Biggest changeFood and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) regulation of cannabis and the possible registration of facilities where cannabis is grown could negatively affect the cannabis industry, which could directly affect our financial condition and the financial condition of our borrowers; • The cannabis industry may face significant opposition from other industries that perceive cannabis products and services as competitive with their own, including but not limited to the pharmaceutical industry, adult beverage industry and tobacco industry, all of which have powerful lobbying and financial resources; and • Consumer complaints and negative publicity regarding cannabis-related products and services could lead to political pressure on states to implement new laws and regulations that are adverse to the cannabis industry, to not modify existing, restrictive laws and regulations, or to reverse current favorable laws and regulations relating to cannabis. 44 Table of Contents We and our borrowers may have difficulty accessing the service of banks and other financial institutions, which may make it difficult to sell products and services, and we may be limited in our ability to provide debt to participants in the cannabis industry, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.
Biggest changeFood and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) regulation of cannabis and the possible registration of facilities where cannabis is grown could negatively affect the cannabis industry, which could directly affect our financial condition and the financial condition of our borrowers; • The cannabis industry may face significant opposition from other industries that perceive cannabis products and services as competitive with their own, including but not limited to the hemp industry, pharmaceutical industry, adult beverage industry and tobacco industry, some of which have powerful lobbying and financial resources; and 47 Table of Contents • Consumer complaints and negative publicity regarding cannabis-related products and services could lead to political pressure on states to implement new laws and regulations that are adverse to the cannabis industry, to not modify existing, restrictive laws and regulations, or to reverse current favorable laws and regulations relating to cannabis.
Subject to the approval of our Manager, our Board (which must include a majority of our independent directors) may change our investment strategies or guidelines, financing strategies or leverage policies without the consent of our shareholders.
Subject to the approval of our Board (which must include a majority of our independent directors), our Manager may change our investment strategies or guidelines, financing strategies or leverage policies without the consent of our shareholders.
Subject to the approval of our Manager, our Board (which must include a majority of our independent directors) may change our investment strategies or guidelines, financing strategies or leverage policies with respect to loans, originations, acquisitions, growth, operations, indebtedness, capitalization and distributions at any time without the consent of our shareholders, which could result in a portfolio with a different risk profile than that of our Existing Portfolio or of a portfolio comprised of our target loans.
Subject to the approval of our Board (which must include a majority of our independent directors), our Manager may change our investment strategies or guidelines, financing strategies or leverage policies with respect to loans, originations, acquisitions, growth, operations, indebtedness, capitalization and distributions at any time without the consent of our shareholders, which could result in a portfolio with a different risk profile than that of our Existing Portfolio or of a portfolio comprised of our target loans.
NOI of an income-producing property can be affected by many factors, including, but not limited to: • the ongoing need for capital improvements, particularly in older structures; • changes in operating expenses; • changes in general or local market conditions; • changes in tenant mix and performance, the occupancy or rental rates of the property or, for a property that requires new leasing activity, a failure to lease the property in accordance with the projected leasing schedule; 37 Table of Contents • competition from comparable property types or properties; • unskilled or inexperienced property management; • limited availability of mortgage funds or fluctuations in interest rates which may render the sale and refinancing of a property difficult; • development projects that experience cost overruns or otherwise fail to perform as projected including, without limitation, failure to complete planned renovations, repairs, or construction; • unanticipated increases in real estate taxes and other operating expenses; • challenges to the borrower’s claim of title to the real property; • environmental considerations, including liability for testing, monitoring and remediation; • changes in zoning laws, rent control laws and other similar legal restrictions on property ownership and operation; • other governmental rules and policies; • community health issues, including, without limitation, epidemics and pandemics; • unanticipated structural defects or costliness of maintaining the property; • uninsured losses, such as possible acts of theft, terrorism, social unrest or civil disturbances; • a decline in the operational performance of a facility on the real property (such facilities may include multifamily rental facilities, office properties, retail facilities, hospitality facilities, healthcare-related facilities, industrial facilities, warehouse facilities, restaurants, mobile home facilities, recreational or resort facilities, arenas or stadiums, religious facilities, parking lot facilities or other facilities); and • large-scale fire, earthquake or severe weather-related damage to, or the effect of climate change on, the property and/or its operations.
NOI of an income-producing property can be affected by many factors, including, but not limited to: • the ongoing need for capital improvements, particularly in older structures; • changes in operating expenses; • changes in general or local market conditions; • changes in tenant mix and performance, the occupancy or rental rates of the property or, for a property that requires new leasing activity, a failure to lease the property in accordance with the projected leasing schedule; • competition from comparable property types or properties; • unskilled or inexperienced property management; • limited availability of mortgage funds or fluctuations in interest rates which may render the sale and refinancing of a property difficult; • development projects that experience cost overruns or otherwise fail to perform as projected including, without limitation, failure to complete planned renovations, repairs, or construction; 40 Table of Contents • unanticipated increases in real estate taxes and other operating expenses; • challenges to the borrower’s claim of title to the real property; • environmental considerations, including liability for testing, monitoring and remediation; • changes in zoning laws, rent control laws and other similar legal restrictions on property ownership and operation; • other governmental rules and policies; • community health issues, including, without limitation, epidemics and pandemics; • unanticipated structural defects or costliness of maintaining the property; • uninsured losses, such as possible acts of theft, terrorism, social unrest or civil disturbances; • a decline in the operational performance of a facility on the real property (such facilities may include multifamily rental facilities, office properties, retail facilities, hospitality facilities, healthcare-related facilities, industrial facilities, warehouse facilities, restaurants, mobile home facilities, recreational or resort facilities, arenas or stadiums, religious facilities, parking lot facilities or other facilities); and • large-scale fire, earthquake or severe weather-related damage to, or the effect of climate change on, the property and/or its operations.
Some of the factors that could negatively affect or result in fluctuations in the market price of our common stock include: ▪ our actual or projected operating results, financial condition, cash flows and liquidity or changes in business strategy or prospects; 72 Table of Contents ▪ changes in governmental policies, regulations or laws; ▪ loss of a major funding source or inability to obtain new favorable funding sources in the future; ▪ equity issuances by us, or share resales by our shareholders, or the perception that such issuances or resales may occur; ▪ actual, anticipated or perceived accounting or internal control problems; ▪ publication of research reports about us, the real estate industry or the cannabis industry; ▪ our value of the properties securing our loans; ▪ changes in market valuations of similar companies; ▪ adverse market reaction to any increased indebtedness we may incur in the future; ▪ additions to or departures of the executive officers or key personnel supporting or assisting us from our Manager or its affiliates, including our Manager’s investment professionals; ▪ speculation in the press or investment community about us or other similar companies; ▪ our failure to meet, or the lowering of, our earnings estimates or those of any securities analysts; ▪ increases in market interest rates, which may lead investors to demand a higher distribution yield for our common stock (if we have begun to make distributions to our shareholders) and which could cause the cost of our interest expenses on our debt to increase; ▪ failure to qualify or maintain our qualification as a REIT or exemption from the Investment Company Act; ▪ price and volume fluctuations in the stock market generally; and ▪ general market and economic conditions, including the state of the credit and capital markets.
