Vireo Growth Inc.

Current report

In addition to the other information contained in this report, including the information contained in “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” investors in our securities should carefully consider the factors discussed below. An investment in our securities involves risks. The factors below, among others, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity or capital position, or cause our results to differ materially from our historical results or the results expressed in or implied by our forward-looking statements. Additionally, investors should not interpret the disclosure of a risk to imply that the risk has not already materialized.

Current report

Below is a condensed, bullet-point summary of the risk factors

Current report

The cannabis trade is illegal under U.S. federal law. In those states in which the use of cannabis has been legalized, its use remains a violation of federal law pursuant to the Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”). Cannabis is presently classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the CSA, and as a result, the manufacture, distribution, dispensation, and possession of medical and adult-use cannabis is generally illegal under U.S. federal law. In August 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) made a recommendation to the Drug Enforcement Agency (“DEA”) to reschedule cannabis as a Schedule III drug. In May 2024, the DEA, in turn, issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”) to reschedule cannabis to Schedule III under the CSA. Following NPRM, the DEA received thousands of comments, and as of this filing, an administrative hearing on the rulemaking remains pending. In December 2025, President Trump issued an executive order directing the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) to move forward with rescheduling

Current report

cannabis as quickly as possible, consistent with federal law. If the DEA successfully reschedules cannabis, there may be new regulatory compliance obligations placed upon cannabis operators in the U.S. Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (“FD&C Act”), Schedule III cannabis and cannabis-derived products bearing health claims (e.g., under a medical marijuana state regime) would be treated as a “new drug” requiring approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) before they could be dispensed—by prescription only. The FDA can also enforce against cannabis products unlawfully marketed as conventional foods or dietary supplements or that are otherwise misbranded or adulterated under the FD&C Act.

Current report

Even among jurisdictions that permit cannabis activities, there is no uniform regulatory framework; instead, each jurisdiction may impose its own licensing regimes, security requirements, product standards, marketing regulations, packaging and labeling rules, testing protocols, track-and-trace systems, zoning and operating restrictions, ownership and control limitations, and tax and reporting obligations. The absence of harmonized regulations means that requirements can vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another and may be overlapping, inconsistent or at times directly conflicting. For example, one jurisdiction may require certain product formulations, testing thresholds or labeling disclosures that differ from, or are not permitted under, the rules of another jurisdiction. Local ordinances may impose stricter limitations than state law on operating hours, permitted activities, or facility locations. Federal prohibitions and enforcement priorities may restrict and complicate activities that are permitted under state law, including movement of funds, use of financial institutions, and transportation of products across state lines. As a result, we may face situations where full compliance with one set of rules creates a risk of non-compliance with another, or where it is unclear which standard will be applied or enforced.

Current report

While we endeavor to comply with all applicable laws, regulations and guidelines and, to our knowledge, we are in compliance with or are in the process of being assessed for compliance with all such laws, regulations and guidelines, any failure to comply with the regulatory requirements applicable to our operations may expose us to heightened compliance costs and operational complexity. We must design, implement and maintain compliance programs, internal controls, information systems and policies tailored to multiple, and sometimes inconsistent, regulatory regimes. This increases our operating costs, diverts management time and resources from other business initiatives, and may limit our ability to standardize products, processes and systems across our operations. The number, complexity, and evolving nature of applicable laws and regulations increase the risk that we may inadvertently fail to comply with one or more requirements. Regulatory changes may be adopted with limited notice, may be subject to differing interpretations, and may require rapid adjustments to our operations, documentation, product offerings or business practices. Elections, changes in political leadership, or shifts in public sentiment can lead to new or modified legislation or regulations that are more restrictive, more burdensome, or more inconsistently applied. Courts may also interpret existing laws in ways that materially impacts our operations or the legality of our activities.

Current report

We cannot predict how these changes or uncertainties will affect our business or our ability to remain in compliance. As such, the need to navigate differing and potentially conflicting regulatory regimes may limit the jurisdictions in which we can operate, delay our entry into new markets, require us to exit current markets, or constrain the structure and terms of acquisitions, joint ventures and other strategic transactions. We may be compelled to forgo business opportunities, modify transaction terms, or implement complex structures to address regulatory concerns, any of which could reduce the attractiveness or anticipated benefits of such opportunities. Regulatory issues, enforcement actions, or perceived non-compliance in one jurisdiction may affect our reputation with regulators, counterparties, investors, customers and other stakeholders in other jurisdictions. Counterparties may seek to terminate, modify, or renegotiate agreements based on regulatory developments or enforcement actions, or may be unwilling to enter into new arrangements given perceived regulatory risk.

