Scaling a Cannabis Business with Accounting: What Every Operator Should Know

Successfully scaling a cannabis business requires more than just ambition and investor funding—it demands expert accounting guidance tailored to this highly regulated industry. Whether you’re launching new locations, navigating mergers and acquisitions, or preparing for a long-term exit strategy, accounting professionals play a critical role in helping cannabis operators grow sustainably and remain compliant.

Scaling a cannabis business with accounting support enables operators to manage complex tax structures, maintain accurate financial records, and ensure compliance with ever-changing state and federal regulations. These challenges are amplified in an industry still fighting for legitimacy while facing unique hurdles like IRS Code 280E, inconsistent state laws, and limited access to traditional banking services.

Unlike traditional industries, cannabis businesses cannot afford to treat accounting as an afterthought. Accountants in this space must be strategic advisors, not just number crunchers. They help operators budget effectively, track key performance indicators, and make informed decisions about expansion, acquisitions, and long-term profitability. Without this level of insight, cannabis businesses risk non-compliance, missed opportunities, and even shutdowns.

The role of an accountant becomes even more crucial when scaling across state lines. Each jurisdiction has its own licensing requirements, tax codes, and operational nuances. An accountant well-versed in cannabis regulations ensures businesses navigate these complexities smoothly. They also provide guidance on structuring entities, managing cash flow, and preparing for financial audits—all vital for scaling a cannabis business with accounting strategies in place.

To dive deeper into this topic, we invite you to join us for a live session with attorney Hilary Bricken, a nationally recognized expert in cannabis law. Hilary will explore both the legal and financial strategies necessary for expansion and share insight into the common roadblocks that cannabis operators face as they scale.

In this live discussion, we’ll cover:

• Best practices for choosing and managing cannabis corporate structures

• The ins and outs of mergers and acquisitions in the cannabis industry

• The regulatory impacts that affect every stage of the business lifecycle

• Local and state compliance issues that can make or break expansion plans

Whether you’re a cannabis business owner, investor, or accounting professional, this webinar will offer valuable insight into the building blocks of growth. Our discussion will go beyond surface-level advice to provide practical, real-world strategies for scaling a cannabis business with accounting as a foundational element.

This session is particularly important in today’s environment, where the cannabis industry is evolving rapidly. Many operators are eager to grow but lack the internal systems and financial infrastructure to do so effectively. Without clear financial oversight, businesses may overextend themselves, make risky investments, or fail to meet regulatory requirements—mistakes that can be devastating in such a tightly regulated industry.

Hilary will address how to avoid these pitfalls and implement strong financial controls from day one. She’ll also discuss how to prepare your business for investor scrutiny, due diligence, and potential acquisition—all critical elements of a successful growth strategy.

As consumption lounges, delivery services, and other new business models continue to emerge, the need for accounting guidance is greater than ever. These business types come with their own set of compliance challenges and profitability considerations. Accountants are uniquely positioned to help operators evaluate these opportunities and structure their businesses for long-term success.

In short, scaling a cannabis business with accounting expertise isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a requirement. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the top legal minds in cannabis and gain actionable insights you can apply immediately.

For cannabis operators looking to expand with confidence, scaling a cannabis business with accounting support provides the clarity, control, and compliance needed to thrive in a competitive and rapidly changing marketplace.

Hilary Bricken

Partner at Harris bricken

Harris Bricken is a partner at in its Los Angeles office. Licensed in California, Washington, and Florida, she is one of the premier cannabis business and regulatory attorneys in the United States. As chair of Harris Bricken’s Regulated Substances practice group, Hilary helps cannabis companies of all sizes with their legal issues. Every year since 2014, Hilary has been named a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers Magazine, and in 2022 Hilary was named as a Top 50 Up and Coming Woman Rising Star for Southern California. In 2015, the Puget Sound Business Journal selected Hilary for its Top 40 Under 40 list for business and leadership, and in 2017 the American Bar Association named her a Top 40 Under 40 “On the Rise” attorney in the United States. In 2018, Hilary was honored by National Law Journal as a “Cannabis Law Trailblazer.” In addition, Hilary was a columnist for Above the Law from 2015 until 2019 where she featured content on cannabis policy and regulation. Hilary is a regular contributor to and editor of her firm’s Canna Law Blog.