Overview

Our board has determined that it is advisable and in the best interests of us and our stockholders, for us to amend our articles of incorporation, as amended (the “Reverse Split Amendment”), to authorize our board to effect a reverse stock split of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock at a specific ratio, ranging from one-for-twenty (1:20) to one-for-fifty (1:50) (the “Approved Split Ratios”), to be determined by the board (the “Reverse Split”). A vote for this Proposal 3 will constitute approval of the Reverse Split that, if and when authorized by the board and effected by filing the Reverse Split Amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of North Carolina, will combine between 25 and 50 shares of our common stock into one share of our common stock. Holders of fractional shares will be entitled to receive, in lieu of any fractional share, the number of shares rounded up to the next whole number. If implemented, the Reverse Split will have the effect of decreasing the number of shares of our common stock issued and outstanding. Because the number of authorized shares of our common stock will not be reduced in connection with the Reverse Split, the Reverse Split will result in an effective increase in the authorized number of shares of our common stock available for issuance in the future.

The board approved and recommended seeking stockholder approval of the Reverse Split Amendment on December 21, 2022. Accordingly, stockholders are asked to approve the Reverse Split Amendment set forth in Appendix A to effect the Reverse Split consistent with those terms set forth in this Proposal 3, and to grant authorization to the board to determine, in its sole discretion, whether or not to implement the Reverse Split, as well as its specific ratio within the range of the Approved Split Ratios. The text of Appendix A remains subject to modification to include such changes as may be required by the Secretary of State of the State of North Carolina and as our board deems necessary or advisable to implement the Reverse Split.

If approved by the holders of our outstanding voting securities, the Reverse Split would be applied at an Approved Split Ratio approved by the board prior to the one-year anniversary date of the annual meeting and would become effective upon the time specified in the Reverse Split Amendment as filed with the Secretary of State of the State of North Carolina. The board reserves the right to elect to abandon the Reverse Split if it determines, in its sole discretion, that the Reverse Split is no longer in the best interests of us and our stockholders. Subject to approval of the Reverse Split Amendment through the approval of the Reverse Split, no further action on the part of our stockholders will be required to either implement or abandon the reverse stock split.

Purpose and Rationale for the Reverse Split

Continue to meet certain continued listing requirements of the NYSE American. Our common stock is traded on the NYSE American.  To continue our listing on the NYSE American, we must comply with NYSE American rules. NYSE American Company Guide Section 1003(f)(v) provides that the NYSE American may delist a security when it sells for a substantial period of time at a low price per share. Our Common Stock has traded below $1.00 since April 7, 2022, and on December 19, 2022, the closing price was $0.28. Our board of directors has considered the potential harm to us and our stockholders should NYSE American delist our common stock from NYSE American. Delisting could adversely affect the liquidity of our common stock since alternatives, such as the OTC Bulletin Board and the pink sheets, are generally considered to be less efficient markets. An investor likely would find it less convenient to sell, or to obtain accurate quotations in seeking to buy, our Common Stock on an over-the-counter market. Many investors likely would not buy or sell our Common Stock due to difficulty in accessing over-the-counter markets, policies preventing them from trading in securities not listed on a national exchange or for other reasons. The board of directors believes that a Reverse Split is a potentially effective means for us to increase the per share market price of our common stock and to avoid, or at least mitigate, the likely adverse consequences of our common stock being delisted from the NYSE American by producing the immediate effect of increasing the bid price of our common stock.

As of December 19, 2022, our common stock closed at $0.28 per share on NYSE American. The Reverse Split, if effected, would likely have the immediate effect of increasing the price of our common stock as reported on NYSE American, therefore reducing the risk that our common stock could be delisted from NYSE American.

Our board strongly believes that the Reverse Split is necessary to maintain our listing on NYSE American. Accordingly, the board has approved resolutions proposing the Reverse Split Amendment to effect the Reverse Split and directed that it be submitted to our stockholders for adoption and approval at the annual meeting.

