Filed Pursuant to Rule 253(g)(1)

Registration No. 024-10794

4,545,454 SHARES OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK

$50,000,000

This is the initial public offering (the “Offering”) of shares of voting Class A Common Stock, par value $0.0001 (the “Class A Common Stock”) of Hightimes Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation (which we refer to as “Hightimes Holding,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us”). We are offering, at an offering price of $11.00 per share (the “Offering Price”), a minimum of 454,545 shares of our Class A Common Stock for $5,000,000 and up to 4,545,454 shares of our Class A Common Stock (the “Offered Shares”) for up to $50,000,000 (the “Maximum Offering Amount”).

All of our shares of Class A Common Stock are being offered on a “best efforts” basis pursuant to Regulation A of Section 3(6) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for Tier 2 offerings. The Offering will terminate on the first to occur of (i) the date on which all 4,545,454 shares are sold, (ii) consummation of the “Origo Merger” hereinafter described, or (iii) August 12, 2018, subject to our right to extend such date until as late as September 12, 2018 in our sole discretion (in each case, the “Termination Date”). If we receive and accept subscriptions for $5,000,000 of gross proceeds, representing the sale of a minimum of 454,545 shares of Class A Common Stock (the Minimum Offering”) on or before the Termination Date, then we will close on the $5,000,000 Minimum Offering Amount and, until the Termination Date, may hold one or more additional closings for additional sales, up to the maximum of 4,545,454 Offered Shares. Until the $5,000,000 Minimum Offering amount is obtained, the proceeds for the Offering will be kept in an escrow account described below. In the event that we do not receive the $5,000,000 of Minimum Offering proceeds by the Termination Date, all escrowed funds shall be returned to subscribers without interest or deduction. Upon achievement of the $5,000,000 Minimum Offering amount and the closing on such amount, the proceeds from the Minimum Offering amount will be distributed to the Company and the 454,545 Offered Shares will be issued to the investors who subscribed for such shares. Upon each additional closing, if any, the proceeds subject to that additional closing will be distributed to the Company and the associated Offered Shares will be issued to the investors who subscribed for such shares. If the offering does not close, all proceeds for the offering will be promptly returned to investors, without deduction and generally without interest. Prime Trust, 2300 West Sahara, Suite 1170, Las Vegas, NV 89102, will serve as the escrow agent. The minimum subscription that investors may make for the Offering Share is nine shares for $99.00. Subscriptions may be made by either check, wire, credit card or ACH deposits. Checks should be made payable to Prime Trust, as escrow agent for Hightimes Holding Corp. 

The shares of Class A Common Stock are being offered directly by the Company and its management on a “best efforts” basis. No commissions or other compensation will be paid to Company management with respect to sales initiated by them.

On March 27, 2018, the Company engaged NMS Capital Advisors LLC, a registered broker/dealer, as its managing selling agent (the “Selling Agent”). The Selling Agent may engage one or more sub-selling agents or selected dealers. However, under the terms of its engagement agreement with the Company, neither the Selling Agent nor any sub-selling agent shall have any marketing or sales obligations other than to process indications of interest forwarded to the Selling Agent or sub-selling agents by the Company or its management. The Selling Agent is not purchasing any of the shares of Class A Common Stock being offered by the Company in the Offering and is not required to sell any specific number or dollar amount of such shares in the Offering.

Under the terms of its engagement agreement with NMS Capital Advisors, the Company has agreed to pay the Selling Agent a commission and fee equal to 3% of all gross proceeds received by the Company in the Offering in consideration for the Selling Agent’s commitment to process orders on behalf of the Company and its management. However, in the event and to the extent that the Selling Agent or any sub-selling agent sells shares of Class A Common Stock in the Offering directly to its clients or customers (“Direct Sales”), the Company has agreed to pay selling commissions on such Direct Sales equal to 7% of the gross proceeds the Company may receive from such Direct Sales of the Offered Shares. The Selling Agent and participating broker-dealers, if any, and others shall be indemnified by the Company with respect to the Offering and the disclosures made by the Company in its Form 1-A and related Offering Circular.

The Form 1-A Offering Statement of which this Offering Circular is a part (the “Offering Statement”) was qualified by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (which we refer to as the “SEC” or the “Commission”) on March 12, 2018, as amended and further qualified by the SEC on July __, 2018. We expect to immediately commence the offer and sale of the Offered Shares. Prior to this Offering, there has been no public market for our Class A Common Stock. The Company intends to apply to list its Class A Common Stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “HITM.” However, in order to meet the minimum initial listing requirements to list our Class A Common Stock on Nasdaq, we will need to receive a minimum of $14,700,000 of net proceeds from this Offering. For further information, see “Plan of Distribution – Exchange Listing” on page 69 of this Offering Circular. In the event our Offered Shares are not approved for trading on Nasdaq, we expect that the Offered Shares will be quoted on either the OTCQX or OTCQB over-the-counter exchanges operated by the OTC Market Group, Inc. (collectively, the “OTC Market”) and/or on the Canadian Securities Exchange, although we may elect to defer trading our Offered Shares on Nasdaq, the OTC Market or Canadian Securities Exchange if we consummate the Origo Merger described below.

Hightimes Holding has entered into a merger agreement, dated August 4, 2017, as amended on September 25, 2017 and on February 28, 2018 (the “Merger Agreement”) with Origo Acquisition Corp., a Cayman Islands corporation (“Origo”) whose ordinary shares are currently listed on Nasdaq under the symbol OACQU. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, a newly formed merger subsidiary of Origo will merge with and into the Company with the Company as the surviving corporation of the merger (the “Origo Merger”), and all existing holders of our Class A Common Stock, all investors who purchase Offered Shares in this Offering, and other holders of the Company’s convertible notes and warrants will receive a minimum of 23,474,178 shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, of High Times Media Corporation, a Nevada corporation (the “Successor Corporation”), that the parties to the Merger Agreement contemplate will be the publicly traded company by reason of the reincorporation of Origo from the Cayman Islands to Nevada. The securities of Origo and its Nevada Successor Corporation are sometimes collectively referred to herein as the “Origo Shares.” The total number of Origo Shares to be issued as merger consideration under the Merger Agreement is subject to increase depending on the total net proceeds we receive from this Offering of our Offered Shares.

Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, we and Origo have valued our shares of Class A Common Stock, prior to sales of our Class A Common Stock in this Offering at a minimum of $250,000,000; which valuation and the number of shares of common stock our security holders are entitled to receive in the Origo Merger is subject to increase based on the amount of net proceeds we may receive in this Offering.

On February 20, 2018, Origo received written notice from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) indicating that the Nasdaq Hearings Panel (the “Panel”) determined to delist Origo’s securities and, as a result, trading of Origo’s securities on Nasdaq was suspended effective with the open of business on Thursday, February 22, 2018, due to its non-compliance with certain requirements for continued listing on Nasdaq, including the failure to complete its proposed business combination with Hightimes Holding and evidence compliance with all applicable requirements for initial listing on Nasdaq on or before February 19, 2018, which was the deadline previously set by the Panel. On May 17, 2018, Origo received a decision by the Listing Council to Origo’s appeal of the Panel’s decision to delist its securities from Nasdaq, upholding the Panel’s decision to commence delisting procedures for Origo’s securities, as a result of which the Origo Shares currently trade on the OTC Pink marketplace. As of July 5, 2018, the Origo Shares closed at $10.93 on the OTC Pink marketplace. Consummation of the Origo Merger is subject to certain conditions, including the relisting of the common stock of the Successor Corporation on Nasdaq.

We intend to complete or terminate this Offering of our Class A Common Stock prior to seeking to consummate the Origo Merger. As indicated above, we may continue to offer our Offered Shares under this Reg A+ Offering until as late as September 12, 2018.

In the event that the Origo Merger is not consummated by September 12, 2018, unless its shareholders grant an additional extension, Origo will be required to dissolve and liquidate itself. In such event, we will not consummate the Origo Merger and will seek to complete this Offering of our Class A Common Stock and list our shares of Class A Common Stock for trading on Nasdaq. On May 22, 2018, Origo submitted a proxy statement to its shareholders to hold a shareholders meeting on June 12, 2018 at which it obtained shareholder approval to extend the date under which it can consummate the Origo Merger or other business combination to as late as September 12, 2018. On February 28, 2018, Hightimes Holding and Origo agreed that Hightimes Holding may unilaterally terminate the Origo Merger at any time on or after April 15, 2018. Pursuant to a third amendment to the Merger Agreement, dated May 22, 2018, we agreed to extend the outside closing date of the Origo Merger to September 12, 2018. To date, we have not elected to terminate the Origo Merger. If we consummate the Origo Merger, and if Hightimes Holding was previously able to meet the minimum initial listing requirements to list our Class A Common Stock on Nasdaq, our Class A Common Stock will be withdrawn from trading on Nasdaq following the Origo Merger. In any event, it is the intention of Hightimes Holding to complete this Offering, to apply to list our shares of Class A Common Stock on Nasdaq and seek to obtain such listing, subject to our ability to raise a sufficient amount of net proceeds from this Offering and otherwise meet the minimum initial Nasdaq listing requirements. As stated above, in the event we are unable to list our shares of Class A Common Stock on Nasdaq, we will seek to have our Class A Common Stock quoted on either the OTC Market and/or on the Canadian Securities Exchange.

We are offering our Offered Shares in this Offering at an $11.00 per Share Offering Price, based upon a valuation of our Company and its subsidiaries prior to this Offering of $225,000,000. Such Offering Price and our $225,000,000 valuation was determined by management in order to attract investors in this Offering (and as permitted under the Merger Agreement) at 90% of, or a 10% discount to, the $250,000,00 minimum valuation of our Company and its subsidiaries that is set forth in the Merger Agreement. The $225,000,000 valuation of our currently outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and the $11.00 per share Offering Price of the Class A Common Stock has been arbitrarily determined by Hightimes Holding and is not based on book value, assets, earnings or any other recognizable standard of value.

In order to finance a portion of the purchase price to acquire our subsidiary Trans-High Corporation, a New York corporation (“THC”), in February 2017, we granted our senior secured lender a warrant to purchase 2.75% of our Class A Common Stock “Deemed Issued” prior to this Offering at an exercise price of $0.01 per share and in February 2018, we issued to such lender a second warrant to purchase an additional 2.25% of our Class A Common Stock Deemed Issued prior to this Offering at an exercise price of approximately $5.47 per share. On June 4, 2018, our senior secured lender agreed, that upon, the first to occur of, the completion of this Offering and listing of our Class A Common Stock on Nasdaq, the OTC Market or the Canadian Securities Exchange, or consummation of the Origo Merger, it would exercise both warrants to purchase a total of 1,234,738 shares of our Class A Common Stock and pay an average weighted exercise price of $2.467 through a $3,046,098.10 reduction of the $13,000,000 principal amount note owed by us and our consolidated subsidiaries to such lender.

Hightimes Holding is an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (the “JOBS Act”) and, as such, may elect to comply with certain reduced reporting requirements for this Offering Circular and future filing after this Offering.  Following this Offering, Hightimes Holding will be a “controlled company” within the meaning of the corporate governance rules of Nasdaq. See “The Transactions” and “Management—Corporate Governance.”

THE CLASS A COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY IS HIGHLY SPECULATIVE AND INVOLVES A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK. INVESTORS SHOULD NOT INVEST ANY FUNDS IN THIS OFFERING UNLESS THEY CAN AFFORD TO LOSE THEIR ENTIRE INVESTMENT. SEE “RISK FACTORS” FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN RISKS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE PURCHASING ANY SHARES IN THIS OFFERING.

THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION DOES NOT PASS UPON THE MERITS OF OR GIVE ITS APPROVAL TO ANY SECURITIES OFFERED OR THE TERMS OF THE OFFERING, NOR DOES IT PASS UPON THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF ANY OFFERING CIRCULAR OR OTHER SOLICITATION MATERIALS. THESE SECURITIES ARE OFFERED PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION WITH THE COMMISSION; HOWEVER, THE COMMISSION HAS NOT MADE AN INDEPENDENT DETERMINATION THAT THE SECURITIES OFFERED ARE EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION.

The following would apply only if we are unable to obtain a listing on Nasdaq or other national securities exchange and we seek for our Class A Common Stock to trade on a platform of the OTC Markets:

GENERALLY, NO SALE MAY BE MADE TO YOU IN THIS OFFERING IF THE AGGREGATE PURCHASE PRICE YOU PAY IS MORE THAN 10% OF THE GREATER OF YOUR ANNUAL INCOME OR NET WORTH. DIFFERENT RULES APPLY TO ACCREDITED INVESTORS AND NON-NATURAL PERSONS. BEFORE MAKING ANY REPRESENTATION THAT YOUR INVESTMENT DOES NOT EXCEED APPLICABLE THRESHOLDS, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO REVIEW RULE 251(d)(2)(i)(C) OF REGULATION A. FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ON INVESTING, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO REFER TO www.investor.gov.

This Offering Circular contains all of the representations by us concerning this Offering, and no person shall make different or broader statements than those contained herein. Investors are cautioned not to rely upon any information not expressly set forth in this Offering Circular.

This Offering Circular follows the disclosure format prescribed by Part I of Form S-1 pursuant to the general instructions of Part II(a)(1)(ii) of Form 1-A.

NMS Capital Advisors LLC

433 North Camden Drive, 4th Floor, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

The date of this Offering Circular is July 26, 2018.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

We are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, our securities only in jurisdictions where such offers and sales are permitted. You should rely only on the information contained in this Offering Circular. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with any information other than the information contained in this Offering Circular. The information contained in this Offering Circular is accurate only as of its date, regardless of the time of its delivery or of any sale or delivery of our securities. Neither the delivery of this Offering Circular nor any sale or delivery of our securities shall, under any circumstances, imply that there has been no change in our affairs since the date of this Offering Circular. This Offering Circular will be updated and made available for delivery to the extent required by the federal securities laws.

Unless otherwise indicated, data contained in this Offering Circular concerning the business of Hightimes Holding and its direct and indirect subsidiaries are based on information from various public sources. Although we believe that this data is generally reliable, such information is inherently imprecise, and our estimates and expectations based on these data involve a number of assumptions and limitations. As a result, you are cautioned not to give undue weight to such data, estimates or expectations.

In this Offering Circular, except for references to “capital stock,” “Class A Common Stock,” Class B Common Stock, “Shares,” “preferred stock” or “stockholders,” which applies only to Hightimes Holding, as used in this Offering Circular, the terms “Company,” “we,” “our” or words of like import mean Hightimes Holding and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, consisting of Tran-High Corporation, a New York corporation (“Trans-High” or “THC”) and Culture Pub, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Culture Pub”) and the subsidiaries of Trans-High consisting of High Times Production Inc., Cannabis Business Digital, LLC, The Hemp Company of America, Inc., Hemp Times, Inc., High Times, Inc., New Morning Productions, Inc. and Planet Hemp, Inc., all of whom are New York corporations or limited liability companies (all such subsidiaries, together with THC, are referred to herein as the “THC Group”).

RISK FACTORS

The Shares offered hereby are highly speculative, and prospective purchasers should be aware that an investment in the Class A Common Stock involves a high degree of risk. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should carefully consider the following risk factors in addition to the other information in this Offering Circular.

Cautionary Statements

The discussions and information in this Offering Circular may contain both historical and forward-looking statements. To the extent that the Offering Circular contains forward-looking statements regarding the financial condition, operating results, business prospects, or any other aspect of our business, please be advised that our actual financial condition, operating results, and business performance may differ materially from that projected or estimated by us in forward-looking statements. We have attempted to identify, in context, certain of the factors we currently believe may cause actual future experience and results to differ from our current expectations.

Risks Relating to Our Business

The net income of High Times Group has declined between 2014 and 2017, and the Hightimes Group also incurred a significant net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2018, which may make it difficult for investors to predict future performance based on current operations.

During the four-year period from 2014 to 2017, the net income of THC and its subsidiaries declined from $3,421,592 in 2014 to a net loss of ($24,694,000) in 2017, although $8,430,000 of the net loss for the year ending December 31, 2017 resulted from non-recurring stock compensation charges. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the consolidated net loss of the Hightimes Group was ($12,304,585), although $8,382,517 of the net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2018 resulted from non-cash charges in respect of warrant derivative liabilities and an unrealized loss on securities. The High Times Group is anticipating a return to profitability by the end of the 2018 fiscal year, however, any forecasts the High Times Group makes about its operations may prove to be inaccurate.

The High Times Group must, among other things, determine what constitutes appropriate risks, rewards, and level of investment in its publications and events, respond to economic and market variables outside of its control, respond to competitive developments and continue to attract, retain and motivate qualified employees. There can be no assurance that the High Times Group will be successful in meeting these challenges and addressing such risks and the failure to do so could have a could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, and financial condition of the High Times Group. The decision by Origo shareholders whether to approve the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby must be considered in light of the risks, expenses, and difficulties frequently encountered by companies in the early stage of development. As a result of these risks, challenges and uncertainties, the value of the High Times Group could be significantly reduced or completely lost.

The independent public accounting firm for the Hightimes Group has issued a “going concern” opinion.

The High Times Group is indebted to its senior secured lender in the amount of $13,000,000 pursuant to a loan that matures on February 28, 2020. The High Times Group’s ability to continue as a going concern may depend upon its ability to obtain the necessary financing needed to meet such debt obligation when it comes due. Hightimes Holding plans to provide for its capital requirements that are not met by income from operations by issuing additional equity or debt securities. No assurance can be given that additional capital will be available when required or on terms acceptable to Hightimes Holding. The outcome of this issue cannot be predicted at this time and there is no assurance that, if achieved, the High Times Group will have sufficient funds to meet its obligations and execute its business plan. Partially as a result of the foregoing the independent auditors for the High Times Group has issued a “going concern” opinion in connection with the audit of the 2015, 2016 and 2017 financial statements.

The High Times Group may not be able to service its indebtedness.

Pursuant to its senior loan agreement, as amended, the High Times Group has incurred $13,000,000 of senior secured indebtedness issued to ExWorks Capital Fund I, L.P. (“ExWorks”), our senior lender, which is payable at the rate of $100,000 per month commencing September 2017 and all of which indebtedness matures on February 28, 2020. Interest is payable monthly at the rate of 15% per annum.

When the loan matures, ExWorks is entitled to an additional fee of $2,800,000; provided that such fee is subject to increase by up to 10% of the then outstanding indebtedness if all obligations to ExWorks are not paid in full by February 29, 2019. The third amendment to the loan agreement between ExWorks and the Hightimes Group also obligates the borrowers to maintain certain financial covenants including immediately maintaining a debt to equity ratio and, commencing as of February 28, 2019, maintaining a 1:1 ratio of funded debt to average total cash in banks and immediately marketable securities.

In connection with our contemplated Use of Proceeds we are assuming that all or substantial portions of our $13,000,000 of senior secured convertible note owed to ExWorks that is currently scheduled to mature on February 28, 2020 will either be converted into our Class A Common Stock by ExWorks, refinanced prior to such maturity date by another lender or repaid out of the proceeds of future financings. In the event we are unable to refinance such indebtedness or repay such indebtedness on or before the maturity date (a minimum of $15,800,000, including fees) or ExWorks elects not to convert its note in Hightimes Holding Class A Common Stock, ExWorks will be in a position to foreclose on all of our assets, in which event, investors in this Offering would likely lose their entire investment.

In addition, we may be unable to maintain our financial covenants to ExWorks and if we are unable to retire all obligations to ExWorks by February 28, 2019, we will incur additional fees. Failure to maintain our financial covenants would represent an event of default which may also cause ExWorks to foreclose on our assets prior to the maturity date of the loan. and

Hightimes Holding also issued $30,000,000 of purchase notes to the former stockholders of THC. Although we believe that the remaining $28,500,000 balance of the purchase notes will paid to the extent of $4,500,000 of principal plus accrued interest, be discounted to $18,000,000 and automatically converted into shares of Common Stock of Hightimes Holding upon completion of this Offering and listing our Class A Common Stock on a “Qualified Securities Exchange” (which includes Nasdaq or the OTC Market QX Exchange) or consummation of the Origo Merger, there is no assurance that High Times Holding will be able meet all of the conditions to force the conversion of such purchase notes. If the purchase notes do not convert into Class A Common Stock, we will owe the former stockholders of THC quarterly installments payments of $1,500,000, plus accrued interest, with final payment due on February 28, 2020. There is no assurance that we will be able to adequately service the purchase notes out of cash flow or refinance such purchase notes. A default under the purchase notes would also constitute a default to our senior lender under the senior loan and security agreement which could result in a foreclosure on all of the assets of High Times Group and result in the loss of 100% of the equity investments of holders of securities of Hightimes Holding and Origo.

In addition, we were unable to pay the $1,500,000 quarterly principal installment and accrued interest that was due to be paid under the Purchase Notes on November 28, 2017, February 28, 2018 and on May 28, 2018. Under the terms of our default waiver and payment deferral agreements with the Holders of such Purchase Notes, on or before September 12, 2018, we are obligated to pay $4,500,000 of the above principal installments, plus accrued and unpaid interest of 12% per annum compounded monthly from August 29, 2017 to the date of payment, or an aggregate of approximately $8,191,000.

A significant portion of the proceeds of up to $12,500,000 of gross proceeds received from this Reg A+ Offering will be used to pay accrued and unpaid accrued interest on outstanding Purchase Notes.

