more debt outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the prior year. For the year ended December 31, 2016, amortization of debt discount was approximately $1.4 million, an increase of $718,000 versus the prior year, due to additional capital raised with a high debt discount in the current year through the issuance of debt. We had an increase in loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $4.76 million versus the prior year, due to more senior secured debt converting into equity at a discount to market in the current year. We had an increase in loss from derivatives issued with debt greater than debt carrying value in the amount of $0.93 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. We raised more capital in the current year through the issuance of debt that resulted in the derivatives having a value greater than the underlying debt instrument. The increase in the volatility of the stock price caused the derivatives to have a greater value than the debt. We had an increase in loss on fair market valuation of derivatives in the amount of $3.64 million versus the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase was due to more debt outstanding, the increased volatility in the underlying common stock and the appreciation in the price of the common stock. Interest expense decreased $92,000 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015.

Net Loss – We incurred a net loss of approximately $26.92 million, or $1.04 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to a net loss of approximately $9.23 million, or $0.58 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2015. The primary reasons for the increase in net loss is an increase in revenue from both of the cannabis and produce, herbs and floral segments, an increase in cost of goods sold (as a percentage of revenue), a significant increase in sales, general and administrative expenses from the opening of the new dispensaries, an increase in the amortization of debt discount, an increase in loss on the extinguishment of debt, and an increase in loss on fair market valuation of derivatives in the year ended December 31, 2016.

Management will continue its efforts to lower operating expenses and increase revenue. We will continue to invest in further expanding our operations and a comprehensive marketing campaign with the goal of accelerating the education of potential clients and promoting our name and our products. Given that most of the operating expenses are fixed or have a quasi-fixed character, management expects that, as revenue increases, those expenses, as a percentage of revenue, will significantly decrease. Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that we will be able to increase our revenues in succeeding quarters.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We have never reported net income. We incurred net losses for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 and have an accumulated deficit of approximately $105.55 million and $72.87 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, we had working capital of approximately $3.47 million and as of December 31, 2016, we had a working capital deficit of approximately $9.56 million, respectively. At December 31, 2017, we had a cash balance of approximately $5.45 million, compared to a cash balance of approximately $9.75 million at December 31, 2016. We have not been able to generate sufficient cash from operating activities to fund our ongoing operations. Additional requirements for inventory will continue to increase. Prior to 2017, Black Oak had been purchasing inventory on a consignment basis. Accordingly, title did not pass to us until we ultimately sold the inventory. During 2017 the terms of our purchase of inventory changed with the various vendors we purchased from. The vendors required that title passes to us upon delivery to us. Accordingly, this increased our cash requirements for operational purposes as we are now required to pay with normal terms. Since our inception, we have raised capital through private sales of preferred stock, common stock, and debt securities. Our future success is dependent upon our ability to achieve profitable operations and generate cash from operating activities. There is no guarantee that we will be able to generate enough revenue and/or raise capital to support our operations.

We anticipate requiring additional capital for the commercial development of our subsidiaries. Blüm San Leandro and the Hegenberger facility, together, will require approximately $2.5 million in capital to complete. Construction for the completion of the packaging facility for Edible Garden will require approximately $1.4 million. The estimated construction budget for the development of the cultivation and production facilities under MediFarm II is approximately $2.0 million. Forever Green NV, LLC, a member of MediFarm II, has agreed to contribute approximately $750,000 in the form of debt to MediFarm II. We will be obligated to contribute the remaining amount.

We will be required to raise additional funds through public or private financing, additional collaborative relationships or other arrangements until we are able to raise revenues to a point of positive cash flow. We believe our existing and available capital resources will be sufficient to satisfy our funding requirements through the fourth quarter of 2020. We are evaluating various options to further reduce our cash requirements to operate at a reduced rate, as well as options to raise additional funds, including obtaining loans and selling common stock. Subsequent to December 31, 2017, we entered into a $40.0 million Security Purchase Agreement with an accredited investor. As of March 16, 2018, the Company received $5.0 million under the Security Purchase Agreement. There is no guarantee that we will be able to generate enough revenue and/or raise capital to support our operations, or if we are able to raise capital, that it will be available to us on acceptable terms, on an acceptable schedule, or at all.

The issuance of additional securities may result in a significant dilution in the equity interests of our current stockholders. Obtaining loans, assuming these loans would be available, will increase our liabilities and future cash commitments. There is no assurance that we will be able to obtain further funds required for our continued operations or that additional financing will be available for use when needed or, if available, that it can be obtained on commercially reasonable terms. If we are not able to obtain the additional financing on a timely basis, we will not be able to meet our other obligations as they become due and we will be forced to scale down or perhaps even cease our operations.

Sources and Uses of Cash

Cash Used in Operating Activities

Cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2017 was approximately $15.87 million, compared to approximately $10.58 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in cash used in operating activities was primarily due to: (i) an increase in net loss for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to the prior year; (ii) an approximately $3.49 million gain on fair market valuation of derivatives for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to an approximately $1.84 million gain on fair market valuation of derivatives for the prior year; (iii) an increase in loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $7.14 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to approximately $5.38 million for the prior year; (iv) an increase in the amortization of debt discount of approximately $2.14 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 versus $1.41 million for the prior year; (v) an increase in depreciation and amortization of approximately $3.65 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to approximately $2.54 million for the prior year; (vi) the reduction of warrant expense of approximately $0.21 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to approximately $0.47 million for the prior year; (vii) a decrease in stock issued for compensation and services in the amount of approximately $2.81 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to approximately $5.58 million for the prior year; and (viii) a decrease from equity instruments issued with debt greater than debt carrying value in the amount of zero for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to approximately $1.49 million for the prior year.

Cash Used in Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2017 was approximately $15.27 million, compared to cash used in investing activities of approximately $4.23 million for the prior year. During fiscal 2017, cash used in investing activities was primarily comprised of expenditures related to the purchase of property, construction of MediFarm’s dispensaries in addition to the furniture and equipment and the issuance of note receivables. During fiscal 2016, cash used in investing activities was primarily comprised of expenditures related to the construction of MediFarm’s dispensaries in addition to the furniture and equipment.

Cash Provided by Financing Activities

Cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2017 was approximately $26.83 million, compared to cash provided by financing activities of approximately $24.14 million for the prior year. The cash provided by financing activities in fiscal 2017 was primarily due to: (i) $20.00 million proceeds from the issuance of notes payable; (ii) $9.45 million from the sale of Common Stock and warrants; and (iii) offset by the payment of contingent consideration of $2.09 million. The cash provided by financing activities in fiscal 2016 was primarily due to: (i) $17.48 million proceeds from the issuance of notes payable; (ii) $4.06 million from the sale of Common Stock and warrants; and (iii) $3.15 million from the exercise of warrants, offset by the payments on notes payable of $1.00 million.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements.