Management and the board have considered the potential harm to us and our stockholders should NYSE American delist our common stock from trading. Delisting could adversely affect the liquidity of our common stock since alternatives, such as the OTC Bulletin Board and the pink sheets, are generally considered to be less efficient markets. An investor likely would find it less convenient to sell, or to obtain accurate quotations in seeking to buy, our common stock on an over-the-counter market. Many investors likely would not buy or sell our common stock due to difficulty in accessing over-the-counter markets, policies preventing them from trading in securities not listed on a national exchange, or other reasons.

Other Effects.  The board believes that the increased market price of our common stock expected as a result of implementing the Reverse Split could improve the marketability and liquidity of our common stock and will encourage interest and trading in our common stock. The Reverse Split, if effected, could allow a broader range of institutions to invest in our common stock (namely, funds that are prohibited from buying stock whose price is below a certain threshold), potentially increasing the trading volume and liquidity of our common stock. The Reverse Split could help increase analyst and broker’s interest in common stock, as their policies can discourage them from following or recommending companies with low stock prices. Because of the trading volatility often associated with low-priced stocks, many brokerage houses and institutional investors have internal policies and practices that either prohibit them from investing in low-priced stocks or tend to discourage individual brokers from recommending low-priced stocks to their customers. Some of those policies and practices may make the processing of trades in low-priced stocks economically unattractive to brokers. Additionally, because brokers’ commissions on low-priced stocks generally represent a higher percentage of the stock price than commissions on higher-priced stocks, a low average price per share of our common stock can result in individual stockholders paying transaction costs representing a higher percentage of their total share value than would be the case if the share price were higher.

Our board does not intend for this transaction to be the first step in a series of plans or proposals to effect a “going private transaction” within the meaning of Rule 13e-3 of the Exchange Act.

In addition, because the number of authorized shares of our common stock will not be reduced, the Reverse Split will result in an effective increase in the authorized number of shares of our common stock. The effect of the relative increase in the amount of authorized and unissued shares of our common stock would allow us to issue additional shares of common stock in connection with future financings, employee and director benefit programs and other desirable corporate activities, without requiring our stockholders to approve an increase in the authorized number of shares of common stock each time such an action is contemplated.

The increase in authorized shares of our common stock will not have any immediate effect on the rights of existing stockholders. However, because our stockholders do not have any preemptive rights, future issuance of shares of common stock or securities exercisable for or convertible into shares of common stock could have a dilutive effect on our earnings per share, book value per share, and the voting rights of stockholders and could have a negative effect on the price of our common stock.

Disadvantages to an increase in the number of authorized shares of common stock may include:

We have no specific plan, commitment, arrangement, understanding or agreement, either oral or written, regarding the issuance of common stock subsequent to this proposed increase in the number of authorized shares at this time, and we have not allocated any specific portion of the proposed increase in the authorized number of shares to any particular purpose. However, we have in the past conducted certain public and private offerings of common stock and warrants, and we will continue to require additional capital in the near future to fund our operations. As a result, it is foreseeable that we will seek to issue such additional shares of common stock in connection with any such capital raising activities, or any of the other activities described above. The board does not intend to issue any common stock or securities convertible into common stock except on terms that the board deems to be in the best interests of us and our stockholders.

Risks of the Proposed Reverse Split

We cannot assure you that the proposed Reverse Split will increase the price of our common stock and have the desired effect of maintaining compliance with NYSE American.

If the Reverse Split is implemented, our board expects that it will increase the market price of our common stock so that we are able to regain and maintain compliance with the NYSE American minimum bid price requirement. However, the effect of the Reverse Split upon the market price of our common stock cannot be predicted with any certainty, and the history of similar stock splits for companies in like circumstances is varied. It is possible that (i) the per share price of our common stock after the Reverse Split will not rise in proportion to the reduction in the number of shares of our common stock outstanding resulting from the Reverse Split, (ii) the market price per post-Reverse Split share may not remain in excess of a low price per share for a sustained period of time, or (iii) the Reverse Split may not result in a per share price that would attract brokers and investors who do not trade in lower priced stocks.