Some of the factors that could negatively affect or result in fluctuations in the market price of our common stock include: ▪ our actual or projected operating results, financial condition, cash flows and liquidity or changes in business strategy or prospects; 77 Table of Contents ▪ changes in governmental policies, regulations or laws; ▪ loss of a major funding source or inability to obtain new favorable funding sources in the future; ▪ equity issuances by us, or share resales by our shareholders, or the perception that such issuances or resales may occur; ▪ actual, anticipated or perceived accounting or internal control problems; ▪ publication of research reports about us, the real estate industry or the cannabis industry; ▪ our value of the properties securing our loans; ▪ changes in market valuations of similar companies; ▪ adverse market reaction to any increased indebtedness we may incur in the future; ▪ additions to or departures of the executive officers or key personnel supporting or assisting us from our Manager or its affiliates, including our Manager’s investment professionals; ▪ speculation in the press or investment community about us or other similar companies; ▪ our failure to meet, or the lowering of, our earnings estimates or those of any securities analysts; ▪ increases in market interest rates, which may lead investors to demand a higher distribution yield for our common stock (if we have begun to make distributions to our shareholders) and which could cause the cost of our interest expenses on our debt to increase; ▪ failure to qualify or maintain our qualification as a REIT or exemption from the Investment Company Act; ▪ price and volume fluctuations in the stock market generally; and ▪ general market and economic conditions, including the state of the credit and capital markets.
In addition, due to a number of factors (including but not limited to potentially greater clarity and/or unification of the laws and regulations governing cannabis by states and the federal government including through federal legislation or descheduling of cannabis, which may, in turn, encourage additional federally-chartered banks to provide their services to cannabis-related businesses), the number of entities and the amount of funds competing to provide suitable capital may increase, resulting in loans with terms less favorable to us.
In addition, due to a number of factors (including but not limited to potentially greater clarity and/or unification of the laws and regulations governing cannabis by states and the federal government including through federal legislation or rescheduling or descheduling of cannabis, which may, in turn, encourage additional federally-chartered banks to provide their services to cannabis-related businesses), the number of entities and the amount of funds competing to provide suitable capital may increase, resulting in loans with terms less favorable to us.
Our indebtedness could have significant adverse consequences to us, such as: • limiting our ability to satisfy our financial obligations,; 55 Table of Contents • limiting our ability to obtain additional financing to fund our working capital needs, acquisitions, capital expenditures or other debt service requirements or for other purposes; • limiting our ability to use operating cash flow in other areas of our business because we must dedicate a substantial portion of these funds to service debt; • limiting our ability to compete with other companies who are not as highly leveraged, as we may be less capable of responding to adverse economic and industry conditions; • restricting us from making strategic acquisitions, developing properties or exploiting business opportunities; • restricting the way in which we conduct our business because of financial and operating covenants; • covenants in the agreements governing our and our subsidiaries’ existing and future indebtedness; • exposing us to potential events of default (if not cured or waived) under financial and operating covenants contained in our or our subsidiaries’ debt instruments that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results; • increasing our vulnerability to a downturn in general economic conditions; and • limiting our ability to react to changing market conditions in our industry and in our borrowers’ industries.
Our indebtedness could have significant adverse consequences to us, such as: • limiting our ability to satisfy our financial obligations,; • limiting our ability to obtain additional financing to fund our working capital needs, acquisitions, capital expenditures or other debt service requirements or for other purposes; • limiting our ability to use operating cash flow in other areas of our business because we must dedicate a substantial portion of these funds to service debt; • limiting our ability to compete with other companies who are not as highly leveraged, as we may be less capable of responding to adverse economic and industry conditions; 58 Table of Contents • restricting us from making strategic acquisitions, developing properties or exploiting business opportunities; • restricting the way in which we conduct our business because of financial and operating covenants; • covenants in the agreements governing our and our subsidiaries’ existing and future indebtedness; • exposing us to potential events of default (if not cured or waived) under financial and operating covenants contained in our or our subsidiaries’ debt instruments that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results; • increasing our vulnerability to a downturn in general economic conditions; and • limiting our ability to react to changing market conditions in our industry and in our borrowers’ industries.
Our Charter and Bylaws include, among others, provisions that: • authorize our Board, without your approval, to cause us to issue additional shares of our common stock or to raise capital through the creation and issuance of our preferred stock, debt securities convertible into common stock, options, warrants and other rights, on terms and for consideration as our Board in its sole discretion may determine; • authorize “blank check” preferred stock, which could be issued by our Board without shareholder approval, subject to certain specified limitations, and may contain voting, liquidation, dividend and other rights senior to our common stock; • establish a classified Board such that not all members of the Board are elected at each annual meeting of shareholders, which may delay the ability of our stockholders to change the membership of a majority of our Board; 58 Table of Contents • specify that only our Board, the chairman of our Board, our chief executive officer or president or, upon the written request of shareholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of the votes entitled to be cast, our secretary can call special meetings of our shareholders; • establish advance notice procedures for shareholder proposals to be brought before an annual meeting of our shareholders, including proposed nominations of individuals for election to our Board; • provide that a majority of directors then in office, even though less than a quorum, may fill any vacancy on our Board, whether resulting from an increase in the number of directors or otherwise; • specify that no shareholder is permitted to cumulate votes at any election of directors; • provide our Board the exclusive power to adopt, alter or repeal any provision of our Bylaws and to make new Bylaws; and • require supermajority votes of the holders of our common stock to amend specified provisions of our Charter.
Our Charter and Bylaws include, among others, provisions that: • authorize our Board, without your approval, to cause us to issue additional shares of our common stock or to raise capital through the creation and issuance of our preferred stock, debt securities convertible into common stock, options, warrants and other rights, on terms and for consideration as our Board in its sole discretion may determine; • authorize “blank check” preferred stock, which could be issued by our Board without shareholder approval, subject to certain specified limitations, and may contain voting, liquidation, dividend and other rights senior to our common stock; • establish a classified Board such that not all members of the Board are elected at each annual meeting of shareholders, which may delay the ability of our stockholders to change the membership of a majority of our Board; • specify that only our Board, the chairman of our Board, our chief executive officer or president or, upon the written request of shareholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of the votes entitled to be cast, our secretary can call special meetings of our shareholders; • establish advance notice procedures for shareholder proposals to be brought before an annual meeting of our shareholders, including proposed nominations of individuals for election to our Board; • provide that a majority of directors then in office, even though less than a quorum, may fill any vacancy on our Board, whether resulting from an increase in the number of directors or otherwise; • specify that no shareholder is permitted to cumulate votes at any election of directors; • provide our Board the exclusive power to adopt, alter or repeal any provision of our Bylaws and to make new Bylaws; and • require supermajority votes of the holders of our common stock to amend specified provisions of our Charter.
