bio

Marcus Johnson-Smith is an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader, specializing in retail operations, marketing, cannabis and tech.

As the co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Kush Groove, a licensed cannabis dispensary chain based in Massachusetts, Marcus has been instrumental in shaping the company’s vision and expanding its footprint, building a multimillion dollar business, employing nearly 30 people and prioritizing quality products while fostering economic opportunities.

Marcus has a deep understanding of business operations, marketing, and strategic growth. Throughout his career, he has honed skills in leadership, customer experience, and compliance, positioning Kush Groove as a trusted brand in the Massachusetts market. His entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond cannabis, as he actively mentors aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds.

Marcus has served on several non-profit boards and community led initiatives. A graduate of Northeastern University, Marcus currently serves as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the Derby Center of Entrepreneurship at Tufts University. In 2022, Marcus was selected as recipient of Boston Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Award.