In the event we are only able to receive the $5,000,000 of gross proceeds from the Minimum Offering all proceeds, net of offering expenses, will be used to pay a portion of the accrued interest on the Purchase Notes, and approximately 67% of the gross proceeds we receive from the sale of $12,500,000 of Hightimes Holding Class A Common Stock (25% of the maximum offering) will be used to retire unpaid principal and accrued interest on the Purchase Notes. Accordingly, we will not be able to use such amounts for development of our business. See “Use of Proceeds” on page 33 of this Offering Circular.

The High Times Group may not be able to realize adequate net proceeds from this Regulation A+ offering

Even assuming that all of the Purchase Notes are converted into shares of Class A Common Stock upon completion of this Offering, as stated above, we will be obligated to pay the holders of the Purchase Notes approximately $8,191,000, representing $4,500,000 in unpaid principal installments prior to this Offering, plus accrued interest on their Purchase Notes. In addition, and inclusive of fees payable on the maturity date (or earlier if we are able to prepay the ExWorks loan), we will also be obligated to pay ExWorks not less than $15,800,000, and such amount could be as much as $17,380,000. There is no assurance that we will be successful in listing our shares on a Qualified Stock Exchange or in refinancing or otherwise retiring the ExWorks loan either prior to February 2019 or at the February 28, 2020 maturity date. The High Times Group intends to ameliorate certain of the risks of defaults under its outstanding indebtedness and obtain additional working capital to achieve its business goals by consummating this Offering. There can be no assurance that the High Times Group will be able to raise any meaningful net proceeds from the Offering or from other debt or equity sources in amounts needed to repay our indebtedness and provide necessary expansion and working capital. If we are unable to achieve sufficient liquidity we may be forced to cease doing business or seek protection from our creditors under the federal bankruptcy laws; in which event investors in this offering would likely lose their entire investment.

As of March 31, 2018, the High Times Group had a significant negative stockholder’s equity and Hightimes Holding and/or Origo must raise and/or retain a minimum of approximately $14,700,000 or more in net cash proceeds in order for Hightimes Holding to list its shares of Class A Common Stock on Nasdaq or for Origo to reapply to regain its listing of the Origo Shares on Nasdaq upon consummation of the Business Combination.

The consolidated balance sheet of the Hightimes Group as of March 31, 2018, reflects a negative stockholders’ equity of approximately $53,674,000. Even after giving pro-forma effect to an  estimated $42,979,000 increase in our consolidated stockholders’ equity resulting from (a) the anticipated conversion into Class A Common Stock of $24,000,000 outstanding principal amount of Purchase Notes ($28,500,000 current principal reduced by the $4,500,000 prior due quarter principal payments to be paid out of the offering proceeds) issued to the former stockholders of Trans-High that was outstanding on March 31, 2018, (b) a $4,000,000 increase in stockholders’ equity by reason of our proposed acquisition of certain assets of Culture Magazine™ on completion of this Offering, (c) the conversion of a $375,000 note issued and $86,000 in accrued interest and derivative value adjustment in the Bio Cup Music Festival transaction, and (d) the contemplated $3,046,098 reduction in our $13,000,000 senior secured note due ExWorks by reason of the proposed exercise of the ExWorks Warrants upon completion of this Offering, (e) the sale of 77,580 shares of Class A Common Stock to an existing stockholder in May 2018, the High Times Group’s pro-forma consolidated stockholders equity would still be a negative ($10,695,000). In order to meet one of the Nasdaq initial listing requirements the Hightimes Group must have a minimum $4,000,000 consolidated net worth.  Accordingly, the Hightimes Group would need to raise a minimum of approximately $14,700,000 of net proceeds (after all offering expenses) in this Regulation A+ Offering. To the extent that the Hightimes Group continues to incur losses following March 31, 2018, our negative ($10,695,000) stockholders’ equity at March 31, 2018 will increase, which will correspondingly increase, on a dollar-for-dollar basis, the minimum estimated $14,700,000 of net cash proceeds that we must receive from this Reg A+ Offering to meet the Nasdaq initial listing minimum net worth requirement. In addition, if we consummate the Origo Merger, pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, net cash proceeds received by the Hightimes Group from its Regulation A+ Offering coupled with the net tangible equity of Origo retained by it immediately prior to the Origo Merger would have to aggregate not less than $15,700,000 or more

Accordingly, there can be no assurance that such minimum stockholders’ equity will be achieved by the Highimes Group, either alone or in combination with Origo or that, we or the Successor corporation to Origo will meet the Nasdaq initial listing requirements to qualify for listing on Nasdaq.

Consummation of the Origo Merger is problematical

While Origo has obtained an extension from its shareholders to complete the Origo Merger on or before September 12, 2018, there is no guarantee we will be complete the Reg A+ Offering prior to September 12, 2018. Accordingly, unless we terminate this Offering prior to such date, or Origo is able to obtain stockholder approval to extend the date on which it may complete the Origo Merger or other business combination beyond September 12, 2018, Origo will be required to dissolve and liquidate itself. In such event, we will not consummate the Origo Merger and will seek to complete this Offering of our Class A Common Stock and list our shares of Class A Common Stock for trading on Nasdaq. Accordingly, even if Hightimers Holding elects not to exercise its right to terminate the Origo Merger Agreement after April 15, 2018, there can be no assurance that Origo will be in a position to consummate the Origo Merger.

Hightimes Holdings stockholders may receive a lesser number of Origo Shares in the Origo Merger then they would own in Hightimes Holding upon completion of this Offering

Upon completion of the Merger, Hightimes Holding and its subsidiaries, comprising the Hightimes Group, will become subsidiaries of Origo and the Successor. Hightimes Holding intends to consummate its contemplated Regulation A+ Offering prior to consummation of the Merger with Origo. Accordingly, any net proceeds received by Hightimes Holding will be used to finance the operations of the Hightimes Group. Upon consummation of the Origo Merger, all stockholders of Hightimes Holding (including investors in the Regulation A+ Offering), will receive Origo Shares in the form of common stock of the Successor. However, based on the terms of the Origo Merger, existing holders of Hightimes Holding Class A Common Stock, including investors in this Offering may receive a lower number of Origo Shares as a result of the Origo Merger. See and further dilute the holders of existing Origo shareholders. See “Summary of the Offering - Fully-Diluted Common Stock of Hightimes Media Corporation After the Proposed Origo Merger” on page 5 of this Offering Circular.

Consummation of the Origo Merger is dependent upon the continued listing of the Origo Shares on Nasdaq.

If Hightimes Holding is successful in obtaining Nasdaq approval to list its Class A Common Stock on Nasdaq prior to consummating the Merger, upon consummation of the Merger, Hightimes Holding shares would be withdrawn from trading on Nasdaq and Origo would have to obtain the approval of Nasdaq to continue to list the Origo Shares representing shares of common stock of the Successor in lieu of the Class A Common Stock. In addition, a condition to the consummation of the Origo Merger is the approval of Nasdaq to list on Nasdaq the shares of common stock of the Successor. On February 20, 2018, Origo received written notice from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) indicating that the Nasdaq Hearings Panel (the “Panel”) determined to delist Origo’s securities and, as a result, trading of Origo’s securities on Nasdaq was suspended effective with the open of business on Thursday, February 22, 2018, due to its non-compliance with certain requirements for continued listing on Nasdaq, including the failure to complete its proposed business combination with Hightimes Holding and evidence compliance with all applicable requirements for initial listing on Nasdaq on or before February 19, 2018. On May 17, 2018, Origo received a decision by the Listing Council to Origo’s appeal of the Panel’s decision to delist its securities from Nasdaq, upholding the Panel’s decision to commence delisting procedures for Origo’s securities, as a result of which the Origo Shares currently trade on the OTC Pink marketplace. Consummation of the Origo Merger is subject to certain conditions, including the relisting of the shares of common stock of the Successor corporation on Nasdaq. There can be no assurance that Nasdaq will, in fact, agree to such list the shares of common stock of the Successor to Origo on the Nasdaq Capital Market.

The High Times Group has a limited operating history in the sale of products associated with the cannabis industry, which makes it difficult to accurately evaluate its business prospects. 

The High Times Group has historically engaged in the publication of a monthly print and on-line magazine and the production and sponsorship of trade shows, festivals and events. Although the High Times Group contemplates various e-commerce initiatives and licensing its High Times brand, as well as developing an e-commerce store and licensing and branding initiatives for cannabis-based products, the High Times Group has no operating history in the commercial sale of products offered to users and producers of cannabis and cannabis-related products through wholesale or retail channels. While the High Times Group intends to pursue, acquire and integrate horizontal business lines involving the commercial sale of cannabis-related products, the High Times Group cannot guarantee that it will be successful in these prospective business initiatives and as a result its business prospects are difficult to accurately evaluate.

Customer complaints and negative publicity regarding the products and services of the High Times Group could hurt the business and reputation of the High Times Group.

From time to time, the High Times Group may receive complaints from customers regarding the quality of its media content distributed through its High Times brand and its live-events and productions. Presently as a result of its print and online publications, and in the future in the event the High Times Group furthers its business lines involved in the commercial sale of cannabis-related products, it may be subject to complaints from consumers regarding the nature and quality of goods sold by the High Times Group. Dissatisfied consumers may threaten legal action against the High Times Group if no reimbursement is made. The High Times Group may become subject to product liability lawsuits from customers alleging injury because of a purported defect in its products or services, claiming substantial damages and demanding payments from the High Times Group. The High Times Group is in the chain of ownership when it supplies or distributes products, and therefore is subject to the risk of being held legally responsible for such products. Given the nature of these products (including their relation to cannabis or for other reasons), these claims may not be covered by the High Times Group’s insurance policies. Any resulting litigation could be costly for the High Times Group, divert management attention, result in increased costs of doing business, or otherwise have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, and financial condition of the High Times Group. Any negative publicity generated as a result of customer frustration or disagreement with the products or services of the High Times Group, or with its websites or trade shows, could damage its reputation and diminish the value of its brand name, which could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations, and financial condition.

The High Times Group may be required to collect sales and other taxes.

New excise taxes may be imposed on the sale and production of products associated with cannabis by federal and state taxing authorities, suppressing sales. New government tax regulations may require that the High Times Group be responsible to collect those excise taxes, increasing its costs and risks. The High Times Group does not expect to collect sales or other similar taxes with respect to goods sold by it via its website, except for buyers from the State of California. The High Times Group expects to file quarterly sales tax returns with the State of California. Other states may, however, seek to impose sales tax collection obligations on out-of-state companies such as the High Times Group which engage in or facilitate online commerce, and a number of proposals have been made at the state and local level that would impose additional taxes on the sale of goods and services through the Internet. Such proposals, if adopted, could substantially impair the growth of Internet commerce, and could adversely affect the opportunity of the High Times Group to derive financial benefit from such activities. Moreover, a successful assertion by one or more states or any foreign country that the High Times Group should collect sales or other taxes on the exchange of merchandise on the High Times Group’s system could have a material adverse effect on the business, results operations, and financial condition of the High Times Group. Legislation limiting the ability of the states to impose taxes on Internet-based transactions has been proposed in the U.S. Congress. The High Times Group cannot assure that this legislation will ultimately be enacted into law or that the final version of this legislation will not contain a limited time period in which such tax moratorium will apply. In the event that the tax moratorium is imposed for a limited time period, there can be no assurance that the legislation will be renewed at the end of such period. Failure to enact or renew this legislation could allow various states to impose taxes on Internet-based commerce and the imposition of such taxes could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, and financial condition of the High Times Group.

The business of the High Times Group may be subject to various government regulations, and its inability to comply fully with such regulations could harm its business.

The High Times Group may become subject to various federal, state and local laws affecting the possession, consumption, production, supply and sale of cannabis. The Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Food and Drug Administration, the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency and equivalent state agencies regulate all aspects of cannabis and the advertising and representations made by businesses in the sale of cannabis or cannabis-related products. The inability of the High Times Group to fully comply with these regulations, particularly as they evolve and are subject to varying degrees of regulatory oversight and discretion, would have material adverse effect on the business, reputation, results of operations, and financial condition of the High Times Group.

In addition, the ongoing and future business plans of the High Times Group rely on its ability to successfully establish and maintain effective controls that follow the United States Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) Guidance, “BSA Expectations Regarding Marijuana-Related Businesses,” in vetting and monitoring potential and actual customers and clients. Financial transactions involving proceeds generated by cannabis-related conduct can form the basis for prosecution under the federal money laundering statutes, unlicensed money transmitter statutes and the Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”). However, supplemental guidance from the U.S. Department of Justice directs federal prosecutors to consider the federal enforcement priorities enumerated in the Cole Memorandum when determining whether to charge institutions or individuals with any of the financial crimes described above based upon cannabis-related activity. While the High Times Group believes that it is not currently subject to the BSA or FinCEN guidelines, the High Times Group may be required institute policies and procedures that mirror the stated goals of the FinCEN guidelines and will provide a framework by which we believe we can comply with the federal government’s stated objectives with respect to the potential conflict of law.

The High Times Group is also subject to government laws and regulations governing health, safety, working conditions, employee relations, wrongful termination, wages, taxes and other matters applicable to businesses in general. The High Times Group is not currently subject to direct federal, state or local regulation, or laws or regulations applicable to access to or commerce on the Internet, other than regulations applicable to businesses generally. It is possible that a number of laws and regulations may be adopted with respect to the Internet or other online services covering issues such as user privacy, freedom of expression, pricing, content and quality of products and services, taxation, advertising, intellectual property rights and information security. In addition, applicability to the Internet of existing laws governing issues such as property ownership, copyrights and other intellectual property issues, taxation, libel, obscenity and personal privacy is uncertain. The vast majority of such laws was adopted prior to the advent of the Internet and, as a result, do not contemplate or address the unique issues of the Internet and related technologies. In addition, numerous states, including the State of California in which the headquarters of the High Times Group are located, have regulations regarding the manner in which “wholesalers/retailers” may conduct business and the liability of “wholesalers/retailers” in conducting such business. There is a risk that governmental agencies will attempt to impose additional regulations impacting the High Times Group in the future, and such imposition could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, and financial condition of the High Times Group. For example, several states have also proposed legislation that would limit the uses of personal user information gathered online or require online services to establish privacy policies. Changes to existing laws or the passage of new laws intended to address these issues, as well as laws, rules and regulations related to cannabis, could create uncertainty in the marketplace that could reduce demand for the services of the High Times Group or increase the cost of doing business as a result of litigation costs or increased service delivery costs, or could in some other manner could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, and financial condition of the High Times Group. In addition, because the services of the High Times Group are expected to be accessible worldwide, and the High Times Group expects to eventually facilitate sales of goods to users worldwide, other jurisdictions may claim that the High Times Group is required to qualify to do business as a foreign corporation in a particular state or foreign country. The failure of any of the companies within the High Times Group to qualify as a foreign corporation in a jurisdiction where it is required to do so could subject the High Times Group to taxes and penalties for the failure to qualify and could result in the inability of the High Times Group to enforce contracts in such jurisdictions. Any such new legislation or regulation, or the application of laws or regulations from jurisdictions whose laws do not currently apply to the business of the High Times Group, could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, and financial condition of the High Times Group.

The High Times Group may incur uninsured losses and insurance may be difficult to obtain or maintain. 

Although the High Times Group maintains casualty, liability and property insurance coverage, along with workmen’s compensation and related insurance, the High Times Group cannot assure that it will not incur uninsured liabilities and losses as a result of the conduct of its current and future business operations. In particular, the High Times Group may incur liability involving the commercial sale of cannabis-related products or its live-events media business (including the Cannabis Cup) is deemed to have caused a personal injury. Uninsured losses in any significant amount could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, and financial condition of the High Times Group.

Moreover, because of its involvement in the cannabis industry, insurance policies that are otherwise readily available to business owners, such as workers’ compensation, general liability, and directors’ and officers’ insurance, may be more difficult for the High Times Group to find and more expensive for to obtain. There is a risk that the High Times Group may be unable to find and maintain such insurance policies, or that the cost of these policies will be unaffordable. If the High Times Group is unable to obtain or maintain such insurance policies on desirable terms, or at all, its ability to conduct business may be inhibited and it may be exposed to additional risks and financial liabilities.

The insurance coverage of the High Times Group may be inadequate to cover all significant risk exposures; because it is associated with the cannabis industry, it has a difficult time obtaining the various forms of insurance that are desired to operate its business, which may expose the High Times Group to additional risk and financial liabilities.

The High Times Group will be exposed to liabilities that are particular to the products and services we provide. While the High Times Group intends to maintain insurance for certain risks, the amount of its insurance coverage may not be adequate to cover all claims or liabilities, and it may be forced to bear substantial costs resulting from the risks and uncertainties of its business. It is also not possible to obtain insurance to protect against all operational risks and liabilities. The failure to obtain adequate insurance coverage on terms favorable to the High Times Group, or at all, could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, and financial condition of the High Times Group. The High Times Group does not have any business interruption insurance. Any business disruption or natural disaster could result in substantial losses, costs and diversion of resources.

Currently, the High Times Group has very limited insurance coverage in place for its business, personal property or workers’ compensation insurance, directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, and general liability insurance.

Insurance that is otherwise readily available in other industries is more difficult for the High Times Group to obtain, and more expensive, because the High Times Group is involved in, and does business with, individuals or businesses engaged in, the cannabis industry. There are no guarantees that the High Times Group will be able to find such insurances in the future, or that the cost will be affordable to it. If the High Times Group is forced to go without such insurance, it may be unable to enter into certain business sectors, its growth may be inhibited and, as a result, it may be exposed to additional risks and financial liabilities. 

If the High Times Group is unable to pay for material and services timely, the High Times Group could be subject to liens. 

If the High Times Group fails to pay for materials and services for its business on a timely basis, its assets could be subject to material men’s and workmen’s liens. The High Times Group may also be subject to bank or secured liens in the event that it defaults on loans from banks or its secured lenders, if any.

The management of the High Times Group will be subject to conflicts of interest.

Certain members of the management of the High Times Group may in the future become associated with or employed by other companies, which are engaged, or may become engaged, in the cultivation or dispensing of cannabis and cannabis related products or services. Conflicts of interest between the affiliates and/or directors and the High Times Group may arise by reason of such relationships. In addition, upon the Closing, the Successor will enter into a consulting services agreement (the “Consulting Services Agreement”) with Oreva Capital Corp., a Delaware corporation (“Oreva”), pursuant to which Oreva is to perform certain services for the Successor. Adam E. Levin, the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the High Times Group, is the principal stockholder of Oreva.

The High Times Group may not achieve its goals and objectives.

While the management of the High Times Group believes that its experience and relationships will moderate this risk to some degree, no representation is made that any aspect of the High Times Group’s expansion projects will be successful.

Targeted markets may not develop as expected.

If a market for the contemplated e-commerce store and contemplated licensing of the High Times brand does not develop, or if products associated with cannabis or other products and services that the High Times Group hopes to establish are not developed or commercialized as the High Times Group expects, or if the High Times Group fails to address the needs of this market, its business will be harmed. The High Times Group may not be able to successfully address these risks and difficulties or others, including those described elsewhere in these risk factors. Failure to adequately address these risks and difficulties could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, and financial condition of the High Times Group.

Security breaches and other disruptions could compromise the information maintained by the High Times Group and expose it to liability, which would cause its business and reputation to suffer.

In the ordinary course of business, the High Times Group may collect and store sensitive data, including intellectual property, its proprietary business information and that of its customers and business partners, and personally identifiable information of the High Times Group’s customers, in its data centers and on its networks. The secure processing, maintenance and transmission of this information is critical to the business strategy of the High Times Group. Despite the High Times Group’s planned security measures, its information technology and infrastructure may be vulnerable to attacks by hackers or breached due to employee error, malfeasance or other disruptions. Any such breach could compromise the High Times Group’s network, services and the information stored there could be accessed, publicly disclosed, lost or stolen. Any such access, disclosure or other loss of information could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability under laws that protect the privacy of personal information, regulatory penalties, and disruption to the High Times Group’s operations and the services it provides to customers. This often times results in a loss of confidence in a company’s products and services, which could adversely affect its ability to earn revenues and competitive position and could have a material adverse effect on the High Times Group’s business, results of operations, and financial condition.

The products and services that High Times Group hopes to develop will likely result in increased costs.

The High Times Group expects its development costs to increase in future periods as it expands into new areas, and such increased costs could negatively affect its future operating results. The High Times Group expects to continue to expend substantial financial and other resources on its current business operations, including the publication of HIGH TIMES® magazine and related content, and the creation of organized live-event experiences and licensing and branding initiatives. Furthermore, the High Times Group intends to invest in marketing, licensing and product development programs, as well as associated sales and marketing programs, and general administration. These investments may not result in increased revenue or growth in the business. The failure of the High Times Group to materially increase its revenues could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, and financial condition of the High Times Group.

The inability of the High Times Group to effectively control costs and still maintain its business relationships, could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations, and financial condition.

It is critical that the High Times Group appropriately align its cost structure with prevailing market conditions to minimize the effect of economic downturns on its operations and, in particular, to build and maintain its user relationships. However, the High Times Group is limited in its ability to reduce expenses due to the ongoing need to continue to invest in research and development. In circumstances of reduced overall demand for the products and services of the High Times Group, its high cost structure could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, and financial condition of the High Times Group. The inability of the High Times Group to align its cost structure in response to economic downturns on a timely basis could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, and financial condition of the High Times Group. Conversely, adjusting the cost structure to fit economic downturn conditions may have a negative effect on the High Times Group during an economic upturn or periods of increasing demand for products. If the High Times Group too aggressively reduces its costs, it may not have sufficient resources to capture opportunities for expansion and growth and meet customer demand. The inability of High Times Group to effectively manage resources and capacity to capitalize on periods of economic upturn could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, and financial condition of the High Times Group.

