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NATURE OF OPERATIONS, HISTORY AND PRESENTATION(Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Nature of Operations

Nature of Operations

 

General Cannabis Corporation (the “Company,” “we,” “us, ” “our,” or “GCC”) (formerly, Advanced Cannabis Solutions, Inc.), was incorporated on June 3, 2013, and provides products and services to the regulated cannabis industry.  On April 28, 2015, our common stock was uplisted and resumed quotation on the OTC Market’s OTCQB on May 6, 2015.  Our operations are segregated into the following four segments:

 

Security and Cash Management Services

 

In March 2015, we acquired substantially all of the assets of Iron Protection Group, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company, which will continue to do business as “Iron Protection Group.” Iron Protection Group (“IPG”) provides advanced security, including on-site professionals, video surveillance and cash transport, to licensed cannabis cultivators and retail shops. As of December 31, 2015, Iron Protection Group had approximately 80 guards who serve 14 clients throughout Colorado.

 

Marketing and Products

 

In September 2015, we acquired substantially all of the assets of Chiefton Supply Co., and established a dba of Chiefton Supply Co., incorporated in Colorado (“Chiefton”).  Chiefton is an apparel and design company.  We design, distribute and sell apparel featuring graphic designs.  Our apparel is purchased and screen printed by third parties, for which there are numerous suppliers.  Chiefton also provides high-level design and branding services to various clients, from grow stores and dispensaries to wholesale cannabis companies.

 

Our wholesale supply business, GC Supply, is a reseller of supplies to the cannabis market. GC Supply works with industry leaders and innovators to deliver high-quality products that are compliant with applicable regulations and with a focus on products that are manufactured in the United States.   GC Supply operates out of a leased, 1,800 square-foot warehouse located in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

  

Consulting and Advisory

 

Through Next Big Crop we deliver comprehensive consulting services to the cannabis industry that include obtaining licenses, compliance, cultivation, retail operations, logistical support, facility design and building services, and expansion of existing operations.  Our business plan is based on the future growth of the regulated cannabis market in the United States.

 

Finance and Real Estate

 

Real Estate Leasing

 

Our real estate leasing business primarily includes the acquisition and leasing of cultivation space and related facilities to licensed marijuana growers and dispensary owners for their operations. Management anticipates that these facilities will range in size from 5,000 to 50,000 square feet. These facilities will only be leased to tenants that possess the requisite state licenses to operate cultivation facilities. The leases with the tenants will provide certain requirements that permit us to continually evaluate our tenants’ compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

 

As of the date of this report, we owned one cultivation property that is located in a suburb of Pueblo, Colorado (the “Pueblo West Property”). The property consists of approximately three acres of land, which currently includes a 5,000 square foot steel building, and parking lot. The property is zoned for cultivating cannabis and is leased to a medical cannabis grower until December 31, 2022.  We are evaluating strategic options for this property.

 

Shared Office Space, Networking and Event Services   

 

In October 2014, we purchased a former retail bank located at 6565 East Evans Owner, Denver, Colorado 80224, which has been branded as The Greenhouse (“The Greenhouse”).  The building is a 16,056 square-foot facility, which will be converted to serve as the largest shared workspace for entrepreneurs, professionals and others serving the cannabis industry.  Clients will be able to lease space to use as offices, meeting rooms, lecture, educational and networking facilities, and individual workstations.

 

The Greenhouse has approximately 10,000 square feet of existing office space and 5,000 square feet on its ground floor that is dedicated to a consumer banking design.  The banking space includes a vault with safety deposit boxes, three drive through teller windows and five secure teller windows inside.

 

We plan to continue to acquire commercial real estate and lease office space to participants in the cannabis industry. These participants include media, internet, packaging, lighting, cultivation supplies, and financial services. In exchange for certain services that may be provided to these tenants, we expect to receive rental income in the form of cash. In certain cases, we may acquire equity interests or provide debt capital to these businesses.

