Homecoming & Healing: Inside GŪD Essence’s First Florida Retail Store

If you stroll into the new GŪD Essence location in Clearwater, you won’t just find another cannabis shop. Instead, you’ll step into a space that feels more like a community wellness hub — bright, warm, and full of intention. Founded by Florida native Jasmine Johnson, GŪD Essence isn’t only a business—it’s a bold statement in an industry where few Black women own dispensaries.

Why This Opening Matters

Across the United States, Black entrepreneurs own less than 2% of dispensaries — a stark statistic that highlights racial inequity in the booming cannabis industry. In Florida, where cultivation and retail licensing remain highly competitive, those numbers are even bleaker. The arrival of GŪD Essence helps shift that narrative — giving visibility, access, and opportunity to a demographic often left out of the green rush.

Johnson’s story underscores how hard it can be to break in. She initially invested more than $148,000 and completed a 750-page state application only to be denied, and then waited for years for licensing to reopen. Undeterred, she pivoted — forging partnerships and securing a license via acquisition. This new dispensary now marks a major milestone not only for her, but for representation and inclusion in the Florida cannabis sphere.

What Makes GŪD Essence Different

Walking inside GŰD Essence, one immediately senses that this isn’t business-as-usual. The “Ū” in the name stands for unity — mind, body, and culture. Johnson describes the brand as more than a place to buy cannabis; it’s a space built for wellness, education, and connection.

Unlike many dispensaries that push products fast, GŪD Essence invites visitors to slow down and think about why they’re consuming. Is it for relaxation, focus, stress-relief, sleep — or something deeper? Johnson believes every cannabinoid has a purpose; some, she notes, are designed for energy or clarity, not simply getting high.

And you don’t need a medical card to shop — the Clearwater store welcomes both patients and general consumers.

A Welcoming, Uplifting Retail Experience

Backed by Johnson’s background in hospitality and tourism, the store layout and vibe feel intentional. Warm lighting, bold colors, friendly staff — the space feels inviting rather than clinical or sterile. That matters, because for many people, buying cannabis is still intimidating or taboo. GŪD Essence seems calculated to break through that barrier.

For first-timers or long-time consumers wanting a more intentional experience, this dispensary sends a powerful message: cannabis can be part of holistic wellness, not just a quick high.

More Than a Store — A Movement

GŪD Essence isn’t just about retail. The brand’s mission focuses on empowerment, cultural restoration, and community uplift. Johnson has spoken publicly about building not just dispensaries, but also workforce opportunities — especially for communities historically marginalized by the war on drugs.

In a state where cannabis remains controversial to some, GŪD Essence says: this is about respect, healing, and inclusion.

For Clearwater residents and Florida cannabis consumers alike, GŪD Essence offers more than merchandise — it offers a new standard. With its thoughtful design, inclusive ethos, and cultural relevance, it’s the kind of dispensary that might just reshape how we think about cannabis retail in Florida.

If you’re curious to see what all the buzz is about, stop by — and step into the “good part” of the plant.