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our contractual cash obligations by future period as of December 31, 2017:

Critical Accounting Policies

We believe that the following critical policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

We disclose those accounting policies that we consider to be significant in determining the amounts to be utilized for communicating our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows in Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein. Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with these principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results are likely to differ from these estimates, but management does not believe such differences will materially affect our financial position or results of operations.

Business Combinations

The Company accounts for its business acquisitions in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805-10, “Business Combinations.” The Company allocates the total cost of the acquisition to the underlying net assets based on their respective estimated fair values. As part of this allocation process, the Company identifies and attributes values and estimated lives to the intangible assets acquired. These determinations involve significant estimates and assumptions regarding multiple, highly subjective variables, including those with respect to future cash flows, discount rates, asset lives, and the use of different valuation models, and therefore require considerable judgment. The Company’s estimates and assumptions are based, in part, on the availability of listed market prices or other transparent market data. These determinations affect the amount of amortization expense recognized in future periods. The Company bases its fair value estimates on assumptions it believes to be reasonable but are inherently uncertain.

Revenue Recognition

It is the Company’s policy that revenues from product sales are recognized in accordance with ASC 605, “Revenue Recognition.” Four basic criteria must be met before revenue can be recognized: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (2) delivery has occurred; (3) the selling price is fixed and determinable; and (4) collectability is reasonably assured. Determination of criteria (3) and (4) is based on management’s judgments regarding fixed nature in selling prices of the products delivered and the collectability of those amounts. The Company has implemented specific rebate programs. Provisions for discounts to customers, estimated returns and allowances, and other adjustments are provided for in the same period the related sales are recorded. The Company has established a formal customer incentive program but considers and accommodates discounts to certain customers on a case by case basis, including by way of example, for volume shipping or for certain new customers with orders over a specific discretionary dollar threshold. Consistent with ASC 605-15-25-1, the Company considers factors such as historical return of products, estimated remaining shelf life, price changes from competitors, and introductions of competing products in establishing a refund allowance. The Company recognizes revenues as risk and title to products transfers to the customer (which generally occurs at the time shipment is made), the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. The Company defers any revenue for which the product was not delivered or is subject to refund until such time that the Company and the customer jointly determine that the product has been delivered or no refund will be required.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for its stock-based awards in accordance with ASC Subtopic 718-10, “Compensation – Stock Compensation”, which requires fair value measurement on the grant date and recognition of compensation expense for all stock-based payment awards made to employees and directors, including restricted stock awards. For stock options, the Company estimates the fair value using a closed option valuation (Black-Scholes) model. The fair value of restricted stock awards is based upon the quoted market price of the common shares on the date of grant. The fair value is then expensed over the requisite service periods of the awards, net of estimated forfeitures, which is generally the performance period and the related amount is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations.

The Black-Scholes option-pricing model requires the input of certain assumptions that require the Company’s judgment, including the expected term and the expected stock price volatility of the underlying stock. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock-based compensation represent management’s best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of judgment. As a result, if factors change resulting in the use of different assumptions, stock-based compensation expense could be materially different in the future. In addition, the Company is required to estimate the expected forfeiture rate and only recognize expense for those shares expected to vest. If the actual forfeiture rate is materially different from management’s estimates, the stock-based compensation expense could be significantly different from what the Company has recorded in the current period.

Notes Receivable

The Company reviews all outstanding notes receivable for collectability as information becomes available pertaining to the Company’s inability to collect. An allowance for notes receivable are recorded for the likelihood of non-collectability. The Company accrues interest on the note receivable based upon contractual terms. There was no allowance at December 31, 2017 and 2016.

Goodwill

Goodwill is measured as the excess of consideration transferred and the net of the acquisition date fair value of assets acquired, and liabilities assumed in a business acquisition. In accordance with ASC 350, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other,” goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are no longer subject to amortization but are tested for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.

The Company reviews the goodwill allocated to each of our reporting units for possible impairment annually as of August 1 and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate its carrying amount may not be recoverable. When assessing goodwill for impairment, the Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, the Company determines it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the Company performs a two-step impairment test. If the Company concludes otherwise, then no further action is taken. The Company also has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment and only perform a quantitative assessment, which is the first step of the two-step impairment test. In the two-step impairment test, the Company measures the recoverability of goodwill by comparing a reporting unit’s carrying amount, including goodwill, to the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. There were no events or changes in circumstances that indicated potential impairment of intangible assets during 2017, as such the Company determined that no adjustment to the carrying value of goodwill was required.

Long-Lived and Intangible Assets

In accordance with accounting rules for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets, including intangible assets, such assets are reviewed at least quarterly to determine whether any events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. For long-lived assets to be held and used, we base our evaluation on impairment indicators such as the nature of the assets, the future economic benefit of the assets, any historical or future profitability measurements and other external market conditions or factors that may be present. If impairment indicators are present or other factors exist that indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable, the Company determines whether an impairment has occurred through the use of an undiscounted cash flow analysis of the asset at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows exist. Management’s assumptions related to future cash flows require significant judgment as actual operating levels have fluctuated in the past and are expected to continue to do so in the future. If the carrying value of the asset exceeds the total anticipated undiscounted future cash flows generated by that asset, the asset is impaired and an impairment charge is incurred. The loss on impairment is recognized for the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the asset’s discounted fair value, which in most cases is estimated based upon Level 2 or Level 3 inputs.

Valuation of Inventory

We value our inventory at the lower of the actual cost of our inventory, as determined using the first-in, first-out method, or its current net realizable value. We periodically review our physical inventory for excess, obsolete, and potentially impaired items and reserves. Our reserve estimate for excess and obsolete is based on expected future use. Our reserve estimates have historically been consistent with our actual experience as evidenced by actual sale or disposal of the goods.

Deferred Income Taxes

Deferred assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized. We have established a valuation allowance against the entire amount of our deferred tax assets because we are not able to conclude, due to our history of operating losses, that it is more likely than not that we will be able to realize any portion of the deferred tax assets.

In assessing whether and to what extent deferred tax assets are realizable, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. We consider projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable losses, limitations imposed by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code and projections for future losses over periods that the deferred tax assets are deductible, we determined that a 100% valuation allowance of deferred tax assets was appropriate.

