Chris Johnson, CEO & Founder of Cannalean – Interview Series

For a decade now since he founded the brand, Cannalean CEO and Founder Chris Johnson has won numerous awards for his infused elixirs, over two dozen from various award events. With an educational background in organic chemistry and a passion for cannabis, it's no surprise that Johnson's business has become as recognizable as it has. As a power player in the emerging cannabis beverage market, Cannalean has become an increasingly popular brand for Nevada cannabis consumers as the greater infused beverage industry continues to grow at the exponential rate it is. Cannalean also holds the distinct honor of being one of only a very small number of Black-owned cannabis businesses in Nevada.

What did you study in university, and how do you believe your studies were relevant to the creation and success of Cannalean?

Studying chemistry at Cal State Fullerton gave me access to internships that led to my direct knowledge of how to make “herbal” based syrups. After tweaking a few recipes, Cannalean was born.

What were your first positions in the cannabis industry prior to creating Cannalean, and what valuable lessons did you learn from those positions?

I used to trim at farms in Norcal and Anza and learned some of my most valuable knowledge from farmers who had been in the game long before I was born. Techniques on how to process plants and care for them that took them decades to learn.

Why did you create Cannalean, and what were some crucial or otherwise important moments that led to the creation of the brand?

I was always intrigued with how acceptable drinking alcohol was and how frowned upon smoking cannabis was even though alcohol was much worse. My thought was that if we had to smoke alcohol, people wouldn’t consume it as much. So, if I could make cannabis into a beverage and increase its social acceptance, I might be looking at the future of consumption.

In the years that you’ve been serving as CEO, what have been some of the most noteworthy achievements/awards that Cannalean has received or moments you’re particularly proud of?

In the 10 years I’ve owned Cannalean we’ve taken home 26 awards, with my most notable being in 2022 at the Nevada Cannabis Awards. I personally took home best Extraction Artist and Male Entrepreneur while Cannalean took home best Beverage Brand and Best Beverage Product

As a type of cannabis product, what advantages do cannabis beverages such as Cannalean and the numerous seltzer brands have over cannabis flower and extract products?

Cannabis beverages can be consumed ANYWHERE. While on the other hand there are becoming less and less places to smoke anything, let alone cannabis.

Because of the name of the brand, have you faced any pushback or controversy from either dispensaries or the Cannabis Compliance Board due to some people possibly falsely associating the brand’s name with codeine syrup?

Yes. Cannalean is a sugar-free, gluten-free and Vegan Syrup that can infuse any beverage including water and milk. Our healthy attributes are where the “lean” comes from. The fact the we’re a syrup as well that gets you high is a solid play on words. I’ve gotten negative initial feedback but after explaining the product, there’s never a problem.

What are some notable upcoming plans for the brand? With the demand for cannabis-based beverages exponentially growing in popularity due to further legalization and a nationally growing abstinence from alcoholic beverages, I would imagine the future is optimistic.

The future is looking great for Cannabis Beverage companies. We’ve got 3 new lines of products releasing in 2025 in Nevada and California and we are also in the works for expansion into another state.

If a federal rescheduling of cannabis from the dreaded Schedule I to Schedule III, how do you see that monumental change impacting the operations of Cannalean and the greater cannabis beverage market, whether positively or negatively?

I believe there are positive and negatives to every scenario. The best way to deal with it is to be prepared for both outcomes and to just make the best of either.

Thank you for joining us, Chris! To stay up to date on Cannalean and its exciting future plans, please visit its website.