If the High Times Group is unable to accurately predict and respond to market developments or demands, its business, results of operations and financial condition will be adversely affected.

The cannabis industry is characterized by rapidly evolving technology, government regulations and methodologies. This makes it difficult to predict demand and market acceptance for the products and services of the High Times Group. In order to succeed, the High Times Group need to adapt the products it offers in order to keep up with technological developments and changes in consumer needs. The High Times Group cannot guarantee that it will succeed in enhancing its products, services, developing and acquiring new products, or features that adequately address changing technologies, user requirements and market preferences. The High Times Group also cannot assure you that the products and services it offers will be accepted by end users. If the products and services offered by the High Times Group are not accepted by customers, such sources will no long purchase such products and services, which could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, and financial condition of the High Times Group. Changes in technologies, industry standards, the regulatory environment and customer requirements, and new product introductions by existing or future competitors, could render the existing products of the High Times Group obsolete and unmarketable, or require the High Times Group to enhance current products or develop new products. This may require it to expend significant amounts of money, time, and other resources to meet these demands. This could strain its personnel and financial resources. Furthermore, many modernization projects deal with customer mission critical applications, and therefore encapsulate risk for the customer.

The High Times Group may be unable to identify, purchase or integrate desirable acquisition targets. Future acquisitions may not be successful and we may not realize the anticipated cost savings, revenue enhancements or other synergies from such acquisitions.

The High Times Group plans to investigate and acquire strategic businesses with the potential to be accretive to earnings, increase its market penetration, brand strength and its market position or enhancement its existing product offerings. There can be no assurance that the High Times Group will identify or successfully complete transactions with suitable acquisition candidates in the future.

Additionally, if the High Times Group were to undertake a substantial acquisition, the acquisition would likely need to be financed in part through additional financing from banks, through public offerings or private placements of debt or equity securities or through other arrangements. There can be no assurance that the necessary acquisition financing would be available to the High Times Group on acceptable terms if and when required.

The current owners of the High Times Group acquired the business of the High Times Group in February 2017 and is in the process of completing the transition to the new ownership. There also can be no assurance that the completed acquisition of THC will be successful. The High Times Group could have difficulty integrating the operations, systems, management and other personnel, technology and internal controls of THC or future acquisitions. These difficulties could disrupt the ongoing business of the High Times Group, distract its management and employees, increase its expenses and could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, and financial condition of the High Times Group. Matters related to integration may also delay and/or jeopardize strategic initiatives in place to enhance profitability. The High Times Group may also experience an adverse impact on its operations and revenues if acquisition or integration activities disrupt key customer and supplier relationships or if the High Times Group fails to retain, motivate and integrate key management and other employees of acquired businesses. Even if the High Times Group are able to integrate successfully, it may not be able to realize the potential cost savings, synergies and revenue enhancements that may be anticipated from any such acquisition, either in the amount or within the time frame that it expected, and the costs of achieving these benefits may be higher than, and the timing may differ from, what the High Times Group expected. Furthermore, the entities that the High Times Group or the Successor acquire in the future may not maintain effective systems of internal controls, or the High Times Group may encounter difficulties integrating its system of internal controls with those of acquired entities, which could prevent the High Times Group and the Successor from meeting their respective reporting obligations.

In connection with any acquisitions, the High Times Group may acquire liabilities that may not adequately be covered by insurance or an enforceable indemnity or similar agreement from a creditworthy counterparty. Additionally, fees and expenses incurred in connection with any acquisitions could be material. As a result, the High Times Group may be responsible for significant out-of-pocket expenditures and these fees and liabilities, if they materialize, could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, and financial condition of the High Times Group.

In addition, a significant portion of the purchase price of companies we acquire may be allocated to acquired goodwill and other intangible assets, which must be assessed for impairment at least annually. In the future, if the High Times Group’s acquisitions do not yield expected returns, the High Times Group may be required to take charges to its operating results based on this impairment assessment process, which could adversely affect its results of operations.

Acquisitions could also result in dilutive issuances of equity securities or the incurrence of debt, which could adversely affect the High Times Group’s operating results. The High Times Group may also unknowingly inherit liabilities from acquired businesses or assets that arise after the acquisition and that are not adequately covered by indemnities. In addition, if an acquired business fails to meet the High Times Group’s expectations, its operating results, business and financial position may suffer.

The High Times Group has not conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting and will not be required to do so until 2018. If the High Times Group is unable to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of its financial reports and the market price of its common stock may be negatively affected.

As a public company, the High Times Group will be required to maintain internal control over financial reporting for the year ending December 31, 2018 and to report any material weaknesses in such internal control. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) requires that the High Times Group evaluate and determine the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting and, beginning with its annual report on for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018, provide a management report on the internal control over financial reporting, which must be attested to by its independent registered public accounting firm to the extent we decide not to avail ourselves of the exemption provided to an emerging growth company, as defined by The Jumpstart Our Businesses Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”). Since the High Times Group has not conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting, the High Times Group may have undiscovered material weaknesses. If the High Times Group has a material weakness in its internal control over financial reporting, it may not detect errors on a timely basis and our financial statements may be materially misstated. The High Times Group is in the process of designing and implementing the internal control over financial reporting required to comply with this obligation, which process may be time consuming, costly, and complicated. If the High Times Group identifies material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting, if it is unable to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in a timely manner, if it is unable to assert that our internal control over financial reporting are effective, or if its independent registered public accounting firm is unable to express an opinion as to the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting, if and when required, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and the market price of its common stock could be negatively affected, and the High Times Group could become subject to investigations by the stock exchange on which its securities are listed, the SEC, or other regulatory authorities, which could require additional financial and management resources.

The High Times Group may not be able to effectively manage its growth or improve its operational, financial, and management information systems, which could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, and financial condition of the High Times Group.

In the near term, the High Times Group intends to expand the scope of its operations activities significantly. If the High Times Group is successful in executing its business plan, it will experience growth in its business that could place a significant strain on its business operations, finances, management and other resources. The factors that may place strain on its resources include, but are not limited to, the following:

Additionally, the strategy of the High Times Group could produce a period of rapid growth that may impose a significant burden on its administrative and operational resources. Its ability to effectively manage growth will require the High Times Group to substantially expand the capabilities of its administrative and operational resources and to attract, train, manage, and retain qualified management and other personnel. There can be no assurance that the High Times Group will be successful in recruiting and retaining new employees or retaining existing employees.

The High Times Group cannot provide assurances that its management will be able to manage this growth effectively. Its failure to successfully manage growth could result in its sales not increasing commensurately with capital investments or could otherwise have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, and financial condition of the High Times Group.

We face significant competition across the media landscape, including from magazine publishers, digital publishers, social media platforms, search platforms, portals and digital marketing services, among others, which we expect will continue, and as a result we may not be able to maintain or improve our operating results.

We compete with other magazine publishers for market share and for the time and attention of consumers of print magazine content. The proliferation of choices available to consumers for information and entertainment has resulted in audience fragmentation and has negatively affected overall consumer demand for print magazines and intensified competition with other magazine publishers for share of print magazine readership. We also compete with digital publishers and other forms of media, including, among others, social media platforms, search platforms, portals and digital marketing services. The competition we face has intensified as a result of the growing popularity of mobile devices, such as smartphones and social-media platforms, and the shift in consumer preference from print media to digital media for the delivery and consumption of content, including video content. Social media and other platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Google and Yahoo! are successful in gathering national, local and entertainment news and information from multiple sources and attracting a broad readership base. News aggregation websites and customized news feeds (often free to users) may reduce our traffic levels by minimizing the need for the audience to visit our websites or use our digital applications directly. Given the ever-growing and rapidly changing number of digital media options available on the Internet, we may not be able to increase our online traffic sufficiently and retain or grow a base of frequent visitors to our websites and applications on mobile devices. In addition, the ever-growing and rapidly changing number of digital media options available on the Internet may lead to technologies and alternatives that we are not able to offer.

These new platforms have reduced the cost of producing and distributing content on a wide scale, allowing new free or low-priced digital content providers to compete with us and other magazine publishers. The ability of our paid print and digital content to compete successfully with free and low-priced digital content, including video content, depends on several factors, including our ability to differentiate and distinguish our content from free or low-priced digital content, as well as our ability to increase the value of paid subscriptions to our customers by offering a different, deeper and richer digital experience. If we are unable to distinguish our content from that of our competitors or adapt to new distribution methods, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected. We derive approximately half of our Revenues from advertising. The continuing shift in consumer preference from print media to digital media, as well as growing consumer engagement with digital media and social platforms, has introduced significant new competition for advertising. The proliferation of new platforms available to advertisers, combined with continuing strong competition from print platforms, has affected both the amount of advertising we are able to sell as well as the rates advertisers are willing to pay. Our ability to compete successfully for advertising also depends on our ability to drive scale, engage digital audiences and prove the value of our advertising and the effectiveness of our print and digital platforms, including the value of advertising adjacent to high quality content, and on our ability to use our brands to continue to offer advertisers unique, multi-platform advertising programs and franchises. If we are unable to demonstrate to advertisers the continuing value of our print and digital platforms or offer advertisers unique advertising programs tied to our brands, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

We are exposed to risks associated with the current challenging conditions in the magazine publishing industry.

High Times Group has experienced declines in its print and other advertising revenues and circulation revenues due to challenging conditions in the magazine publishing industry. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014, its print and digital advertising revenues declined 28.8%, increased 1.7%, declined 24.7%and increased 101%, respectively, as compared to the preceding year despite it having maintained or gained market share in advertising revenues in each year, and its circulation revenues (subscription and newsstand) declined 17.9%, 23.8%, 34.4% and increased 5.9%, respectively, as compared to the preceding year. The challenging conditions and High Times Group’s declining revenues may limit its ability to invest in our brands and pursue new business strategies, including acquisitions, and make it more difficult to attract and retain talented employees and management. Moreover, while High Times Group has reduced its costs significantly in recent years to address these challenges, it will need to reduce costs further and such reductions are subject to risks.

See risk factor entitled, “We may experience financial and strategic difficulties and delays or unexpected costs in completing our various restructuring plans and cost-saving initiatives, including not achieving the anticipated savings and benefits of these plans and initiatives.”

Our profits may be affected by our ability to respond to recent and future changes in technology and consumer behavior.

Technology used in the publishing industry continues to evolve rapidly, and advances in that technology have Jed to alternative methods for the delivery and consumption of content, including via mobile devices such as smartphones. These technological developments have driven changes in consumer behavior, especially among younger demographics. Shifts to digital platforms present several challenges to our historical business model, which is based on the production and distribution of print magazines. In order to remain successful, we must continue to attract readers and advertisers to our print products while also continuing to adapt our business model to address changing consumer demand for digital content across a wide variety of devices and platforms.

This adaptation poses certain risks. First, advertising models and pricing for digital platforms may not be as economically attractive to us as in print magazines, and our ability to continue to package print and digital audiences for advertisers could change in the future. Second, it is unclear whether it will be economically feasible for us to grow paid digital circulation to scale. Further, our practice of offering certain content on our websites for free may reduce demand for our paid content. In addition, the increasing adoption of ad-blocking tools could negatively impact the revenues that we generate on our digital platforms.

The transition from print to digital platforms may also reduce the benefit of important economies of scale we have established in our print production and distribution operations. The scale of our print operations has allowed us to support significant vertical integration in our production, consumer marketing and retail distribution operations, among others, as well as to secure attractive terms with our third-party suppliers, all of which have provided us with significant economic and competitive advantages. As the size of our print operations declines, the advantages of the economies of scale in our print operations may also decline.

Also, the shift to digital distribution platforms, many of which are controlled by third parties, may lead to pricing restrictions, the loss of distribution control, further loss of a direct relationship with advertisers and consumers and greater susceptibility to technological problems or failures in third-party systems as compared to our existing print distribution operations. Further, we may be required to incur significant costs as we continue to acquire new expertise and infrastructure to accommodate the shift to digital platforms, including additional consumer software and digital and mobile content development expertise, and we may not be able to economically adapt existing print production and distribution assets to support our digital operations. If we are unable to successfully manage the transition to a greater emphasis on digital platforms, continue to negotiate mutually agreeable arrangements with digital distributors or otherwise respond to changes in technology and consumer behavior, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

In addition, the advertising industry continues to experience a shift toward digital advertising. Because rates for digital advertising are generally lower than for traditional print advertising, our digital advertising revenue may not fully replace print advertising revenue lost as a result of the shift. Growing consumer reliance on mobile devices adds additional pressure, as advertising rates are generally lower on mobile devices than on personal computers. If we are unable to effectively grow digital advertising revenues through the development of advertising products that are compelling to both marketers and consumers, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

If we fail to develop or acquire technologies that adequately serve changing consumer behaviors and support our evolving business needs, our business, financial condition and prospects may be adversely affected.

In order to respond to changing consumer behaviors, we need to invest in new technologies and platforms to deliver content and provide products and services where consumers demand it. If we fail to develop or acquire the necessary consumer-facing technologies or if the technologies we develop or acquire are not received favorably by consumers, our business, financial condition and prospects may be adversely affected. In addition, as our business evolves and we develop new revenue streams, we must develop or invest in new technology and infrastructure that satisfy the needs of the changing business. If we fail to do so, our business, financial condition and prospects may suffer. Further, if we fail to update our current technology and infrastructure to minimize the potential for business disruption, our business, financial condition and prospects may be adversely affected.

Consolidation of the competitors of the High Times Group in the markets in which it operates could place the High Times Group at a competitive disadvantage and reduce its profitability.

The High Times Group operates in an industry which is highly fragmented due to the regulatory environment. However, there may be a trend or competitive advantage in consolidation to acquire value-added assets or scale our operations through its brand recognition. At the same time, such consolidation of its competitors may jeopardize the strength of the position of the High Times Group in one or more of the markets in which the High Times Group operates and any operational advantages or assets that it owns. Losing some of those advantages or assets could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, and financial condition of the High Times Group.

If the High Times Group is unable to continually innovate and increase efficiencies, its ability to attract new customers may be adversely affected.

In the area of innovation, the High Times Group must be able to develop new technologies, content and products that appeal to its customers. This depends, in part, on the technological and creative skills of its personnel and on its ability to protect its intellectual property rights. The High Times Group may not be successful in the development, introduction, marketing, and sourcing of new technologies, content or products, that satisfy customer needs, achieve market acceptance, or generate satisfactory financial returns.

If the High Times Group is unable to adopt or incorporate technological advances into its content and products, its business could become less competitive, uncompetitive, or obsolete and it may not be able to compete effectively with competitors’ products.

The High Times Group expects that technological advances in the processes and procedures for Cannabis cultivation equipment will continue to occur. As a result, there are risks that products that compete with its products could be improved or developed. If the High Times Group is unable to adopt or incorporate technological advances, its products could be less efficient or cost-effective than methods developed and sold by its competitors, which could cause its products to become less competitive, uncompetitive or obsolete, which could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, and financial condition of the High Times Group

Litigation may adversely affect the business, financial condition, and results of operations of the High Times Group.

From time to time in the normal course of its business operations, the High Times Group may become subject to litigation that may result in liability material to its financial statements as a whole or may negatively affect its operating results if changes to its business operations are required. The cost to defend such litigation may be significant and may require a diversion of resources. There also may be adverse publicity associated with litigation that could negatively affect customer perception of its business, regardless of whether the allegations are valid or whether the High Times Group is ultimately found liable. Insurance may not be available at all or in sufficient amounts to cover any liabilities with respect to these or other matters. A judgment or other liability in excess of the insurance coverage of the High Times Group for any claims could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, and financial condition of the High Times Group.

If the High Times Group fails to protect or develop its intellectual property, its business, operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

Any infringement or misappropriation of intellectual property of the High Times Group could damage its value and limit its ability to compete. The High Times Group may have to engage in litigation to protect the rights to its intellectual property, which could result in significant litigation costs and require a significant amount of management time and attention. In addition, the ability of the High Times Group to enforce and protect its intellectual property rights may be limited in certain countries outside the United States, which could make it easier for competitors to capture market position in such countries by utilizing technologies that are similar to those developed or licensed by the High Times Group.

The High Times Group may also find it necessary to bring infringement or other actions against third parties to seek to protect its intellectual property rights. Litigation of this nature, even if successful, is often expensive and time-consuming to prosecute and there can be no assurance that the High Times Group will have the financial or other resources to enforce its rights or prevent other parties from developing similar technology or designing around its intellectual property.

Although the High Times Group believes that its intellectual property does not and will not infringe upon the patents or violate the proprietary rights of others, it is possible such infringement or violation has occurred or will occur in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, and financial condition of the High Times Group.

The High Times Group is not aware of any infringement by it of any person’s or entity’s intellectual property rights. In the event that products or services the High Times Group offers or sells are deemed to infringe upon the patents or proprietary rights of others, the High Times Group could be required to modify its products or services or to obtain a license for the manufacture and/or sale of such products or services or cease selling such products or services. In such event, there can be no assurance that the High Times Group would be able to do so in a timely manner, upon acceptable terms and conditions, or at all, and the failure to do any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, and financial condition of the High Times Group.

There can be no assurance that the High Times Group will have the financial or other resources necessary to enforce or defend a patent infringement or proprietary rights violation action. If products or services, or proposed products or services, are deemed to infringe or likely to infringe upon the patents or proprietary rights of others, the High Times Group could be subject to injunctive relief and, under certain circumstances, become liable for damages, which could also could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, and financial condition of the High Times Group.

The trade secrets of the High Times Group may be difficult to protect.

The success of the High Times Group depends upon the skills, knowledge, and experience of its scientific and technical personnel, its consultants and advisors, as well as its licensors and contractors. Because the High Times Group operates in several highly competitive industries, it relies in part on trade secrets to protect its proprietary technology and processes. However, trade secrets are difficult to protect. The High Times Group enters into confidentiality or non-disclosure agreements with its corporate partners, employees, consultants, outside scientific collaborators, developers, and other advisors. These agreements generally require that the receiving party keep confidential and not disclose to third parties’ confidential information developed by the receiving party or made known to the receiving party by the High Times Group during the course of the receiving party’s relationship with the High Times Group. These agreements also generally provide that inventions conceived by the receiving party in the course of rendering services to the High Times Group will be the exclusive property of the High Times Group, and the High Times Group enters into assignment agreements to perfect its rights.

These confidentiality, inventions and assignment agreements may be breached and may not effectively assign intellectual property rights to the High Times Group. Its trade secrets also could be independently discovered by competitors, in which case the High Times Group would not be able to prevent the use of such trade secrets by its competitors. The enforcement of a claim alleging that a party illegally obtained and was using our trade secrets could be difficult, expensive and time consuming and the outcome would be unpredictable. In addition, courts outside the United States may be less willing to protect trade secrets. The failure to obtain or maintain meaningful trade secret protection could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, and financial condition of the High Times Group.

The High Times Group faces intense competition and many of its competitors have greater resources that may enable them to compete more effectively.

The cannabis information, cultivation and dispensary industry is intensely competitive and the High Times Group expect competition to intensify further in the future. The websites of the High Times Group will be subject to competition for advertisers. The High Times Group will be subject to competition from well-established commercial cannabis information providers, media companies, growers and suppliers that have all necessary government permits. Some of its competitors have greater capital resources, facilities and diversity of product lines, which may enable them to compete more effectively in this market. As a potential supplier of other Cannabis products, the High Times Group competes with several larger and better-known companies that specialize in supplying and distributing a vast array of commercial goods. These competitors may devote their resources to developing and marketing products that will directly compete with the product lines of the High Times Group. Due to this competition, there is no assurance that the High Times Group will not encounter difficulties in obtaining revenues and market share or in the positioning of its products. There are no assurances that competition in the respective industries in which the High Times Group operates will not lead to reduced prices for its products and services. The inability of the High Times Group to successfully compete with existing companies and new entrants to the market could have a material adverse effect on the business, operations and financial condition of the High Times Group.

Current and potential competitors have established or may establish cooperative relationships among themselves or with third parties to increase such competitors’ ability to successfully market their tools and services. The High Times Group also expect that competition may increase as a result of eventual consolidation within the industry. As the High Times Group develops new products and services, it may begin to compete with companies with which it has not previously competed. The High Times Group may be unable to differentiate its products and services from those of its competitors, or successfully develop and introduce new products and services that are less costly than, or superior to, those of its competitors. This could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations and financial condition of the High Times Group.

The future success of the High Times Group will depend on its key executive officers and its ability to attract, retain, and motivate qualified personnel.

The future success of the High Times Group largely depends upon the continued services of its executive officers and management team. If one or more of its executive officers are unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions, the High Times Group may not be able to replace them readily, if at all. Additionally, the High Times Group may incur additional expenses to recruit and retain new executive officers. If any of its executive officers joins a competitor or forms a competing company, the High Times Group may lose some of its potential customers. Finally, the High Times Group does not maintain “key person” life insurance on any of its executive officers. Because of these factors, the loss of the services of any of these key persons could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, and financial condition of the High Times Group.

The continuing ability of the High Times Group to attract and retain highly qualified personnel will also be critical to its success because it will need to hire and retain additional personnel as its business grows. There can be no assurance that the High Times Group will be able to attract or retain highly qualified personnel. The High Times Group faces significant competition for skilled personnel in its industry. This competition may make it more difficult and expensive to attract, hire, and retain qualified managers and employees. Because of these factors, the High Times Group may not be able to effectively manage or grow its business, which could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, and financial condition of the High Times Group. As a result, the value of your investment could be significantly reduced or completely lost.