Current report

There can be no assurance that we will be able to continuously anticipate, monitor and adequately respond to all legal and regulatory developments affecting our business or that our compliance systems and controls will be sufficient to prevent all violations, particularly in an environment where legal regimes are fragmented, evolving and occasionally inconsistent or in direct tension with one another. Any failure, or perceived failure, to comply with applicable laws and regulations, any significant change in the laws or regulations governing cannabis, or any inability to reconcile differing or conflicting requirements across jurisdictions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Current report

As marijuana and marijuana related activities remain illegal under U.S. federal law and, in certain state jurisdictions, we may be unable to enforce, or may face significant challenges enforcing, our contracts, including those relating to the Pending Transactions (as defined below).

Current report

Aspects of our business, including our contracts and contractual counterparties, are directly or indirectly involved in marijuana and related activities that are illegal under U.S. federal law and remain illegal or restricted in certain state and local jurisdictions. These include agreements relating to the Schwazze Transaction, the PharmaCann Transaction and the Eaze Merger (each, a “Pending Transaction” and, collectively, the “Pending Transactions”). Because these activities are prohibited at the federal level and may be prohibited or heavily restricted in some states, we may face uncertainty and risk in enforcing our contractual rights, both in federal courts and in certain state courts.

Current report

Courts may refuse to enforce contracts, in whole or in part, where performance involves conduct that is illegal or contrary to public policy. In the context of marijuana-related businesses, some courts have declined to enforce cannabis-related agreements or to grant certain remedies, even where the contracts themselves are validly formed under applicable state law. As a result, there is a meaningful risk that a court could determine that one or more of our contracts, including those entered into in connection with the Pending Transactions, are unenforceable or only partially enforceable, or that certain remedies (such as specific performance, injunctive relief or damages tied to cannabis-related revenue streams) are unavailable. This uncertainty could adversely affect our ability to compel performance or payment by counterparties under our commercial agreements, including those entered into in connection with the Pending Transactions. As a result, there is a material risk that we could not realize anticipated economic benefits from the Pending Transactions, including contingent or earn-out consideration, performance-based fees, royalties or other cannabis-derived revenue streams reliant on agreements. Different courts and arbitrators may apply differing interpretations of federal preemption, public policy and illegality doctrines making it difficult to predict and obtain consistent outcomes across jurisdictions.

Current report

In addition, even where a court is willing to enforce our agreements, the presence of marijuana-related activities may complicate and delay dispute resolution. Courts may be reluctant to exercise jurisdiction, may limit available remedies, or may require additional briefing or evidentiary showings regarding the legality of the underlying activities. Choice-of-law and forum-selection clauses may not be enforced as written if a court concludes that applying the chosen law or forum would require it to approve or facilitate federally illegal conduct. Arbitration provisions may likewise be subject to challenge, and enforcement of arbitration awards in court may be uncertain where the underlying subject matter involves cannabis-related activities.

Current report

If we are unable to enforce, or face significant limitations in enforcing, our contractual rights, we could experience: (i) loss of expected cash flows and asset value, including the Pending Transactions and other material agreements; (ii) reduced willingness of counterparties to perform voluntarily, if they believe we have limited practical recourse; and (iii) increased legal, administrative and transaction costs, including costs associated with structuring around enforceability concerns, negotiating enhanced protections, and resolving disputed matters in more complex or less predictable forums. While this risk is present for almost every contract we have currently or will enter into, we do not perceive or expect any specific or heighted risk with respect to the underlying agreements related to the Pending Transactions or our present lending arrangements. Any inability to enforce our agreements, any material limitation on the remedies available to us, or any adverse outcomes in related litigation, arbitration or regulatory proceedings could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and the value of our securities.

