SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549 |
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported ): May 30, 2017
AMERICAN CANNABIS COMPANY, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
Commission File Number 000-26108 |
90-1116625 (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
5690 Logan St # A, Denver, Colorado 80216
(Address of Principal Executive Offices and Zip Code)
(303) 974-4770
(Issuer's telephone number)
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
[ ] | Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
[ ] | Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
[ ] | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
[ ] | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
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Section 4 - Matters Related to Accountants and Financial Statements
Item 4.01 Changes in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant.
Effective June 1, 2017, the Company dismissed Pritchett, Siler and Hardy PC as its independent principal accountant to audit the Company’s financial statements. The Company retained Pritchett, Siler and Hardy PC beginning on November 3, 2015. From the date of retention to the date of dismissal, Pritchett, Siler and Hardy PC did not issue any report on the Company’s financial statements which contained an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, or was qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.
The decision to dismiss Pritchett, Siler and Hardy PC was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors.
From the date of retention to the date of dismissal, there were no disagreements with Pritchett, Siler and Hardy PC on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreement(s), if not resolved to the satisfaction of Pritchett, Siler and Hardy PC, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement(s) in connection with its report.
During the Company’s two most recent fiscal years and through the date of this report on Form 8-K, there have been no reportable events as defined under Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K adopted by the SEC.
The Company provided Pritchett, Siler and Hardy PC with a copy of this disclosure before its filing with the SEC. We requested that Pritchett, Siler and Hardy PC, provide us with a letter addressed to the SEC stating whether or not it agrees with the above statements, and we received a letter from Pritchett, Siler and Hardy PC, stating that it does agree with the above statements. A copy of such letter, dated as of June 2, 2017 is filed as Exhibit 16.1 to this report.
Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
Effective May 30, 2017, Corey Hollister resigned his position as Director of the Company and Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. Hollister’s resignation was not the result of any disagreement with the Company, known to an executive officer of the Company, as defined in 17 CFR 240.3b-7, on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices.
The Company provided Mr. Hollister with a copy of the disclosures under this item prior to the filing of this disclosure on Form 8-K, and requested that Mr. Hollister furnish a letter addressed to the company as promptly as possible stating whether he agreed with the statements contained in this disclosure. A copy of such letter, dated as of June 2, 2017 is filed as Exhibit 17.1 to this report.
Effective June 1, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors appointed Mr. Terry Buffalo as a Director of the Company. There was no arrangement or understanding between Mr. Buffalo and any other persons pursuant to which Mr. Buffalo was selected as a director. Since the beginning of the Company’s last fiscal year, Mr. Buffalo has not been a party to any transaction, or any currently proposed transaction, in which the Company was or is to be a participant and the amount involved exceeds $120,000, and in which Mr. Buffalo had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.
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Mr. Buffalo was previously appointed the Company’s Principal Executive Officer as reported on Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2017. Mr. Buffalo will continue in this position concurrently with his role as Director. As of the date of the filing of this Report, no material plan, contract or agreement with Mr. Buffalo exists as to his directorial position. As reported on Form 8-K on January 4, 2017, the Company and Mr. Buffalo entered into a contract for compensation regarding his duties as Principal Executive Officer.
Item 5.03 Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year.
Effective June 1, 2017, the Company repealed and restated its by-laws. The Board of Directors, acting pursuant authority granted under Article VII of the Company’s current by-laws, determined that it was prudent and necessary to repeal and restate the by-laws, as the current by-laws in effect were originally adopted on or about April 15, 2000 by Naturewell, Inc., a predecessor of the Company.
Item 5.05 Amendments to the Registrant’s Code of Ethics, or Waiver of a Provision of the Code of Ethics.
On June 1, 2017, the Company affirmed its Code of Ethical Conduct applicable to all affiliates, employees and consultants of the Company. The Board of Directors, acting pursuant authority granted under Article VII of the Company’s current by-laws, determined that it was prudent and necessary to affirm the adoption and application of the Code of Conduct, as originally adopted on June 5, 2015.
Section 9 - Financial Statements and Exhibits
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
Exhibit Index:
Exhibit Number Description
EX – 3(ii) Restated By-Laws
EX – 14.1 Code of Ethics
EX – 16.1 Auditor Letter dated June 2, 2017
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Dated June 5, 2017
AMERICAN CANNABIS COMPANY, INC.
By: /s/ Terry Buffalo
Terry Buffalo
Principal Executive Officer
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AMENDED AND RESTATED
BY-LAWS
OF
AMERICAN CANNABIS COMPANY, INC.
ARTICLE I
OFFICES
Section 1. Registered Office. The registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware is located at 1000 N. West St. Suite 1501, City of Wilmington, New Castle County, 19801. The registered agent of the Corporation at that address is Delaware Corporations LLC.
Section 2. Other Offices. The Corporation may have offices at such other places, either within or without the State of Delaware, as the Board of Directors may designate or as the affairs of the Corporation may require from time to time.
ARTICLE II
STOCKHOLDERS
Section 1. Annual Meetings . An annual meeting of the stockholders, for the election of directors to succeed those whose terms expire, and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting, shall be held at such place, on such date, and at such time as the Board of Directors shall each year fix. If no date for the annual meeting is established or said meeting is not held on the date established as provided above, a special meeting in lieu thereof may be held or there may be action by written consent of the stockholders on matters to be voted on at the annual meeting, and such special meeting or written consent shall have for the purposes of these By-laws or otherwise all the force and effect of an annual meeting.
Section 2. Special Meetings . Special meetings of stockholders may be called by the Chief Executive Officer, if one is elected, or, if there is no Chief Executive Officer, the President, or by a majority of the Board of Directors acting pursuant to a written resolution, but such special meetings may not be called by any other person or persons. The call for the meeting shall state the place, date, hour and purposes of the meeting. Only the purposes specified in the notice of special meeting shall be considered or dealt with at such special meeting.
Section 3. Notice of Meetings . Whenever stockholders are required or permitted to take any action at a meeting, a notice stating the place, if any, date and hour of the meeting, the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present and vote at such meeting, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes of the meeting, shall be given by the Secretary (or other person authorized by these By-laws or by law) not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote thereat and to each stockholder who, under the Certificate of Incorporation or under these By-laws is entitled to such notice. If mailed, notice is given when deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, directed to such stockholder at such stockholder’s address as it appears in the records of the Corporation. Without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be effectively given to stockholders, any notice to stockholders may be given by electronic transmission in the manner provided in Section 232 of the Delaware General Corporation Law.
If a meeting is adjourned to another time or place, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the time and place, if any, and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such adjourned meeting are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken, except that if the adjournment is for more than thirty (30) days, or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting.
