Armanino partners Gary Garbowitz and Ryan Prindiville are helping to head up a newly established cannabis practice for the accounting firm.

Garbowitz, based at Armanino’s West L.A., and Prindiville in San Ramon, aim to handle the accounting firm’s growing roster of cannabis industry clients.

The accounting profession has been hesitant to engage with clients in the cannabis industry in the past because of the complex challenges of navigating conflicts between federal law and state regulations.

San Ramon-based Armanino is one of the few California-headquartered firms to provide accounting services to cannabis operators.

Garbowitz said Armanino recently unveiled the practice, which has roughly 15 dedicated accountants, but the firm has been providing tax and audit services for companies in the cannabis space since Jan. 1. Consulting services have been provided for a few years.

“At this point, we are jumping in with both feet,” Garbowitz said.

Armanino will provide services to a wide range of marijuana business, including cultivators and dispensaries.