About Us

As a boutique firm specializing in the
expansive cannabis industry, WJ Cousins & Associates is truly
unlike other security consulting firms.

Brass Tacks

At our core, WJ Cousins and Associates is an experienced risk management and advisory firm focused on the fast-moving cannabis industry, that continues to evolve and change. Our approach allows us to specialize in security-related solutions for our cannabis clients, designing customized programs, technology, policies, and procedures to help businesses manage potential exposure and deal with the risk challenges within the industry.

Through years of experience, we possess a deep understanding of the cannabis business, from “seed to sale,” and know all about what may be “keeping you up at night.” This knowledge allows us to provide our clients with immediate help and support.

Where we come from

The initial foray into the cannabis industry for WJ Cousins and Associates began in Michigan, and now we have expanded into multiple states. We are a leader in risk management, advising all sizes and shapes of cannabis businesses. In Michigan, we also served as the security advisor to the original State of Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Medical Marihuana, and numerous local communities.

As a trusted advisor, we have assisted cannabis entrepreneurs to grow their enterprise from the application phase to completion, and beyond. We are routinely retained by our clients to act in a security advisory capacity.

Thanks to more than 30 years of law enforcement and security industry experience at local and federal levels, WJ Cousins and Associates can quickly leverage resources nationwide. This network of attorneys, business consultants, human resource professionals, technology integrators, and vendors throughout the country allows us to connect clients with whatever help they need.

How we work

Applying the same principles and concepts used by the United States Secret Service, WJ Cousins and Associates secures a client’s business environment and designs a security program to enhance overall business operations, all while ensuring it is compliant with government-mandated rules and regulations.

Ultimately, our firm’s central objective is to offer the most knowledgeable risk management practices in the industry.

One way we maintain the highest standards is through our affiliations with organizations such as the American Society for Industrial Security, Michigan Cannabis Industry Association, and the National Cannabis Industry Association.

Other Affiliations

Association of Certified Commercial Cannabis Experts

Association of Former United States Secret Service Agents

Detroit Crime Commission

International Association of Chiefs of Police

Michigan Council of Private Investigators

National Cannabis Risk Management

Oakland County Sheriff’s Advisory Council

PARTNERS

Aronoff Law

The Law Offices of Craig A. Aronoff, PLLC have been representing individuals and businesses with licensing, compliance, real estate and business formation under the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act, the Medical Marijuana Facilities Licensing Act and the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act since 2017.

Attorney Craig Aronoff and his team specialize in Cannabis Licensing, Compliance, Advocacy, and Real Estate and they have established themselves as one of the preeminent law offices in the field of cannabis and related law.

Detection Systems and Engineering

For more than 50 years, Detection Systems and Engineering (DSE) has been providing integrated security solutions to commercial, industrial, financial, healthcare, municipal, correctional and higher education clients across the Midwest. Their Management Team has over 100 years of electronic security industry experience, DSE employees have an average of 10+ years in the industry and their solutions are designed, installed, and serviced 100% by the company.

Through industry experience, DSE has relationships with security systems integrators across North America to support multi-site clients giving them a decided advantage in the knowledge of design, installation and service.

Dinsmore Law

Dinsmore is a national law firm that provides companies with a multifaceted menu of legal that includes, but is not limited to, mergers and acquisitions emerging technologies, intellectual property, product liability, labor and employment and the newly developing cannabis industry.

As you know, the cannabis industry is regulated by both the state and local municipalities and those regulations include Human Resources/Labor related issues. What you may not know is that Dinsmore offers the knowledge and experience to guide clients through the maze of regulations.

NAIAS Security Services

Security is about protection, safety, and relationships. NAIAS Security Services knows that each client’s needs are different and offers a customized solution to accommodate them including 24-hour armed, onsite security, background checks, and specialized dog teams.

NAIAS Security Services has over 150 active employees providing service throughout the State of Michigan and is an active member of the Better Business Bureau. Major clients have included the North American International Auto Show, Motor City Comic Con, Thanksgiving Day Parade and Suburban Collection Showplace.