Fair Value Estimates

Fair value estimates used in preparation of the financial statements are based upon certain market assumptions and pertinent information available to our management. The respective carrying value of certain on-balance-sheet financial instruments approximated their fair values. These financial instruments include cash, accounts payable and accrued liabilities. Fair values were assumed to approximate carrying values for these financial instruments since they are short-term in nature and their carrying amounts approximate fair values or they are receivable or payable on demand.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

FASB ASU 2017-12 (Topic 815), “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities” – Issued in August 2017, ASU 2017-12 eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness. For qualifying cash flow and net investment hedges, the change in the fair value of the hedging instrument will be recorded in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI), and amounts deferred in OCI will be reclassified to earnings in the same income statement line item that is used to present the earnings effect of the hedged item This guidance will be effective for the Company in the annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 on a prospective basis, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect this will have on our financial position, results of operations and related disclosures. The Company does not expect the standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

FASB ASU 2017-04 (Topic 350), “Intangibles - Goodwill and Others” – Issued in January 2017 by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-04 simplifies how an entity is required to test goodwill for impairment by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Step 2 measures a goodwill impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. ASU 2017-04 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 including interim periods within those periods. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2017-04 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

FASB ASU 2017-01 (Topic 805), “Business Combinations: Clarifying the Definition of a Business” – Issued in January 2017, ASU 2017-01 revises the definition of a business and provides new guidance in evaluating when a set of transferred assets and activities is a business. This guidance will be effective for the Company in the first fiscal quarter of 2018 on a prospective basis, and early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

FASB ASU 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force)” – Issued in August 2016, the amendments in ASU 2016-15 address eight specific cash flow issues and apply to all entities that are required to present a statement of cash flows under ASC Topic 230, “Statement of Cash Flows.” The amendments in ASU 2016-15 are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption during an interim period. The Company does not believe the adoption of this guidance will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

FASB ASU No. 2016-02 (Topic 842), “Leases” – Issued in February 2016, ASU No. 2016-02 will require entities to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by all leases, including operating leases, with terms of more than 12 months. The new standard also requires additional disclosures on the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. These disclosures include qualitative and quantitative information. The new standard will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

FASB ASU No. 2014-09 (Topic 606), “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” –In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. The FASB also issued subsequent amendments to ASU 2014-09 to provide clarification on the guidance. ASU 2014-09 will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, which for us will be in the period beginning January 1, 2018. We have performed our detailed evaluation, using a five-step model specified in the guidance, to assess the impacts of the new standard.

The Company expects to apply the guidance using the modified retrospective transition method. Based on the Company’s analysis performed to date, the Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations but will result in additional disclosures regarding its revenue recognition policies. The Company also does not expect the adoption will require material or significant changes to its internal controls over financial reporting. The Company has expanded its revenue recognition inquiries to additional departments and updated its questionnaires primarily to identify matters that would signal variable consideration implications and performance obligations under the new guidance.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our primary market risks are attributable to fluctuations in commodity prices, interest rates and credit risks. These fluctuations can affect revenues and cash flow from operating, investing and financing activities.

Commodity Price Risk

Our most significant market risk relates to fluctuations in marijuana prices. Management expects the prices of these commodities to remain volatile and unpredictable. As these prices decline or rise significantly, revenues and cash flow will also decline or rise significantly.

Interest Rate Risk

As of December 31, 2017, we had no outstanding variable-rate debt and $11.40 million of principal fixed-rate debt.

Credit Risk

Our exposure to non-payment or non-performance by our customers and counterparties presents a credit risk. Generally, non-payment or non-performance results from a customer’s or counterparty’s inability to satisfy obligations. We may also be exposed to credit risk due to the concentration of our customers in the medical marijuana industry, as our customers may be similarly affected by changes in regulatory and legal conditions in the states and municipalities in which we operate.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Consolidated financial statements and schedules required by this item are included in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The supplementary data required by this item is included in unaudited “Note 19 –Selected Quarterly Financial Data” to consolidated financial statements.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

Dismissal of Accountant

On November 22, 2016, we dismissed Tarvaran, Askelson & Company (“TAC”) as our independent registered public accounting firm. The decision to change registered public accounting firms was approved by the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.

The audit reports by TAC on our financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, and were not modified or qualified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles. During our two most recent fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and through the subsequent interim period through November 22, 2016, there were no (1) disagreements (as described in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K) between us and TAC on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of TAC, would have caused TAC to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in connection with its reports on the consolidated financial statements for such fiscal years, or (2) reportable events as set forth in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K, except that TAC advised us of material weaknesses involving internal controls and procedures related to (i) a lack of a majority of independent members and a lack of a majority of outside directors on the our Board of Directors, resulting in ineffective oversight in the establishment and monitoring of required internal controls and procedures; and (ii) inadequate segregation of duties consistent with control objectives.

We provided TAC with a copy of the Current Report on Form 8-K prior to its filing with the SEC on November 22, 2016 and requested that TAC furnish a letter addressed to the SEC stating whether or not TAC agrees with the statements noted above. A copy of the response letter, dated November 22, 2016, from TAC, is attached as Exhibit 16.1 in the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 22, 2016.

Engagement of New Accountants

On November 22, 2016, we engaged Macias Gini & O’Connell LLP (“MGO”) as our registered public accounting firm. The decision to appoint MGO as the new registered public accounting firm was approved by the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.

On January 30, 2018, we engaged Benjamin & Young LLP (“B&Y”) as our registered public accounting firm for the Company’s 2015 fiscal year. The decision to appoint B&Y was approved by the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. This engagement was necessary because our previous registered public accounting firm for the 2015 fiscal year had been dismissed by us on November 22, 2016 and is now unable to provide a consent for that year for our 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Macias Gini & O’Connell LLP, will continue as our registered public accounting firm for the 2016 and 2017 fiscal years.

During our two most recent fiscal years and through January 30, 2018, neither we nor anyone on our behalf consulted with B&Y with respect to any of (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on our financial statements; or (ii) any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K) or an event of the type described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation and supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified under SEC rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2017. Based on this evaluation, our management concluded that as of December 31, 2017 these disclosure controls and procedures were not effective at the reasonable assurance level as a result of the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, which are described below. As discussed below, our internal control over financial reporting is an integral part of our disclosure controls and procedures.

Scope of Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management’s assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of Black Oak Gallery, which was acquired on April 1, 2016. Management did not assess the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Black Oak because of the timing of the acquisition. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of management’s assessment also did not include an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of Black Oak.

 Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over our financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by our board of directors, management, and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP and includes those policies and procedures that:

Because of inherent limitations, no matter how well designed and operated, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements and can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of internal control over financial reporting must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.

A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim consolidated financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have performed an evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting under the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The objective of this assessment was to determine whether our internal control over financial reporting was effective at December 31, 2017.

Based on the results of its assessment, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2017 based on such criteria. The matters involving internal controls and procedures that our management considered to be material weaknesses under the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board were:

Risk Assessment – We did not have an effective risk assessment process. From a governance perspective, our formal process to identify, update and assess risks, including changes in our business practices that significantly impact our consolidated financial statements as well as the system of internal control over financial reporting was incomplete.

Control Environment – We did not maintain an effective control environment as evidenced by:

Control Activities – We did not have control activities that were designed and operating effectively to identify and address all likely sources of material misstatements, including non-standard transactions. In addition, management review controls were not sufficient or in place to identify all potential accounting errors.

Information and Communications – We had not implemented appropriate information technology controls related to access rights for certain financial spreadsheets that are relevant to the preparation of the consolidated financial statements and our system of internal control over financial reporting. In addition, we did not implement the appropriate information technology disaster recovery controls in place to ensure the completeness of financial information surrounding Terra Tech revenues and inventory.