Industry observers anticipate no reversal of that policy of non-enforcement against businesses complying with the state regulated cannabis programs under the Biden administration given his campaign’s position on cannabis and statements made by Attorney General Merrick Garland , discussed below, although prosecutions against state-legal entities cannot be ruled out entirely at this time.
Industry observers anticipate no reversal of that policy of non-enforcement against businesses complying with the state-regulated cannabis programs under the Biden administration given his campaign’s position on cannabis and statements made by Attorney General Merrick Garland , discussed below, although prosecutions against state-regulated entities cannot be ruled out entirely at this time.
Indeed, after the U.S. government removed hemp and its extracts from the CSA as part of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2008, then FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb issued a statement reminding the public of the FDA’s continued authority “to regulate products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (the “FD&C Act”) and section 351 of the Public Health Service Act.” He also reminded the public that “it’s unlawful under the FD&C Act to introduce food containing added cannabidiol (“CBD”) or THC into interstate commerce, or to market CBD or THC products, as, or in, dietary supplements, regardless of whether the substances are hemp-derived,” and regardless of whether health claims are made, because CBD and THC entered the FDA testing pipeline as the subject of public substantial clinical investigations for GW Pharmaceuticals’ Sativex (THC and CBD) and Epidiolex (CBD).
Indeed, after the U.S. government removed hemp and its extracts from the CSA as part of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2008, then FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb issued a statement reminding the public of the FDA’s continued authority “to regulate products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (the “FD&C Act”) and section 351 of the Public Health Service Act.” He also reminded the public that “it’s unlawful under the FD&C Act to introduce food containing added CBD or THC into interstate commerce, or to market CBD or THC products, as, or in, dietary supplements, regardless of whether the substances are hemp-derived,” and regardless of whether health claims are made, because CBD and THC entered the FDA testing pipeline as the subject of public substantial clinical investigations for GW Pharmaceuticals’ Sativex (THC and CBD) and Epidiolex (CBD).
If the market does not develop as a borrower expects, it could have a material adverse effect on its business; • we, our executive officers and directors and our Manager may, in the ordinary course of business, be named as defendants in litigation arising from our loans to such borrowers and may, as a result, incur significant costs and expenses in connection with such litigation and/or related indemnification obligations; 28 Table of Contents • changes in laws and regulations, as well as their interpretations, may have a disproportionate adverse effect on their business, financial structure or prospects compared to those of larger and more established companies; and • they may have difficulty accessing capital from other providers on favorable terms or at all.
If the market does not develop as a borrower expects, it could have a material adverse effect on its business; • we, our executive officers and directors and our Manager may, in the ordinary course of business, be named as defendants in litigation arising from our loans to such borrowers and may, as a result, incur significant costs and expenses in connection with such litigation and/or related indemnification obligations; 32 Table of Contents • changes in laws and regulations, as well as their interpretations, may have a disproportionate adverse effect on their business, financial structure or prospects compared to those of larger and more established companies; and • they may have difficulty accessing capital from other providers on favorable terms or at all.
We may face greater credit risk to the extent a large portion of our portfolio is concentrated in loans to multiple borrowers that share the same sponsor. 27 Table of Contents Our Existing Portfolio contains loans to companies with operations that are geographically concentrated in Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania, and we will be subject to social, political and economic risks of doing business in those states and any other state in which we in the future have lending exposure.
We may face greater credit risk to the extent a large portion of our portfolio is concentrated in loans to multiple borrowers that share the same sponsor. 31 Table of Contents Our Existing Portfolio contains loans to companies with operations that are geographically concentrated in Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania, and we will be subject to social, political and economic risks of doing business in those states and any other state in which we in the future have lending exposure.
This concentration of ownership may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control which could have the dual effect of depriving our shareholders from an opportunity to receive a premium for their equity as part of a sale of AFC Gamma, Inc. and otherwise reducing the price of such equity. 74 Table of Contents We are an “emerging growth company” and a “smaller reporting company” and we cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies and smaller reporting companies will make shares of our common stock less attractive to investors.
This concentration of ownership may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control which could have the dual effect of depriving our shareholders from an opportunity to receive a premium for their equity as part of a sale of AFC Gamma, Inc. and otherwise reducing the price of such equity. 79 Table of Contents We are an “emerging growth company” and a “smaller reporting company” and we cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies and smaller reporting companies will make shares of our common stock less attractive to investors.
Under such circumstances, cash flows of investments held by us may be adversely affected as any reduction in the mortgage payments or principal losses on liquidation of any mortgage loan may be applied to the class of mortgage-backed securities relating to such defaulted loans that we hold. 38 Table of Contents The market value of our investments could fluctuate materially over time as the result of changes in mortgage spreads, treasury bond interest rates, capital market supply and demand factors, and many other factors that affect high-yield fixed income products.
Under such circumstances, cash flows of investments held by us may be adversely affected as any reduction in the mortgage payments or principal losses on liquidation of any mortgage loan may be applied to the class of mortgage-backed securities relating to such defaulted loans that we hold. 41 Table of Contents The market value of our investments could fluctuate materially over time as the result of changes in mortgage spreads, treasury bond interest rates, capital market supply and demand factors, and many other factors that affect high-yield fixed income products.
However, we cannot predict the future growth rate or future market potential, and any negative outlook on the cannabis industry may adversely affect our business operations and the operations of our borrowers. 52 Table of Contents Large, well-funded industries that perceive cannabis products and services as competitive with their own, including but not limited to the pharmaceutical industry, adult beverage industry and tobacco industry, all of which have powerful lobbying and financial resources, may have strong economic reasons to oppose the development of the cannabis industry.
However, we cannot predict the future growth rate or future market potential, and any negative outlook on the cannabis industry may adversely affect our business operations and the operations of our borrowers. 55 Table of Contents Large, well-funded industries that perceive cannabis products and services as competitive with their own, including but not limited to the pharmaceutical industry, adult beverage industry and tobacco industry, all of which have powerful lobbying and financial resources, may have strong economic reasons to oppose the development of the cannabis industry.
Future research and clinical trials may draw different or negative conclusions regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, dosing or other facts and perceptions related to medical cannabis, which could adversely affect social acceptance of cannabis and the demand for their products. 51 Table of Contents There can be no assurance that future scientific research, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention, or other research findings or publicity will be favorable to the cannabis market or any particular cannabis product or will be consistent with earlier publicity.
Future research and clinical trials may draw different or negative conclusions regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, dosing or other facts and perceptions related to medical cannabis, which could adversely affect social acceptance of cannabis and the demand for their products. 54 Table of Contents There can be no assurance that future scientific research, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention, or other research findings or publicity will be favorable to the cannabis market or any particular cannabis product or will be consistent with earlier publicity.
Prohibitions or restrictions on our or others’ ability to acquire certain cannabis-related assets securing the loans of our borrowers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations. 49 Table of Contents To the extent real estate collateral is still being used in cannabis-related activities, we will not foreclose and take title to such real estate to the extent doing so would violate Nasdaq listing standards.