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Section 4. Quorum . The holders of a majority in interest of all stock issued, outstanding and entitled to vote at a meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum. Any meeting may be adjourned from time to time by a majority of the votes properly cast upon the question, whether or not a quorum is present. The stockholders present at a duly constituted meeting may continue to transact business until adjournment notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough stockholders to reduce the voting shares below a quorum.
Section 5. Proxies and Voting. Except as otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation or by law, each stockholder entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders shall be entitled to one vote for each share of stock held by such stockholder which has voting power upon the matter in question. Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders or to express consent or dissent to corporate action in writing without a meeting may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder by either written proxy or by a transmission permitted by Section 212(c) of the Delaware General Corporation Law, but no proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period or is irrevocable and coupled with an interest. Proxies shall be filed with the Secretary of the meeting, or of any adjournment thereof. Except as otherwise limited therein, proxies shall entitle the persons authorized thereby to vote at any adjournment of such meeting.
Every stock vote shall be taken by ballot. Each ballot shall state the name of the stockholder or proxy voting and such other information as may be required under the procedure established for the meeting. Every vote taken by ballot shall be counted by an inspector or inspectors appointed by the chairman of the meeting. All elections shall be determined by a plurality of the votes cast, and except as otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws, all other matters shall be determined by a majority of the votes cast.
Section 6. Action at Meeting . When a quorum is present, any matter before the meeting shall be decided by vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of stock voting on such matter except where a larger vote is required by law, by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these By-laws. Any election of directors by stockholders shall be determined by a plurality of the votes cast, except where a larger vote is required by law, by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these By-laws. The Corporation shall not directly or indirectly vote any share of its own stock; provided, however, that the Corporation may vote shares which it holds in a fiduciary capacity to the extent permitted by law.
Section 7. Presiding Officer . Meetings of stockholders shall be presided over by the Chairman of the Board, if one is elected, or in his or her absence, the Vice Chairman of the Board, if one is elected, or if neither is elected or in their absence, a President. The Board of Directors shall have the authority to appoint a temporary presiding officer to serve at any meeting of the stockholders if the Chairman of the Board, the Vice Chairman of the Board or a President is unable to do so for any reason.
Section 8. Conduct of Meetings . The Board of Directors may adopt by resolution such rules and regulations for the conduct of the meeting of stockholders as it shall deem appropriate. Except to the extent inconsistent with such rules and regulations as adopted by the Board of Directors, the presiding officer of any meeting of stockholders shall have the right and authority to prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of such chairman, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting. Such rules, regulations or procedures, whether adopted by the Board of Directors or prescribed by the presiding officer of the meeting, may include, without limitation, the following: (i) the establishment of an agenda or order of business for the meeting; (ii) rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present; (iii) limitations on attendance at or participation in the meeting to stockholders of record of the Corporation, their duly authorized and constituted proxies or such other persons as the chairman of the meeting shall determine; (iv) restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof; and (v) limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments by participants. Unless and to the extent determined by the Board of Directors or the presiding officer of the meeting, meetings of stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with the rules of parliamentary procedure.
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Section 9. Action without a Meeting . Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, any action required or permitted by law to be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted and shall be delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office, by hand or by certified mail, return receipt requested, or to the Corporation's principal place of business or to the officer of the Corporation having custody of the minute book. Every written consent shall bear the date of signature and no written consent shall be effective unless, within sixty (60) days of the earliest dated consent delivered pursuant to these By-laws, written consents signed by a sufficient number of stockholders entitled to take action are delivered to the Corporation in the manner set forth in these By-laws. Prompt notice of the taking of the corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent shall be given to those stockholders who have not consented in writing.
Section 10. Stockholder Lists . The officer who has charge of the stock ledger of the Corporation shall prepare and make, at least ten (10) days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Nothing contained in this Section 10 shall require the Corporation to include electronic mail addresses or other electronic contact information on such list. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, for a period of at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting in the manner provided by law. The list shall also be open to the examination of any stockholder during the whole time of the meeting as provided by law.
Section 11. Notice. Notice of the general nature of business to be considered, shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote thereat at his address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, not less than ten nor more than sixty days before the date of the meeting. No business other than that stated in the notice shall be transacted at any meeting without the unanimous written consent of all stockholders entitled to vote thereat.
Section 12. Nominations and Stockholder Business . Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors and for the proposal of business to be considered by the stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of the stockholders (i) pursuant to the Corporation's notice of meeting, (ii) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, or (iii) by any stockholder of the Corporation who was a stockholder of record at the time of giving of notice provided for in this Section 12, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who complied with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 12.
For nominations or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (iii) of paragraph (a) of this Section 12, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation. To be timely, a stockholder's notice shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than sixty (60) days nor more than ninety (90) days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year's annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced by more than thirty (30 days or delayed by more than sixty (60) days from such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so delivered not earlier than the 90 th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 60 th day prior to such annual meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made. Such stockholder's notice shall set forth (i) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a director, all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation l4A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") (including such persons’ written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and the serving as a director if elected); (ii) as to any other business that the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting, a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting and any material interest in such business of such stockholder and of the beneficial owners, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; and (iii) as to the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made, (x) the name and address of such stockholder, as they appear on the Corporation's books, and of such beneficial owner and (y) the class and number of shares of stock of the Corporation which are owned beneficially and of record by such stockholder and such beneficial owner.
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ARTICLE III
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. General Powers. The Board of Directors shall exercise all of the powers of the Corporation except as are by law, or by the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation or by these By—Laws conferred upon or reserved to the stockholders.
Section 2. Number and Qualifications. The Board of Directors shall be comprised of no less than three (3) members and no more than fifteen(15) members, or as may be fixed or changed from time to time by the unanimous vote of the Whole Board. The Principal Executive Officer, also known as the Chief Executive Officer, or the President of the Corporation, shall be a member of the Board of Directors. Directors need not be residents of the State of Delaware or stockholders of the Corporation.
Section 3. Election of Directors.
(a) Election by Stockholders . Except as provided in Section 3(b) of this Article III, the affirmative vote of the holders of greater than 50% of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares entitled to vote in the election of directors shall be required to elect each director at the annual meeting of stockholders.
(b) Vacancies and Newly Created Directorships. Newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors or any vacancies in the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disQualification, removal from office or other cause shall, unless otherwise provided by resolution of the Board of Directors, be filled only by a majority vote of the directors then in office, though less than a quorum, and not by the stockholders, and directors so chosen shall hold office until a successor is elected and qualifiedor until there is a decrease in the number of directors.
