Meet the founders

Most CBD brands start with a product. We started with a research license.

A laboratory, a question (what does the science actually say?) and a goal of helping one family member with her arthritis pain.

Shop what we make Meet Kersten and Jessica

Founded by scientists. Driven by purpose.

Basic Jane was co-founded by two women whose credentials are rare in any industry.

Kersten Gaba, RN

Co-founder · Registered nurse

Kersten is a registered nurse with deep experience in clinical research at leading institutions, including the University of Washington. She has spent her career where patient care meets rigorous science: not just what treatments exist, but why they work, how they're tested and what safety standards they must meet.

Her reason for starting Basic Jane was personal: helping her mother find trustworthy relief from arthritis pain. When she couldn't find a hemp topical she trusted as a clinician, she built one.

Jessica Tonani, MS

Co-founder · Molecular biologist

Jessica holds advanced degrees in immunology, microbiology and molecular biology. Her research goes to the cellular level: how compounds interact with the immune system, how inflammation works and what the biology of pain looks like.

That depth shapes every Basic Jane formulation decision, from ingredient selection to delivery to dosage.

Science first, before there was a product

1st Cannabis research license in the country Awarded to Verda Bio, the research organization Kersten and Jessica built before Basic Jane.

Shared We sequenced the genome, then made it public Original cannabis genetics research, released to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database.

1M+ Hemp plants grown With our farming partners, so we understand the plant from seed to finished product.

Our research has been covered byMarketWatchBloombergEntrepreneurGenomeWebPopular ScienceNanalyze

Why it started

Created by a daughter to help her mom find real relief

Kersten's mother was living with arthritis in her knees and wanted to stay active. As a clinician, Kersten couldn't find a hemp topical she trusted, so she and Jessica built one.

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.