Prohibitions or restrictions on our or others’ ability to acquire certain cannabis-related assets securing the loans of our borrowers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations. 52 Table of Contents To the extent real estate collateral is still being used in cannabis-related activities, we will not foreclose and take title to such real estate to the extent doing so would violate Nasdaq listing standards.
To the extent that an owner of a property securing one of our loans becomes liable for removal costs, the ability of the owner to make payments to us may be reduced, which in turn may adversely affect the value of the relevant loan held by us and our ability to make distributions to our shareholders. 50 Table of Contents If we foreclose on any properties securing our loans, the presence of hazardous substances on a property may adversely affect our ability to sell the property and we may incur substantial remediation costs, thus harming our financial condition.
To the extent that an owner of a property securing one of our loans becomes liable for removal costs, the ability of the owner to make payments to us may be reduced, which in turn may adversely affect the value of the relevant loan held by us and our ability to make distributions to our shareholders. 53 Table of Contents If we foreclose on any properties securing our loans, the presence of hazardous substances on a property may adversely affect our ability to sell the property and we may incur substantial remediation costs, thus harming our financial condition.
In addition, our Management Agreement has limited restrictions on our Manager’s and its affiliates’ respective ability to engage in additional management or loan opportunities, which could result in our Manager or its affiliates engaging in management and investment activities that compete with us, and our conflict of interest policies acknowledge that such activities shall not be deemed a conflict of interest. 67 Table of Contents Our Manager is subject to extensive regulation as an investment adviser, which could adversely affect its ability to manage our business.
In addition, our Management Agreement has limited restrictions on our Manager’s and its affiliates’ respective ability to engage in additional management or loan opportunities, which could result in our Manager or its affiliates engaging in management and investment activities that compete with us, and our conflict of interest policies acknowledge that such activities shall not be deemed a conflict of interest. 72 Table of Contents Our Manager is subject to extensive regulation as an investment adviser, which could adversely affect its ability to manage our business.
Any event or circumstance that affects the medical or adult use cannabis industry and market could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, as well as the business, financial condition and results of operations of our borrowers. 45 Table of Contents Marketing constraints under regulatory frameworks may limit a borrower’s ability to compete for market share in a manner similar to that of companies in other industries.
Any event or circumstance that affects the medical or adult use cannabis industry and market could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, as well as the business, financial condition and results of operations of our borrowers. 48 Table of Contents Marketing constraints under regulatory frameworks may limit a borrower’s ability to compete for market share in a manner similar to that of companies in other industries.
New laws that are adverse to our borrowers may be enacted, and current favorable state or national laws or enforcement guidelines relating to cultivation, production and distribution of cannabis may be modified or eliminated in the future, which would impede our ability to grow our business under our current business plan and could materially adversely affect our business. • As a debt investor, we are often not in a position to exert influence on borrowers, and the shareholders and management of such companies may make decisions that could decrease the value of loans made to such borrower. • Our growth depends on external sources of capital, which may not be available on favorable terms or at all. • Interest rate fluctuations could increase our financing costs, which could lead to a significant decrease in our results of operations, cash flows and the market value of our loans. • Maintenance of our exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended (the “Investment Company Act”) may impose significant limits on our operation, and failure to maintain our exempt status under the Investment Company Act could have an adverse effect on our financial results. • Failure to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes would cause us to be taxed as a regular corporation, which would substantially reduce funds available for distributions to our shareholders. • We may incur significant debt, and our governing documents and current credit facility contain no limit on the amount of debt we may incur. 24 Table of Contents • We may in the future pay distributions from sources other than our cash flow from operations, including borrowings, offering proceeds or the sale of assets, which means we will have less funds available for investments or less income-producing assets and your overall return may be reduced.
New laws that are adverse to our borrowers may be enacted, and current favorable state or national laws or enforcement guidelines relating to cultivation, production and distribution of cannabis may be modified or eliminated in the future, which would impede our ability to grow our business under our current business plan and could materially adversely affect our business. • As a debt investor, we are often not in a position to exert influence on borrowers, and the shareholders and management of such companies may make decisions that could decrease the value of loans made to such borrower. • Our growth depends on external sources of capital, which may not be available on favorable terms or at all. • Interest rate fluctuations could increase our financing costs, which could lead to a significant decrease in our results of operations, cash flows and the market value of our loans. • Maintenance of our exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act may impose significant limits on our operation, and failure to maintain our exempt status under the Investment Company Act could have an adverse effect on our financial results. • Failure to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes would cause us to be taxed as a regular corporation, which would substantially reduce funds available for distributions to our shareholders. • We may incur significant debt, and our governing documents and current credit facility contain no limit on the amount of debt we may incur. 28 Table of Contents • We may in the future pay distributions from sources other than our cash flow from operations, including borrowings, offering proceeds or the sale of assets, which means we will have less funds available for investments or less income-producing assets and your overall return may be reduced.
As a result, federal prosecutors could and still can use their prosecutorial discretion to decide to prosecute even state-legal cannabis activities. Since the Sessions Memo was issued in early 2018, however, U.S. Attorneys have not prosecuted state law compliant entities. While not formally rescinding the Sessions Memo, former Attorney General William Barr took a softer position.
As a result, federal prosecutors could and still can use their prosecutorial discretion to decide to prosecute even state-regulated cannabis activities. Since the Sessions Memo was issued in early 2018, however, U.S. Attorneys have not prosecuted state law compliant entities. While not formally rescinding the Sessions Memo, former Attorney General William Barr took a softer position.
If we fail to satisfy such income test, unless we are entitled to relief under certain provisions of the Code, we could fail to qualify as a REIT. 70 Table of Contents The tax on prohibited transactions will limit our ability to engage in certain loans involving the sale or other disposition of property or that would otherwise subject us to a 100% penalty tax.
If we fail to satisfy such income test, unless we are entitled to relief under certain provisions of the Code, we could fail to qualify as a REIT. 75 Table of Contents The tax on prohibited transactions will limit our ability to engage in certain loans involving the sale or other disposition of property or that would otherwise subject us to a 100% penalty tax.
We operate according to specific underwriting criteria in a highly competitive market for lending and investment opportunities, both of which may limit our ability to originate or acquire desirable loans and investments in our target assets and/or our ability to yield a certain return on our investments. 39 Table of Contents Our Manager uses financial models and underwriting criteria, the effectiveness of which cannot be guaranteed.
We operate according to specific underwriting criteria in a highly competitive market for lending and investment opportunities, both of which may limit our ability to originate or acquire desirable loans and investments in our target assets and/or our ability to yield a certain return on our investments. 42 Table of Contents Our Manager uses financial models and underwriting criteria, the effectiveness of which cannot be guaranteed.
We may be a smaller reporting company even after we are no longer an emerging growth company. 75 Table of Contents In addition, changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure are creating uncertainty for public companies, increasing legal and financial compliance costs and making some activities more time consuming.
