Here & Queer

"The legal marijuana industry is going to be the first billion-dollar industry not completely dominated by men! It’s become my mission to ensure that this is a reality for not only women but also queer and BIPOC people as well"

I’ve been attending the LGBT Pride Parade in New York since I was in high school and had the opportunity to march in it twice. Sure there’s the rainbow-colored flags, parties, the pier, and NYC nightlife but Pride is really all about being the most authentic you. It’s about acceptance and being able to use your voice to speak out and make positive change!

As for myself, I have identified as being queer since middle school and around the same time started consuming cannabis. Both things have been a crucial part of my identity since. This Pride I am looking forward to celebrating another part of my authentic self out in the world.

There is a huge correlation between cannabis and the queer community. For one, there’s the LGBTQ community's involvement in the fight for cannabis legalization. Activists like Brownie Mary and Dennis Peron helped many HIV/AIDS patients gain access to their medicine which eventually led to the passing of Proposition 215, legalizing cannabis for medicinal use in California in 1996.

LGBTQ+ representation in cannabis has already been started, with organizations like Cannaclusive and Proud Mary Network working on making sure this industry is inclusive. Cannaclusive was created to facilitate fair representation of minority cannabis consumers. I urge you to check out their Inclusive and Accountability lists via Cannaclusive. com to find and support minority (and queer) owned businesses. Proud Mary Network, on the other hand, strives to support and diversify the emerging cannabis industry through education, networking, and advocacy. The legal marijuana industry is going to be the first billion-dollar industry not completely dominated by men! It’s become my mission to ensure that this is a reality for not only women but also queer and BIPOC people as well.

Happy Pride Happy Munkey!

MUCH LOVE.

KAIT CARIDI