Section 4. Term of Directors. Each initial director shall hold office until the first stockholders’ meeting at which directors are elected, or until such director's death, resignation or removal. The term of every other director shall expire at the next annual stockholders’ meeting following the director's election or upon such director's death, resignation or removal. The term of a director elected to fill a vacancy expires at the next stockholders’ meeting at which directors are elected. A decrease in the number of directors does not shorten an incumbent director's term. Despite the expiration of a director's term, such director shall continue to serve until a successor shall be elected and qualifies or until there is a decrease in the number of directors.
Section 5. Resignations . Any director may resign at any time. Such resignation shall be made in writing, and shall take effect at the time specifiedtherein, and if no time is specified, at the time of its receipt by the Chief Executive officer or Secretary. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.
Section 6. Removal . Any director may be removed at any time with or without cause by a vote of the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares entitled to vote in the election of directors, or by the Whole Board, less the director voted upon for removal. If a director is elected by a voting group of stockholders, only the stockholders of that voting group may participate in the vote to remove him. A director may not be removed by the stockholders at a meeting unless the notice of the meeting states that the purpose, or one of the purposes, of the meeting is removal of the director. If any directors are so removed, new directors may be elected at the same meeting.
Section 7. Committees .
(a) The Board of Directors may, by resolution or resolutions passed by a majority of the Whole Board, designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of such number of directors as the Board may designate.
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(b) Any such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution of the Board of Directors, or in these By-Laws, shall have and may exercise all the powers of the Board in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers which it may require it; but no such committee shall have the power or authority in reference to amending the Certificate of Incorporation, adopting an agreement of merger or consolidation, recommending to the stockholders the sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of the Corporation's property and assets, recommending to the stockholders a dissolution of the Corporation or a revocation of a dissolution, or amending the By-Laws of the Corporation; unless the resolution, these By-Laws, or the Certificate of Incorporation expressly provide, no such committee shall have the power or authority to declare a dividend or to authorize the issuance of stock.
Section 8. Meetings .
(a) Meetings shall be held at such time as the Board shall fix, except that the first meeting of a newly elected board shall be held as soon after its election as the directors may conveniently assemble. Meetings may be held at any place, within or without the State of Delaware, which has been designated in any notice of meeting, or, if not stated in said notice or, if there is no notice given, at the place designated by the Chairman of the Board, if any, by the Chief Executive officer, if any, or by a majority of directors.
(b) No notice shall be required for regular meetings for which the time and place have been fixed by the Board of Directors. Special meetings shall be held upon at least three days’ notice by mail or upon at least forty-eight hours’ notice delivered personally or by telephone, telegraph, facsimile or other electronic communication.
(c) Notice of a meeting need not be given to any director who signs a waiver of notice or a consent to holding the meeting or an approval of the minutes thereof, whether before or after the meeting, or who attends the meeting without protesting, prior thereto or at its commencement, the lack of notice to such director. A notice or waiver of notice need not specify the purpose of any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors. All such waivers, consents and approvals shall be filedwith the corporate records or made a part of the minutes of the meeting.
(d) Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws, members of the Board of Directors, or any committee designated by the Board of Directors, may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors, or any committee, by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and such participation in a meeting shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.
Section 9. Quorum . At any meeting of the Board of Directors, a majority of the Whole Board shall constitute a quorum for all purposes. If a quorum shall fail to attend any meeting, a majority of those present may adjourn the meeting to any place, date, or time, without further notice or waiver thereof.
Section 10. Action by Consent . Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board of Directors consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission, and the writing or writings or electronic transmission or transmissions are filed with the records of the meetings of the Board of Directors. Such filing shall be in paper form if the minutes are maintained in paper form and shall be in electronic form if the minutes are maintained in electronic form.
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Section 11. Conduct of Business.
(a) At any meeting of the Board of Directors, business shall be transacted in such order and manner as the Board may from time to time determine, and all matters shall be determined by the vote of a majority of the directors present, except as otherwise provided herein or required by law.
(b) Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board of Directors or any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board of Directors or the committee, as the case may be, consent in writing to the adoption of a resolution authorizing the action, and the resolution and written consents thereto are filedwith the minutes of the proceedings of the Board of Directors or the committee.
Section 12. Compensation of Directors. The Board of Directors, by fixed vote of a majority of the directors then in office, and irrespective of any personal interest of any of its members, shall have authority to establish reasonable compensation of all directors for services to the Corporation as directors or otherwise. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity as an officer, agent or otherwise, and receiving compensation therefore.
ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS
Section 1. Generally . The officers of the Corporation shall consist of a Chief Executive officer, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. In addition, the Board of Directors may elect such officers as it chooses, including but not limited to a Chairman, one or more Vice-Presidents, Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers. officers shall be nominated by the Chief Executive officer and elected by the Board of Directors which shall consider that subject at its first meeting after every annual meeting of stockholder. Each officer shall hold office until his or her successor is elected and qualifiedor until his or her earlier resignation or removal. The Chief Executive officer shall be a member of the Board of Directors. Any number of offices may be held by the same person.
Section 2. Chairman of the Board . The Chairman of the Board of Directors, if one be elected, shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Board of Directors.
Section 3. President and Chief Executive Officer. The President shall be the Chief Executive officer/Principal Executive Officer of the Corporation. Subject to the provisions of these By-Laws and to the direction of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive officer shall have the responsibility for the general management and control of the business and affairs of the Corporation and shall perform all duties and have all powers which are commonly incident to the office of Chief Executive or which are delegated to him by the Board of Directors. The Chief Executive officer shall have power to sign all stock Certificates, contracts and other instruments of the Corporation which are authorized and shall have general supervision and direction of all of the other officers, employees and agents of the Corporation.
Section 4. Vice-President. Each Vice-President shall have such powers and duties as may be delegated to him or her by the Chief Executive officer of the Corporation. Vice-Presidents need not be officers of the Corporation.
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Section 5. Treasurer . The Treasurer shall have the responsibility for maintaining the financial records of the Corporation and shall have custody of all monies and securities of the Corporation. The Treasurer shall make such disbursements of the funds of the Corporation as are authorized by the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive officer and shall render from time to time an account of all such transactions and of the financial condition of the Corporation. The Treasurer shall also perform such other duties as the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive officer may from time to time prescribe.
