Toni Forge, Owner of 4Leaf Consulting – Interview Series

Regardless of the size or scope of a legal cannabis operation, the necessity to consult with someone with a legal background is ever present and even increases in importance as the American cannabis industry grows. One such legal professional who provides much-needed services and guidance in all subjects of cannabis law and compliance with those numerous laws is 4Leaf Consulting Owner Toni Forge. A graduate of the acclaimed University of California at San Francisco College of Law, Forge also serves as Vice President of the National Association of Black Cannabis Lawyers and is an adjunct professor at City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey College.

What initially inspired you to attend law school, and why did you choose the School of Law at UC-San Francisco? What fields of law did you focus your studies on in particular?

I always wanted to be an attorney. It was a lifelong goal. I wanted to go to law school in Northern California. I loved the Bay Area and was drawn to its counter-culture. UC San Francisco, formerly Hastings, had a great reputation. I didn’t have a particular focus with my legal studies. I didn’t know what branch of law I wanted to practice. I used law school to explore options.

After graduating from law school, what fields of law did you primarily work in, and what were your roles at those companies?

After law school, I decided on litigation. I defended large mass tort cases, personal injury cases and construction defect cases on behalf of insurance companies.

What were the most common types of litigation you provided counsel for at those companies, and what were the usual causes of litigation within those cases?

I was defense counsel for major companies. The majority of the cases were civil tort cases. The usual causes of action were personal injury, defective products, asbestos exposure, toxic tort and construction defect. I switched gears in 1997 and became a corporate lawyer specializing in regulatory compliance and contracts in the financial services industry. I later became a Managing Attorney where I supervised in house and outside counsel for major insurance companies.

What initially caught your professional interest in cannabis law, and what made you decide to open a consulting firm geared specifically towards this new and exciting industry?

A fellow attorney told me about cannabis legalization in California. I did not consume cannabis and had no understanding of the industry. However, I worked in Dot.com in its infancy. I knew about emerging markets and I saw cannabis as one. I decided to enter the field. I became more committed when I saw that the industry lacked diversity and inclusion. That’s the reason I remain in the field.

When did you create 4Leaf Consulting, and what were some defining moments that led to its creation?

I created 4LeafConsulting because no one could tell me simply how to start a business in cannabis. Compliance and litigation are comprised of a series of steps. When I asked folks in the industry how to start a business, no one could give me a simple answer. I said to myself, there has to be a better way. I went to numerous seminars and developed a checklist to guide people through the process of licensing.

What gaps or lacks of various services for cannabis businesses does 4Leaf not only address but also cover? What would you say are the most important services that 4Leaf offers its clients?

People want simple instructions communicated in plain English. Being a former litigator, I was trained to convey theories plainly and succinctly. I bring that same concept to 4LeafConsulting. People get overwhelmed with too much information. Our niche is we have worked in the trenches with all types of cannabis operators nationally. We know what it takes to have a successful business. We communicate in a way where people can confidently navigate the process. You can’t eat a whale in one bite. You certainly can’t do it in the cannabis industry. Additionally, I have a business degree and have worked with large corporations and start ups that are now household names. I bring all that business acumen to my cannabis clients. Cannabis folks have to learn how to be business people. I stress that in my business.

What have been some notable successes that 4Leaf and its clients have gotten to/accomplished?

We have gotten licenses for operators throughout California. We act as technical advisors for several municipalities in California, including LA. We have done extensive work in social equity and provide technical expertise and coaching to LA’s Department of Cannabis Regulation Social Equity Program. We also do pro bono work with the Minority Cannabis Business Association. We want to ensure there is diversity and inclusion in the cannabis space and that social equity operators have the necessary skills to be successful business people.

What are some regular concerns/widespread problems that your clients regularly still face when operating their cannabis businesses?

The three biggest issues are taxation, lack of funding/capital and business acumen. Lack of funding and capital are extremely problematic. Investors are not confident people can run a cannabis business. Cannabis businesses must operate as compliant businesses to turn this misconception around. Cannabis businesses must have budgets, financial forecasting, inventory management plans, defined work duties, all the necessary components of running a business. The days of “anyone can sale weed” are over. Investors want savvy business people with great business plans.

How did you become involved with the National Association of Black Cannabis Lawyers, and what are your regular duties as Vice President of the organization?

Natacha Andrews asked me to do a Lunch and Learn for her members. After the presentation, we started talking. She asked me to become Vice-President. As VP, I support the goals and initiatives of the organization. I meet with cannabis groups nationally that are aligned with our organization’s mission. We support these organizations as a way of giving back.

How would a federal rescheduling from Schedule I to III impact both your business and the greater cannabis industry?

Rescheduling would expand my client pool. I believe rescheduling will only be impactful if it allows for interstate commerce, the nullification of 280e and banking (access to capital) Without these three inroads, re-scheduling will be more paperwork, more inconsistencies and will further burden cannabis operators.

Thank you for joining us, Toni! For more information on 4Leaf Consulting and its services, please visit its website.