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    1. About High Life Accounting

    High Life Accounting is a national thought leader in cannabis accounting and taxation. Unlike general accounting firms, we focus exclusively on the cannabis industry. Our team understands the regulatory landscape, IRS enforcement priorities, and the realities of operating under IRC §280E. We help cannabis businesses reduce tax liability legally, stay compliant, and make informed financial decisions—without taking unnecessary risks.

    Cannabis businesses face challenges that traditional CPA firms are not equipped to handle. High Life Accounting specializes exclusively in cannabis accounting, tax, and advisory services. Our systems, processes, and strategies are built specifically for seed-to-sale operations, cash-heavy businesses, and heightened audit scrutiny.

    High Life Accounting began working with cannabis entrepreneurs in 2020. In addition, our affiliated service providers bring more than a decade of hands-on cannabis industry experience, representing thousands of hours supporting operators across cultivation, manufacturing, testing, distribution, and retail.

    Coaching can be indicative of increased employee engagement; 65% of employees from companies with strong coaching cultures rated themselves as highly engaged. Coaching also has an impact on financial performance, with 60% of respondents from organizations with strong coaching cultures reporting their 2013 revenue to be above average, compared to their peer group.

    Coaching can be indicative of increased employee engagement; 65% of employees from companies with strong coaching cultures rated themselves as highly engaged. Coaching also has an impact on financial performance, with 60% of respondents from organizations with strong coaching cultures reporting their 2013 revenue to be above average, compared to their peer group.

    2. Getting Started

    Starting a cannabis business requires careful planning, compliance readiness, and financial structure from day one. High Life Accounting supports new operators with entity structuring, accounting system setup, tax planning, compliance guidance, and ongoing financial oversight—helping you avoid costly mistakes early on.

    Yes. High Life Accounting serves cannabis businesses operating in all legal states, helping clients navigate state-specific regulations while maintaining federal tax compliance.

    We work with all cannabis business types, including:

    • Cultivators and growers
    • Manufacturers and processors
    • Testing laboratories
    • Distributors
    • Dispensaries and retailers
    • Delivery companies
    • Vertically integrated and multi-state operators

    Coaching can be indicative of increased employee engagement; 65% of employees from companies with strong coaching cultures rated themselves as highly engaged. Coaching also has an impact on financial performance, with 60% of respondents from organizations with strong coaching cultures reporting their 2013 revenue to be above average, compared to their peer group.

    Coaching can be indicative of increased employee engagement; 65% of employees from companies with strong coaching cultures rated themselves as highly engaged. Coaching also has an impact on financial performance, with 60% of respondents from organizations with strong coaching cultures reporting their 2013 revenue to be above average, compared to their peer group.

    3. Services & Capabilities

    We provide end-to-end financial support for cannabis businesses, including:

    • Accounting and bookkeeping
    • Payroll support
    • Cannabis tax planning and preparation
    • IRC §280E advisory
    • CFO and Controller services
    • Startup support
    • Audit and assurance support
    • Transaction advisory
    • Exit and M&A preparation

    Yes. Our CFO and Controller Services are designed for cannabis businesses that need executive-level financial leadership without the cost of full-time hires. We provide strategic guidance, forecasting, KPI tracking, and financial oversight tailored to your stage of growth.

    Coaching can be indicative of increased employee engagement; 65% of employees from companies with strong coaching cultures rated themselves as highly engaged. Coaching also has an impact on financial performance, with 60% of respondents from organizations with strong coaching cultures reporting their 2013 revenue to be above average, compared to their peer group.

    Coaching can be indicative of increased employee engagement; 65% of employees from companies with strong coaching cultures rated themselves as highly engaged. Coaching also has an impact on financial performance, with 60% of respondents from organizations with strong coaching cultures reporting their 2013 revenue to be above average, compared to their peer group.

    4. Tax & Compliance

    IRC §280E disallows standard business deductions for expenses related to trafficking Schedule I or II substances. For cannabis businesses, this often results in significantly higher tax liability. Without proper planning and documentation, businesses may pay tax on nearly double their actual income.

