21 'Lessons Learned' From Cannabis CEOs
Leading a company isn’t easy in any industry. But when your business is cannabis, it’s a whole new world. Even for experienced leaders, this still-young industry comes with a learning curve—full of hurdles and yet-to-be-written rules. Lessons learned along the way help propel leaders and their businesses to success. Cannabis Business Times talked with four cannabis CEOs willing to share their top lessons learned so others in the industry can benefit.
CHRISTINA BETANCOURT JOHNSON, Founder and CEO of Standard Wellness Maryland
Lessons from …
CHRISTINA BETANCOURT JOHNSON, Founder and CEO of Standard Wellness Maryland
Standard Wellness Maryland is the first African American and Latina majority-owned, vertically integrated cannabis company in the United States, and first vertically integrated social equity licensee to launch in Maryland.
1. “Don’t let perfection stand in the way of progress. In the cannabis industry, where timing is everything, waiting for perfection can stall growth. Early on, I learned the value of getting shit done. Over time, I’ve learned that iteration and incremental upgrades often lead to something exceptional. It’s not about being flawless from day one; it’s about moving forward, learning, and refining as you go.”
WILL BOWDEN, Founder and CEO of Grasshopper Farms
Lessons from …
WILL BOWDEN, Founder and CEO of Grasshopper Farms
Will BowdenCourtesy Grasshopper FarmsGrasshopper Farms is a local-centric, grower-driven cannabis cultivator and manufacturer. Described by Bowden as a “decentralized MSO,” the company operates in Michigan, Colorado, and New Jersey.
2. “Embrace 2025 and build a strong foundation for business success. As we step into 2025, businesses are presented with an opportunity to fortify their operations by prioritizing sound, sustainable practices. This year invites companies to sharpen their internal processes and carefully evaluate the external partnerships they forge. With determination and a clear vision, 2025 can be a landmark year for businesses ready to seize the moment and create lasting value."
JASON VEDADI, CEO of Story Cannabis
Lessons from …
JASON VEDADI, CEO of Story Cannabis
Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Phoenix, Ariz., Story Cannabis Company LLC is a privately held multi-state operator. Story operates two cultivation facilities and 18 retail locations across Arizona, Maryland, and Ohio.
3. Crawl before you walk. “A lot of people come in early and they don't really have a true understanding of the complexities of operating in multiple markets. It's almost like operating two different business models, because we're not governed by one set of federal laws. If you're in 10 states or 15 states, you're governed by 10 or 15 different states.
JASON VEDADI, CEO of Story Cannabis
Lessons from …
GIBRAN WASHINGTON, CEO of Ethos Cannabis
Ethos Cannabis is a vertically integrated MSO headquartered in Philadelphia with operations in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Ohio.
4. “Don’t mistake passion for proficiency. Passion is important, but it’s the ability to execute that ultimately drives success.”
5. “No silver bullets. There are no quick fixes in this industry. Success comes down to consistently doing things the right way, especially when it comes to people, products, and processes.”