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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event
reported): February 20, 2024
Medicine Man
Technologies, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as
Specified in Its Charter)
Nevada |
000-55450 |
46-5289499 |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) |
(Commission File Number) |
(IRS Employer Identification No.) |
865 N. Albion St. Suite 300
Denver, CO |
|
80220 |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) |
|
(Zip Code) |
|
|
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(303) 371-0387 |
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code) |
|
|
|
Not Applicable |
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report) |
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended
to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
¨ |
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
¨ |
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
¨ |
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
¨ |
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b)
of the Act:
Title of Each Class |
|
Trading Symbol(s) |
|
Name of Each Exchange On Which
Registered |
Not applicable |
|
Not applicable |
|
Not applicable |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth
company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ¨
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check
mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting
standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive
Agreement.
The information set forth in Item 5.02 of this
Current Report regarding the Separation Agreement (as defined in Item 5.02, below) is incorporated by reference into this Item 1.01.
Item 1.02 Termination
of a Material Definitive Agreement.
The information set forth in Item 5.02 of this
Current Report regarding the Krishnamurthy Employment Agreement (as defined in Item 5.02, below) is incorporated by reference into this
Item 1.02.
Item 5.02 Departure
of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
Resignation of Nirup Krishnamurthy
On February 20,
2024, the Company received notice of the resignation of Nirup Krishnamurthy as a member of the Company’s board of directors (the
“Board”) and Chief Executive Officer of the Company pursuant to the Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated May 4,
2023 (the “Krishnamurthy Employment Agreement”), with such resignation being effective as of February 20, 2024 (the “Separation
Date”). Mr. Krishnamurthy tendered his resignation for personal reasons and not as a result of any disagreement on any matter
relating to the Company’s operation, policies (including accounting or financial policies) or practices.
In
connection with Mr. Krishnamurthy’s resignation, Mr. Krishnamurthy and the Company entered into a Separation Agreement
and Release (the “Separation Agreement”), dated as of the Separation Date, whereby the Krishnamurthy Employment Agreement
was terminated and the Company agreed to pay Mr. Krishnamurthy all accrued wages through the Separation Date, subject to standard
deductions and withholdings. Further in accordance with the Separation Agreement, (a) Mr. Krishnamurthy has agreed to a general
release of claims and a covenant not to sue in favor of the Company; and (b) the Company will provide Mr. Krishnamurthy with
(i) severance for eight months at his current base gross salary rate; and (ii) pay for Mr. Krishnamurthy’s monthly
Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (COBRA) premium for coverage beginning March 1, 2024 through a date is that
is eight months following the Separation Date. Additionally, Mr. Krishnamurthy acknowledged that he no longer has any other rights
to receive, acquire, possess, or vest into any additional shares, options, warrants, securities, derivative securities, Restricted Stock
Units (“RSUs”), Performance Stock Units (“PSUs”), or other equity (collectively, “Equity”) in the
Company, other than such Equity that was fully vested on the Separation Date, regardless of anything to the contrary in any equity award
agreement between Mr. Krishnamurthy and the Company.
The preceding summary
does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Separation Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit 10.01,
and incorporated by reference herein.
Appointment of Forrest Hoffmaster
On
February 21, 2024 (“Appointment Date”), the Board appointed Forrest Hoffmaster, the Company’s Chief Financial
Officer, as interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The Board will immediately commence a process to identify a permanent Chief
Executive Officer for the Company. Additionally, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board will begin a search for
a replacement director to occupy the seat vacated by Mr. Krishnamurthy.
Mr. Hoffmaster,
who joined the Company in January 2023, brings over 30 years of executive experience in finance and operations for both public and
private companies. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Hoffmaster served as CEO of New Seasons Market, a specialty gourmet food retailer,
where he navigated the company through one of the most disruptive periods in the retail grocery industry. Under his leadership, Mr. Hoffmaster
implemented a focused growth and cost optimization program, enabling the company to grow EBITDA by over 30% in two years. Prior to New
Seasons Market, Mr. Hoffmaster held leadership positions with other leading grocers including Whole Foods Market and H-E-B.
In
connection with his appointment as interim Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hoffmaster and the Company entered into an Amended and Restated
Employment Agreement (the “Hoffmaster Employment Agreement”), dated as of the Appointment Date. Under the terms of the Hoffmaster
Employment Agreement, the Board has agreed to (a) increase Mr. Hoffmaster’s current base salary from $360,000 to $400,000,
(b) provide Mr. Hoffmaster with a bonus in six months from the Appointment Date of $240,000 if he has met certain criteria set
forth by the Board, and (c) if the combined value of the Equity that Mr. Hoffmaster holds as of February 21, 2024
does not exceed $750,000 (pretax), then at the time of a change of control of the Company, the Company shall compensate Mr. Hoffmaster
the difference between the value of Mr. Hoffmaster’s Equity as of the Appointment Date and $750,000.
The preceding summary
does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Employment Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit 10.02,
and incorporated by reference herein.
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.
On February 23,
2024, the Company issued a press release announcing the resignation of Mr. Krishnamurthy from the Board and his position as Chief
Executive Officer and the appointment of Mr. Hoffmaster as interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company. A copy of the press release
is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
The
information under Item 7.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K and the press release attached as Exhibit 99.1 are being furnished
by the Company pursuant to Item 7.01. In accordance with General Instruction B.2 of Form 8-K, the information under Item 7.01 of
this Current Report on Form 8-K, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of Section 18
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. In addition, this information
shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any of the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, except
as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in any such filing.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
|
MEDICINE MAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. |
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Christine Jones |
Date: February 23, 2024 |
|
Christine Jones
Chief Legal Officer |
Exhibit 10.01
SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE
This Separation Agreement
and Release (referred to herein as “Agreement”) is made and entered into by NIRUP KRISHNAMURTHY (“Executive”)
and MEDICINE MAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC., a corporation duly organized under the laws of the state of Nevada and having its principal
place of business at 865 N. Albion Street, 3rd Floor, Denver, Colorado 80220 (hereinafter referred to as the “Employer,”
“MMT,” or “the Company”). The parties to this Agreement are referred to collectively herein as the “Parties.”
RECITALS
WHEREAS
Executive has been employed by the Company as its Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Board; and
WHEREAS
Executive has voluntarily resigned his employment with the Company, thereby unilaterally terminating the Amended and Restated
Employment Agreement dated May 4, 2023 (the “Employment Agreement”);1 and
WHEREAS
Executive has voluntarily resigned his role of Director of the Board; and
NOW,
THEREFORE For and in consideration of the premises, agreements, covenants, and conditions contained herein, the adequacy and
sufficiency of which are hereby expressly acknowledged, Executive and the Company agree as follows:
| 1. | SEPARATION AND ACCRUED WAGES |
A. Executive’s
final date with the Company was on February 20, 2024 (“Separation Date”). On the Separation Date, the Company paid Executive
all accrued wages through the Separation Date, subject to standard payroll deductions and withholdings. The Company also reimbursed Executive
for all approved expenses made on behalf of the Company. Executive agrees that he has received all wages and benefits that were owed to
him by the Company through the Separation Date.
B. Executive
shall fully cooperate with the Company to find the most expeditious and cost effective termination of the lease dated on or about October 18,
2023 between Executive and AMLI Cherry Creek (the “Apartment Lease”) for the premises at 801 South Cherry Street #387, Glendale,
CO 80246 (the “Premises”). If necessary, Executive shall assist with the assignment of the Apartment Lease to the Company.
Provided that Executive cooperates as set forth above, then the Company will assume any rental payments remaining on the Apartment Lease.
Executive shall be responsible for any and all damage to the Premises through the date he surrenders the Premises.
1
Capitalized terms used in this Agreement but not defined herein shall have the meaning assigned to them in the Employment Agreement.
C. Executive
shall fully cooperate with the Company to expeditiously remove himself as a co-signer on the car lease (“Car Lease) for the
(“Car”) he currently leases in Colorado. Executive expressly agrees to surrender the Car no later than February 29,
2024 and in the condition specified in the Car Lease and understands that he will be responsible for any and all damage to the Car
and any and all payments due and owing by Executive under the Car Lease as of the date he surrenders the Car.
A. The
Company agrees that it shall provide Executive with the following consideration:
(i) Eight
(8) months of base gross salary in the total amount of Three Hundred Sixteen Thousand, Six Hundred And Sixty-Six Dollars And Sixty-Seven
Cents ($316,666.67), payable in equal installments in accordance with the normal payroll practice of the Company as if Executive were
employed by the Company during such eight (8) months;
(ii) For
the period starting on the Separation Date and ending eight months from the Separation Date (the “Continuing Benefits Period”),
the Company will provide reimbursement to Executive of reasonable costs incurred by Executive for long-term disability insurance and life
insurance of the same or substantially similar coverage as was provided to Executive by the Company during his employment. Executive should
direct requests for reimbursement, with supporting receipts or proof of payments, to: Rebecca Terry, Controller. Executive must submit
all requests for reimbursement, and supporting documentation, to the Company no later than thirty (30) days after the end of the Continuing
Benefits Period in order to receive reimbursement under this Subparagraph. Executive’s health benefits end on February 29,
2024. If Executive elects to continue coverage under the Company’s medical, dental, and vision plan pursuant to the Consolidated
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (COBRA), the Company agrees to pay directly on the Executive’s behalf the Executive’s
monthly COBRA premium for coverage beginning March 1, 2024 through the Continuing Benefits Period. Executive remains responsible
to elect enrollment in COBRA and to promptly notify the Company of such election.
B. Executive
agrees and understands because of his unilateral termination of the Employment Agreement, which Executive agrees was not due to a “Good
Reason” or based upon a “Change in Control,” he is not due any severance amounts under the Employment Agreement. Executive
further agrees and understands that the consideration described in Paragraph 2(A) of this Agreement is over and above all or any
amounts due to Executive under the Employment Agreement, and Executive agrees that he is not otherwise entitled to receive this consideration
from the Company unless he signs, and does not revoke, this Agreement.