Current report

As cannabis remains illegal under U.S. federal law, proceeds from state-legal cannabis activity are generally treated as proceeds of unlawful activity for federal purposes. On February 14, 2014, the FinCEN issued guidance titled “BSA Expectations Regarding Marijuana-Related Businesses” (FIN-2014-G001) (the “FinCEN Marijuana Guidance”), which was intended to clarify how financial institutions can provide services to marijuana-related businesses consistent with their BSA obligations. Among other things, the FinCEN Marijuana Guidance:

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FinCEN has confirmed in subsequent guidance the FinCEN Marijuana Guidance remains in effect, and financial institutions are expected to apply its guidance when providing services to marijuana-related businesses. This framework has the practical effect of increasing the perceived compliance, enforcement and reputational risks for banks, credit unions and other financial intermediaries that serve cannabis businesses, and has caused many institutions to decline to provide, or to severely limit, services to the industry and the Company.

Current report

As a result, we rely on a limited number of financial institutions and service providers that are willing to work with cannabis-related businesses under this heightened BSA/AML regime. These institutions can, and sometimes do, decide to terminate or restrict relationships with cannabis businesses with little or no notice if they conclude that the relationship presents unacceptable BSA or enforcement risk or is not commercially attractive given the cost of compliance. If any of our banks or payment processors were to close or freeze our accounts, decline to process our transactions, or otherwise materially alter the services they provide to us, we could be forced to operate on a more cash-intensive basis and experience disruptions in cash management, payroll, vendor payments, tax remittances and customer transactions. Operating with limited or no traditional banking services also increases the risks of theft, fraud, diversion and other security incidents, and may adversely affect our ability to maintain adequate internal controls over financial reporting. Looking ahead, we do not expect the potential rescheduling of cannabis to Schedule III to have a material effect on our access to banking services. Given that operating state-legal medical and adult-use cannabis businesses would still be federally illegal after rescheduling, we anticipate that the impact from a banking perspective will be limited.

Current report

Our ability to obtain traditional bank financing is similarly constrained. Many banks remain unwilling to extend credit to cannabis businesses in light of the federal illegality of cannabis, the requirements of the BSA and related AML laws, and the ongoing obligation to treat cannabis-related funds as suspicious and to file SARs under the FinCEN Marijuana Guidance. Those institutions that do lend to the sector may impose higher interest rates, more restrictive covenants, enhanced reporting and audit requirements, and shorter maturities than would be customary in other industries. Our limited access to revolving credit facilities, term loans and other forms of traditional bank financing may restrict our ability to fund operations, invest in growth opportunities, pursue acquisitions, refinance existing obligations on favorable terms or withstand periods of operating stress.

Current report

In addition, broader events in the banking industry, including heightened regulatory scrutiny of AML programs, enforcement actions related to BSA compliance, shifts in bank risk-management priorities, stress events or failures involving regional or cannabis-focused financial institutions, or changes in how regulators expect institutions to apply the FinCEN Marijuana Guidance, could cause our existing or prospective banking partners to further restrict or terminate services to us or to cannabis businesses generally. Any of these factors, individually or in the aggregate, could further limit our access to banking and other financial services, increase our cost of capital, constrain our ability to grow or operate our

Current report

business as planned, and otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Current report

U.S. state licensing regimes, collateral rules, and ownership limits could materially and adversely affect our business.

Current report

Our ability to operate and grow our business and subsidiaries depends in large part on obtaining, maintaining, and renewing in a timely manner the applicable state and local licenses, permits, registrations, and credentials required to cultivate, process, distribute, and/or sell cannabis and cannabis products. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain, renew, or maintain such licenses, permits, registrations, or credentials as needed to conduct our operations. An increasing number of state regulators have begun to require or indicated they may soon require entities engaged in certain aspects of the legal cannabis industry, such as dispensary operators, to post bonds or pay significant fees as a condition to applying for, renewing, or maintaining licenses, including as a guarantee of payment of sales and franchise taxes. We are unable to quantify the potential scope or aggregate amount of such bonds or fees in the states in which we currently do, or potentially will, operate. However, any such requirements, individually or in the aggregate, could be substantial and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and ultimate business prospects.

Current report

Certain jurisdictions in which we operate also impose limits on the number or type of state-issued cannabis licenses, as well as the level of economic or commercial interests in licensed entities, that a single person or entity may hold within that state. As we complete acquisitions or other strategic transactions, we may, or could in the future, exceed permitted ownership thresholds or otherwise hold more than the prescribed number or type of licenses or interests in licensed entities in particular jurisdictions. In such circumstances, we may be required by regulators to divest certain licenses or equity interests, restructure our holdings, or take other remedial actions in order to comply with applicable state law. Any forced divestiture or restructuring could occur on unfavorable terms, reduce our anticipated returns from acquisitions or investments, limit our growth opportunities in those jurisdictions, and otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

Current report

Local regulation in U.S. states where cannabis is legal may impose additional or more restrictive requirements that could materially and adversely affect our operations.

