5 New York LGBTQ Friendly Cannabis Brands to Support All Year
By Sasha AbramzonThere are strong ties between cannabis and the LGBTQ+ community and amplifying LGBTQ+ stories, brands and leaders is key to establishing an equitable industry (and not just in June). This is a factor that must be considered in any cannabis business plan or cannabis PR strategy.
Both the cannabis and LGBTQ+ communities are well-acquainted with marginalization, heavy stigmas and have existed on the outskirts of what used to be considered the social norm. The cannabis legalization movement and the gay rights movement have historically been intertwined. The LGBTQ+ community has played an essential role in paving the road to legal cannabis and there is a long history with the LGBTQ+ community in the fight for legal medical cannabis. More specifically, cannabis use as treatment for AIDS, which disproportionately affected the LGBTQ+ community. LGBTQ+ advocates are known for their tremendous strides in fighting for social, racial, and economic justice. It is crucial to show support for LGBTQ+ owned brands and business all year round and not just during Pride month.
Here are 5 NY LGBTQ+ Friendly Cannabis Brands to support all year:
Proud Mary
Proud Mary has been providing safe spaces for queers in the cannabis industry since 2019. Their goal is to provide as much queer cannabis education as possible to effectively navigate the opinions of the legal cannabis debate and LGBTQ+ issues, and demonstrate a responsible development for the cannabis industry. Proud Mary elevates queer voices in the cannabis community by hosting a variety of different types of events in collaboration with many kinds of brands to provide safe spaces for queers in cannabis to connect with other industry professionals.
Proud MaryKen Ahbus
Ken Ahbus is a cannabis lifestyle brand for the modern stoner and was founded by Sara Gluck, a NY based cannabis entrepreneur. Ken Ahbus is a go-to brand for cannabis enthusiasts who don’t fit in with the classic stoner vibe and look. As a queer and Jewish woman working in the cannabis space, Sara wanted to create a brand that represents and supports traditionally marginalized groups. Sara also partnered with Spectrum Designs, a New York non-profit that employs people on the Autism spectrum, to do merchandise printing and embroidery.
Follow Ken Ahbus on Instagram
Ken AhbusHousing Works Cannabis Co
Housing Works, a non-profit organization fighting homelessness and HIV/AIDS, opened New York State’s first recreational cannabis store, Housing Works Cannabis Co. Housing Works has identified a diverse set of small growers and producers led by women, people of color, and LGBTQ individuals. Housing Works Cannabis Co and is also expanding their menu with two queer-owned brands for Pride month. All proceeds from Housing Works Cannabis Co go to the nonprofit parent organization Housing Works.
Follow Housing Works Cannabis Co on Instagram
Housing Works Cannabis CoCann
Cann, a queer-founded, leading cannabis-infused beverage company has created many award winning LGBTQ+ campaigns including a “Say Gay” campaign with Weedmaps. Cann is a premier destination for cannabis consumers and the canna-curious to discover and learn about cannabis products. Cann is available for purchase at select New York adult use cannabis dispensaries.
Follow CANN on Instagram
CANNEtain
Etain, New York’s first women-founded medical cannabis dispensary. Etain launched the 2nd edition of the Pride Battery for the Motif Magnetic Vape Pen. Etain’s in-house designer created the sleek and minimalist battery and incorporated the colors of the LGBTQ+ flag in an abstract pattern reflecting off intricate gold Art Deco architecture highlights.Etain donates 20% of the sale of each Pride Battery to Callen-Lorde, an annual tradition. Callen-Lorde is the global leader in LGBTQ health care
Follow Etain on Instagram
EtainAs a cannabis business owner or entrepreneur who is considering an effective cannabis PR strategy, it is critical to be aware of the plant’s connections with the LGBTQ+ community and become familiar with the key leaders and advocates in the cannabis industry. If your brand or you personally are not already following and aware of the above organizations and businesses, be sure to connect with them on social media, attend events they’re speaking at, and add them to your list of cannabis influencers for future campaigns.