Cannabis Conference (E1907140)

7:45-8 a.m.
Opening Remarks

8-9:15 a.m.
Keynote: A Green Garden State? The Status of Cannabis in New Jersey
William J. Caruso, J.D. — Archer & Greiner PC
States across the country are moving rapidly to legalize cannabis for medicinal and recreational use. New Jersey politicians seem to be pushing towards legislation, but what is holding them back? Attend an update catered specifically to New Jersey, and learn what factors are holding back local officials from moving forward on the path towards legalization.

9:15-9:35 a.m.
Morning Break

9:35-10:50 a.m.
Advanced Accounting Issues
Benjamin Aspir, CPA — EisnerAmper LLP
Mitzi S. Hollenbeck, CPA, CFE — Citrin Cooperman & Company LLP
Nicholas R. Odille, CPA, MBA — HBK CPAs & Consultants
Moderated by Stacey D. Udell, CPA/ABV/CFF, CVA — HBK CPAs & Consultants
The accounting industry faces a particularly unique challenge when it comes to clients who are involved in the cannabis industry. Audit concerns, local tax issues, and recommendations for cannabis industry clients will be addressed in a manner that will help CPAs navigate the ambiguous topic of cannabis in the accounting industry.

10:55-11:45 a.m.
Banking, Insurance and Finance Issues
Anthony Bartell, J.D. — McCarter & English Attorneys at Law
Joshua S. Bauchner, J.D. — Answell Grimm & Aaron PC
Kevin J. Hart — Green Check Verified
Moderated by Melissa A. Dardani, CPA — EisnerAmper LLP
Spending on cannabis is projected to reach $50 billion by 2027. The cannabis industry will require operational necessities like banking, insurance, and legal advice. Hear from individuals currently addressing these issues, and more.

11:50 a.m.-12:40 p.m.
Lunch

12:45-2 p.m.
Keynote: Entity Planning for the Cannabis Industry
Nick J. Richards, Esq. — Dill Dill Carr Stonbraker & Hutchings PC
Navigating a general IRS Business Tax Audit is a feat. Now, imagine what cannabis clients must do to pass an audit! Learn the complexities of this budding industry, such as:

• Entity planning after alternative health care — the stakes just went up
• Surviving the IRS tax debt in the cannabis industry
• The Harborside decision — is the 280E burden growing?

2:05-3:20 p.m.
Social Justice Panel
Lisa Gora, J.D. — Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer
Joshua S. Bauchner, J.D. — Answell Grimm & Aaron PC
Rani Soto — The New Jersey Cannabis Industry Association
Moderated by Dara A. Servis — New Jersey Cannabis Industry Association
As the path towards legalized adult use cannabis nears, society must consider and address the issues of those affected by previous legal climates. Speakers will address topics such as expungement, contradictory employment law, and more.

3:20-3:40 p.m.
Afternoon Break

3:40-4:30 p.m.
Technology: How Blockchain can be Utilized in the Cannabis Industry
Karolis Matulis, CPA, CVA — WilkinGuttenplan
Scott Benson — DigitalX
Steven Schain, Esq. — Hoban Law Group
Moderated by Dr. Sean D. Stein Smith, CPA, CFE, CGMA, CMA — Lehman College
The cannabis industry and blockchain are considered to be giant disruptors in the current business climate. Can they benefit each other? Join us for speculation on:

• How blockchain reduce cash reliance and paper forms for inventory and banking
• Can blockchain assist with tax collection and regulation of the cannabis industry?
• How blockchain can assist with quality control issues in the cannabis industry
• What types of blockchains may be the best fit for an organization in the cannabis industry
• How does cryptocurrency factor into the cannabis market and industry?