Current report

In U.S. states where cannabis is currently legal, our business is subject not only to state-level laws and regulations but also to the ordinances, rules and policies of counties, municipalities and other local governmental authorities. Even where state law permits and regulates the sale and use of cannabis, local governments often retain broad discretion to regulate, limit or prohibit cannabis-related activities within their jurisdictions, including through zoning, licensing and land use powers. There can be no assurance that local governmental authorities will not exercise their authority to limit, condition or effectively negate the applicability of state cannabis laws in their jurisdictions where permitted. For example, local governments may prohibit cannabis businesses entirely within their borders or in particular zones, adopt restrictive zoning or buffer requirements that significantly limit permissible locations, impose operating conditions such as limited hours, security, signage or odor-control requirements that increase costs or reduce the viability of operations, or enact moratoria or temporary bans that delay or prevent licensing or expansion.

Current report

Local regulations and policies may change over time due to political developments, community opposition, changes in leadership or shifts in public opinion, and may be adopted or amended with limited notice. As a result, jurisdictions in which we currently operate, or intend to operate, could adopt new or more restrictive rules that adversely affect us. We may be required to incur additional costs to comply with changing local requirements, relocate or modify existing facilities, abandon planned facilities or licenses, or reduce or cease operations in certain areas. Any such local restrictions or changes could limit our ability to enter local markets and result in impairment of assets, increased compliance and legal costs, and operational disruption.

Current report

Regulatory uncertainty and potential enforcement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other authorities with respect to hemp-derived products could materially and adversely affect our business.

Current report

The regulatory framework governing hemp and hemp-derived products in the United States is complex, evolving and uncertain. Although the 2018 Farm Bill removed “hemp” (as defined therein) and its derivatives from the definition of “marijuana” under the CSA, hemp-derived products remain subject to extensive regulation under the FD&C Act and other federal and state laws. The FDA has asserted broad jurisdiction over many categories of hemp-derived products, including foods, dietary supplements, cosmetics and other consumer products, and has not permitted the marketing of certain hemp-derived ingestible products, such as drinks, gummies and other ingestible products containing certain hemp-derived ingredients. Our psychoactive hemp-derived products are not intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of any disease or medical condition and are not marketed as drugs. Nevertheless, the FDA may determine that some or all our hemp-derived products, their ingredients, or the manner in which they are manufactured, labeled, promoted, or distributed are not in compliance with applicable federal requirements. There can be no assurance that our products or operations will be deemed to comply with federal laws and regulations, including those enforced by the FDA, now or in the future.

Current report

The FDA has issued warning letters and taken other enforcement actions against companies marketing hemp-derived products that, in the FDA’s view, are unlawfully marketed as conventional foods, dietary supplements, or unapproved drugs, or that are otherwise misbranded or adulterated under the FD&C Act. If the FDA were to determine that our products are being marketed in a manner inconsistent with applicable law or guidance, or that our manufacturing, labeling, or promotion practices are non-compliant, we could be subject to a range of enforcement actions, including, without limitation: (i) warning letters or untitled letters requiring corrective actions; (ii) product seizures; (iii) injunctions or

Current report

consent decrees restricting or prohibiting certain operations; (iv) civil or criminal fines and penalties; and (v) requirements to recall, re-label, reformulate or discontinue certain products.

Current report

In addition, in deference to the FDA’s position and related public health concerns, various states and municipalities have declared that the sale of certain hemp-derived products, particularly certain ingestible or psychoactive products, is illegal or subject to additional restrictions. State and local authorities may adopt and enforce regulations that are more restrictive than, or inconsistent with, federal policy, and such regulations may change with limited notice. As a result, we may be prohibited or severely limited from selling certain products in particular jurisdictions, may be required to alter formulations, packaging, labeling or marketing, or may need to cease operations in certain markets altogether.