Executive represents and
warrants that the table attached to this Agreement as Exhibit B fully and accurately describes the vested equity that Executive
holds in the Company as of the Separation Date. Except as set forth in Exhibit B, Executive acknowledges and agrees that he
does not have any other rights to receive, acquire, possess, or vest into any additional shares, options, warrants, securities,
derivative securities, Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”), Performance Stock Units (“PSUs”), or other equity
(collectively, “Equity”) in the Company, regardless of anything to the contrary in any equity award agreement between
Executive and the Company. Further, Executive understands and agrees that his resignation is other than for Cause and, as such, the
unvested portion of any Equity shall immediately terminate and cease to be exercisable as of the Separation Date. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, Executive agrees and understands that the exercise period and tax treatment of the vested stock options and RSUs set
forth in Exhibit B remain subject to the applicable award agreement and Equity Incentive Plan. Executive represents and
warrants that he will comply with the Schwazze Insider Trading Policy, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit C to this
Agreement, during the eight months following the Separation Date and the Company shall timely provide Executive with notices of
blackout periods.
A. In
exchange for the payments and benefits described in Paragraph 2(A) above and the other promises contained herein, Executive hereby
forever releases and discharges the Company, its affiliates, owners, predecessors, successors, parents, subsidiaries, divisions, heirs,
assigns, executives, present and former representatives, present and former employees, consultants, agents, insurers, and attorneys from
any and all claims, federal or state actions, appeals, demands, causes of action, liabilities, damages, interest, attorneys’ fees,
and expenses whatsoever, whether in law or equity or otherwise, and whether known or unknown from or relating to the conduct or any other
facts occurring prior to the date of this Agreement.
This release includes,
but is not limited to, all claims, demands, federal or state administrative actions, appeals, and causes of action arising out of or
in any way related to: (a) all federal, state, and local laws, including, without limitation, the following federal and state
statutes, as amended, and their corresponding regulations: the Americans with Disabilities Act and any subsequent amendments, the
Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Civil Rights Acts of 1866 and 1871, 42 U.S.C. § 1981, 42 U.S.C. § 1983, Title VII of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 and any subsequent amendments (“ADEA”), the
Fair Labor Standards Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Family and Medical Leave Act
of 1993 and any subsequent amendments, the National Labor Relations Act, the Labor Management Relations Act, the Occupational Safety
and Health Act of 1970, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990 (“OWBPA”), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the
Colorado Antidiscrimination Act, and the Colorado Wage Claim Act; (b) any claim or action under the common law of the State of
Colorado including but not limited to, any claim for compensation, damages, tort, breach of express or implied employment contract,
breach of duty of good faith, discrimination, intentional interference with contractual relations, fraud, misrepresentation,
outrageous conduct, slander, libel, negligent and/or intentional infliction of emotional distress, violation of public policy,
negligent supervision, assault, battery, breach of contract, implied breach of good faith and fair dealing, promissory estoppel,
wrongful discharge, harassment, or retaliation, and for any other damages or injuries incurred on the job; and (c) any claim
under or arising out of the Employment Agreement.
B. In
exchange for the promises contained herein, the Company hereby forever releases, discharge, acquit, and hold harmless, Executive and
Executive’s agents, attorneys, insurers, heirs, executors, estates, representatives, and assigns from any and all claims,
federal or state actions, appeals, demands, causes of action, liabilities, damages, interest, attorneys’ fees, and expenses
whatsoever, whether in law or equity or otherwise, and whether known or unknown from or relating to the conduct or any other facts
occurring prior to the date of this Agreement.
C. All
of the released entities described above are collectively referred to as the “Releasees.”
D. The
claims, charges, causes of actions, appeals, demands, losses, damages, attorneys’ fees, expenses, costs, and liabilities released
in Paragraphs 4(A) and 4(B) shall be referred to collectively herein as the “Released Claims,” and this Paragraph
4 as the “Release.” The Released Claims do not include claims arising under this Agreement or those claims referenced in Paragraph
15 or 17(b) below.
| 5. | RELEASE INCLUDES UNKNOWN CLAIMS |
A. The
Parties understand and agree that the Released Claims are intended to and do include any and all claims of every nature and kind whatsoever,
whether known, unknown, suspected, or unsuspected.
B. The
Parties further acknowledge that they may hereafter discover facts different from or in addition to those that they now know or believe
to be true with respect to the Released Claims and agree that, in such event, this Agreement shall nevertheless be and remain effective
in all respects, notwithstanding such different or additional facts, or the discovery thereof.
C. The
Parties represent and acknowledge (i) that they have conducted whatever investigation was deemed necessary to ascertain all facts
and matters related to this Release; (ii) that they have had the opportunity to consult with and to receive advice from legal counsel
concerning this Release; and (iii) that they are not relying in any way on any statement or representation by the other party or
that party’s attorneys, except as expressly stated herein, in reaching his decision to enter into the Release.
| 6. | NO ASSIGNMENT OR TRANSFER OF RELEASED CLAIMS |
The Parties represent and
warrant that they have not assigned, transferred, or hypothecated, or purported to assign, transfer, or hypothecate, to any person, firm,
corporation, association, or entity whatsoever any of the Released Claims.
| 7. | PROMISE NOT TO PROSECUTE |
The Parties promise and
covenant not to file a lawsuit or arbitration proceeding based on any Released Claims. If either Party breaks this promise or fails
to comply with its obligations under the Agreement, the prevailing party in any enforcement action shall pay all of the non-
prevailing party’s costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) related to the defense of any Released
Claims, or any Releasee’s efforts to enforce the terms of this Agreement, except this covenant not to sue does not apply to
claims challenging the knowing and voluntary nature of the Release that Executive may have under the OWBPA and the ADEA. Although
Executive is releasing claims that he may have under the ADEA, he may challenge the knowing and voluntary nature of the Release
before a court, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) or any other federal, state, or local agency
charged with the enforcement of any employment laws. Executive understands, however, that if Executive pursues a claim against
the Company under the OWBPA and/or the ADEA to challenge the validity of this Agreement and the Company prevails on the merits of an
ADEA claim, or a Releasee files a lawsuit or arbitration to enforce any part of this Agreement, a court or arbitrator has the
discretion to determine whether the Company or any other Releasee is entitled to restitution, recoupment, or set off
(“Reduction”) against a monetary award obtained by Executive in the court proceeding or arbitration. A Reduction never
can exceed the amount Executive recovers, or the consideration Executive received for signing this Agreement, whichever is
less.
| 8. | NO ADMISSION OF LIABILITY |
Executive understands and
agrees that this Agreement does not constitute an admission of liability on the part of the Company as to any matters whatsoever. The
Company specifically denies liability for any harm allegedly suffered by Executive.
| 9. | RETURN OF PROPERTY AND RECORDS |
Executive agrees to return
all of the Company’s property immediately including keys, badges, cell phones, laptops and all other property belonging to the
Company that Executive has in his possession. Executive understands that he is not entitled to keep, preserve, or purge records of the
Company. This prohibition does not include any relevant employee files or records related to Executive. The return of all personal property
of Executive will be completed within fourteen (14) business days after this Agreement becomes effective.
The Parties agree that to
the fullest extent allowed by law, the Parties will not at any time make to any third-party any remarks, comments or statements whatsoever
regarding or related to Executive’s employment with the Company or the nature or terms of this Agreement, other than to the Parties’
respective lawyers or accountants, a governmental agency, Executive’s immediate family, in any legal proceedings directly related
to the provisions and terms of this Agreement, to prepare and file income tax forms, by the Company for the function of the Company’s
internal business and affairs,2 as required by court order or other law, or as otherwise allowed below. Executive’s listing
of the Company on his resume or his describing of Executive’s job duties at the Company for purposes of Executive’s seeking
of alternative employment shall not be a violation of this Paragraph. It is expressly understood and agreed that Executive may tell future
employers the reason for his resignation from the Company as agreed to by the Parties, as memorialized on Exhibit D. The Company’s
statement that Executive has resigned his employment, and its providing of his date of separation from the Company, shall not be a violation
of this Paragraph.
2
Such business and affairs expressly includes, but is not limited to, provision of information to the Company’s Board of Directors
and the public filing of any information required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (such as a Form 8-K) or any other governmental
agency.
This Paragraph does not restrain
Executive from disclosing the underlying facts of any alleged discriminatory or unfair employment practice to: (a) Executive’s
immediate family members, religious advisor, medical or mental health provider, mental or behavioral health therapeutic support group,
legal counsel, financial advisor, or tax preparer; (b) any local, state, or federal government agency for any reason, including disclosing
the existence and terms of a settlement agreement (without any need to first notify the Company); (c) in response to legal process,
such as a subpoena to testify at a deposition or in court, including disclosing the existence and terms of a settlement agreement (without
any need to first notify the Company); and/or (d) for all other purposes as required by law. Executive acknowledges that this Paragraph
is a material term of the Agreement and was a material inducement to the Company to offer the consideration provided herein.
A. Executive
agrees not to make statements to any third party that are in any way disparaging or negative towards the Company, its executives, its
employees, its affiliates, or their products and services. If the Company Management disparages Executive to a third party, the Company
may not seek to enforce either Paragraph 10 regarding Confidentiality, or this Paragraph 11 regarding Non-Disparagement, against Executive,
but all other remaining terms of this Agreement remain enforceable. Executive’s disclosure of the underlying facts of any alleged
discriminatory or unfair employment practice to the following individuals or entities shall not constitute disparagement: (a) Executive’s
immediate family members, religious advisor, medical or mental health provider, mental or behavioral health therapeutic support group,
legal counsel, financial advisor, or tax preparer; (b) any local, state, or federal government agency for any reason, including disclosing
the existence and terms of a settlement agreement (without any need to first notify the Company); (c) in response to legal process,
such as a subpoena to testify at a deposition or in court, including disclosing the existence and terms of a settlement agreement (without
any need to first notify the Company); and/or (d) for all other purposes as required by law.
