Christina Betancourt Johnson is making waves in the cannabis industry as the first African American and Latina founder to own a vertically integrated cannabis company in the United States.
A vertically integrated company is a business that controls multiple stages of its supply chain, rather than relying on third parties for key aspects of production and distribution. This means the company handles everything from cultivation and manufacturing to distribution and retail sales under one umbrella.
As the CEO of Standard Wellness Maryland, Johnson is breaking barriers and reshaping the landscape of cannabis entrepreneurship.
A Trailblazer in Cannabis
A Washington, D.C. native with 15 years of executive experience, Johnson founded Standard Wellness Maryland in 2019, with a focus on premium cannabis products for both **medical patients and recreational consumers.
The company offers a diverse range of products, including flowers, tinctures, vapes, concentrates, and topicals.
Her impact extends beyond business—Standard Wellness Maryland was recognized by Maryland’s Social Equity Office as the first vertically integrated cannabis company in the country majority-owned by a Black and Latina entrepreneur.
With licenses to cultivate cannabis in Utah, Ohio, and Missouri, Johnson has expanded her reach, opening The Forest, a state-of-the-art facility in Baltimore’s Canton neighborhood, earlier this year.
Driving Equity and Social Change
Johnson’s commitment to equity and inclusion in the cannabis sector is deeply personal.
She first launched Rooted Therapeutics as a social equity-driven company, and her work continues to focus on ensuring underrepresented communities have a place in the industry.
“For me, cannabis is more than an industry — it’s a platform for change,” Johnson shared on LinkedIn. “At The Forest by Standard Wellness Maryland, we are committed to building a more inclusive and sustainable future, where communities impacted by the War on Drugs have a real stake in this industry.”
She also works with organizations like the U.S. Cannabis Council and the National Hispanic Cannabis Council, advocating for policies that prioritize social equity beyond rhetoric.
Industry Leaders Support Her Mission
Her leadership has gained recognition from policymakers, including C.T. Wilson, chairman of the Economic Matters Committee and co-sponsor of Maryland’s House Bill 556, which legalized adult-use cannabis in the state.
“This moment is not just about one business — it’s a step toward leveling the playing field and fostering inclusive growth across our economy,” Wilson said. “When businesses like these thrive, so does the broader community.”
Shaping the Future of Cannabis
With her pioneering vision, Johnson is proving that representation matters in the cannabis industry.
By prioritizing social equity, business sustainability, and community impact, she is setting the stage for a more diverse and inclusive future in cannabis entrepreneurship.
