Pride Month and cannabis are inherently intertwined. Both the plant and the people share a long, painful, yet inspiring history of fighting for legal recognition while many conservatives would rather see cannabis and LGBTQ+ folks hide in the shadows. There are also people such as Dennis Peron, an Air Force veteran whose partner was diagnosed with AIDS in the 1980s. Peron fought simultaneously for LGBTQ+ rights and cannabis rights to help keep his partner alive and comfortable. And of course, there is Harvey Milk, a fellow activist, and friend of Peron's, who would become the first openly gay public official in 1977 when he was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors prior to his assassination in 1978.
Pride Month is not all rainbows. The queer community's fight for recognition was not without unspeakable tragedy. While it's a time to celebrate, whether you're queer or an ally, it can also be a heavy, complicated, and emotional time. Whether you're looking for a buzz for a party or CBD infused skin care after a long day, cannabis can act as an ally in self-care. Enjoy these products during Pride Month or all year round, and remember the role LGBTQ+ folks played in reframing the way we view cannabis.
CannablisByKymB CBD Infused Eye Cream
CannablisByKymB CBD Infused Eye Cream
This cooling CBD infused eye cream is one of the few CBD beauty products worth your time and money. As the cannabinoid became trendy, and people realized its power as a non-psychoactive topical, beauty brands began throwing CBD in everything. While you don't necessarily need the cannabinoid in your makeup, CBD's anti-inflammatory properties are perfect to de-puff and sooth the delicate skin around your eyes. Apply before bedtime, putting on makeup, or whenever your eyes need a hint of cannabis calm.
Nuvata Mind Body Series
Nuvata Mind Body Series Vaporizers
Cannabis, or anything that makes you happy, does not have to be rainbow-colored to celebrate Pride. Some LGBTQ+ folks are increasingly annoyed at the corporate use of the rainbow. So, it is pretty cool when a cannabis product shows up with rainbow vaporizers that they created on their own, and just happen to be perfect for Pride. Nuvata uses colors in their Mind Body series to make it easy to choose to right disposable vape for you. For instance, the red vape is for "Full Mind" to widen your creative lens. The purple is for "Full Body" to journey inside your rested self. The line has six vaporizers in total, to cover your in-between needs such as the green or yellow "Mind Body Balance" options. Find Nuvata at a California dispensary near you.
Binske Chocolate
Edibles are an excellent consumption method for extended celebrations, such as a Pride parade, because they last for about six hours, depending on how much you eat and your tolerance level. Binske's infused chocolate bars are so much more than pretty packaging. They're farm-to-table edibles made with premium artisan ingredients such as chocolate from the same hidden Peruvian mountain valley featured on Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations. The chocolate is available in four flavors such as Peruvian Nacional 47% Dark Milk with Hazelnuts and Honduran Oro Maya 65% with Raspberries.
TribeTokes The TribeMINI Vape Battery
TribeTokes The TribeMINI Vape Battery
Vaporizers, in general, offer a discrete cannabis inhalation option that's easier on the lungs as there is no smoke involved. If you want something to puff on at a party, but not smoke inside, a vaporizer is the way to go. This mini vaporizer and cartridge from TribeTokes is so teeny no one will be able to tell what you're holding. Plus, it will certainly fit in any purse. Use a TribeTokes CBD cartridge or fill the reusable vaporizer with a cannabis cartridge of your choice.
Quarter Vapes
Disposable vape pens offer a quick, easy, and reliable way to enjoy cannabis. Often it can be tricky to figure out which strain is most appropriate for a given time or situation. Quarter, a vaporizer available in California, makes that decision easy for you by offering a pen for the morning, night, and one you can puff on all day. Pick a pen to meet your needs, or stock up on all three to accompany you for a Pride brunch that turns into Pride late-night partying.
Spa. (Photo by: BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
If CBD is integrated into at-home beauty products for cannabis self-care, it makes sense for spas to offer the same anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving experiences. Massages, such as the CBD Ritual Massage offered at Paul Labrecque Salon and Spa locations in NYC and in Palm Beach, Florida, can be found nationwide. Recover from hours of celebrating with a CBD massage to unwind.
Fruit Slabs Passion Pride
If there's ever a time to indulge in adult treats, such as cannabis-infused fruit strips, it's during Pride month. California-based Fruit Slabs are already a favorite edibles company for their vegan, cannabis-infused fruit strips. For Pride 2019, Fruit Slabs teamed up with RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant Laganja Estranja. Stash a bag of the no-sugar-added treats to carry your cannabis with you on the go discretely.
Higgs Pre-Rolls
Why roll your own when you can keep dancing instead? Higgs pre-rolled cannabis comes in Miami Vice-style cigarette packaging so you can simply slide out a joint and share with friends (should you please). Opt for Higgs' white variety for energy, focus, and euphoria. Turn to the black box for calm, relaxation, and bliss. Higgs is available at select California dispensaries.
Foria Explore
Sexual wellness and cannabis brand Foria makes anal suppositories, which can enhance sensation and sooth pain for those who have anal sex. The THC variety is available in California and Colorado, but now everyone can try Foria Explore in their CBD option. Carry a few during Pride next to your condoms, and feel good knowing that foria is donating five percent of all sales to LGBTQ+ charities this June.
Higher Standards Crystal Ashtray
Higher Standards Crystal Ash Tray
Your Pride outfit is glamorous, your cannabis is top shelf, and so are your ashtrays thanks to Higher Standards. This triangle-shaped ash tray comes with three divots to hold your joints while you pause, and turns ashing into elegance. It's not just an ashtray; it's a highly functional center piece on your coffee table.