The consideration being paid to the management or the High Times Group was not based on arms-length negotiation.

The compensation and other consideration paid or being paid by the High Times Group to its management has not been determined based on arm’s length negotiations. While management believes that the consideration is fair for the work being performed, the High Times Group cannot assure that the consideration to management reflects the true market value of its services.

The High Times Group depends on its management but has no key man insurance.

The High Times Group’s business, to date, and for the foreseeable future, will be significantly dependent on its management team, directors and key consultants.

The loss of any one of these individuals could have a material adverse effect on the High Times Group. If the High Times Group lost the services of any one or more of its executive officers or key employees, it would need to devote substantial resources to finding replacements, and until replacements were found, the High Times Group would be operating without the skills or leadership of such personnel, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, and financial condition of the High Times Group. As previously discussed, the High Times Group currently does not carry “key-man” life insurance policies covering any of these individuals.

There are risks associated with the proposal expansion of the High Times business.

Any expansion plans undertaken by the High Times Group to increase or expand its operations entail risks, which may negatively impact the profitability of the High Times Group. Consequently, investors must assume the risk that (i) such expansion may ultimately involve expenditures of funds beyond the resources available to the High Times Group at that time, and (ii) management of such expanded operations may divert management’s attention and resources away from its existing operations, any of which factors could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, and financial condition of the High Times Group. The High Times Group cannot assure investors that its products, procedures, or controls will be adequate to support the anticipated growth of its operations.

The High Times Group may have difficulty accessing the service of banks, which may make it difficult for us to operate.

Since the use of marijuana is illegal under federal law, many banks will not accept for deposit funds from businesses involved with the marijuana industry. Consequently, businesses involved in the marijuana industry often have difficulty finding a bank willing to accept their business. The inability to open or maintain bank accounts may make it difficult for the High Times Group to operate our marijuana-related businesses. If any of its bank accounts are closed, the High Times Group may have difficulty processing transactions in the ordinary course of business, including paying suppliers, employees and landlords, which could have a significant negative effect on its operations and results of operations.

The High Times Group could become subject to Section 280E of the Code

Section 280E of the Code prohibits marijuana businesses from deducting their ordinary and necessary business expenses, forcing such businesses to pay higher effective federal tax rates than similar companies in other industries. The effective tax rate on a marijuana business depends on how large its ratio of nondeductible expenses is to its total revenues.  Although the Hightimes Holding Group does not cultivate, dispense or sell cannabis or any derivatives of the cannabis plant, and therefore does not believe that it is subject to Section 280E of the Code, there is no assurance that the Internal Revenue Services (the “IRS”) may not take a different position, which, if sustained, could materially and adversely affect the future profitability of the High Times Group.

We are an emerging growth company and it cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make its Common Stock less attractive to investors.

For as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we intend to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies including, but not limited to, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We cannot predict if investors will find our Common Stock less attractive because it will rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our Common Stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for its Common Stock and its stock price may be more volatile.

We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of (i) the end of the fiscal year in which the market value of its Common Stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of June 30, (ii) the end of the fiscal year in which it has total annual gross revenue of $1 billion or more during such fiscal year, (iii) the date on which it issues more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt in a three-year period or (iv) five years from the date of this proxy statement.

Data Privacy and Security

Our business activities are subject to laws and regulations governing the collection, use, sharing, protection and retention of personal data, which continue to evolve and have implications for how such data is managed. In addition, the Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”) continues to expand its application of general consumer protection laws to commercial data practices, including to the use of personal and profiling data from online users to deliver targeted Internet advertisements. Most states have also enacted legislation regulating data privacy and security, including laws requiring businesses to provide notice to state agencies and to individuals whose personally identifiable information has been disclosed as a result of a data breach.

Similar laws and regulations have been implemented in many of the other jurisdictions in which the Company operates, including the European Union. Recently, the European Union adopted the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), which is intended to provide a uniform set of rules for personal data processing throughout the European Union and to replace the existing Data Protection Directive (Directive 95/46/EC). Fully enforceable as of May 25, 2018, the GDPR expands the regulation of the collection, processing, use and security of personal data, contains stringent conditions for consent from data subjects, strengthens the rights of individuals, including the right to have personal data deleted upon request, continues to restrict the trans-border flow of such data, requires mandatory data breach reporting and notification, increases penalties for non-compliance and increases the enforcement powers of the data protection authorities. Also, in 2015, the European Court of Justice invalidated the U.S.-E.U. Safe Harbor framework, one of the legal mechanisms through which personal data could be transferred from the European Union to the United States, and the mechanism relied upon by the Company with respect to certain personal data transfers among the Company’s businesses, and between the Company and some of its third-party service providers. The Company has been putting into place, and working with its third-party service providers to implement, alternative legal mechanisms for cross-border personal data transfers.

In response to such developments, industry participants in the U.S., and Europe have taken steps to increase compliance with relevant industry-level standards and practices, including the implementation of self-regulatory regimes for online behavioral advertising that impose obligations on participating companies, such as the Company, to give consumers a better understanding of advertisements that are customized based on their online behavior. The Company continues to monitor pending legislation and regulatory initiatives to ascertain relevance, analyze impact and develop strategic direction surrounding regulatory trends and developments, including any changes required in the Company’s data privacy and security compliance programs.

We are an emerging growth company and we cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make our Common Stock less attractive to investors.

For as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we intend to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies including, but not limited to, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We cannot predict if investors will find our Common Stock less attractive because we will rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our Common Stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our Common Stock and our stock price may be more volatile.

We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of (i) the end of the fiscal year in which the market value of our Common Stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of June 30, (ii) the end of the fiscal year in which we have total annual gross revenue of $1 billion or more during such fiscal year, (iii) the date on which we issue more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt in a three-year period or (iv) five years from the date of this Offering Circular.

ADDITIONAL RISKS RELATED TO THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY

Federal Law Prohibits the Use of Cannabis and our Business is Dependent on the Growth of the Cannabis Industry.

Under the federal Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”), Cannabis is deemed to be a Schedule 1 narcotic that has no medical benefit. Therefore, a range of activities including cultivation and the personal use of Cannabis (including Cannabis infused products) is prohibited and is a criminal offense. Unless and until Congress amends the CSA with respect to medical Cannabis, as to the timing or scope of any which amendments there can be no assurance, there is a risk that federal authorities may enforce current federal law. The risk of strict enforcement of the CSA in light of political philosophy, Congressional activity, judicial the Company, and stated federal policy remains uncertain. Although the Company does not cultivate, sell or distribute Cannabis or marijuana infused products, and has no present intention to do so, our business and business prospects depends, in large measure, on the anticipated growth of the Cannabis industry.

If the Trump administration and federal agencies adopt a policy of stricter enforcement of the CSA, it could likely have a material and adverse effect on our planned business growth and prospects.

The Cannabis industry is extremely speculative and its legality is uncertain. 

The possession, consumption, production and sale of cannabis has historically been, and continues to be, illegal under federal law and in virtually all state and local jurisdictions that have not passed legislation to the contrary. A number of states have decriminalized cannabis to varying degrees and other states have created exemptions specifically for medical cannabis. Six states, including Delaware, Oregon, Alaska, Washington, Nevada and Massachusetts, have legalized the recreational use of cannabis, and California will legalize the recreational use of cannabis in January 2018. Variations exist among states that have legalized, decriminalized, or created medical cannabis exemptions.

In most states, the cultivation of cannabis for personal use continues to be prohibited except for those states that allow small-scale cultivation by the individual in possession of medical cannabis needing care or that person’s caregiver. Active enforcement of state laws that prohibit personal cultivation of cannabis may indirectly and adversely affect our business and our revenue and profits.

While management believes that legalization trends are favorable and create a compelling business opportunity for early movers, there is no assurance that those trends will continue and be realized, that existing limited markets will continue to be available or that any new markets for cannabis and related products will emerge for the Company. Our business plan is based on the premise that cannabis legalization will expand, that consumer demand for cannabis will continue to exceed supply for the foreseeable future, and that consumer demand for cannabis for medical and recreational uses will grow as it becomes legal to possess and consume it. There is no assurance that this premise will prove to be correct or that we will be profitable in the future. Moreover, if cannabis legalization is scaled back or reversed at the state level, or if the federal government increases regulation and prosecution of cannabis-related activities, the ability of the High Times Group to generate revenue and profit could be materially and adversely impacted. In addition, with the rescission of the Ogden and Cole Memorandums (as defined below) by Attorney General Jeffrey Sessions on January 4, 2018, the risk of potential federal prosecution arising out of the states’ legalization of certain cannabis products has been made even more uncertain, which could also materially and adversely impact the Company’s revenue and profit.

Enforcement of federal law under the CSA by the Department of Justice and the Trump administration may negatively impact the ability of the High Times Group to pursue its prospective business operations and/or generate revenues. 

Under the federal Controlled Substance Act (“CSA”), the policies and regulations of the federal government and its agencies are that cannabis (marijuana) is a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance that is addictive and has no medical benefit. Enforcement of the CSA, including as it relates to cannabis, is subject to prosecutorial discretion and available resources. In the case of cannabis, and particularly in light of the growing legalization of cannabis at the state level, enforcement of the CSA is uncertain and could change rapidly, leaving businesses such as the High Times Group hard pressed to react and operate their businesses. 

In an effort to provide guidance to federal law enforcement, under the Obama Administration, the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) issued Guidance Regarding Cannabis Enforcement to all United States attorneys in a memorandum from Deputy Attorney General David Ogden on October 19, 2009 (the “Ogden Memorandum”), in a memorandum from Deputy Attorney General James Cole on June 29, 2011 and in a memorandum from Deputy Attorney General James Cole on August 29, 2013 (the “Cole Memorandum”). Each memorandum provided that the DOJ was, at the time, committed to the enforcement of the CSA, but the DOJ was also committed to using its limited investigative and prosecutorial resources to address the most significant threats in the most effective, consistent and rational way. 

Under the Trump administration, however, there is a risk that the enforcement of Federal laws under CSA may be “stepped up”, and that the guidance in the Ogden Memorandum and the Cole Memorandum may be overruled, thereby reversing course on the former Obama administration policies towards the Federal regulation of cannabis. On January 4, 2018, Attorney General Jeffrey Sessions rescinded the Ogden Memorandum and the Cole Memorandum, with the result being that any previous DPJ guidance under such memoranda was withdrawn, thus creating an environment where increases in cannabis-related prosecutions could be subject to increase. In addition, pursuant to a Presidential Executive Order signed in February 2017, the Attorney General created a Task Force on Crime Reduction and Public Safety to review, and provide recommendations with respect to, strategies to reduce crime, including, in particular, illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and violent crime. According to the Attorney General, one of the mandates of the Task Force is to undertake a review of existing policies in the areas of charging, sentencing, and marijuana to ensure consistency with the Department’s overall strategy on reducing violent crime and with Administration goals and priorities. The Task Force was reviewing policies regarding the CSA and accepting recommendations regarding possible amendments through the end of July 2017. However, to date, the Task Force has yet to release those comments or make formal recommendations to change the laws. Should Congress enact legislation to enhance or expand the enforcement of the CSA provisions relating to marijuana, or if the Trump administration, or any future administration, seeks to enforce Federal laws regulating the production, possession, distribution, dispensation, administration, testing, or delivery of cannabis to the detriment of states that have enacted medical or recreational marijuana laws, the future and potential business prospects of the High Times Group would become more challenging, perhaps significantly so. Any such legislation or enforcement policies could adversely affect the business, results of operations, and financial condition of the High Times Group. 

Moreover, Congress enacted an omnibus spending bill for fiscal year 2017 including a provision prohibiting the U.S. Department of Justice (which includes the Drug Enforcement Administration) from using funds appropriated by that bill to prevent states from implementing their cannabis laws. This provision, however, is effective only until December 31, 2017 and must be renewed by Congress in subsequent years. In order to extend the prohibition, it must be specifically included in the fiscal year 2018 Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) Appropriations bill. Currently, only the Senate version of the fiscal 2017 CJS Appropriations bill includes the prohibition and the House version does not. In USA vs. McIntosh, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit held that this provision prohibits the U.S. Department of Justice from spending funds from relevant appropriations acts to prosecute individuals who engage in conduct permitted by state cannabis laws and who strictly comply with such laws. However, the Ninth Circuit’s opinion, which only applies to the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Idaho, also held that persons who do not strictly comply with all state laws and regulations regarding the distribution, possession and cultivation of cannabis have engaged in conduct that is unauthorized, and in such instances the U.S. Department of Justice may prosecute those individuals. As a result, if Congress fails to include the provision prohibiting the U.S. Department of Justice from using funds appropriated by that bill to prevent states from implementing their cannabis laws, and the federal government decides to strictly enforce federal law with respect to cannabis operations, the High Times Group may have difficulty or may be unable to operate all or aspects of its business.

We may become subject to adverse findings by federal or state agencies.

The High Times Group does not cultivate, dispense or sell cannabis or any derivatives of the cannabis plant, such as oils or edible products, that have been used and sold at our Cannabis Cup Events since 2010. Notwithstanding our efforts to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations at these events, it is possible that we may be accused by federal or state agencies of violating certain laws or regulations that involve the use of cannabis. An adverse finding could have a material adverse impact on our business and future prospects.

Cannabis is not legal to produce or distribute in the U.S. under federal law and is subject to a “zero tolerance” policy as a controlled substance under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act.

In certain states, the growth and cultivation of cannabis is legal (California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington), although states are resistant to allow the cultivation of Cannabis due to resistance from the U.S. Department of Drug Enforcement Agency and prohibitions of federal law.

While the High Times Group does not engage in the production or distribution of Cannabis or any such other controlled substances governed under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act, the High Times Group has previously been and may continue to be the subject of a federal government investigation or department “matter” into the business and affairs of the High Times Group’s business segments.

For example, on February 16, 2017 the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada issued a letter to the Moapa Indian Reservation, a third-party venue operator for our March 2017 Las Vegas Cannabis Cup and owner of the land of the Moapa Band of Paiutes (the “2017 DA Letter”). The 2017 DA Letter issued, in part, a warning to the Moapa Indian Reservation that it’s leasing of the venue property for purposes of hosting the High Times Group’s March 2017 Cannabis Cup may be a violation of federal law under Controlled Substances Act. The U.S. Attorney’s office took the position that any reliance on the Cole Offering Circular or such factor test under the Cole Offering Circular does not preclude the U.S. Attorney’s office from conducting a federal investigation of a matter or further prosecution of such a matter pursuant to a violation of federal law. Following the issuance of the 2017 DA Letter, the High Times Group and the venue operator decided to proceed with the production and presentation of the Cannabis Cup event in Nevada ‪on March 4-5. Further, the High Times Group issued an explicit instruction to all vendors, guests, performers and attendees of the March 2017 Las Vegas Cannabis Cup that the High Times Group does not condone the illegal sale of drugs covered under the Controlled Substance Act and that all parties are required to comply with applicable law concerning the distribution of cannabis in any amount at such an event. These explicit instructions continue to be a basis of our internal policies and rules and continues to be issued to all parties and participants of our Cannabis Cup Events.

We believe that regardless of our Company’s internal policies, rules and enforcement thereof to maintain compliance with federal laws, our Live Production and Events segment may be exposed, from time to time, to the illegal sale of narcotics (including Cannabis) covered under the Controlled Substance Act. We believe that there can be no guarantee that our customers will follow state and/or federal laws as well as the regulations or the internal policies of our business. As a result, violations of our internal policies or applicable laws and regulations of the state and federal governments may occur, from time to time, and may stem from violations committed by our trade vendors and/or audience members attending our Cannabis Cup Events.

Variations in state and local regulation and enforcement in states that have legalized medical Cannabis that may restrict Cannabis-related activities, including activities related to medical Cannabis may negatively impact our revenues and profits.

Individual state laws do not always conform to the federal standard or to other states laws. A number of states have decriminalized Cannabis to varying degrees, other states have created exemptions specifically for medical Cannabis, and several have both decriminalization and medical laws. Six states, Delaware, Oregon, Alaska, Washington, Nevada and Massachusetts have legalized the recreational use of Cannabis and California will permit the recreational use of Cannabis in January 2018. Variations exist among states that have legalized, decriminalized, or created medical Cannabis exemptions. For example, Delaware has limits on the number of Cannabis plants that can be homegrown. In most states, the cultivation of Cannabis for personal use continues to be prohibited except for those states that allow small-scale cultivation by the individual in possession of medical Cannabis needing care or that person’s caregiver. Active enforcement of state laws that prohibit personal cultivation of Cannabis may indirectly and adversely affect our business and our revenue and profits.

RISKS RELATED TO THE OFFERING

The Determination of the Offering Price of the Class A Common Stock May Not Reflect the Value of the Company.

The $225,000,000 valuation of our currently outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and the $11.00 per share Offering Price of the Class A Common Stock has been arbitrarily determined by the Company and is not based on book value, assets, earnings or any other recognizable standard of value. No assurance can be given that our Class A Common Stock, or any portion thereof, could be sold for the Offering Price or for any amount. If profitable results are not achieved from the Company’s operations, of which there can be no assurance, the value of the Class A Common Stock sold pursuant to this Offering could fall below the Offering Price and the Class A Common Stock could become worthless.

This Offering has not been reviewed by independent professionals.

We have not retained any independent professionals to review or comment on this Offering or otherwise protect the interest of the investors hereunder. Although we have retained our own counsel, neither such counsel nor any other counsel has made, on behalf of the investors, any independent examination of any factual matters represented by management herein. Therefore, for purposes of making a decision to purchase our Offered Shares, you should not rely on our counsel with respect to any matters herein described. Prospective investors are strongly urged to rely on the advice of their own legal counsel and advisors in making a determination to purchase our Offered Shares.

There is no minimum capitalization required in this Offering in excess of $5,000,000.

We cannot assure that all or a significant number of shares of our Class A Common Stock will be sold in this Offering. Once we have realized gross proceeds of $5,000,000 from the sale of 454,545 shares of Class A Common Stock, Investors’ subscription funds will be used by us as soon as they are received, and no refunds will be given if an inadequate amount of money is raised from this Offering to enable us to conduct our business. Management has no obligation to purchase shares of our Class A Common Stock. If we raise less than the entire amount that we are seeking in this Offering, then we may not have sufficient capital to meet our operating requirements or to list our shares of Class A Common Stock on Nasdaq. We cannot assure that we could obtain additional financing or capital from any source, or that such financing or capital would be available to us on terms acceptable to us. Under such circumstances, investors in our Class A Common Stock could lose their investment in our Company. Furthermore, investors who subscribe for shares in the earlier stages of this Offering will assume a greater risk than investors who subscribe for shares later in this Offering as subscriptions approach the $50,000,000 of Offered Shares.

We may not be able to satisfy listing requirements of a Qualified Stock Exchange to maintain a listing of our Common Stock.

If our Class A Common Stock is listed on Nasdaq, the OTC Market or the Canadian Securities Exchange, we must meet certain financial and liquidity criteria to maintain such listing. If we violate the maintenance requirements for continued listing of our Class A Common Stock on such exchanges, our Class A Common Stock may be delisted. In addition, our board may determine that the cost of maintaining our listing on a national securities exchange outweighs the benefits of such listing. A delisting of our Class A Common Stock from Nasdaq, the OTC Market or the Canadian Securities Exchange may materially impair our stockholders’ ability to buy and sell our Class A Common Stock and could have an adverse effect on the market price of, and the efficiency of the trading market for, our Class A Common Stock. In addition, in order to list, we will be required to, among other things, file with the SEC a post-qualification amendment to the Offering Circular, and then file a Form 8-A in order to register our shares of Class A Common Stock under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. This post-qualification amendment of the Offering Circular dated March 12, 2018 and any subsequent post-qualification amendment is subject to review by the SEC, and there is no guarantee that such amendment will be qualified promptly after filing. Any delay in the qualification of the post-qualification amendment may cause a delay in the initial trading of our Class A Common Stock on Nasdaq, the NYSE American, the OTC Market or the Canadian Securities Exchange. For all of the foregoing reasons, you may experience a delay between the closing of your purchase of shares of our Class A Common Stock and the commencement of exchange trading of our Class A Common Stock. In addition, the delisting of our Class A Common Stock could significantly impair our ability to raise capital.

If we fail to meet the minimum requirements for listing on Nasdaq, we intend to seek to have our Class A Common Stock quoted on the OTC Market or the Canadian Securities Exchange. The OTC Market is not a stock exchange, and if our Class A Common Stock trades on the OTC Market there may be significantly less trading volume and analyst coverage of, and significantly less investor interest in, our Class A Common Stock, which may lead to lower trading prices for our Class A Common Stock. In addition, if our shares do not trade on either Nasdaq, the NYSE American, the OTC Market or the Canadian Securities Exchange (each of which is a Qualified Stock Exchange) our outstanding Purchase Notes and the ExWorks Warrants may not be converted or exercised.

RISKS RELATED TO OUR CLASS A COMMON STOCK

No Assurance that dividends will be paid by the Company.

Payment of cash distributions on the Class A Common Stock is within the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors and management and will depend upon the Company’s future earnings, its capital requirements and financial condition, and other relevant factors. At the present time, the Company’s management intends to reinvest earnings in the Company, the purpose of which is to increase the potential for long-term profitability and enterprise value of the Company and increase cash reserves where possible. The Company does not intend to declare any dividends unless funds are legally available and the Company’s management has determined, in its sole discretion, that dividends should be paid. There can be no guarantees that dividends will ever be paid by the Company.

