For decades, the LGBTQ+ community has organized, educated, and advocated for marijuana. During the AIDS crisis, the queer community was the first to recognize the medical benefits of cannabis. Dennis Pearson, known as “the father of medical marijuana” used the plant to ease pain during the epidemic. In an interview with Cannabis Business Times, he proclaimed that: “[Marijuana] should have never been scheduled in the first place. They say it has no therapeutic value. ... It’s medicine!”
As the years went on, more gay, bi, trans, and queer individuals have entered the field. As of 2022, just 14% of workers identify as being part of the LGBTQ+ community. This June, the women at Jade Stone are highlighting the next generation of queer business owners to support during Pride and always.
1. Cann
Sobriety is a spectrum, and people across the US are experimenting with low-dose, THC-infused drinks instead of alcohol. Enter Cann, a queer-owned brand that mixes seltzers with weed. Their product offers a gentle high that skips the hangover and eliminates the harmful effects of alcohol. They have a range of unique flavors such as Pineapple Jalapeno, Ginger Lemongrass, Blood Orange Cardamom, and more! Who said sobriety from alcohol had to taste bland?
Cann also launches yearly Pride campaigns that celebrate its diverse community. While they’ve yet to announce their 2024 Pride campaign, we’re patiently waiting for the reveal!
2. Stone Road Farms
No one does Pride like Stone Road Farms. Launched in 2016, this queer-owned brand combines organic farming with floral-focused minimalist design and 99% recyclable packaging. Inclusivity is at the heart of the company, and Stone Road Farms celebrates Pride year-round. The company’s founder, Lex Corwin, is a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and the brand’s marketing scheme reflects the diversity of cannabis users.
In an interview with Cannabis Business Times, he notes: “When I was starting Stone Road, I never saw myself as a young gay guy represented in any of the marketing. You had the bearded Mendocino farmer, and then you had the heavily tattooed girl by the pool taking a dab in Palm Springs. And I was like, well, I don’t subscribe to any of those marketing campaigns, … so let’s create something that shows the cannabis community as it actually is.”
Stone Road Farms regularly donates to queer charities throughout June. This year, they’ve released two new pride-inspired flavors: Homo Haze and Gold Star Gay. A portion of each sale will go to The Center, which provides a safe and affirming place for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers.
You can find a store to buy Homo Haze and Gold Star Gay on Stone Road’s website.
3. Farnsworth Fine Cannabis
Farnsworth Fine Cannabis is luxury redefined. Established in 2021, Farnsworth is named after television pioneer Philo Taylor Farnsworth. Farnsworth’s great nephews, founders Alexander and Brayden Farnsworth, bring his innovation and elegance to cannabis. The company sells opulent marijuana products, including bougie prerolls, flowers, and concentrates.
A well-loved staple of the community, Farnsworth and its employees pride themselves on innovation. When the company noticed a lack of queer owners in the marijuana industry, they created the Queer Cannabis Club. Founded in 2022, the Queer Cannabis Club’s goal is to cultivate “...a queer community that is lacking in [the] industry.” Today, many LGBTQ+ artists, entrepreneurs, and creators are members of the consortium. If you’re interested in joining, you can sign up here.
To support Farnsworth, visit their dispensary in Barrington, MA, or schedule a one-on-one consultation through their website!
4. Drew Martin Co.
Drew Martin Co. is a queer-owned brand with strong, maximalist aesthetics. Reminiscent of summer afternoons and decorated with bright, psychedelic patterns, Drew Martin Co. is a simple concept with stunning results. They source flavors and aromas from far across the globe to create one-of-a-kind products. Their low-dose, aroma pre-rolls (one of their most popular offerings) keep you in the moment with a gentle high; the stunning packaging encourages one to indulge with friends.
Drew Martin Co. is selective about its cannabis. The company’s flowers are sourced from sunny Mendocino County, CA, where they pluck whole buds from family-owned and operated fields. If aromatic experiences and organic products are your go-to during pride month, visit their website!
5. Hemp Box, Etc.
Hemp Box, Etc. is Georgia’s first shipping container and food truck with a focus on all things cannabis. Founder and CEO Sandy Moore is a veteran and former law enforcement professional and member of the LGBTQ community. Today, she educates Georgians on the transformative power of cannabis.
Over the years, Moore has cultivated an inclusive community that welcomes veterans and LGBTQ+ individuals alike. Additionally, Moore’s experience in the criminal justice field has helped her advocate for marijuana law reform. Her goal is to advocate for veterans suffering from PTSD and educate them on the healing properties of marijuana. If you’re looking to support a business making tangible change, visit the Hemp Box website!
6. CommCan
Located in Massachusetts, CommCan is the state’s first women and LGBTQ+-owned cannabusiness. Their mission goes beyond providing high-quality, innovative products; CommCan nurtures diversity within their community. This family-owned business is passionate about equity and hires individuals regardless of sexual orientation, gender expression, or identity. CommCan’s dedication to inclusivity earned the company a Q+ Certification in 2023.
Currently, CommCan has two dispensaries in Massachusetts, with a third scheduled to open in summer 2024.
Summary:
Which companies are you supporting this Pride month? Let us know in the comments.