Section 6. Secretary . The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of stockholders and directors, and all other notices required by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation or these By-Laws, and in case of his/her absence or refusal or neglect to do so, any such notice may be given by any person thereunto directed by the Chief Executive officer, or by the Board of Directors, or stockholders, upon whose requisition the meeting is called as provided in the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws. He/she shall record all the proceedings of the meetings of the Corporation and of the directors in a book to be kept for that purpose, and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to him by the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive officer. He/she shall have custody of the seal of the Corporation and shall affix the same to all instruments requiring it, when authorized by the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive officer, and attest the same.
Section 8. Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers . Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers, if any, shall be elected and shall have such powers and shall perform such duties as shall be assigned to them, respectively, by the Chief Executive officer or the Board of Directors.
Section 9. Delegation of Authority. The Board of Directors or the Chief Executive officer may from time to time delegate the powers or duties of any officer to any other officer or agent, notwithstanding any other provision of these bylaws.
Section 10. Removal . The Board of Directors may remove any officer of the Corporation at any time, with or without cause, by a majority vote of the directors then in office.
Section 11. Action with Respect to Securities of Other Corporations . Unless otherwise directed by the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive officer shall have power to vote and otherwise act on behalf of the Corporation, in person or by proxy, at any meeting of stockholders of or with respect to any action of stockholders of any other corporation in which this Corporation may hold securities and otherwise to exercise any and all rights and powers which this Corporation may possess by reason of its ownership of securities in such other corporation.
ARTICLE V
CAPITAL STOCK
Section 1. Certificates of Stock. Each stockholder shall be entitled to a Certificate signed by, or in the name of the Corporation by, the President or a Vice-President, and by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, or the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, certifying the number of shares owned by such stockholder. Any of or all the signatures on the Certificate may be facsimile
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Section 2. Transfers of Stock. Transfers of stock shall be made only upon the transfer books of the Corporation kept at an office of the Corporation or by transfer agents designated to transfer shares of the stock of the Corporation. Except where a Certificate is issued in accordance with Section 4 of Article V of these By-Laws, an outstanding Certificate for the number of shares involved shall be surrendered for cancellation before a new Certificate is issued therefor.
Section 3. Record Date.
(a) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which record date shall not be more than sixty nor less than ten days before the date of such meeting.
(b) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action without a meeting, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which date shall not be more than ten days after the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors.
(c) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights or the stockholders entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted, and which record date shall be not more than sixty days prior to such action.
Section 4. Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. In the event of the loss, theft or destruction of any Certificate of stock, another may be issued in its place pursuant to such regulations as the Board of Directors may establish (or in the absence of such regulations, pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors) concerning proof of such loss, theft or destruction and concerning the giving of a satisfactory bond or bonds of indemnity
Section 5. Regulations. The issue, transfer, conversion and registration of Certificates of stock shall be governed by such other regulations as the Board of Directors may by resolution establish from time to time.
ARTICLE VI
NOTICES
Section 1. Notices. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein or required by law, all notices required by these By-Laws to be given to any stockholder, director, officer, employee or agent, shall be in writing or by electronic transmission and may in every instance be effectively given by hand delivery to the recipient thereof, by depositing such notice in the mails, postage paid, by sending such notice by prepaid telegram or mailgram, by transmitting such notice by facsimile or other means of electronic transmission or by sending such notice by Federal Express or other similar private carrier providing evidence of delivery. Any such notice shall be addressed to such stockholder, director, officer, employee, or agent at his or her last known address as the same appears on the books of the Corporation, or in the case of notice by electronic transmission, to a number or electronic mail address at which such person has consented to receive notice. The time when such notice is received, if hand delivered, or dispatched, if delivered through the mails, by telegram or mailgram or by private carrier, shall be the time of the giving of the notice. Any notice to stockholders given by the Corporation shall be effective if given by a form of electronic transmission consented to by the stockholder to whom the notice is given. Any such consent shall be revocable by the stockholder by written notice to the Corporation. Any such consent shall be deemed revoked if (1) the Corporation is unable to deliver by electronic transmission two consecutive notices given by the Corporation in accordance with such consent and (2) such inability becomes known to the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Corporation or to the transfer agent, or other person responsible for the giving of notice; provided, however, the inadvertent failure to treat such inability as a revocation shall not invalidate any meeting or other action. Notice given pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be deemed given: (1) if by facsimile telecommunication, when directed to a number at which the stockholder has consented to receive notice; (2) if by electronic mail, when directed to an electronic mail address at which the stockholder has consented to receive notice; (3) if by a posting on an electronic network together with separate notice to the stockholder of such specific posting, upon the later of (A) such posting and (B) the giving of such separate notice; and (4) if by any other form of electronic transmission, when directed to the stockholder. An affidavit of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary or of the transfer agent or other agent of the Corporation that the notice has been given by a form of electronic transmission shall, in the absence of fraud, be prima facie evidence of the facts stated herein.
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Section 2. Waivers. A written waiver or waiver by electronic transmission of any notice, signed by a stockholder, director, officer, employee or agent, whether before or after the time of the event for which notice is to be given, shall be deemed equivalent to the notice required to be given to such stockholder, director, officer, employee or agent. Neither the business nor the purpose of any meeting need be specified in such a waiver.
ARTICLE VII
INDEMNIFICATION
Definitions . For purposes of this Article VII:
“Corporate Status” describes the status of a person who is serving or has served (i) as a Director of the Corporation, (ii) as an Officer of the Corporation, or (iii) as a director, partner, trustee, officer, employee or agent of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise which such person is or was serving at the request of the Corporation. For purposes of this Section 1(a), an Officer or Director of the Corporation who is serving or has served as a director, partner, trustee, officer, employee or agent of a Subsidiary shall be deemed to be serving at the request of the Corporation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, “Corporate Status” shall not include the status of a person who is serving or has served as a director, officer, employee or agent of a constituent corporation absorbed in a merger or consolidation transaction with the Corporation with respect to such person’s activities prior to said transaction, unless specifically authorized by the Board of Directors or the stockholders of the Corporation;
“Director” means any person who serves or has served the Corporation as a director on the Board of Directors of the Corporation;
“Disinterested Director” means, with respect to each Proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought hereunder, a Director of the Corporation who is not and was not a party to such Proceeding;
“Expenses” means all reasonable attorney’s fees, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of expert witnesses, private investigators and professional advisors (including, without limitation, accountants and investment bankers), travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, costs of preparation of demonstrative evidence and other courtroom presentation aids and devices, costs incurred in connection with document review, organization, imaging and computerization, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, and all other disbursements, costs or expenses of the type customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a witness in, settling or otherwise participating in, a Proceeding;
“Non-Officer Employee” means any person who serves or has served as an employee or agent of the Corporation, but who is not or was not a Director or Officer;
“Officer” means any person who serves or has served the Corporation as an officer appointed by the Board of Directors of the Corporation;
“Proceeding” means any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, arbitration, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, inquiry, investigation, administrative hearing or other proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, arbitrative or investigative; and
“Subsidiary” shall mean any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust or other entity of which the Corporation owns (either directly or through or together with another Subsidiary of the Corporation) either (i) a general partner, managing member or other similar interest or (ii) (A) 50% or more of the voting power of the voting capital equity interests of such corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture or other entity, or (B) 50% or more of the outstanding voting capital stock or other voting equity interests of such corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture or other entity.