The Company agrees that the
current members of its Executive Leadership Team and members of the Board of Directors (individually and collectively “Company Management”)
will not make statements to employees or any third party that are in any way disparaging or negative towards Executive.
B. Liquidated
Damages: The Parties acknowledges that any violation of Paragraph 10 or 11 of this Agreement shall constitute a material
breach of this Agreement. The Parties acknowledge and agree that the time and expenses involved in proving in any forum the actual
damage or loss suffered by a Party if there is a breach of Paragraph 10 or 11 makes any such breach appropriately subject to
liquidated damages. Accordingly, instead of requiring any proof of damages or losses, the parties agree that as liquidated damage
for any breach of Paragraph 10 or 11, the breaching party shall pay to the non-breaching party the sum of Fifty Thousand Dollars
($50,000.00). This $50,000.00 shall be payable after a finding by an arbitrator following the process set forth in Paragraph 23 that
the breaching party breached Paragraph 10 or 11. The prevailing party in any such action shall be entitled to an award of its
reasonably incurred attorneys’ fees and costs. This liquidated damages provision shall not be interpreted so as to require
multiple payments if there is only one breach by the breaching party. Neither any breach of Paragraph 10 or 11 nor the payment of
liquidated damages, shall affect the continuing validity or enforceability of this Agreement.
Executive agrees to cooperate
with the Company with respect to the prosecution and/or defense of legal claims which arose during Executive’s tenure as an employee
of the Company, or which relate to events which occurred during Executive’s tenure as an employee of the Company, or to which Executive
has any information. Such cooperation shall include, but is not limited to, making himself available for interview by the Company and/or
its counsel, reviewing and/or identifying documents, giving testimony and/or testifying at trial, and further that Executive shall immediately
notify the Company in writing if Executive is ever subpoenaed or otherwise requested to testify in any matter involving the Company.
Executive understands and agrees that the following
Sections of the Employment Agreement survive the Employment Agreement’s termination and continue to bind him after the Separation
Date: Section 7 (Insider Trading), Section 9 (Records), 10 (Non-Solicitation/Non- Compete), 11 (Proprietary and Confidential
Information), 14 (Name & Likeness Rights), 16 (Mandatory Arbitration) and 17 (Attorneys Fees and Costs).
Executive and the Company
intend that payments or benefits under this Agreement shall not be subject to the accelerated or additional tax or interest imposed pursuant
to Internal Revenue Code Section 409A, and the provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and administered in accordance with
this intent. Payments under Paragraph 2 are intended to qualify to the maximum extent possible as “short-term deferrals” to
which Code Section 409A does not apply, pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section l.409A-l(b)(4) or pursuant to any other
applicable exemptions, and any amount not exempt from Code Section 409A shall be construed and administered to comply with Code Section 409A.
For purposes of this Paragraph, the right to any payment to be made in a series of installment payments shall be treated as the right
to a series of separate payments pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section l.409A-2(b)(2)(iii). Nothing in this Paragraph shall prohibit
Executive or the Company from making use of any other exclusion from the application of Code Section 409A that may be applicable
to a payment or benefit hereunder.
| 15. | NO INTERFERENCE WITH RIGHTS AND CLAIMS NOT RELEASED |
Executive understands
and acknowledges that this Agreement does not apply to (i) claims for unemployment or workers’ compensation benefits,
(ii) claims or rights that may arise after the date that he signs this Agreement, (iii) claims for reimbursement of
expenses under the Company’s expense reimbursement policies, (iv) any vested rights under the Company’s equity
plans or ERISA-covered employee benefit plans as applicable on the date Executive signs this Agreement, (v) any rights or
claims to representation and/or indemnification by the Company or its affiliates required by Nevada law or covered by the
Company’s applicable Directors and Officers Insurance Policy, and (vi) any claims that controlling law clearly states may
not be released by private agreement. Moreover, nothing in this Agreement (including but not limited to the Release, the Promise Not
to Prosecute, the Confidentiality and Non-Disparagement obligations, and the Return of Property and Records provisions)
(i) limits or affects Executive’s right to challenge the validity of this Agreement under the ADEA or the OWBPA,
(ii) prevents Executive from communicating with, filing a charge or complaint with; providing documents or information
voluntarily or in response to a subpoena or other information request to; or from participating in an investigation or proceeding
conducted by the EEOC, National Labor Relations Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, law enforcement, or any other any federal, state or local agency charged with the enforcement of any laws, or from
testifying, providing evidence, responding to a subpoena or discovery request in court litigation or arbitration, or
(iii) precludes Executive from exercising rights, if any, under Section 7 of the NLRA or under similar state law to engage
in protected, concerted activity with other employees.
By signing this Agreement,
Executive is waiving his right to recover any individual relief (including any backpay, frontpay, reinstatement or other legal or equitable
relief) in any charge, complaint, or lawsuit or other proceeding brought by Executive or on his behalf by any third party, except for
any right Executive may have to receive a payment or award from a government agency (and not the Company) for information provided to
the government agency or where otherwise prohibited.
Notwithstanding Executive’s
confidentiality and non-disclosure obligations in this Agreement and otherwise, Executive understands that as provided by the Federal
Defend Trade Secrets Act, Executive will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the
disclosure of a trade secret made: (1) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly,
or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (2) in a complaint or
other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.
| 16. | PARTIES TO BEAR THEIR OWN COSTS |
Executive understands that
he and the Company will each bear their own costs, expenses, and attorneys’ fees, if any, in relation to this Agreement.
| 17. | REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES |
A. Executive
represents and warrants that he is legally competent and/or authorized to execute this Agreement and has not relied on any statements
or explanations in connection therewith.
B. Employee
agrees that if the Company is required to amend an SEC submission previously made by the Company due to an omission or act of
Employee during the time period he was an officer of the Company, Employee will indemnify the Company for any claims directly
resulting from such amendment (including reasonable attorneys’ fees for the defense of such claims) up to a total
indemnification amount of $125,000 (one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars).
C. Executive
additionally represents and warrants that he has fully disclosed to the Company all material information required by law and/or necessary
for the Company to fulfill its legal duties, including but not limited to any duties of compliance and reporting under federal, state,
or local statute or regulations.
D. Executive
hereby acknowledges that he has been afforded the opportunity to be advised by legal counsel regarding the terms of this Agreement, including
the release of all claims and waiver of rights.
| 18. | KNOWLEDGE, CAPACITY, AND AUTHORITY |
Executive represents and warrants
that he had the opportunity to have counsel explain the contents of this Agreement to him. Executive represents that he understands the
contents of this Agreement and that he executed it knowingly and voluntarily and understands that after executing it he cannot proceed
against any Releasee on account of the matters referred to herein. Each party to this Agreement represents and warrants that s/he/it has
the authority and capacity to execute this Agreement.
| 19. | MODIFICATION AND NON-WAIVER |
No provision of this Agreement
may be changed, altered, modified or waived except in writing signed by both Executive and the Company, which writing shall specifically
reference this Agreement and the provision that the Parties intend to waive or modify. Waiver of any one provision shall not constitute
waiver of any other provision. A delay of failure by either party to exercise a right under this Agreement, or a partial or single exercise
of that right, shall not constitute a waiver of that or any other right herein.
In the event any provision
of this Agreement should be held to be unenforceable, each and all of the other provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force
and effect.
| 21. | WAIVER OF CLAIMS UNDER THE AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT |
The payments and
benefits described in Paragraph 2 above are intended in part as consideration for Executive’s release and waiver of any and
all claims under the ADEA. Executive should consult with his attorneys about this release and waiver before executing this
Agreement. Further, Executive agrees that he has been given twenty-one (21) calendar days from his receipt of this Agreement to
consider the release and waiver of any and all claims (including those arising under the ADEA) (the “Consideration
Period”). Executive agrees that changes to this Agreement, whether material or non-material, do not restart the Consideration
Period. Executive may revoke this Agreement on or before the expiration of the seven (7) calendar day period after his
execution of this Agreement (“Revocation Period”). This Agreement shall not become effective or enforceable until the
first day following the end of the Revocation Period, without Executive having exercised his right of revocation (the
“Effective Date”). Notice of revocation should be sent in writing to the following: Christine Jones, Medicine Man
Technologies, Inc., 865 N. Albion Street, 3rd Floor, Denver, Colorado 80220.
This Agreement shall be construed
and enforced according to the laws of the State of Colorado.
| 23. | MANDATORY ARBITRATION AND EQUITABLE RELIEF |
THE PARTIES AGREE THAT ANY
CLAIM OR CONTROVERSY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO EXECUTIVE’S EMPLOYMENT WITH AND SEPARATION FROM THE COMPANY OR THIS AGREEMENT,
OR THE BREACH THEREOF, SHALL BE SETTLED BY ARBITRATION ADMINISTERED BY JUDICIAL ARBITRATION & MEDIATION SERVICES, INC. (“JAMS”),
PURSUANT TO ITS EMPLOYMENT ARBITRATION RULES & PROCEDURES (THE “JAMS RULES”). SUCH ARBITRATION SHALL TAKE PLACE IN
THE CITY AND COUNTY OF DENVER, COLORADO.
