In this webinar, Qredible host Brian Fitzpatrick is joined by Mike Goral, Partner-in-Charge, National Cannabis and Hemp Practice at Armanino LLP and Colin Campbell, Leading M&A and Capital Advisor, to discuss the hottest topics discussed at the recent Benzinga Cannabis Conference. Our experts provide an in-depth analysis of the cannabis industry’s evolving landscape, covering everything from the potential impact of descheduling to the current challenges in capital sourcing and transaction structures. Whether you're a cannabis business owner or an investor, this episode equips you with critical insights and strategies to navigate the industry's complex regulatory and financial environment.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Benzinga Cannabis Conference Highlights

   • Introduction to Benzinga: A quick overview of Benzinga and its influence on the cannabis industry.
   • Conference Recap: A look at the Benzinga Conference's historical relevance and the major trends and takeaways from this year’s event.
   • Industry Insights: The must-know takeaways from the conference for cannabis professionals in today’s market.

2. The Descheduling Debate

   • Current Status: An update on the descheduling debate and what it could mean for the cannabis industry ahead of the upcoming election.
   • Preparing for Two Scenarios:
     • Scenario A - Descheduling Occurs: What steps cannabis professionals should take to prepare for a new, descheduled industry.
     • Scenario B - Descheduling Doesn’t Occur: Strategies for businesses to navigate continued regulation in a post-election landscape.

3. Transaction Structures in the Cannabis Industry

   • Capital-Raising Transactions: Common transaction structures and best practices for compliance with federal and state laws.
   • M&A Strategies: How cannabis businesses structure mergers and acquisitions amid regulatory complexities.
   • Risk Mitigation: Methods for managing risks unique to cannabis, particularly in vertically integrated vs. single-state operators.

4. Navigating Capital Sources and Costs

   • Current Capital Costs: An exploration of the cost of capital in the cannabis market and the impact of recent economic changes.
   • Inflation and Interest Rates: How these factors are shaping the ability of cannabis businesses to secure funding.
   • Financing Options: Alternative financing structures prevalent today, including private equity, venture capital, and debt financing.
   • Comparison to Other Regulated Industries: How capital costs in cannabis stack up against those in industries like pharmaceuticals or alcohol.

5. Insights from Recent High-Profile Restructurings (Optional)

   • Gold Flora and StateHouse: Key takeaways from the restructuring processes of notable cannabis companies, including lessons learned for industry players.

6. Final Thoughts

   • Key Takeaways: Summarizing the most actionable insights from the discussion.
   • Where to Learn More: Links to connect with Qredible for additional resources and compliance solutions.

Why You Should Listen: This webinar is essential for anyone involved in the cannabis industry, from business owners to investors. Gain a deeper understanding of the financial and regulatory landscape, and learn how to position your business for success in an evolving market.