Cannabis Is Queer History: How LGBTQIA+ Activism Paved the Way for Legalization
Modern access to cannabis concentrates, legal dispensaries, and therapeutic use wouldn’t exist without the unwavering activism of the LGBTQIA+ community. During the 1980s and 90s, queer activists on the frontlines of the AIDS crisis challenged stigma, demanded compassion, and ultimately changed cannabis policy forever.
Dennis Peron
One of the most pivotal figures in this movement was Dennis Peron, often referred to as the "Father of Medical Cannabis." A gay man and Vietnam veteran, Peron witnessed firsthand how cannabis eased the suffering of his partner, Jonathan West, who died of AIDS in 1990. Peron understood that cannabis was more than a substance—it was a necessity for people living in pain. His experiences drove him to co-author Proposition 215, the landmark initiative that legalized medical marijuana in California in 1996. Prop 215 was not just a policy change; it was a shift in cultural consciousness that laid the foundation for future cannabis reform across the U.S.
“Brownie” Mary Rathburn
Peron worked closely with Brownie Mary Rathbun, an outspoken ally and beloved hospital volunteer, who gained national attention for baking and distributing cannabis-infused brownies to AIDS patients at San Francisco General Hospital. Her nickname, "Brownie Mary," became a symbol of grassroots compassion and civil disobedience. After several arrests, she used the publicity to bring national attention to the therapeutic benefits of cannabis. Together, she and Peron argued that cannabis was not just a matter of personal freedom but of public health and human dignity.
Cleve Jones
Another vital figure in this movement was Cleve Jones, a gay rights activist and creator of the AIDS Memorial Quilt. While Jones is not always recognized within cannabis history, his advocacy during the same era helped humanize the AIDS crisis and amplify the voices of patients who used cannabis as medicine. His work intersected with efforts to build compassionate care models that emphasized access, empathy, and justice.
These activists were part of a broader queer community that took care of its own when government and healthcare systems would not. Cannabis clubs, like the San Francisco Cannabis Buyers Club founded by Peron, operated illegally but openly, providing safe access for people with terminal illnesses. This model of care was rooted in mutual aid, not profit.
At Dabstract, we believe it's vital to honor these roots. Our work in concentrates, extraction, and innovation is only possible because of the courage and sacrifice of LGBTQIA+ activists who turned pain into progress. The fight for cannabis legalization is inseparable from the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights, health equity, and social justice.
To learn more about the history of queer cannabis activism, we encourage you to revisit the profiles we shared last Pride:
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