Monitoring – We did not maintain effective monitoring of controls related to the financial close and reporting process. In addition, we did not maintain the appropriate level of review and remediation of internal control over financial reporting deficiencies throughout interim and annual financial periods.

We have not had sufficient time to fully remediate the aforementioned deficiencies and/or there was insufficient passage of time to evidence that the controls that were implemented during 2017 were effective. Therefore, the aforementioned control deficiencies continued to exist as of December 31, 2017. We believe the control deficiencies described herein, individually and when aggregated, represent material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting at December 31, 2017 since such deficiencies result in a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement in our annual or interim consolidated financial statements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by our internal controls. As a result of our assessment, we have therefore concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective at December 31, 2017.

Our independent registered public accounting firm, Macias Gini & O’Connell LLP, has audited our consolidated financial statements and has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, which report is included herein.

Material Weakness Discussion and Remediation

We believe that the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 fairly present, in all material respects, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with GAAP.

While certain meaningful remediation efforts were initiated in 2017, we were not able to fully implement and/or test the design and the operating effectiveness of the new control procedures as of December 31, 2017. This required us to design new processes and controls concurrently, and thus did not allow us sufficient time to fully implement and/or test the design and operating effectiveness of the new controls.

In addition, we concluded that the time between implementing newly designed controls and December 31, 2017 was not sufficient to demonstrate that improvements made to the control environment, control activities, information and communication, and monitoring activities, were in fact appropriately designed and operated effectively.

We continue to take appropriate and reasonable steps to make necessary improvements to our internal control over financial reporting, including:

We believe that the remediation measures described above will strengthen our internal control over financial reporting and remediate the material weaknesses we have identified. We expect that our remediation efforts, including design, implementation and testing will continue throughout fiscal year 2018.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

As described above under “Material Weakness Discussion and Remediation,” we have undertaken a broad range of remedial procedures to address the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. These remedial procedures continued throughout the quarter ended December 31, 2017.

Inherent Limitation on the Effectiveness of Internal Controls

The effectiveness of any system of internal control over financial reporting is subject to inherent limitations, including the exercise of judgment in designing, implementing, operating, and evaluating the controls and procedures, and the inability to eliminate misconduct completely. Accordingly, any system of internal control over financial reporting can only provide reasonable, not absolute, assurances. In addition, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. We intend to continue to monitor and upgrade our internal controls as necessary or appropriate for our business but cannot assure that such improvements will be sufficient to provide us with effective internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The following table sets forth the names and ages of our current directors and executive officers, the principal offices and positions held by each person, and the year such director or officer commenced serving in such capacity:

Derek Peterson

Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board

Mr. Peterson has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board, since February 9, 2012. Mr. Peterson served as President until November 6, 2017. Mr. Peterson began his career in finance with Crowell, Weedon & Co. (now, D.A. Davidson & Co.), the then-largest independent broker-dealer on the West Coast. In his 6 years there, Mr. Peterson became a partner and Branch supervisor where he was responsible for sales of over $10 million. Mr. Peterson was offered an opportunity to build a southern Orange County presence for Wachovia Securities, where he became the first Vice President and Branch Manager for their Mission Viejo location. He was instrumental in growing that office from the ground up into the $15 million office it is today. After his term at Wachovia Securities (now, Wells Fargo Advisors), Mr. Peterson accepted an opportunity for a Senior Vice President position with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, where he and his team oversaw combined assets of close to $100 million. In addition, he has also been involved in several public and private equity financings, where he has personally funded several projects from angel to mezzanine levels. Mr. Peterson is a CFPÒ Professional and holds his Series 7 (General Securities Representative), Series 9 and 10 (General Securities Sales Supervisor), Series 3 (National Commodity Futures), Series 65 (Investment Advisor Representative), and California Insurance License. Mr. Peterson holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Pepperdine University. Mr. Peterson also owned a 12% interest in Black Oak until we acquired Black Oak on April 1, 2016. As a co-owner of Black Oak, Mr. Peterson worked with governmental agencies and tax authorities in Oakland, including working with the city to establish medical cannabis ordinances, competed for a permit to operate, and responded to a city request for proposal. Mr. Peterson’s experiences gained through these matters will assist us in launching and operating the medical marijuana and adult use cultivation, production and dispensary businesses of MediFarm, MediFarm I, and MediFarm II, as well as IVXX’s launch of its line of cannabis flowers, cigarettes, and pure concentrates. Mr. Peterson’s background in investment banking led to our conclusion that he should serve as a director in light of our business and structure.

Alan Gladstone

Director

Mr. Gladstone has served as a Director since November 15, 2017. Mr. Gladstone was Founder, Chairman, President and CEO of Anna's Linens, a specialty retailer of home textiles and home decoration items, from 1987 - 2014. During his tenure at Anna's Linens, he grew the business to 305 stores in 23 states with over $400 million in annual revenues. He managed a team of 12 executives and over 3,500 employees and oversaw the company's M&A strategy. Anna's Linens was ranked the 13th largest seller of home textiles nationally in 2013 on June 14, 2015, Anna's Linens filed a petition in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California seeking relief under Chapter II of the United States Bankruptcy Code. Prior to his time at Anna's Linens, he was a self-employed retail business consultant where he counted Vons, TG&Y and Cook United in his client base. He was also President of Home Front, a division of U.S. Shoe, from 1983 - 1986 where he led a team of 800 employees. In this role, he led the profitable growth of the business from 21 stores to 105 stores and grew sales from $40 million to $400 million. Mr. Gladstone has a BS in Economics from the University of California, Irvine. Mr. Gladstone’s entrepreneurial experience and success in retail led to our conclusion that he should serve as a Director and Chairman of the Compensation Committee in light of our business and structure.

Michael James

Chief Financial Officer

Mr. James has served as our Chief Financial Officer since February 9, 2012. In addition to this role, Mr. James has served as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Inergetics, Inc. from June 11, 2012 until January 2016. Previously, Mr. James served as Chief Executive Officer of Nestor, Inc. (“Nestor”), where he successfully completed a financial restructuring of Nestor prior to its sale in September 2009 from the Receiver’s Estate in Superior Court of the State of Rhode Island. He also served on Nestor’s Board of Directors from 2006 to 2009. Mr. James was the Managing Partner of Kuekenhof Capital Management, LLC, a private investment management company, from 1999 to 2015. Mr. James is also the Chairman of the Board of Guided Therapeutics, Inc., where he serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee and as a member of the Compensation Committee. During his career, Mr. James has served as: a Partner at Moore Capital Management, Inc., a premiere private investment management company; Chief Financial and Administrative Officer at Buffalo Partners, L.P., a private investment management company; and Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of National Discount Brokers. Mr. James began his career in 1980 as a staff accountant with Eisner, LLP. Mr. James is a retired CPA.