 

Industry Finance and Equipment Leasing Services

 

We lease cultivation equipment and facilities to customers in the cannabis industry. We expect we will enter into sale lease-back transactions of grow lights, tenant improvements and other grow equipment. Since Colorado State law does not allow entities operating under a cannabis license to pledge the assets or the license of the cannabis operation for any type of general borrowing activity, we intend to provide loans to individuals and businesses in the cannabis industry on an unsecured basis.  Equipment will only be leased to tenants that possess the requisite state licenses to operate such facilities. The leases with the tenants will provide certain requirements that permit us to continually evaluate its tenants’ compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

 

We are exploring lending opportunities in Oregon, Washington, Colorado, and Arizona. Our finance strategy will include making direct term loans and providing revolving lines of credit to businesses involved in the cultivation and sale of cannabis and related products.  These loans will generally be secured to the maximum extent permitted by law.  We believe there is a significant demand for this financing.  We are pursuing other finance services including customized finance, capital formation, and banking, for participants in the cannabis industry.

 

On November 4, 2015, we entered into an agreement (the “DB Option Agreement”) with Infinity Capital, a related party.  Pursuant to the DB Option Agreement, Infinity Capital granted us a six month option to purchase all of its interest in DB Products Arizona, LLC (“DB”) at Infinity Capital’s actual cost, plus $1.00, or $600,001. The interests for which the option has been granted are Infinity Capital’s 50% equity interest in the membership interests of DB, and any outstanding unpaid principal and interest owed on promissory note(s) issued by DB in favor of Infinity Capital for up to $600,000.  DB is involved in the production and distribution of Dixie Brands, Inc.’s full line of medical cannabis Dixie Elixirs and Edible products in Arizona.  DB expects to begin sales in 2016.  We have no obligation to exercise the option.

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the results of GCC, and its five wholly-owned subsidiary companies: (a) ACS Colorado Corp., a Colorado corporation formed in 2013; (b) Advanced Cannabis Solutions Corporation, a Colorado corporation formed in 2013; (c) 6565 E. Evans Avenue LLC, a Colorado limited liability company formed in 2014; (d)  General Cannabis Capital Corporation, a Colorado corporation formed in 2015; and (e) GC Security LLC, a Colorado limited liability company formed in 2015.  Advanced Cannabis Solutions Corporation has one wholly-owned subsidiary company, ACS Corp., which was formed in Colorado on June 6, 2013.  Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

 

The preparation of our financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Although these estimates are based on our knowledge of current events and actions we may undertake in the future, actual results may ultimately differ from these estimates and assumptions. Furthermore, when testing assets for impairment in future periods, if management uses different assumptions or if different conditions occur, impairment charges may result.

 

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior period financial statements to conform to the current period presentation. The reclassifications had no effect on net loss, total assets, or total stockholders’ equity (deficit).

Going Concern

Going Concern

 

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which assumes we will be able to realize our assets and discharge our liabilities in the normal course of business for the foreseeable future.  The ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon our generating profitable operations in the future and / or obtaining the necessary financing to meet our obligations and repay our liabilities arising from normal business operations when they come due. Management believes that actions presently being taken to further implement its business plan and generate additional revenues provide opportunity for us to continue as a going concern.  While we believe in the viability of our strategy to generate additional revenues and our ability to raise additional funds, there can be no assurances to that effect.

 

We had an accumulated deficit of $16,427,378 at December 31, 2015, and further losses are anticipated in the development of our business. Accordingly, there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if we are unable to continue as a going concern.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits with banks, and investments that are highly liquid and have maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase.  We had no cash equivalents at December 31, 2015 or 2014.

 

We maintain our cash balances in financial institutions that from time to time exceed amounts insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (up to $250,000 per financial institution as of December 31, 2015).  At December 31, 2015 and 2014, our deposits did not exceed insured amounts. We have not experienced any losses in such accounts.

