Cannabis Legal & Compliance Consulting Overview Core Services to Offer
- Licensing Support
Assist clients in applying for cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, or retail licenses. This includes preparing required documents, writing standard operating procedures (SOPs), ensuring zoning compliance, and guiding them through application timelines. - Regulatory Compliance Audits
Conduct operational audits to assess whether businesses are compliant with local and state laws. Identify gaps and help mitigate risk before inspections or penalties occur. - Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Development
Create detailed SOPs for every aspect of operations—security protocols, inventory tracking, transportation, waste disposal, employee training, and more. - Policy Monitoring and Updates
Track ongoing changes in cannabis legislation and provide clients with timely updates and interpretations. Many consultants offer monthly retainers for compliance oversight and proactive alerts. - Compliance Training Programs
Develop and deliver employee training on legal and operational best practices. In some jurisdictions, training is mandatory, making this a valuable recurring service. - Social Equity Program Guidance
Help social equity applicants understand eligibility requirements, complete documentation, and improve their chances of approval. These programs often include benefits like reduced fees or priority licensing. - Mergers, Acquisitions, and Legal Strategy
Assist businesses navigating acquisitions or investment deals by ensuring regulatory compliance and clean operational records before and after transactions.
- Legal or regulatory background (experience in healthcare, alcohol, pharma, or other regulated industries is a plus)
- Strong understanding of cannabis laws in target markets (local, state, and federal)
- Business registration and professional liability insurance
- Legal degree or partnership with an attorney (recommended, but not always required depending on services offered)
- Hourly Consulting: $100–$500 per hour depending on expertise and location
- Flat-Rate Packages: For example, $5,000 for end-to-end licensing support
- Monthly Retainers: $1,000–$5,000/month for continuous compliance support
- Workshops and Webinars: Offer paid educational events or in-house staff training
- Focus on a specific region (e.g., state or city regulations)
- Serve niche client types (first-time operators, equity applicants, small craft growers)
- Specialize in license types (e.g., delivery-only businesses or microbusinesses)
Cannabis laws change frequently. Building a subscription model with real-time updates, compliance checklists, and customizable SOP templates can establish a steady income stream and position you as a vital long-term partner to your clients.