Ray Owens is the Team Leader of Withum’s Cannabis Services tax practice, drawing on more than 15 years of accounting and advisory experience to help businesses navigate an evolving regulatory and tax environment.
Ray advises cannabis operators on tax strategy, entity structuring, inventory costing and financial reporting throughout the business lifecycle. Working with clients from startup through expansion, he helps establish strong operational and financial foundations that support compliance, scalability and long-term growth.
A significant focus of Ray’s advisory is tax controversy and IRS representation. He assists clients through all phases of examinations and dispute resolution, advocating on their behalf in matters involving audits, penalty relief, liens, levies and other collection issues. Combining technical expertise with practical business insight and advocacy, Ray helps clients manage risk, protect their businesses and achieve favorable outcomes.
Learn more about my professional experience and how I spend my time outside the firm.
Education:
Professional Affiliations:
Giving back is important to Ray, both personally and professionally. He volunteers annually with the Jaime A. Pinaire III Foundation, a scholarship organization established in memory of his childhood friend that supports students with financial need in pursuing their educational goals.
Within the profession, Ray is a recognized voice in tax, regularly contributing thought leadership on cannabis taxation, speaking at industry events and sharing insights through articles and podcasts that help businesses navigate a dynamic regulatory landscape.
A lifelong northern New Jersey resident, Ray is passionate about family, travel and his favorite sports teams, including the New York Jets, New York Yankees and New Jersey Devils. When he’s not working, you’ll often find him playing softball, making memories with his family in the Poconos or exploring new roads on his Harley-Davidson.
On July 2, 2026, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims decided Keysight Technologies, Inc. v. United States, No. 25-137, holding that the Treasury Department exceeded its statutory authority when it issued a regulation governing the global intangible low-taxed income (GILTI) regime. Days later, on July 10, the deadline passed for taxpayers to file protective refund…
New York is expanding access to agricultural tax incentives and related programs for licensed cannabis cultivators through recent legislative changes. As a result, qualifying growers may now be able to take advantage of benefits ranging from property tax relief and refundable investment tax credits to workforce, redevelopment and energy-efficiency incentives. Understanding how these programs work…
On April 22, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), through the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), issued a final order rescheduling certain marijuana-related products from Schedule I to Schedule III of the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA). While this action is limited in scope, it carries significant regulatory and federal tax implications, particularly for state-licensed…