 

Inventory

Inventory

 

Our inventory consists of finished goods, including apparel and supplies for the cannabis market.  Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market, using the first-in, first-out method (“FIFO”) to determine cost. We monitor inventory cost compared to selling price in order to determine if a lower of cost or market reserve is necessary.  For the year ended December 31, 2015, cost of goods sold includes $75,048 of expense for inventory adjusted down to market value

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are recorded at historical cost.  The cost of maintenance and repairs, which are not significant improvements, are expensed when incurred.  Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets:  thirty years for buildings, the lesser of five years or the life of the lease for leasehold improvements, and three to five years for furniture, fixtures and equipment.  Land is not depreciated.  Construction in progress, consisting of land development costs, pre-construction costs, construction costs, interest incurred on financing, architectural plans, is not depreciated until the related asset is placed in service.

Business Combinations Policy

Business Combinations

 

Amounts paid for acquisitions are allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition.  The fair value of identifiable intangible assets is based on detailed valuations that use information and assumptions provided by management, including expected future cash flows. We allocate any excess purchase price over the fair value of the net assets and liabilities acquired to goodwill.  Identifiable intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their useful lives. Acquisition-related costs, including advisory, legal, accounting, valuation and other costs, are expensed in the periods in which the costs are incurred. The results of operations of acquired businesses are included in the consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date.

Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Intangible Assets and Goodwill

 

Goodwill is the cost of an acquisition less the fair value of the net assets of the acquired business.

 

Intangible assets consist primarily of customer relationships, non-compete agreements with key employees, and marketing-related intangibles. Our intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of two to ten years.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets and Goodwill

Impairment of Long-lived Assets and Goodwill

 

We evaluate goodwill for impairment annually in the fourth quarter, and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit containing goodwill is less than its carrying amount.  The goodwill impairment test consists of a two-step process, if necessary. The first step is to compare the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. We typically use discounted cash flow models to determine the fair value of a reporting unit. The assumptions used in these models are consistent with those we believe hypothetical marketplace participants would use. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the second step of the impairment test must be performed in order to determine the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment charge is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The loss recognized cannot exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.

 

We periodically evaluate whether the carrying value of property, equipment and intangible assets has been impaired when circumstances indicate the carrying value of those assets may not be recoverable.  The carrying amount is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset.  If the carrying value is not recoverable, the impairment loss is measured as the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its fair value.

 

Our impairment analyses require management to apply judgment in estimating future cash flows as well as asset fair values, including forecasting useful lives of the assets, assessing the probability of different outcomes, and selecting the discount rate that reflects the risk inherent in future cash flows. If the carrying value is not recoverable, we assess the fair value of long-lived assets using commonly accepted techniques, and may use more than one method, including, but not limited to, recent third party comparable sales and discounted cash flow models.  If actual results are not consistent with our assumptions and estimates, or our assumptions and estimates change due to new information, we may be exposed to an impairment charge in the future.

Deferred Financing Costs

Deferred Financing Costs

 

We capitalize the amounts paid to obtain financing, such as legal expenses of our lenders, and amortize the amount over the life of the underlying financing agreement.

Debt

Debt

 

We issue debt that may have separate warrants, conversion features, or no equity-linked attributes.

 

Debt with warrants – When we issue debt with warrants, we treat the warrants as a debt discount, record as a contra-liability against the debt, and amortize the balance over the life of the underlying debt as amortization of debt discount expense in the consolidated statements of operations.  The offset to the contra-liability is recorded as additional paid in capital in our consolidated balance sheet.  We determine the value of the warrants using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model (“Black-Scholes”) using the stock price on the date of issuance, the risk free interest rate associated with the life of the debt, and the volatility of our stock.  If the debt is retired early, the associated debt discount is then recognized immediately as amortization of debt discount expense in the consolidated statement of operations.  The debt is treated as conventional debt.