We may be a smaller reporting company even after we are no longer an emerging growth company. 80 Table of Contents In addition, changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure are creating uncertainty for public companies, increasing legal and financial compliance costs and making some activities more time consuming.
Our failure to meet investors’ expectations with regard to future earnings and cash distributions likely would materially and adversely affect the valuation of our equity. 73 Table of Contents Future offerings of debt securities, which would rank senior to our common stock upon a bankruptcy liquidation, and future offerings of equity securities that may be senior to our common stock for the purposes of dividend and liquidating distributions, may adversely affect the value of our capital stock.
Our failure to meet investors’ expectations with regard to future earnings and cash distributions likely would materially and adversely affect the valuation of our equity. 78 Table of Contents Future offerings of debt securities, which would rank senior to our common stock upon a bankruptcy liquidation, and future offerings of equity securities that may be senior to our common stock for the purposes of dividend and liquidating distributions, may adversely affect the value of our capital stock.
If our Management Agreement is terminated and we are unable to find a suitable replacement for our Manager, we may not be able to continue to execute our investment strategy. 65 Table of Contents Terminating our Management Agreement for unsatisfactory performance of our Manager or electing not to renew the Management Agreement may be difficult and terminating our Management Agreement in certain circumstances requires payment of a substantial termination fee.
If our Management Agreement is terminated and we are unable to find a suitable replacement for our Manager, we may not be able to continue to execute our investment strategy. 70 Table of Contents Terminating our Management Agreement for unsatisfactory performance of our Manager or electing not to renew the Management Agreement may be difficult and terminating our Management Agreement in certain circumstances requires payment of a substantial termination fee.
This could result in increased risk to the value of our portfolio. 66 Table of Contents Our Manager manages our portfolio in accordance with very broad investment guidelines and our Board does not approve each loan and financing decision made by our Manager, which may result in us making riskier loans than those currently comprising our Existing Portfolio.
This could result in increased risk to the value of our portfolio. 71 Table of Contents Our Manager manages our portfolio in accordance with very broad investment guidelines and our Board does not approve each loan and financing decision made by our Manager, which may result in us making riskier loans than those currently comprising our Existing Portfolio.
Therefore, we may not be able to seek the protection of the bankruptcy courts, and this could materially affect our business or our ability to obtain credit. 48 Table of Contents There may be difficulty enforcing certain of our commercial agreements and contracts. Courts will not enforce a contract deemed to involve a violation of law or public policy.
Therefore, we may not be able to seek the protection of the bankruptcy courts, and this could materially affect our business or our ability to obtain credit. 51 Table of Contents There may be difficulty enforcing certain of our commercial agreements and contracts. Courts will not enforce a contract deemed to involve a violation of law or public policy.
Shareholders are urged to consult tax advisers regarding the effect of this change on the effective tax rate with respect to REIT dividends. 71 Table of Contents If we were considered to have actually or constructively paid a “preferential dividend” to certain of our shareholders, our status as a REIT could be adversely affected.
Shareholders are urged to consult tax advisers regarding the effect of this change on the effective tax rate with respect to REIT dividends. 76 Table of Contents If we were considered to have actually or constructively paid a “preferential dividend” to certain of our shareholders, our status as a REIT could be adversely affected.
As of December 31, 2022, our portfolio consisted of loans to 12 different borrowers (such portfolio, our ‘‘Existing Portfolio’’). We are subject to all of the business risks and uncertainties associated with any new business, including the risk that we will not achieve our investment objectives and that the value of your investment could decline substantially.
As of December 31, 2023, our portfolio consisted of loans to 12 different borrowers (such portfolio, our ‘‘Existing Portfolio’’). We are subject to all of the business risks and uncertainties associated with any new business, including the risk that we will not achieve our investment objectives and that the value of your investment could decline substantially.
Because cannabis remains illegal under U.S. federal law, parties to contracts involving the state legal cannabis industry have argued that the agreement was void as federally illegal or against public policy. Some courts have accepted this argument in certain cases, usually against the company involved in commercial cannabis activity.
Because cannabis remains illegal under U.S. federal law, parties to contracts involving the state-regulated cannabis industry have argued that the agreement was void as federally illegal or against public policy. Some courts have accepted this argument in certain cases, usually against the company involved in commercial cannabis activity.
As a result of all these factors, our failure to qualify as a REIT could impair our ability to expand our business and raise capital, and it could adversely affect the value of our common stock. 69 Table of Contents Even if we qualify as a REIT, we may face other tax liabilities that reduce our cash flows.
As a result of all these factors, our failure to qualify as a REIT could impair our ability to expand our business and raise capital, and it could adversely affect the value of our common stock. 74 Table of Contents Even if we qualify as a REIT, we may face other tax liabilities that reduce our cash flows.
Risks Related to the Cannabis Industry and Related Regulations Cannabis remains illegal under federal law, and therefore, strict enforcement of federal laws regarding cannabis would likely result in our inability to execute our business plan. All but three U.S. states have legalized, to some extent, cannabis for medical purposes.
Risks Related to the Cannabis Industry and Related Regulations Cannabis remains illegal under federal law, and therefore, strict enforcement of federal laws regarding cannabis would likely result in our inability to execute our business plan. All but nine U.S. states have legalized, to some extent, cannabis for medical purposes.
General economic and industry-specific conditions, which are not predictable, can have an adverse impact on the reliability of projections. 68 Table of Contents Our Manager’s and its affiliates’ liability is limited under the Management Agreement, and we have agreed to indemnify our Manager against certain liabilities.
General economic and industry-specific conditions, which are not predictable, can have an adverse impact on the reliability of projections. 73 Table of Contents Our Manager’s and its affiliates’ liability is limited under the Management Agreement, and we have agreed to indemnify our Manager against certain liabilities.
Increased competition in providing capital may also preclude us from making those loans that would generate attractive returns to us. 25 Table of Contents If we are unable to successfully integrate new assets and manage our growth, our results of operations and financial condition may suffer.
Increased competition in providing capital may also preclude us from making those loans that would generate attractive returns to us. 29 Table of Contents If we are unable to successfully integrate new assets and manage our growth, our results of operations and financial condition may suffer.
In the unlikely event that the federal government were to reverse its long-standing hands-off approach to the state legal cannabis markets and start more broadly enforcing federal law regarding cannabis, we would likely be unable to execute our business plan, and our business and financial results would be adversely affected.
In the unlikely event that the federal government were to reverse its long-standing hands-off approach to the state-regulated cannabis markets and start more broadly enforcing federal law regarding cannabis, we would likely be unable to execute our business plan, and our business and financial results would be adversely affected.
While courts have enforced contracts related to activities by state-legal cannabis companies, and the trend is generally to enforce contracts with state-legal cannabis companies and their vendors, there remains doubt and uncertainty that we will be able to enforce our commercial agreements in court for this reason.
While courts have enforced contracts related to activities by state-regulated cannabis companies, and the trend is generally to enforce contracts with state-regulated cannabis companies and their vendors, there remains doubt and uncertainty that we will be able to enforce our commercial agreements in court for this reason.
