The cannabis industry is one of the most exciting and rapidly evolving sectors in today’s economy. But for business owners, it is also one of the most financially and legally complex. As a team of CPAs specializing in this industry, we’ve seen too many entrepreneurs struggle—not because they lack vision, but because they don’t have the financial guidance needed to navigate the complexities of cannabis taxation and compliance.
We believe cannabis entrepreneurs deserve the same financial clarity, strategic insight, and tax advantages as any other business. Our mission is to help our clients save hundreds of thousands, even millions, of dollars by ensuring their financial health, protecting them from unnecessary tax burdens, and empowering them with the tools to make data-driven decisions.
And as a team, we excel at this. In just the past 12 months, we’ve helped cannabis business owners save over $45 million—money that would have been lost to overpaid taxes, compliance missteps, and financial inefficiencies. Unfortunately, most of them didn’t even realize they were overpaying. That’s where Verdant Strategies comes in—identifying and correcting costly tax inefficiencies before they drain your bottom line.
Another hard truth is that authorities don’t always play fair. That’s why when the IRS or state agencies come knocking, we don’t just prepare paperwork—we defend our clients. Successfully navigating audits in the cannabis industry requires expertise, strategy, and a deep
understanding of ever-changing regulations. Our job is to stand between our clients and unnecessary financial penalties, ensuring they are protected and fairly treated. This is why we’ve succeeded in reclaiming substantial amounts of money that our clients would have lost without proper guidance.
The chances are that a regular CPA won’t have the drive or the time to submerge in this regulatory puzzle as we do on a daily basis.
Financial Representation in Legal Disputes
Cannabis business owners often face legal battles, whether with partners, investors, or regulatory agencies. In these situations, accurate and defensible financial statements are crucial. We provide expert financial representation that strengthens our clients’ positions, ensuring they have the evidence and credibility needed to protect their businesses and their investments.
At Verdant Strategies, we do more than just accounting—we provide financial leadership. Here’s how we help cannabis businesses stay profitable and compliant:
Tax Optimization & Recovery
- Amending incorrect tax returns to reclaim lost revenue
- Structuring businesses to maximize allowable deductions
- Implementing proactive tax strategies to minimize liabilities
Audit Defense & Compliance Protection
- Representing clients in IRS and state audits
- Ensuring financial statements are audit-ready and defensible
- Navigating licensing and regulatory challenges with confidence
Fractional CFO & Strategic Financial Guidance
- Providing hands-on financial leadership without the cost of a full-time CFO ○ Creating financial roadmaps to scale and sustain business growth
- Identifying profitability leaks and cost-saving opportunities
Legal & Investment Financial Representation
- Strengthening financial positioning in disputes and investor negotiations
- Ensuring accurate valuations for mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships
- Providing due diligence support for funding rounds
More Than Accounting: Providing Financial Clarity and Strategy
Being CPAs in the cannabis industry isn’t just about crunching numbers—it’s about giving business owners the financial clarity they need to make meaningful, strategic decisions. We don’t just hand over financial statements—we analyze them, interpret the data, and provide actionable insights. We help our clients see the story behind the numbers, identifying opportunities for growth, efficiency, and profitability.
The cannabis industry is full of opportunity, but it’s also full of challenges: high tax rates, complex compliance requirements, and financial risks that most other industries don’t have to face. Our passion is turning those challenges into advantages.
Why We Work as CPAs in the Cannabis Industry: A Passion for Advocacy and Financial Success
We work in this industry because we believe in cannabis entrepreneurs. We know how hard they work, the risks they take, and the obstacles they overcome.
We’ve been proponents of cannabis legalization long before it was popular. We believe this industry should remain in the hands of entrepreneurs, legacy growers, and visionaries—not just corporations with deep pockets. That’s why we bring our full expertise in tax, finance, and compliance to cannabis businesses. We want to ensure that the people who built this industry have the financial tools to stay in it and succeed.
Our role is to be their financial advocate, ensuring they don’t leave money on the table, get blindsided by compliance issues, or struggle with financial uncertainty.
At the end of the day, our success is measured by our clients’ success. Whether it’s securing a massive tax refund, helping a business owner win an audit, or simply providing peace of mind with accurate financial data, we are deeply committed to the success of every cannabis entrepreneur we work with. The cannabis industry deserves financial professionals who are just as dedicated, innovative, and fearless as the business owners themselves. That is why, at Verdant Strategies, we do what we do best.