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Indemnification of Directors and Officers . Subject to the operation of Section 4 of this Article VII of these By-laws, each Director and Officer shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation to the fullest extent authorized by the Delaware General Corporation Law, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than such law permitted the Corporation to provide prior to such amendment) against any and all Expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts reasonably paid in settlement that are incurred by such Director or Officer or on such Director’s or Officer’s behalf in connection with any threatened, pending or completed Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, which such Director or Officer is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or participant in by reason of such Director’s or Officer’s Corporate Status, if such Director or Officer acted in good faith and in a manner such Director or Officer reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation and, with respect to any criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. The rights of indemnification provided by this Section shall continue as to a Director or Officer after he or she has ceased to be a Director or Officer and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors, administrators and personal representatives. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation shall indemnify any Director or Officer seeking indemnification in connection with a Proceeding initiated by such Director or Officer only if such Proceeding was authorized by the Board of Directors of the Corporation, unless such Proceeding was brought to enforce an Officer or Director’s rights to indemnification or, in the case of Directors, advancement of Expenses under these By-laws in accordance with the provisions set forth herein.
Indemnification of Non-Officer Employees . Subject to the operation of Section 4 of this Article VII of these By-laws, each Non-Officer Employee may, in the discretion of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, be indemnified by the Corporation to the fullest extent authorized by the Delaware General Corporation Law, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended, against any or all Expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts reasonably paid in settlement that are incurred by such Non-Officer Employee or on such Non-Officer Employee’s behalf in connection with any threatened, pending or completed Proceeding, or any claim, issue or matter therein, which such Non-Officer Employee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or participant in by reason of such Non-Officer Employee’s Corporate Status, if such Non-Officer Employee acted in good faith and in a manner such Non-Officer Employee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation and, with respect to any criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. The rights of indemnification provided by this Section 3 shall exist as to a Non-Officer Employee after he or she has ceased to be a Non-Officer Employee and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, personal representatives, executors and administrators. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation may indemnify any Non-Officer Employee seeking indemnification in connection with a Proceeding initiated by such Non-Officer Employee only if such Proceeding was authorized by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
Good Faith . Unless ordered by a court, no indemnification shall be provided pursuant to this Article VII to a Director, to an Officer or to a Non-Officer Employee unless a determination shall have been made that such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation and, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, such person had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. Such determination shall be made by (a) a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board of Directors, (b) a committee comprised of Disinterested Directors, such committee having been designated by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors (even though less than a quorum), (c) if there are no such Disinterested Directors, or if a majority of Disinterested Directors so directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (d) by the stockholders of the Corporation.
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Advancement of Expenses to Directors Prior to Final Disposition .
The Corporation shall advance all Expenses incurred by or on behalf of any Director in connection with any Proceeding in which such Director is involved by reason of such Director’s Corporate Status within ten (10) days after the receipt by the Corporation of a written statement from such Director requesting such advance or advances from time to time, whether prior to or after final disposition of such Proceeding. Such statement or statements shall reasonably evidence the Expenses incurred by such Director and shall be preceded or accompanied by an undertaking by or on behalf of such Director to repay any Expenses so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that such Director is not entitled to be indemnified against such Expenses.
If a claim for advancement of Expenses hereunder by a Director is not paid in full by the Corporation within 10 days after receipt by the Corporation of documentation of Expenses and the required undertaking, such Director may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim and if successful in whole or in part, such Director shall also be entitled to be paid the expenses of prosecuting such claim. The failure of the Corporation (including its Board of Directors or any committee thereof, independent legal counsel, or stockholders) to make a determination concerning the permissibility of such advancement of Expenses under this Article VII shall not be a defense to the action and shall not create a presumption that such advancement is not permissible. The burden of proving that a Director is not entitled to an advancement of expenses shall be on the Corporation.
In any suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the Corporation shall be entitled to recover such expenses upon a final adjudication that the Director has not met any applicable standard for indemnification set forth in the Delaware General Corporation Law.
Advancement of Expenses to Officers and Non-Officer Employees Prior to Final Disposition .
The Corporation may, at the discretion of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, advance any or all Expenses incurred by or on behalf of any Officer and Non-Officer Employee in connection with any Proceeding in which such is involved by reason of the Corporate Status of such Officer or Non-Officer Employee upon the receipt by the Corporation of a statement or statements from such Officer or Non-Officer Employee requesting such advance or advances from time to time, whether prior to or after final disposition of such Proceeding. Such statement or statements shall reasonably evidence the Expenses incurred by such Officer and Non-Officer Employee and shall be preceded or accompanied by an undertaking by or on behalf of such to repay any Expenses so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that such Officer or Non-Officer Employee is not entitled to be indemnified against such Expenses.
In any suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the Corporation shall be entitled to recover such expenses upon a final adjudication that the Officer or Non-Officer Employee has not met any applicable standard for indemnification set forth in the Delaware General Corporation Law.
Contractual Nature of Rights .
The foregoing provisions of this Article VII shall be deemed to be a contract between the Corporation and each Director and Officer entitled to the benefits hereof at any time while this Article VII is in effect, and any repeal or modification thereof shall not affect any rights or obligations then existing with respect to any state of facts then or theretofore existing or any Proceeding theretofore or thereafter brought based in whole or in part upon any such state of facts.
If a claim for indemnification hereunder by a Director or Officer is not paid in full by the Corporation within 60 days after receipt by the Corporation of a written claim for indemnification, such Director or Officer may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim, and if successful in whole or in part, such Director or Officer shall also be entitled to be paid the expenses of prosecuting such claim. The failure of the Corporation (including its Board of Directors or any committee thereof, independent legal counsel, or stockholders) to make a determination concerning the permissibility of such indemnification under this Article VII shall not be a defense to the action and shall not create a presumption that such indemnification is not permissible. The burden of proving that a Director or Officer is not entitled to indemnification shall be on the Corporation.
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In any suit brought by a Director or Officer to enforce a right to indemnification hereunder, it shall be a defense that such Director or Officer has not met any applicable standard for indemnification set forth in the Delaware General Corporation Law.
