The financial systems that work for a single dispensary or grow will break down completely as you add locations, expand to new states, or scale your production. What was once manageable with basic bookkeeping becomes a compliance nightmare as your business grows. Most Cannabis companies realize they need more sophisticated financial operations only…

Cannabis businesses can't simply walk into any bank and open an account. Most financial institutions are still too nervous about the federal implications, leaving operators stuck with high-fee relationships or worse - operating entirely in cash. When cannabis businesses do find banks willing to work with them, the fees can be outrageous and service…

Your Cannabis clients are facing unexpected cost increases they didn't budget for. Chinese tariffs are driving up prices for equipment, packaging, and hardware - hitting an industry already struggling with thin margins. With competition keeping retail prices in check, many businesses can't pass these costs to consumers. The result? Shrinking profit…

Landing high-value Cannabis clients is just the beginning. Your onboarding process sets the tone for the entire relationship and demonstrates your expertise from day one. Join Andrew Hunzicker, CPA, for this insightful episode as we reveal: How to structure the discovery process to uncover critical issues Setting clear expectations and boundaries f…

Inheriting a Cannabis cultivation client with messy books is like being handed a puzzle with missing pieces. No cost accounting, misallocated expenses, and inventory tracking disconnected from financial systems - these challenges can make even experienced accountants question where to start. When growers focus solely on their plants and neglect pro…

The Cannabis industry's allure of high returns often masks the substantial personal risks investors and executives face. While early Cannabis companies like MedMen and Tilray attracted significant investment with trendy branding, their stories serve as cautionary tales of what happens when fundamental accounting, tax compliance, and entity structur…

The Cannabis industry's allure of high returns often masks the substantial personal risks investors and executives face. While early Cannabis companies like MedMen and Tilray attracted significant investment with trendy branding, their stories serve as cautionary tales of what happens when fundamental accounting, tax compliance, and entity structur…

The Cannabis industry faces a pivotal moment as the Trump administration takes control of critical policy decisions. In this essential episode, DOPE CFO Founder, Andrew Hunzicker, CPA, analyzes how campaign promises might translate to administrative action and what it means for Cannabis businesses nationwide. Learn crucial insights about: Trump's C…

The Cannabis industry stands at a pivotal moment as multiple reform paths converge. From state-level progress to federal rescheduling efforts, understanding the complex landscape is crucial for industry professionals. Recent developments in the DEA rescheduling hearings have created both uncertainty and opportunity, making it essential to stay info…

The IRS has just issued a critical warning about Cannabis companies attempting to circumvent 280E through Form 8275 disclosures using a variety of rationales that do not constitute a reasonable basis. This development might require immediate attention from Cannabis operators and their accountants. Join DOPE CFO Founder & CEO Andrew Hunzicker, CPA f…

The Cannabis industry stands at a historic crossroads with potential 280E tax relief on the horizon. In this essential episode, DOPE CFO Founder, Andrew Hunzicker, CPA, reveals why most Cannabis businesses aren't prepared for this massive opportunity and what they must do now to get ready. Learn step-by-step guidance for: - Building proper financia…

🌿 Maximizing Opportunities at Cannabis Events Transform your Cannabis accounting practice through strategic event participation! In this episode, we break down how showing up at industry events can elevate you from a regular attendee to a recognized expert in the Cannabis accounting space. Learn proven strategies to: Position yourself as a trusted …

Join us for an exciting dive into the world of hemp beverages with Christopher Lackner, founder of the Hemp Beverage Alliance. In this episode, we unpack the rapid evolution of Cannabis-infused drinks, exploring how they're transforming the adult beverage landscape. Christopher shares insights into the industry's technological innovations, regulato…

Join Raymond Guns, CPA and Chief Revenue Officer at DOPE CFO, as he interviews Dotan Melech, CEO of CTrust, about revolutionizing Cannabis industry financing through standardized credit scoring. Learn how CTrust analyzes over 1,700 data points across 42 business categories to help Cannabis companies access better financing terms and manage risk mor…

Master the fundamentals of running a successful remote Cannabis accounting practice with industry expert Andrew Hunzicker, CPA. In this essential episode, discover the business strategies and systems you need to complement your technical expertise and build a thriving virtual practice.Learn how to:✔️ Maintain peak productivity in a remote environme…

Our guest today is Andrew Livingston. Andrew is the Director of Economics and Research at Vicente LLP. Vicente LLP is a top-ranked national cannabis law firm providing legal and policy services to marijuana and hemp companies, psychedelics companies, ancillary businesses, investors, governmental bodies, and advocacy organizations. As the firm's dir…

The pressure is on. Your Cannabis clients are counting on you to guide them through the capital raising process, but one misstep could jeopardize their future. Choosing the wrong funding type, overlooking critical documentation, or failing to plan for expenditures are common mistakes people unfamiliar with this industry make when attempting to rais…

