**INCLUDED IN ALL-ACCESS PASS | IN PERSON ONLY** Join us for an interactive session offering insights into the latest industry developments and regulatory challenges from accounting and legal experts amidst a landscape of varied state journeys and emerging hot topics.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the latest developments and emerging trends in the cannabis industry.
• Recognize the various regulatory frameworks across different states.
• Select effective strategies to navigate compliance complexities, mitigate risks, and ensure the financial integrity of cannabis operations.

This session will delve into the multifaceted implications of the potential reclassification of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act and its effects on various sectors of the industry. Led by renowned industry experts, attendees will gain insights into the shifting landscape of capital markets, taxation policies, and legislative developments. From understanding the market dynamics to anticipating legislative changes and exploring the challenges and opportunities ahead, this session offers a comprehensive analysis of the rescheduling's ramifications.

Learning Objectives:

• Evaluate the evolving landscape of cannabis capital markets, including the impact of rescheduling on investment trends, M&A activity, and capital deployment strategies.
• Assess the interplay between legislative efforts, taxation policies, and industry dynamics in the wake of potential cannabis rescheduling.

What are the issues cannabis businesses and their accountants should consider during an exam that could end up in litigation? What are the statute of limitations considerations relevant during exams and when filing refund claims? What are the hot button issues on the horizon that are ripe for litigation or anticipated to be litigated? What are possible considerations that impact the government’s view on litigating 280E issues or any cannabis tax issue? Panelists include experts who have dealt with these issues for businesses and the government. The presentation will include fundamentals on the roadmap to court and statute of limitations for refund claims, including protective refunds, and assessments, as well as a lively discussion addressing the questions above.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify considerations when handling an exam or refund claim that might be litigated.
• Apply different statute of limitations applicable to tax liabilities

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the evolving cannabis markets in Colorado and New Jersey, two states with different demographics, regulatory structures and maturity levels. This session will feature firsthand insights from key regulators Travis Haley (Colorado) and Krista Nash (New Jersey), who will share their expertise on the unique challenges, opportunities, and regulatory complexities in their respective states.

Attendees will learn about:

• The latest regulatory updates and trends in Colorado and New Jersey
• Revenue forecasts, market size projections, and popular product types
• Strategies for navigating the regulatory landscape in both mature and emerging markets
• Key considerations for investment, financing, and M&A transactions in the cannabis industry

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the key differences in regulatory frameworks, market dynamics, and revenue projections between Colorado and New Jersey's cannabis industries.
• Select actionable strategies for addressing regulatory challenges, seizing market opportunities, and ensuring compliance in both mature and emerging cannabis markets.

Learn about the high transformation and growth happening in the accounting profession and ways the Cannabis industry can blaze a trail to help our profession move forward.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the latest trends in the accounting profession and what we can do to evolve our businesses.
• Recognize how Cannabis accountants can lead the way in growth and transformation.
• Indicate how collaboration can accelerate growth.
• Identify how technology is being used to get at data and fuel efficiency.

Hear from Senior IRS Counsel Luke Ortner (IRS Counsel in: Lord v. Comm’r, Loughman v. Comm’r, Feinberg v. Comm’r), as he discusses tax challenges for cannabis businesses with Jennifer Benda. Topics include IRS outreach, Section 280E Constitutional arguments, BSA reporting, and Section 280E litigation issues such as substantiation, penalties, the scope of trafficking, and inventory accounting.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify tax issues that may arise as a result of rescheduling of cannabis.
• Apply Internal Revenue Code procedural and penalty frameworks to various cannabis industry tax issues.

Get ready for an exclusive insider's perspective on the cannabis industry! We are thrilled to welcome Brian York, Head of Operations at Elevate Cannabis, and Ryan Minette, CEO of Robhots Edibles. In this exciting session, we'll embark on a deep dive into the crucial Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that drive success for cannabis companies. Discover why these metrics are essential for running a thriving operation and gain invaluable insights from two of the industry's top leaders. Don't miss this opportunity to learn what truly matters to cannabis operators and how you can apply these strategies to elevate your business!

Learning Objectives:

• Identifying Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for different verticals in cannabis
• Understand the value of robust management reporting for the leaders in a cannabis organization

This session will provide an in-depth examination of litigation and forensic accounting issues within the cannabis industry. The presenters, a lawyer and a forensic accountant with specialized knowledge of the cannabis sector, will address the financial and legal complexities unique to this industry. Topics will include navigating disputes related to regulatory issues, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), breach of contract cases, and other civil litigation matters. The session will also explore methodologies for forensic accounting, focusing on the evaluation of financial data. Additionally, the legal discussion will highlight the intricacies of cannabis law, including the intersection of state and federal regulations, and strategies for managing legal risks.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify key legal and regulatory issues specific to the cannabis industry, including M&A disputes and breach of contract cases.
• Apply forensic accounting techniques to assess financial statements and support litigation processes in cannabis-related cases.
• Analyze the role of specialized knowledge in navigating the unique legal landscape of the cannabis industry, and how to effectively collaborate between accounting and legal professionals.

With potential rescheduling/descheduling/more investor funding, the need for some form of auditing and reporting will be necessary. Join us as we look to the future and prepare for the upcoming audit season and review challenges from the previous season.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify high risk areas in auditing.
• Analyze real examples of high-risk audits.