Non-Exclusivity of Rights . The rights to indemnification and advancement of Expenses set forth in this Article VII shall not be exclusive of any other right which any Director, Officer, or Non-Officer Employee may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the Certificate or these By-laws, agreement, vote of stockholders or Disinterested Directors or otherwise.
Insurance . The Corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any Director, Officer or Non-Officer Employee against any liability of any character asserted against or incurred by the Corporation or any such Director, Officer or Non-Officer Employee, or arising out of any such person’s Corporate Status, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under the Delaware General Corporation Law or the provisions of this Article VII.
Other Indemnification . The Corporation’s obligation, if any, to indemnify any person under this Article VII as a result of such person serving, at the request of the Corporation, as a director, partner, trustee, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise shall be reduced by any amount such person may collect as indemnification from such other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or enterprise.
ARTICLE VIII
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 1. Facsimile Signatures. In addition to the provisions for use of facsimile signatures elsewhere specifically authorized in these By-Laws, facsimile signatures of any officer or officers of the Corporation may be used whenever and as authorized by the Board of Directors or a committee thereof.
Section 2. Corporate Seal. The Board of Directors may approve and adopt a suitable seal, containing the name of the Corporation, which seal shall be in the charge of the Secretary. If and when so directed by the Board of Directors or a committee thereof or the Chief Executive officer, duplicates of the seal may be kept and used by the Treasurer or by an Assistant Secretary or Assistant Treasurer.
Section 3. Reliance upon Books, Reports and Records. Each director, each member of any committee designated by the Board of Directors, and each officer of the Corporation shall, in the performance of his or her duties, be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the books of account or other records of the Corporation, and upon such information, opinions, reports and statements made to the Corporation by any of its officers, employees, or committees of the board of directors, or by any other person as to matters reasonably believed to be within such other person's professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Corporation.
Section 4. Fiscal Year. The fiscalyear of the Corporation shall be as fixed by the Board of Directors.
Section 5. Time Periods. In applying any provision of these By-Laws which requires that an act be done or not done a specifiednumber of days prior to an event or that an act be done during a period of a specifiednumber of days prior to an event, calendar days shall be used, the day of the doing of the act shall be excluded, and the day of the event shall be included.
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ARTICLE IX
AMENDMENTS
Section 1. Amendments. These By—Laws may be amended or repealed by the Board of Directors at any meeting of the Board of Directors or by the stockholders at any meeting of stockholders, in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation.
ARTICLE X
EFFECTIVENESS
Section 1. Restatement . These Amended and Restated Bylaws are adopted as the bylaws of the Corporation as of June 1, 2017 and supersede, amend, and restate in their entirety the Corporation’s Bylaws in effect prior to such date.
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American Cannabis Company, Inc.
Code of Business and Ethical Conduct
June 1, 2017
I. OVERVIEW
This Code of Business and Ethical Conduct (the “ Code ”) for American Cannabis Company, Inc. (the “Company”) has been adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “ Board ”) to maintain the Company’s reputation for integrity and ethical standards in all areas of conduct, disclosure, and regulatory compliance. Compliance with the Code is required of every employee, officer and director of the Company. This Code outlines the broad principles of legal and ethical conduct embraced by the Company. It is not a complete list of legal or ethical issues faced in the course of business, and, therefore, this Code must be applied using common sense and good judgment. This Code supplements and does not replace or modify the Company’s other policies or procedures, including provisions in any employee handbooks, workplace rules, insider trading policies and other statements of policy or procedure issued from time to time.
This Code complies with requirements for a “code of ethics” under Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 as amended, and the rules promulgated thereunder.
II. PRINCIPLES
A. Compliance and Reporting
Employees, officers and members of the Board should strive to identify and raise potential issues before they lead to problems, and should ask about the application of this Code whenever in doubt. Any employee or member of the Board who becomes aware of any existing or potential violation of this Code should promptly notify the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Terry Buffalo, at 5690 Logan St. #A, Denver CO 80216, (303) 974-4770, with a copy to Mailander Law Office, Inc., outside securities and compliance counsel to the Company, 835 Fifth Avenue, Suites 312–313, San Diego, California 92101 (619) 239–9034. Any questions relating to how these policies should be interpreted or applied should be addressed to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, with a copy to our outside counsel.
The Company will take such disciplinary or preventive action as it deems appropriate to address any existing or potential violation of this Code brought to its attention.
B. Personal Conflicts of Interest
A “personal conflict of interest” occurs when an individual’s private interest improperly interferes, or even appears to interfere, with the interests of the Company. Personal conflicts of interest are prohibited as a matter of policy, unless the Company has approved them. In particular, an employee or member of the Board must never use or attempt to use his or her position at the Company to obtain any improper personal benefit for himself or herself, for his or her family members, or for any other person. Loans to, or guarantees of obligations of, such persons are a special concern.
Service to the Company should never be subordinated to personal gain and advantage. Conflicts of interest should, to the extent possible, be avoided. Any employee, officer or member of the Board who is aware of a material transaction or relationship that could reasonably be expected to give rise to a conflict of interest should disclose the matter promptly with the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, with a copy to our outside counsel.
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Conflicts of interest involving those with whom the Company does business should also be disclosed in writing to such third parties. A waiver of any conflict of interest must be approved by the Board or an appropriate committee.
Officers of the Company are to disclose any conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest to the Board. Members of the Board are to disclose any conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest to the entire Board as well as any committee on which they serve. Directors are to recuse themselves from participation in any decision of the Board or a committee thereof in any matter in which there is a conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest, unless that conflict is completely disclosed to the other disinterested members of the Board of Directors and outside counsel; the transaction involving, or the participation of the interested director in a board level action, is found to be fair and compliant with applicable law.
C. Corporate Opportunities
Employees, officers and members of the Board owe a fiduciary duty to the Company to advance its legitimate business interests when the opportunity to do so arises. Employees, officers and members of the Board are prohibited from taking for themselves (or directing to a third party) a business opportunity that is discovered through the use of corporate property, information or position, unless the Company’s Board of Directors and/or Chief Executive Officer already has been formally offered the opportunity and turned it down. More generally, employees, officers and members of the Board are prohibited from using corporate property, information or position for personal gain or competing with the Company.
Sometimes the line between personal and Company benefits is difficult to draw. The only prudent course of conduct for employees, officers and members of the Board is to make sure that any use of the Company’s property or services, or the acceptance of any opportunity, that is not solely for the benefit of the Company, has prior approval by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, with a copy to our outside counsel.