    Our team understands how to properly apply IRC §471, document costs, and structure operations to minimize tax exposure legally. We avoid aggressive strategies that do not hold up under IRS scrutiny, such as improper entity splitting or unsupported cost shifting. Our focus is audit-ready, defensible compliance.

    Yes. High Life Accounting helps clients prepare for audits by maintaining accurate records, defensible accounting practices, and compliant documentation. We also assist during audits by providing support and guidance aligned with IRS expectations.

    Coaching can be indicative of increased employee engagement; 65% of employees from companies with strong coaching cultures rated themselves as highly engaged. Coaching also has an impact on financial performance, with 60% of respondents from organizations with strong coaching cultures reporting their 2013 revenue to be above average, compared to their peer group.

    Coaching can be indicative of increased employee engagement; 65% of employees from companies with strong coaching cultures rated themselves as highly engaged. Coaching also has an impact on financial performance, with 60% of respondents from organizations with strong coaching cultures reporting their 2013 revenue to be above average, compared to their peer group.

    5. Growth, Strategy & Peace of Mind

    We help improve cash flow by optimizing accounting processes, improving visibility into financial performance, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing tax planning strategies that reduce unnecessary tax burdens—all while maintaining compliance.

    Absolutely. We believe financials should inform decisions, not just satisfy reporting requirements. Our team works closely with business owners to explain results, identify trends, and use data to guide strategy and growth.

    Clients often tell us they feel more confident, informed, and supported. With High Life Accounting on your executive team, you can focus on your products, brand, and growth—while we handle accounting, tax, and compliance complexity behind the scenes.

    Coaching can be indicative of increased employee engagement; 65% of employees from companies with strong coaching cultures rated themselves as highly engaged. Coaching also has an impact on financial performance, with 60% of respondents from organizations with strong coaching cultures reporting their 2013 revenue to be above average, compared to their peer group.

    Coaching can be indicative of increased employee engagement; 65% of employees from companies with strong coaching cultures rated themselves as highly engaged. Coaching also has an impact on financial performance, with 60% of respondents from organizations with strong coaching cultures reporting their 2013 revenue to be above average, compared to their peer group.

    6. Next Steps

    Getting started begins with a conversation. We’ll learn about your business, assess your needs, and recommend the right mix of services to support your goals.

    Contact us to see how High Life Accounting can support your cannabis business.

    Coaching can be indicative of increased employee engagement; 65% of employees from companies with strong coaching cultures rated themselves as highly engaged. Coaching also has an impact on financial performance, with 60% of respondents from organizations with strong coaching cultures reporting their 2013 revenue to be above average, compared to their peer group.

    Coaching can be indicative of increased employee engagement; 65% of employees from companies with strong coaching cultures rated themselves as highly engaged. Coaching also has an impact on financial performance, with 60% of respondents from organizations with strong coaching cultures reporting their 2013 revenue to be above average, compared to their peer group.

    You asked any questions about your company

    To deal with our busy world we often compartmentalize, obstructing access to our Best Selves. For Optimal Performance, you need to integrate and align every part of you, including Values, Dreams, and Abilities. In the midst of busyness it’s hard to pause and see where we’re not optimizing.

    Coaching can be indicative of increased employee engagement; 65% of employees from companies with strong coaching cultures rated themselves as highly engaged. Coaching also has an impact on financial performance, with 60% of respondents from organizations with strong coaching cultures reporting their 2013 revenue to be above average, compared to their peer group.

    Coaching can be indicative of increased employee engagement; 65% of employees from companies with strong coaching cultures rated themselves as highly engaged. Coaching also has an impact on financial performance, with 60% of respondents from organizations with strong coaching cultures reporting their 2013 revenue to be above average, compared to their peer group.

    Coaching can be indicative of increased employee engagement; 65% of employees from companies with strong coaching cultures rated themselves as highly engaged. Coaching also has an impact on financial performance, with 60% of respondents from organizations with strong coaching cultures reporting their 2013 revenue to be above average, compared to their peer group.

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