WJ Cousins and Associates is a cannabis security consultant. We provide risk assessment, planning, operational procedures, management, training, and how to meet all state and local regulations and laws. We do this while helping a new business from “seed to sale” — solving the challenging issues one will face in developing a successful cannabis business.

Our Services

Security Plans

An important place to start any cannabis-related business is with security. This means writing the required security plan to ensure compliance with state and local regulations
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Risk Management

The relationship with our clients does not end with the submission of the security plan.
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Training

In today’s world, training your management and frontline employees is crucial to the overall success and safety of any workplace.
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LITIGATION-HERO-PREVIEW

Litigation Support

With more than three decades of experience in both the private and public security sector, WJ Cousins & Associates is uniquely qualified to assist attorneys in preparing for litigation cases.
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Why us?

WHEN IT COMES TO CANNABIS SECURITY ISSUES, THE EXPERIENCE THAT WJ COUSINS & ASSOCIATES HAS GAINED FROM HELPING OWNERS, INVESTORS, AND COMPANIES SINCE THE STATE OF MICHIGAN FIRST LEGALIZED MEDICAL MARIJUANA IN 2008 IS INVALUABLE.

TODAY OUR FIRM CONTINUES TO EXPAND ITS PRESENCE, HELPING CANNABIS BUSINESSES START-UP ACROSS MULTIPLE STATES, HAVING WRITTEN MORE THAN 100 CANNABIS INDUSTRY SECURITY PLANS.

IF YOU WANT TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE SECURITY AND RISK FACTORS IN THE “SEED TO SALE” MODEL, YOU HAVE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE.

Recent News

A.L.I.V.E.-NAIAS-Active Shooter Training

William Cousins Facilitates “A.L.I.V.E.” Training

Our president, William Cousins, facilitated "A.L.I.V.E." active shooter survival training for the North American International Auto Show (N.A.I.A.S.) security team. They are training for the upcoming 2022 Detroit Auto Show in September. This…
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WJCA - Bill Cousins - Intellenet Award - 24MAR22

William Cousins Receives Intellenet Award

Our president, William Cousins, was a topical session speaker at the Annual INTELLENET Conference, and presented the topic "Cannabis, Security and Beyond." He discussed basic security requirements for cannabis facilities and then discussed how…
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Lockton Companies-Header Pic

Lockton Companies Interviews Our CEO, William Cousins

One of the leading companies in insurance, Lockton Companies, interviewed our CEO, William Cousins about security measures for a cannabis facility. The following is a reproduction of that interview from Lockton's Cannabis Advisory Newsletter. ––––––––––- THIS…
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Oxford High School Shooting-WXYZ-William Cousins

William Cousins Interviewed About Oxford High School Shooting

Our founder, William J. Cousins, was interviewed about school security after the Oxford High School shooting (in Oxford, Michigan): OXFORD, MI - WXYZ Detroit - December 1, 2021 - Kim Russell Could the work of Secret Service agents teach…
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Partners

 

Testimonials

“WJ Cousins and Associates worked with my team to develop and write our security plan in the initial phases of our construction. They assisted us throughout the state inspection process and acted as a liaison with security technology integrators during installation. Bill and his team have shown valuable insight into what is needed for this business as it relates to all risk management issues. We continue our partnership with WJ Cousins and Associates and would highly recommend anyone entering into the marijuana industry to make them one of the first phone calls.” [ Craig F., President, Evolution Grow & Evolution Edibles, Battle Creek, MI ]

“I first began working with Bill and WJ Cousins and Associates over three years ago when Harbor Farmz was only a dream. His team was with us every step of the way from the time a location was chosen and working alongside the architects to supervising installation of cameras, intrusion alarms, and access control. Bill is my most trusted advisor in all matters relating to risk management and security.” [ Michael Ward, Chief Executive Officer, Harbor Farmz, Kalamazoo, MI ]

“I have worked with WJ Cousins and Associates on two of our municipal licensing projects, in Grand Rapids. For those unfamiliar with Grand Rapids, they rolled out one of the most comprehensive application processes in the State. So, it was invaluable to have the experience of WJ Cousins and Associates for our security consulting efforts. They were thorough, timely, and maintained open lines of communication. Bill was kind enough to travel across the State to attend our Planning Commission review and I’m happy to report the project was approved!” [ Casey Kornoelje, Owner/President, Pharmhouse Wellness, Grand Rapids, MI ]

“Since entering the legal cannabis application process myself and my team at Pure Coast Cannabis Company could not be happier for being introduced to Bill Cousins at WJ Cousins and Associates. Since our first meeting in early March of 2020, the help Bill has lent us with his past employment experience and knowledge of the rules and regulatory factors of the Michigan Regulatory Agency, we feel WJ Cousins and Associates was our best path for approval of a class C license. Bill provided a very thorough security plan to present and worked hand in hand with our security system installer to make extra sure we were compliant with the listed MRA rules. Thank you Bill for your service and Pure Coast will have an ongoing relationship for future consulting needs we may have. You made this part of the application very seamless.” [ Jason Morin, Co-founder/Operations, Pure Coast Cannabis Company, Fulton, MI ]

“We retained WJ Cousins and Associates to design and write a comprehensive security plan for our facility scheduled to open in Winter 2021. In addition, Bill accompanied us to several meetings with local government officials to facilitate the licensing process. Between the security plan and presence at meetings, WJ Cousins and Associates was the key factor in us obtaining not just one license, but three, allowing us to operate from seed to final product. “If you want your project done right, they are the firm to hire.” [ Martin Sema, President, Hayat Cannabis, Hazel Park, MI ]

“To say that the application process for a Michigan medical marihuana license is a bit overwhelming, may be an understatement, to say the least. But for me, a high school English teacher from Ohio, trying to go it alone it was all of that and more. But then in steps Bill Cousins of WJ Cousins and Associates! Bill not only helped me (a complete stranger at the time) draft a comprehensive security plan, procure a licensed insurance agent, and find a “pot-friendly” banking institution, he acted as a friend to ease my apprehension and give me the confidence to help me not only complete my application but to achieve my goal of obtaining a medical marihuana license. Mr. Cousins is a consummate professional who brings his experience in law enforcement and the security industry to the marihuana industry. I would encourage anyone entering this industry (or those already involved) to contact WJ Cousins and Associates to get some insight into how he can help you. Thanks, Bill.” [ James Watson, General Manager, JL Durk LLC, Avon Lake, OH ]