It's officially June, which means Pride Month is here! *CHEERS .* Let's celebrate the consequential impact that LGBTQIA+ people have had in cannabis all month long. From advocating for compassionate care during the HIV/AIDS crisis to legislation, queer people have long been at the forefront of cannabis reform. Whether it's organizing grassroots movements, advocating policy changes, or building brands, LGBTQIA+ communities have worked to break down the stigma of cannabis and push the industry and advocated for accessibility.

We're proud to honor LGBTQIA+ pioneers throughout history and shine a light on queer employees here at RISE. In this month's blog, we're chatting with LGBTQIA+ team members here at RISE to talk allyship, pride celebrations & of course, cannabis.

Preferred Pronoun

She/Her

Number of years you have worked in the cannabis industry/GTI

3

What sparked your interest in cannabis?

Helps me sleep

What inspires you about the cannabis industry? How has the industry made an impact on your life?

How it helps cancer patients with pain and eating

What can the cannabis industry do to be a better ally to our LGBTQIA+ community?

I think it already is great!

What is your favorite GTI product or strain?

Rythm Diamond Infused Vapes

Preferred Pronoun

They/Them

Number of years you have worked in the cannabis industry/GTI

1

What can the cannabis industry do to be a better ally to our LGBTQIA+ community?

The cannabis industry can be a better ally by not being afraid. Do not be afraid to have a public statement about how RISE supports the community. Do not be afraid to create events at store locations or in the community that centers around the LGBT+ Community such as drag shows, market days, etc. Partner with RISE employees who are part of the community and maybe try to make events and projects happen with those individuals. Raise the voices of the voiceless.

How can readers support their local Pride Month celebrations or organizations?

Check out your local LGBT+ networks on social media.

What sparked your interest in cannabis?

My interest in cannabis sparked from the need to de-stress in my own way which has been making all types of art. Part of being an artist is finding inspiration and being curious about the world and what better way to curb that curiosity than to try some cannabis!

What inspires you about the cannabis industry? How has the industry made an impact on your life?

I am most inspired by the ability to foster community in the cannabis industry. Whether it is for pain, pleasure or somewhere in-between, cannabis consumers can all agree it has a place on this earth and we often rally around that. The cannabis industry has made an impact on my life by providing me a job that is worth coming to and actually engaging with. I love what I do and I get to bring my passions to work and share that with others.

What can the cannabis industry do to be a better ally to guarantee there is a group or a page that is active in your town! See how you can get involved! It can be as simple as sending an e-mail!

What is your favorite GTI product or strain?

L'Orange in any form

Any insider insights into great strains that no one knows about?

Afternoon Delight is perfect for thinking and coming up with creative ideas!

Preferred Pronoun

Any pronouns work for me

Number of years you have worked in the cannabis industry/GTI

1.5

What sparked your interest in cannabis?

I had been working in pharmacy related roles for my entire adult career. I wasn't always feeling like I was really able to be myself in those spaces and I was very interested in learning something new. Cannabis felt like an industry where I could be my authentic self, that being weird and whimsical would be appreciated and that I could satisfy my want to learn a new industry.

What inspires you about the cannabis industry? How has the industry made an impact on your life?

It's such a young industry compared to what I was doing in my past work lives. I get to build more here, think further outside the box and be creative in ways I didn't get the opportunity to do previously. I've been so inspired working with the people here at GTI and getting to use my brain that way has increased my enjoyment at work. I'm just happier with my life because I get to flex my brain daily.

What can the cannabis industry do to be a better ally to our LGBTQIA+ community?

Highlight queer folks in your advertising, maybe work with queer influencers and don't keep the celebration of queerness to one month of the year. Also, make sure we bring our trans sisters and brothers with us. Make them visible.

How can readers support their local Pride Month celebrations or organizations?

GO TO PRIDE!!!! Go to the events! We want all our allies to participate in the month of celebration. The street festivals are amazing and full of amazing music. dancing and drag queens!

What is your favorite GTI product or strain?

I am a huge fan of Senorita, Rythm solventless gummies and Rythm Remix

Any insider insights into great strains that no one knows about?

I don't think this is new info but Durban Poison feels like it gives me superpowers when working out.

Looking to share more?

The Sway dispensary in Northalsted is fully owned by queer and minority folks. If you're ever in the neighborhood on Sundays for Show Tunes at Sidetrack, like I am, then Sway is right across the street and is a great place to visit for all your cannabis needs.

Preferred Pronoun

He/Him

Number of years you have worked in the cannabis industry/GTI

2

What sparked your interest in cannabis?

My interest in cannabis was sparked by a combination of curiosity and exposure to its medical potential. Learning about its therapeutic effects and how it can help manage pain, anxiety, and other conditions felt both fascinating and, in some ways, almost transformative. Beyond the science, its deep roots in culture and presence in pop culture added another layer of intrigue. Altogether, it created a compelling blend of medical significance and cultural influence that drew me in.

