Pride Month is here and we're celebrating the consequential impact that LGBTQIA+ people have had in cannabis. From advocating for compassionate care during the HIV/AIDS crisis to working towards legalization and equity, queer people have long been at the forefront of cannabis reform. Whether by organizing grassroots movements, advocating policy changes, or building brands, LGBTQIA+ individuals have helped destigmatize cannabis and push the industry toward greater justice and accessibility. 

We're proud to honor LGBTQIA+ pioneers throughout history and shine a light on queer employees here at RISE. Enjoy these candid interviews with LGBTQIA+ team members who help shape impact our community every day. 

How many years have you worked in the cannabis industry? 

3.5 years. 

What sparked your interest in cannabis? 

I am 42 and have been using cannabis since I was young so it’s really hard to say specifically what sparked the interest, but the passion came from how functional it made me before I was able to get an official ADHD diagnosis - why weren’t we using this?! 

What inspires you about the cannabis industry? How has the industry made an impact on your life? 

The industry inspires me to be myself, and I am very loud and passionate about cannabis. I don’t have to hide it anymore. The biggest impact the industry has had on my life has definitely been the legal platform to stand on. My livelihood and my passion are now one in the same, and not a whole lot of people get to say that. 

What can the cannabis industry do to be a better ally to our LGBTQIA+ community? 

The same thing that every industry should do - CONSISTENTLY support us, not just in June, but all of the time. You’re loud and proud, we’re queer and here - EVERYONE NEEDS TO GET USED TO IT! Ya know? Put your brand names on products inspired by the LGBTQIA+ community. There are two products on the market in Maryland that I can think of that are community inspired and those are the Pride DoDrops by Strane, and I believe I saw RYTHM’s Strainbow for the first time in 2022 and I am seeing it again now for the first time since then but there is nothing on the product that alludes to the inspiration or inclusivity. 

How can readers support their local Pride Month celebrations or organizations? 

The best way to support pride is by showing up and having pride. Don’t be afraid to be unapologetically you - look how far we’ve come - ya’ll can take us so much farther. 

What is your favorite GTI product or strain? 

My favorite strain was Blue Frost and for the twelve seconds in 2022 that it was available it was awesome. Other than that, my favorite strains are probably Warchild, Jack’d Lemonade, Jack’s Delight, Golden Goat and The White OG. Products… I love the Beboe Inspire Pen, CBGa is amazing. And the incredibles 50 Shades of Grape CBC gummies were my favorite CBC edibles on the market. 

Any insider insights into great strains that no one knows about? 

Warchild is amazing. I don’t know why it isn’t right up there with Afternoon Delight. It’s so much better than Brownie Scout, which and I am sorry to say, is really overrated. And BLUE FROST, WHERE IS IT?! BRING IT BACK!!

How many years have you worked in the cannabis industry? 

2 years. 

What sparked your interest in cannabis? 

I was fortunate to have friends in the LGBT community who had a passion for the plant that was infectious! They were the first individuals to introduce me to the world of cannabis in 2018 and it was an eye opening experience. I'd struggled for many years to medicate and experience relief for my conditions and I was blown away by what the plant did for me. My decision to join the industry came many years later in 2023 when I discovered the opportunity to apply my digital customer service skills to a brand new department within the company and took the leap into cannabis! 

What inspires you about the cannabis industry? How has the industry made an impact on your life? 

What inspires me is the diversity of the individuals that support and run this industry! When I walk into a RISE location or other dispensaries, I can expect to see people from all walks of life being their authentic selves. The culture of breaking stigma around cannabis is the bond that holds us all together and I'm always amazed by the people I get to work with. The industry has ignited a fire in me to confront the legacy of the War on Drugs and to acknowledge & celebrate the marginalized individuals who blazed a trail that allows me to have the position I do today. I am always humbled getting to learn about those who came before me and I would never have learned this history were it not for individuals in this industry who uplift these voices! 

What can the cannabis industry do to be a better ally to our LGBTQIA+ community? 

Be loud and proud 365 days a year. Attacks on our community are reaching a fever pitch in the current culture. We need companies that push for LGBT visibility all year round, not just in June, and that affirm the identities of the LGBT individuals that work for them the moment a customer walks in the door. A local dispensary near me has a sign asking that customers acknowledge their employees use all kinds of pronouns and to respect them. 

How can readers support their local Pride Month celebrations or organizations? 

Listen and learn! Pride is a time for celebration and also a time to reflect on the current state of the community. There are usually educational events and opportunities to volunteer. 

What is your favorite GTI product or strain? 

RYTHM L'Orange flower! 

Any insider insights into great strains that no one knows about? 