THE COMPANY WILL PAY THE COSTS
AND EXPENSES OF SUCH ARBITRATION. EACH PARTY SHALL SEPARATELY PAY FOR ITS RESPECTIVE ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COSTS; PROVIDED, HOWEVER,
THAT THE ARBITRATOR MAY, IF HE OR SHE DEEMS APPROPRIATE, AWARD REASONABLE ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COSTS TO THE PREVAILING PARTY
IN THE EVENT THE OPPOSING PARTY’S CLAIM WAS SUBSTANTIALLY UNJUSTIFIED AND UNREASONABLE, EXCEPT AS PROHIBITED BY LAW. THE ARBITRATOR
SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO DECIDE ANY MOTIONS BROUGHT BY ANY PARTY TO THE ARBITRATION, INCLUDING MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT AND/OR
ADJUDICATION, MOTIONS TO DISMISS, AND MOTIONS FOR CLASS CERTIFICATION, PRIOR TO ANY ARBITRATION HEARING. THE ARBITRATOR SHALL ISSUE
A WRITTEN DECISION ON THE MERITS. THE ARBITRATOR SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO AWARD ANY REMEDIES AVAILABLE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW. THE DECREE
OR AWARD RENDERED BY THE ARBITRATOR MAY BE ENTERED AS A FINAL AND BINDING JUDGMENT IN ANY COURT HAVING JURISDICTION THEREOF.
ANY PARTY MAY ALSO
PETITION THE COURT FOR TEMPORARY AND/OR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF WHERE EITHER PARTY ALLEGES OR CLAIMS A VIOLATION OF ANY AGREEMENT
REGARDING TRADE SECRETS, CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION, NONCOMPETITION OR NONSOLICITATION, AND THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THE AWARD TO WHICH
A PARTY MAY BE ENTITLED IN ARBITRATION MAY BE RENDERED INEFFECTUAL WITHOUT TEMPORARY AND/OR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF FROM A
COURT, NOTWITHSTANDING THE AVAILABILITY OF INTERIM RELIEF IN ARBITRATION. IT IS AGREED THAT ANY BREACH OR THREATENED BREACH OF SUCH
AN AGREEMENT WILL CAUSE IRREPARABLE INJURY AND THAT MONEY DAMAGES WILL NOT PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE REMEDY THEREFOR AND BOTH PARTIES
HEREBY CONSENT TO THE ISSUANCE OF AN INJUNCTION. IN THE EVENT EITHER PARTY SEEKS INJUNCTIVE RELIEF, THE PREVAILING PARTY SHALL BE
ENTITLED TO RECOVER REASONABLE COSTS AND ATTORNEYS’ FEES.
THIS AGREEMENT DOES NOT PROHIBIT
EXECUTIVE FROM PURSUING AN ADMINISTRATIVE CLAIM WITH A LOCAL, STATE, OR FEDERAL ADMINISTRATIVE BODY OR GOVERNMENT AGENCY THAT IS AUTHORIZED
TO ENFORCE OR ADMINISTER LAWS RELATED TO EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION,
THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD, OR THE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BOARD. THIS AGREEMENT DOES, HOWEVER, PRECLUDE EXECUTIVE FROM PURSUING
COURT ACTION REGARDING ANY SUCH CLAIM, EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY LAW.
| 24. | COUNTERPARTS ACCEPTABLE |
This Agreement may be executed
in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same
instrument.
Executive acknowledges that
this Agreement constitutes a full, final, and complete settlement of the parties’ differences and supersedes and replaces any and
all other written or oral exchanges, agreements, understandings, employment contracts, arrangements, or negotiations between or among
them relating to Executive’s employment, compensation, or the Employment Agreement, except where expressly stated herein; and Executive
affirmatively represents that there are no other prior or contemporaneous exchanges, agreements, representations, arrangements, or understandings,
written or oral, between or among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof other than that as set forth herein, and that this
Agreement contains the sole and entire agreement between them with respect to the subject matter hereof. Executive further acknowledges
and agrees that any language proposed for, deleted from, or otherwise changed in any drafts of this Agreement but not included herein
shall not be considered in any way in the interpretation and application of this Agreement and shall not in any way affect the rights
and obligations of Executive, the Company, or Releasees.
In the event of any conflict
between the terms or provisions hereof and the terms of any other agreement between Executive and the Company, the terms hereof shall
control.
I, NIRUP KRISHNAMURTHY, ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE
READ THIS AGREEMENT, THAT I HAVE BEEN ADVISED TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY BEFORE EXECUTING THIS AGREEMENT, AND THAT I UNDERSTAND ALL OF
THIS AGREEMENT’S TERMS, AND I EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT VOLUNTARILY WITH FULL KNOWLEDGE OF ITS SIGNIFICANCE AND CONSEQUENCES. I ACKNOWLEDGE
THAT I HAD TWENTY-ONE DAYS TO DECIDE IF I WANTED TO SIGN THIS AGREEMENT.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement have set their hands the day and year set forth below their respective
signatures.
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Medicine Man Technologies, Inc. |
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EXHIBIT A
Addendum Attesting To Compliance With
Protecting Opportunities and Workers’ Rights (POWR) Act, Colo. Rev. Stat. § 24-34-407(1)
By signing below, the Parties attest that this
Agreement complies with subsection (1) of Colorado Revised Statute § 24-34-401, including that:
1. The
confidentiality and nondisclosure obligations in this Agreement apply equally to all Parties to the Agreement.
2. Nothing
in this Agreement restrains Executive from disclosing the underlying facts of any alleged discriminatory or unfair employment practice:
a. including
disclosing the existence and terms of a settlement agreement, to Executive’s immediate family members, religious advisor, medical-
or mental health-provider, mental- or behavioral-health therapeutic support group, legal counsel, financial advisor, or tax preparer;
b. to
any local, state, or federal government agency for any reason including disclosing the existence and terms of a settlement agreement,
without first notifying the Company;
c. in
response to legal process, such as a subpoena to testify at a deposition or in court, including disclosing the existence and terms of
a settlement agreement, without first notifying the Company; and
d. for all other purposes required by law.
3. The
disclosure of underlying facts of any alleged discriminatory or unfair employment practice as described above does not constitute disparagement.
4. If
the Company disparages Executive to a third party, the Company may not seek to enforce either Agreement Paragraph 10 regarding Confidentiality,
or Agreement Paragraph 11 regarding Non-Disparagement, against Executive, but all other remaining terms of the Agreement remain enforceable.
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Medicine Man Technologies, Inc. |
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Nirup Krishnamurthy |
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Title: |
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Dated: ,
2024 |
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Dated: ,
2024 |
EXHIBIT B
Last Name | |
First Name | |
Grant Date | |
Expiration Date | |
Award Type | |
Award Price | | |
Awards Granted | | |
Awards Exercised /Released | | |
Total Awards Outstanding | | |
Awards Vested | | |
Exercisable Awards | |
Krishnamurthy | |
Nirup | |
6/5/19 | |
6/5/29 | |
ISO | |
$ | 1.26 | | |
| 300,000 | | |
| - | | |
| 300,000 | | |
| 300,000 | | |
| 300,000 | |
Krishnamurthy | |
Nirup | |
3/5/20 | |
3/5/30 | |
ISO | |
$ | 1.26 | | |
| 300,000 | | |
| - | | |
| 300,000 | | |
| 300,000 | | |
| 300,000 | |
Krishnamurthy | |
Nirup | |
12/15/20 | |
12/15/30 | |
ISO | |
$ | 1.26 | | |
| 400,000 | | |
| - | | |
| 400,000 | | |
| 300,000 | | |
| 300,000 | |
Krishnamurthy | |
Nirup | |
10/12/22 | |
10/12/32 | |
ISO | |
$ | 1.24 | | |
| 200,000 | | |
| - | | |
| 200,000 | | |
| 50,000 | | |
| 50,000 | |
Krishnamurthy | |
Nirup | |
5/24/23 | |
5/24/33 | |
ISO | |
$ | 1.04 | | |
| 800,000 | | |
| - | | |
| 800,000 | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Krishnamurthy | |
Nirup | |
5/24/23 | |
5/24/26 | |
RSU | |
$ | - | | |
| 1,600,000 | | |
| 400,000 | | |
| 1,200,000 | | |
| 400,000 | | |
| - | |
NIRUP TOTALS | | | |
| 3,600,000 | | |
| 400,000 | | |
| 3,200,000 | | |
| 1,350,000 | | |
| 950,000 | |
EXHIBIT C
Insider Trading Policy Private and confidential. Internal use only. Not for external distribution. | |
This Insider Trading Policy (the “Policy”)
sets forth the guidelines to all employees, Directors and Officers of Schwazze (the “Company” or “SCHWAZZE”),
including its affiliates and subsidiaries. This Policy memorializes the Company’s standards on trading and causing the trading of
securities while in possession of material, non-public information.
Illegal insider trading is against Company policy.
Everyone at SCHWAZZE has worked very hard to establish SCHWAZZE as a company known for integrity and ethical conduct and this Policy is
intended to prevent even the appearance of improper conduct on the part of anyone employed by or associated with the Company, not just
so-called “insiders”.
A copy of this Policy shall be delivered to all
current and new employees and consultants upon the commencement of their relationship with SCHWAZZE. Individuals who fail to comply with
the requirements of this Policy are subject to disciplinary action, at the sole discretion of the Company, including immediate dismissal
for cause.
| 1. | The Law Against “Insider Trading” |
One of the principal purposes of the federal securities
laws is to prohibit insider trading. In recent years, insider trading has become a major focus of the enforcement program of the Securities
and Exchange Commission and of criminal prosecutions brought by United States Attorneys.
In general, an insider must not trade for personal
gain in the securities of the Company if that person possesses material, nonpublic information about the Company. Prohibitions against
“insider trading” apply to trades, tips, and recommendations by virtually any person associated with the Company (as further
defined below in Covered Persons) if the information involved is “material” and “non-public.” For example, an
insider who is aware of material, nonpublic information must not disclose such information to family, friends, business or social acquaintances,
employees or independent contractors of the Company or other third parties. An insider may make trades in the market or discuss material
information only after the material information has been made public.
For compliance purposes, you should never trade,
tip, or recommend securities (or otherwise cause the purchase or sale of securities) while in possession of information that you have
reason to believe is material and non-public unless you first consult with and obtain the advance written approval of the Company’s
General Counsel.