What inspires you about the cannabis industry? How has the industry made an impact on your life?

The cannabis industry inspires me because it sits at a really unique intersection of science, business, and culture, and somehow manages to keep things interesting in all three. What started as simple curiosity has grown into a genuine appreciation for how rapidly the industry is evolving, from medical research to product innovation. On a more personal level, it’s had a meaningful impact on my life by broadening how I think about wellness, alternative approaches to health, and even career possibilities. It’s encouraged me to stay open-minded, ask better questions, and pay attention to how shifting public perceptions can reshape an entire industry. Overall, the cannabis industry keeps me engaged, constantly learning, and occasionally smiling at how something so complex can still carry a laid-back reputation.

What can the cannabis industry do to be a better ally to our LGBTQIA+ community?

One of the most important steps is consistent, year-round support. It’s easy for brands to show up during Pride Month, but meaningful allyship looks like sustained partnerships with LGBTQIA+ organizations, funding community programs, and amplifying queer voices even when it’s not June. That kind of follow-through signals authenticity rather than marketing.

How can readers support their local Pride Month celebrations or organizations?

Volunteering your time can also make a real difference. Pride events and LGBTQIA+ organizations often need help with everything from event setup to outreach and administrative support. It’s a great way to contribute beyond financial support and connect more directly with the community.

What is your favorite GTI product or strain?

APPL CBLR strain in cartridges and flower is one of my tops because of its CBG content and always supplying the perfect body high 24/7!

Any insider insights into great strains that no one knows about?

What really makes Golden Goat stand out is its daytime energy. Unlike heavier strains that can leave you glued to the couch questioning your life choices, this one leans the opposite way. Users often describe feeling uplifted, motivated, and mentally clear—making it a go-to for creativity, socializing, or just getting through a busy day with a better mood.

Number of years you have worked in the cannabis industry/GTI

1

What sparked your interest in cannabis?

It is our life saving medicine, keeps us siezure, anxiety, and depression free.

What inspires you about the cannabis industry? How has the industry made an impact on your life?

Cannabis saved our life, being able to work in the industry to help others have the highest quality medicine is an honor, and a privilege.

What can the cannabis industry do to be a better ally to our LGBTQIA+ community?

Have alternate dressing areas for our Trans siblings not forcing them to use locker room by gender assigned at birth.

How can readers support their local Pride Month celebrations or organizations?

By being strong and attending, where safe, and building community to have private events where it is not safe. Community is what we must grasp in one hand with our weed pipe in the other.

What is your favorite GTI product or strain?

Jack’s Delight

Any insider insights into great strains that no one knows about?

Skywalker OG was the first strain we ever had. We are forever grateful to it.

Looking to share more?

Canna brownies, without butter. (Grind, and decarb.) mix 2 avacados, 2 cups cocoa powder, 2 cups applesauce, salt, Vanilla bean paste 1tsp, dash of cinnamon, dash of cayenne pepper, 2 cups black coffee, 2 cubs decarb weed ground fine, 3 cups flour, stir with wooden spoon, until smooth, put in glass baking dish, bake at 350 until done 30-40 minutes depending on elevation. Let cool, melt dark chocolate chips on top, cool, top with a light powdering of cinnamon.

Preferred Pronoun

They/Them/Theirs

Number of years you have worked in the cannabis industry/GTI

2

What sparked your interest in cannabis?

I was diagnosed with PTSD and Fibromyalgia in college, and knew that other controlled substances for pain and anxiety (opioids and benzos) were not the path I wanted to go down. Cannabis gives my body it's functionality back, allowing me to live my life to the fullest despite everything. Cut to after graduation, my dreams came true by getting hired with GTI as one of their Pharmacists! The science behind the plant and how it interacts with other pharmaceuticals/medical conditions has always been fascinating to me.

What inspires you about the cannabis industry? How has the industry made an impact on your life?

What inspires me most is the people. Since starting a career in cannabis, I have met so many wonderful humans that I am privileged enough to now call my friends. People of all backgrounds, coming together to celebrate a common love... if that isn't pride right there then I don't know what is. The acceptance is crazy out here!

What can the cannabis industry do to be a better ally to our LGBTQIA+ community?

NEVER STOP TELLING OUR STORIES. Being Loud and Proud should be a year-round thing, not just in the month of June. Implementing a regularly available year-round pride product, created by the LGBTQIA+ community, would be HUGE. Also, celebrate all aspects of the LGBTQIA+ community, not just the rainbow flag for Pride branding. Let me see those non-binary, transgender, intersex, asexual flags, and more, too!

How can readers support their local Pride Month celebrations or organizations?

Don't go to big corporate box stores (cough cough TARGET cough cough) for your pride merch. Most of that is just a money grab and rarely puts resources back into the community. Instead, find some of the MANY local artists and creators in your area to directly support the community! Plus the things that are locally made are usually way cuter/better quality anyway! Going to your local Pride parade is a place to start, but this year try getting involved in volunteering to directly support the community, such as a local youth center or soup kitchen.