Michael A. Nahass

President, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary, Treasurer, and Director

Mr. Nahass has served as a Director since January 26, 2012, and as our Secretary and Treasurer since July 20, 2015, and as our President and Chief Operating Officer since November 6, 2017. Previously, Mr. Nahass served as our President, Secretary and Treasurer from January 26, 2012 until February 9, 2012. Since August 2011, Mr. Nahass has served as Managing Director of Arque Capital, Ltd., of Irvine, California. From September 2009 until August 2011, Mr. Nahass was a Partner, and served as Managing Director/Chief Operating Office of NMS Capital Asset Management, Inc. (“NMS Capital”). Additionally, while at NMS Capital, Mr. Nahass served as Chief Portfolio Manager of the NMS Platinum Funds, LLC. From February 1995 until April 2007, Mr. Nahass was employed in various positions at Morgan Stanley, where his last position was Senior Vice President and Complex Manager, where he directly managed over 200 financial advisors with approximately $20 billion in assets under management. With over 20 years of financial services experience, Mr. Nahass has been and is responsible for private client services, business development, regulatory compliance and strategic development. Mr. Nahass holds a B.S. in Business Administration (1988) from Fairleigh Dickenson University. In addition, he also holds NASD Series 3 (National Commodity Futures), Series 7 (General Securities Representative), Series 8 (Supervisory), Series 31 (Managed Futures) and Series 65 (Investment Advisor Representative) licenses. Mr. Nahass’ background in investment banking led to our conclusion that he should serve as director in light of our business and structure.

Steven J. Ross

Director

Mr. Ross has served as a Director since July 23, 2012, and has over 30 years of senior management experience, ranging from high growth private companies to multi-billion dollar divisions of public enterprises. His experience also includes service on numerous public and private Boards. He is known as a problem solver who has demonstrated leadership and consistent results in challenging business situations across multiple industries.  Mr. Ross has been CEO of Ecolane since June, 2013. Ecolane is a Helsinki, Finland-based software company providing disruptive, specialized software and support services for transportation scheduling, dispatching and tracking.  US operations are headquartered in Wayne, PA, where the company supports statewide contracts in PA, NE, NC and OH and numerous state and local transportation agencies throughout the country.  Ecolane was acquired by National Express PLC, a British publicly-traded leading international transportation company in June, 2016, generating greater than 500% returns for Ecolane’s investors.

Prior to leading Ecolane, Mr. Ross was a Managing Director at MTN Capital Partners, a New York-based Private Equity firm, and Managing Partner of Belcourt Associates. Previously, Mr. Ross was CEO of National Investment Managers from 2006 until its sale to a Private Equity firm in 2011.  Under Mr. Ross’ leadership, the company became the largest independent retirement services company in the country with over $11 billion in assets under administration and operations in 17 cities in the United States. Between 2001 and 2006, Mr. Ross served as Chairman and CEO of DynTek. During his tenure he successfully transitioned the company from a $5 million software development company to a leading provider of information technology services with annual revenues of over $100 million. From 1998 to 2001, Mr. Ross was Vice President and General Manager of the Computer Systems Division of Toshiba America with overall responsibility for Toshiba’s $3 billion computer business in the US and South America. Prior to joining Toshiba, from 1996 to 1998, Mr. Ross served as President & General Manager – Computer Reseller Division and President of Corporate Marketing at Inacom, a $7 billion Fortune 500 provider of computer products and services. Prior to his employment at Inacom, Mr. Ross served as Senior Vice President, Sales & Business Development, for Intelligent Electronics. Mr. Ross has also held senior management positions at Dell Computer Corporation and PTXI/Bull HN Information Systems. Mr. Ross has served as Vice-Chairman of the Board of the Computing Technology Industry Association (COMPTIA) and on the board of the US Internet Industry Association (USIIA). He also served on the Board of the national Cristina Foundation, and as a member of the Harvard Club of Orange County and the Harvard Business School Association of Orange County.

He is an active alumnus of Harvard University and a graduate of the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. Steve has appeared as an industry and corporate spokesperson in numerous business and trade publications and events and was named #14 in Smart Reseller’s annual listing of top 50 computer industry executives.

Kenneth Vande Vrede

Chief Agricultural Officer and Director

Mr. Vande Vrede has served as Chief Agricultural Officer since November 6, 2017. Mr. Vande Vrede has been a Director since February 25, 2013. Mr. Vande Vrede served as Chief Operating Officer from February 25, 2013 until November 6, 2017. Mr. Vande Vrede has also served as President of Gro-Rite since January 2012, a related party. Gro-Rite is a New Jersey-based retail business that sells products and services related to greenhouse technology, and innovative and sustainable growing techniques. From January 2006 until December 2011, Mr. Vande Vrede served as Vice President of Gro-Rite. From March 1996 until December 2005, he served as Manager of Gro-Rite. Since September 2010, Mr. Vande Vrede has served as Director of New Business and Marketing at Edible Garden. Since January 2007, Mr. Vande Vrede has served as Managing Partner at NB Plants a related party. Mr. Vande Vrede is also currently an owner of Gro-Rite Landscape Services LLC. Mr. Vande Vrede attended Montclair State University from 1996 until 1999, where he majored in Business. Mr. Vande Vrede’s entrepreneurial experience and success in gardening retail and specialty farming, evidenced by his ideas that led to the establishment of the businesses in which he works, and his management experience, led to our conclusion that Mr. Vande Vrede should serve as a member of our Board in light of our business and structure.

Director Qualifications

We believe that our directors should have the highest professional and personal ethics and values, consistent with our values and standards. They should have broad experience at the policy-making level in business or banking. They should be committed to enhancing stockholder value and should have sufficient time to carry out their duties and to provide insight and practical wisdom based on experience. Their service on other boards of public companies should be limited to a number that permits them, given their individual circumstances, to perform responsibly all director duties for us. Each director must represent the interests of all stockholders. When considering potential director candidates, the Board also considers the candidate’s character, judgment, diversity, age and skills, including financial literacy and experience in the context of our needs and the needs of the Board.

 Employment Agreements

We currently do not have any employment agreements with any of our directors or executive officers.

Pursuant to an Independent Director Agreement dated June 1, 2017 with Steven J. Ross, we agreed to pay Mr. Ross $10,000 per month for a period of one year. We also issued to Mr. Ross an aggregate of 72,727 restricted shares of Common Stock (such cash payment and the issuance of restricted shares, the “Compensation”), of which all of the shares vested on the date of appointment. We and Mr. Ross also entered into an Indemnification Agreement dated July 23, 2012, whereby we agreed to indemnify Mr. Ross, subject to certain exceptions, for claims against him that may arise in connection with the performance of his duties as one of our directors.

Pursuant to an Independent Director Agreement dated November 15, 2017 with Alan Gladstone, we agreed to pay Mr. Gladstone $6,250 per month for a period of one year. We also issued to Mr. Gladstone an aggregate of 29,167 shares of the Company’s stock options (such cash payment and the issuance of stock options, the “Compensation”), of which all of the shares vested on the date of appointment.

Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

Other than as disclosed below, to our knowledge, our directors and executive officers have not been involved in any of the following events during the past ten years:

On February 22, 2012, Mr. Peterson filed a petition for bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California, Case No. 8:12−bk−13957−ES. The discharge date was November 2, 2012.

On May 13, 2009, Mr. Nahass filed a petition for bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California, Case No. 8:09-bk 14465-TA. The discharge date was August 17, 2011.

Code of Ethics

On November 4, 2015, our Board approved and adopted a Code of Ethics (the “Code of Ethics”) that applies to all of our directors, officers, and employees, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer. The Code of Ethics addresses such individuals’ conduct with respect to, among other things, conflicts of interests; compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations; full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure by us; competition and fair dealing; corporate opportunities; confidentiality; insider trading; protection and proper use of our assets; fair treatment; and reporting suspected illegal or unethical behavior. The Code of Ethics is available on our website at http://ir.terratechcorp.com/governance-docs.

Term of Office

Our directors are appointed to hold office until the next annual general meeting of our stockholders or until removed from office in accordance with our Bylaws. Our officers are appointed by our Board and hold office until removed by the Board, absent an employment agreement.

Section 16(A) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, requires that our directors and executive officers and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of our Common Stock (referred to herein as the “Reporting Persons”) file with the SEC various reports as to their ownership of and activities relating to our Common Stock. To the best of our knowledge, all Reporting Persons complied on a timely basis with all filing requirements applicable to them with respect to transactions during the period covered by this report. In making these statements, we have relied solely on our review of copies of the reports furnished to us, representations that no other reports were required and other knowledge relating to transactions involving Reporting Persons.

Conflicts of Interest

As discussed in more detail below, we did not have an audit, compensation, or nominating committee comprised of independent directors until November 2015. Therefore, the functions that would have been performed by such committees were performed by our directors. Prior to November 4, 2015, our Board was comprised of seven directors, with only one such director qualifying as “independent” pursuant to the rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC and the SEC, and all such directors performed the functions of the audit, compensation, and nominating committees. Thus, prior to November 4, 2015, there was a potential conflict of interest in that our directors and officers had the authority to determine issues concerning management compensation, nominations, and audit issues that may affect management decisions. Effective November 4, 2015, the Board established an audit committee (the “Audit Committee”), a compensation committee (the “Compensation Committee”), and a governance and nominating committee (the “Nominating Committee”).

Audit Committee and Audit Committee Financial Expert

On November 4, 2015, the Board established the Audit Committee and approved and adopted a charter (the “Audit Committee Charter”) to govern the Audit Committee. Messrs. Ross and Krueger were appointed to serve on the Audit Committee, with Mr. Ross designated as chairman. On November 6, 1017 Mr. Krueger resigned as a member of the Board. Subsequently on November 15, 2017, Mr. Gladstone was appointed to serve on the Audit Committee. Each member of the Audit Committee meets the independence requirements of The NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC and the SEC. The Audit Committee met fourteen times during 2017. In addition to the enumerated responsibilities of the Audit Committee in the Audit Committee Charter, the primary function of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board in its general oversight of our accounting and financial reporting processes, audits of our financial statements, and internal control and audit functions. The Audit Committee Charter can be found online at http://ir.terratechcorp.com/goverance-docs.

Compensation Committee

On November 4, 2015, the Board established the Compensation Committee and approved and adopted a charter (the “Compensation Committee Charter”). Messrs. Ross and Krueger were appointed to serve on the Compensation Committee, with Mr. Krueger designated as chairman. On November 6, 1017 Mr. Krueger resigned as a member of the Board. Subsequently on November 15, Mr. Gladstone was appointed to serve on the Compensation Committee. Each member of the Compensation Committee meets the independence requirements of The NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC and the SEC, is a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act and is an outside director within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Compensation Committee held one meeting during 2017. In addition to the enumerated responsibilities of the Compensation Committee in the Compensation Committee Charter, the primary function of the Compensation Committee is to oversee the compensation of our executives, produce an annual report on executive compensation for inclusion in our proxy statement, if and when required by applicable laws or regulations, and advise the Board on the adoption of policies that govern our compensation programs. The Compensation Committee Charter may be found online at http://ir.terratechcorp.com/governance-docs.

Governance and Nominating Committee

On November 4, 2015, the Board established the Nominating Committee and approved and adopted a charter (the “Nominating Committee Charter”). Messrs. Ross and Krueger were appointed to serve on the Nominating Committee, with Mr. Ross designated as chairman. On November 6, 1017 Mr. Krueger resigned as a member of the Board. Subsequently on November 15, Mr. Gladstone was appointed to serve on the Governance and Nominating Committee. Each member of the Nominating Committee meets the independence requirements of The NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC and the SEC. The Nominating Committee held one meeting during 2017. In addition to the enumerated responsibilities of the Nominating Committee in the Nominating Committee Charter, the primary function of the Nominating Committee is to determine the slate of director nominees for election to the Board, to identify and recommend candidates to fill vacancies occurring between annual stockholder meetings, to review our policies and programs that relate to matters of corporate responsibility, including public issues of significance to us and our stockholders, and any other related matters required by federal securities laws. The charter of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may be found online at http://ir.terratechcorp.com/governance-docs.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

No interlocking relationship exists between our Board of Directors and the Board of Directors or Compensation Committee of any other company, nor has any interlocking relationship existed in the past.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Summary Compensation Table

The following table provides information relating to compensation for the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and individuals serving as our principal executive officer or acting in a similar capacity (collectively, the “Named Executive Officers”) for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table

The following is a narrative discussion of the information that we believe is necessary to understand the information disclosed in the foregoing Summary Compensation Table with respect to fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015.

We did not have a stock option plan or an incentive plan that provides compensation intending to serve as an incentive for performance during 2015. In January 2016, we adopted the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).

Derek Peterson

Mr. Peterson earned total cash compensation for his services to us in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 in the amounts of $200,000, $78,000 and $78,000, respectively, which represent his annual base salary for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, and bonuses in the amounts of $0, $100,000 and $0 for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The base salary paid to Mr. Peterson for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 constituted approximately 55.44%, 36.24% and 59.66%, respectively, of the total compensation paid to Mr. Peterson as set forth in the “Total” column in the Summary Compensation Table.

On May 24, 2017, we granted Mr. Peterson a ten-year option to acquire 100,000 shares of Common Stock at $2.54 per share. The option is in consideration of the services to be rendered, which shall vest and become exercisable with respect to one-twelfth (1/12) each quarter until the option is one hundred percent (100%) vested. As of December 31, 2017, the option was one-quarter (1/4) vested. On January 8, 2016, we granted Mr. Peterson a ten-year option to acquire 73,333 shares of Common Stock at $1.35 per share. The option is in consideration of the services to be rendered, which shall vest and become exercisable with respect to one-twelfth (1/12) each quarter until the option is one hundred percent (100%) vested. As of December 31, 2017, the option was two-third (2/3) vested.

