During Pride Month, we had the opportunity to have a conversation about the LGBTQIA community and their contribution to the American cannabis industry. Meet Rich Magaña, Founder of Queer In Cannabis.
Tell us a little bit about yourself, Rich. When did you become interested in the cannabis industry, and how did you become an advocate for LBGTQIA rights?
First off, thank you for giving me the opportunity and space to talk about the many contributions the LGBTQIA+ community has made in the cannabis space. My name is Rich Magaña and I’m the Founder of Queer in Cannabis. I grew up in a pro-cannabis household in a predominantly Mexican American neighborhood in North Orange County, Ca. Growing up with cannabis around was never scary or “bad.” Cannabis was always a homemade cigarette my uncles would bring out when we all went to bed.
As a teenager, I became more interested in Cannabis after my uncle Danny passed away from HIV/AIDS in the 90s. He was a lover of the plant and some of the fondest stories my mom would share were moments of Danny and her siblings enjoying smoke sessions during a particularly hard part of his illness. Cannabis was a way to connect to Danny in a way that was essential during a time when he needed it most.
Also, I’d like to think that I was born an advocate for marginalized folks. I grew up feeling marginalized and very aware of the struggles of growing up “different.” I always wanted to help people feel their best because I knew firsthand how life was easier when you felt loved and accepted.
What were the biggest contributions LGBTQIA community members made within the cannabis sector?
Oh wow, this is a hard question because there are so many contributions. I’m particularly proud of the community’s mobilization to the HIV/AIDS crisis in the late 80s and early 90s. It was such a horrible time to be queer+ due to stigma and lack of government funding for this horrific disease that was killing mostly LGBTQIA+ folks and people of color. It’s been said that cannabis was a response to the HIV/AIDS crisis as cannabis became “medicine” for pain, inflammation, and emotional discomfort, and also stimulated an appetite.
Also, contributions from Mary Jane Rathbun, who baked illegal weed brownies for AIDS patients in San Francisco as a way to help “family” that were dying by the dozens. And late-great Dennis Peron co-authored Prop 215, which aided in the passing of Prop 64, which legalized cannabis in California and provided a framework for medical cannabis programs in other states.
The queer cannabis community has given us so many fierce advocates, and we continue to see that torch lit as we march for equality and recognition in the present day. People like John Stephens from Select, SRDA from The Travel Agency NYC, Mel Campbell from Freshly Baked, and Ronnie Strunk from YAMBA Market are all currently providing career opportunities, community building, and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community in the Northeast. They are just a few of our modern-day trailBLAZERS that we love and respect!
What is the “Queer in Cannabis” and why was your organization founded?
Queer in Cannabis (QIC) is a queer collective that provides a platform and LGBTQIA+ affirming spaces in and outside the dispensary. At QIC, our mission is: to educate, advocate and build community. We are cultivating a culture of joy, acceptance, and celebration of diversity within the industry by acknowledging the achievements made by members of the LGBTQIA+ community to help highlight their legacy and significance in current times.
Queer in Cannabis (QIC) started as a passion project to honor my uncle Danny who we lost to HIV/AIDS and for my quest to understand the history of cannabis legalization. I soon discovered that my queer+ community was at the forefront of this movement. The LGBTQIA+ cannabis movement is full of rich history that must be told, as it’s a part of our Cannabis story. Also, as a member of the Cannabis industry, I also noticed that there were a lot of “us” contributing to this industry but not given a lot of opportunity to grow. The glass ceiling was real, and at QIC, it is our mission to break that glass ceiling once and for all for Queer+ people.
What events, programs, or activities does Queer in Cannabis host for the LGBTQIA community?
We have a lot going on right now to make sure we are true to our mission to educate, advocate, and build community. We are offering a “We are here, we are Queer; a retrospective discussion on the contributions the LGTBQIA+ community has made in cannabis” to the community to educate and bring awareness to queer cannabis history. We also have a fabulous partnership with MedWell Health & Wellness, where we educate and advocate for medicinal cannabis programs and offer discounted Medical exams for the community in need.
Lastly, we are producing the largest “full consumption” PRIDE event for the queer+ cannabis enthusiast called The Big Queer Dance Party and Vendor market on June 20th at Diaspora in Cambridge, MA. This will be an amazing opportunity to build community and provide a safe space for our LGBTQIA+ friends, family, and colleagues. Entertainment will be provided by Boston’s own The Cannabis Cabaret, a monthly cannabis-themed drag and variety show, as well as a prideful DJ set by Sound Logic Boston. We hope you can come!
Do you think there are challenges that LGBTQIA entrepreneurs face in the cannabis business sector?
There are major challenges. Although the cannabis industry appears to be “community” focused, this is not the case for many marginalized folks. There is no room at many tables, and I am seeing this firsthand, even with my own outreach. Often, companies tout exclusivity but fall short in programming and educational opportunities for their staff and customers, which is why I am so grateful for my current supporters, including MedWell Health & Wellness and DocMJ.
Like my mom always says, if there is no room. We make room.
Who should join Queer in Cannabis? Where can they find you online?
Everyone is welcome to be a part Queer in Cannabis, including allies! QIC is for everyone who supports the LGBTQIA+ and cannabis community. You can find more info on how to get involved, attend our events, and shop our merch online. Thank you so much for having me! It’s visibility like this that breaks barriers and stigma in America.
Aaron Bloom, an experienced healthcare attorney, serves as the CEO of DocMJ and Medwell Health and Wellness Centers, where he has overseen the organizations’ mission and growth since 2016. In addition to his leadership roles, Aaron serves on the Board of Directors for Waterfall Bank, bringing his expertise in healthcare, compliance, and strategic growth to the financial services sector.
Aaron’s passion for improving patients’ lives stems from more than 20 years of owning, operating, and representing traditional healthcare organizations. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to finding better ways to relieve suffering and expand access to innovative, patient-centered care. As CEO, Aaron works each day to help patients achieve better health and wellness through the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis and other evidence-based alternative medicines.