Missing cash. Unaccounted expenses. Vanishing inventory. In the Cannabis industry, these aren't just minor bookkeeping errors – they're ticking time bombs that can obliterate your business's compliance, credibility, and bottom line. Ignoring or glossing over these issues isn't an option. Cannabis companies operate under intense scrutiny, and the co…

Cannabis companies need capital to grow. As their trusted advisor, are you prepared to help them get it? Many accountants struggle to structure, price, and sell capital raising services to Cannabis clients because they've... Never done it. Don't know how to do it. Aren't aware of the crucial role that they play in helping companies proactively stay…

With the Cannabis industry constantly changing, staying on top of the latest compliant inventory practices can feel untenable. Unfortunately, failing to remain compliant can lead to disastrous financial and legal repercussions for your client, your business, and your reputation. If you are struggling to navigate inventory compliance, you are not go…

Vertically integrated Cannabis companies have complex accounting needs that span multiple entities and require a team of specialists to ensure compliance and optimal financial performance. Trying to handle it all alone can lead to burnout, missed opportunities, and costly mistakes. 😰 But building an accounting team that can effectively serve these …

Navigating real estate decisions for your Cannabis business is a complex process with no one-size-fits-all solution. Whether you're setting up a cultivation facility, manufacturing plant, or dispensary, understanding the pros and cons of leasing vs. owning and the tax implications of each is crucial to making informed decisions that align with your…

There are two reasons why cultivators need proper financial modeling: For licensing. Most states require some form of a plan that illustrates that you understand what your operating costs will be and that you have enough capital to fully fund operations. For investors and operators alike, modeling is incredibly important to ensure that there is a p…

In order to do proper inventory and cost accounting, accountants must have the proper processes and systems in place to meet compliance rules. Since Cannabis is considered a Schedule I substance, under 280E companies that sell or “traffic” the plant are not able to take deductions like typical businesses can. However, the DEA is on the verge of res…

Our guest on today's episode of the DOPE CFO Podcast is Alyssa J. Dillon. Alyssa is a former CFO that managed the accounting for non-profits. After quitting her job in 2018 with $1000 to her name, and after having two children in one year, she had to figure out what to do, and working for someone else wasn't the answer. Within a few short months, A…

Sources within the DEA have confirmed that rescheduling has been green-lit and is moving forward. Speculators have been saying that this wouldn’t happen until after the election, but it looks as though things are moving quicker than critics have been suggesting. So what does this mean for Cannabis companies and the people who serve the industry? We…

The Associated Press just announced that DEA has agreed to reschedule Cannabis, which is going to usher in all sorts of change. Unfortunately, a lot will stay the same, and things are inevitably going to become much more complicated from a compliance standpoint. On the one hand, 280E won’t be so punitive, but taxes will still be high, and accountin…

Our guests today are Rachel Gillette and Jennifer Benda. They are partners at Holland & Hart LLP and work in the group’s Cannabis Division. Holland & Hart LLP is a national law firm who serve a wide range of industries. Our guests today are both partners in the Holland & Hart’s Cannabis Division. The emerging cannabis legal sector faces novel legal…

New entrepreneurs have a lot to look forward to that they often don’t realize until they are knee deep in their new venture and find that there are certain skills and competencies that may be lacking that can hurt their progress. Everything about how you approach your work has to shift, yet some people carry their employee mindset and practices int…

On today's episode, we are excited to welcome Lauren Baptiste, the founder and CEO of Acheloa Wellness. Lauren Baptiste is a corporate burnout turned coach and CEO. She serves ambitious women professionals as their go-to Burnout Expert. Before launching Acheloa Wellness, Lauren spent 13 years as a top performer at a Big Four Accounting Firm. She wa…

In this episode of the DOPE CFO Cannabis Accounting Podcast, Andrew Hunzicker, CPA dives deep into the debate of value pricing versus hourly billing for Cannabis accounting services. Andrew argues that in today's competitive landscape, accountants must move beyond basic bookkeeping, payroll, and tax prep services to provide real value to clients. A…

Massive changes are coming that could rock the Cannabis industry to its core. With Cannabis potentially being rescheduled in 2024, huge shifts are on the horizon that will transform the landscape: ● Company valuations poised to rise 5-10 times ● Increased access to banking, commercial lending, and bankruptcy protection ● Potential overhaul of inter…

As 2023 drew to a close, monumental shifts across the Cannabis landscape set the stage for an epic 2024. Tune in as we provide an exclusive year in review for 2023, analyzing the developments in policy, business, and finance that will shape the future of the industry in 2024 and beyond. We’ll discuss insights on: New states that legalized and their…