While the timing of federal reform remains unknown, it is expected that federal policy on cannabis will continue becoming more, rather than less, permissive, and legislative efforts to legalize cannabis or cannabis banking at the national level are likely to continue in 2023.
While the timing of federal reform remains unknown, it is expected that federal policy on cannabis will continue becoming more, rather than less, permissive, and legislative efforts to legalize cannabis or cannabis banking at the national level are likely to continue in 2024.
The year ended December 31, 2022 has been characterized by steep declines and significant volatility in global markets, driven by investor concerns over inflation, rising interest rates, slowing economic growth and geopolitical uncertainty. Inflation across many key economies reached generational highs, prompting central banks to take monetary policy tightening actions that are likely to create headwinds to economic growth.
The year ended December 31, 2023 has been characterized by steep declines and significant volatility in global markets, driven by investor concerns over inflation, continued rising interest rates, slowing economic growth and geopolitical uncertainty. Inflation across many key economies reached generational highs, prompting central banks to take monetary policy tightening actions that are likely to create headwinds to economic growth.
We would likely be unable to execute our business plan if the federal government were to reverse its long-standing hands-off approach to the state legal cannabis markets, described below, and were to start strictly enforcing federal law regarding cannabis.
We would likely be unable to execute our business plan if the federal government were to reverse its long-standing hands-off approach to the state-regulated cannabis markets, described below, and were to start strictly enforcing federal law regarding cannabis.
Any one of these factors could slow or halt additional legislative authorization of cannabis, which could harm our business prospects. Our investment opportunities are limited by the current illegality of cannabis under U.S. federal law; changes in the laws, regulations and guidelines that impact the cannabis industry may cause adverse effects on our ability to make loans.
Any one of these factors could slow or halt additional legislative authorization of cannabis, which could harm our business prospects. 46 Table of Contents Our investment opportunities are limited by the current illegality of cannabis under U.S. federal law; changes in the laws, regulations and guidelines that impact the cannabis industry may cause adverse effects on our ability to make loans.
Any of these taxes would decrease cash available for distribution to our shareholders. REIT distribution requirements could adversely affect our ability to exercise our business plan and liquidity and may force us to borrow funds during unfavorable market conditions.
Any of these taxes would decrease cash available for distribution to our shareholders. REIT distribution requirements could adversely affect our ability to execute our business plan and liquidity and may force us to borrow funds during unfavorable market conditions.
We believe that any disclosure controls and procedures or internal controls and procedures, no matter how well-conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake.
We believe that any disclosure controls and procedures or internal controls and procedures, no matter how well-conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. 81 Table of Contents These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake.
COVID-19, or the future outbreak of any other highly infectious or contagious diseases, has had and could in the future have material and adverse effects on our borrowers and their operations, as well as on our performance, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows due to, among other factors: • a complete or partial closure of, or other operational issues at, one or more of our borrowers’ locations resulting from government or such company’s actions; • the temporary inability of consumers and patients to purchase our borrowers’ cannabis products due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to, illness, dispensary closures or limitations on operations, quarantine, financial hardship, and “stay at home” orders; • difficulty accessing equity and debt capital on attractive terms, or at all, and a severe disruption and instability in the global financial markets or deteriorations in credit and financing conditions that may affect our access to capital necessary to fund business operations and our borrowers’ ability to fund their business operations and meet their obligations to us; • because of the federal regulatory uncertainty relating to the regulated cannabis industry, our borrowers being ineligible for financial relief available to other businesses; • delays in construction at the properties of our borrowers, which may adversely impact their ability to commence operations and generate revenues from projects; and • the potential negative impact on the health of our personnel, particularly if a significant number of them are impacted, resulting in a deterioration in our ability to ensure business continuity during a disruption.
The future outbreak of any other epidemic, pandemic or highly infectious or contagious diseases (including future outbreaks of variants of COVID-19) could have material and adverse effects on our borrowers and their operations, as well as on our performance, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows due to, among other factors: • a complete or partial closure of, or other operational issues at, one or more of our borrowers’ locations resulting from government or such company’s actions; • the temporary inability of consumers and patients to purchase our borrowers’ cannabis products due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to, illness, dispensary closures or limitations on operations, quarantine, financial hardship, and “stay at home” orders; 39 Table of Contents • difficulty accessing equity and debt capital on attractive terms, or at all, and a severe disruption and instability in the global financial markets or deteriorations in credit and financing conditions that may affect our access to capital necessary to fund business operations and our borrowers’ ability to fund their business operations and meet their obligations to us; • because of the federal regulatory uncertainty relating to the regulated cannabis industry, our borrowers being ineligible for financial relief available to other businesses; • delays in construction at the properties of our borrowers, which may adversely impact their ability to commence operations and generate revenues from projects; and • the potential negative impact on the health of our personnel, particularly if a significant number of them are impacted, resulting in a deterioration in our ability to ensure business continuity during a disruption.
For over eight years, however, and despite varying positions by U.S. Attorney Generals, the U.S. government has not enforced those laws against cannabis companies complying with state law, or their vendors.
For over nine years, however, and despite varying positions by U.S. Attorney Generals, the U.S. government has not enforced those laws against cannabis companies complying with state law, or their vendors.
Further, we, our executive officers, directors and our Manager may, in the ordinary course of business, be named as defendants in litigation arising from our loans. 30 Table of Contents We may in the future foreclose and acquire properties without any recourse, or with only limited recourse, against the prior property owner with respect to contingent or unknown liabilities.
Further, we, our executive officers, directors and our Manager may, in the ordinary course of business, be named as defendants in litigation arising from our loans. We may in the future foreclose and acquire properties without any recourse, or with only limited recourse, against the prior property owner with respect to contingent or unknown liabilities.
There can be no assurance, however, that such type of legislation will be enacted or that we will otherwise be able to make loans that do not comply with U.S. federal law. 43 Table of Contents Risks related to the cannabis industry may directly or indirectly affect us or our borrowers engaged in the cannabis industry.
There can be no assurance, however, that such type of legislation will be enacted or that we will otherwise be able to make loans that do not comply with U.S. federal law. Risks related to the cannabis industry may directly or indirectly affect us or our borrowers engaged in the cannabis industry.
Similarly, the anticipated pricing of cannabis products may differ substantially from current levels given changes in the competitive and regulatory landscape. A borrower’s business model may be susceptible to erosion of profitability should cannabis and cannabis-related products experience secular pricing changes. Potential sources of pricing changes include overproduction, regulatory action, increased competition or the emergence of new competitors.
In the future, the pricing of cannabis products may differ substantially from current levels given changes in the competitive and regulatory landscape. A borrower’s business model may be susceptible to erosion of profitability should cannabis and cannabis-related products experience secular pricing changes. Potential sources of pricing changes include overproduction, regulatory action, increased competition or the emergence of new competitors.
Sales of substantial amounts of our equity by any large shareholder, or the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect the valuation of our equity. 76 Table of Contents If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud.
