The LGBT and cannabis communities share a powerful bond throughout history. Their journeys toward equality and justice are not just parallel; they are often intertwined.
During LGBT History Month, TSS is highlighting the trailblazers from both movements who came together to champion change. Their courageous efforts have paved the way for many of the freedoms we have today.
Dennis Peron stands out as one of the most significant figures in the intersection of cannabis and LGBTQ+ activism. Born in New York in 1945, Peron’s relationship with cannabis began in the 1960s. After serving in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, he returned home with two pounds of cannabis in his luggage and moved to the Castro District in San Francisco, a neighborhood known for its LGBTQ+ community.
By the mid-1970s, Peron was selling cannabis from his home and his restaurant, “The Island,” which also served as a political campaign headquarters for Harvey Milk. He developed personal relationships with his customers, many of whom became friends. Despite a more tolerant atmosphere around cannabis in San Francisco during the 1970s, Peron faced numerous confrontations with law enforcement, including raids on his home and businesses, and even being shot by an undercover officer. He was arrested for possessing 200 pounds of cannabis and served a six-month jail sentence.
None of these challenges kept Peron from advocating for the rights to access and grow cannabis. His activism grew during the 1980s, amid the AIDS crisis. During this time, Peron spoke out against outdated laws and disconnected politicians, driven by his strong belief in the medicinal power of cannabis. In 1990, following the passing of his partner Jonathan West from AIDS, Peron was motivated to honor his partner’s memory by ensuring access to the medicinal benefits of cannabis for others suffering from similar illnesses. He played a pivotal role in Proposition P, which aimed to reduce penalties for cannabis possession in San Francisco.
In 1991, Peron founded the first medical marijuana dispensary in the U.S., the San Francisco Cannabis Buyers’ Club, which gained over 8,000 members before it closed in the mid-1990s. One of Peron’s greatest accomplishments came with the passage of Proposition 215 in 1996, which legalized medical cannabis in California. His relentless activism laid the groundwork for the legalization of medical cannabis in nearly 40 states across the U.S. today. Peron famously said, “The passing of 215 lit a fuse around the world,” underscoring his impact on the current cannabis reform efforts. Peron remained an advocate for cannabis and LGBTQ+ rights until his death in 2018, championing the inclusion of women and people of color in the cannabis industry and opposing jail sentences for cannabis-related offenses. He once stated, “If you want to know the future, emulate the past.”
Mary Jane Rathbun, affectionately known as “Brownie Mary,” is another iconic figure in the LGBT and cannabis communities. Born in 1922, her journey into cannabis culture began as a waitress at an IHOP restaurant. By the late 1970s, she was making and selling large quantities of homemade THC-infused brownies in San Francisco’s Castro District. Rathbun soon discovered that her “magically delicious” brownies were not just providing a high; they were also offering pain relief to those suffering from illnesses like cancer. When the AIDS epidemic struck in the early 1980s, she began delivering her brownies to patients at San Francisco General Hospital’s Ward 86. As news of her efforts spread, local cannabis growers began donating supplies to support her work. However, in 1981, Rathbun was arrested at the age of 57 for possessing over 18 pounds of cannabis. Instead of shying away, she served her 500-hour community service sentence by volunteering at a thrift store, a soup kitchen, and a hospice for people living with HIV and AIDS. Her willingness to support and care for patients was rare during a time when fear and stigma were at their peak. Rathbun’s activism continued into the 1990s when she collaborated with Dennis Peron on Proposition P, which eventually helped lead to the passage of Proposition 215 in 1996. Together, they co-authored a cannabis cookbook, though it surprisingly doesn’t include the famous infused brownie recipe that Mary never revealed. Without Brownie Mary’s innovative contributions, the infused edibles market, which generated $3.4 billion in revenue in 2022, may not have developed the way it has.
Paul Scott is a key figure at the intersection of the LGBT and cannabis communities. He was a military medic before becoming a nurse in an AIDS ward in Los Angeles during the height of the AIDS crisis in the 1980s. After leaving nursing, he joined the San Francisco Cannabis Buyers Club, which led to his role as Chairman of the Oakland Cannabis Buyers’ Commission. Despite threats from anti-cannabis lawmakers, the Oakland club remained open for years, thanks to support from city council member Nate Miley.
After the Oakland club closed and following his HIV diagnosis, Scott found support from a cannabis club in Inglewood, where he successfully ran the club for 12 years. He remains a significant advocate for the rights of African American gay men, having served as L.A. County’s Commissioner for HIV/AIDS and founding the Inglewood Wellness Center. Scott is also remembered for leading the L.A. Black Pride event, At the Beach.
In today’s world, it’s crucial to recognize and celebrate the significant achievements of activists from the LGBT and cannabis communities throughout history. While we may sometimes focus on our differences, it’s important to remember the shared struggles that unite us all.
The Smoke Signal Magazine 
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