Even if the Reverse Split is implemented, the market price of our common stock may decrease due to factors unrelated to the Reverse Split. In any case, the market price of our common stock will be based on other factors which may be unrelated to the number of shares outstanding, including our future performance. If the Reverse Split is consummated and the trading price of our common stock declines, the percentage decline as an absolute number and as a percentage of our overall market capitalization may be greater than would occur in the absence of the Reverse Split.

A decline in the market price of our common stock after the Reverse Split is implemented may result in a greater percentage decline than would occur in the absence of a reverse stock split.

If the Reverse Split is implemented and the market price of our common stock declines, the percentage decline may be greater than would occur in the absence of a reverse stock split. The market price of our common stock will, however, also be based upon our performance and other factors, which are unrelated to the number of shares of common stock outstanding.

The proposed Reverse Split may decrease the liquidity of our common stock.

The liquidity of our common stock may be harmed by the proposed Reverse Split given the reduced number of shares of common stock that would be outstanding after the Reverse Split, particularly if the stock price does not increase as a result of the Reverse Split.

Determination of the Ratio for the Reverse Split

If Proposal 3 is approved by stockholders and the board determines that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to move forward with the Reverse Split, the Approved Split Ratio will be selected by the board, in its sole discretion. However, the Approved Split Ratio will not be less than a ratio of one-for-twenty (1:20) to one-for-fifty (1:50). In determining which Approved Split Ratio to use, the board will consider numerous factors, including the historical and projected performance of our common stock, prevailing market conditions and general economic trends, and will place emphasis on the expected closing price of our common stock in the period following the effectiveness of the Reverse Split. The board will also consider the impact of the Approved Split Ratios on investor interest. The purpose of selecting a range is to give the board the flexibility to meet business needs as they arise, to take advantage of favorable opportunities and to respond to a changing corporate environment. Based on the number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of December 19, 2022, after completion of the Reverse Split and without giving effect to any adjustments for fractional shares, we will have between 3,034,114 and 1,213,646 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, depending on the Approved Split Ratio selected by the board.

Principal Effects of the Reverse Split

After the effective date of the proposed Reverse Split, each stockholder will own a reduced number of shares of common stock. Except for adjustments that may result from the treatment of fractional shares as described below, the proposed Reverse Split will affect all stockholders uniformly and will not affect any stockholder’s percentage ownership interest in the Company. Holders of fractional shares will be entitled to receive, in lieu of any fractional share, the number of shares rounded up to the next whole number. The proportionate voting rights and other rights and preferences of the holders of our common stock will not be affected by the proposed Reverse Split (other than as a result of the rounding up of fractional shares). For example, a holder of 2% of the voting power of the outstanding shares of our common stock immediately prior to a Reverse Split would continue to hold 2% of the voting power of the outstanding shares of our common stock immediately after such Reverse Split.

The following table contains the approximate number of issued and outstanding shares of common stock, and the estimated per share trading price following a one-for-twenty (1:20) to one-for-fifty (1:50) Reverse Split, without giving effect to any adjustments for fractional shares of common stock or the issuance of any derivative securities, as of December 19, 2022.

After the effective date of the Reverse Split, our common stock would have a new committee on uniform securities identification procedures (CUSIP) number, a number used to identify our common stock.

Our common stock is currently registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act, and we are subject to the periodic reporting and other requirements of the Exchange Act. The proposed Reverse Split will not affect the registration of our common stock under the Exchange Act. Our common stock would continue to be reported on NYSE under the symbol “YCBD”.