Sales of substantial amounts of our equity by any large shareholder, or the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect the valuation of our equity. If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud.
Furthermore, cities and counties are being given broad discretion to ban certain cannabis activities. Even if these activities are legal under state law, specific cities and counties may ban them. Borrowers operating in a highly regulated business require significant resources. Our borrowers are involved in the production, distribution or sale of cannabis products and operate in a highly regulated business.
Furthermore, cities and counties are being given broad discretion to ban certain cannabis activities, even if these activities are legal under state law. Borrowers operating in a highly regulated business require significant resources. Our borrowers are involved in the production, distribution or sale of cannabis products and operate in a highly regulated business.
The valuation process can be particularly challenging, especially if market events make valuations of certain assets more difficult, unpredictable and volatile. 31 Table of Contents Declines in market prices and liquidity in the capital markets can result in significant net unrealized depreciation of our portfolio, which in turn would reduce our net asset value.
The valuation process can be particularly challenging, especially if market events make valuations of certain assets more difficult, unpredictable and volatile. Declines in market prices and liquidity in the capital markets can result in significant net unrealized depreciation of our portfolio, which in turn would reduce our net asset value.
Our inability to do any of the foregoing likely would materially and adversely affect our business and our ability to make distributions to our shareholders. 26 Table of Contents Our loans’ lack of liquidity may adversely affect our business.
Our inability to do any of the foregoing likely would materially and adversely affect our business and our ability to make distributions to our shareholders. 30 Table of Contents Our loans’ lack of liquidity may adversely affect our business.
This session has seen additional incremental reform bills, including a bill that would direct the Attorney General of the United States to amend the CSA to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Act (the “Marijuana 1 to 3 Act”), and a bill to allow medical cannabis patients to purchase and possess firearms (the “Second Amendment Protection Act”).
These sessions has seen additional incremental reform bills, including a bill that would direct the Attorney General of the United States to amend the CSA to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Act (the “Marijuana 1 to 3 Act”), and a bill to allow medical cannabis patients to purchase and possess firearms (the “Second Amendment Protection Act”).
Additionally, (i) many of our officers and directors are equity holders of AFC Warehouse, which invested in the equity of certain of our borrowers, (ii) Mr.
Additionally, (i) some of our officers and directors are equity holders of AFC Warehouse, which invested in the equity of certain of our borrowers, (ii) Mr.
However, in the future, cannabis producers may produce more cannabis than is needed to satisfy the collective demand of the adult-use and medical markets, as applicable, and they currently are unable to export that oversupply into other markets where cannabis use is fully legal under all applicable jurisdictional laws.
Likewise, cannabis producers may produce more cannabis than is needed to satisfy the collective demand of the adult-use and medical markets, as applicable, and they currently are unable to export that oversupply into other markets where cannabis use is fully legal under all applicable jurisdictional laws.
These market and economic disruptions, the potential trade war with China and the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine have affected, and may in the future affect, the U.S. capital markets, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
These market and economic disruptions, the potential trade war with China and the military conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Hamas have affected, and may in the future affect, the U.S. capital markets, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
There can be no assurance that any procedural protections will be sufficient to ensure that these transactions will be made on terms that will be at least as favorable to us as those that would have been obtained in an arm’s-length transaction. 64 Table of Contents Fees and expenses .
There can be no assurance that any procedural protections will be sufficient to ensure that these transactions will be made on terms that will be at least as favorable to us as those that would have been obtained in an arm’s-length transaction. Fees and expenses .
In addition, in order to meet the REIT qualification requirements or to avert the imposition of a 100% tax that applies to certain gains derived by a REIT from dealer property or inventory, we may hold certain assets through one or more to-be-formed taxable REIT subsidiaries that will be subject to corporate-level income tax at regular rates.
In addition, in order to meet the REIT qualification requirements or to avert the imposition of a 100% tax that applies to certain gains derived by a REIT from dealer property or inventory, we currently hold certain assets through TRS1, a taxable REIT subsidiary, and may hold additional assets through TRS1 or one or more to-be-formed taxable REIT subsidiaries that will be subject to corporate-level income tax at regular rates.
United States , 141 S. Ct. 2236, 2238 (2021). Recent statements made by Attorney General Garland suggest that the DOJ may issue further guidance on cannabis enforcement, though the content and timing of such guidance remains unknown. During his campaign, President Biden promised federal reform on cannabis, including decriminalization generally.
United States , 141 S. Ct. 2236, 2238 (2021). Certain statements made by Attorney General Garland suggest that the DOJ may issue further guidance on cannabis enforcement, though the content and timing of such guidance remains unknown. 44 Table of Contents During his campaign, President Biden promised federal reform on cannabis, including decriminalization generally.
The current political climate has also intensified concerns about (i) a potential trade war between the U.S. and China in connection with each country’s recent or proposed tariffs on the other country’s products and (ii) military conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The current political climate has also intensified concerns about (i) a potential trade war between the U.S. and China in connection with each country’s recent or proposed tariffs on the other country’s products and (ii) military conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Hamas.
This waiver and our ownership limitations could have the effect of discouraging a takeover or other transaction in which our shareholders might receive a premium for their shares over the then prevailing market price or which holders might believe to be otherwise in their best interests.
These ownership limitations could have the effect of discouraging a takeover or other transaction in which our shareholders might receive a premium for their shares over the then prevailing market price or which holders might believe to be otherwise in their best interests.
In addition, we may have to acquire additional assets that we might not otherwise have acquired or may have to forego opportunities to acquire assets that we would otherwise want to acquire and would be important to our investment strategy. 61 Table of Contents A failure by us to maintain this exemption would require us to significantly restructure our investment strategy.
In addition, we may have to acquire additional assets that we might not otherwise have acquired or may have to forego opportunities to acquire assets that we would otherwise want to acquire and would be important to our investment strategy. A failure by us to maintain this exemption would require us to significantly restructure our investment strategy.
Our business could also be impacted by volatility caused by geopolitical events, such as the conflict in Ukraine. Such reductions may disproportionately affect our revenue. In addition, if the current equity and credit markets deteriorate, or do not improve, it may make any necessary debt or equity financing more difficult, more costly, and more dilutive.
Our business could also be impacted by volatility caused by geopolitical events, such as the conflicts in Ukraine and between Israel and Hamas. Such reductions may disproportionately affect our revenue. In addition, if the current equity and credit markets deteriorate, or do not improve, it may make any necessary debt or equity financing more difficult, more costly, and more dilutive.
Thirty-eight states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam have legalized some form of whole-plant cannabis cultivation, sales and use for certain medical purposes. Twenty-one of those states and the District of Columbia and Northern Mariana have also legalized cannabis for adults for non-medical purposes.
Forty-one states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam have legalized some form of whole-plant cannabis cultivation, sales and use for certain medical purposes. Twenty-four of those states and the District of Columbia and Northern Mariana have also legalized cannabis for adults for non-medical purposes.
