How it started, where it’s headed, and why “science + culture + care” matters in Florida.
Published by: GŪD Essence Editorial Team
Date: November 14, 2025
GŪD Essence CEO Jasmine Johnson Featured in BudsFeed’s “How It Started” Series
GŪD Essence, a leading Florida cannabis brand, was recently highlighted in a new BudsFeed interview featuring CEO Jasmine Johnson. The profile shares her journey into patient care, cannabis wellness, and the vision behind building a patient-first cannabis ecosystem in Florida.
In the interview, Jasmine Johnson talks about her early interest in the plant, the mentors who helped shape her thinking, and the setbacks she faced—including not receiving a cannabis license despite years of work. That moment pushed her to expand her approach and strengthen the mission of GŪD Essence.
From Curiosity to Cannabis Wellness
Jasmine explains that her relationship with cannabis began with creativity when she was young. As she learned more, it grew into a purpose centered on cannabis wellness, healing, and education. A major mentor helped her translate complex ideas into real outcomes that could help people. After his passing, she committed even more deeply to building GŪD Essence with intention.
What Makes GŪD Essence a Florida Cannabis Brand to Watch
GŪD Essence stands out as a Florida cannabis brand because it blends clinical research, cultural understanding, and accessible education. The brand focuses on:
research-backed product development
staff training built around patient-first cannabis service
a friendly, welcoming store experience
packaging made for clear and easy learning
Even the “Ū” in GŪD carries meaning—representing balance, elevation, and focus.
Building a Patient-First Cannabis Ecosystem in Florida
In the BudsFeed interview, Jasmine explains her plan to build more than a group of dispensaries. She wants to create a true statewide ecosystem centered on:
education
workforce development
community access
research
support for patients and caregivers
This includes exploring minor cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, and THCV and how they support cannabis wellness and lifestyle-based care.
Equity That Creates Real Change
A major part of Jasmine’s mission is expanding equity in the cannabis space. She hopes to see equity programs that offer real tools—capital, coaching, and long-term support—so that more founders from underrepresented groups can lead in the Florida cannabis brand landscape.
What’s Next
GŪD Essence is preparing a multi-city Florida rollout (beginning in Clearwater, Jacksonville, Orlando, and Miami), scaling cultivation and R&D, and expanding nationally through GŪD Supply, our hemp and lifestyle brand. The roadmap blends clinical rigor with cultural connection.
Everything connects back to the brand’s mission: blending science, culture, and cannabis wellness to offer a new kind of cannabis experience in Florida.
Read the Feature
Want the full story? Dive into the BudsFeed interview with Jasmine Johnson here.
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