Our principal shareholders own voting control of the Company and, indirectly, the THC Group.

After giving effect to our recent stock split, our current officers, directors, founders and principal shareholders currently own a total of 14,034,802 shares of our Class A Common Stock or approximately 67.74% of the total issued and outstanding capital stock of Hightimes Holders. Our principal shareholders will continue to own a majority (55.55%) of our outstanding voting shares even if a maximum of 4,545,455 shares of Class A Common Stock are issued pursuant to this Offering for a total of $50,000,000. These shareholders are able to exercise significant control over all matters requiring shareholder approval, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions. This concentration of ownership may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control and might adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock. This concentration of ownership may not be in the best interests of all of our shareholders.

Our failure to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting could have an adverse impact on us.

Commencing with our annual report for the year ending December 31, 2018, we will be required to establish and maintain appropriate internal controls over financial reporting. Our failure to establish those controls, or any failure of those controls once established, could adversely impact our public disclosures regarding our business, financial condition or results of operations. In addition, management’s assessment of internal controls over financial reporting may identify weaknesses and conditions that need to be addressed in our internal controls over financial reporting or other matters that may raise concerns for investors. Any actual or perceived weaknesses and conditions that need to be addressed in our internal control over financial reporting, disclosure of management’s assessment of our internal controls over financial reporting or disclosure of our public accounting firm’s attestation to or report on management’s assessment of our internal controls over financial reporting may have an adverse impact on the price of our Class A Common Stock.

Our Class A Common Stock could be subject to the “Penny Stock” rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission if it were publicly traded and may be difficult to sell.

Our shares of Class A Common Stock are considered to be “penny stocks” because they are not registered on a national securities exchange or listed on an automated quotation system sponsored by a registered national securities association, pursuant to Rule 3a51-1(a) under the Exchange Act. For any transaction involving a penny stock, unless exempt, the rules require that a broker or dealer approve a person’s account for transactions in penny stocks and that the broker or dealer receives from the investor a written agreement to the transaction, setting forth the identity and quantity of the penny stock to be purchased. The broker or dealer must also deliver, prior to any transaction in a penny stock, a disclosure schedule prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the penny stock market, which sets forth the basis on which the broker or dealer made the suitability determination and that the broker or dealer received a signed, written agreement from the investor prior to the transaction. Generally, brokers may be less willing to execute transactions in securities subject to the “penny stock” rules. This may make it more difficult for investors to dispose of our common stock and cause a decline in the market value of our stock.

The market for penny stocks has suffered in recent years from patterns of fraud and abuse.

Stockholders should be aware that, according to SEC Release No. 34-29093, the market for penny stocks has suffered in recent years from patterns of fraud and abuse. Such patterns include:

Our management is aware of the abuses that have occurred historically in the penny stock market. Although we do not expect to be in a position to dictate the behavior of the market or of broker-dealers who participate in the market, management will strive within the confines of practical limitations to prevent the described patterns from being established with respect to our shares of common stock. The occurrence of these patterns or practices could increase the volatility of our share price.

External Economic Factors May have a Material Adverse Impact on the Company’s Business Prospects.

Success can also be affected significantly by changes in local, regional and national economic conditions. Factors such as inflation, labor, energy, real estate costs, the availability and cost of suitable employees, fluctuating interest rates, state and local laws and regulations and licensing requirements and increased competition can also adversely affect the Company.

The foregoing risk factors are not to be considered a definitive list of all the risks associated with an investment in our Offered Shares. This Offering Circular contains forward-looking statements that are based on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates, and projections about our business, our industry, and the industry of our clients. When used in this Offering Circular, the words “expects,” anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “believes” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. The cautionary statements made in this Offering Circular should be read as being applicable to all related forward-looking statements wherever they appear in this Offering Circular.

USE OF PROCEEDS

Assuming the sale by us of $50,000,000 and estimated selling agent’s fees and offering expenses, including selling agent fees of up to $1,400,000 and other expenses of up to $3,000,000, including marketing expenses (including without limitation, media expenses, and internal website posting costs we will incur) and professional fees, the total net proceeds to us would be approximately $45,600,000. We currently intend to use such net proceeds as set forth below. We expect from time to time to evaluate the acquisition of businesses, products and technologies for which a portion of the net proceeds may be used, although we currently are not planning or negotiating any such transactions. As of the date of this Offering Circular, we cannot specify with certainty all of the particular uses for the net proceeds to us from the sale of Class A Common Stock. Accordingly, if we are able to sell more than $12,500,000 of our Class A Common Stock, we will retain broad discretion over the use of these proceeds, if any. The following table represents management’s best estimate of the uses of the net proceeds received from the sale of our shares of Class A Common Stock in this Offering, assuming the sale of, respectively, 100%, 75%, 50% and 25% of the Common Stock shares offered for sale in this Offering.

Percentage of Offering Sold

Although we have held discussions with various media and publication companies, as of the date of this offering circular we have no definitive or binding agreements in place to consummate any additional acquisitions or joint ventures, or agreements as to the terms of any such transactions.

The amounts set forth above are estimates, and we cannot be certain that actual costs will not vary from these estimates. Our management has significant flexibility and broad discretion in applying the net proceeds received in this Offering. We cannot assure you that our assumptions, expected costs and expenses and estimates will prove to be accurate or that unforeseen events, problems or delays will not occur that would require us to seek additional debt and/or equity funding, which may not be available on favorable terms, or at all. See “Risk Factors.”

This expected use of the net proceeds from this Offering represents our intentions based upon our current financial condition, results of operations, business plans and conditions. As of the date of this Offering Circular, we cannot predict with certainty all of the particular uses for the net proceeds to be received upon the closing of this Offering or the amounts that we will actually spend on the uses set forth above. The amounts and timing of our actual expenditures may vary significantly depending on numerous factors. As a result, our management will retain broad discretion over the allocation of the net proceeds from this Offering.

We may Pending our use of the net proceeds from this Offering, we intend to invest the net proceeds in a variety of capital preservation investments, including short-term, investment grade, interest bearing instruments and U.S. government securities.

DILUTION

As of December 31, 2017, prior to giving effect to our 1.9308657-for-one forward stock split, there were an aggregate of 10,294,292 shares of our Class A Common Stock and no shares of our Class B Common Stock issued and outstanding. After giving effect to such stock split consummated as of January 15, 2018, and the additional 190,189 Class A Common Stock sold after the split, 577,651 shares issued to Green Rush Daily as part of an asset purchase there are an aggregate of 20,717,496 shares of Hightimes Holding Class a Common stock issued and outstanding.

If you purchase shares in this Offering, your ownership interest in our Class A Common Stock will be diluted immediately, to the extent of the difference between the price to the public charged for each share in this Offering and the net tangible book value per share of our Common Stock (including the Class B Common Stock) after this Offering of Class A Common Stock.

Our net pro-forma tangible book value as of March 31, 2018, was a negative ($53,674,231) or ($2.5908) on current outstanding share of our Class A Common Stock, based on 20,717,496 outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock, after giving effect to our 1.9308657-for-one forward stock split.

Assuming the sale of all 4,545,454 shares of Class A Common Stock in this Offering at the initial public offering price of $11.00 per share, after giving effect to the conversion of all Sellers Purchase Notes ($24,000,000 discounted by 25% at a conversion price of $11.00) into 1,636,364 shares of Class A Common Stock, the conversion of the Bio Cup Note into 35,211 shares of Class A Common Stock, and after deducting approximately $4,000,000 in maximum sales commissions and an additional $3,000,000 in estimated maximum marketing and other offering expenses payable by us, our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value of our Common Stock would have been approximately $13,700,769 or $0.5087 per share as at March 31, 2018. This amount represents an immediate increase in pro forma net tangible book value of $3.0995 per share to our existing stockholders at the date of this Offering Circular, and an immediate dilution in pro forma net tangible book value of approximately ($7.9005) or (71.82%) per share to new investors purchasing shares of Class A Common Stock in this Offering at $11.00 per share.

The following tables illustrate the per share dilution to new investors discussed above, assuming the sale of, respectively, 100%, 75%, 50% and 25% of the shares offered for sale in this Offering (after our estimated maximum offering expenses of up to $7,000,000):

The following tables set forth, assuming the sale of, respectively, 100%, 75%, 50%, 25% and 10% of the shares offered for sale in this Offering, the total number of shares previously sold to existing stockholders, the total consideration paid for the foregoing and the respective percentages applicable to such purchased shares and consideration paid, based on an average price of $0.56 per share paid by existing stockholders and $11.00 per share paid by investors in this Offering.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF HIGH TIMES GROUP

The following discussion of Hightimes Holding’s financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with Hightimes Holding’s consolidated financial statements and notes to those statements included in this Offering Circular. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Please see the sections entitled, “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in this Offering Circular. References in this section to the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” are to Hightimes Holding, and unless the context otherwise requires, together with its consolidated subsidiaries.

Unless otherwise expressly indicated otherwise, all numbers referenced in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are expressed in thousands (000’s).)

Overview

Hightimes Holding Corp. was formed as a Delaware corporation in December 2016. The Company was formed to acquire 100% of the common stock of Trans-High Corporation.

On March 1, 2017, the Company acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding common stock of Trans-High Corporation (“THC”) and its wholly owned subsidiaries High Times Production Inc., Cannabis Business Digital, LLC, The Hemp Company of America, Inc., Hemp Times, Inc., High Times, Inc., New Morning Productions, Inc. and Planet Hemp, Inc. (collectively “High Times Group”).

THC was Originally founded in 1974 as a print magazine publication, Trans-High Corporation, a New York Corporation, doing business as “HIGH TIMES”® has evolved from a print magazine into a diversified media, information services and live entertainment company focused on creating and distributing authoritative and engaging content related to “all things Cannabis” to consumers and businesses throughout the world. Over its 43-year history, the HIGH TIMES® magazine has been providing consumers and businesses with information on cultivation, legal issues, entertainment, culture and hard-hitting news surrounding the Cannabis industry. Its core properties, including its High Times and Cannabis Cup brands, are delivered to an audience within markets of the Cannabis industry.

The High Times Group delivers its content to consumers across a variety of distribution platforms consisting not only of traditional print, but also through an array of digital platforms including websites, applications for mobile devices and tablets, social media and live entertainment events. The High Times Group is focused on pursuing integrated strategies across its business divisions to continue to capitalize on the growth in digital consumption and the development of continuing state legalization of both medical and recreational Cannabis consumption and production. The High Times Group believes that the increasing number of media choices and formats will allow us to continue to deliver its content in a more engaging, timely and personalized manner, provide opportunities to more effectively monetize its content via strong customer relationships and more compelling and engaging advertising solutions and reduce the production and distribution costs of print publication and continue to focus on digital platforms and live entertainment events.

The High Times Group’s operations are organized into four reporting segments: (i) festivals events and competitions, including live events and productions, including its Cannabis Cup®; (ii) publishing and print advertising, including the publication of our monthly High Times Magazine®; (iii) e-Commerce; and (iv) licensing and branding, including co-sponsorship and strategic partnership arrangements.

Financial Statement Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Pursuant to these rules and regulations, certain information and note disclosures, normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP, have been condensed or omitted. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring items) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 have been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. For further information, refer to the High Times Group’s consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. The notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are presented on a continuing basis unless otherwise noted.

Principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly owned subsidiaries High Times Production Inc., Cannabis Business Digital, LLC, The Hemp Company of America, Inc., Hemp Times, Inc., High Times, Inc., New Morning Productions, Inc. and Planet Hemp, Inc. (collectively the “Company”). All the subsidiaries are inactive except for Trans-High Corporation and High Times Production, Inc. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

Business Combinations

Business combinations are accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”). Under the acquisition method the acquiring entity in a business combination recognizes 100 percent of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, regardless of the percentage owned, at their estimated fair values as the date of acquisition. Any excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets and other identifiable intangible assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. To the extent the fair value of net assets acquired, including other identifiable assets, exceeds the purchase price, a bargain purchase gain is recognized. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed from contingencies must also be recognized at fair value if the fair value can be determined during the measurement period. Results of operations of an acquired business are included in the consolidated statement of income (loss) from the date of acquisition. Acquisition-related costs, including conversion and restructuring charges, are expensed as incurred.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:

For the Three Months Ending March 31, 2018 Compared with the Three Months Ending March 31, 2017

Revenues:

Total Revenue

For the Three Months Ending March 31, 2018 Compared with the Three Months Ending March 31, 2017

Total revenues decreased by $2,738, or 64.9%, to $1,481 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 from $4,219 for the three months ended March 31, 2017. U.S. and international revenues comprised 100% and 0% of total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2018, respectively, compared to 100% and 0% for the three months ended March 31, 2017, respectively. Overall results for revenue being reported for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was affected from a timing of Cannabis Cups events. In the three months ended March 31, 2017 there were Cup Events (Los Angeles and Las Vegas) compared to none held in the three months ended March 31, 2018. For the full year there are more Cannabis Cups planned in 2018 compared to the number in 2017.

Total festival, events, and competition revenues decreased by $2,658, or 82.8%, to $554 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 from $3,212 for the three months ended March 31, 2017. Total festival revenue represented 37.4% and 76.1% of total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Total festival revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 were comprised of 100 % U.S. revenues as there were no international events staged during this period. The international cups that are planned for the current fiscal will be later in the year were the ones staged in the prior year. The decrease in festival revenues was from the timing of scheduled Cannabis Cups with none in the first three months of 2018 compared to two in the first three months in 2017. Offsetting the decrease from fewer Cannabis Cups was an increase in smaller sponsored events that were staged. In the 2018 there is planned an increase in both smaller sponsored events and Cannabis Cups when compared to the number of events staged in 2017.

Publishing and advertising revenues showed a decrease of $157, or 16.3% to $807 for the three months ended March 31, 2018, from $964 for the three months ended March 31, 2017

primarily as a result of lower newsstand revenue, lower print subscriptions, and lower print advertising revenue. Digital advertising revenue increased over the prior year to partially offset the decline in total print revenue. The acquisition of the Green Rush Daily website will increase the amount of ad inventory space that can be monetized by the sales staff and continue the growth in total digital advertising revenue as compared to the prior fiscal year.

Merchandising and branding revenue showed an increase of $77, or 177.4% to $120 for the three months ended March 31, 2018, from $43 for revenue recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2017 due to higher on-line store revenues. The increase in the on-line store is directly a result of moving the operations in-house in late 2017. The move has allowed the store to provide a better selection of products and more in-house promotion of the store on the website. There has also been an increase in branding revenue as deals that were signed late in 2017 are now coming on-line in the first three months of 2018.

Revenue by Geographical Location

For the Three Months Ending March 31, 2018 Compared with the Three Months Ending March 31, 2017

U.S. revenues decreased by $2,738, or 64.9%, to $1,418 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 from $4,219 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 due to no Cannabis Cups held during the period and a decrease in publishing and advertising revenue, partially offset by an increase in merchandising sales.

With no international events for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 there were no international revenue recorded. The international events for the current fiscal year being planned to be staged will take place in the second half of the year in Amsterdam, Vancouver, and Jamaica, which is approximately the same timing as the international events in Amsterdam and Vancouver were held in the prior fiscal year.

Cost of revenues:

Our costs of revenues were composed of the following amounts:

For the Three Months Ending March 31, 2018 Compared with the Three Months Ending March 31, 2017

The cost of revenues decreased by $1,340, or 72.7%, to $503 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 from $1,843 for the three months ended March 31, 2017. Expressed as a percent of revenues, cost of revenues was 34.0% and 43.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The total cost of revenues decreased (72.7% increase) as revenues decreased (64.9% decrease) for the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2017 which decreased the cost of revenue as a percent of revenue, and increased the gross profit margin for the period from 56.3% to 66.0%,

Festival, events, competitions costs as a percentage of related revenues were 42.9% and 85.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The decrease in actual festival costs were driven by the timing of events with smaller sponsored events and no Cannabis Cups held in the period compared to last year when revenue was mostly generated from two cups and one sponsored event. The smaller sponsored events are lower in cost to stage and have a higher gross profit percent then the cups and is the reason for three months ended March 31, 2018 having lower costs and a higher gross profit margin. The gross profit for the segment decreased 79.4% from $1,641 to $338 for the three months ended March 31 2018 and 2017, respectfully due to a reduction in Cup events staged during the period and reduced the revenue for the current period. The gross margin on events increased from 51.1% to 61.0% for the three months ended March 31 2018 and 2017, respectfully.

Publishing and advertising costs as a percentage of revenues were 17.4% and 6.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Overall the actual costs of publishing decreased from costs savings and lower print related costs by $14, or 5.2%. The gross profit for the segment decreased 20.7% from $692 to $549 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectfully due to lower print revenues. The gross margin decreased from 71.8% to 68.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectfully due to a lower decrease in cost as a percent compared to the decrease in revenue as a percent.

Operating expenses:

Our Operating expenses are composed of the following:

Totals include depreciation expense of $61, and $58 for the three months ended March 31, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

For the Three Months Ending March 31, 2018 Compared with the Three Months Ending March 31, 2017

Operating expense decreased by $6,515 or 73.2%, to $2,391 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 from $8,916 for the three months ended March 31, 2017. Expressed as a percent of revenues, Operating expenses decreased to 161% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 from 211% for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The decrease is due to cost cutting measures taken in 2017 after the merger transaction, and the results are being reflected in lower costs in the first three months of the current fiscal year. Partially distorting the cost cutting efforts is the non-cash equity compensation expense that was booked in each year. The equity compensation booked was $560 and $6,689 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 respectfully. Adjusting for these non-cash equity compensation costs total operating costs would be $1,831 for the three months ended March 31, 2018, which would have been a $396, or 17.8% decrease from the $2,227 adjusted total for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Marketing and advertising expense decreased by $22, or 25.6% to $64 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 from $86 for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The Company has continued to better align marketing and advertising expenses with the level of revenues of each area and was able to lower actual costs due to lower revenues from fewer events held. There was an increase in the ratio advertising costs compared to revenues which is due to an increase in corporate promotional costs. Expressed as a percentage of revenues, marketing and advertising showed an increase to 4.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to 2.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Professional fees decreased by $6,919, or 93%, to $520 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 from $7,439 for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The decrease in professional fees is due to a stock grant that created a $6,689 non-cash equity compensation charge to the books in the prior year and a reduction consulting costs in the current year after the merger transaction. Adjusting professional fees for the non-cash consulting equity compensation costs would show total costs to be $750 for the three months ended March 31, 2017. This would be a decrease of $230, or 30.7% when compared to the three months ended March 31, 2018 total costs of $520.

General and administrative expenses decreased by $416, or 30.0%, to $1,807 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 from $1,391 for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The increase in general and administrative expense was the result of the recording employee stock option compensation costs of $560 for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Adjusting for the non-cash equity compensation costs the total General and administrative expense for the three months ended March 31, 2018 would be $1,186. This adjusted total for the current fiscal year would be a reduction of costs of $147 or 11.0% decrease when compared to the three months ended March 31, 2017. The reduction in cost are from lower payroll costs and a general reduction in related costs due to fewer employers including benefit costs and travel and entertainment. The Company’s continued focus on cost-management efforts on controlling basic operating costs during the transition from merger to going public has resulted in a decrease in costs in most of the general and administrative accounts. Expressed as a percent of revenues, general and administrative expense increased to 117.9% (80.1% if adjusted for the stock option expense) for the three months ended March 31, 2018 from 31.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The increase is due to the lower revenues for the period from fewer events held.

Depreciation expense

For the Three Months Ending March 31, 2018 Compared with the Three Months Ending March 31, 2017

Depreciation expense increased by $3, or 6.4% to $61 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 from $58 for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The increase was due to additional capital expenditures being placed into service late in the three months ended March 31, 2017 causing on going depreciation expense to increase in the current year as compared to the prior year. There was only $2 in capital expenditures placed into service in the three months ended March 31, 2018.

Operating loss from continuing operations

For the Three Months Ending March 31, 2018 Compared with the Three Months Ending March 31, 2017

Our net operating loss decreased $5,127, or 78.4%, to $1,413 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to a $6,540 loss for the three months ended March 31, 2017. Operating net loss margin decreased to 95.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2018, from 155.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The decrease in the net operating loss as a percent of revenue on lower revenues was primarily due to the non-cash equity compensation charges of $560 and $6,689 for the three months ended march 31, 2018 and 2017 respectfully. Adjusting for the equity compensation charges the net operating loss would be $853 for the three months ending March 31, 2018, compared to net income reported for the three months ended March 31, 2017 of $147.

Interest expense, net

For the Three Months Ending March 31, 2018 Compared with the Three Months Ending March 31, 2017

Our net interest expense, increased $676 to $1,732 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to $1,055 for the three months ended March 31, 2017. There was an increase in total new interest-bearing loans as part of the period transaction in acquiring Trans-High Corporation, that was only partly offset in the retiring of prior year loans. The new major loans were for the purchase ($30,000 original principal and $28,500 after the first principal payment late in 2017) of prior THC shares, and for working capital ($13,000 principal balance of the senior note holder as of the month ended March 31, 2018).