Current report

Aggressive law enforcement or regulatory action targeting the hemp-derived products industry by federal, state or local authorities and agencies could materially and adversely affect our revenues, profitability, operations and growth prospects. Moreover, adverse regulatory actions or heightened enforcement against the hemp-derived products sector generally or against our respective products specifically could negatively impact investor perception and our access to capital and could have a material adverse effect on the trading price and liquidity of our Subordinate Voting Shares.

Current report

Our business could be materially adversely affected by the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026, and related federal restrictions on hemp-derived products.

Current report

Congress has enacted the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026, which is set to significantly narrow the federal definition of “hemp” and thereby impose new restrictions on hemp-derived cannabinoid products beginning in November 2026 (the “2026 Hemp Restrictions”). As currently understood, these measures would move to a “total THC” framework that aggregates multiple forms of tetrahydrocannabinols, sets very low per-container or per-serving THC limits, and excludes many cannabinoids synthesized or manufactured outside the plant. Specifically, while the current “hemp” definition includes products with a concentration of no more 0.3 percent delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis, the forthcoming “hemp” definition would be limited to only those products with a concentration of no more than 0.3 percent ofany THC on a dry weight basis. As a result, many of our current hemp-derived products could be deemed to meet the definition of “marijuana” under the CSA and, therefore, non-compliant under this framework. We may be required to reformulate, relabel, reposition or discontinue products, shift certain items into state-regulated cannabis channels, overhaul our supply chain, testing, packaging and marketing, write down or dispose of inventory, modify or terminate commercial relationships, and limit or cease sales in certain channels or jurisdictions. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully adapt our portfolio or that any such efforts will be commercially viable.

Current report

The 2026 Hemp Restrictions may also intensify the already complex patchwork of federal and state regulation, as states may align with, diverge from, or add to the new federal standards, creating preemption, conflict-of-law and enforcement uncertainties. Federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, FDA, DEA and IRS, appear to have broad discretion in interpreting and enforcing these 2026 Hemp Restrictions, including with respect to testing methodologies, permissible product formats, labeling and claims, and tax treatment. We could face adverse federal tax consequences if our hemp-derived products are treated as controlled substances. We could experience increased regulatory scrutiny, enforcement actions, litigation, and challenges in maintaining relationships with retailers, e-commerce platforms and payment processors. Any of these developments could materially and adversely affect our ability to continue offering some or all of our hemp-derived products, reduce revenues and margins, increase compliance and operating costs, and otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. Future legislative or regulatory developments, including efforts to amend, delay or expand the 2026 Hemp Restrictions, could further increase uncertainty and compliance costs and may not be favorable to our business.

Current report

Risks Related to the Pending Transactions

Current report

Our Pending Transactions are subject to numerous conditions, including regulatory approvals and termination rights, and may not be completed on the anticipated terms or timeline, or at all, which could adversely affect the market price of our Shares and our business, financial condition and prospects.

Current report

Each of our Pending Transactions are subject to a number of conditions precedent, many of which are outside of our control, including, where applicable, receipt of required shareholder approvals of the target entities and consents and approvals from various governmental and regulatory authorities. The regulatory approval process may be lengthy and, for certain of the Pending Transactions, required regulatory approvals have not yet been obtained. There can be no assurance that any required approvals will be obtained on a timely basis, if at all, or that, if obtained, they will not be subject to conditions or undertakings that are unacceptable to us or the applicable counterparty, or that are otherwise unfavorable to the combined business. Failure to obtain required approvals, or the imposition of burdensome conditions, could result in the delay, modification or termination of some or all of the Pending Transactions.

Current report

In addition, we and the counterparties to the Pending Transactions each have termination rights under the applicable transaction agreements upon the occurrence of certain events. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that any of the Pending Transactions will be completed on the terms currently contemplated, within the expected timeline, or at all. If any of the Pending Transactions are not completed, we may not realize the anticipated strategic benefits of such transactions, our ability to execute our strategic objectives could be impeded, and the market price of our Shares could be adversely affected. Moreover, the announcement and pendency of the Pending Transactions, and the dedication of management time and other resources to their completion, may adversely affect our relationships with employees, customers, suppliers, regulators and other stakeholders, and could negatively impact our current and future operations, financial condition and prospects. We have incurred, and will continue to incur, significant transaction-related costs and expenses in connection with the Pending Transactions, regardless of whether any or all of them are ultimately completed. If one or more of the Pending Transactions are not completed, the Company will have incurred substantial expenses for which no ultimate benefit will have been received.