We cannot assure you that we will be able to effect any of these actions on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. Monetary policy actions by the United States Federal Reserve could adversely impact both our borrowers and our financial condition.
We cannot assure you that we will be able to effect any of these actions on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. 59 Table of Contents Monetary policy actions by the Federal Reserve could adversely impact both our borrowers and our financial condition.
Our portfolio of loans is, and in the future may be, concentrated in certain property types or in particular industries, such as cannabis or commercial real estate, that are subject to higher risk of foreclosure, or secured by properties concentrated in a limited number of geographic locations.
Our portfolio of loans is, and in the future may be, concentrated in certain property types or in particular industries, such as cannabis or commercial real estate (until the anticipated Spin-Off effective date), that are subject to higher risk of foreclosure, or secured by properties concentrated in a limited number of geographic locations.
Because the operations of our borrowers are heavily dependent on retail sales, many of our borrowers may be susceptible to economic downturns or recessions and, during such periods, may be unable to satisfy their debt service obligations to us.
Economic recessions or downturns could impair our borrowers and harm our operating results. Because the operations of our borrowers are heavily dependent on retail sales, many of our borrowers may be susceptible to economic downturns or recessions and, during such periods, may be unable to satisfy their debt service obligations to us.
Our Manager and its affiliates endeavor to allocate loan opportunities in a fair and equitable manner, subject to their internal policies.
Allocation of loans . Our Manager and its affiliates endeavor to allocate loan opportunities in a fair and equitable manner, subject to their internal policies.
If we or our borrowers are forced to go without such insurance, it may prevent us from entering into certain business sectors, may inhibit our growth, may expose us to additional risk and financial liabilities and, in the case of an uninsured loss, may result in the loss of anticipated cash flow or the value of our loan.
If we or our borrowers are forced to go without such insurance, it may prevent us from entering into certain business sectors, may inhibit our growth, may expose us to additional risk and financial liabilities and, in the case of an uninsured loss, may result in the loss of anticipated cash flow or the value of our loan. 37 Table of Contents Our insurance policies may not cover all losses.
Our insurance policies may not cover all losses. There are certain types of losses, generally of a catastrophic nature, such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, terrorism or acts of war, which may be uninsurable or not economically insurable.
There are certain types of losses, generally of a catastrophic nature, such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, terrorism or acts of war, which may be uninsurable or not economically insurable.
Similarly, in a period of declining interest rates, our interest income on floating-rate loans would decrease, while any decrease in the interest we are charged on our floating-rate debt may not compensate for such decrease in interest income and interest we are charged on our fixed-rate debt would not change.
Similarly, in a period of declining interest rates, our interest income on floating-rate loans would decrease, while any decrease in the interest we are charged on our floating-rate debt may not compensate for such decrease in interest income and interest we are charged on our fixed-rate debt would not change. Any such scenario could materially and adversely affect us.
Under the MGCL, “business combinations” between a Maryland corporation and an “interested stockholder” or an affiliate of an interested stockholder are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder.
We are a Maryland corporation and subject to the Maryland General Corporation Law (“MGCL”). Under the MGCL, “business combinations” between a Maryland corporation and an “interested stockholder” or an affiliate of an interested stockholder are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder.
If rating agencies assign a lower-than-expected rating or reduce or withdraw, or indicate that they may reduce or withdraw, their ratings of our loans in the future, the value of our loans could significantly decline, which would adversely affect the value of our portfolio and could result in losses upon disposition or, in the case of our loans, otherwise imply a potential failure of borrowers to satisfy their debt service obligations to us. 32 Table of Contents Economic recessions or downturns could impair our borrowers and harm our operating results.
If rating agencies assign a lower-than-expected rating or reduce or withdraw, or indicate that they may reduce or withdraw, their ratings of our loans in the future, the value of our loans could significantly decline, which would adversely affect the value of our portfolio and could result in losses upon disposition or, in the case of our loans, otherwise imply a potential failure of borrowers to satisfy their debt service obligations to us.
As of December 31, 2022, our total consolidated indebtedness, including that of our subsidiaries, was approximately $160.0 million (excluding debt issuance costs and accrued interests), including $60.0 million that we had drawn under our Revolving Credit Facility.
As of December 31, 2023, our total consolidated indebtedness, including that of our subsidiaries, was approximately $132.0 million (excluding debt issuance costs and accrued interests), including $42.0 million that we had drawn under our Revolving Credit Facility.
Since 2014, versions of the U.S. omnibus spending bill have included a provision, known as the Joyce Amendment prohibiting the DOJ, which includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, from using appropriated funds to prevent states from implementing their medical-use cannabis laws. In USA vs. McIntosh , the U.S.
Congress has repeatedly enacted legislation to protect the medical marijuana industry from prosecution. Since 2014, versions of the U.S. omnibus spending bill have included a provision, known as the Joyce Amendment prohibiting the DOJ, which includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, from using appropriated funds to prevent states from implementing their medical-use cannabis laws. In USA vs. McIntosh , the U.S.
There can be no assurance that any pending or future regulatory or agency proceedings, investigations and audits will not result in substantial costs or a diversion of borrower management’s attention and resources or have a material adverse impact on their and our business, financial condition and results of operations.
There can be no assurance that any pending or future regulatory or agency proceedings, investigations and audits will not result in substantial costs or a diversion of borrower management’s attention and resources or have a material adverse impact on their and our business, financial condition and results of operations. Loans to cannabis businesses may be forfeited to the federal government.
These updates change how entities will measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value. The CECL Standard replaces the “incurred loss” approach under existing guidance with an “expected loss” model for instruments measured at amortized cost.
This update changed how entities will measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value. The CECL Standard replaced the “incurred loss” approach under existing guidance with an “expected loss” model for instruments measured at amortized cost.
These changes could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, the market price of our equity and our ability to make distributions to our shareholders. 34 Table of Contents Changes in laws or regulations governing our operations, including laws and regulations governing cannabis and REITs, changes in the interpretation thereof or newly enacted laws or regulations and any failure by us to comply with these laws or regulations, could require changes to certain of our business practices, negatively impact our operations, cash flow or financial condition, impose additional costs on us or otherwise adversely affect our business.
Changes in laws or regulations governing our operations, including laws and regulations governing cannabis and REITs, changes in the interpretation thereof or newly enacted laws or regulations and any failure by us to comply with these laws or regulations, could require changes to certain of our business practices, negatively impact our operations, cash flow or financial condition, impose additional costs on us or otherwise adversely affect our business.
Notwithstanding the comments made by Attorney General Garland, there is no guarantee that the current presidential administration will not change its stated policy regarding the low-priority enforcement of U.S. federal cannabis laws that conflict with state laws. The Biden administration could reverse course and decide to enforce U.S. federal cannabis laws vigorously.
Notwithstanding the comments made by Attorney General Garland, there is no guarantee that the current presidential administration will not change its stated policy regarding the low-priority enforcement of U.S. federal cannabis laws that conflict with state laws.