Insider Trading Policy Private and confidential. Internal use only. Not for external distribution. | |
(a) Covered
Person(s): This Policy refers to an “insider” which shall include the following Covered Persons which include:
(a) all members of the Company’s Board of Directors, Officers and employees; (b) consultants to the Company or other
persons associated with the Company and/or its affiliates and/or its subsidiaries, including but not limited
to distributors, sales agents or other partners or third parties that may, in the course of their work with SCHWAZZE, receive access
to confidential, material non-public information; and (c) household
and immediate family members of those listed in (a) and (b)
above. No Covered Persons who knows of any material non-public information may communicate that information to any other person if
he or she has reason to believe that the information may be improperly used in connection with securities trading. Covered Persons
and certain related persons must “preclear” all trading in securities of the Company in accordance with the procedures
set forth in Section 4 below.
(b) Securities:
Securities of SCHWAZZE are defined as common stock, preferred stock, options to purchase stock, warrants, convertible debt and/or derivative
securities. No Covered Persons may purchase or sell any security, whether or not issued by the Company, while in possession of material
non-public information concerning the security.
(c) Black-Out
Periods: A “Black-Out Period” is a time before and after a significant event wherein a Covered Person may not buy or sell
Company’s securities without violating this Policy. There are several Black-Out Periods which include twenty (20) days prior to
the release of financial results for the periods ending March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year
and end after three full trading days of SCHWAZZE securities on the OTCQX after the results are announced for the preceding fiscal period.
If the last day of the month falls on a weekend, the Black-Out Period will start at the close of business on the last trading day prior
to the weekend. Additional Black-Out Periods may occur when other material events occur, such as a press release sent out to the public,
wherein only a select few persons have knowledge of the event.
Material Information is defined to be information
that has market significance and its public dissemination is likely to affect the market price of securities or is information that a
reasonable investor would want to know before making an investment decision.
Insider trading restrictions come into play only
if the information you possess is “material.” If you feel that the information is material, it probably is. Materiality involves
a relatively low threshold and is difficult to define.
However, any information dealing with the following
subjects is reasonably likely to be considered sensitive, non-public material:
| · | Significant changes in the Company’s prospects; |
| · | Significant write-downs in assets or increases in reserves; |
| · | Developments regarding significant litigation or government agency investigations; |
| · | Changes in earnings estimates or unusual gains or losses in major operation; |
| · | Major changes in management; |
Insider Trading Policy Private and confidential. Internal use only. Not for external distribution. | |
| · | Extraordinary borrowings; |
| · | Award or loss of a significant contract; |
| · | Changes in debt ratings; |
| · | Proposals, plans, or agreements, even if preliminary in nature, involving
mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, recapitalizations, strategic alliances, licensing arrangements, or purchases or sales of substantial
assets; |
| · | Pending statistical reports (e.g., consumer price index, money supply
and retail figures, interest rate developments). |
Material information is not limited to historical
facts but may also include projections and forecasts. With respect to a future event, such as a merger, acquisition, or introduction of
a new product, the point at which negotiations or product development are determined to be material is determined by balancing the probability
that the event will occur against the magnitude of the effect the event would have on the Company’s operations or stock price should
it occur. Thus, information concerning an event that would have a large effect on stock price, such as a merger, may be material even
if the possibility that the event will occur is relatively small. When in doubt about whether particular non-public information is material,
exercise caution. Consult with the Company’s General Counsel before making a decision to disclose such information (other than to
persons who need to know it) or to trade in or recommend securities to which that information relates.
| (e) | Non-Public Information: |
Insider trading prohibitions come into play only
when you possess information that is material and “non-public.” The fact that information has been disclosed to a few members
of the public does not make it public for insider trading purposes. To be “public” the information must have been disseminated
through recognized channels of distribution in a manner designed to reach public investors and public investors have had a reasonable
period of time to react to the information. Even after public disclosure of information regarding the Company, you generally must wait
a period of two or three business days for the information to be absorbed by public investors before you can treat the information as
public.
Non-public information may include but is not
limited to:
| · | Information available to a select group of analysts or brokers or institutional
investors; |
| · | Undisclosed facts that are the subject of rumors, even if the rumors are
widely circulated; and |
| · | Information that has been entrusted to the Company on a confidential basis
until a public announcement of the information has been made and enough time has elapsed for the market to respond to a public
announcement of the information. |
Insider Trading Policy Private and confidential. Internal use only. Not for external distribution. | |
As with questions of materiality, when
in doubt about whether information is non- public contact the Company’s General Counsel or assume that the information is “non-public”
and therefore, treat it as confidential.
| 3. | Reporting and Severe Penalties for Violating Insider Trading Laws |
If any Covered Person has reason to believe that
material, nonpublic information of the Company has been disclosed to an outside party without authorization, that person should report
this to the Company’s General Counsel immediately.
If any person subject to this Insider Trading
Policy has reason to believe that an insider of the Company or someone outside of the Company has acted, or intends to act, on inside
information, that person should report this to the Company’s General Counsel immediately.
If it is determined that an individual maliciously
and knowingly reports false information to the Company with intent to do harm to another person or the Company, appropriate disciplinary
action will be taken according to the severity of the charges, up to and including dismissal. All such disciplinary action will be taken
at the sole discretion of the Company.
Penalties for trading on or communicating material
non-public information are severe, both for individuals involved in such unlawful conduct and their employers and supervisors. A person
who violates insider trading laws can be subject to criminal penalties, sentenced to a substantial jail time and required to pay a penalty
of several times the amount of profits gained, or losses avoided.
Moreover, Congress has passed insider trading
legislation that, in a significant departure from prior law, explicitly empowers the Securities and Exchange Commission to seek substantial
penalties from any person who, at the time of an insider trading violation, “directly or indirectly controlled the person who committed
such violation.” Such persons may be held liable for up to the greater of $1 million or three times the amount of the profit gained,
or loss avoided. Thus, even for violations that result in a small or no profit, the Securities and Exchange Commission can seek a minimum
of $1 million from the Company and various management and supervisory personnel.
Given the severity of the potential penalties,
compliance with the policies set forth in this Policy are absolutely mandatory, and noncompliance is a ground for dismissal. Exceptions
to these policies, if any, may only be granted by the Company’s General Counsel and must be provided before any activity contrary
to the above policies takes place.
Insider Trading Policy Private and confidential. Internal use only. Not for external distribution. | |
| 4. | Preclearance of Securities Transactions |
Because Covered Persons are likely to obtain material
non-public information on a regular basis, the Company requires all such persons to preclear all purchases and sales of the Company’s
securities in accordance with the following procedures:
(a) Subject
to the exemption in part “(d)” below, no Covered Person may, directly or indirectly, purchase or sell any security issued
by the Company without first obtaining prior written approval from the Company’s General Counsel. These procedures also apply to
transactions by such person’s spouse, other persons living in such person’s household and minor children, and to transactions
by entities over which such person exercises control. Covered Persons are responsible for assuring that their family members comply with
the restrictions set forth in this Section 4.
(b) The
Company’s General Counsel shall record the date each request is received and the date and time each request is approved or disapproved.
Unless revoked in writing, a grant of permission will normally remain valid until the close of trading two business days following the
day on which it was granted.
(c) Requests
are most likely to be approved for trading that is to occur in the following “window periods”:
(i) The
30-day period beginning one week after the annual report has been mailed to shareholders, provided that the report adequately covers important
corporate developments and no new major undisclosed developments occur within that period;
(ii) Following
a release of quarterly results, which includes adequate comment on new developments during the period;
(iii) Following
the wide dissemination of information on the status of the Company and current results; and
(iv) At
those times when there is relative stability in the Company’s operations and the market for its securities.
(d) Preclearance
is not required for purchases and sales of securities under a preexisting written plan, contract, instruction, or arrangement that:
(i) Has
been reviewed and approved at least one month in advance of any trades thereunder by the Company’s General Counsel (or, if revised
or amended, such revisions or amendments have been reviewed and approved by the Company’s General Counsel at least one month in
advance of any subsequent trades);
(ii) Was
entered into in good faith by the Covered Person at a time when the Covered Person was not in possession of material non-public information
about the Company; and
(iii) Gives
a third party the discretionary authority to execute such purchases and sales, outside the control of the Covered Person, so long as such
third party does not possess any material non-public information about the Company; or
Insider Trading Policy Private and confidential. Internal use only. Not for external distribution. | |
(iv) Explicitly
specifies the security or securities to be purchased or sold, the number of shares, the prices and/or dates of transactions, or other
formula(s) describing such transactions.
With respect to any purchase or sale under a prearranged
trading plan as described above, the third-party effecting transactions on behalf of the Covered Person should be instructed to send duplicate
confirmations of all such transactions to the Company’s General Counsel.
| 5. | Black-Out Periods and Prohibited Transactions |
All
Covered Persons are prohibited from, directly or indirectly, purchasing, selling, or otherwise acquiring or transferring any equity security
of the Company during a Black-Out Period as defined in Section 2(c) above.
The Company reserves the right to issue Black- Out Period notices to all Covered Persons and such notice and the receipt thereof shall
be strictly confidential and not disclosed to anyone else. Covered Persons should anticipate that trades are unlikely to be pre-cleared
while the Company is in the process of assembling material, non-public information to be released and until such information has been
released and fully absorbed by the public market.
A Covered Person, including such person’s
spouse, other persons living in such person’s household, and minor children and entities over which such person exercises control,
is prohibited from engaging in the following transactions in securities of the Company’s unless advance approval is obtained from
the Company’s General Counsel:
(a) Short-term
trading: Persons associated with the Company who purchase its securities must retain such securities for at least six months.
(b) Short
sales. Persons associated with the Company may not sell the Company’s securities short.
(c) Options
trading. Persons associated with the Company’s may not buy or sell puts or calls on the Company’s securities.
