Top 5 cannabis consulting companies in California
By Sean Cook and Ben Stoodley
After last years midterm elections, 10 states have officially legalized recreational marijuana, while medical marijuana is now legal in 33 states. That is a significant increase in the marijuana market from just 10 years ago. States like New Jersey, Illinois and Rhode Island are getting closer and closer to joining that recreational list. In a study conducted by ArcView Market Research and BDS analytics the legal cannabis market is expected to hit $57 Billion by 2027.
We are on the forefront of a new industry that is primed to take over on a global scale. This new wave has investors and cannabis enthusiasts alike wondering how they can jump in and cash out on the green rush.
The green rush is going to create thousands of new careers and and businesses. If you are excited to jump into the latest craze, we have highlighted the top 5 cannabis consulting companies in California that can help get you started on your cannabis journey.
Why hiring a cannabis consulting company
I know your first question, “Why should I use a consulting company?” There are countless examples of why it is vital to use a cannabis consulting service.
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Learn from people that have been there: If you are new to the industry it is wise to get the opinion of people who have experience running a profitable cannabis business. The key word is profitable. You want to learn from people that have a proven track record of success in the cannabis industry.
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Cut the learning curve in half: When it comes to getting ahead in any field it is key to find a mentor or someone that can aid in your development. The guidance they provide can cut the learning curve in half because you don’t have to experience the same mistakes through trial and error. You take take the advice of someone who has been there and run with it. You don’t know what you don’t know. It helps to have someone who does know what you are going through.
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Access to networks of information: Another key benefit to using a cannabis consulting service is the instant access you will have to networks of information. The cannabis industry has many facets of operation from real estate to security. Working with a consultant can help you figure out your specific need and connect you to the right people.
Top 5 cannabis consulting companies in California
So without further delay, here are our top 5 cannabis consulting companies in California
1. CannaAdvisors
CannaAdvisors was founded in Colorado and works in all legal states. CannaAdvisors offers a variety of services at any spectrum of the business. They provide services such as licensing and application support, Industrial design for retail and cultivation operations, professional services, and operational readiness and compliance. CannaAdvisors was named the #1 cannabis consulting firm by Cannabis Business Executive in 2017 and were in the top 10 in 2018.
2. Cannabis Advising Partners
Canna Advising Partners is based in Long Beach, CA. Canna Advising Partners specializes in licensing and permit services, location Services, Local and City Permitting, Application preparation; local and state, facility schematics, operational plans, security plans, business plans, and section 280E strategic Tax planning,
3. World Wide Weed Inc.
World Wide Weed Inc. is based in San Diego, CA. World Wide Weed Inc. ® specializes in a variety of services from cannabis trademarking and intellectual property to cannabis dispensary and delivery logistics. WorldWideWeed also helps with your business plan and operational readiness with compliance. WorldWideWeed can also help with facility planning with their network contacts in real estate and lending.
4. BeGreen Legal
BeGreenLegal works with cultivators, distributors, transporters, dispensaries, manufactures, testers, and investors. BeGreenLegal specializes in cannabis business strategy, environmental permits, state licenses, operational plans, interior and exterior schematic site plans.
5. 3C consulting
3C consulting specializes in agriculture & cultivation operations, product manufacturing and extraction, investment, medical and recreational dispensaries, testing labs, ancillary business, wholesale distribution, inspection readiness, evaluating the viability of cannabis startup solutions and products, and site selection. 3C was voted in the top 10 for Cannabis Consultants by CBE for 2018
How to choose the right marijuana consulting company
Here are a few tips
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What is your project need? Some consultant companies offer a variety of services, but you might not need a variety of services. It is important to weigh the companies by which need you have and what business you are looking to start.
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Free Consultation: Most of the companies mentioned above off a free consultation. That is important because you can talk to them about your potential needs and you can make and evaluation if they are the right fit for you. Make sure you have some good questions handy that you want answered to take advantage of the free consultation time.
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Look for testimonials: Happy customers is a good sign that you have picked the right company. Check the website for testimonials or search their web presence for customer feedback. Look for consistency and common themes.
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Get a few opinions: Don’t get caught up in the allure of the first meeting. Make sure you exercise prudence by talking to everyone that is out there. The last thing you want to do is pick a consultant and realize that there was a better option after you have already started the planning and a contract is in place.
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Consultants are not attorneys- Attorneys are 100% needed regardless. Consultants will simply help you get where you want to be faster and for less money. The money it costs to hire a consultant is more than made up for by the money saved in eliminating future obstacles. One thing almost all business owners will agree on, is that making less mistakes in the beginning would’ve been the best investment they could’ve made.
About the Authors
Sean Cook was born and raised on the East Coast in Vienna Virginia. Sean Graduated from Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia with a Bachelors of Arts and Sciences in Communications. Sean then worked for the Department of Defense as a Strategic Communication Specialist where he contributed to the Agency’s internal newsletter. Sean also worked as a Program Specialist where his focus was contract management and execution. Sean also holds a Master's of Science in Organizational Development and Knowledge Management from George Mason University. Before transitioning to the Cannabis Industry in 2016, Sean worked in both the private sector and nonprofit sector where he specialized in developing organizational processes and executing change initiatives. Sean has spent the last 3 years as the an owner/operator of WorldWideWeed Medical Delivery in San Diego where he was in charge of general business oversight.
Ben Stoodley was raised born and raised on a small island off the coast of Maine. He attended Old Dominion University where he received his BS in Civil Engineering, Certificate in Coastal Engineering and studied his Master’s in Structural Engineering. Entrepreneurship became his focus when moving to California in 2011, where he started and later invested in numerous businesses, World Wide Weed® being one of the largest. Using his other businesses to gain professional leverage in the industry, World Wide Weed® is well positioned for global success in 2019.
Check the company official website here. You can reach out to Sean and Ben through their company email: info@worldwideweedinc.com. You can also follow them on Instagram.