Change in fair value in derivative investments

For the Three Months Ending March 31, 2018 Compared with the Three Months Ending March 31, 2017

The Company issued a warrant in February 2017 to their senior loan holder for the line of credit that was used to finance the acquisition of Trans-High Corporation. In February 2018 the Company issued a second warrant to the senior loan holder to extend the maturity date and from an increase in funds. The warrants are deemed a derivative due to the terms that it exercises into 2.75% and 2.25% respectfully of Common A Shares based on the deemed number of issued shares as defined by the warrant at the time they are exercised. The fair value of the first warrant was $3,950 for the year ending December 31, 2017 and the combined fair value of the two warrants held by the senior note holder as of the month ending March 31, 2018 was $11,527. The change in the fair value of the warrant derivatives for the three months ended March 31, 2018 of $7,577 less an adjustment to the fair value of a junior loan of $20 netted an expense of $7,557 that was recorded under Other Expense.

Change in fair value of investment securities

For the Three Months Ending March 31, 2018 Compared with the Three Months Ending March 31, 2017

The Company received common shares from Cannabis Sativa Inc in lieu of cash payment for a lock-up event service agreement valued at $1,000 in September 2017. The investment was classified as a Level 1 financial instrument at March 31, 2018. The Company recorded a negative $821 change in fair value of investment securities for the three months ended March 31, 2018. There were no investment securities held by the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Change in fair value of convertible notes

For the Three Months Ending March 31, 2018 Compared with the Three Months Ending March 31, 2017

The modified terms under the Second Amendment, executed in October 2017, for the Company’s senior secured note were considered a substantially different as compared to the terms of the Loan Agreement immediately prior to the Second Amendment, pursuant to ASC 470-50, Modification and Extinguishment. Based on the modification the new note was recorded using the fair value method. The net change in the fair value of the note for the three months ended March 31, 2018 resulted in a gain of $445, which is included in other non-operating expense. There was no similar transaction or modification of debt for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Finance charges

For the Three Months Ending March 31, 2018 Compared with the Three Months Ending March 31, 2017

Finance charges were $1,304 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to $300 recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The increase of $1,004 is due to the Third Amendment for the Company’s senior secured note that had a $1,200 additional success fee for the additional funding received in February 2018 partially offset by a reduction in debt discount charges.

Other net Income and Expenses

For the Three Months Ending March 31, 2018 Compared with the Three Months Ending March 31, 2017

Other net income and expenses was a net income of $78 for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to a net income of $8 for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The increase of $70 was due to rental income received from subleasing the New York office after the lease had been assumed by Trans-High Corporation from Planetout Inc. in November 2017.

Net loss

For the Three Months Ending March 31, 2018 Compared with the Three Months Ending March 31, 2017

Our net loss increased by $4,417 or 56.1% to a net loss of $12,304 for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to a net loss of $7,887 for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The increase in net loss was primarily the result of the factors noted above with respect to our decrease in loss from continuing operations and an increase in non-operating expenses.

For the Year Ended December 31, 2017 Compared with the Year Ended December 31, 2016

Revenues

Total Revenue

2017 vs. 2016

Total revenues decreased by $127, or 0.9%, to $14,481 for the year ended December 31, 2017 from $14,608 for the year ended December 31, 2016. U.S. and international revenues comprised 96.5% and 3.5% of total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017, respectively, compared to 100% and 0% for the year ended December 31, 2016, respectively. Overall results for revenue being reported for the year ended December 31, 2017 was affected from a decrease due to a write-down of approximately just over a $1,000 in aged accounts receivables that were deemed uncollectable. This was the last major review and adjustment of prior management activity to be cleaned-up.

Total festival, events, and competition revenues increased by $1,099, or 11.1%, to $11,037 for the year ended December 31, 2017 from $9,938 for the year ended December 31, 2016. Total festival revenue represented 76% and 68% of total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Total festival revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017 were comprised of U.S. revenues of $10,529 or 95% of total festival revenues, and international revenues of $508, or 5% of total festival. Total festival revenues for the year ended December 31, 2016 were comprised of U.S. revenues of $9,938, or 100% of total festival revenues, and $4k in international revenues or less than 1% of festivals revenue. The increase in festival revenues was from an increase in the number of events and an increase in the size (attendance and booth space) compared to the number and size of events held in the prior year.

Publishing and advertising revenues showed a decrease of $1,111, or 25.8% to $3,192 for the year ended December 31, 2017, from $4,303 for the year ended December 31, 2016 primarily as a result of lower newsstand revenue, lower print subscriptions, and lower print advertising revenue. Digital subscription revenue was the same in both years but was trending up at the end of the year and into the next fiscal year.

Merchandising and branding revenue showed a decrease of $115, or 31.3% to $252 for the year ended December 31, 2017, from $367 for revenue recorded for the year ended December 31, 2016 due to lower event merchandising sales that was partially offset by an increase the website store revenues as operations were moved from a 3^rd party to in-house.

Revenue by Geographical Location

2017 vs. 2016

U.S. revenues decreased by $631, or 4.3%, to $13,973 for the year ended December 31, 2017 from $14,604 for the year ended December 31, 2016 due to a decrease in publishing and advertising revenue, and merchandising sales.

International revenues increased by $504, or 100%, to $508 for the year ended December 31, 2017 from $4 for the year ended December 31, 2016. There was one small spin-off international event in 2016. In 2017 there were a of total of two international events staged in the cities of Amsterdam and Vancouver.

Cost of revenues

Our costs of revenues were composed of the following amounts:

2017 vs. 2016

The cost of revenues increased by $3,514, or 45.1%, to $11,310 for the year ended December 31, 2017 from $7,796 for the year ended December 31, 2016. Expressed as a percent of revenues, cost of revenues was 78.1% and 53.4% for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The total cost of revenues increased (45.1% increase) as revenues decreased (0.9% decrease) for the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2016 which increased the cost of revenue as a percent of revenue, and lowered the gross profit margin for the period from 46.6% to 21.9%,

Festival, events, competitions costs as a percentage of related revenues were 93.9% and 67.3% for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The increase in actual festival costs were driven by higher talent and venue production costs to make the events more competitive and attract larger and broader audiences. The smaller increase then projected for the number of events in revenues combined with an overall increase in costs caused the event costs as a percent of revenues to increase. The gross profit for the segment decreased 79.2% from $3,254 to $677 for the years ended September 30 2016 and 2017, respectfully due to higher growth in costs then the growth in revenues. The gross margin on events decreased from 32.7% to 6.1% for the years ended September 30 2016 and 2017, respectfully.

Publishing and advertising costs as a percentage of revenues were 29.8% and 25.8% for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Overall the actual costs of publishing decreased from costs savings and lower distribution fees by $162, or 14.6%. The gross profit for the segment decreased 29.7% from $3,191 to $2,242 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectfully due to lower revenues. The gross margin decreased from 74.2% to 70.2% for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectfully due to a lower decrease in cost as a percent compared to the decrease in revenue as a percent.

Operating expenses

Our Operating expenses are composed of the following:

Totals include depreciation expense of $232, and $79 for the year ended December 31, 2017, and 2016, respectively.

2017 vs. 2016

Operating expense increased by $7,163, or 74.5%, to $16,781 for the year ended December 31, 2017 from $9,618 for the year ended December 31, 2016. Expressed as a percent of revenues, Operating expenses increased to 116% for the year ended December 31, 2017 from 65.8% for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase is due to a one-time equity compensation charge of $6,689 for stock grants and $1,741 for stock options granted. Adjusting for these one-time charge total operating costs would be $8,351 for the year ended December 31, 2017, which would have been a $1,267, or 13.2% decrease from the $9,618 recorded for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Marketing and advertising expense increased by $32, or 8.8% to $397 for the year ended December 31, 2017 from $365 for the year ended December 31, 2016. The Company has continued to better align marketing and advertising expenses with the level of revenues of each area and was able to keep costs with in the same ratio of revenues to support higher overall revenues. Expressed as a percentage of revenues, marketing and advertising showed a small increase at 2.7% for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to 2.5% for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Professional fees increased by $7,144, or 399%, to $8,933 for the year ended December 31, 2017 from $1,789 for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in professional fees is due to a stock grant that created a $6,689 non-cash equity compensation charge to the books. Adjusting professional fees for this one time charge the costs would be $2,244 for the year ended December 31, 2017 an increase of $455, or 25.4% from the same period as last year due to the cost of corporate merger activity increasing legal, auditing fees, and other financials and investor services.

General and administrative expenses decreased by $13, or 0.2%, to $7,451 for the year ended December 31, 2017 from $7,464 for the year ended December 31, 2016. The decrease in general and administrative expense was the result of lower payroll costs and a general reduction in related costs due to fewer employers including benefit costs and travel and entertainment. The Company’s continued focus on cost-management efforts on controlling basic operating costs during the transition resulted in a decrease in costs in most of the general and administrative accounts. When excluding the stock option non-cash compensation expense of $1,741 total general and administrative costs were $5,710 for the year ended December 31, 2017, a decrease of $1,754 or 23.5% compared to the $7,464 recorded for the year ended December 31, 2016. Expressed as a percent of revenues, general and administrative expense increased to 51.5%) 39.4% if adjusted for the stock option expense) for the year ended December 31, 2017 from 51.1% for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Depreciation expense

2017 vs. 2016

Depreciation expense increased by $152, or 192% to $232 for the year ended December 31, 2017 from $79 for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase was due to additional capital expenditures of $654 being placed into service late in the year ended December 31, 2016 causing on going depreciation expense to increase in the current year prior the prior year. There is only $17 in capital expenditures placed into service in the year ended December 31, 2017.

Operating loss from continuing operations

2017 vs. 2016

Our net operating loss increased $10,804, or 385%, to $13,610 for the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to a $2,806 loss for the year ended December 31, 2016. Operating net loss margin increased to 94.0% for the year ended December 31, 2017, from 19.2% for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in the net operating loss as a percent of revenue on higher revenues was primarily due to the one-time stock grant equity compensation charge of $6,689 and $1,741 stock option equity compensation expense. Adjusting for these one-time charges the net operating loss would be $5,180 for the year ending December 31, 2017, an increase in the loss reported for the year ended December 31, 2016 of $2,374, or 84.6% increase.

Interest expense, net

2017 vs. 2016

Our net interest expense, increased $4,432 to $4,558 for the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to $126 for the year ended December 31, 2016. There was an increase in total new interest-bearing loans as part of the period transaction in acquiring Trans-High Corporation, that was only partly offset in the retiring of prior year loans. The new major loans were for the purchase ($30,000 original principal) of prior THC shares, and for working capital ($11,500 principal at year end).

Change in fair value in derivative

2017 vs. 2016

The Company issued a warrant to their senior loan holder for the line of credit that was used to finance the acquisition of Trans-High Corporation. The warrant is deemed a derivative due to the terms that it exercises into 2.75% of Common A Shares based on the number of issued shares at the time of it being exercised. The initial fair value of the warrant was $570. The fair value of the warrant was $3,950 for the year ending December 31, 2017. The change in the fair value of the derivative of $3,380 was recorded it as Other Expense.

Change in fair value of investment securities

2017 vs. 2016

The Company received common shares from Cannabis Sativa Inc in lieu of cash payment for a lock-up event service agreement valued at $1,000. The investment was classified as a Level 1 financial instrument at December 31, 2017. The Company recorded a $1,134 change in fair value of investment securities for the year ended December 31, 2017. There were no investment securities held by the Company for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Change in fair value of convertible notes

2017 vs. 2016

The modified terms under the Second Amendment for the Company’s senior secured note were considered substantially different as compared to the terms of the Loan Agreement immediately prior to the Second Amendment, pursuant to ASC 470-50, Modification and Extinguishment. Based on the modification the new note was recorded using the fair value method. The net change in the fair value of the note resulted in a loss of $1,117, which is included in other non-operating expense for the year ended December 31, 2017. There was no similar transaction or modification of debt for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Loss on debt extinguishment

2017 vs. 2016

The modified terms under the Second Amendment for the Company’s senior secured note were considered substantially different as compared to the terms of the Loan Agreement immediately prior to the Second Amendment, pursuant to ASC 470-50, Modification and Extinguishment. As such, the Second Amendment was accounted for as a debt extinguishment, resulting in a loss on debt extinguishment of $1,231, which is included in other non-operating expense for the year ended December 31, 2017. There was no similar transaction or modification of debt for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Finance charges

2017 vs. 2016

Finance charges were $1,919 for the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to none recorded for the year ended December 31, 2016. These new charges were related to the cost of new debt that was taken out for the Trans-High Corporation acquisition, that also caused the increase in interest expense.

Other net Income and Expenses

2017 vs. 2016

Other net income and expenses was a net expense of $13 for the year ended December 31, 2017, as compared to a net income of $6 for the year ended December 31, 2016. The decrease was due to adjustments of prior year uncleared deposit activity in recently closed bank accounts. This was part of the yearlong review and clean-up of prior management balance sheet activity.

Net loss

2017 vs. 2016

Our net loss increased by $21,768 to a net loss of $24,694 for the year ended December 31, 2017, as compared to a net loss of $2,926 for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in net loss was primarily the result of the factors noted above with respect to our loss from continuing operations and increase in non-operating expenses.

Liquidity, Capital Resources and Plan of Operations

Going Concern

The High Times Group financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Offering Circular have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. During period from January 1, 2015 through March 31, 2018, the company has incurred net losses of $40,212,109.

High Times Group is currently generating operating losses and requires the continued infusion of new capital to continue and grow its business operations. Since February 2017, the High Times Group has obtained working capital primarily through short-term loans obtained from its executive officers and directors.  See “Related Party Transactions” on page 66 of this Offering Circular.

The net operating loss for the first three months of the current fiscal year is due to a number of non-cash expenses (equity compensation charges, unrealized loss on securities, and change in derivative liability) which, if eliminated, would result in High Times Group being closer to a net cash flow break-even.

For operations to grow it requires prepaying for Cannabis Cup event costs several months in advance. In order to pay approximately $4,500,000 million in principal and $3,692,000 in accrued interest to the former THC stockholder holding $28,500,000 of purchase notes and to increase 2018 revenues by increasing the number of Cannabis Cup events, High Times Group increased the amount of its senior credit facilities owed to ExWorks Capital Fund I, L.P. from $11,500,000 to $13,000,000, and is planning to use a portion of the Offering proceeds.

At March 31, 2018, our cash and cash equivalents was approximately $1,768 and our accounts payable and accrued liabilities, including accrued and unpaid executive compensation and professional fees was approximately $7,723.

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our aggregate contractual obligations as of the date of the Offering, and the estimated timing and effect that such obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flow in future periods.

Unaudited Pro Forma Information

The unaudited pro forma balance sheet data as of March 31, 2018 gives effect to a pro-forma estimated $42,979,000 increase in our consolidated stockholders’ equity, currently a negative ($53,674,000), resulting from (a) the anticipated conversion into Class A Common Stock of $24,000,000 in outstanding principal amount notes issued to the former stockholders of Trans-High, (b) a $4,000,000 increase in stockholders’ equity by reason of our recent purchase Culture Magazine through a purchase of stock, (c) the conversion a $375,000 note issued and $9,750 in accrued interest in the BioCup Music Festival transaction, (d) the termination of the Cannabis Sativa event lock-up agreement that requires the return of the stock originally paid as consideration that nets to a net loss of $542,000, (e ) ExWorks exercise of their two warrants resulting in the elimination of $11,527,000 of prior expenses derivative liability and a reduction of $3,046,000 to the senior note equal to the combined exercise price, and (f) additional 77,580 sales of the Class A Common stock sold for $533,175 prior to the offering,. The unaudited pro forma stockholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2018 gives effect to such transactions as if they had occurred as of the end of the period.

Hightimes Holding Corp.

Consolidated Pro-Forma Balance Sheet

at March 31, 2018 (in thousands, except shares)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated pro forma financial statements

Footnotes to the March 31, 2018 Pro-Forma Balance Sheet:

(1) Gives pro-forma effect to the conversion upon consummation of the Regulation A+ Offering or Origo Merger of $18,000,000 discounted principal amount of convertible notes issued to the former Trans-High stockholders in February 2017.  Under agreements between the Company and the noteholders, $4,500,000 of the $28,500,000 principal amount of the purchase notes outstanding at March 31, 2018 are being paid out of Offering proceeds for working capital and the $24,000,000 principal amount of the notes that are not being paid out of Offering proceeds for working capital are being discounted by 25% to $18,000,000 and are subject to conversion at a price of $11.00 per share into 1,636,364 shares of Company Class A Common Stock or Origo Shares.

(2) Gives pro-forma effect to the proposed acquisition by Culture Pub, Inc., a newly formed subsidiary of Hightimes Holding, from Southland Publishing Incorporated of certain assets relating to Culture Magazine, in exchange for 370,370 shares of Class A Common Stock on completion of this Reg A+ Offering, or such other number of shares of Hightimes Holding Class A Common stock which at the close of the transaction will be valued at $4,000,000.

(3) Gives pro-forma effect to the automatic conversion into Class A Common Stock upon consummation of the Regulation A+ Offering of a $375,000 principal amount convertible note, plus accrued interest of $9,750, issued in August 2017 to Bio Cup Music Festival Ltd. in connection with the acquisition of the right to conduct Cannabis Cup Events at a designated venue in Vancouver, British Columbia.  Such note plus any accrued and unpaid interest will convert into 36,127 shares of Class A Common Stock at a price of $10.65 per share.

(4) On May 31, 2018, Cannabis Sativa and Hightimes Holding agreed to terminate the sponsorship agreement returned the 332,447 shares of CBDS Common Stock. This results in the net loss of the sale back of the shares being the difference between the $1,313,000 stock value and the balance of the deferred revenue on the books.

(5) Reflects a derivative liability of $7,406,000 resulting from the issuance of a February 2017 warrant to ExWorks Capital Fund I, L.P. to purchase 679,106 shares of Hightimes Holding Class A Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.01 per share, and a $4,121,000 derivative liability resulting from the issuance of a February 2018 warrant to ExWorks to purchase 555,632 shares of Hightimes Holding Class A Common Stock at an exercise price of $5.47 per share. The pro forma effect on the exercise by ExWorks Capital I, L.P. of warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,234,738 shares of Hightimes Holding Class A Common Stock and the application of the weighted average exercise prices of $2.467 is a reduction of $3,046,098 to the outstanding principal amount of the senior secured convertible note issued to ExWorks.

(6) Gives pro-forma effect to the additional sale of 77,580 shares of Class A Common Stock for $533,175 after March 31, 2018 up to the date of the offering.

(7) Gives pro-forma effect to an increase in the 20,639,916 shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding as at March 31, 2018, by reason of the issuance of an additional 3,348,445 shares of Class A Common Stock in connection with (a) the automatic conversions of the notes referred to in footnotes (1) and (3) above into 1,672,139 additional shares of Class A Common Stock, (b) the issuance of 363,636 shares of Class A Common Stock to Southland Publishing Incorporated, (c) the issuance of 1,234,738_shares of Class A Common Stock to ExWorks upon exercise of two warrants, and (d) the issuance of 77,580 in additional sales of stock prior to the offering.

Projections

The following section contains financial forecasts with respect to Hightimes Holding projected revenues, EBITDA, pre-tax profit and net income for the years 2018-2019. These projections are unaudited and should not be relied upon as being necessarily indicative of future results. Certain of the above-mentioned projected information has been repeated (in each case, with an indication that the information is an estimate and is subject to the qualifications presented herein), for purposes of providing comparisons with historical data. The assumptions and estimates underlying the prospective financial information are inherently uncertain and are subject to a wide variety of significant business, economic and competitive risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the prospective financial information. In addition, even if our actual results of operations and financial condition, and developments in the industry in which we operate, are consistent with our projections, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods. Accordingly, readers are cautioned that there is a risk that the forecasted results will not be indicative of the future performance of the Company or that actual results will not differ materially from those presented in the prospective financial information. Inclusion of the prospective financial information in this Offering Circular should not be regarded as a representation by any person that the results contained in the prospective financial information will be achieved. 

The projections in this Offering Circular are only predictions. We have made these financial projections in good faith and based primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Although we believe we have a reasonable basis in making these projects, because they are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified, and many of which are beyond our control, you should not rely on these projections as indicative of our future financial performance as our projections may never be achieved and actual results could differ materially from those presented below.

Readers are cautioned that a number of factors could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those indicated by our projections. These factors include, but are not limited to: (1) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Company’s public offering; (2) the inability to raise sufficient net proceeds from this Offering; (3) the risk that we may be unable to secure a U.S. national exchange listing for the Company; (4) the risk that the Company may be unable to recognize the anticipated benefits of its public offering, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the Company operate as a public company and to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and retain its key employees; (5) changes in applicable laws or regulations or their interpretation or application (including, notably, federal and state laws related to the use, cultivation and distribution of cannabis-based products and cannabis-related products; (6) the possibility that the Company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; (7) future exchange and interest rates; (8) delays in obtaining, adverse conditions contained in, or the inability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals; and (9) other risks and uncertainties, including those disclosed under “Risk Factors” herein, and other filings with the SEC by the Company. These factors are not intended to be an all-encompassing list of risks and uncertainties.

These projections include financial measures of the Company, including projected EBITDA that are not prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). In these projections, “EBITDA” means net income (loss) before interest expense, income taxes and depreciation and amortization. The Company has presented these financial measures in these projections because they are considered as key measures used by management to understand and evaluate our operating performance and trends, and we believe that those measures are frequently used by analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies. Other companies may calculate these financial measures differently than the Company, and these measures have limitations as analytical tools. Therefore, you should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP.

The Company is including below its internally prepared projections for each of the years in the two-year period ending 2019. The projections were not prepared under GAAP, the published guidelines of the SEC or the guidelines established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants for preparation and presentation of prospective financial information. These projections were prepared for internal use and capital budgeting and other management purposes, are subjective in many respects and therefore susceptible to varying interpretations and the need for periodic revision based on actual experience and business developments. The projections may be materially different than actual results.