Effect on Outstanding Derivative Securities

The Reverse Split will require that proportionate adjustments be made to the conversion rate, the per share exercise price and the number of shares issuable upon the vesting, exercise or conversion of the following outstanding derivative securities issued by us, in accordance with the Approved Split Ratio (all figures are as of December 19, 2022 and are on a pre-Reverse Split basis), including:

The adjustments to the above securities, as required by the Reverse Split and in accordance with the Approved Split Ratio, would result in approximately the same aggregate price being required to be paid under such securities upon exercise, and approximately the same value of shares of common stock being delivered upon such exercise or conversion, immediately following the Reverse Split as was the case immediately preceding the Reverse Split.

Effect on Stock Option Plans

We have equity incentive plans designed primarily to provide stock-based incentives to employees pursuant to which we have issued stock options to purchase shares of the common stock, restricted stock units and value appreciation rights. In the event of a Reverse Split, the board shall make appropriate adjustment to awards granted under the equity incentive plans. Accordingly, if the Reverse Split is approved by our stockholders and the board decides to implement the Reverse Split, as of the effective date the number of all outstanding option grants, the number of shares issuable and the exercise price, as applicable, relating to options under our equity incentive plans, will be proportionately adjusted using the Reverse Split ratio. The board has also authorized us to effect any other changes necessary, desirable or appropriate to give effect to the Reverse Split, including any applicable technical, conforming changes.

The terms of our outstanding stock options do not permit exercise for fractional shares. As such, the number of shares issuable under any individual outstanding stock option shall either be rounded up or down as provided for under the specific terms of our equity incentive plans. Commensurately, the exercise price under each stock option would be increased proportionately such that upon exercise, the aggregate exercise price payable by the optionee to us would remain the same. Furthermore, the aggregate number of shares currently available under our equity incentive plans for future stock option and other equity-based grants will be proportionally reduced to reflect the Reverse Split ratio.

Effect on our Series A Preferred Stock

Holders of shares our Series A convertible Preferred Stock do not have any voting rights, except as specifically required by North Carolina law or by our articles of incorporation, as amended.  Each share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, together with accrued but unpaid dividends, is convertible into shares of our common stock at a "Conversion Price" of $6.00 per common share, which initially equals 1.667 shares of our common stock, at any time at the option of the holder, subject to adjustment for the Anti-Dilution Provisions set forth below.  If, at any time while the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock is outstanding, we: (A) pay a stock dividend or otherwise make a distribution or distributions payable in shares of our common stock (which, for avoidance of doubt, shall not include any shares of common stock issued by us upon conversion of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock) with respect to the then outstanding shares of common stock; (B) subdivide outstanding shares of common stock into a larger number of shares; or (C) combine (including by way of a reverse stock split) outstanding shares of common stock into a smaller number of shares, which we refer to collectively as the “Anti-Dilution Provisions”, then the Conversion Price shall be multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of shares of common stock (excluding any treasury shares) outstanding immediately before such event and of which the denominator shall be the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after such event (excluding any treasury shares). Any adjustment made as a result of the Anti-Dilution Provisions shall become effective immediately after the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive such dividend or distribution and shall become effective immediately after the effective date in the case of a subdivision or combination. All calculations will be made to the nearest cent or the nearest 1/100th of a share, as the case may be. For purposes of the Anti-Dilution Provisions, the number of shares of common stock deemed to be issued and outstanding as of a given date shall be the sum of the number of shares of common stock (excluding any treasury shares) issued and outstanding. Whenever the Conversion Price is adjusted pursuant to any Anti-Dilution Provision, we will promptly deliver to each holder of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock a notice setting forth the Conversion Price after such adjustment and setting forth a brief statement of the facts requiring such adjustment.

Effective Date

The proposed Reverse Split would become effective on the date of filing of the Reverse Split Amendment with the office of the Secretary of State of the State of North Carolina. On the effective date, shares of common stock issued and outstanding shares of common stock held in treasury, in each case, immediately prior thereto will be combined and converted, automatically and without any action on the part of our stockholders, into new shares of common stock in accordance with the Approved Split Ratio set forth in this Proposal 3. If the proposed Reverse Split Amendment is not approved by our stockholders, the Reverse Split will not occur.