Sonitrol

The technology at Sonitrol sets them apart from other competitors. They provide businesses with a single source, state-of-the-art integrated security solution for intrusion, video, access, and fire backed with professional monitoring by experienced, trained personnel. Their ability to verify an alarm event in real-time gives unrivaled credibility with local law enforcement especially as municipalities pass Verified Response regulations requiring verification that an intrusion is in progress before dispatching police patrol to the site. In fact, Sonitrol has the best apprehension rate in the industry and the fewest dispatches for false alarms.

Sonitrol offers a full line of security products backed by their unique audio/video verification technology and their customization of integrated security technology components allowing easy expansion as business needs grow. What’s more, Sonitrol offers the best performance, satisfaction, and service guarantees in the industry. Bottom line? They prevent loss time after time.

Teamployer

Teamployer is on a mission to deliver a best-in-class customer experience with integrated HR and payroll services to the cannabis industry.

Gone are the days when payroll providers interrupt services, processes are fragmented, and admin errors roam free. We believe in a service and system that supports cannabis businesses, and give you the confidence to empower your team and scale your success.

UHY LLP

The legalization of medical and recreational cannabis presents a wealth of opportunities in an emerging market, but the taxation of businesses in this industry is much different than a traditional business.

The cannabis industry will be heavily regulated and largely unsettled as the federal and state governments work to implement policies and procedures. This will require careful examination of accounting practices, certifications, licenses, and federal, state and local tax information.

At UHY, we have a dedicated team of accounting professionals with the expertise that can help you navigate through this ever-changing landscape. We are often called upon to review entity structures that will enable companies to grow and discuss some unintended consequences surrounding 280E for those not properly setup. We provide reviewed financial statements, and financial and operational due diligence.

Thinking about entering the space? This is a conversation we have often with entrepreneurs. Our cannabis team will guide you every step of the way from startup capital requirements, entity structuring, to state licensing requirements and compliance. UHY is the provider of choice in the cannabis space.

AFFILIATIONS

ACCCE

Responding to a Complex Regulatory Environment
The legal history and public perception of cannabis have resulted in the current complex regulatory environment. The risks associated with the commercial cannabis industry are broad, diverse, and complicated. Many of the concepts of risk management are practiced universally across industries but have yet to be adapted to commercial cannabis. The absence of standardized risk management in this industry and the growing need to have qualified and knowledgeable risk experts launched the creation of the Association of Certified Commercial Cannabis Experts (ACCCE).

Connecting a Global Community
Established in 2019, ACCCE is dedicated to advancing the professional knowledge and skills of those committed to commercial cannabis risk management. It is the leading international professional association that connects a global community of like-minded professionals to share ideas, strategies and establish industry-leading risk-management techniques.

Supporting Professional Development
Risk management and commercial cannabis experts created the Commercial Cannabis Handbook to develop a common understanding of risk management in the commercial cannabis industry. Standards of risk management were identified and contributions from a variety of industry professionals led to the development of the holistic Cannabis Risk Management Framework (CRMF).

ACCCE supports the professional development of commercial cannabis personnel across sectors by providing high-quality, industry-relevant education and tools for our members.

ACCCE “Certified Commercial Cannabis Expert” (CCCE)
The CCCE is for professionals with compliance, risk management, or commercial cannabis experience. Becoming a CCCE demonstrates your ability to identify and manage the highest priority risks affecting your business to successfully meet your business objectives. As a CCCE, you have the knowledge of a risk-based approach needed to adapt to this new and emerging highly regulated industry.

The Cannabis Risk Management Alliance Membership provides guidance and resources for businesses pursuing cannabis risk management. To increase valuation, recognition, and company image, these businesses implement risk management best practices.

These members demonstrate a commitment to a strong risk culture by:

• Implementing a risk program in accordance with ACCCE’s roadmap
• Showcasing achievements for lowering their risk profile
• Recognizing certified cannabis risk management professionals on their team

ACCCE “Thought Leader Alliance Member”
The Thought Leader Alliance Membership provides public exposure for businesses actively pursuing cannabis risk management. This alliance membership provides access to a group of thought leaders that will assist in the development of best practices, resources, and governance techniques.

