Kristin Rogers is the Co-Founder and CEO of LEVIA Brands. A licensed substance abuse and mental health therapist, she has spent nearly 20 years working to support high-risk populations and reduce stigma around addiction and mental health. Kristin holds dual undergraduate degrees in Legal Studies and Political Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, as well as master’s degrees in Criminal Justice and Forensic Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counseling from Cambridge College. For the first 15 years of her career, she worked on the frontlines of the substance abuse epidemic, championing access to therapy and advocating for systemic change.
Her deep belief in the power of cannabis to heal and dismantle the stigma and racial disparities of the War on Drugs—combined with her husband Eric Rogers’ background in brand marketing and passion for the plant—ultimately inspired the pair to co-found a cannabis beverage brand. In 2017, LEVIA launched with a mission to create products rooted in wellness, provide a thoughtful alternative to alcohol, and build a lasting legacy of advocacy and change.
LEVIA officially launched to market in March 2021, offering Massachusetts consumers a zero-calorie, zero-sugar, fast-onset cannabis beverage designed for consistent, effects-based enjoyment. Our mission has always been to empower consumers to use cannabis in a way that feels familiar, healthier, and predictable,” says Kristin. LEVIA made $5.5 million in 2021 and was subsequently acquired by AYR Wellness in 2022. Kristin remained to manage the brand while continuing her advocacy work—fighting stigma, pushing for justice, giving hope to those in need, and championing cannabis research.
In July 2025, Kristin and Eric reached an agreement with AYR Wellness to re-acquire LEVIA and bring the brand home. “Bringing LEVIA home is a deeply personal milestone for us,” the couple shared. “This brand was born from the belief in the power of cannabis to break stigma and offer healthier alternatives—and yes, it all started in a makeshift ‘HQ’ above our garage with more dreams than space! We’re so proud to continue that mission alongside our incredible employees. Their dedication has been the heart of LEVIA, and together we’re ready to scale the brand, expand into new markets, and write the next chapter while staying true to our mission and values."