 

Convertible debtderivative treatment – When we issue debt with a conversion feature, we must first assess whether the conversion feature meets the requirements to be treated as a derivative, as follows:  a) one or more underlyings, typically the price of our common stock; b) one or more notional amounts or payment provisions or both, generally the number of shares upon conversion; c) no initial net investment, which typically excludes the amount borrowed; and d) net settlement provisions, which in the case of convertible debt generally means the stock received upon conversion can be readily sold for cash. An embedded equity-linked component that meets the definition of a derivative does not have to be separated from the host instrument if the component qualifies for the scope exception for certain contracts involving an issuer’s own equity.  The scope exception applies if the contract is both a) indexed to its own stock; and b) classified in stockholders’ equity in its statement of financial position.

 

If the conversion feature within convertible debt meets the requirements to be treated as a derivative, we estimate the fair value of the convertible debt derivative using Black-Scholes upon the date of issuance.  If the fair value of the convertible debt derivative is higher than the face value of the convertible debt, the excess is immediately recognized as interest expense.  Otherwise, the fair value of the convertible debt derivative is recorded as a liability with an offsetting amount recorded as a debt discount, which offsets the carrying amount of the debt.  The convertible debt derivative is revalued at the end of each reporting period and any change in fair value is recorded as a gain or loss in the consolidated statement of operations.  The debt discount is amortized through interest expense over the life of the debt.

 

Convertible debt – beneficial conversion feature – If the conversion feature is not treated as a derivative, we assess whether it is a beneficial conversion feature (“BCF’).  A BCF exists if the conversion price of the convertible debt instrument is less than the stock price on the commitment date.  This typically occurs when the conversion price is less than the fair value of the stock on the date the instrument was issued.  The value of a BCF is equal to the intrinsic value of the feature, the difference between the conversion price and the common stock into which it is convertible, and is recorded as additional paid in capital and as a debt discount in the consolidated balance sheet.  We amortize the balance over the life of the underlying debt as amortization of debt discount expense in the consolidated statement of operations.  If the debt is retired early, the associated debt discount is then recognized immediately as amortization of debt discount expense in the consolidated statement of operations.

 

If the conversion feature does not qualify for either the derivative treatment or as a BCF, the convertible debt is treated as traditional debt.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

 

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy is based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, as follows:

 

   
Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
   
Level 2 – Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
   
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

 

Our financial instruments include cash, accounts receivable, accounts payables and tenant deposits. The carrying values of these financial instruments approximate their fair value due to their short maturities.  The carrying amount of our debt approximates fair value because the interest rates on these instruments approximate the interest rate on debt with similar terms available to us.  Our derivative liability was adjusted to fair market value at the end of each reporting period, using Level 3 inputs.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

 

We recognize revenue when the four revenue recognition criteria are met, as follows:

 

Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists – our customary practice is to obtain written evidence, typically in the form of a contract or purchase order;

 

Delivery – when services are completed in accordance with the underlying contract, or for the sale of goods when custody is transferred to our customers either upon shipment to or receipt at our customers’ locations, with no right of return or further obligations;

 

The price is fixed or determinable – prices are typically fixed and no price protections or variables are offered; and

 

Collectability is reasonably assured – we typically work with businesses with which we have a long standing relationship, as well as continually monitoring and evaluating customers’ ability to pay.

 

Refunds and returns, which are minimal, are recorded as a reduction of revenue.  

Share-based Payments

Share-based Payments

 

NonemployeesWe may enter into agreements with nonemployees to make share-based payments in return for services. These payments may be made in the form of common stock or common stock warrants. We recognize expense for fully-vested warrants at the time they are granted. For awards with service or performance conditions, we generally recognize expense over the service period or when the performance condition is met; however, there may be circumstances in which we determine that the performance condition is probable before the actual performance condition is achieved. In such circumstances, the amount recognized as expense is the pro rata amount, depending on the estimated progress towards completion of the performance condition. Nonemployee share-based payments are measured at fair value, based on either the fair value of the equity instrument issued or on the fair value of the services received. Typically, it is not practical to value the services received, so we determine the fair value of common stock grants based on the price of the common stock on the measurement date (which is the earlier of the date at which a commitment for performance by the counterparty to earn the equity instruments is reached, if there are sufficient disincentives to ensure performance, or the date at which the counterparty’s performance is complete), and the fair value of common stock warrants using Black-Scholes. We use historical data to estimate the expected price volatility, the expected stock option life and expected forfeiture rate. The risk-free interest rate is based on the United States Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for the estimated life of the stock option. For awards that are recognized when a performance condition is probable, the fair value is estimated at each reporting date. The cost ultimately recognized is the fair value of the equity award on the date the performance condition is achieved. Accordingly, the expense recognized may change between interim reporting dates and the date the performance condition is achieved.

