Understand the area wherein you need help First, the cannabis growers must be prepared for the problem and with what element of their work they need help. For example, do you need help with health Canada legal grow license application, device design or pest management, or business strategy or operations in general? If you have specific problems, look for a consultant with experience in this particular area. However, if the owner of a growing company needs help for almost any or a variety of things, hiring a management company may be the best option, as these companies offer a more comprehensive service with a broader scope of knowledge. Know your budget limitations Also, think about how much you are ready and how you can pay for the help. Most consultants work with companies to find a low price. But to get there, the customer must clearly outline the budget constraints. Do your research Business consulting on cannabis is, of course, business. Experts warn that all consultants say they are the best, have the latest technology, and increase profits. Care is the key. "Trust but check." Look at online consultants beyond their websites. Are they in the industry; familiar with writing articles? Are thought leaders established? Ask and verify the references. Your goal is to get credibility, not marketing, so be careful. You may need the "Biggest and Best," but it cannot be someone who reads High Times articles and thinks he is an expert. But the task does not end there. The good relationships between consultant and customer are base on synergies and a shared vision. As an outdoor producer, it may be obvious that you are not synchronizing with greenhouse cultures with a knowledgeable advisor. Or it could be something more profound that includes scope, goals, standards, etc. Have a list of questions when talking to a cannabis consultants and make a note of everything you want to know about your business and problems. It is a new industry. There's a million and one thing that happens, and it's easy to get distracted.