Few industries can attribute their growth to the grassroots efforts of the LGBTQIA+ community quite like the cannabis industry can. The foundation that today’s legalization efforts are built on was first laid in 1970s San Francisco by the city’s openly gay mayor. And, with the help of others in the queer community, those efforts continue today.
This Pride Month, CULTA celebrates key figures who have pushed the industry and society to keep growing.
Dennis Peron: Leader of the Medical Marijuana Movement
An entire book could be written about Dennis Peron and his contribution to the medical marijuana movement. Peron and his partner lived in San Francisco during the early years of the AIDS epidemic. After seeing firsthand how cannabis alleviated some of the symptoms of AIDS (including those of his partner, who died in 1990), he founded the country’s first public medical marijuana dispensary in 1991.
In 1996, he co-authored California Proposition 215, commonly referred to as the Compassionate Use Act (CUA), which called for qualifying patients and caregivers to possess and grow their own medical marijuana. It passed that same year, effectively opening the door for cannabis legalization in other states and cities.
Harvey Milk: First Politician to Advocate for Legalization
We all know Harvey Milk for being the first openly gay politician elected into office way back in 1977, but did you know he was a huge proponent of cannabis legalization? He campaigned with Peron in support of Proposition W, which called on the San Francisco District Attorney and Chief of Police to stop arresting and prosecuting individuals who grow, cultivate, sell, or use cannabis. With Milk’s support, the proposition passed with a 63% approval rating in 1978.
Unfortunately, Milk was assassinated in 1978, and the new mayor chose not to implement the proposition. Regardless, the proposition's passing showed that the general public was hungry for a change in cannabis legislation.
Joe Dolce: A Cannabis Mentor on a Mission
It can be difficult for medical marijuana healthcare practitioners to find a like-minded community since the majority of the medical community tends to focus on Western medicine (prescription medication) instead of natural treatments, like cannabis. Joe Dolce filled this gap when he founded MedicalCannbisMentor.com, an online education platform for healthcare practitioners, dispensary staff, and patients.
In 2017, he published “Brave New Weed: Adventures into the Uncharted World of Cannabis” and hosted the Brave New Weed podcast. Though the podcast hasn’t had a new episode since 2022, there are over 100 episodes to explore.
Laganja Estranja: A Weed-Friendly Drag Queen
If you’re a fan of RuPaul’s Drag Race, you might already be familiar with Laganja Estranja (she finished in eighth place on season six), but in case you’re not, she’s the self-proclaimed “queen of weed.” She’s a massive supporter of cannabis legalization (and consumption) and uses her platform to promote and celebrate responsible cannabis use. She’s even incorporated cannabis into her drag performances, as documented in her video transformation into “Weed Witch.”
Throughout the years she’s collaborated with different cannabis brands to help fundraise for the Los Angeles LGBT Center, has been featured in High Times Magazine and Leafly’s in-house podcast, and is currently working on developing a pot-centric clothing and water pipe collection.
Dr. Trina Hazzah: The World’s First Canna Veterinarian
If you’ve ever thought about trying to treat your dog or cat’s medical condition with cannabis, you’ll want to check out Dr. Trina Hazzah’s groundbreaking work in the field. Based in Los Angeles, she’s one of the few integrative Board Certified Veterinary Oncologists in the country who is trained in both Chinese and conventional medicine. She practiced “traditional” oncology for 15 years before transitioning to focusing on cannabis medicine full-time.
In 2020, she founded the Veterinary Cannabis Society, the first 501(c)(3) non-profit in the country that aims to raise awareness about using cannabis as a pet medication. Check out her in-depth, peer-reviewed article about cannabis in veterinary medicine here.
How to Be an Advocate
Although the legalization of adult-use cannabis in Maryland in 2023 was a monumental win for the state, it’s important to remember that cannabis possession and use is still illegal on a federal level. This means that individuals in the states with some of the strictest cannabis laws (like Montana, Alabama, Georgia, and Kansas) are still being imprisoned for even minor infractions.
If you support cannabis legalization on a federal level, you need to voice your support. You can connect with the cannabis advocacy community by joining an advocacy group (like the Marijuana Policy Project) and show your support by contacting your Congressional representatives and Senators. Finally, don’t forget to stay informed and vote!
