08/13/2026
YOU'RE INVITED ! JAX's FIRST BLACK OWNED MEDICAL DISPENSARY SET TO OPEN THIS WEEKEND - Jacksonville is set to welcome the city's first Black-owned, medically licensed cannabis dispensary this weekend, marking a milestone for minority participation in Florida's regulated medical ma*****na industry.
GŪD Essence, a Black woman-owned cannabis and wellness company founded by Jasmine Johnson ( who will be in attendance), will celebrate the soft opening of its 3,732-square-foot dispensary Saturday, Aug. 15, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 210 E. State Street (former Burger King Restaurant). While Jacksonville has other cannabis and wellness businesses owned by people of color, GŪD Essence distinguishes itself as a state-licensed medical ma*****na dispensary.
The free community celebration will feature dispensary tours, wellness activities, a sound bath, food, libation, yoga, local vendors, giveaways, live music by DJ Chew and live glass blowing. In addition, there will be a Guddie bag giveaway, a wake & bake elevated infused popcorn bar, a tea lounge and the Blazy Susan booth.
The downtown location is GŪD Essence's second in Florida following its Clearwater debut in November 2025. The company plans additional locations in Titusville, Orlando and Miami, subject to regulatory approvals, as part of a goal to operate 20 dispensaries statewide within two years.
The Jacksonville dispensary will operate Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.