Celebrating the LGBTQ Cannabis Community
The LGBTQ community has made significant contributions to the world of cannabis. In fact, if it wasn’t for gay cannabis advocates pushing for medical cannabis access during the AIDS crisis, cannabis might still be prohibited today.
This is an important history, but one that is not well-known. It is for this reason that I am so excited to share some wonderful educational resources with you :)
Neil, founder of The Full Spectrum
I recently attended a 3-part webinar series that was focused on celebrating LGBTQ influence in cannabis and highlighting how the cannabis industry can better support the LGBTQ community.
Each segment was amazing and super informative. I learned so much, and I bet that you will, too!
This webinar series was hosted by my colleague in cannabis, Neil Lequia, in partnership with The Cannabis Alliance. Neil is the founder of The Full Spectrum, which was the first LGBTQ organization in the cannabis industry. The Full Spectrum provides people with education and resources focused on building diversity and inclusion in cannabis.
Neil is an advocate for cannabis research and has participated in research studies himself. He has also made a significant impact in cannabis retail and has served as a budtender and retail store manager. Neil brings heart, progressive ideas, and necessary perspective to the cannabis space and I am so grateful for his work.
I think you will really enjoy what Neil has put together! Each webinar recording, linked below, is 1 hour long and chock-full of actionable information. Even if you don’t have any involvement in the cannabis industry, there is information that is relevant for day-to-day interactions with people of all backgrounds.
The Queer History of Cannabis Legalization
Did you know that cannabis legalization was spearheaded by LGBTQ activists during the AIDS crisis? I didn’t, but now I do. This is an incredible story and an ode to the LGBTQ pioneers who brought cannabis policy to where it is today.
The Beginner’s Guide to Gender
Are you unclear on how to navigate issues surrounding sex and gender? Need a refresher on what language is preferred by members of our trans community? If so, then this video serves as a great reminder on these topics and more.
Recruiting and Retaining Diverse Talent
I am really excited about this one… and I think every business owner, particularly those in the cannabis space, should give this video their time. Studies have shown that diverse teams contribute to greater business success, and so there is every reason to step toward building a more diverse workforce.
For more from The Full Spectrum, follow them on Facebook or on Instagram @the.full.spectrum.