On today's episode, we are excited to welcome Dr. David Cunic, the CEO of UCS Advisors. David is a physical therapist turned Investor Relations and Networking Expert, particularly specializing in the Cannabis Industry and Healthcare Sector. With over 18 years in the medical field and an impressive entrepreneurial track record of starting over 10 co…

With cannabis sales in a historic slump, companies are struggling with dwindling cash flows and tough decisions. In this episode, founder and CEO of DOPE CFO Andrew Hunzicker, CPA outlines smart strategic moves for staying afloat. He'll cover: How to determine your cash runway and optimal sources of capital in a restricted funding environment. What…

In our latest episode of the DOPE CFO podcast, Andrew Hunzicker, CPA, Founder and CEO of DOPE CFO, talks with Erica Sloan, They spotlight her transformative journey as she’s successfully leveraged the DOPE CFO Certified Advisor Program and its VIP method to become a leading figure in Cannabis accounting and quickly built a 6-figure practice.. They …

Cannabis and hemp/CBD are both nearing $1 billion markets in several states. In a few short years, both Cannabis and hemp/CBD could overtake the $250 billion alcohol market, skyrocketing to possibly $1 trillion by 2027 (estimate from Merida Capital). Interested investors are watching these markets. Preparing startups now to raise capital could help…

There’s hidden profit in Cannabis cultivation, and you can find it if you’re a trained accounting professional that understands the science. In our latest podcast episode, Andrew Hunzicker, CPA and special guest Wally Daniel unpack the intricate world of commercial Cannabis cultivation. With decades of combined horticulture, lean manufacturing, and…

Are you navigating the complexities of Cannabis inventory accounting? Properly handling your clients' inventory is critical in this rapidly growing industry — one error can mean the difference between adding value or harming a business’ bottom line. Tune into our next episode where we'll cover all the critical processes and best practices accountan…

Got questions on valuation in the Cannabis industry? Get answers in our latest podcast! We cover everything from explaining what valuation is to delving into different valuation methods and the factors that affect valuation. We even discuss how to ask your clients the right questions to ensure you take a suitable approach to helping them meet their…

The Cannabis industry is ablaze with myths that could leave business owners burned, especially when it comes to the tricky world of accounting and bookkeeping. As an accounting pro, are you ready to fan the flames of truth and help your clients soar without getting singed? Debunking common misconceptions allows you to better serve your clients, kee…

Until the SAFE Banking Act passes, the number of banks across the country that will service the Cannabis industry remains desperately low. Cannabis is currently classified as a Schedule 1 drug, and most banks won’t do business with Cannabis companies because of this. Not being able to open payroll or checking accounts (or borrow money to scale thei…

Cannabis businesses who try to get creative to circumvent 280E often find themselves in precarious positions with the IRS. Since companies in the Cannabis industry are not able to legally take tax deductions due to its classification as a Schedule 1 drug, many try to get around 280E by setting up multiple entity structures to attempt to create part…

Participating in the Cannabis industry by going to conferences and expos is a great way to meet the people who make the businesses in this space tick, as well as get information on where the industry might be headed in the future. Attempting to break the mold set by other Cannabis conventions, MJ Unpacked is a distinctive event for nationwide licen…

If you are frustrated in your current career position, are sick of working long hours for little pay, or have been considering launching your own remote accounting firm and are wondering what niche to serve, now is the time to dive in! Cannabis has been predicted to produce over $30 Billion in revenue in 2023, and is the fastest growing industry in…

Want legal and compliant tax reductions? Listen to podcast episode 124 as the nation’s leader in Cannabis accounting, Andrew Hunzicker, CPA, founder of DOPE CFO, explains exactly what must be in place to properly reduce tax liability. Takeaways from landmark cases Harborside and Champs are discussed, as well as the following: ✔️ Entity structures -…

If you’re done with jumping through seemingly endless regulatory hoops and compliance standards and want policies that make sense for Cannabis businesses, participating in groups that shape policy is how you become part of the solution. Be part of the change by helping to create policies that work for today’s Cannabis industry businesses! In our la…

We’re talking with veteran founder/entrepreneur Chad Price of Life Grows Green on transforming the negative stigmas associated with Cannabis and serving the wellness space, what the licensed Cannabis industry can learn from the sports industry, how accountants can better serve Cannabis/CBD founders, and more!…

Ever hear the saying, “You don’t know what you don’t know”? When performing bookkeeping for Cannabis clients, what you don’t know can have dire consequences. Even performing seemingly mundane tasks the same way you would for non-Cannabis clients can be a move in the wrong direction. Cannabis bookkeeping is unique. Properly doing it requires knowled…

In this episode of The Cannabis Accounting Podcast we’re talking with Alyssa Smailes, Executive Director of The Utah Cannabis Association. We’ll discuss how UCA is building consensus with medical practitioners and serving as the voice of the Utah Cannabis industry, learn more about on-the-ground regulation and legalization, discuss medical vs. recr…