Standard Wellness Maryland will open a location in Baltimore on Jan. 18, 2025. The African American and Latina majority-owned, vertically integrated cannabis company makes history as one of the first companies of its kind, according to a press release.
The store called The Forest will be located at 3301 Boston Street, in Baltimore’s Canton neighborhood.
“We are incredibly honored to break new ground in Maryland’s retail cannabis landscape,” Christina Betancourt Johnson, founder and chief executive officer of Standard Wellness Maryland and The Forest, said.
Delegate C.T. Wilson, Chairman of the Economic Matters Committee and co-sponsor of House Bill 556, which established adult-use in the state and created Maryland’s historic Office of Social Equity, added that the opening symbolizes Maryland’s commitment to creating opportunity in the cannabis industry.
“This moment is not just about one business—it’s a step toward leveling the playing field and fostering inclusive growth across our economy. When businesses like these thrive, so does the broader community,” he said.
The grand opening featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, food trucks, entertainment, guest speakers, meet-and-greets and swag bags for the first 100 attendees.
The Forest dispensary will offer a holistic wellness experience with access to high-quality cannabis products.
“Our mission is to offer more than exceptional cannabis products—we strive to be a force for meaningful change, grounded in servant leadership,” Betancourt Johnson said.
“At Standard Wellness Maryland, we are committed to inspiring and uplifting the community we serve, creating opportunities, and fostering an environment where authenticity, equity, and care come first.”