Don't sleep on the Sherbet variants! RYTHM Sunset Sherbet solventless rosin cartridges are my favorite, as well as Animal Sherbet flower. (I haven't seen that in a while, though - bring it back!) 

Looking to share more? 

When I started consuming, I lived in Ohio with virtually no access to 'legal' product. It was my LGBT friends and other local community members that supported each other in trying to get what we could with the resources we had. Community is the foundation of why I entered the world of cannabis and continues to be the reason I strive for excellence within my role serving our patients who need this plant just like I do. 

How many years have you worked in the cannabis industry? 

2 years. 

What sparked your interest in cannabis? 

I worked in a hospital pharmacy for 5 years prior and didn't like the way prescription drugs were being pushed on patients. 

What inspires you about the cannabis industry? How has the industry made an impact on your life? 

Marijuana is truly medicine. It is so beneficial in so many ways without having to depend on man made chemicals. I've seen the good it can do for all people, from helping manage anxiety and pain, to helping addicts prevent relapse on hard substances. 

What can the cannabis industry do to be a better ally to our LGBTQIA+ community? 

Stand up and fight the political powers that try to limit our rights. 

How can readers support their local Pride Month celebrations or organizations? 

Make donations to your local LGBTQIA+ organizations. But most importantly, contact your local government officials to help keep such organizations running and funded. 

What is your favorite GTI product or strain? 

Apple Cobbler, Brownie Scout, Afternoon Delight, Bananaconda, Head Cracker...too many! 

How many years have you worked in the cannabis industry? 

1 year. 

What sparked your interest in cannabis? 

Getting in trouble for smoking  while simultaneously noticing how much it was helping my mental health. I couldn't understand how something that was making me feel better was also supposed to be so bad for me. The more I researched, the more I realized how beneficial cannabis is. 

What inspires you about the cannabis industry? How has the industry made an impact on your life? 

I get to talk to like-minded people about the benefits of cannabis all day. I wake up and want to come to work. Even if I have a bad day, I know the people I talk with and help find the right product, make me feel like it's not all bad. 

What can the cannabis industry do to be a better ally to our LGBTQIA+ community? 

If there are patients or customers who have actively been aggressive/confrontational/ rude in a homophobic or transphobic way... need more than just a warning in their profile or a note saying that because of this behavior, a manager should cash that person out. I know we still obviously want our customers to come here, but this is very uncomfortable for the Queer people in your store. I would love to see management call up these people to give them a verbal warning to not make our employees uncomfortable.   

How can readers support their local Pride Month celebrations or organizations? 

Find your local gay bars! They're usually planning stuff for this year's Pride Month since last June! 

What is your favorite GTI product or strain? 

Sparkling Pear Beboe. The 1:1 CBG has been so helpful for the nerve pain I deal with. 

Any insider insights into great strains that no one knows about? 

I always check the current years Cannabis Cup winners or High Times Strain of the Year contests for those insider strains that will be coming to us soon. 

How many years have you worked in the cannabis industry? 

2 months. 

What sparked your interest in cannabis? 

How much it helped me with my mental health when nothing else worked for years. 

What inspires you about the cannabis industry? How has the industry made an impact on your life? 

Seeing how much it helps everyone, but in different ways, is what inspires me. how one person can use it to eat; and another person can use it to be able to go outside of their house is crazy to me and super cool. The industry has impacted me in so many ways. The two biggest are helping me regulate my emotions and help me explain better about marijuana and its details with people I know. 

What can the cannabis industry do to be a better ally to our LGBTQIA+ community? 

I think so far, the cannabis industry does really well with accepting LGBT communities. One thing that could possibly make it better is maybe having a little get together once a year in each state so we can all communicate together. 

How can readers support their local Pride Month celebrations or organizations? 

Ask someone what their pronouns are on a daily basis. There is a lot of stigma, especially with the trans community, about "I can tell" ideas and sadly that's just not true. Even if they are cis, it's still good to feel recognized for your own opinions and not what someone thinks they know. 

What is your favorite GTI product or strain? 

Right now, I really love Gogurtz and Sudzzz the flower mainly, but the live resin and prerolls are amazing too 

Any insider insights into great strains that no one knows about? 

Baklava is the best even experience that I've gotten, not too much couch potato not too much get up and do the dishes, an even terpene profile so it quiets the voices but doesn't silence the creativity. 

Looking to share more? 

Been smoking for 5 years now. Hot take here, flower can get you just as messed up as dabs. (with a little more flower than dabs). 

Pride Month is the perfect time to recognize the powerful role LGBTQIA+ people have played in shaping cannabis culture and advocacy. This month, consider supporting queer-led cannabis brands and allies who prioritize equity, representation, and care. Check your local RISE for products and initiatives that uplift the LGBTQIA+ community—our personal care specialists are always here to help.