David McManus

Entity structure considerations for MSOs
Multi-state operators may need to weave a complex web when it comes to corporate structure. Operators entering new jurisdictions must consider many factors, the most significant being tax exposure, licensing restrictions, and potential exit scenarios as they determine which entity structures will best support their expansion and goals. The goal of structuring is to create […]
Cannabis Watch: Visa cracks down on cashless ATMs
AAFCPAs would like to make cannabis clients aware of an emerging issue with the use of cashless ATMs. Visa Inc. issued a memo in December 2021 to customers, and reported in Marijuana Moment, warning that “miscoding point-of-sale transactions through the use of so-called cashless ATMs—a practice used by some cannabis retailers as a workaround to […]

Cannabis Business Owners: New states, new markets: financial modeling for MSOs
Becoming a multi-state operator (MSO) in the cannabis industry requires planning and adapting to regional nuances unlike almost any other business. Financial modeling is a crucial step to understanding what lies ahead, and operators have myriad state-specific factors to consider when projecting their balance sheet. With cannabis still illegal at the federal level, companies cannot […]

Cannabis Business Owners: Multi-State Tax Considerations for Multi-State Operators
Cannabis legalization continues to gain momentum across the country, with several new states having legalized marijuana in 2021. As of this post, the number of states in which recreational marijuana is legal is 18, and 16 other states allow for medical use only. Cannabis business owners and investors are hopeful this momentum has set the […]

Cannabis Business Owners: Are you ready for an exit?
Consolidation is a defining aspect of the cannabis industry in its current stage. Mergers and acquisitions are mounting at a breakneck pace: Viridian’s Deal Tracker counts 265 North American transactions YTD in 2021, compared to 71 in the same period last year. Nearly 200 of those deals involved U.S. companies. It is not just the […]
AAFCPAs Provides 280E Guidance at AICPA & CIMA Cannabis Conference
AAFCPAs’ Cannabis Practice Leaders David McManus, CPA, CGMA and Joshua England, LLM, Esq. will present Navigating the Challenges and Hurdles of 280E to cannabis industry experts, CPAs, Attorneys, Tax advisors, and peers experienced and inexperienced with the sector at the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) & Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Cannabis Industry Conference […]
Cannabis M&A: are you ready for an exit?
The cannabis market is young, fragmented, and growing fast. While the U.S. continues to hedge on federal guidelines and states slowly adopt standards for legalization, the mergers & acquisitions marketplace is incredibly active. Owners and investors with an eye on an exit should ensure they have the right infrastructure in place to present themselves as […]

Tax Planning Guides for Businesses & Individuals (2021-2022)
When considering your optimal tax planning & compliance strategy, business & individual tax payers must account for all current and impending tax code changes. This includes the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the 2019 Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) and subsequent stimulus initiatives, as […]
Marijuana Retail Tax Compliance
In today’s constantly evolving cannabis industry, cannabusinesses face numerous challenges that can impact their short- and long-term success. These include various state licensing regulations, the high-stakes tax burden created by IRC Section 280E, and the constant need to maintain a competitive edge. One of the most onerous challenges for operators is the need to stay […]