On June 30, 2017, we issued to Mr. Peterson 21,666 shares of Common Stock. The price per share was $2.82, as reported on the OTC Market Group, Inc.’s OTCQX tier on June 30, 2017. On July 21, 2015, we issued to Mr. Peterson 36,667 shares of Common Stock. The price per share was $1.28, as reported on the OTC Market Group, Inc.’s OTCQB tier on July 21, 2015. On July 9, 2014, we issued to Mr. Peterson 39,216 shares of Common Stock. The price per share was $7.95, as reported on the OTC Market Group, Inc.’s OTCQB tier on July 9, 2014.

Mr. Peterson also received $6,000, as set forth in the “All Other Compensation” column, which represents a car allowance of $500 per month, during fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015. In 2017, Mr. Peterson also received $2,610 for health club memberships for himself and his wife.

Michael Nahass

Mr. Nahass earned total cash compensation for his services to us in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 in the amounts of $200,000, $150,000 and $126,250, respectively, which represent his annual base salary for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, and bonuses in the amounts of $0, $115,000 and $0 for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The salary paid to Mr. Nahass for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 constituted approximately 58.84%, 50.58% and 74.05%, respectively, of the total compensation paid to Mr. Nahass as set forth in the “Total” column in the Summary Compensation Table.

On May 24, 2017, we granted Mr. Nahass a ten-year option to acquire 100,000 shares of Common Stock at $2.54 per share. The option is in consideration of the services to be rendered, which shall vest and become exercisable with respect to one-twelfth (1/12) each quarter until the option is one hundred percent (100%) vested. As of December 31, 2017, the option was one-quarter (1/4) vested. On January 8, 2016, we granted Mr. Nahass a ten-year option to acquire 60,000 shares of Common Stock at $1.35 per share. The option is in consideration of the services to be rendered, which shall vest and become exercisable with respect to one-twelfth (1/12) each quarter until the option is one hundred percent (100%) vested. As of December 31, 2017, the option was one-third (1/3) vested.

On June 30, 2017, we issued to Mr. Nahass 16,276 shares of Common Stock. The price per share was $2.54, as reported on the OTC Market Group, Inc.’s OTCQX tier on June 30, 2017. On July 21, 2015, we issued to Mr. Nahass 30,000 shares of Common Stock. The price per share was $1.28, as reported on the OTC Market Group, Inc.’s OTCQB tier on July 21, 2015. On July 9, 2014, we issued to Mr. Nahass 32,680 shares of Common Stock. The price per share was $7.95, as reported on the OTC Market Group, Inc.’s OTCQB tier on July 9, 2014. On December 23, 2014, we issued to Mr. Nahass 36,667 shares of Series B Preferred Stock, which is convertible into 197,425 shares of Common Stock. We valued the grant of Series B Preferred Stock using the market price of our Common Stock as reported on the OTC Market Group, Inc.’s OTCQB tier on December 23, 2014, which was $4.04 per share of Common Stock.

Mr. Nahass also received $6,000, as set forth in the “All Other Compensation” column, which represents a car allowance of $500 per month, during fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015. In 2017, Mr. Nahass also received $2,610 for health club memberships for himself and his wife.

Kenneth Vande Vrede

Mr. Vande Vrede earned total cash compensation for his services to us in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 in the amounts of $200,000, $140,000 and $124,167, respectively, which represent his annual base salary for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, and bonuses in the amounts of $0, $100,000 and $0 for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The base salary paid to Mr. Vande Vrede for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 constituted approximately 59.54%, 51.82% and 74.67%, respectively, of the total compensation paid to Mr. Vande Vrede as set forth in the “Total” column in the Summary Compensation Table.

On May 24, 2017, we granted Mr. Vande Vrede a ten-year option to acquire 100,000 shares of Common Stock at $2.54 per share. The option is in consideration of the services to be rendered, which shall vest and become exercisable with respect to one-twelfth (1/12) each quarter until the option is one hundred percent (100%) vested. As of December 31, 2017, the option was one-quarter (1/4) vested. On January 8, 2016, we granted Mr. Vande Vrede a ten-year option to acquire 56,667 shares of Common Stock at $1.35 per share. The option is in consideration of the services to be rendered, which shall vest and become exercisable with respect to one-twelfth (1/12) each quarter until the option is one hundred percent (100%) vested. As of December 31, 2017, the option was one-third (1/3) vested.

On June 30, 2017, we issued to Mr. Vande Vrede 16,276 shares of Common Stock. The price per share was $2.82, as reported on the OTC Market Group, Inc.’s OTCQX tier on June 30, 2017. On July 21, 2015, we issued to Mr. Vande Vrede 28,333 shares of Common Stock. The price per share was $1.28, as reported on the OTC Market Group, Inc.’s OTCQB tier on July 21, 2015. On July 9, 2014, we issued to Mr. Vande Vrede 29,630 shares of Common Stock. The price per share was $7.95, as reported on the OTC Market Group, Inc.’s OTCQB tier on July 9, 2014.

Mr. Vande Vrede received $6,000, as set forth in the “All Other Compensation” column, which represents a car allowance of $500 per month, during fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Michael James

Mr. James earned total cash compensation for his services to us in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 in the amounts of $200,000, $150,000 and $126,250, respectively, which represent his annual base salary for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, and bonuses in the amounts of $0, $110,000 and $0 for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The base salary paid to Mr. James for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 constituted approximately 14.57%, 14.90% and 23.53%, respectively, of the total compensation paid to Mr. James as set forth in the “Total” column in the Summary Compensation Table.

On May 24, 2017, we granted Mr. James a ten-year option to acquire 100,000 shares of Common Stock at $2.54 per share. The option is in consideration of the services to be rendered, which shall vest and become exercisable with respect to one-twelfth (1/12) each quarter until the option is one hundred percent (100%) vested. As of December 31, 2017, the option was one-quarter (1/4) vested. On January 8, 2016, we granted Mr. James a ten-year option to acquire 60,000 shares of Common Stock at $1.35 per share. The option is in consideration of the services to be rendered, which shall vest and become exercisable with respect to one-twelfth (1/12) each quarter until the option is one hundred percent (100%) vested. As of December 31, 2017, the option was one-third (1/3) vested.

