Nestled in a small picturesque tourist town called Clarens in the eastern Free State, lies a quaint establishment, unlike any other in the region.
A small store with big dreams, a ton of experience & the will to always holistically changing lives, with natural ingredients.
The Story of NEKED
From Passion to Purpose – The Birth of NEKED
NEKED was born from a deep personal journey—one of resilience, transformation, and an unshakable belief in the power of cannabis and plant-based living. Founded by Vanessa Jarvis-Findlay, a cancer survivor, cannabis activist, and celebrated vegan chef, NEKED is more than just a brand—it’s a movement that challenges conventions and redefines wellness.
For Vanessa, cannabis was never just a plant; it was a catalyst for healing, a symbol of freedom, and a path to vitality. After experiencing firsthand the life-changing benefits of cannabis, she made it her mission to educate, inspire, and empower others to embrace its potential.
NEKED Cannabis Café & Dispensary – A First of Its Kind
In 2019, Vanessa and her husband, Daimon, established NEKED Cannabis Café & Dispensary in the heart of Clarens, Free State—a scenic town known for its creative energy and adventurous spirit. NEKED quickly became a pioneering force in South Africa’s evolving cannabis industry, offering a premium selection of craft cannabis, CBD products, and wellness essentials.
From the very beginning, NEKED was designed to be more than just a dispensary. It became a sanctuary for conscious consumers, a place where education meets experience, and where every product is curated with quality, integrity, and purpose.
Today, NEKED is recognised as a trusted leader in South Africa’s cannabis industry, offering everything from top-quality cannabis flower (dispensed per gram) to CBD oils, vapes, edibles, topicals, and hemp-based wellness products. The brand is synonymous with premium craftsmanship, ethical sourcing, and holistic well-being.
A Bold Stand for Cannabis Activism & Freedom
NEKED was never just about selling cannabis—it was about changing perceptions and advocating for access. Vanessa made headlines for her bold “Freedom Walk for Cannabis,” riding NEKED on a white horse, Lady Godiva style, as a powerful statement for cannabis decriminalisation. This moment became a symbol of her fearless advocacy for plant medicine and personal freedom.
Her activism, coupled with NEKED’s commitment to education and quality, has helped break down stigma and normalise cannabis in mainstream wellness and lifestyle spaces.
Evolution & Growth – What’s Next for NEKED?
As NEKED continues to evolve, its core values remain the same:
✔ Premium Quality – Only the finest craft cannabis and CBD products
✔ Education & Advocacy – Empowering customers with knowledge and resources
✔ Innovation & Integrity – Leading the industry with conscious, sustainable practices
With the closure of NEKED Food, the focus is now fully on expanding the cannabis dispensary, wholesale division, and lifestyle brand. NEKED remains a trailblazer in the South African cannabis industry, committed to offering the best products, expert guidance, and a community-driven experience.
Live NEKED – Join the Movement
NEKED is more than a name. It’s a way of life—one that embraces authenticity, freedom, and the power of nature. Whether you’re a seasoned cannabis enthusiast or exploring plant medicine for the first time, we invite you to be part of our journey.
A Visionary in Cannabis, Wellness & Plant-Based Living
Vanessa Jarvis-Findlay is a trailblazer in the South African cannabis industry, a cancer survivor, cannabis activist, and celebrated vegan chef. She is also a South African Music Award (SAMA) winner, recognised for her role as Executive Music Producer on the album Impossible Machines by Ard Matthews.
As the founder of NEKED, Vanessa has dedicated her life to challenging perceptions, advocating for plant medicine, and redefining holistic wellness. Her journey is one of resilience, transformation, and fearless advocacy, proving that a commitment to natural healing, ethical entrepreneurship, and conscious living can change lives.
A Personal Journey of Healing & Discovery
Vanessa’s relationship with cannabis and plant-based living was not born from trends—it was forged through personal necessity. After surviving cancer and overcoming mental health challenges, she turned to cannabis, nutrition, and lifestyle changes to reclaim her health. What she discovered was more than just relief—it was a new way of living, thriving, and inspiring others.
This journey led her to advocate for cannabis reform, educate people about its medicinal benefits, and ultimately establish NEKED—a brand that represents purity, authenticity, and plant-powered wellness.
Founder of NEKED Cannabis Café & Dispensary
In 2019, Vanessa founded NEKED Cannabis Café & Dispensary in Clarens, Free State, creating a first-of-its-kind boutique dispensary and cannabis wellness hub. NEKED quickly became a pioneering force in South Africa’s cannabis industry, offering:
✔ Premium craft cannabis flower & bud (dispensed per gram)
✔ CBD oils, vapes, edibles & infused wellness products
✔ Hemp-based skincare, herbal teas & holistic essentials
A year later, her husband, Daimon, joined the business, helping expand the brand’s reach and impact. What started as a passion project evolved into an industry-leading dispensary, recognised for its commitment to quality, education, and ethical sourcing.
Cannabis Activism & the ‘Lady Godiva Freedom Ride’
Vanessa’s fearless activism has been central to her journey. One of her most iconic moments was the ‘Freedom Walk for Cannabis’, where she rode NEKED on a white horse, Lady Godiva-style, in a bold statement for cannabis decriminalisation.
This act of defiance became a symbol of personal freedom, body autonomy, and the right to plant medicine. Vanessa continues to challenge stigma, educate consumers, and advocate for greater accessibility to cannabis.
A Multi-Talented Creator & SAMA Award Winner
Beyond cannabis and wellness, Vanessa has a deep passion for music and the arts. Her work in the South African music industry earned her a South African Music Award (SAMA) for Executive Music Producer on Impossible Machines by Ard Matthews. This recognition is a testament to her creative vision, dedication, and ability to bring projects to life with excellence.
Her artistry extends beyond music—Vanessa is also a talented visual artist, specialising in acrylic on canvas. She approaches every creative endeavour with the same passion and authenticity that defines NEKED.
What’s Next for Vanessa & NEKED?
As NEKED continues to evolve, Vanessa remains committed to:
✔ Expanding the cannabis dispensary & wholesale division
✔ Educating & empowering people through plant medicine
✔ Creating a legacy of wellness, activism, and creativity
Vanessa’s story is one of fearless reinvention, breaking barriers, and living with purpose. Whether through cannabis, food, music, or art, she continues to inspire and lead with passion and integrity.
Join the NEKED Movement
Vanessa’s mission is simple: to help people discover the life-changing benefits of cannabis, plant-based wellness, and creative freedom.
Discover more. Experience more. Live NEKED.