GŪD Essence CEO Jasmine Johnson Featured in The Guardian
GŪD Essence is proud to share that our CEO, Jasmine Johnson, was featured in The Guardian in an article titled “What will a ban on most US hemp products mean?”. The piece highlights her perspective on a shifting regulatory landscape and her leadership in building our patient-first cannabis brand in Florida.
A Florida Cannabis Brand at the Forefront of Change
As a Florida cannabis brand, GŪD Essence exists at the intersection of wellness, equity, and community. The Guardian article cites Jasmine saying she is “preparing for several different possible scenarios so our customers experience little to no disruption.” This quote underscores our commitment to the consumer, even as regulatory environments evolve.
From Setbacks to Strategic Growth
In the feature, Jasmine reflects on the broader hemp and cannabis sector, noting how “the ban… forbids all products that contain more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per package” — a change that could affect many products currently on the market. For GŪD Essence, this moment is an opportunity to lean into our model of cannabis wellness, advanced cannabinoid education, and patient-first strategy.
Patient-First Cannabis: The Work We Do
We define patient-first cannabis as a model where the user’s wellness, education, and access come first—not simply product availability. Jasmine’s feature in The Guardian reinforces that: “It would be a much more viable model … because we would have the ability to distribute through liquor stores or grocery stores as long as it was an age-gated environment.” While GŪD Essence operates through licensed channels in Florida, our vision extends to a future where cannabis wellness meets the everyday consumer with clarity and integrity.
Representation, Access & The Next Chapter
Representation is essential. In an industry where Black ownership is under 2% of U.S. dispensaries, Jasmine’s visibility in The Guardian signals a broader shift. The article cites industry stakeholders saying that this regulatory moment is “an opportunity in disguise … to create a more firm foundation for rapid industry growth.” At GŪD Essence, we’re committed to turning that opportunity into tangible progress: deeper community impact, more inclusive access, and stronger wellness-forward experiences.
What’s Next for GŪD Essence
Continued expansion of our Florida footprint and consumer-friendly model.
Deepening our education platform on minor cannabinoids (CBG, CBN, THCV) and how they contribute to wellness.
Strengthening our brand as the Florida cannabis brand people trust when they seek clarity, culture, and care.
Read the Full Feature
Explore the full article on The Guardian website and learn more about how GŪD Essence is responding to the regulatory wave while staying true to our mission.
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