What is your favorite GTI product or strain?

My go-to for pain relief is Animal Face or GMO. For Daytime nausea/pain I use Afternoon Delight, OMG, or VelcroZ. And finally, my go-to for anxiety, or just if I want the giggles, is Kosher Kush. Also a big fan of the High Dose 50mg Strahhhberry Incredible gummies.

Any insider insights into great strains that no one knows about?

I once was given a sample pre-roll from Florist Farms that was a new strain, Sour Peeps, and I've never been able to find it since then. Super uplifting, giggles for days, just an overall good time!

Preferred Pronoun

she/her

Number of years you have worked in the cannabis industry/GTI

6 months

What sparked your interest in cannabis?

I became quite ill about 15 years ago. After much research into options for managing the various symptoms I was dealing with while doctors attempted to triage what was wrong, I stumbled upon the wonderful world of cannabis and learned just how amazing it can be. Since then, I've seen it do fantastic things for myself and so many others. Now, thanks to a combination of prescribed medications and cannabis, I am feeling better and am able to be here sharing this today.

What inspires you about the cannabis industry? How has the industry made an impact on your life?

For me, ultimately, it is the customer/patient that inspires me most. I strive every day to "meet people where they are at" and help them fulfill the needs they come in with - whether they are looking for a fun recreational experience or they are searching for help with a specific issue. I want to bring the symptom alleviation that I've both experienced firsthand and seen in others to those that need it, and help others find the good times/fun they deserve.

I love that being in the industry broadens my knowledge of cannabis even further constantly, that I work with absolutely amazing people, and that I get to help people find joy and/or comfort with cannabis every single day. I am proud of the work that I do and find great joy in coming to work.

What can the cannabis industry do to be a better ally to our LGBTQIA+ community?

I think that a majority of cannabis-related brands put little to no focus on the LGBTQIA+ community and/or do nothing to specifically to aid the community (especially not locally). I would love to see "LGBTQIA+ Owned Company" on cannabis and related brand packaging (like we do for other communities). I would also love to see more vocal support from allies as well as by brands themselves, potentially more Pride-related products (IF done appropriately and with portions going to an appropriate charity), etc.

How can readers support their local Pride Month celebrations or organizations?

I think the best way to get involved is to get hyper-local! Definitely start by contacting your closest community Pride Org (it may be called Pride or it could be a chapter of Free Mom Hugs or PFLAGG, etc) - social media is usually the best place to get started. I personally am most involved with a Pride near me, where I donate monthly, attend meetings, volunteer at events, walk in the parade/help at the children's booth, etc, etc. It feels great to work as part of a community where we support each other and give each other a safe space.

What is your favorite GTI product or strain?

I love Rythm and &Shine flower, Rythm concentrates (esp the tier 2 rosin!), and infused Dogwalkers. I can't think of any strain in particular that I don't recommend!

Any insider insights into great strains that no one knows about?

My "strains of the moment" happen to be Taffy Twist (DWs/Rythm) and Blueberry Cookies (&Shine). (Also, don't sleep on &Shine strains - they're often some of my faves!)

Preferred Pronoun

She/They

Number of years you have worked in the cannabis industry/GTI

2

What sparked your interest in cannabis?

I was raised by a native father who taught me a lot about using nature as medicine. Cannabis has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Once I saw what medical cannabis did for the quality of life of my ill sister, I knew I wanted to be a part of alternative wellness, and helping people live better lives through the power of cannabis.

What inspires you about the cannabis industry? How has the industry made an impact on your life?

The consumers and team I work with every day. I am inspired by the strength of consumers. I love hearing their stories, and journeys with cannabis. I am also inspired daily by the community my team has built. Everyone has a place, similar to being part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

What can the cannabis industry do to be a better ally to our LGBTQIA+ community?

I think any company who openly supports the community as an ally and safe space is best. I would love to see more of the cannabis industry loudly loving everyone, so that all know it's a safe space for them. I also would love to see more companies in cannabis choose LGBTQIA+ organizations to partner with, as most in the industry are already donating to different philanthropic organizations!

How can readers support their local Pride Month celebrations or organizations?

Go to them! The easiest way to support, is to show up! If you're able to take it farther than that, and volunteer or donate funds that's amazing too. Advocating all year round for marginalized groups of people is the best way to advocate always.

What is your favorite GTI product or strain?

I'm obsessed with Jack Herer!

Any insider insights into great strains that no one knows about?

Donut Trip is a newer strain in our market, and it's bomb! I also LOVE Golden Goat, which is only available in some markets.

Pride Month is the perfect time to recognize the integral role LGBTQIA+ people have played in shaping cannabis culture and advocacy. This month, consider supporting queer-led cannabis brands and allies who prioritize equity, representation, and care.

Happy Pride! Check your local RISE for products and brands that support the LGBTQIA+ community. Our personal care specialists are here to help.