Treatment of Fractional Shares

No fractional shares of common stock will be issued as a result of the Reverse Split. Holders of fractional shares will be entitled to receive, in lieu of any fractional share, the number of shares rounded up to the next whole number. The ownership of a fractional share interest following a reverse stock split will not give the holder any voting, dividend or other rights, except to receive the number of shares rounded up to the next whole number..

Record and Beneficial Stockholders

If the Reverse Split is authorized by our stockholders and our board elects to implement the Reverse Split, stockholders of record holding some or all of their shares of common stock electronically in book-entry form under the direct registration system for securities will receive a transaction statement at their address of record indicating the number of shares of common stock they hold after the Reverse Split. Non-registered stockholders holding common stock through a bank, broker or other nominee should note that such banks, brokers or other nominees may have different procedures for processing the consolidation than those that would be put in place by us for registered stockholders. If you hold your shares with such a bank, broker or other nominee and if you have questions in this regard, you are encouraged to contact your nominee.

If the Reverse Split is authorized by the stockholders and our board elects to implement the Reverse Split, stockholders of record holding some or all of their shares in certificate form will receive a letter of transmittal, as soon as practicable after the effective date of the Reverse Split. Our transfer agent will act as “exchange agent” for the purpose of implementing the exchange of stock certificates. Holders of pre-Reverse Split shares will be asked to surrender to the exchange agent certificates representing pre-Reverse Split shares in exchange for post-Reverse Split shares. Until surrender, each certificate representing shares before the Reverse Split would continue to be valid and would represent the adjusted number of whole shares based on the approved exchange ratio of the Reverse Split selected by the board. No new post-Reverse Split share certificates will be issued to a stockholder until such stockholder has surrendered such stockholder’s outstanding certificate(s) together with the properly completed and executed letter of transmittal to the exchange agent. Stockholders who hold shares electronically in book-entry form with the transfer agent will not need to take action (the exchange will be automatic) to receive whole shares of post-Reverse Split common stock.

STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD NOT DESTROY ANY PRE-SPLIT STOCK CERTIFICATE AND SHOULD NOT SUBMIT ANY CERTIFICATES UNTIL THEY ARE REQUESTED TO DO SO.

Accounting Consequences

The par value per share of common stock would remain unchanged at $0.001 per share after the Reverse Split. As a result, on the effective date of the Reverse Split, the stated capital on our balance sheet attributable to the common stock will be reduced proportionally, based on the Approved Split Ratio selected by the board, from its present amount, and the additional paid-in capital account shall be credited with the amount by which the stated capital is reduced. The per share common stock net income or loss and net book value will be increased because there will be fewer shares of common stock outstanding. The shares of common stock held in treasury, if any, will also be reduced proportionately based on the Approved Split Ratio selected by the board. Retroactive restatement will be given to all share numbers in the financial statements, and accordingly all amounts including per share amounts will be shown on a post-split basis. We do not anticipate that any other accounting consequences would arise as a result of the Reverse Split.

No Appraisal Rights

Our stockholders are not entitled to dissenters’ or appraisal rights under the North Carolina Business Corporation Act with respect to this Proposal 3 and we will not independently provide our stockholders with any such right if the Reverse Split is implemented.

Material Federal U.S. Income Tax Consequences of the Reverse Split

The following is a summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax consequences of a Reverse Split to our stockholders. The summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), applicable Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial authority and current administrative rulings and practices as in effect on the date of this Proxy Statement. Changes to the laws could alter the tax consequences described below, possibly with retroactive effect. We have not sought and will not seek an opinion of counsel or a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service regarding the federal income tax consequences of a Reverse Split. This discussion only addresses stockholders who hold common stock as capital assets. It does not purport to be complete and does not address stockholders subject to special tax treatment under the Code, including, without limitation, financial institutions, tax-exempt organizations, insurance companies, dealers in securities, foreign stockholders, stockholders who hold their pre-reverse stock split shares as part of a straddle, hedge or conversion transaction, and stockholders who acquired their pre-reverse stock split shares pursuant to the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation. If a partnership (or other entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) is the beneficial owner of our common stock, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Accordingly, partnerships (and other entities treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purpose) holding our common stock and the partners in such entities should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the proposed Reverse Split to them. In addition, the following discussion does not address the tax consequences of the Reverse Split under state, local and foreign tax laws. Furthermore, the following discussion does not address any tax consequences of transactions effectuated before, after or at the same time as the Reverse Split, whether or not they are in connection with the Reverse Split.

