COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES |
3 Months Ended | ||||||
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Mar. 31, 2023 | |||||||
| Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||||
| COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES |
Contingencies
Although the possession, cultivation and distribution of cannabis for medical and recreational use is permitted in certain states, cannabis is classified as a Schedule-I controlled substance under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act and its use remains a violation of federal law. The Company’s operations are subject to a variety of local and state regulations. Failure to comply with one or more of those regulations could result in fines, restrictions on its operations, or losses of permits that could result in the Company ceasing operations. While management believes that the Company is in material compliance with applicable local and state regulations as of March 31, 2023, marijuana regulations continue to evolve and are subject to differing interpretations. As a result, the Company could be subject to regulatory fines, penalties or restrictions at any time. Since federal law criminalizing the use of cannabis preempts state laws that legalize its use, strict enforcement of federal law regarding cannabis would likely result in the Company’s inability to proceed with the Company’s business plans. In addition, the Company’s assets, including real property, cash and cash equivalents, equipment, inventory and other goods, could be subject to asset forfeiture because cannabis is still federally illegal.
Refer to Note 14 - Income Taxes for certain tax-related contingencies.
Claims and Litigation
Any proceeding that may be brought against the Company could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business plans, financial condition and results of operations. From time to time, the Company may be involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of operations in the normal course of business. As of March 31, 2023, there were no pending or threatened lawsuits that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial results. There are also no proceedings in which any of the Company’s directors, officers or affiliates is an adverse party or has a material interest adverse to the Company’s interest.
MJ Market matter
On March 31, 2023, MJ’s Market (“MJ’s”), Inc. filed a complaint in federal district court in Massachusetts adverse to Jushi Holdings, Inc. and the following of its subsidiaries, including Jushi MA, Inc., Jushi Inc. and Nature’s Remedy of Massachusetts (“collectively “Jushi”), as well as the former owners and affiliates of Nature’s Remedy of Massachusetts (“Complaint”). The Complaint centrally claims that the structure of the Nature’s Remedy of Massachusetts transaction providing for increased purchase price consideration if there is no competing dispensary within 2,500 foot radius by certain time periods, and the Company’s filing with the Massachusetts Superior Court an appeal of the Town of Tyngsborough’s decision to approve MJ’s facility in contradiction of its own zoning bylaws are violations of the Sherman Antitrust Act, Massachusetts Antitrust Act, and Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act, as well as interference with contractual relations and abuse of process. MJ is seeking legal and equitable remedies including compensatory and other damages. The Company vehemently denies such allegations, and plans to vigorously defend the Complaint.
Sammartino matter
On February 28, 2023, the Company informed Sammartino, the former owner of Nature’s Remedy and certain of its affiliates, that Sammartino had breached several provisions of the MIPA and/or fraudulently induced the Company to enter into, and not terminate, the MIPA. As a consequence of these breaches and the fraudulent inducement, the Company informed Sammartino that the Company had incurred significant damages, and pursuant to the terms of the MIPA the Company had elected to offset these damages against certain promissory notes and shares the Company was to pay and issue, respectively, to Sammartino, and that Sammartino would be required to pay the remainder in cash. On March 13, 2023, Sammartino responded to the Company by alleging various procedural deficiencies with the Company’s claim and provided the Company with a notice that the Company was in default of the MIPA for failing to issue certain shares of the Company to Sammartino. On March 21, 2023, Sammartino sent a second notice that the Company was in default of the promissory notes for failing to pay interest pursuant to their specified schedule. On March 23, 2023, the Company sent a second letter to Sammartino disputing each procedural deficiency claimed by Sammartino and disputing that the Company is in default of the MIPA or the promissory notes and that it properly followed the terms of the various agreements in electing to set off the damages.
Commitments
In addition to the contractual obligations outlined in Note 7 - Debt and Note 8 - Leases, the Company has the following commitments as of March 31, 2023 related to property and construction.
Property and Construction Commitments
In connection with various license applications, the Company may enter into conditional leases or other property commitments which will be executed if the Company is successful in obtaining the applicable license and/or resolving other contingencies related to the license or application.
In addition, the Company expects to incur capital expenditures for leasehold improvements and construction of buildouts of certain locations, including for properties for which the lease is conditional on obtaining the applicable related license or for which other contingencies exist. If the Company were to be unsuccessful in obtaining a particular license or certain other conditions are not met, the previously capitalized improvements and buildouts relating to that license may need to be expensed in future periods in the statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
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