Based on current actual results, projected trends, potential opportunities, and strategic plans revenue is projected to grow from $14.48 million in 2017, the last completed fiscal year, to $23.01 million in 2018, and $53.69 million on 2019. This represents a growth factor of 59% in 2018, and 133% in 2019. The 2017 fiscal year is a base year with new management having taken over during the quarter period ended June 30, 2017 making only limited changes in the business operations to grow revenues. Fiscal year 2018 will be the first full year during which our new management will implement all of the planned changes to grow the business, which is the reason for the sharper growth in the following two years compared to the slight decline in revenue in 2017.

Gross profit is projected to improve from the actual results of 2017 at 22% to approximately 33% in 2018, in part from standardizing event costs, and then with continue improvement in costs control on higher revenue will improve 2019 margin to 46%. With the increase in projected revenue and an improving gross profit margin, actual gross profit is projected to increase from $3.17 million in 2017 to $7.70 million in 2018, and to $24.87 million in 2019.

Operating expenses were $16.78 million in 2017 (included $8.4 million in non-cash equity compensation expense) and are projected to be $9.88 million in 2018, and $16.42 million in 2019. Operating expenses are projected to be approximatley 43% of revenue in 2018 and 31% in 2019. Adjusted EBITDA is projected grow from a negative ($3.38) million to $1.77 million in 2018, and $9.37 million in 2019.

After other income and expense, including interest, finance charges, net change in fair value (non-cash), and taxes, projected effective net income was ($24.69) million in 2017, and is projected to be ($17.04) million loss in 2018, and net income of $6.86 million in 2019.

The key budgeted projections are:

EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The Company believes that EBITDA is customarily used by investors and analysts to evaluate the financial performance of companies in our industry. Our management also believes that EBITDA is useful in evaluating our core operating results. However, EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered an alternative to operating income or net income as an indicator of HTH’s operating performance. Because EBITDA is not calculated identically by all companies, the figures in this presentation may not be comparable to those disclosed by other companies.

Below is a table that reconciles EBITDA to net income:

The projections were prepared by, and are the responsibility of, Hightimes Holding’s management. RBSM, LLP, Highitmes Holding’s auditor, has not examined, compiled or performed any other procedures with respect to the projections. Accordingly, RBSM, LLP does not express an opinion or any other form of assurance with respect thereto. The audit report furnished by RBSM, LLP included in this Offering Circular relate to historical financial information of the Hightimes Group. They do not extend to the projections and should not be read as doing so

The financial projections are based upon general assumptions regarding the future outlook and prospects for our operations for the fiscal years 2018 to 2019, including, without limitation, the following major assumptions and factors:

While all projections are necessarily speculative, we acknowledge that the prospective financial information covering periods beyond twelve months from its date of preparation carries increasingly higher levels of uncertainty. Our projections should be read in that context. There will be differences between actual and projected results, and actual results may be materially greater or materially less than those contained in the projections. The inclusion of the projections should not be regarded as an indication that the Company or its representatives considered or consider the projections to be a reliable prediction of future events, and reliance should not be placed on the projections.

The Company has not warranted the accuracy, reliability, appropriateness or completeness of the projections to anyone, including any prospective investor. Neither our management nor any of its representatives has made or makes any representation to any person regarding the ultimate performance of the Hightimes Group compared to the information contained in the projections, and none of them intends to or undertakes any obligation to update or otherwise revise the projections to reflect circumstances existing after the date when made or to reflect the occurrence of future events in the event that any or all of the assumptions underlying the projections are shown to be in error. Accordingly, they should not be looked upon as “guidance” of any sort. The Company will not refer back to these forecasts in its future periodic reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

OUR BUSINESS

Overview

Hightimes Holding Corp. was established in December 2016 for purposes of acquiring 100% of the capital stock of the THC Group. Founded in 1974, the THC Group has historically engaged in the publication of a monthly print and on-line magazine and the production and sponsorship of trade shows and events. Our strategic goal is to monetize the intellectual property and “High Times®” brand. We also contemplate various other e-commerce initiatives and licensing of the “High Times®” brand, including the development of an e-commerce store offering clothing and other products associated with cannabis.

We do not cultivate, dispense or sell cannabis or any derivatives of the cannabis plant, such as oils or edible products, although cannabis and products utilizing or relating to cannabis have been used and sold at the trade shows and festival events operated by the THC Group since 2010 in states that permit the medical and recreational use of cannabis.

The High Times Group comprises businesses across a range of media, including:

In consideration for the acquired assets, at closing Southland will receive consideration valued at $4,000,000 through the issuance of 370,370 shares of Hightimes Holding Class A Common Stock, or such other number of shares of Class A Common Stock which, when multiplied by the lower of the $11.00 initial per share offering price of Our Class A Common Stock in this Offering or the per share value of the shares of the Successor corporation issued to Hightimes stockholders in the Origo Merger, shall equal $4,000,000. Consummation of the sale is subject to recent of the consent of ExWorks Capital Fund I, L.P., our senior secured lender, and to consummation of a “Hightimes Liquidity Event”; defined as the listing of either our Class A Common Stock or the common stock of the Successor corporation in the Origo Merger on any one of the New York Stock Exchange, the NYSE: American, Nasdaq, the OTC Market, or the Canadian Securities Exchange.

On September 29, 2017, Trans-High entered into an advertising and sponsorship agreement with Cannabis Sativa, Inc., a publicly traded company (“CBDS”) and its subsidiary PrestoCorp, (dba “PrestoDoctor”) under which PrestoDoctor was to become the official medical cannabis card provider for High Times Cannabis Cup events through October 15, 2019. In consideration for the agreement, CBDS issued to Trans-High an aggregate of 332,447 shares of CBDS Common Stock, valued at $1,000,000 at the time of issuance. As of May 1, 2018, CBDS and Trans-High rescinded a November 2017 amendment to the Sponsorship Agreement, and on May 31, 2018, the parties agreed to terminate the sponsorship agreement and Hightimes Holding returned the 332,447 shares of CBDS Common Stock.

We believe that we have become the highest regarded news source for the cannabis industry. Due to its unique positioning in the cannabis space, we believe that considerable monetization opportunities present themselves in brand licensing and ecommerce. We intend to leverage its brand and platform to showcase promotions of quality products associated with cannabis to the over 30 million Americans who are enthusiasts for medical and recreational cannabis, as well as to companies who wish to grow and sell cannabis in states where the growing and dispensing of medical and/or recreational cannabis is permitted. We have expanded our Cannabis Cup™ events into Canada where the use of cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes is expressly permitted.

Our revenue base consists of the sale of tickets for admittance to the Cannabis Cup events, entrance fees to the Cannabis Cup competitive events, recurring print and on-line subscriptions to, and advertising sales in, the High Times Magazine®, and direct merchandising sales, sponsorship sales and licensing fees. We manage our licensing businesses through co-sponsorship and strategic partnership arrangements.

The Cannabis Industry and Market Opportunity

We believe that we have strong economic prospects by virtue of the following dynamics of the industry and our competitive advantages:

High Times Group Growth Strategy

Increased Number of Festivals, Events and Competitions: High-Time’s vision is to aggressively expand the number of events, including our Cannabis Cup events. The High Times Productions Group hosted four events in 2016 and hosted a total of 22 events in 2017, including nine Cannabis Cup events. In 2018 the original projections calls for at least 11 Cannabis Cup’s and more non-cup events then in the 2017. On May 2, 2018, the Bureau of Cannabis Control granted to the Hightimes Production Group a license to conduct a recreational Cannabis Cup event in the City of Sacramento on the Cal Expo site in California, which was held on May 4^th and 5th 2018.

Expanding our Digital Publishing Footprint: HighTimes.com has more than 4.0 million monthly unique users, of which 74% are male and 60% are millennials (aged 18-34). 420.com is a new domain name and Internet website with the vision of becoming a leading seller of cannabis-related products.

New Opportunities: Hightimes Holding has engaged Creative Artists Agency (“CAA”) a premier, global agency that represents many of the most acclaimed names in entertainment, media, film, and music. Some of these categories include clothing, merchandise, movies, television, video, music, and comedy.

In addition, on October 6, 2016, Trans-High entered into an agreement with Global Merchandising Services, Inc. under which Global received the exclusive right to develop, manufacture and sell merchandise at the Cannabis Cup events. Under the term of the agreement, we are to receive total advanced payments of up to $420,000 against a royalty of 15% on all T-shirts and 12% on other specialty items sold, and a 70% share of net revenue at live events. 

High Times® Magazine

Since its founding in 1974 as a print publication, High Times Magazine©, has written about topics ranging from cultivation and legalization, to entertainment and culture, to hard-hitting new exposes on the War on Drugs. High Times Magazine® is a monthly print and digital publication that has been dedicated to furthering the cannabis industry, including educating the public as to the medicinal benefits of cannabidiol (“CBD”) and cannabinoids as well as the recreational uses of marijuana. Hightimes Holding believes that High Times Magazine© is, and has been for a number of years, the preeminent publication source for cannabis information. The High Times Magazine© has featured original works from some of the leading names in counterculture and literature including Truman Capote, Hunter S. Thompson, Charles Bukowski, Andy Warhol, and William Burroughs.

As of March 31, 2018, the High Times Group has approximately 154,489 monthly subscribers to our print and online High Times Magazine® publications and approximately 6,872,887 monthly unique views to our websites. An additional 66,500 readers receive our monthly newsletter.

The publication is approximately 152 pages per issue, of which approximately 50% is advertising. For the 12-month period from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016, High Times Magazine® had advertising revenues of $3,385,107, revenues of $431,412 from newsstand sales, revenues of $494,520 from subscriptions, and revenues of $359,448 from product, licensing, royalties and miscellaneous services. For the 12-month period from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017, High Times Magazine® had advertising revenues of $2,411,430, revenues of $339,934 from newsstand sales, revenues of $420,428 from subscriptions, and revenues of $275,021 from product, licensing, royalties and miscellaneous services.

Our print and on-line publications generate revenue primarily through print and digital advertising sales and through circulation and subscriptions fees generated from the sale of subscriptions to its print and digital products. Advertising revenues are subject to seasonality, with revenues typically being highest in our second fiscal quarter due to the end-of-year holiday season in its main operating geographies.

Cannabis Cup Events

The Cannabis Cup® has been a leading cannabis trade show, music festival and experiential marketing event, in which people gather at a venue, featuring live musical performances. Participants at these events can participate in the world of cannabis through competitions, instructional seminars, expositions, celebrity appearances, concerts and product showcases. We seek to present our fan base and festival attendees with a unique festival experience that combines live musical performances and cannabis industry trade show presentations, corporate sponsors and vendors.

The High Times Group does not dispense or sell cannabis or any derivatives of the cannabis plant that are sold by others at the Cannabis Cup Events. Rather, we seek to highlight the promotion of the High Times Group and Cannabis Cup brands through its merchandising efforts and through licensing arrangements. Since 2010, THC Group’s U.S. Cannabis Cup® has been produced and presented at various locations in states that permit the medical and recreational use of cannabis and continues to be hosted at rented third-party venues.

During 2016, the Cannabis Cup Events generated approximately 68%, of the total consolidated revenues of THC and subsidiaries. Prior to Hightimes Holding’s acquisition of the THC Group in February, 2017, the THC Group increased the frequency of the Cannabis Cup Events in only four venues. Hightimes Holding believes that this harmed THC Group’s financial performance for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 due to over saturation of limited marketplaces. As a result, THC Group experienced a dip in revenues from the Cannabis Cup Events, which directly impacted its bottom line and decreased both profit and gross margins.

Following HTH’s acquisition of the THC Group in February 2017, HTH has undertaken measures to further develop the Cannabis Cup Events and festivals. These efforts include a change in the strategy roll-out of the Cannabis Cup Events and festivals along with a reorganization of the upcoming scheduling for the 2017 and 2018 seasons. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the High Times Group conducted 22 live events shows including nine Cannabis Cup. Events and festivals reported $11.04 million in revenues and a gross profit of $0,68 million, as compared to the prior year 12 months ended December 31, 2017 revenues of $9.94 million and a gross profit of $3.25 million. The Cannabis Cup Events have including artists such as Nas, Damian Marley, Wu-Tang Clan, 50 Cent, Redman and Method Man.

The High Times Group intends to develop and drive performance of the Cannabis Cup Events by dedicating capital and additional corporate resources to the production of larger size Cannabis Cup Events at increasingly sizeable venues. The High Times Group also intends to scale back or reduce the frequency of small regional Cannabis Cup Events in order to limit the supply and availability of its festival offerings. The High Times Group believes that such a reorganization of the size and scheduling of the Cannabis Cup Events will result in a concentration of its commercial audience (from existing to potential customers) and subsequently direct its audience to the larger sized Cannabis Cup Events. The High Times Group believes that these changes in its strategic approach will restore historical financial performance and profitability margins, and hopefully increase both profit and gross margins above its historical average and peak. As legalization of cannabis for both medical and recreational markets continue to develop, the High Times Group believes that a strategic shift to larger developed markets for the Cannabis Cup Events will present attractive opportunities.

The High Times Group typically books artists, secure festival sites, provide for third-party production services, sell tickets and advertise the events to attract fans. The High Times Group also provides or arranges for third parties to provide operational services as needed such as concessions, merchandising and security.

The High Times Group earns revenue primarily from the sale of tickets to the Cannabis Cup Events, the sale of entry fees into its Cannabis Cup competitions, and through general advertising. The High Times Group pays its performing artists at the Cannabis Cup Event under one of several formulas, including a fixed guaranteed amount and/or a percentage of ticket sales or event profits. For each Cannabis Cup Event, the High Times Group rents a third-party venue. Revenue is generally impacted by the number of events, volume of ticket sales, ticket prices and the number of participants in the High Times Group’s Cannabis Cup competitions. Event costs such as artist fees and production service expenses are included in direct operating expenses and are typically substantial in relation to the revenue. As a result, significant increases or decreases in promotion revenue do not typically result in comparable changes to operating income. 

The High Times Group also generates revenue primarily from the sale of concessions, parking, premium seating, rental income, venue sponsorships and ticket rebates or service charges earned on tickets sold through our third-party ticketing service providers under ticketing agreements. At our Cannabis Cup Events, we outsource the sale of concessions and we receive a share of the net revenue from the concessionaire, which is recorded in revenue with no significant associated direct operating expenses.

Revenue is generally impacted by the number of events, volume of ticket sales, ticket prices and Cannabis Cup competition entry fees. Event costs such as artist fees and production service expenses are included in direct operating expenses and are typically substantial in relation to the revenue. Since the artist fees are typically fixed guarantees for these events, significant increases or decreases in festival promotion revenue will generally result in comparable changes to operating income.

Ticketing services include the sale of tickets primarily through online and mobile channels but also through phone, outlet and box office channels. Ticketing companies contract with us to sell tickets to events over a period of time. The ticketing company does not set ticket prices or seating charts for events as this information is given to it by the venue and/or promoter in charge of the event. The ticketing company generally gets paid a fixed fee per ticket sold or a percentage of the total ticket service charges. The ticketing company receives the cash for the ticket sales and related service charges at the time the ticket is sold and periodically remits these receipts to the promoter after deducting its fee. The High Times Group sells tickets for the Cannabis Cup Event through its contractual relationships with certain ticketing service providers that present point of sale customer purchasing options on web-based, mobile application, and telephone call center sales platforms.

The High Times Group utilizes a sales force that creates and maintains relationships with sponsors through a combination of strategic, international, national and local opportunities that allow businesses to reach customers through the Cannabis Cup Events, including advertising on our websites, co-sponsorship arrangements and commercial vendor booths at the Cannabis Cup Events. The High Times Group drives increased advertising scale to further monetize the Cannabis Cup Event platform through branded media content, corporate sponsorship and vendor booths. We work with our corporate co-sponsorship clients to help create marketing programs that drive their business goals and connect their brands directly with the High Times Group’s Cannabis Cup audiences and fans of the High Times brand. We also work with other commercial businesses operating within the cannabis industry under the Cannabis Cup vendor program by providing vendor with tables and trade booths to help drive awareness of the vendor’s business by connecting with the High Times Group’s dedicated fan base.

While the High Times Group’s Cannabis Cup Events operate year-round, we generally experience higher revenue during the second and third quarters due to the seasonal nature of shows at its outdoor festivals, which primarily occur from May through October.

In furtherance of Cannabis Cup Event expansion plans, pursuant to an Assignment of Lease and Festival Rights dated August 10, 2017 (the “Bio Cup Agreement”), the High Times Group acquired from Bio Cup Canada Music Festival Ltd. (“Bio Cup”) the right to conduct a Cannabis Cup Event at a designated venue in Vancouver, British Columbia, that is scheduled to be held between August 23, 2017 and August 28, 2017, as well as future events we may sponsor at such venue. In addition to up to CDN$200,000 of the 2017 festival expenses we agreed to assume, we paid to the stockholders of Bio Cup the sum of $375,000 in the form of a THC Group’s 4% unsecured convertible promissory note due December 31, 2018 (“Bio Cup Note”). The Bio Cup Note is convertible into shares of Hightimes Holding’s Class A Common Stock or shares of our successor-in-interest and must be converted into common stock if the holders of such common stock can immediately sell such shares for at least $375,000 prior to the December 31, 2018 maturity date. Bio Cup also has registration rights pursuant to the Bio Cup Agreement for shares issuable upon conversion of the Bio Cup Note.

Our Policies and Procedures for Operating of Cannabis Cup Contests

In connection with each Cannabis Cup Event, the High Times Group engages a fully-licensed third-party cannabis dispensary (each such dispensary, an “Administrator”) to administer all parts of each Cannabis Cup Event. Prior to each Cannabis Cup Event, we enter into a written agreement with the Administrator that sets forth all of its obligations and ensures that the dispensary is properly licensed. We also contract with an independent third-party observer to supervise all activity of the applicable Administrator in connection with each Cannabis Cup Event to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations.

The High Times Group’s function in the organization and administration of the Cannabis Cup Events is to facilitate registration of contestants and supply Administrators with pre-labelled packaging and explicit instructions for each Event entry. The Administrator exclusively intakes, handles and stores all products that are being entered into the Event for judgment. The Administrator is contractually obligated to maintain the security and safety of the products, and the security and safety of all personnel, contestants and patients on Administrator’s premises. At no time does any member of the High Times Group handle, store or distribute any products.

Event contestants also register with the applicable Administrator in advance of the Cannabis Cup Event. On the applicable date(s), contestants will bring their products to the Administrator, and place such products into the official packaging we provide. The Administrator collects the products and distributes it to a contracted panel of licensed cannabis patients (or similarly approved testers) and a licensed pre-approved laboratory for testing and evaluation, in accordance with the Cannabis Cup Event rules provided by the High Times Group. The testers evaluate the products according to pre-determined criteria and submit their votes on the High Times Group’s HTScorebook website. The Administrator provides information and support at our direction but is not permitted to interfere in any way with our process, requirements or software.

In accordance with our Cannabis Cup vendor program, High Times Group explicitly warns all vendors, guests, performers and attendees of the Cannabis Cup Events that they are required to comply with applicable laws concerning the distribution of cannabis in any amount and that the High Times Group does not directly or indirectly sell, promote or condone the illegal sale or distribution of cannabis or marijuana at the Cannabis Cup Events. For more information please see the section entitled, “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the High Times Group.”

Other Business Opportunities

The High Times Group seeks to license the High Times® and Cannabis Cup® trade names, characters and visual and literary properties to various manufacturers, developers and retailers throughout the world. Branded merchandise is sold by its licensees directly through online distribution channels. High Times Group generates revenue primarily from licensing its branded properties, including trademarks and media content, to third parties for use on consumer merchandise. Further, the High Times Group sells its branded merchandise through its direct to consumer internet shopping sites and e-commerce stores. Significant costs include costs of goods sold and distribution expenses, operating labor and retail occupancy costs, product development and marketing.

The High Times Group’s e-commerce websites currently include 420.com, CannabisCup.com and Hightimes.com, with nearly 4.0 million monthly unique users (74% male, 73% millennials (ages: 18-34)). The 420.com website will be a new on-line store, which High Times Group envisions becoming the “everything store” for cannabis-related products.

Our licensing operations cover a diverse range of products and live event categories. The High Times Group licenses the High Times® and Cannabis Cup® brands and properties for use on third-party products or services. High Times Group earns royalties or participate in revenue sharing arrangements with strategic partners, both of which are usually based on a fixed percentage of the wholesale or retail selling price of the products or services. 

We intend to increase its efforts to leverage the High Times® and Cannabis Cup® brands. High Times Group is in discussions for the development of branding opportunities, which it will seek to structure as a joint venture, partnership, licensing and royalty agreement.

Below is a sampling of the product licensing, category opportunities High Times Group is exploring:

Intellectual property

We own registered trademarks “High Times®” “Planet Hemp®” and the design for the medical Cannabis Cup. In addition, we also use common law marks that have not been, or due to their nature are unable to be, registered, including, without limitation:

The High Times Group is the owner of the intellectual property related to various publication and other visual (including audio visual works and photographs) and written content, which it distributes through the High Times® Magazine and via its digital distribution channels.

