Rachel Johnson, a Colorado native and prominent figure in the cannabis industry, has carved out a distinguished career spanning data analytics, sustainable agriculture, and medical cannabis advocacy. Currently serving as Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at New Frontier Data and Director of Operations for CMED Data, Johnson’s journey reflects a deep commitment to education, innovation, and patient access.
Early Work
Johnson grew up in Denver, Colorado, where her family has resided for three generations. She attended Metro State University, earning a degree in psychology with an emphasis on human development and elementary education, initially aspiring to become an elementary school teacher. However, her career trajectory shifted toward data and analytics, beginning with large-scale event demographic data collection across the East and West Coasts. Her early work involved analyzing attendee behavior at major events, which sparked her interest in understanding human patterns—an interest rooted in her psychology background.
Entry Into The Cannabis Industry
Her entry into the cannabis industry was facilitated by her advocacy and academic curiosity. Johnson recalls being introduced to cannabis social settings early in life and even writing a college thesis on the plant during a trip to Amsterdam. Her advocacy evolved over the years, with her parents transitioning from hesitant to supportive of cannabis education and hemp utilization.
In pursuit of her passion for sustainable agriculture, Johnson worked with International Hemp Solutions, where she served as Chief Operating Officer. Her role involved importing and distributing hemp seed genetics from Poland for grain and fiber purposes—focusing on textiles and animal feed rather than cannabinoids. This work underscored her dedication to the entire plant’s utility and sustainability.
Further Transition Into The Cannabis Space
Her expertise in data became instrumental as she transitioned into the cannabis space. Johnson’s understanding of market analytics, consumer behavior, and crop science allowed her to contribute significantly to the development of industrial hemp cultivation and research. She emphasized the importance of data in understanding yields, topography, and effective farming techniques, drawing parallels with traditional crops like flax.
Johnson’s transition into medical cannabis advocacy was marked by her involvement with CMED Data, a subsidiary of New Frontier Data. Her connection to the company deepened when she facilitated a partnership with a Pennsylvania-based farm, leading to her engagement with CMED’s efforts to gather and analyze medical patient data across multiple states.
Since CMED Data’s acquisition by New Frontier, Johnson has played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s reach and services. CMED provides critical data to pharmaceutical companies, insurers, and medical practitioners, helping to better understand patient demographics and improve access. She highlights the importance of maintaining brand integrity, allowing local operations like Colorado’s Relaxed Clarity and Canicare Docs to operate under their established identities, which fosters trust and loyalty among patients.
Benefits Of Medical Cannabis
Johnson advocates for the benefits of medical cannabis, emphasizing cost savings, product variety, and reduced wait times. She encourages consumers to consider obtaining medical cards, noting that the process is often straightforward and offers significant advantages over recreational purchasing, including lower taxes and access to exclusive medications.
Looking ahead, Johnson plans to participate in regional events and community outreach efforts to further educate and connect with patients and industry stakeholders. She underscores the value of personal relationships and direct engagement, especially as the industry evolves and consolidates.
Advice To Newcomers And Cannabis Consumers
Her advice to industry newcomers and consumers alike is to ask questions, leverage data, and prioritize human connection. She believes that understanding the broader landscape—both through metrics and personal interactions—is key to advancing the industry and improving patient outcomes.
For those interested in connecting with Johnson or exploring CMED Data’s services, she invites inquiries via their website or LinkedIn. As the cannabis industry continues to grow, her leadership exemplifies the blend of data-driven insight and compassionate advocacy necessary to foster responsible and informed cannabis use.
About CMED Data and New Frontier Data
CMED Data operates as a vital resource for medical cannabis data, providing insights that inform industry stakeholders, healthcare providers, and policymakers. As part of New Frontier Data, the company leverages extensive research and analytics to support the responsible development of the cannabis market across the United States and beyond.
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