D. Confidentiality
In carrying out the Company’s business, employees, officers and members of the Board often learn confidential or proprietary information about the Company, its clients/customers, prospective clients/customers or other third parties. Confidential or proprietary information relating to the Company is the property of the Company and the unauthorized disclosure of such information is strictly forbidden. Employees, officers and members of the Board must maintain the confidentiality of all information so entrusted to them, except when disclosure is authorized or legally mandated. Confidential or proprietary information includes, among other things, any non-public information concerning the Company, including its businesses, financial performance, results or prospects, product specifications or trade secrets and any non-public information provided by a third party with the expectation that the information will be kept confidential and used solely for the business purpose for which it was conveyed.
E. Public Disclosure
It is the Company’s policy that the information in its public communications, including press releases, authorized media communications, communications with third parties including securities analysts, and the Securities and Exchange Commission be verified, fair, complete, accurate, compliant, timely and understandable. All of the Company’s public and regulatory communications and disclosures are subject to mandatory review procedures that include review and written confirmation from the Company’s executive officers and SEC legal counsel as to the accuracy of the factual representations and disclosures to be disseminated.
All of the Company’s communications with third parties and analysts must comply with applicable law. Only the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Legal Counsel are authorized spokespersons that may engage in discussions about the Company with third Parties including media and analysts. No other individual is authorized to speak on behalf of the Company. Any other employee or Company insider who is contacted by a third party must refer the third party to an authorized spokesperson.
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No Company employee, contractor or insider, other than an authorized spokesperson, may communicate material, nonpublic information of the Company to a third party, including any securities analyst. An authorized spokesperson may only provide material, nonpublic information to a third party if such information has been previously or is simultaneously publicly disseminated. This will typically be a press release or conference call that is open to the public.
Occasionally, employees or insiders may be contacted by outside sources, analysts or the media requesting information about the Company or its employees, directors or officers or operations. In order to avoid providing inaccurate, incomplete or material non-public information to outside sources, all outside inquiries regarding the Company or its employees, directors or officers or operations must be referred to an authorized spokesperson. Only an authorized spokesperson is authorized to make or approve public statements pertaining to the Company or its employees, directors or officers or operations.
All employees, officers and members of the Board who are involved in the Company’s disclosure process are responsible for acting in furtherance of this policy. In particular, these individuals are required to maintain familiarity with the disclosure requirements applicable to the Company and are prohibited from knowingly misrepresenting, omitting, or causing others to misrepresent or omit, material facts about the Company to others, whether within or outside the Company, including but not limited to the Company’s independent auditors. The Company’s policy is that no public communication or regulatory disclosure shall be published or filed unless it is accomplished pursuant to the Company’s authorized policies and in a Company-authorized forum or with the SEC, and that the public and the government shall only look to these Company-authorized sources for legitimate disclosure concerning the Company. In addition, any employee, officer or member of the Board who has a supervisory role in the Company’s disclosure process has an obligation to discharge his or her responsibilities diligently and in compliance with their fiduciary duties. Management and outside counsel will determine the types of information that must be disclosed and the timing of such disclosures.
In the event of non-intentional disclosure by an employee or Insider of information that might be material, nonpublic information, the employee or Insider must immediately inform an authorized spokesperson, who, in turn, may consult with the Company’s Chief Legal Officer as to whether prompt public dissemination of this information is required. If required, the information must be publicly disseminated within 24 hours of the inadvertent disclosure. Whenever an authorized spokesperson is uncertain about this Policy or U.S. federal securities laws, the authorized spokesperson may consult with the Company’s Chief Legal Officer to insure compliance.
F. Compliance with Laws, Rules and Regulations
It is the Company’s policy to comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations. It is the personal responsibility of each employee, officer and member of the Board to adhere to the standards and restrictions imposed by those laws, rules and regulations. Employees, officers, members of the Board and consultants must not only comply with the requirements of applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies and this Code, they must ensure that their actions do not give the appearance of violating this Code or indicate a casual attitude towards compliance with such laws, rules, regulations, policies and this Code.
G. Insider Trading
Employees, officers and directors who have access to confidential information are not permitted to use or share that information for stock trading purposes or for any other purpose except the conduct of our business. All non-public information about the Company should be considered confidential information. To use non-public information for personal financial benefit or to “tip “ others who might make an investment decision on the basis of this information is not only unethical but also illegal. To avoid even the appearance of impropriety, all employees and members of the Board are required to clear all trades in the Company’s stock through the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, with a copy to our outside counsel. If you have any questions, please refer to the Company’s insider trading policy, with additional questions directed to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or outside counsel.
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H. Internal Audit Roles and Responsibilities
The Company’s internal accounting personnel must provide analysis, evaluations, assurances, recommendations and other information to the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and independent auditor in conformity with objectivity and compliance with GAAP and other accounting standards. The goal of this policy requires accounting personnel to maintain objectivity with respect to the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting, internal accounting functions, internal auditing activities, and to communications with the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and Independent Auditor.
I. Fair Dealing
We do not seek competitive advantages through illegal or unethical business practices. Each employee, officer and member of the Board should endeavor to deal fairly with the Company’s clients, service providers, suppliers, competitors and employees. No employee or member of the Board should take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged or proprietary information, misrepresentation of material facts, or any unfair business practice.
The purpose of business entertainment and gifts in a commercial setting is to create good will and sound working relationships, not to gain unfair advantage with customers. Gifts or entertainment should not ever be offered, given, provided or accepted by any Company employee, family member of an employee or agent unless it: (1) is not a cash gift, (2) is consistent with customary business practices, (3) is not excessive in value, (4) cannot be construed as a bribe or payoff and (5) does not violate any laws or regulations. Please seek advice from the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or outside counsel regarding any gifts or proposed gifts which you are not certain are appropriate.
J. Payments to Government Personnel; Political Contributions
The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act prohibits giving anything of value, directly or indirectly, to officials of foreign governments or foreign political candidates in order to obtain or retain business. It is strictly prohibited to make illegal payments to government officials of any country.
In addition, the U.S. government has a number of laws and regulations restricting the giving of business gratuities to U.S. government personnel. The promise, offer or delivery to an official or employee of the U.S. government of a gift, favor or other gratuity in violation of these rules would not only violate Company policy but could also be a criminal offense. State and local governments, as well as foreign governments, may have similar rules and those would be applicable to any employee, officer and member of the Board of the Company.
The Company does not contribute, directly or indirectly, to any political campaign or party. Employees, officers and members of the Board may not use Company expense accounts to pay for any personal political contributions or seek any other form of Company reimbursement. In addition, employees, officers or members of the Board should not use Company facilities or Company assets, including the time of Company personnel for the benefit of any party or candidate, including an employee, officer or member of the board individually running for office.