Current report

The Company and the assets or businesses acquired in connection with the Pending Transactions may not integrate successfully.

Current report

There can be no assurance that each or any of the Pending Transactions will not be terminated by the Company or the relevant counterparty in certain circumstances.

Previous report

Investing in our securities involves risks. In addition to the other information set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the information addressed under “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements,” investors in the Company’s securities should carefully consider the risks described in this section before deciding to invest in our securities. The following discussion highlights the risks that we believe are material to the Company, but the following discussion does not necessarily include all risks that we may face, and an investor in the Company’s securities should not interpret the disclosure of a risk in the following discussion to state or imply that the risk has not already materialized. If any of these risks occur, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. In such case, the trading price of our securities would likely decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

Previous report

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

Previous report

●U.S. state and local regulation of cannabis is uncertain and changing. New state or local laws may be enacted which affect our product offerings or manufacturing processes.

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

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

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●There can be no assurance that all of the conditions precedent to closing of each, or any of, the Merger Agreements will be satisfied.

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●The required regulatory approvals may not be obtained or, if obtained, may not be obtained on a favorable basis.

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●There can be no assurance that each or any of the Merger Agreements will not be terminated by the Company or the applicable target in certain circumstances.

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●The Company and the Merger targets may not integrate successfully.

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●The Mergers will cause dilution to the combined company, which may negatively affect the market price of subordinate voting shares of the combined company.

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●The stockholders of Deep Roots, the stockholders of Wholesome, and Proper and the Proper equityholders and other subsequent recipients of subordinate voting shares from Proper pursuant to the Proper Merger Agreement, have agreed or will agree to indemnify the Company for certain damages arising from certain of the representations, warranties, covenants, and agreements of Deep Roots, Wholesome, and Proper, respectively, in each case as set forth in the Merger Agreements. However, there can be no assurance that these indemnities will be sufficient to

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Previous report

Our activities are, and will continue to be, subject to evolving regulation by governmental authorities. The legality of the production, cultivation, extraction, distribution, transportation and use of cannabis differs among states in the United States. Marijuana remains a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, making it illegal under federal law in the United States to, among other things, cultivate, distribute, use or possess cannabis in the United States. In those states in which the cultivation, production, extraction, distribution, transportation, possession or use of marijuana has been legalized, these actions continue to be a violation of federal law pursuant to the Controlled Substances Act. Due to the current regulatory environment in the United States, new risks may emerge; management may not be able to predict all such risks.

Previous report

Due to the conflicting views between state legislatures and the federal government regarding cannabis, cannabis businesses are subject to inconsistent laws and regulations. There can be no assurance that the federal government will not enforce federal laws relating to marijuana and seek to prosecute cases involving marijuana businesses that are otherwise compliant with state laws in the future.

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

Previous report

Cultivation, processing, production, distribution, possession and sale of cannabis for any purpose, medical, adult use or otherwise, remains illegal under U.S. federal law. The U.S. federal government, through, among others, the DOJ, its sub-agency the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), has the right to actively investigate, audit and shut down cannabis growing facilities, processors, and retailers. The U.S. federal government may also attempt to seize our property. Any action taken by the DOJ, the DEA and/or the IRS to interfere with, seize or shut down our operations will have an adverse effect on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.

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We could face:

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

Previous report

U.S. state and local regulation of cannabis is uncertain and changing. New state or local laws may be enacted which affect our product offerings or manufacturing processes.

Previous report

There is no assurance that state laws legalizing and regulating the sale and use of cannabis will not be repealed or overturned, or that local governmental authorities will not limit the applicability of state laws within their respective jurisdictions where permitted. If the U.S. federal government begins to enforce U.S. federal laws relating to cannabis in states where the sale and use of cannabis is currently legal, or if existing state laws are repealed or curtailed, our business or operations in those states or under those laws would be materially and adversely affected. Federal actions against any individual or entity engaged in the cannabis industry, or a substantial repeal of cannabis related legislation, could materially, adversely affect the Company, our business and our assets or investments.

Previous report

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

Previous report

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

Previous report

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

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

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

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

Previous report

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

Previous report

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

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

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Shares would become highly illiquid until an alternative (if available) was implemented, and investors would have no ability to effect a trade of Subordinate Voting Shares through the facilities of the applicable Canadian stock exchange.

