News Summary
Jasmine Johnson, founder of GŪD Essence, is transforming Florida’s cannabis industry through community-focused practices and education. Her holistic approach aims to empower individuals with knowledge about cannabis, promoting its therapeutic benefits while emphasizing sustainable practices. Johnson’s vision includes the creation of a seed-to-sale research facility to support job creation in communities affected by cannabis prohibition. Amid challenges, she advocates for policy reform and equity, establishing GŪD Essence as a model of purpose-driven business in the evolving cannabis landscape.
Florida is witnessing a transformative approach to cannabis business through the efforts of Jasmine Johnson, the founder of GŪD Essence. Positioned as the “Whole Foods” of weed, GŪD Essence aims to serve communities that have historically faced the repercussions of cannabis prohibition. Johnson is among the few Black women leading a cannabis enterprise of this scale in the state, which currently accommodates over 900,000 registered medical cannabis patients.
Johnson’s vision extends beyond simple sales; it is rooted in education, trust, and community care. She seeks to empower individuals with knowledge about cannabis as not only a recreational product but also a therapeutic tool for addressing stress, trauma, and overall wellness. GŪD Essence emphasizes a holistic approach to cannabis, focusing on sustainable growth and community impact rather than merely financial success.
With a strong background in agriculture, hospitality, and real estate, Johnson brings a diverse skill set to the cannabis industry. She holds a degree in Tourism & Hospitality Management from Florida International University (FIU) and has previous entrepreneurial experience, having opened Crescendo Jazz and Blues Lounge during her time in college. Her exposure to the science and medical fields began at Booker T. Washington High School, where she engaged in internships related to vascular pathology research and pharmacy, further enriching her understanding of cannabis’ potential benefits.
Johnson’s family history significantly influences her business endeavors. Growing up in a family engaged in real estate, her mother was one of the first Black Century 21 brokers in Florida, and they built a multi-million-dollar property portfolio. This legacy instilled in her a sense of responsibility and a connection to her cultural heritage, which she aims to reclaim through her cannabis enterprise.
Integral to Johnson’s plans for GŪD Essence is the establishment of a seed-to-sale research facility in Overtown, a neighborhood heavily impacted by cannabis prohibition. This facility is envisioned as a center for job creation and training, offering community members opportunities to engage in the cannabis sector. Johnson’s model promotes an employee-owned structure within GŪD Essence, further supporting equity in an industry often criticized for its lack of diversity.
Despite her progress, Johnson acknowledges the challenges faced by Black women entrepreneurs, particularly regarding access to capital. In response, she creatively utilizes financing opportunities through her family’s real estate assets. This resourcefulness is a vital aspect of her strategy to ensure the success and sustainability of GŪD Essence.
Moreover, Johnson recognizes the visibility and responsibility that accompany her leadership role in the cannabis sector. She actively advocates for policy reform aimed at preventing individuals with past cannabis convictions from being barred from future opportunities. To advance this cause, she emphasizes the need for consistent language regarding cannabis regulations to foster clarity and informed policymaking.
In framing GŪD Essence, Johnson describes it not just as a business but as a means of honoring the legacies of those before her, reinforcing her commitment to the quest for equity within the cannabis industry. By prioritizing community engagement and education, she hopes to change the narrative surrounding cannabis and its users, promoting a deeper understanding of its potential role in societal healing.
As the cannabis market continues to evolve in Florida, Jasmine Johnson’s GŪD Essence stands out as a paradigm of how businesses can intertwine profit with purposeful community involvement. With a focus on education, sustainability, and equity, Johnson is paving the way for a more inclusive future in the cannabis sector.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- ESSENCE: Florida Cannabis and Jasmine Johnson’s GŪD Essence
- Miami Times: Support for Recreational Pot Wanes Post Election
- Politico: Florida Recreational Marijuana Fails
- Wikipedia: Cannabis in Florida
- Black Enterprise: Alabama State University HBCU Cannabis Certifications
- Google Search: Cannabis Equity
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
