Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Pride (at any time of the year) has gotten increasingly dangerous, even in the cannabis industry. When High Times published an article highlighting queer-owned brands, some in the cannabis community responded with violence. Here's the backlash to the backlash.
From the beverage brand with the viral video to Laganja Estranja's Trans Pride apparel, queer-affirming media and advocacy, herbal products, cool edibles and more, here are the LGBTQIA+ led cannabis brands uplifting queer communities year-round.
In this Trailblazers' Authentic Voices: Pride '22 "Sweet Sixteen" spotlight, we meet Charleen Caabay, co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer of The People's Ecosystem. She talks about the vital need for diversity, equity and inclusion in the cannabis industry, including LGBTQIA+ communities.
In this Trailblazers' Authentic Voices: Pride '22 "Sweet Sixteen" spotlight, we meet Timeka Drew, founder and CEO of Biko. She talks about the importance of cannabis as medicine and normalizing LGBTQIA+ spaces.
In this Trailblazers' Authentic Voices: Pride '22 "Sweet Sixteen" spotlight, we meet Jake Wall, Chief Innovation Officer and co-founder of MAISON BLOOM. He talks about the unique beverage brand, collaboration, and LGBTQIA+ equality in the cannabis industry.
In this Trailblazers' Authentic Voices: Pride '22 "Sweet Sixteen" spotlight, we meet Rachael Rapinoe, founder and CEO of Mendi. A professional athlete turned hemp entrepreneur, she talks about creating natural healing solutions for women and the LGBTQIA+ community.
In this Trailblazers' Authentic Voices: Pride '22 "Sweet Sixteen" spotlight, we meet Drew Martin, founder of the eponymous cannabis-botanical pre-roll line. He talks about the power of plants and LGBTQIA+ visibility.
In this Trailblazers' Authentic Voices: Pride '22 "Sweet Sixteen" spotlight, we meet Rachel Burkons, co-founder of the cannabis hospitality company Altered Plates. She talks about living her life through the lens of all things culinary cannabis.
In this Trailblazers' Authentic Voices: Pride '22 "Sweet Sixteen" spotlight, we meet Kim Leadford, founder and CEO of Inde Local Brewing Company. An independent filmmaker, Kim talks about transitioning to cannabis, supporting LGBTQIA+-owned brands, and expanding the beverage category.
In this Trailblazers' Authentic Voices: Pride '22 "Sweet Sixteen" spotlight, we meet Luke Anderson, co-founder of Cann. He talks about creating the world's first micro-dose THC beverage and the importance of saying gay, loud and proud, year-round.
In this Trailblazers' Authentic Voices: Pride '22 "Sweet Sixteen" spotlight, we meet Vivian Vu, founder and CEO of Joy Reserve. She talks about creating America's first cannabis showroom as a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community.
In this Trailblazers' Authentic Voices: Pride '22 "Sweet Sixteen" spotlight, we meet Terrance Alan, CEO of Flore Dispensary. A longtime cultivator and political advocate, Alan has helped form the heart of San Francisco's legal cannabis industry in the city's famed LGBTQIA+ district The Castro.
In this Trailblazers' Authentic Voices: Pride '22 "Sweet Sixteen" spotlight, we meet Joyce Cenali, COO of Sonoma Hills Farm. A longtime craft cannabis cultivator and industry leader, she talks about investing in women and LGBTQIA-led businesses and being a champion for the plant.
In this Trailblazers' Authentic Voices: Pride '22 "Sweet Sixteen" spotlight, we meet Andres Rigal and Taylor Bazley, co-founders of Green Qween. The Los Angeles dispensary supports LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC cannabis brands, and gives back to the local community.
In this Trailblazers' Authentic Voices: Pride '22 "Sweet Sixteen" spotlight, we meet Nancy Do, founder and CEO of Endo Industries. She talks about being a social equity and legacy operator, supporting LGBTQIA+ businesses, and upcoming partnerships.
