Rainbow Roots: How Pride Helped Legalize Cannabis
There’s more to the rainbow than meets the eye this Pride Month. Beyond the vibrant parades and joyous celebrations lies a fascinating historical connection between the LGBTQ+ community and the fight for cannabis legalization.
The story goes back to the dark days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980s and 90s. This brutal health crisis disproportionately affected LGBTQ+ individuals, leaving many suffering from debilitating symptoms like nausea, wasting syndrome, and chronic pain. Traditional medications often offered little relief, and with the stigma surrounding the illness, many felt ostracized by the medical establishment.
In this desperate time, cannabis emerged as a beacon of hope for many patients. It offered relief from the debilitating symptoms, allowing them to regain some semblance of normalcy in their lives. However, cannabis was still a Schedule I controlled substance, making it illegal to possess or use.
Enter the brave LGBTQ+ activists who refused to stand idly by. Pioneering figures like Dennis Peron and the legendary “Brownie Mary” Rathbun became heroes in this fight. Peron, a gay rights activist, channeled his frustrations with the government’s inaction on AIDS into advocating for medical marijuana. He spearheaded Proposition P, legalizing medical cannabis in California in 1996. Brownie Mary, a grandmotherly figure, defied the law by baking and distributing cannabis-laced brownies to AIDS patients, earning her a place in cannabis history.
The fight for medical marijuana wasn’t just about easing physical suffering. It was a fight for compassion, for the right to choose alternative treatments, and for the dignity of those battling a deadly illness. The LGBTQ+ community, already well-versed in navigating a world that often marginalized them, proved to be powerful advocates for a cause that resonated deeply with their experience.
The legacy of these early activists lives on today. Many legal cannabis states have robust medical marijuana programs, offering relief to patients with a wide range of conditions. The fight for LGBTQ+ rights and cannabis legalization have become intertwined, with many cannabis businesses actively supporting Pride events and initiatives.
This Pride Month, as we celebrate the LGBTQ+ community’s achievements and ongoing fight for equality, let’s not forget their crucial role in paving the way for a more compassionate and cannabis-friendly society. Their courage and resilience continue to inspire us today.
The Proper Canna Naturals team is dedicated to our customers first and foremost. With that comes a constant commitment to developing and providing the highest quality products on the market. We are constantly updating and improving our internal processes from farm to bottle, in order to bring you the most natural, beneficial and cost effective USDA certified organic CBD products anywhere.
Glowing Reviews
Join The Proper Canna Family
Subscribe now and unlock 15% Off your first order and news on latest products and specials
