The LGBTQIA+ and cannabis communities have a long history of working together to conquer societal stigmas and fight for the legal recognition they deserve. Cannabis was widely used during the AIDS crisis of the ‘80s and ‘90s for its therapeutic and palliative uses, and cannabis legalization was widely advocated for by activists such as Harvey Milk and Dennis Peron.
Amid rising anti-LGBTQIA+ sentiment across the US today, it has become more important than ever for many in the newly legal cannabis industry to continue to show their allyship by providing funding to LGBTQIA+ organizations and advocating for the community during Pride month, and all year long.
Since The Pass opened its recreational cannabis dispensary in the small mountain town of Sheffield, Massachusetts in July 2020, the locally grown cannabis company has always made it a priority to show up for the Berkshires LGBTQIA+ community. “We celebrate the inclusive nature of cannabis, and it is part of our mission to provide safe and welcoming spaces where members of the cannabis-loving community can come together and thrive not only during Pride Month but all throughout the year,” says Blake Gurgul, retail general manager. “All are welcome here at The Pass and our employees and customers are excited to be a part of our community.”
In recent years, The Pass has held pop-up educational events in collaboration with the Berkshire Stonewall Community Coalition, donated to LGBTQIA+ non-profit organizations in the region, and installed a permanent rainbow flag outside the front doors of the dispensary.
This year, The Pass is partnering with Berkshire Pride to celebrate Pride month loud and proud, and in characteristic rainbow style. A portion of all sales of its new line of cotton tees and tote bags emblazoned with its logo in Pride colors and its limited-edition tart and sweet Pride Peach gummies in an all-natural rainbow-colored mix will be donated to Berkshire Pride. In addition to the merch, Berkshire Pride will be popping up at The Pass’ dispensary in Sheffield on Saturday, June 10 and Saturday, June 24 from 12 to 3pm to share information about the organization and how to support their mission all year long.
To learn more about Pride Month at The Pass click here.
