The Cannabis Accounting Podcast

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 more effectively. Discover why traditional credit scoring hasn't existed in Cannabis until now, and how this innovation could transform the industry's financial landscape.

Key topics covered include:

✓ How CTrust developed its revolutionary credit scoring system

✓ The impact of state-specific regulations on business credit ratings

✓ Ways Cannabis companies can improve their credit scores

✓ The relationship between credit scores and cost of capital

✓ How rescheduling could affect industry financing

✓ The role of credit scoring in the industry's maturation

The episode provides valuable insights for Cannabis business owners, investors, and financial professionals looking to understand the evolving landscape of Cannabis industry financing and risk assessment.

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.

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 director of economics and research, Andrew assists clients with developing and expanding their enterprises across cannabis markets nationally and internationally. A wide variety of marijuana and hemp businesses look to Andrew for help navigating the regulatory intricacies that influence market dynamics, as well as to create sophisticated revenue models and pro forma for investors and to guide strategic decision-making.

Andrew recently spoke at AICPA in August of 2024 where he discussed the major economic issues facing state-regulated cannabis businesses and what to expect with potential future rescheduling and market expansion.

Tune in as cannabis economics expert Andrew Livingston breaks down the business of marijuana and what's next for this growing industry.

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 raise and manage cash.

But it doesn't have to be this daunting. With the right approach, you can confidently offer capital-raising services that provide immense value to your clients while ensuring you're fairly compensated.

Cannabis finance expert Andrew Hunzicker, CPA, reveals:

Don't let uncertainty hold you back from offering this vital service. Tune in to unlock the strategies you need to excel in Cannabis capital raising.

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 consequences of mishandling discrepancies can be severe. But how do you address these problems compliantly without derailing your operations?

Join us for this critical podcast: "Navigating Accounting Discrepancies in Cannabis: Compliance, Prevention, and Resolution" with Andrew Hunzicker, CPA and Cannabis accounting expert.

In this no-holds-barred session, we dive into:

Don't let accounting discrepancies threaten your Cannabis business's future. Arm yourself with the knowledge and strategies to tackle these issues head-on and keep your operation running smoothly and compliantly.

Tune in and transform your approach to Cannabis accounting accuracy.

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...

But with the right approach, you can become an indispensable partner in your clients' growth journey.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Don't let uncertainty hold you back from offering this vital service. Expand your expertise, grow your practice, and become the go-to CFO for ambitious Cannabis companies.

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 going to want to miss our latest podcast “Compliant Rock Solid Live Inventory Counts." Led by DOPE CFO Founder, Andrew Hunzicker, CPA, learn directly from Andrew as he shares his expert insights and strategies on maintaining accurate inventory compliance.

During this podcast, you will learn: 

Whether you are looking for help understanding inventory compliance or searching for tools to effectively better manage inventory, this podcast will guide you through the intricacies of inventory compliance accounting.

Don’t let poor inventory accounting practices jeopardize your business!

Tune in and equip yourself with compliant best practices to drive your business’ growth in the Cannabis industry.

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 clients feels like a daunting task, especially for solo firms or small practices. How do you know which roles to hire for? What's the right balance between in-house and outsourced talent? 🤔

Get answers to these critical questions and more in our latest podcast.  In this practical, hands-on episode, Andrew Hunzicker, CPA and Cannabis accounting expert, lays out a proven blueprint for assembling a lean, efficient team that can handle the complex needs of vertically integrated clients.

You'll walk away with:

Don't let the fear of building a team hold you back from pursuing large, lucrative clients in the Cannabis space. Listen in to gain the confidence and practical guidance you need to assemble a powerhouse accounting team that can handle even the most complex vertically integrated businesses.

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 unique goals and circumstances. 🌿💡

Leasing may offer more flexibility and lower upfront costs, but it also means you're at the mercy of a landlord and may face unexpected rent hikes or even eviction. Owning your property provides long-term stability and control, but it also requires significant capital investment and ties up your cash flow. 💸

The stakes are high, and with so many factors to consider, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But by arming yourself with the right knowledge and strategies, you can confidently navigate the Cannabis real estate landscape and make choices that set your business up for success. 💪

Listen in to this informative podcast, "Real Estate Strategies for Cannabis Businesses: Navigating Leases, Ownership, and Taxes," as Andrew Hunzicker, CPA and Cannabis accounting expert, breaks down the key considerations for Cannabis real estate and provide actionable insights to help you make decisions that fit your unique needs.

You'll learn:

Whether you're a cultivator, manufacturer, or retailer, this session will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to develop a real estate strategy that supports your business goals and minimizes risk.

Don't let uncertainty around real estate hold you back. Tune in and gain the clarity and confidence you need to make informed decisions for your Cannabis venture.

There are two reasons why cultivators need proper financial modeling:

But creating a comprehensive financial model for a Cannabis business is no easy task. From understanding the true costs of cultivation to navigating complex regulations and market fluctuations, there are countless factors to consider. Overlooking key details or making overly optimistic assumptions can lead to missed targets, cash flow problems, and disappointed investors.

In this episode, Andrew shares the essential considerations and tools needed for creating robust, realistic financial models that can help you navigate the unique challenges of the Cannabis industry.

During this podcast, you'll learn:

... and more!

Whether you're a Cannabis entrepreneur looking to create a solid financial foundation, an investor aiming to make informed decisions, or an accounting professional seeking to better serve your Cannabis clients, this podcast is packed with valuable insights you won't want to miss.