The session will explore current trends and challenges in cannabis industry appraisals. The continuing conflict between federal and state law, coupled with significant price volatility; state regulatory differences; the illicit cannabis market; and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic pause have resulted in a perfect storm for an incredibly unique industry. Recreational marijuana is currently legal for adults in 24 states and Washington, DC, while medical marijuana is legal and available in 38 states and DC. At the same time, marijuana remains a Schedule 1 narcotic under federal law, pursuant to the 1970 Controlled Substances Act. Valuing ownership interests and license rights require access to specialized knowledge and knowing where to look for market data and resources.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze the current landscape and landmines for professional engagement within the state legal/federally illegal marijuana sector.
• Identify the differences in the application of traditional valuation methods and approaches to the valuation of cannabusinesses.
• Recognize the growing importance of brand and location.
• Determine sources of industry data.

In this session we will discuss advanced tax topics impacting the cannabis industry today and considerations for the future. Topics will include equity compensation and transactions, tax considerations post rescheduling, and other concepts for CPAs servicing this developing niche.

Learning Objectives:

• Assess equity related tax issues resulting from lack of access to traditional debt and financial markets.
• Evaluate tax considerations for post rescheduling of cannabis.
• Interpret tax rules for other advanced topics impacting the cannabis industry.

The talk will review the laws in Oregon and Colorado regarding their state-regulated psilocybin programs, including an overview of the status of each program, important regulations impacting business decisions, and any financial data available on the size and health of the sector. The talk will also cover possible new states where these programs will be replicated, including California, Massachusetts, and others. Finally, the panel will discuss ancillary psychedelic businesses, such as the unregulated world of decriminalized psychedelics including trip sitting, guiding, spiritual work, and coaching work. The talk will also cover related topics including civil liability risks, risks for licensed professionals working in this area, and tax implications of these emerging industries.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the current legal status generally of psychedelics in the US.
• Recall the regulated programs in Oregon and Colorado.
• Recognize the landscape of decriminalized psychedelics.
• Estimate opportunities for ancillary businesses in the space, and some of the tax implications of the reforms underway.

A discussion of how unique tax and legal rules present challenges in successfully restructuring cannabis companies as compared to other industries.

Learning Objectives:

• Determine how the regulatory regime applicable to cannabis companies impacts distressed companies trying to restructure.
• Distinguish how these rules different from traditional restructuring tax considerations.
• Identify certain strategies used in the market to help alleviate these issues.

In the rapidly evolving cannabis industry, establishing and maintaining effective internal controls is not just about compliance; it's a strategic imperative. "Strengthening the Roots: Implementing Robust Internal Controls in the Cannabis Industry" is a comprehensive session designed for accounting professionals navigating the complex regulatory and financial landscapes of this unique sector. As the cannabis industry continues to grow and face increased scrutiny, businesses within this sector must prioritize the development of stringent internal control systems to mitigate risks, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure financial integrity. This session will provide attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to design, implement, and manage effective internal controls tailored to the specific needs and challenges of cannabis businesses.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the unique regulatory, financial, and operational challenges facing cannabis businesses and the critical role internal controls play in navigating these challenges.
• Analyze internal control design in areas such as cash management, inventory tracking, and financial reporting to better prevent errors, fraud, and non-compliance.

This session delves into the major economic issues facing state-regulated cannabis businesses and what to expect with potential future rescheduling and market expansion. Participants will gain insights from recent national surveys on cannabis business conditions, learn about the major challenges cannabis companies face, and hear how new market expansion and potential cannabis rescheduling will provide a boost to sales revenue and tax savings in the coming years.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze survey results that compare the cannabis market conditions faced by small and large operators.
• Apply 280E tax burden and rescheduling data to determine the degree to which reform may boost profitability and community reinvestment.

Join us from 7:30pm - 9:30pm on the Juniper Patio for a Cannabis Nightcap Reception. Featuring specialty cocktails, lite bites, live music & even more networking opportunities. You will not want to miss this.

In this session, we’ll delve into the intricate world of cannabis, exploring the challenges and opportunities presented by the ever-evolving landscape. Our esteemed panelists will discuss critical aspects of potential changes in cannabis policy at the federal level, as well as potential regulatory evolution at the state level. Join us for a high-stakes conversation that promises valuable insights for professionals navigating this dynamic industry.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the evolving federal landscape on federal policy and how that impacts cannabis entrepreneurs.
• Analyze the progress of new market adoption and potential regulatory changes in terms of how states govern cannabis.

This panel discussion will cover a wide range of partnership tax issues relevant to the cannabis industry including the pros and cons of partnerships versus C corporations; the intricacies of operating agreements; the complexities of partner allocations and capital account maintenance; and the potential tax implications of converting from a partnership to a C corporation. The discussion will also delve into the nuances of 280E expense deductions, the impact of recent tax law changes, and strategies for navigating the unique challenges of cannabis taxation. Attendees will gain valuable insights and practical guidance to help them effectively advise their cannabis clients on partnership tax matters.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the key tax considerations when choosing between a partnership and a C corporation structure for a cannabis business.
• Analyze the potential tax implications of converting a cannabis business from a partnership to a C corporation.

Join us for the culminating fireside chat, where our panel of planning committee members will address your unanswered questions. From regulatory challenges to financial best practices, our panelists will share insights and exchange perspectives. Don't miss this final opportunity to ignite meaningful conversations, gain valuable insights, and forge lasting connections at the forefront of cannabis accounting.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize current regulatory challenges.
• Identify financial best practices with input from panelist and attendees.
• Select actionable items related to the potential for rescheduling.