Thought Leader Alliance Membership is a commitment to working with the larger professional community to:

• Publicly promote thought leadership and increase brand awareness by demonstrating risk management expertise on the specific types of problems you manage best
• Showcase how your risk solution is a best fit for the cannabis industry
• Give potential customers access to trusted risk management information so your material can be easily validated

Our CEO, William Cousins, has earned the “Certified Commercial Cannabis Expert” certification (on January 24, 2022) by successfully completing the prescribed requirements of ACCCE and its education advisory board, and was also awarded membership in the “Thought Leader” program. [ Click here to download the CCCE certificate. ]

TESTIMONIALS

“WJ Cousins & 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 & 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 ]

Evolution GrowCraig F., President

“Harbor Farmz – Testimonial I first began working with Bill and WJ Cousins & 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 ]

Harbor Farmz Michael Ward, Chief Executive Officer

“I have worked with WJ Cousins & 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 & 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 ]

Pharmhouse Wellness Casey Kornoelje, Owner/President

“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 & 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 & 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 ]

Pure Coast CannabisJason Morin, Co-founder/Operations

“We retained WJ Cousins & 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 & 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 ]

HayatMartin Sema, President

“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 ]

JL DurkJames Watson, General Manager

William J. Cousins is an independent security consultant with 30-plus years of experience in federal law enforcement and private industry security. He is considered a leading authority in “seed to sale security” for marijuana facilities, having authored over 100 cannabis security plans in multiple states.

A 22-year veteran of the United States Secret Service, Bill completed his career as an Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office, gaining invaluable experience in security operations, protection, investigations, and training.

While in the Secret Service, he conducted countless security advances, and established security measures for five Presidents and Vice-Presidents, visiting Heads of State, as well as Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates. Bill’s assignments included the Vice-Presidential Protective Division, Training Division, Secret Service Headquarters, and the Detroit Field Office.

In 2004, while in the Detroit Field Office, he supervised the movement of approximately $4 billion in U.S. currency when the Detroit Branch of the Federal Reserve relocated to its new facility. Bill was also assigned as the Secret Service security advisor for both the 2005 Major League Baseball All-Star Game and the 2006 National Football League Super Bowl Game.

In his capacity as Director of Global Security for two major manufacturing companies, Bill led a team of security personnel responsible for conducting vulnerability, risk, security, and threat assessments. He was also responsible for executive protection, investigations, physical security, as well as security for corporate ex-pats and families internationally.

As founder and CEO of WJ Cousins and Associates, Bill has rapidly become an industry leader in the area of security consulting and advisory services, specializing in the cannabis sector. He has served as an advisor in security matters for the State of Michigan’s Bureau of Medical Marihuana Regulations of the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs division.

A highly sought-after speaker, Bill has presented internationally on the subject of security and more recently, marijuana business security. He has been credited with developing and enhancing corporate global intelligence and command centers, establishing kidnapping and ransom policies and procedures, workplace violence programs, travel security, as well as establishing intellectual property awareness and anti-theft programs.

Bill is a Commissioner on the Detroit Crime Commission. He is an active member of the American Society for Industrial Security, Association of Former United States Secret Service Agents, Oakland County Sheriff Advisory Council, the Michigan Council of Professional Investigators, Michigan Cannabis Industry Association, and the National Cannabis Risk Management Association.

Bill earned a B.S. degree in Criminal Justice from Madonna University and M.S. in Leadership from the Johns Hopkins University-Police Executive Leadership Program. He has been awarded the Certified Protection Professional (CPP) designation through the American Society for Industrial Security. He is an adjunct professor in the Criminal Justice program at Oakland University.

About Us

As a boutique firm specializing in the
expansive cannabis industry, WJ Cousins & Associates is truly
unlike other security consulting firms.

Brass Tacks

Where we come from

How we work

Other Affiliations