 

  

Awards of common stock with a service or performance condition, where the ultimate number of shares to be issued is uncertain, are classified as liabilities.  All other non-employee awards are classified as equity.

 

Employees – We issue options to purchase our common stock to our employees, which are measured at fair value using Black-Scholes. We use historical data to estimate the expected price volatility, the expected stock option life and expected forfeiture rate. The risk-free interest rate is based on the United States Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for the estimated life of the stock option.  We recognize expense on a straight-line basis over the service period, net of an estimated forfeiture rate, resulting in a compensation cost for only those shares expected to vest.  Awards to employees are classified as equity.

Shipping and Handling

Shipping and Handling

 

Payments by customers to us for shipping and handling costs are included in revenue on the consolidated statements of operations, while our expense is included in cost of goods sold. Shipping and handling for inventory is included as a component of inventory on the consolidated balance sheets, and in cost of revenues in the consolidated statements of operations when the product is sold.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

 

We recognize deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the income tax and financial reporting carrying amount of our assets and liabilities. We monitor our deferred tax assets and evaluate the need for a valuation allowance based on the estimate of the amount of such deferred tax assets that we believe do not meet the more-likely-than-not recognition criteria. We also evaluate whether we have any uncertain tax positions and would record a reserve if we believe it is more-likely-than-not our position would not prevail with the applicable tax authorities. Our assessment of tax positions as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, determined that there were no material uncertain tax positions.

Reportable Segments

Reportable Segments

 

Our reporting segments consist of:  a) Security and Cash Management Services; b) Marketing and Products; c) Consulting and Advisory; and d) Finance and Real Estate.  Our Chief Executive Officer has been identified as the chief decision maker.  Our operations are conducted primarily within the United States of America.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, Accounting Standards Update, or ASU 2016-02 “Leases (Topic 842)” – In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, which will require lessees to recognize almost all leases on their balance sheet as a right-of-use asset and a lease liability.  For income statement purposes, the FASB retained a dual model, requiring leases to be classified as either operating or finance.  Classification will be based on criteria that are largely similar to those applied in current lease accounting, but without explicit bright lines.  Lessor accounting is similar to the current model, but updated to align with certain changes to the lessee model and the new revenue recognition standard.  This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 18, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years.  We are currently evaluating the potential impact this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

FASB ASU 2015-17”Income Taxes (Topic 740)” – In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, which simplifies the presentation of deferred tax assets and liabilities on the balance sheet.  Previous GAAP required an entity to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts on the balance sheet.  The amendment requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified balance sheet.  This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018.  We are currently evaluating the potential impact this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

FASB ASU 2015-16 “Business Combinations (Topic 805),” or ASU 2015-16 - In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, which requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. This ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with the option to early adopt for financial statements that have not been issued. We are currently evaluating the potential impact this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

FASB ASU 2015-11 “Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory,” or ASU 2015-11 - In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, which requires an entity to measure in scope inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The amendments apply to inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost. This ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with the option to early adopt as of the beginning of an annual or interim period. We do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a significant impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

FASB ASU 2015-03 “Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Cost,” or ASU 2015-03 - In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the associated debt liability. We do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a significant impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

FASB ASU 2015-02 “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis,” or ASU 2015-02 - In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, which changes the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and we are currently assessing the impact of adoption of this ASU on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows and financial position.