K. Equal Employment Opportunity and Harassment
Our focus in personnel decisions is on merit and contribution to the Company’s success. Concern for the personal dignity and individual worth of every person is an indispensable element in the standard of conduct that we have set for ourselves. The Company affords equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to any impermissible criterion or circumstance. This means equal opportunity in regard to each individual’s terms and conditions of employment and in regard to any other matter that affects in any way the working environment of the employee. We do not tolerate or condone any type of discrimination prohibited by law, including harassment.
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L. Protection and Proper Use of the Company’s Assets
All employees, officers and members of the Board should endeavor to protect the Company’s assets and ensure their efficient use consistent with their fiduciary duties. Theft, carelessness, and waste have a direct impact on the Company’s profitability. Any suspected incident of fraud or theft should be immediately reported for investigation. Company equipment should not be used for non-Company business, though incidental personal use may be permitted.
The obligation of employees, officers and members of the Board to protect the Company’s assets includes its proprietary information. Proprietary information includes intellectual property such as trade secrets, patents, trademarks, and copyrights, as well as business, marketing and service plans, engineering and manufacturing ideas, designs, databases, records, salary information and any unpublished financial data and reports. Unauthorized use or distribution of this information violates Company policy. It may also be illegal and result in civil or even criminal penalties. Please see the Company’s policies on information technology usage and confidentiality for further guidance.
M. Health and Safety
The Company strives to provide each employee with a safe and healthy work environment. Each employee, officer and member of the Board has a responsibility for maintaining a safe and healthy workplace for all employees by following safety and health rules and practices and reporting accidents, injuries and unsafe equipment, practices or conditions.
The Company will not tolerate violence and threatening behavior. Employees should report to work in condition to perform their duties, free from the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol. The Company will not tolerate the use of illegal drugs or alcohol in the workplace or on the Company’s property.
N. Record-Keeping
The Company requires honest and accurate recording and reporting of information in order to make responsible business decisions.
Business expense accounts used by employees must be documented and recorded accurately. All of the Company’s books, records, accounts and financial statements must be maintained in reasonable detail, must appropriately reflect the Company’s transactions and must conform both to applicable legal requirements and to the Company’s system of internal controls. Unrecorded or “off the books” funds or assets should not be maintained unless permitted by applicable law or regulation and approved in writing by the Chief Financial Officer.
Business records and communications often become public, and we should avoid exaggeration, derogatory remarks, guesswork, or inappropriate characterizations of people and companies that could be misunderstood. This applies equally to e-mail, internal memos, and formal reports. Records should always be retained or destroyed according to the Company’s record retention policies. In accordance with those policies, in the event of litigation or governmental investigation, threatened or known, please consult with the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or outside counsel.
III. REPORTING ILLEGAL OR UNETHICAL BEHAVIOR
A. Reporting Illegal or Unethical Behavior
Employees, officers and members of the Board who suspect or know of violations of the Code or illegal or unethical business or workplace conduct by employees, officers or members of the Board have an obligation to contact the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. If the employee, officer or member of the Board is still not satisfied with the response, the employee may contact outside counsel. If concerns or complaints require confidentiality, then this confidentiality will be protected to the extent feasible, subject to applicable law.
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B. Accounting Complaints
Our policy is to comply with all applicable financial reporting and accounting regulations. If any member of the Board, officer or employee of the Company has unresolved concerns or complaints regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters of the Company, then he or she is encouraged to submit those concerns or complaints (anonymously, confidentially or otherwise) to outside counsel. Subject to its legal duties, outside counsel will treat such submissions confidentially. Outside counsel will forward all complaints to the Board.
C. Non-Retaliation
Employees are encouraged to talk to supervisors, managers or other appropriate personnel about observed illegal or unethical behavior and when in doubt about the best course of action in a particular situation. The Company will not retaliate in any manner against an employee who reports in good faith violations or suspected violations of this Code or other known or suspected illegal or unethical conduct. Employees are expected to cooperate in internal investigations of misconduct.
IV. PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER, PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING OFFICER OR CONTROLLER, OR PERSONS PERFORMING SIMILAR FUNCTIONS (“SENIOR OFFICERS”)
All Senior Officers of the Company will:
A. | Act with honesty and integrity, handle actual or apparent conflicts of interest in personal and professional relationships in accordance with the Code. |
B. | Produce full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that the Company files with, or submits to, the Securities and Exchange Commission and in other public communications made by the Company. |
C. | Comply with applicable rules and regulations of federal, state, provincial and local governments, and other appropriate private and public regulatory agencies. |
D. | Promptly report known or suspected violations of the Code in accordance with the Code. |
E. | Be accountable for adhering to the Code. |
V. AMENDMENT, MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
The Code may be amended or modified only by the Board. Waivers of the Code applicable to members of the Board or executive officers may only be granted on the recommendation of the Board or a committee of the Board with specific delegated authority. However, no waiver as to any rights or remedies of the Company’s directors, officers, employees or consultants under any applicable laws relating to the reporting of any suspected violations of this Code shall be permitted.
Waivers with respect to any other employee, agent or contractor must be approved in writing by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or outside counsel. Waivers applicable to members of the Board or officers of the Company will be disclosed to stockholders as required by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules thereunder and any exchange where the Company’s securities are listed, as then applicable.
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VI. ACCOUNTABILITY FOR ADHERENCE TO THE CODE
A violation of this Code may result in disciplinary action including termination of employment or other relationship(s) with the Company.
This Code is for the benefit of the Company, and no other person is entitled to enforce this Code. This Code does not, and should not be construed to, create any private cause of action or remedy in any other person for a violation of the Code. Moreover, violations of this code will not be presumed to create a violation of law, rule or regulation on the part of the Company.
The most current version of the Code can be obtained on the Company’s website at http://www..americancannabisconsulting.com. The Company will publicly disclose any substantive amendment of this Code as required by applicable law.
This Code of Conduct has been adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company as of the 1 st day of June 2017.
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June 2, 2017
Securities and Exchange Commission
100 F Street, N.E.
Washington, DC 20549
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have read the statements of American Cannabis Company, Inc. pertaining to our firm included under Item 4.01 of Form 8-K dated May 30, 2017 (expected to be filed on June 5, 2017) and agree with such statements as they pertain to our firm. We have no basis to agree or disagree with other statements of the registrant contained therein.
Sincerely,
/s/ Pritchett, Siler & Hardy, P.C.
PRITCHETT, SILER & HARDY, P.C.
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