(d) Trading
on margin. Persons associated with the Company may not trade on the margin the Company securities.
Covered Persons not in possession of material, non-public
information about the Company may purchase, sell, or otherwise acquire or transfer equity securities of the Company without
preclearance pursuant to Section 4 during the two-week period beginning at the end of the third full trading day following the
Company’s filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission of an annual report on Form 10-K and each quarterly report
on Form 10-Q, (each such period, a “Trading Window”), in each case unless informed by the Company that trading
during a Trading Window has been suspended. A Covered Person in possession of material, non-public information about the Company
during a Trading Window may not purchase, sell, or otherwise acquire or transfer equity securities of the Company until after the
third full trading day after the Company has made a widespread public release of such information, provided that such trading day is
within the Trading Window.
Insider Trading Policy Private and confidential. Internal use only. Not for external distribution. | |
| 7. | Liability of the Company |
The adoption, maintenance and enforcement of this
Policy is not intended to result in the imposition of liability upon the Company for any insider trading violations where such liability
would not exist in the absence of this Policy.
This Policy pertains to the 2020 calendar year
and each year thereafter until modified or revoked by the Directors and supersedes any previous policy of the Company concerning insider
training.
EXHIBIT D
Company and Executive may both represent that Executive resigned from
his role as CEO and Director of the Company for personal and/or family reasons.
Exhibit 10.02
AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS
AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into this 21st day of February 2024
(“Effective Date”) by and between Forrest Hoffmaster, an individual (hereinafter referred to as the "Executive"),
and MEDICINE MAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (“MMT”), a corporation duly organized under the laws of the state
of Nevada and having its principal place of business at 865 N Albion St., 3rd Floor, Denver, Colorado 80220 and its affiliates
and subsidiaries (hereinafter referred to as the "Employer" or the "Company"). Executive and Company may hereinafter
be referred to jointly as the “Parties.”
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS,
Executive and Company previously entered into an employment agreement on or about January 16, 2023 (“Original Employment Agreement”);
and
WHEREAS,
the Parties desire to amend and restate the Original Employment Agreement on the terms and conditions set forth herein.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the Parties hereto agree as follows:
| 1. | EMPLOYMENT. Executive’s employment
shall continue under this Agreement commencing on the Effective Date. The Company hereby
employs, and Executive hereby agrees, to be employed by Company as the Company’s Interim
Chief Executive Officer (“Interim CEO”). |
| 2. | DUTIES. In his capacity as Interim CEO,
Executive shall perform his duties to the best of his abilities, subject to the oversight
of the Company’s Board of Directors. Such duties shall include, by not be limited to,
the following: |
| · | Providing visionary leadership
that will inspire the Company employees and help to drive innovation across all aspects of the Company’s business. |
| · | Developing and implementing strategies
that will allow the Company to expand its market share and increase profitability. |
| · | Building and maintaining strong
relationships with key stakeholders, including employees, customers, partners, and investors. |
| · | Ensuring that the Company is always
in compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards. |
| · | Collaborating with the Board of
Directors to establish and achieve Company-wide goals and objectives. |
| · | Identifying and pursuing new growth
opportunities that will help to cement the Company's position as a leader in the industry. |
| 3. | TERM. Executive’s employment hereunder
shall be effective as of the date of this Agreement and shall continue unless terminated
pursuant to Section 8 of this Agreement. |
| a. | Base Salary. Employer agrees to
pay to Executive during the Term of this Agreement a base gross salary of $400,000.00 per
annum (“Base Salary”), payable in equal installments on a bi-weekly basis, due
and payable on those days of the month where Employer customarily makes salary payments to
its other Executives. Employer shall be responsible for deduction from each salary payment
tendered to Executive herein all applicable withholding and other employment taxes imposed
by state and federal tax regulations. The Company’s Board of Directors may periodically
increase Executive’s annual Base Salary at its sole discretion. |
| b. | Target
Bonus. On the next payroll cycle after August 21, 2024, the Company shall pay to
Executive a lump sum cash bonus in the amount of $240,000 (“Target Bonus”), subject
to normal withholdings, as a bonus provided that Executive has met certain performance targets
set by the Board relating to operating cash flow, revenue growth and specific transformation
initiatives. This Target Bonus shall be in lieu of any short term incentive bonus that Executive
would be entitled to for the period from January 1, 2024 through August 31, 2024. |
| i. | First Option. On January 4,
2023 (“First Option Grant Date”), Executive was granted the option to purchase
all or any part of 700,000 of the common stock of the Company (the “Common Stock”)
at an exercise price per share of $1.46 (the “First Option”). The First Option
vests and becomes exercisable in accordance with the following vesting schedule: (aa) 175,000
shares of Common Stock subject to the First Option vested and became exercisable on the first
anniversary of the First Option Grant Date; (bb) an additional 175,000 shares of Common Stock
subject to the First Option will vested and become exercisable on the second anniversary
of the First Option Grant Date; (cc) an additional 175,000 shares of Common Stock subject
to the First Option will vested and become exercisable on the third anniversary of the First
Option Grant Date; and (iv) an additional 175,000 shares of Common Stock subject to
the First Option will vested and become exercisable on the fourth anniversary of the First
Option Grant Date, such that the First Option shall be fully vested and exercisable as of
such date. |
| ii. | Second Option. On May 3,
2023 (“Second Option Grant Date”), Executive was granted the option to purchase
all or any part of 105,857 of the common stock of the Company (the “Common Stock”)
at an exercise price per share of $1.03 (the “Second Option”). The Second Option
vests and becomes exercisable in accordance with the following vesting schedule: (aa) 26,465
shares of Common Stock subject to the Second Option will vest and become exercisable on the
first anniversary of the Second Option Grant Date; (bb) an additional 26,464 shares of Common
Stock subject to the Second Option will vested and become exercisable on the second anniversary
of the Second Option Grant Date; (cc) an additional 26,464 shares of Common Stock subject
to the Second Option will vest and become exercisable on the third anniversary of the Second
Option Grant Date; and (iv) an additional 26,464 shares of Common Stock subject to the
Second Option will vested and become exercisable on the fourth anniversary of the Second
Option Grant Date, such that the Second Option shall be fully vested and exercisable as of
such date. |
| d. | Restricted Stock.
On May 3, 2023, Executive was granted 72,816
Performance Share Units (“PSUs) in
accordance with the following vesting schedule and dependent on meeting certain performance
criteria: (aa) 18,204 on May 3, 2024; (bb) 18,204 on May 3, 2025; (cc) 18,204 on
May 3, 2026 and (dd) the remaining 18,204 on May 3, 2027, such that all of the
PSUs shall be fully vested as of such date. |
| e. | Long-Term Incentive Plan. During
each calendar year that Executive if employed from the Effective Date of this Agreement,
Executive shall participate in the Company’s annual long-term incentive compensation
plan (the “LTIP”), and Executive’s LTIP target shall be set at 100% of
his then annualized Base Salary. |
| f. | Liquidation. All shares of Common
Stock issued pursuant to Executive pursuant to this Agreement or in the future while Executive
is employed with the Company may be liquidated by the Executive solely at his option at a
daily rate of no more than 5% of the preceding five (5) day average volume of the Company’s
Common Stock on any given trading day. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the limits under this
leak-out provision do not apply in the event of a Change in Control (as defined below) of
the Company. |
| a. | Notwithstanding the vesting schedule and
conditions set forth above, 100% of any unvested portion of Executive’s Options, Restricted
Stock or Incentive compensation shall vest and become exercisable in the event of a "Change
in Control." For purposes of this Agreement, "Change in Control" means (i) the
purchase or other acquisition (other than from the Company) by any person, entity or group
of persons, within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Act") (excluding for this purpose, the Company
or its subsidiaries or any Executive benefit plan of the Company or its Subsidiaries), of
beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Act) of
50% or more of either the then-outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company or the combined
voting power of the Company's then-outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally
in the election of directors; or (ii) approval by the stockholders of the company of
a reorganization, merger or consolidation, in each case with respect to which persons who
were the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to such reorganization, merger or
consolidation do not, immediately thereafter, own more than 50% of, respectively, the Common
Stock and the combined voting power entitled to vote generally in the election of directors
of the reorganized, merged or consolidated corporation's then-outstanding voting securities,
or of a liquidation or dissolution of the Company's or of the sale of all or substantially
all of the assets of the Company. |
| b. | If the combined value of the Options and
Restricted Stock as reflected in Section 4(c) and (d)1 does not exceed $750,000
(pretax) at the time of a Change of Control, the Company will compensate Executive the difference
unless, however, the Change of Control is the result of the Company becoming
insolvent or unable to pay or discharge its liabilities. |
| a. | Except as otherwise provided for in this
Agreement, during the term of the Agreement, Executive shall be eligible to participate in
Company-established incentive, stock purchase, savings, retirement (401(k)), and welfare
benefit plans, including, without limitation, group health, medical, dental, vision, life
and disability insurance plans, in the same manner and at the same levels as the Company
makes such opportunities available to the Company’s senior executive level Executives. |
| b. | Executive shall be entitled to the Company’s
Unlimited PTO program and follow the Corporate Holiday Schedule, which is published at the
beginning of each calendar year. Such PTO shall be taken at such time or times as will be
mutually agreed-upon between Executive and the Company. |
| c. | Executive shall be entitled to utilize
a Company fleet vehicle at his discretion, in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
and subject to a Motor Vehicle Record background check. |
| d. | Executive and Company understand that Executive
shall be required to reside full time in the Denver, Colorado metropolitan and shall commute
at certain times to the Company’s offices in Denver, Colorado. |
| 7. | INSIDER
TRADING. During the Term, Executive acknowledges and agrees to comply with the
terms and conditions in the Company’s Insider Trading Policy. |
| a. | This Agreement may be terminated upon the
happening of any of the following events: |
| i. | Mutual Agreement. Whenever the Company’s
Board of Directors and Executive shall mutually agree to termination in writing. |
1 Any future grants of equity will not be included as part of the
$750,000 calculation
| ii. | For Cause. The Company’s Board
of Directors may at any time during the term of employment, by written notice, terminate
this Agreement and discharge Executive for Cause (as defined below), whereupon Employer's
obligation to pay all compensation and other benefits (including Severance amounts, insurance
coverage, medical and hospitalization plan benefits and management incentive plan payments,
if any, under this Agreement) shall cease as of the date of termination, unless determined
otherwise by the Board of Directors. Notwithstanding, Executive shall have the right to retain
any vested options or restricted shares, but shall be required to exercise such options within
the time prescribed in the applicable plan. |
As used herein, termination for Cause
shall mean Executive has (a) committed a material breach of any provision of this Agreement or any obligation to the Company that,
if curable, has not been cured by Executive within thirty (30) days of written notice from the Company describing such breach in reasonable
detail; (b) engaged in dishonest, illegal conduct or misconduct which in each case has a material and adverse impact on the reputation,
business, business relationships, financial condition or economic prospects of the Company; (c) failed to comply with the Company’s
written policies or rules during the term of this Agreement that, if curable, has not been cured by Executive within thirty (30)
days of written notice from the Company describing such breach in reasonable detail; (d) misappropriation by Executive of any money
or other assets or properties of the Company or its subsidiaries outside of his/her specific purview; (e) the willful and unauthorized
disclosure by Executive of any Company trade secrets or financial information or data which has resulted, or is likely to result, in
material and demonstrable damage to Employer; (f) breach of the terms of any NDA entered into as of the date of this Agreement or
(g) been convicted of or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a crime that constitutes a felony (or state law equivalent)
or a crime that constitutes a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, if such felony or other crime is work-related, materially impairs
Executive's ability to perform services for the Company or results in material/reputational or financial harm to the Company or its affiliates.