In general, the federal income tax consequences of a Reverse Split will vary among stockholders depending upon whether they receive a whole share of common stock in the proposed Reverse Split in lieu of a fractional share or solely a reduced number of shares of common stock in exchange for their old shares of common stock. We believe that because the Reverse Split is not part of a plan to increase periodically a stockholder’s proportionate interest in our assets or earnings and profits, the Reverse Split should have the following federal income tax effects. The Reverse Split is expected to constitute a “recapitalization” for U.S. federal income tax purposes pursuant to Section 368(a)(1)(E) of the Code. A stockholder who receives solely a reduced number of shares of common stock will not recognize gain or loss, except for adjustments that may result from the treatment of fractional shares of common stock as described below. The aggregate tax basis of the shares received in the reverse stock split will equal the aggregate tax basis of the pre-reverse stock split shares exchanged therefore (increased by any income or gain recognized on receipt of a whole share in lieu of a fractional share). Except in the case of any portion of a share of common stock treated as a distribution or as to which a U.S. holder recognizes capital gain as a result of the treatment of fractional shares, discussed below, the U.S. holder’s holding period for the post-reverse stock split shares of common stock should include the holding period of pre-reverse stock split shares of common stock surrendered. In the aggregate, such a stockholder’s basis in the reduced number of shares of common stock will equal the stockholder’s basis in its old shares of common stock and such stockholder’s holding period in the reduced number of shares will include the holding period in its old shares exchanged. The Treasury Regulations provide detailed rules for allocating the tax basis and holding period of shares of common stock surrendered in a recapitalization to shares received in the recapitalization. Stockholders of our common stock acquired on different dates and at different prices should consult their tax advisors regarding the allocation of the tax basis and holding period of such shares.

The treatment of fractional shares of common stock being rounded up to the next whole share is uncertain. A U.S. holder that receives a whole share of common stock in the reverse stock split in lieu of a fractional share of common stock might recognize income, which may be characterized either as capital gain or as a dividend to the extent of the portion of our accumulated earnings and profits (if we have any) attributable to the rounded share. Any such taxable income would be in an amount not to exceed the excess of the fair market value of such whole share over the fair market value of the fractional share to which the U.S. holder was otherwise entitled. U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax and other tax consequences of fractional shares being rounded to the next whole share (including the holding period of a post-Reverse Split share of common stock received in exchange for a fractional pre-Reverse Split share of common stock).

We will not recognize any gain or loss as a result of the proposed Reverse Split.

THE PRECEDING DISCUSSION IS INTENDED ONLY AS A SUMMARY OF CERTAIN FEDERAL U.S. INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE REVERSE SPLIT AND DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE A COMPLETE ANALYSIS OR DISCUSSION OF ALL POTENTIAL TAX EFFECTS RELEVANT THERETO. YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR OWN TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE PARTICULAR FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE REVERSE SPLIT IN LIGHT OF YOUR SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES.

Required Vote and Recommendation

In accordance with our articles, as amended, and North Carolina law, approval and adoption of this Proposal 3, assuming the existence of a quorum, the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of our common stock present, either in person or represented by proxy, and entitled to vote at the 2023 annual meeting is required to decide such matter. Abstentions and broker non-votes with respect to this proposal will be counted for purposes of establishing a quorum and, if a quorum is present, abstentions, and broker non-votes, if this Proposal 3 is deemed to be a “non-routine” matter, will have the same practical effect as a vote “AGAINST” this proposal.