The High Times Group generally relies on trademark, copyright and trade secret laws and employee and third-party non-disclosure agreements to protect its intellectual property and proprietary rights. The High Times Group currently owns trademark protection for its name and logos in the United States, pursuant to certain trademark and copyright applications and registrations worldwide. Further, High Times Group also uses common law marks that have not been, or due to their nature are unable to be, registered with the Trade United States Patent and Trademark Office. Although the High Times Group has been granted registered trademarks by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, there can be no assurance that any trademarks or common law marks relied upon by the High Times Group, if any, will not be challenged in the future, invalidated or circumvented or that the rights granted thereunder or under licensing agreements will provide competitive advantages to the High Times Group.

In addition, there can be no assurance that standard intellectual property confidentiality and assignment agreement with employees, consultants and others will not be breached, that the High Times Group will have adequate remedies for any breach, or that its trade secrets will not otherwise become known to or independently developed by competitors. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that the High Times Group’s efforts to protect its intellectual property will prevent others from unlawfully using its trademarks, copyrights and other intellectual property. Our success depends in part, on its continued ability to license its intellectual property. An inability to continue to preserve and protect its intellectual property would likely have a material adverse effect on its business, operating results or financial condition. 

Government Regulation and Federal Policy of Cannabis 

The possession, consumption, production and sale of cannabis has historically been, and continues to be, illegal under U.S. federal law and in many state and local jurisdictions that have not passed legislation to the contrary. A number of states have decriminalized cannabis to varying degrees and other states have created exemptions specifically for medical cannabis. Eight states (Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon and Washington) have legalized the recreational use of cannabis. 21 states and the District of Columbia have some type of legal status for medicinal cannabis, and variations in laws exist among states that have legalized, decriminalized, or created medical cannabis exemptions. In the other states, the cultivation of cannabis for medicinal or personal use continues to be prohibited except for those states that allow small-scale cultivation by the individual in possession of medical cannabis needing care or that person’s caregiver. Active enforcement of state laws that prohibit personal cultivation of cannabis could have a material adverse effect on the business, reputation, results of operations, and financial condition of the High Times Group. 

While the High Times Group believes that legalization trends are favorable and create a compelling business opportunity for early movers, there is no assurance that those trends will continue or be realized, that existing limited markets will continue to be available or that any new markets for cannabis and related products will emerge for the High Times Group. The business plan of the High Times Group is based on the premise that cannabis legalization will expand, that consumer demand for cannabis will continue to exceed supply for the foreseeable future, and that consumer demand for cannabis for medical and recreational uses will grow as it becomes legal to possess and use it and its derivative products, such as oils and certain food items. There is no assurance that this premise will prove to be correct or that the High Times Group will be generate increasing revenues or profits in the future. Moreover, if cannabis legalization is scaled back or reversed at the state level, or if the federal government increases its regulation and prosecution of cannabis-related activities, the ability of the High Times Group to generate revenue and profit could materially and adversely impacted.

Under the federal Controlled Substance Act (“CSA”), the policies and regulations of the federal government and its agencies are that cannabis (marijuana) is a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance that is addictive and has no medical benefit. Enforcement of the CSA, including as it relates to cannabis, is subject to prosecutorial discretion and available resources. In the case of cannabis, and particularly in light of the growing legalization of cannabis at the state level, enforcement of the CSA is uncertain and could change rapidly, leaving businesses such as the High Times Group hard pressed to react and operate their businesses.

In an effort to provide guidance to federal law enforcement, under the Obama Administration, the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) issued Guidance Regarding Cannabis Enforcement to all United States attorneys in a memorandum from Deputy Attorney General David Ogden on October 19, 2009 (the “Ogden Memorandum”), in a memorandum from Deputy Attorney General James Cole on June 29, 2011 and in a memorandum from Deputy Attorney General James Cole on August 29, 2013 (the “Cole Memorandum”). Each memorandum provides that the DOJ is committed to the enforcement of the CSA, but the DOJ is also committed to using its limited investigative and prosecutorial resources to address the most significant threats in the most effective, consistent and rational way.

Under the Trump administration, however, there is a risk that the enforcement of Federal laws under CSA may be “stepped up,” and that the guidance in the Ogden Memorandum and the Cole Memorandum may be overruled, thereby reversing course on the former Obama administration policies towards the Federal regulation of cannabis. On January 4, 2018, Attorney General Jeffrey Sessions revoked the Ogden Memorandum and the Cole Memorandum.  In addition, pursuant to a Presidential Executive Order signed in February 2017, the Attorney General created a Task Force on Crime Reduction and Public Safety to review, and provide recommendations with respect to, strategies to reduce crime, including, in particular, illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and violent crime. According to the Attorney General, one of the mandates of the Task Force is to undertake a review of existing policies in the areas of charging, sentencing, and marijuana to ensure consistency with the Department’s overall strategy on reducing violent crime and with Administration goals and priorities. The Task Force was reviewing policies regarding the CSA and accepting recommendations regarding possible amendments through the end of July 2017. However, to date, the Task Force has yet to release those comments or make formal recommendations to change the laws. Should Congress enact legislation to enhance or expand the enforcement of the CSA provisions relating to marijuana, or if the Trump administration, or any future administration, seeks to enforce Federal laws regulating the production, possession, distribution, dispensation, administration, testing, or delivery of cannabis to the detriment of states that have enacted medical or recreational marijuana laws, the future and potential business prospects of the High Times Group would become more challenging, perhaps significantly so. Any such legislation or enforcement policies could adversely affect the business, results of operations, and financial condition of the High Times Group.

Moreover, Congress enacted an omnibus spending bill for fiscal year 2017 including a provision prohibiting the U.S. Department of Justice (which includes the Drug Enforcement Administration) from using funds appropriated by that bill to prevent states from implementing their cannabis laws. This provision, however, is effective only until September 30, 2017 and must be renewed by Congress in subsequent years. In order to extend the prohibition, it must be specifically included in the fiscal year 2018 Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) Appropriations bill. Currently, only the Senate version of the fiscal 2017 CJS Appropriations bill includes the prohibition and the House version does not. In USA vs. McIntosh, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit held that this provision prohibits the U.S. Department of Justice from spending funds from relevant appropriations acts to prosecute individuals who engage in conduct permitted by state cannabis laws and who strictly comply with such laws. However, the Ninth Circuit’s opinion, which only applies to the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Idaho, also held that persons who do not strictly comply with all state laws and regulations regarding the distribution, possession and cultivation of cannabis have engaged in conduct that is unauthorized, and in such instances the U.S. Department of Justice may prosecute those individuals. As a result, if Congress fails to include the provision prohibiting the U.S. Department of Justice from using funds appropriated by that bill to prevent states from implementing their cannabis laws, and the federal government decides to strictly enforce federal law with respect to cannabis operations, the High Times Group may have difficulty or may be unable to operate all or aspects of its business.  

Litigation

The THC Group is involved in a pending litigation in New York State Supreme Court with a former employee who alleges that Trans-High breached his employment agreement and seeks damages of $6,000,000. THC Group has counterclaimed against the former employee. The dispute is in the discovery stage. The High Times Group believes that it has valid defenses and intends to vigorously defend this action.

From time to time we become the subject of litigation that is incurred in the ordinary course of its business. However, to date, no pending or threatened litigation involves and federal or state governmental agency.

Property

Effective December 1, 2017, the Company entered into a sublease with the term ending December 2, 2021 of approximately 10,000 square feet of office space at 10990 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90024 at a monthly rental of $10,000 plus allocated shared costs. Effective January 1, 2018 the prior agreement with Here Publishing Inc (Pride Media Inc) was superseded with a new cost sharing agreement for the office space. The monthly base rent of $40,000 and other common costs are to be allocated based on the month end headcount of the two companies. The current allocation for Trans-High Corporation is 26.5%. Parking costs are based on actual costs of spaces used by the Trans-High Corporation employees. The use of the office and cost sharing agreement continues on a month to month basis per Pride Media Inc’s option. The lessor is Here Publishing, Inc. (Pride Media, Inc), a corporation controlled by Adam E. Levin, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company See “Related Party Transactions.”

In November 2017 Trans-High Corporation assumed the lease at 120 West 45th street, Unit #15.10 (approximately 2,550 sq. ft), New York, New York 10036 from PlanetOut Inc. that terminates on February 29, 2024. This transfer of the lease to Trans-High Corporation was part of Oreva Capital’s, a corporation controlled by Adam E. Levin, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, purchase of Pride Media Inc. The monthly base rent is $14,881 and escalates at a rate of 3% per annual term each March 1st plus an additional $744 monthly charge for utilities. In addition, as part of the lease the Company assumed the balance of the leasehold improvement loan of $130,500 that is paid at a rate of $1,740 over the life of the lease.

Trans-High also leases approximately 1,000 square feet of executive offices and production space at 119 West 24th Street – 2nd Floor, NY, NY 10011 under a sublease expiring April 2018. Monthly rent is $13,000. The sublessor is Green Rush Daily, Inc., a company owned by Scott McGovern. In April 2018 on the termination of the Green Rush Daily Inc master lease, Trans-High Corporation entered into a month to month agreement directly with Alley NYC, LLC at a monthly rate of $16,900. 

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Our executive officers and directors and their business experience follows:

During the past five years, none of the persons identified above has been involved in any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding or convicted in a criminal proceeding, excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses. There is no arrangement or understanding between the persons described above and any other person pursuant to which the person was selected to his or her office or position.

Adam Levin, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. Adam Levin is the founder of Hightimes Holding and has served as its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, since its inception in December 2016. In March, 2017, Mr. Levin led the acquisition of Trans-High Corporation and has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Hightimes Group since March 2017. He brings over 15 years of leadership experience running Internet-based technology and e-commerce companies to his role as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.  Mr. Levin has been Managing Director of Oreva Capital Corp, since September 2016 and for five years prior to that was the Managing Director of Vert Capital Corp where he oversaw the day to day operations of the firm and led the acquisition of a number of companies. He has extensive experience in the fields of mobile, social networking, entertainment as well as venture capital and merger and acquisition strategies. Mr. Levin has been a featured speaker at CES, MIPTV, MONY Conference, CTIA, Wireless Influencers, and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The NY Times, Fortune, Bloomberg and Entrepreneur Magazine. He has appeared on CNN, NPR, MSNBC, HBO and Fox News.  Mr. Levin also served as Chief Executive Officer and a director of Bebo.com, Inc., a social networking and content website, from 2010 to 2012. Bebo.com, Inc., filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in May 2013. Mr. Levin was an officer of Bebo within the two-year period prior to the filing of the Chapter 11 petition but had resigned as an officer and director prior to such filing.  Mr. Levin currently serves as chairman of the board of directors of Barington/Hilco Acquisition Corp., a special purpose acquisition corporation, is a member of the board of directors of Pride Media, Inc., and previously served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Pixelmags until its sale in 2016.  Mr. Levin earned a BA from Thomas Edison State College. We believe Mr. Levin’s extensive leadership experience in social media; e-commerce companies and venture capital will benefit the Company’s development.

David Peck, Vice President, Business Development. Mr. Peck is the Vice President of Business Development for the Company and is responsible for international and domestic licensing and partnerships. He also oversees the company’s e-commerce and online education strategy. Prior to High Times David ran business operations at Sock Panda, a global e-commerce company. At SockPanda he negotiated partnerships with Amazon, Facebook, and Girl Scouts of America. Ultimately, he oversaw the sale of the company to a private equity firm. Prior to Sock Panda Mr. Peck served as a business development executive at Sony where he developed seven-figure revenue generating partnerships with Roku, TiVo, and other technology companies. Mr. Peck earned a BA from Brown University and holds an MBA from the University of Southern California. We believe Mr. Peck’s experience in business development and partnerships will benefit the Company’s growth.

David Newberg, Vice President of Finance. Mr. Newberg has over 25 years’ experience and is a veteran in executive finance. From 1989 to 2004, he served as VP of Finance at Rhino Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Music (Time Warner Corporation) where he directed company accounting and finance operations for all business units, growing from a $20 million independent company to over $600 million globally. From 2005 to 2007, he served as Chief Financial Officer of Live Universe Inc., a start-up company that owned over 40 social/music media, websites, where he was responsible for directing all company accounting, finance, and human resource functions. Previously he was Chief Financial Officer of Delta Entertainment Corporation, a self-distributing entertainment company that wholesales audio/video products. Other companies David has been involved with in providing CFO consulting or running operations were SMC Entertainment (a public OTC music label), NXTM, Scopely, and The Wrap. Mr. Newberg has a BS in Accounting and Finance, and a MS in Finance from CSU-Long Beach. David has an active CPA license and is also a CMA, CFM, and CFP.

Colin Conway, Secretary and Director. Since October 2016, Mr. Conway has been a managing director of Oreva Capital Corp., a Los Angeles based merchant bank focused on making direct investments in diversified, private operating companies.  Mr. Conway participated in the acquisition of Trans High Corporation in March 2017.  For four years prior to Oreva Capital Mr. Conway served as a managing director at Vert Capital Corp., where he led the business development team and participated in the acquisition and restructuring of private operating companies in various industries including digital media, Internet, software, and apparel. From 2010 to 2012, Mr. Conway was previously an associate director at Weston Capital Management, LLC, a Connecticut based Hedge Fund and Fund of Funds. Mr. Conway currently serves as a member of the board of directors of Barington/Hilco Acquisition Corp. We believe Mr. Conway’s banking, investment and marketing, as well as his experience with companies operating in the media and internet industries, will be an asset to our Board of Directors.

Colleen Manley, Director. Ms. Colleen Manley has served as a director of High Times Holding Corp. since March 2017 and for the past 18 years she has served as a director of Trans-High Corporation. Ms. Manley is an attorney, a member of the Arizona State Bar since 1985 of preeminent status. She is the Managing Partner and owner of Goodson Manley Law & Legacies PLLC, one of Arizona’s oldest family law practices which has been in business for over 50 years. She specializes in working with and representing multi-family and single-family and serves as General Counsel for families and businesses in Arizona as well as in other jurisdictions. Ms. Manley has also been a Director at American Green, Inc. since April 25, 2011. She is actively involved in issues involving children and the environment and in various charities in Arizona. In 1986, Ms. Manley was admitted to US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. As an Attorney, Ms. Manley and has earned the coveted “AV” rating, and her law firm has been awarded “pre-eminent” status. Colleen also received her Executive MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management. We believe Ms.Manley’s legal and leadership experience will be an asset to our Company and the Board of Directors.

Eleanora Kennedy, Director. Ms. Eleanora Kennedy is an accomplished interior designer and published writer. She is known for her charitable causes and is a board member of the Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, a co-director of the Shana Alexander Charitable Foundation and a member of the women’s board of the Central Park Conservatory in New York City. Ms. Kennedy’s lifelong interest in issues regarding women and children’s rights include her work at the United Nations which allowed her to open the General Assembly to screen the impactful movie Trade starring Kevin Kline. She served as a special advisor to the President of the UN General Assembly from 2008 to 2009. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology and the New York School of Interior Design, Ms. Kennedy began her career in merchandising at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York and later became an executive at the Associated Merchandising Corporation and a director of Creative Merchandising at Joseph Magnins. We believe Ms. Kennedy’s publishing and leadership experience will be an asset to our Company and the Board of Directors.

Justin Ehrlich, Director. Justin Ehrlich is a partner in VE Equities LLC, a full-service real estate company with capabilities in investment, finance, asset management and construction. Justin is responsible for managing the firm’s real estate investment and finance activities and handling the company’s overall operations and asset management. He has completed over $10 billion of luxury mixed-use and condominium projects in Manhattan and is currently developing several mixed-use projects in California. In addition, Justin is a partner in Churchill Real Estate Holdings LLC, an alternative investment platform offering short term debt products to institutional and private clients. Mr. Ehrlich holds a BA in Business Administration from Boston University’s School of Management and earned a MS in Real Estate Finance and Investment from New York University. He served as the Secretary of the 125th Street Business Improvement District from 2008 to 2009. He has received numerous awards and honors from multiple industry organizations including the 2011 Developer of The Year Award from Young Jewish Professionals and was the Guest of Honor at the YJP 2014 Founders Gala at Cipriani Downtown. Mr. Ehrlich is currently on the Board of Directors for A Caring Hand and BDS Analytics. We believe Mr. Ehrlich’s experience in investment and real estate will be an asset to our Company’s Board of Directors.

Stormy Simon, Director. Ms. Stormy D. Simon held a number of senior roles at Overstock.com during her fifteen-year tenure with that company. She headed Overstock.com’s Books Music & Video category and was responsible for all offline marketing including television, radio and print. She was also a Director of Overstock.com Inc. from 2011 to 2016. Ms. Simon’s extensive experience at Overstock.com, as well as her interest in the cannabis industry, will be an asset to our Company’s Board of Directors. We believe Ms. Simon’s experience in large scale e-commerce and marketing will be an asset to our Company’s Board of Directors.

Vicente Fox Quesada, Director. Mr. Vicente Fox Quesada, became a member of the Hightimes Board of Directors effective as of May 1, 2018. A businessman and politician, Mr. Fox started his business career in 1963 with the Coca Cola Company in Mexico and ultimately became president of the company for Mexico and Latin America. Mr. Fox served as the 55th President of Mexico from December 1, 2000 to November 30, 2006. His election as President of Mexico in the 2000 presidential election was a historically significant election since it made him the first president elected from an opposition party since 1910. During his term in office, Mr. Fox was credited with maintaining economic growth and reducing the poverty rate from 43.7% in 2000 to 35.6% in 2006. After serving as president of Mexico for six years, Mr. Fox returned to his home state of Guanajuato, where he now resides with his wife and family. Since leaving the presidency, Mr. Fox has been involved in public speaking and the development of the Vicente Fox Center of Studies, Library and Museum. Mr. Fox is currently the Co-President of the Centrist Democrat International, an international organization of political parties. Mr. Fox studied Business Administration at the Universidad Iberoamericana and later received a Top Management diploma from Harvard Business School. We believe that Mr. Fox’s business and political experience, as well as his stature in the international community, will be an asset to our Company’s Board of Directors.

Board of Directors Structure and Risk Oversight

Our Certificate of Incorporation authorize three classes of directors. The Class I directors have a term of office for one year or until their successors are elected and qualified; the Class II directors have a term of office of two years or until their successors are elected and qualified and the Class III directors have a term of office of three years or until their successors are elected and qualified.

Ms. Manley and Ms. Kennedy will be elected to serve until the annual meeting of stockholders of Hightimes Holding to be held in 2018; Ms. Simon and Mr. Conway will be elected to serve until the annual meeting of stockholders of the Successor to be held in 2019; and Messrs. Levin, Ehrlich and Fox will be elected to serve until the annual meeting of stockholders of the Successor to be held in 2020. In addition, it is anticipated that Mr. Levin will be designated Chairman of the Board 

If the Origo Merger shall be consummated, Colleen Manley and Eleanora Kennedy will tender their resignations and Edward J. Fred and Jeff Gutovich will fill the vacancies created by such resignations, as designees of Origo. Messrs. Fred and Gutovich will be elected to serve until the annual meeting of stockholders of High Times Media Corporation to be held in 2018; Ms. Simon will be elected to serve until the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2019; and Messrs. Levin and Ehrlich will be elected to serve until the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2020. In addition, it is anticipated that Mr. Levin will be designated Chairman of the Board.

Audit Committee

We have established an audit committee consisting of Justin Ehrlich, Stormy Simon and Colleen Manley. Mr. Ehrlich is the chairman of the audit committee. The audit committee’s duties, which are specified in our Audit Committee Charter, include, but are not limited to:

Financial Experts on Audit Committee

The audit committee is composed exclusively of “independent directors” who are “financially literate” as defined under the Nasdaq listing standards. The Nasdaq listing standards define “financially literate” as being able to read and understand fundamental financial statements, including a company’s balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement.

In addition, the Company intends to certify to Nasdaq that the committee has, and will continue to have, at least one member who has past employment experience in finance or accounting, requisite professional certification in accounting, or other comparable experience or background that results in the individual’s financial sophistication. The board of directors has determined that Mr. Ehrlich qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined under rules and regulations of the SEC.

Nominating Committee

We have established a nominating committee of the board of directors to consist of Justin Ehrlich, Stormy Simon and Eleanor Kennedy. The nominating committee considers persons identified by its members, management, stockholders, investment bankers and others.

Guidelines for Selecting Director Nominees

The guidelines for selecting nominees, which are specified in our Nominating Committee Charter, generally provide that persons to be nominated:

The Nominating Committee will consider a number of qualifications relating to management and leadership experience, background, integrity and professionalism in evaluating a person’s candidacy for membership on the board of directors. The nominating committee may require certain skills or attributes, such as financial or accounting experience, to meet specific board needs that arise from time to time and will also consider the overall experience and makeup of its members to obtain a broad and diverse mix of board members. The nominating committee does not distinguish among nominees recommended by stockholders and other persons.

Compensation Committee

We have established a compensation committee of the board of directors to consist of Justin Ehrlich and Stormy Simon, each of whom is an independent director. Mr. Ehrlich is the chairman of the compensation committee. The compensation committee will determine the salary, fees or other compensation (including any cash-based and equity-based compensation plans and arrangements) to be paid to our officers or directors. No salary, fees or other compensation will be paid to any officers and directors until the Company consummates its initial business combination. Therefore, the compensation committee will not conduct any meetings until after the Company consummates its initial business combination.

Director Independence

We use the definition of “independence” of The Nasdaq Stock Market to make this determination. Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(a)(2) provides that an “independent director” is a person other than an officer or employee of the company or any other individual having a relationship with the Company which, in the opinion of the Company’s Board, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. The Nasdaq listing rules provide that a director cannot be considered independent if: