Putting Down Roots in Canton: Meet the Woman Behind The Forest

The Forest Baltimore is celebrating one year in Canton, and we’re marking the milestone by getting to know the woman behind the business. Owner Christina Betancourt Johnson, founder and CEO of Standard Wellness Maryland, leads the first African American and Latina majority-owned, vertically integrated cannabis company in the country and is Maryland’s first vertically integrated social equity licensee. We sat down with Christina to reflect on her first year in Canton, why she chose our neighborhood, and what it has been like connecting with the community.

Please share a little about yourself and how you got into the cannabis industry.
I came into the cannabis industry the way many good pivots start: accidentally and at a slightly inconvenient moment.

The first — and only — job I was ever fired from was as COO for my then-fiancé. His solution was to introduce me to a few cannabis executives so I could “explore some ideas” and, ideally, explore them far away from his business. I took one meeting, then another, then started going state to state — and I was hooked.

What I saw was a young but booming industry with real staying power, real complexity, and real opportunity to do things better. At the time, cannabis was (and in many ways still is) over-taxed, over-regulated, and misunderstood — which felt oddly familiar. I came from the nonprofit world, where you’re expected to make a dollar out of fifteen cents, and from real estate development, where patience and grit are non-negotiable. That background prepared me perfectly for an industry that pays 70–80% of every dollar earned in federal taxes and still has to smile about it.

I’m also a single mom, which means I don’t have a lot of patience for nonsense — but I do have a lot of patience for hard work. Cannabis gave me a chance to build something meaningful, sustainable, and human. I chose to pivot, and I haven’t looked back.

Tell us about your business and the mission behind The Forest
The Forest is part of Standard Wellness Maryland, and it’s very much an extension of who we are as a company. Our vision is a world where cannabis is respected as a safe, natural, and enjoyable part of healthy living. Our mission is simple but ambitious: we believe true health is strength, not stigma, and we exist to help people build a positive, empowered relationship with cannabis — one that fits into a full, vibrant life.

That shows up in how we grow, how we educate, and how we serve. We believe in showing up as our truest selves, leading by serving others, and empowering the communities we’re part of. The Forest isn’t just a dispensary — it’s a place where people feel comfortable asking questions, learning something new, and being treated like a human being instead of a transaction.

Why did you choose Canton and how was your first year here?
Why Canton? Honestly — hello. We love our neighbors, and we love the neighborhood.

Canton felt like the right blend of energy, openness, and community. It’s young, fast-moving, welcoming, and still very Baltimore — which we appreciate. Our first year here has been incredible, not just in terms of revenue growth, but in the growth of our community. More people are finding us, coming back, and telling their friends — and that matters far more than square footage or finishes.

We’ve had amazing partnerships with local businesses like Mission BBQ, Kneads Bakery, nearby bars, Merritt Club next door, and even Bark Social. I mean hell, my dog Hank even loves it here — he comes in every Tuesday to greet customers and takes his role very seriously. We’ve found friends in all kinds of places and Canton has welcomed us with open arms…we’re really proud to be here.

What are some of your most popular products?
Our cannabis drinks are hands-down crowd favorites — they’re social, fun, and don’t come with the next-day regrets that sometimes follow alcohol. People love the relaxation without the downside. Beyond that, we carry more than 750 products, so there’s truly something for everyone: premium flower (because flower is still queen), fast-acting edibles, gummies, discreet vape pens, solventless concentrates, and beautifully crafted live resin products.

I’d also be remiss not to mention Glow, our newest brand — designed for chic, discreet consumption with intention and style. It’s been exciting to see customers connect with the Glow gummies and vapes so quickly. You’ve gotta try them!

When you’re not being a mega-boss, how do you like to spend your free time?
Uhhh…I’m pretty sure I’m no mega-boss😊 but I spend most of my free time doing what many working parents do: going to sporting events for my teen, squeezing in workouts each morning, and trying to remember that rest is also productive.

I love being outside, especially by water. Love laughing with good friends or even strangers...just love laughing… and occasionally, I love doing absolutely nothing — which I’m still learning not to feel guilty about. I also enjoy a good meal over a great conversation. Always up for that – and especially with new folks!

What do you enjoy most about working in Canton and with the CCA?
The people. The Canton Community Association is driven by engaged, thoughtful volunteers who genuinely care about the neighborhood. That energy reflects the broader community — people show up, they participate, and they’re welcoming. There’s a real sense of pride here without pretense. Canton feels like a place where transplants and lifelong Baltimoreans meet in the middle — and everyone just really loves this city. We feel lucky to be part of that.

What else would you like the community to know?
We just celebrated our one-year anniversary, but the celebration is still going. Please stop by, say hello, and keep the party going with us. We’d also love for folks to follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theforestmd — that’s where we share daily deals, events, and what’s happening in the store. And beyond that, we want the community to know that we’re approachable. If you’re curious about cannabis, confused by it, or just want to learn more in a comfortable setting, we’re always happy to talk. I mean, I’d literally be willing to do cocktail parties, birthday parties, or just fly byes with folks in the store. And my team would be too! No question is too big or too small — and we’re here to be good neighbors first, always.

The Forest Baltimore is located at 3301 Boston Street, Ste 100. Open 7 days a week: Monday - Thursday 10 am- 9 pm, Friday & Saturday 9 am-9 pm, Sunday 10 am-6 pm. Website | Facebook | Instagram