Jasmine Johnson: Florida’s First Black Woman Cannabis Founder

In the rapidly evolving world of cannabis, a new pioneer is emerging in Florida. Meet Jasmine Johnson, a driven entrepreneur who is not only launching the state’s first Black woman-owned cannabis ecosystem but is also bringing a wealth of experience from her family’s real estate ventures.

From Real Estate to Cannabis Empire

Johnson’s business acumen was forged from a young age, growing up in Miami surrounded by her family’s successful ventures in real estate, property management, and asset management. She actively participated in the family business, even helping her mother manage a brokerage and a substantial property portfolio. This hands-on experience, from collecting rent to managing assets, laid the foundation for her future success.

Today, Johnson manages a significant portion of her family’s portfolio through Johnson Property Management Services (JPMS), overseeing nearly $300 million in assets. After obtaining her real estate licenses, she took the helm of JPMS, further solidifying her expertise in the field.

Introducing GŪD ESSENCE: A Cannabis Ecosystem

Leveraging her family’s support, Johnson launched GŪD ESSENCE, a groundbreaking venture that marks Florida’s first Black woman-owned cannabis ecosystem and the first minority-woman-led company of its kind in the state. The initiative received a substantial $10.3 million loan from her family’s real estate portfolio, a testament to their belief in her vision.

GŪD ESSENCE is built on science-backed formulations and aims to educate consumers about the diverse benefits of cannabis beyond just high THC content. Johnson emphasizes that there are around a hundred cannabinoids, each offering potential remedies for various issues like anxiety, appetite, and pain, not just the commonly known CBD and THC.

Expansion and Future Plans

The ecosystem is set to include five GŪD ESSENCE dispensaries. While Miami will serve as a pick-up location, Clearwater is the flagship, both currently operating under the Farm Bill. Johnson is working towards converting these locations to Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs) once she secures the necessary licenses, a competitive process with only 23 awarded in the state.

Future locations are planned for Jacksonville, Orlando, and Titusville, with projected openings by June. The transition to MMTC status will allow for the sale of high-potency THC products, catering to a wider range of consumer needs and preferences. The Clearwater location, which opened in November 2025, already offers a variety of products and wellness experiences, including yoga, sound therapy, and cooking demonstrations.

Overcoming Challenges and Inspiring Others

Johnson acknowledges the challenging journey, particularly noting Florida’s lack of a social equity plan for Black individuals and women in the cannabis sector. She draws inspiration from mentors like Wanda James and Hope Wiseman, who have broken barriers as Black women dispensary owners. Her ultimate goal is ambitious: to build a vertically integrated operation in Florida, encompassing cultivation, processing, and retail, with plans to open 150 locations and employ 5,000 people.