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

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

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Our business and activities are heavily regulated in all jurisdictions where we conduct business. Our operations are subject to various laws, regulations and guidelines by state and local governmental authorities relating to the manufacture,

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Pending Transactions and the resulting share issuance diluting their share holdings, and reducing their respective interests in the Company.

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companies and contractual restrictions contained in the instruments governing their debt. In the event of bankruptcy (if even possible), liquidation, or reorganization of any of our material subsidiaries, holders of indebtedness and trade creditors may be entitled to payment of their claims from the assets of those subsidiaries before us.

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We compete for the acquisition of properties suitable for the cultivation, production, and sale of medical and adult-use cannabis with entities engaged in agriculture and real estate investment activities, including corporate agriculture companies, cultivators, producers, and sellers of cannabis. These competitors may prevent us from acquiring and leasing desirable properties, may cause an increase in the price we must pay for properties or may result in us having to lease our properties on less favorable terms than we expect. Our competitors may have greater financial and operational resources than we do and may be willing to pay more for certain assets or may be willing to accept more risk than we believe can be

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entities, not all states do so, and some such exceptions are confined to companies traded on a U.S. securities exchange. If these regulations were to extend to the Company, investors would be required to comply with such regulations, or face the possibility that the relevant cannabis license could be revoked or cancelled by the state licensing authority.

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We may be subject to growth-related risks, including capacity constraints and pressure on our internal personnel, processes, systems, and controls. Our ability to manage growth effectively will require us, among other things, to continue to

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Company’s reporting United States federal net operating loss carryforward amount and state net operating loss carryforward amount.

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considering the investment in the Shares should consider the applicability of the provisions of such similar law and whether the Shares would be an appropriate investment under such similar law. The responsible fiduciary must take into account all of the facts and circumstances of the plan and of the investment when determining if a particular investment is prudent.

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●The Company’s shareholders will have a reduced ownership and voting interest in, and will exercise less influence over the management of, a combined company following the completion of the Mergers as compared to their current ownership and voting interests.We intend to issue subordinate voting shares as consideration in the Merger Transactions, which may dilute your interest in our shares and affect the trading price of our subordinate voting shares.

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make the Company whole for the full amount of such damages, or that such indemnifying parties’ ability to satisfy their respective indemnification obligation will not be impaired in the future.

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Marijuana remains illegal under U.S. federal law.

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See “Item 1. Business—* Regulation of Cannabis in the United States*—* U.S. Department of Justice and Attorney General Memorandums*” for discussion on guidance for enforcement agencies and the DOJ with respect to cannabis.

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

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

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

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The uncertainty surrounding the Mergers could negatively impact Vireo's current and future operations, financial condition and prospects.

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It may be challenging for the resulting Company after completion of the Mergers to service the additional indebtedness incurred.

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may need to find additional sources of financing to repay this amount when it becomes due, which could have an adverse effect on the Company.

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Our shareholders may not realize a benefit from the Mergers commensurate with the ownership dilution they will experience in connection with the Mergers.

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If the Mergers do not close, the Company will not benefit from the expenses incurred in their pursuit.

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The Company’s ability to use net operating loss carryforwards and other tax attributes may be limited as a result of the Mergers, if approved and effected.

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The Company has incurred taxable losses during its history. To the extent that the Company continues to generate taxable losses, unused losses will carry forward to offset future taxable income, if any, until such unused losses expire. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had U.S. federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards and state NOL

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We incurred net losses in fiscal years 2024 and 2023 and cannot provide assurance as to when or if we will become profitable and generate cash in our operating activities.

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

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We face security risks related to our physical facilities and cash transfers due to the mostly cash nature of the cannabis industry.

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The business premises of our operating locations are targets for theft. While we have implemented security measures at each location and continue to monitor and improve such security measures, our cultivation, production, processing, and

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

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

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to insure against because of premium costs or other reasons. Losses from these events may cause the Company to incur significant costs that could have a material, adverse effect upon our financial performance and results of operations.

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

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

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Competition is intense for qualified personnel and the loss of them or an inability to attract, retain and motivate additional highly skilled personnel required for the operation and expansion of our business could hinder our ability to successfully conduct our business, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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In addition, some of these persons or entities may have interests different than yours.

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Our intellectual property may be difficult to protect.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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