Local Startup with Dealer.com DNA Becomes Branding Force in Burgeoning Cannabis Industry
Vermont Business Magazine While many cannabis startups chase West Coast venture capital, CannaPlanners has taken a decidedly Vermont approach by staying local, bootstrapping its growth, and leaning into the state's strong community of entrepreneurs. Today, the Burlington-based creative agency is helping over 250 cannabis brands stand out in one of the country’s most complex and competitive industries.
“We built CannaPlanners to give cannabis businesses the same level of branding and digital marketing support that any high-growth startup deserves,” said Will Read, Founder and CEO. “Vermont taught us to value integrity, creativity, and community, and that’s what we bring to our work.”
Founded by Will Read, a Burlington local and former touring musician, CannaPlanners got its start in 2016 by designing logos and websites for dispensaries in Vermont’s early medical cannabis market. Since then, the company has grown into a national leader in cannabis branding with a full-service team of 27 employees. The company operates out of its headquarters at 1 Lawson Lane in downtown Burlington.
With dedicated divisions for brand identity, web development, and cannabis-specific SEO, CannaPlanners now powers more than 400 cannabis websites across the country. Its success is a testament to Vermont’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, supported early on by investment from founding team members of Dealer.com and Widewail, two of the state’s best-known tech success stories.
As cannabis legalization spreads across the East Coast, the need for brands that feel trustworthy, compliant, and culturally relevant has never been greater. CannaPlanners has helped clients navigate strict marketing regulations while building authentic brands that resonate with modern consumers.
“A good brand makes people feel comfortable,” Read adds. “Our job is to help cannabis businesses show up with clarity, creativity, and confidence so they can earn trust and grow sustainably.”
Despite its national footprint, CannaPlanners continues to embrace its Vermont roots. “We’re proud to be part of Vermont’s next wave of startup innovation,” Read said. “This is a great place to build a company with values.”
To learn more about CannaPlanners, please visit CannaPlanners.com
About CannaPlanners
CannaPlanners is dedicated to helping cannabis brands and retailers expand their reach and connect with more customers. Its team of skilled web designers, developers, marketers, and creative professionals works collaboratively to build compelling brands that resonate through powerful storytelling, captivating imagery, and a robust digital presence. CannaPlanners is committed to empowering emerging brands to make a meaningful impact in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry. With a team of industry-leading experts, CannaPlanners focuses on delivering tailored, impactful solutions that drive success for your business. For more information, please visit cannaplanners.com.
About Will Read
As the Founder & CEO of CannaPlanners, Will Read brings a no-nonsense approach to disrupting the cannabis industry. His background is as dynamic as his leadership style, spanning music, tech, and entrepreneurship. After sharpening his skills in business development at Apple, Will launched CannaPlanners in 2016 to normalize cannabis through bold design and next-level digital marketing.
With a decade of experience in tech and branding, he’s tackled the industry’s toughest challenges—breaking down stigmas, boosting brand visibility, and helping cannabis businesses make noise in a crowded market. Under his leadership, CannaPlanners has become the go-to partner for cannabis brands ready to level up, offering services like branding, custom websites, SEO, and loyalty marketing. A creative strategist at heart, Will is all about growth—both for his clients and his team—while changing the way the world sees cannabis.
[Burlington, VT] — July 14, 2025 — CannaPlanners
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