| iii. | Termination for Good Reason.
Executive’s termination shall be for Good Reason upon any of the following occurrences: |
(aa) a
material adverse change in Executive’s functions, duties, or responsibilities with the Company which change would cause Executive’s
position to become one of materially lesser responsibility, importance, or scope unless (i) such change is Executive being
removed as the Company’s Interim CEO and reappointed as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) or (ii)
such change is the result of a Change of Control and is mutually agreed to between Executive and successor company in the event of a
Change of Control);
(bb) a
material diminution in the Executive’s compensation or benefits without the express written consent of the Executive, other than
an across-the-board reduction in compensation levels that applies to all senior executives generally; or
(cc) a
material breach of this Agreement by the Company.
(“Good Reason”).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such
event shall constitute “Good Reason” unless (a) Executive shall have given written notice of such event to the Company
within ninety (90) days after the initial occurrence thereof, (b) the Company shall have failed to cure the condition constituting
Good Reason within thirty (30) days following the delivery of such notice (or such longer cure period as may be agreed upon by the
parties), and (c) Executive terminates employment within thirty (30) days after expiration of such cure period.
| iii. | Upon
termination without Cause or for Good Reason, Executive shall be entitled to the following:
(A) twelve (12) months of base gross salary payable in accordance with the normal payroll
practice of the Company as if such Executive was employed by the Company during such twelve
(12) months; (B) any earned but unpaid bonus; (C) any outstanding Options or Restricted
Shares that remain unvested but that would have vested had the Employee maintained employment
with the Company through the subsequent anniversary date following the date on which the
termination with Cause occurred and (E) provide or reimburse Executive during the 12-month
period for the same or substantially the same medical, dental, long-term disability and life
insurance pursuant to Section 6(a) to which Executive was entitled hereunder as
of the date of termination, provided, however, that in the case of such medical and dental
insurance, that Executive makes a timely election for continuation coverage under COBRA.
Together (A), (B), (C), (D) and (E) are “Severance”. |
| b. | Upon termination for Cause, Executive shall
not be entitled to receive any benefits of Severance pay, unless determined otherwise by
the Company. |
| c. | In the event Executive decides to leave
the employ of the Employer; Executive agrees to give to the Company’s Board of Directors
at least thirty (30) days advance written notice of the date of his/her last day of employment. |
| 9. | RECORDS. Upon termination of this Agreement,
Executive shall not be entitled to keep or preserve records of the Employer. Executive hereby
acknowledges a duty to Employer to cause to be kept and maintained accurate records of the
Employer's business. Executive shall at any time be entitled to receive copies of his/her
personnel files with ten (10) days’ notice to the Employer, noting that should
this provision be utilized only the most recent files not provided in any earlier request
shall be provided. This prohibition does not include any relevant Executive files or records
of Executive. |
| 10. | NON-SOLICITATION/NON-COMPETE. In consideration
of the numerous mutual promises contained herein between the Company and Executive, Executive,
for his or himself and for or on behalf of any person or business entity in the state of
Colorado, New Mexico, or any state in the United States that the company derives more than
5% of its revenue (the “Non-Compete Jurisdiction”) engage in any of the following
activities: |
| a. | Upon Executive's termination of employment
with the Employer (voluntary or involuntary) and for a period of 12 months thereafter, said
Executive shall not solicit any business from any customers or accounts of the Employer.
Executive shall not assist any third parties in soliciting the business of any customers
or accounts of the Employer; and directly or indirectly, on his/her own behalf or on behalf
of any other person or entity, whether as an owner, director, officer, partner, Executive,
agent or consultant, for pay or otherwise, render services to or engage with any person or
entity (or on Executive’s own behalf, if Executive is self-employed) that is engaged
in a business of which the Company derives more than 5% of its business, nor shall Executive
become interested in any such business, directly or indirectly, as an individual, partner,
shareholder, member, manager, director, officer, principal, agent, Executive, trustee, consultant,
contractor or in any other relationship or capacity; provided, however, that nothing contained
in this paragraph shall be deemed to prohibit Executive from acquiring, solely as an investment,
up to four percent (4%) of the outstanding shares of capital stock of any corporation whose
shares are publicly traded; and, for a period of twelve (12) months following the date upon
which Executive ceases being an Executive, solicit, induce, recruit, or participate in soliciting
any individual who is employed by the Company. |
| b. | In the event Executive fails to comply
with any provisions herein, Executive hereby authorizes the Employer to obtain a Restraining
Order which would restrain and enjoin Executive or any third party being assisted by said
Executive in soliciting business (other than employment) from any accounts or customers of
the Employer. Should Executive desire to pursue an employment opportunity with any customer
of the Employer, written consent of the Employer must be obtained. Such consent shall not
be unreasonably withheld. |
| c. | Executive hereby acknowledges that the
geographic boundaries, scope of prohibited activities and the time duration of the provisions
of this Section 10 are reasonable and are no broader than are necessary to protect the
legitimate business interests of the Company. |
| 11. | PROPRIETARY
AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. |
| a. | For purposes herein, Employer's proprietary
and confidential information and trade secrets (hereinafter "Proprietary and Confidential
Information") includes: |
| i. | Information concerning Employer's business,
product development, marketing analysis, and related information including prices, terms
and other trade secrets related to Employer's customer lists and customers' business affairs,
and related information; |
| ii. | Discoveries, concepts and ideas; techniques
and processes, whether copyrightable or not, including, but not limited to, techniques, data
and improvements thereof, concerning present or future activities of Employer; and any products,
potential products or prototype concepts of Employer; |
| iii. | Information relating to research, development,
invention, purchasing, merchandising and marketing; |
| iv. | Any proprietary and confidential information
relating to research and development undertaken by Employer, its successors and assigns; |
| v. | Proprietary and confidential information
shall not include information which is: (a) of record in the files of Executive at time
that Employer's Proprietary and Confidential Information is disclosed to Executive and received
from Employer; or (b) either has become or becomes available to the public through no
fault of Executive; or (c) is received by Executive, from any third party which has
the right to disclose it. |
| b. | With respect to its Proprietary and Confidential
Information as defined in (a), above, Employer retains all rights and interest, which rights
include but are not limited to: patent, process patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret
or any other form of proprietary right. Executive agrees that all Proprietary and Confidential
Information of Employer is protected by law, and may not be used or disclosed by Executive.
Executive agrees to safeguard Employer's Proprietary and Confidential Information with no
less care than he/she would reasonably use in safeguarding his/her own valuable proprietary
information and trade secrets. Executive agrees to take appropriate steps to preserve the
complete confidentiality of Employer's Proprietary and Confidential Information by all appropriate
measures. |
| c. | Executive agrees that, except as required
by Employer in performance of his/her duties for Employer, he/she will: |
| i. | not copy or duplicate Employer's Proprietary
and Confidential Information, nor allow anyone else to copy or duplicate the same, without
the express written permission of Employer; |
| ii. | never directly or indirectly use, sell,
disseminate, disclose, lecture upon, publish articles concerning, or otherwise convey or
communicate to any person other than Employer's Executives, any of Employer's Proprietary
and Confidential Information unless authorized by the Chairman of the Board of Directors; |
| iii. | never create or attempt to create or permit
others to create duplicate or derivative works containing all or part of Employer's Proprietary
and Confidential Information; |
| iv. | upon termination of this Agreement, Executive
shall return all of Employer's Proprietary and Confidential Information which is within Executive's
possession or control at that time to Employer and, upon request by Employer, certify in
writing to Employer that all information has been returned. |
| v. | Executive agrees to notify Employer immediately
upon learning of any unauthorized possession, use or knowledge of Employer's Proprietary
and Confidential Information to which Executive has had access under this Agreement. Executive
will promptly furnish Employer all known details of such unauthorized possession, use or
knowledge, which will assist in preventing the recurrence of such unauthorized possession,
use or knowledge, and will cooperate with Employer in any litigation against any parties
undertaken by Employer to protect its rights to its Proprietary and Confidential Information.
