Founder of Queer in Cannabis Shares Vision for Inclusive Industry

by | Jun 10, 2024 | Cannabis Interviews, Real People In Medical Cannabis Interview Series

Real People In Medical Cannabis Rich Magana Founder Queer in Cannabis Interview

Did you know that the American LGBTQIA community was the first group to embrace medical cannabis for therapeutic use? The HIV and AIDS crisis that began in the 1980s brought cannabis and compassionate care to the forefront. By 1996, 1 in 9 LGBTQ men had been diagnosed with AIDS, and 1 in 15 of the patients diagnosed lost their lives to the autoimmune disease.

During Pride Month, we caught up with Rich Magaña, the founder of “Queer in Cannabis,” which is an organization that unites LGBTQIA Americans who are entrepreneurs or employed within the U.S. cannabis industry.

Can you share a bit about your background, Rich? How did you enter the cannabis industry? What inspired your advocacy for LGBTQIA 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. 

Queer in CannabisWhat significant or historical contributions have LGBTQIA individuals made to the cannabis industry?

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 was “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, 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. 

Could you explain what  “Queer in Cannabis” is and the reasons behind its creation? 

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 at QIC, and it is our mission to break that glass ceiling once and for all for Queer+ people. 

What types of events, programs, or activities does the Queer in Cannabis organize 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! 

In your opinion, what specific challenges do LGBTQIA entrepreneurs face in the cannabis industry?

There are major challenges to be seen, heard, and appreciated. 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 first hand. Even with my own outreach. The companies you think are most likely to respond just aren’t, which also makes funding much harder. Especially in this political climate. This 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 would benefit from joining Queer Cannabis? How can they connect with 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 to show your support.

Thank you so much for having me! It’s visibility like this that breaks barriers and social stigma. 

 

 

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