What Entity Type Is Best For A Cannabis Startup?

At our firm, we've helped numerous cannabis startups navigate the complexities of choosing the right business entity. Because every startup is unique and has different goals and needs, a one-size-fits-all approach just won't work. Below, I'll explore some of the key considerations we focus on when finding the optimal entity type and structure for a cannabis venture.

The problem with sole proprietorships

Laypeople often mistakenly think that a business owned by a single person and a sole proprietorship are the same thing. Sole proprietorships, however, are generally unincorporated businesses. Imagine John Smith opens a lemonade stand and calls it John Smith Lemonade. It won't be a separate legal entity unless he files a document with his state's secretary of state.