The LGBTQ+ community and the cannabis industry share a common bond in their pursuit of acceptance, compassion, and healing. James Victor and Henry Alston, co-founders of James Henry SF, share their perspectives on the intersection of these two worlds, and how their company is working to honor and continue the tradition of advocacy for both.
Expressing Acceptance through Pride
For James Victor, pride is all about acceptance. It’s about celebrating people who choose to love outside of the traditional norms and who have been historically marginalized. This has caused a major division in society, where people have felt ostracized for simply being themselves.
Cannabis, on the other hand, is a medicine that has the power to bring people together. It allows individuals to connect on a deeper, spiritual level and transcend social constructs that limit their understanding of what’s right and wrong.
Henry Alston, on the other hand, sees cannabis as a catalyst for conversation and community. He has witnessed firsthand how cannabis can bring people together, regardless of their orientation, background, beliefs, or any other societal label. At James Henry, the artwork resonates with the theme of conversation and community, showcasing two birds speaking to each other while encompassed by a gold halo that represents the community of the world.
Continuing the Tradition of Cannabis Advocacy
The LGBTQ+ community has long been a strong advocate for cannabis, particularly during the HIV/AIDS crisis. James and Henry continue this tradition by spreading awareness about the medicinal properties of cannabis and sponsoring and maintaining a presence at LGBTQ+ events.
In honor of Dennis Peron, Brownie Mary, Terrence Allen, Wayne Goodman, and many others who were beacons during the HIV/AIDS crisis, James Henry also provides an affordable product and donates to compassion programs such as BlkCannaJoy.
Queer-centric TV Shows and Weekend Club Anthems
When it comes to their top three queer-centric TV shows, both James and Henry agree on Noah’s Arc and P-Valley. James adds “Punks” by the amazing Patrick-Ian Polk, while Henry adds “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
And when it comes to hitting the dance floor, James rushes to the floor when he hears Biggie’s “Juicy,” Lil Baby’s “Real As It Gets,” or Polo G’s “Martin & G.” For Henry, anything Studio 54-ish gets him moving, as he loves soul disco and the ’70s.
Seshing with LGBTQ+ Legends
James and Henry also have some LGBTQ+ legends they’d love to sesh with. James would love to sesh with Patrick-Ian Polk and James Baldwin, both of whom have been trailblazers in their own right. Henry, on the other hand, would love to just hear where Dennis Peron’s mind was while braving the original cannabis wilds.
Celebrating Acceptance and Healing
The intersection of pride and cannabis is a celebration of acceptance and healing. As James and Henry show, there is much more to these two worlds than what meets the eye. Their company, James Henry SF, is leading the charge in honoring the tradition of cannabis advocacy while celebrating the beauty of diversity and acceptance.