On January 6, 2017, we also issued to Mr. James 40,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock which are convertible into 215,373 shares of Common Stock. We valued the grant of Series B Preferred Stock using the market price of our Common Stock as reported on the OTC Market Group, Inc.’s OTCQX tier on January 6, 2017, which was $4.81 per share of Common Stock. On June 30, 2017, we issued to Mr. James 16,276 shares of Common Stock. The price per share was $2.82, as reported on the OTC Market Group, Inc.’s OTCQX tier on June 30, 2017. On September 23, 2016, we also issued to Mr. James 10,077 shares of Series B Preferred Stock and 9 shares of Series Z Preferred Stock, which both are convertible into 143,582 shares of Common Stock. We valued the grant of Series B Preferred Stock and Series Z Preferred Stock using the market price of our Common Stock as reported on the OTC Market Group, Inc.’s OTCQX tier on September 23, 2016, which was $4.98 per share of Common Stock. On July 21, 2015, we issued to Mr. James 30,000 shares of Common Stock. The price per share was $1.28, as reported on the OTC Market Group, Inc.’s OTCQB tier on July 21, 2015. On July 21, 2015, we also issued to Mr. James 53,333 shares of Series B Preferred Stock, which is convertible into 287,164 shares of Common Stock. We valued the grant of Series B Preferred Stock using the market price of our Common Stock as reported on the OTC Market Group, Inc.’s OTCQB tier on July 21, 2015, which was $1.28 per share of Common Stock. On July 9, 2014, we issued to Mr. James 32,680 shares of Common Stock. The price per share was $7.95, as reported on the OTC Market Group, Inc.’s OTCQB tier on July 9, 2014. On December 23, 2014, we issued to Mr. James 13,333 shares of Series B Preferred Stock, which is convertible into 71,791 shares of Common Stock. We valued the grant of Series B Preferred Stock using the market price of our Common Stock as reported on the OTC Market Group, Inc.’s OTCQB tier on December 23, 2014, which was $4.04 per share of Common Stock.

Mr. James also received $6,000, as set forth in the “All Other Compensation” column, which represents a car allowance of $500 per month, during fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Outstanding Equity Awards

During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 we granted certain Directors, Officers and Employees ten-year options to acquire 731,065 and 446,667 shares of the Common Stock at an exercise price ranging from $1.35 to $5.10 per share. The options are in consideration of the services to be rendered, which shall vest and become exercisable with respect to one-twelfth (1/12) each quarter until the options are one hundred percent (100%) vested. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the options were one-third (1/3) and two-third (2/3) vested. We had no outstanding equity awards as of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.

Employment Contracts, Termination of Employment, Change-in-Control Arrangements

As of the date hereof, we have not entered into any employment agreements with any of our Named Executive Officers.

Pay ratio information

The following is a reasonable estimate, prepared under applicable SEC rules, of the ratio of the annual total compensation of our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) to the median of the annual total compensation of our other employees. We determined our median employee based on 2017 annual base salary and 2017 bonus awards for each of our employees (excluding the CEO) as of December 31, 2017.  The annual total compensation of our median employee (other than the CEO) for 2017 was $15,182.  As disclosed in the summary compensation table included above, our CEO’s annual total compensation for 2017 was $360,777.  Based on the foregoing, the ratio of the 2017 annual total compensation of our CEO to the median of the annual total compensation of all other employees was 23.8 to 1.  Given the different methodologies that various public companies will use to determine an estimate of their pay ratio, the estimated ratio reported above should not be used as a basis for comparison between companies.

Director Compensation

The following table sets forth director compensation for the year ended December 31, 2017:

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Narrative to Director Compensation Table

The following is a narrative discussion of the material information that we believe is necessary to understand the information disclosed in the previous table. All travel and lodging expenses associated with corporate matters are reimbursed by us, if and when incurred.

Steven J. Ross

Mr. Ross earned cash fees for his services as a director in fiscal 2017 in the amount of $111,665. On June 22, 2017, we issued to Mr. Ross 72,727 shares of Common Stock. The price per share was $2.54, as reported on the OTC Market Group, Inc.’s OTCQX tier on June 22, 2017.

On May 24, 2017, we granted Mr. Ross a ten-year option to acquire 50,000 shares of Common Stock at $2.54 per share. The option is in consideration of the services to be rendered, which shall vest and become exercisable with respect to one-twelfth (1/12) each quarter until the option is one hundred percent (100%) vested. As of December 31, 2017, the option was one-quarter (1/4) vested. On January 8, 2016, we granted Mr. Ross a ten-year option to acquire 53,333 shares of Common Stock at $1.35 per share. The option is in consideration of the services to be rendered, which shall vest and become exercisable with respect to one-twelfth (1/12) each quarter until the option is one hundred percent (100%) vested. As of December 31, 2017, the option was one-third (1/3) vested.

Alan Gladstone

Mr. Gladstone earned cash fees for his services as a director in fiscal 2017 in the amount of $19,792.

On November 15, 2017, we granted Mr. Gladstone a five-year option to acquire 29,167 shares of Common Stock at $3.00 per share. The option is in consideration of the services to be rendered, which vested upon issuance and become exercisable with respect to one-twelfth (1/12) each quarter until the option is one hundred percent (100%) vested. As of December 31, 2017, the option was one-hundred percent (100%) vested.

Risk Assessment in Compensation Programs

During fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, we paid compensation to our employees, including executive and non-executive officers. Due to the size and scope of our business, and the amount of compensation, we did not have any employee compensation policies and programs to determine whether our policies and programs create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on us.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

Equity Compensation Plan Information

On January 12, 2016, we adopted the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), and our stockholders approved the Plan at our annual meeting of stockholders that was held on September 26, 2016. Pursuant to the terms of the Plan, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock available for the grant of awards under the Plan shall not exceed 30,000,000. During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company granted ten-year options to directors, officers, and employees, pursuant to which such individuals are entitled to exercise options to purchase an aggregate of up to 0.73 million and 0.45 million shares of Common Stock, respectively. The options have exercise prices of $1.35 - $5.10 per share, and generally vest quarterly over a three-year period.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The following table sets forth certain information as of March 8, 2018 with respect to the holdings of: (1) each person known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our Common Stock; (2) each of our directors, nominees for director and executive officers; and (3) all directors and executive officers as a group. To the best of our knowledge, each of the persons named in the table below as beneficially owning the shares set forth therein has sole voting power and sole investment power with respect to such shares, unless otherwise indicated. Unless otherwise specified, the address of each of the persons set forth below is in care of the Company, at the address of 2040 Main Street, Suite 225, Irvine, California 92614.

In computing the number and percentage of shares beneficially owned by each person, we include any shares of Common Stock that could be acquired within 60 days of March 8, 2018 by the conversion or exercise of shares of Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, or option awards. These shares, however, are not counted in computing the percentage ownership of any other person.

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The following table sets forth certain information as of March 8, 2018 with respect to the holdings of: (1) each person known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our Series A Preferred Stock; (2) each of our directors, nominees for director and executive officers; and (3) all directors and executive officers as a group. To the best of our knowledge, each of the persons named in the table below as beneficially owning the shares set forth therein has sole voting power and sole investment power with respect to such shares, unless otherwise indicated. Unless otherwise specified, the address of each of the persons set forth below is in care of the Company, at the address of 2040 Main Street, Suite 225, Irvine, California 92614.