Pride Month Finds
Cannabis has played a huge role in queer history, especially when it was discovered that cannabis had healing effects on AIDS symptoms, when nothing else really did. One of the biggest names in LGBTQ+ history and the first openly gay man to hold public office in California, Harvey Milk, was a huge supporter of the legalization of weed back in the 1970s, which was extremely rare in the mainstream media. LGBTQ+ Bronx native and friend of Harvey Milk, Dennis Peron, realized that cannabis relieved the symptoms of his partner's AIDS side effects like nausea. Peron’s partner tragically passed away from the disease in the 90s, which only further motivated Peron’s activism.
Dennis Peron at a San Francisco Earth Day celebration in the ’90s. (Photo by Joey Tranchina)
After spearheading the passing of Proposition P in 1991, he co-founded the first ever public dispensary, San Francisco Cannabis Buyers Club, with Mary Jane Rathbun (aka Brownie Mary), who earned her name while volunteering at a hospital where she would make cannabis brownies and hand them out to AIDS patients. In 1996, Peron co-wrote Proposition 215 (The Compassionate Use Act of 1996), that implemented a medical marijuana program throughout the entire state of California. Proposition 215 was voted in favor of by California residents on November 5th, 1996.
Now, in 2023, we are able to celebrate numerous other LGBTQ+ owned cannabis brands, all thanks to these significant players in Cannabis history, which surely wouldn’t be where it is today without them. In celebration of Pride Month this June, we wanted to spotlight 5 queer owned products that we love and hope you’ll love too.
These strawberry flavored gummies are infused with CBD hemp oil. You can choose between 30 gummies at 10mg or 30 gummies at 25mg. All natural, vegan and contain no artificial sweeteners, Unoia is founded by black, women owned couple, Brandé Elise and Danielle Gray, based in Atlanta and placing a high priority in their customers mental health and self care journey.
Price: $34.99 - $36.99
2. Madame Munchie Macaron Duo
Madame Munchie is a woman and LGBTQ+ owned company, based in Los Angeles. Having grown up in France, the owner Kim fell in love with French baking and incorporated that into making edibles. Their most famous product is their Macarons, winning the title “Best Edible” from High Times, Secret Sesh, Hempcon, Happy Place Fest, and the Farmers Cup. These macarons come in several fun flavors such as; Cookie Monster, Divorce Cake, Poison Apple, Hot Cocoa, and more. (PS: This product is recommended for those with a high tolerance!)
Price: $19 - $25
3. Peak Extracts Rescue Rub
Containing only CBD and a combination of 13 herbs from a blend developed by a licensed herbalist, this topical is designed for fast relief and reducing pain and inflammation. Founder and CEO Katie Stem, started off making her own strains to relieve symptoms of her Crohn's disease, she expanded after discovering certain strains helped her. Based in Portland, Katie is also a Chinese Herbalist who combines herbs for specific uses in her products.
Price: $25 - $35
4. House of Saka Cannabis Infused Wine Pink
Handcrafted from grapes grown in Napa Valley, “Pink offers subtle aromas of red fruit, honeysuckle and spring flora. Pleasing flavors of fresh strawberry and elderflower bath the palate followed by a bright, citrus finish.” Alcohol free, cannabis infused beverages founded by cannabis insider, Cynthia Salarizadeh and wine industry veteran, Tracey Mason, came together to make one of the first lines of luxury, cannabis infused products made by women for women.
Price: $44.99 - $49.99
5. Oracle Wellness Co. Tincture Formula 003 Awake
For daytime use to remain pain free while doing daily activities. This formula can be put in hot or cold beverages for easy consumption. Infused with Limonene terpene, which aids in reducing inflammation, promoting focus and energy and decreasing anxiety, depression, pain and migraines. It’s advised to be extremely hydrated while taking this product and do NOT take this if you are taking any pharmaceutical antidepressants.
Price: $41.99