Executive's compliance with this subparagraph shall not be construed as a waiver of any of
Employer's rights under this Agreement. |
| d. | In the event of a breach or threatened
breach by Executive of the provisions of this Agreement, Employer shall be entitled to an
injunction restraining Executive from such breach, and Employer may also pursue any and all
other remedies available to it for threatened or actual breach, including recovery of damages
from Executive. |
| e. | In addition to the other requirements of
this Section 11, for the good and valuable consideration in this Agreement, Executive
has agreed to comply with the Executive Invention Assignment. |
| 12. | GOODWILL.
Goodwill shall mean that goodwill associated with the Company during the term
of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, the benefits that have been or will be
purchased, developed, accrued, and maintained as a result of the Company's expenditure of
time, money and effort in developing and maintaining, among other things ("Goodwill'):
(i) the Company's reputation and the reputation and the skill, training, and, expertise
of the Company's officers, Executives, advisors, Directors and partners; (ii) the quality
of the products and services provided; (iii) personal contacts of the Company's officers,
Executives, advisors, directors and partners within the state-regulated cannabis industry
and local, national and global business community in general, which relationships are vital
to the Company's business; (iv) the Company's knowledge and expertise; (v) the
Company's business acumen; (vi) the Company's ability to attract other Executives, investors,
financing, and business partners in order to grow its business; (vii) the Company's
Confidential Information; and (viii) other attributes and actions that result in the
retention of existing and the acquisition of new patronage. Executive understands that by
being employed by the Company, he/she shall have the opportunity to be associated with the
Company's Goodwill and receive its benefits of it. At the outset and during the term of this
Agreement, the Company promises to provide Executive access to the benefits of its Goodwill,
through various means. Executive agrees not to take any action that is intended to degrade
or lessen the Company's Goodwill. |
| 13. | NON-DISPARAGEMENT.
After Executive's termination date for cause, neither the Company nor Executive shall make
any statements that are professionally or personally disparaging about or adverse to the
interests of the other party, including but not limited to any statements that disparage
any person, service or capability of the other party, and each such party agrees not to engage
in any conduct that is intended to harm professionally or personally the reputation of any
party to this Agreement . |
| 14. | NAME &
LIKENESS RIGHTS. Executive hereby authorizes the Company to use, reuse, and to
grant others the right to use and reuse, Executive's name, photograph, likeness (including
caricature), voice, and biographical information, and any reproduction or simulation thereof,
in any form of media or technology now known or hereafter developed (including, but not limited
to, film, video and digital or other electronic media), both during and after Executive's
employment, for any purposes related to the Company's business, such as marketing, advertising,
credits, and presentations. |
| 15. | SEVERABILITY.
If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable
under present or future laws effective during the terms of this Agreement, the legality,
validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected
thereby, and in lieu of each such illegal, invalid and unenforceable provisions there shall
be added automatically as part of this Agreement a provision similar in terms to such illegal,
invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible and be legal, valid and enforceable. |
| 16. | MANDATORY
ARBITRATION. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement,
or the breach thereof, shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the Commercial
Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, and judgment upon the award
rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.
Such Arbitration shall take place in the City and County of Denver, Colorado. |
| 17. | ATTORNEYS
FEES AND COSTS. In the event of a dispute arising between the parties hereto,
and said dispute becomes subject to any arbitration and/or litigation relating to the rights,
duties and/or obligations arising out of this Agreement, each party shall be responsible
for their own costs of said action, including but not limited to, reasonable attorney’s
fees. |
| 18. | AMENDMENTS.
This Agreement may only be amended by the mutual consent of all the parties hereto,
which Amendment shall be in writing duly executed by the parties. |
| 19. | ENTIRE
AGREEMENT. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding and agreement between
the parties hereto with regard to all matters herein. There are no other agreements, conditions
or representations, oral or written, express or implied, with regard thereto. |
| 20. | JURISDICTION.
This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of
Colorado. |
| 21. | NON-WAIVER.
A delay or failure by either party to exercise a right under this Agreement, or
a partial or single exercise of that right, shall not constitute a waiver of that or any
other right herein. |
| 21. | BINDING
EFFECT. The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of both parties and their respective successors and assigns. |
| 22. | PRIOR
AGREEMENTS. This Agreement supersedes and replaces all prior agreements and understandings,
whether written or oral. |
| 23. | SECTION 409A.
This Agreement and the various provisions within it are intended to either be
exempt from or to meet the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, and shall be interpreted
and construed consistent with that intent. |
| a. | Payments
with respect to reimbursements of expenses or benefits or provision of fringe or other in-kind
benefits shall be made on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar
year in which the relevant expense or benefit is incurred. The amount of expenses or benefits
eligible for reimbursement, payment or provision during a calendar year shall not affect
the expenses or benefits eligible for reimbursement, payment or provision in any other calendar
year. |
| b. | A
termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision
of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following
a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service”
within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code and, for purposes of any such provision
of this letter agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of
employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.” |
| c. | Notwithstanding
any other payment schedule provided herein to the contrary, if Executive is deemed on the
date of termination to be a “specified Executive” within the meaning of that
term under Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Code, then with regard to any payment that
is considered “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Section 409A of
the Code payable on account of a “separation from service,” such payment shall
be made on the date which is the earlier of (A) the expiration of the six-month period
measured from the date of Executive’s “separation from service”, and (B) the
date of Executive’s death (the “Delay Period”) to the extent required under
Section 409A of the Code. Upon the expiration of the Delay Period, all payments delayed
pursuant to this Section 20 (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single
sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid to Executive in a lump
sum, and all remaining payments due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance
with the normal payment dates specified for them herein. |
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the date set forth above.
MEDICINE
MAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. |
|
|
|
Christine
Jones |
|
|
|
|
|
Chief
Legal Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
Forrest
Hoffmaster |
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit 99.1
Schwazze
Appoints Forrest Hoffmaster as Interim Chief Executive Officer
DENVER,
CO, February 23, 2024 – Medicine Man
Technologies, Inc., operating as Schwazze, (OTCQX: SHWZ) (NEO: SHWZ) ("Schwazze" or the "Company"), today announced
that Forrest Hoffmaster, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed to the additional role of interim Chief Executive
Officer (“CEO”). This follows Nirup Krishnamurthy's resignation as CEO and as a member of the Board of Directors (“Board”),
effective February 20, 2024, due to personal reasons.
Mr. Hoffmaster,
who joined the Company in January 2023, brings over 30 years of executive experience in finance and operations for both public and
private companies. Prior to Schwazze, Mr. Hoffmaster served as CEO of New Seasons Market, a specialty gourmet food retailer, where
he navigated the company through one of the most disruptive periods in the retail grocery industry. Under his leadership, Mr. Hoffmaster
implemented a focused growth and cost optimization program, enabling the company to grow EBITDA by over 30% in two years. Prior to New
Seasons Market, Forrest held leadership positions with other leading grocers including Whole Foods Market and H-E-B.
“Forrest
is well-positioned to seamlessly step in and lead the Company’s day-to-day operations as we conduct our search for a permanent
successor,” said Justin Dye, Chairman of the Board. “With Forrest’s proven track record and deep retail expertise,
we plan to continue leveraging our operating playbook to drive strong Adjusted EBITDA margins and consistent cash flow generation. On
behalf of the Board, I’d like to wish Nirup the best in his future endeavors.”
About
Schwazze
Schwazze (OTCQX:
SHWZ) (NEO: SHWZ) is building a premier vertically integrated regional cannabis company with assets in Colorado and New Mexico and will
continue to take its operating system to other states where it can develop a differentiated regional leadership position. Schwazze is
the parent company of a portfolio of leading cannabis businesses and brands spanning seed to sale.
Schwazze is anchored
by a high-performance culture that combines customer-centric thinking and data science to test, measure, and drive decisions and outcomes.
The Company's leadership team has deep expertise in retailing, wholesaling, and building consumer brands at Fortune 500 companies as
well as in the cannabis sector.
Medicine
Man Technologies, Inc. was Schwazze's former operating trade name. The corporate entity continues to be named Medicine Man Technologies, Inc.
Schwazze derives its name from the pruning technique of a cannabis plant to enhance plant structure and promote healthy growth. To learn
more about Schwazze, visit https://schwazze.com/.
Forward-Looking
Statements
This
press release contains "forward-looking statements." Such statements may be preceded by the words "may," "will,"
"could," "would," "should," "expect," "intends," "plans," "strategy,"
"prospects," "anticipate," "believe," "approximately," "estimate," "predict,"
"project," "potential," "continue," "ongoing," or the negative of these terms or other words
of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future events or future operating or financial performance, although the absence
of these words does not necessarily mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future
events or performance, are based on certain assumptions, and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of
which are beyond the Company's control and cannot be predicted or quantified. Consequently, actual events and results may differ materially
from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks and
uncertainties associated with (i) regulatory limitations on our products and services and the uncertainty in the application of
federal, state, and local laws to our business, and any changes in such laws; (ii) our ability to manufacture our products and product
candidates on a commercial scale on our own or in collaboration with third parties; (iii) our ability to identify, consummate, and
integrate anticipated acquisitions; (iv) general industry and economic conditions; (v) our ability to access adequate capital
upon terms and conditions that are acceptable to us; (vi) our ability to pay interest and principal on outstanding debt when due;
(vii) volatility in credit and market conditions; (viii) the loss of one or more key executives or other key employees; and
(ix) other risks and uncertainties related to the cannabis market and our business strategy. More detailed information about the
Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the Company's filings with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.
Investors and security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov.
The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future
events or otherwise except as required by law.
Investor
Relations Contact
Sean Mansouri, CFA or Aaron D’Souza
Elevate IR
(720) 330-2829
ir@schwazze.com
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Medicine Man Technologies (CE) (USOTC:SHWZ)
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Medicine Man Technologies (CE) (USOTC:SHWZ)
過去 株価チャート
から 12 2023 まで 12 2024