Schedule a consultation today and discover how Verdant Strategies can help your business thrive!
$45 million saved cannabis business owners in the last 12 months.
Why I Work as a CPA in the Cannabis Industry: A Passion for Advocacy and Financial Success
The cannabis industry is one of the most exciting and rapidly evolving sectors in today’s economy. But for business owners, it’s also one of the most financially and legally complex. That’s why I do what I do, because I believe cannabis entrepreneurs deserve the same financial clarity, strategic insight, and tax advantages as any other business. My mission as a CPA in this industry is to help my clients save hundreds of thousands, even millions, of dollars by ensuring their financial health, protecting them from unnecessary tax burdens, and empowering them with the tools to make data-driven decisions.
Defending Business Owners and Their Bottom Line
Many cannabis business owners come to me after years of operating under the weight of incorrect tax filings, mismanaged financial records, or looming audits. I’ve seen too many businesses overpay on taxes due to improper filings, money that could have been reinvested in growth, employees, or innovation. By amending incorrect tax returns, I’ve helped clients reclaim substantial amounts of money they never should have lost in the first place.
When the IRS or state agencies come knocking, I don’t just prepare paperwork; I defend my clients. Successfully navigating audits in the cannabis industry requires expertise, strategy, and a deep understanding of ever-changing regulations. My job is to stand between my clients and unnecessary financial penalties, ensuring they are protected and fairly treated.
Financial Representation in Legal Disputes
Cannabis business owners are often forced to fight legal battles, whether it’s disputes with partners, investors, or regulatory agencies. In these situations, accurate and defensible financial statements are crucial. I provide expert financial representation that strengthens my clients’ positions, ensuring they have the evidence and credibility needed to protect their businesses and their investments.
More Than Accounting: Providing Financial Clarity and Strategy
Being a CPA in the cannabis industry isn’t just about crunching numbers. It’s about giving business owners the financial clarity they need to make meaningful, strategic decisions. I don’t just hand over financial statements, I analyze them, interpret the data, and provide actionable insights. I help my clients see the story behind the numbers, identifying opportunities for growth, efficiency, and profitability.
The cannabis industry is full of opportunity, but it’s also full of challenges, high tax rates, complex compliance requirements, and financial risks that most other industries don’t have to face. My passion is in turning those challenges into advantages.
Why I’m Driven to Help
I work in this industry because I believe in cannabis entrepreneurs. I know how hard they work, the risks they take, and the obstacles they overcome. My role is to be their financial advocate, ensuring they don’t leave money on the table, get blindsided by compliance issues, or struggle with financial uncertainty.
At the end of the day, my success is measured by my client’s success. Whether it’s securing a massive tax refund, helping a business owner win an audit, or simply providing peace of mind with accurate financial data, I am deeply committed to the success of every cannabis entrepreneur I work with.
The cannabis industry deserves financial professionals who are just as dedicated, innovative, and fearless as the business owners themselves. That’s why I do what I do.
More from Verdan Starteriges and Rachel Wright here at Beard Bros Pharms below.
Verdant Strategies: Transition Management Part I- Initial Stage
Verdant Strategies: Transition Management Series: Part Three – Staffing for Success
Transition Management Series: Part Four – Post-Hiring Support and Ongoing Training
Rachel Wright, MST, CPA, is the CEO of VERDANT Strategies & 420 CPA, financial services firms with offices in Los Angeles, New York, and Nice, France. Rachel provides comprehensive accounting, tax, fractional CFO services, and consulting to cannabis companies globally, supporting them in launching, growing, and achieving financial sustainability through a holistic approach that ensures growth and scalability. With her CPA designation, a master’s degree in taxation, and a Graduate Degree in International Taxation, Rachel offers essential guidance on tax planning, entity formation, and regulatory compliance. She also has experience as an audit committee chairperson for a publicly traded cannabis company, demonstrating her deep industry expertise. Rachel’s collaborative approach builds lasting partnerships with her clients, helping them navigate complex financial challenges with confidence. As a thought leader, she shares her insights at prestigious events such as Benzinga and the Cannabis Summit and contributes to publications like Bloomberg Tax, MJBiz Daily and the LA Daily Journal. She also serves on an international committee with the International Cannabis Bar Association and the advisory board of the Cannabis Summit, advancing the global cannabis sector and ensuring the financial success of the businesses she serves.
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