THE STIGMA.
For the Love of Cannabis II is the re-boot of Lezcronymz Productions’ first safe, virtual canna-space for LGBTQ Women and comes from the co-creator of Philly’s first LGBTQ Canna-brunch EXHALE Philly. After the debut of For the Love of Cannabis I back in 2020, the organizers realized the need for stigma-free social spaces that celebrate women of color who self-medicate. Due to the stigmatization of cannabis use in communities of color, the social perceptions of cannabis users can have negative implications in the dating scene.
“So maybe you’ll find love. Maybe you’ll find a new friend. At the least you’ll find your SELF and that’s worth showing up for.”
THE FAKE-ASS WAR ON DRUGS.
So why be judged by a large portion of society who have been miseducated and misled by this fake ass “war on drugs”? Why continue to defend our choice, and right, to treat our physical and mental ailments with natural remedies our ancestors utilized for centuries? The answer: we don’t have to.
Not to our partners. Not to our family. Not to our society. The idea of “safe spaces” extends far beyond the LGBTQ community. In 2018, Lezcronymz founder Fame Neal made the decision that she would no longer give her energy to people, places, or careers which chastised her for using cannabis. For years she used cannabis to manage depression and anxiety but like many —often tried to hide it from those around her. “I didn’t want to smell like it or be associated with it even though it was an integral part of my mental health management. I remember being on the dating scene and being reluctant to mention that I smoked weed. Would they pre-judge me? Would that small piece of my life count me out of the dating pool when it came to dating other professionals? Professionals who were also pressured to not be associated with marijuana? I finally said: ‘fuck that noise’ and began to surround myself with other professionals who were comfortable being their authentic self-medicated selves.”
ALCOHOL: THE GOLD DOUBLE-STANDARD
She soon began to discover that so many other unassuming professionals and leaders were also cannabis users. So why do we pretend otherwise? Why do we participate in this self-perpetuating cycle of shame so conveniently placed on black and brown communities while our white counterparts ski the white slopes shame-free? These questions make me think back to when I used to date a woman who worked for a car dealership and she recanted the culture of high-level automobile sales. In that environment, she explained, regional managers and their teams were put under immense pressure to “perform” or sell a certain number of vehicles. They worked long hours and had an unorthodox “ball-busting” method of encouraging their sales teams to sell more and meet their quotas. Under the pressure, salespeople often used drugs and alcohol to cope with the stress levels. Many dealerships, she said, even encouraged it by having fully stocked bars and ignoring the clear signs of cocaine use.
I was baffled. The picture was very clear. Anything Black and Brown communities do to cope with the many stresses of life, depression, anxiety—even physically debilitating diseases will always be looked at under a microscope for the ONLY purpose of discrimination. Knowing this information is what empowered many to take a second look at the shame they felt as cannabis users. Who’s shame was this exactly? This newly found attitude began to transcend Fame’s social interactions as she began navigating new social and professional circles. This, however, wasn’t the only facet of self and community empowerment taking place.
LGBTQ-FORWARD CANNA-SPACES
Simultaneously developing was the vision of cultivating a virtual social space for mature LGBTQ women to interact and build community. Fueled by her own struggles with dating and the negative perception of cannabis use—plus the onset of the COVID pandemic: “For the Love of Cannabis” was born. The 2-3 hour event brings together women from all over the U.S. who are done hiding the parts of them that promote their own self-healing. While the event doesn’t promote “finding your true love” it does deliver on it’s promise to provide a shame-free, cannabis-positive safe space. Speed dating (and friending) is the main activity of the event however it’s the group discussions taking place that attendees seem to love the most. For the Love is not just about finding a date it’s much more than that. It’s the feeling of relatability, connectivity, and being able to “roll-up” without the unforgiving gaze of disapproving eyes.
Nowadays, Fame is in a 4-year relationship with a cannabis cultivator who not only supports her cannabis use but supplies it too. It’s a win-win.
So maybe you’ll find love. Maybe you’ll find a new friend. At the least you’ll find your SELF and that’s worth showing up for.
For the Love of Cannabis boasts an awesome Speed-Dating/Friending Session, Lively Group Discussions, Cannabis Trivia, R&B Karaoke, Giveaways, a virtual art gallery, and a Burlesque Performance by the soon to be legendary Queen of Hearts. Prize sponsors include a line-up of woman-owned businesses and cannabis brands including: Different by Design, Plants and People, Sunflower Spacecakes, High Roller Thingz, Magic Mama Co., and Jersey Stash Box.
Date: December 1, 2023
Time: 8-11PM EST
Guests can get a discount on tickets when they download The Highly Connected App and access the event promo code to apply at checkout.
On December 1st from 8-10PM EST, Lezcronymz Productions and EXHALE Philly brings you For the Love of Cannabis II! Get “dolled” up and “roll” up for a cozy night in with your favorite queer women!
- Speed Dating/Friending for Women Who Love Women
- Virtual “Sapphic & Flowers” Art Gallery SUBMIT YOUR ART TO BE FEATURED
- Sensual Burlesque Performance by Queen of Hearts (as seen on “THICK SKIN”/HULU)
- Games & Prizes from our LGBTQ + Women Owned Sponsors!
- Group Dating Discussions
- R&B Karaoke
- “Date Night” Shared Playlist
WIN OUR CANNA-LOVE RAFFLE PRIZES!
- Lip Glamor Cosmetics & Bag
- Different by Design $40 Gift Certificate
- High Roller Thingz Custom Rolling Trays
- Magic Mama Co LLC | Open Apothecary Natural CBD Pain-rub and Balance Harmony Hoop
- Plant and People Calm & Reserve Collection Sleep Gummies
- Jersey Stash Box Handmade Cannabis Leaf Keychains (Green/White & Purple & Green), Handmade Roach Clips, 23% Off Coupon SITEWIDE, PLUS! Surprise Freebie w/ Each Package
- GIFT CARD from the EXHALE Shop! ($25.00 Value)
- $10.00 Lezcronymz Event Voucher
- $25 Gift Card from HeavenlyHerbs good towards a Workshop or Consultation!
- Infused Goodies by Sunflower Spacecakes
FEATURED ARTISTS
DISCOUNT ALERT! Join The Highly Connected App to get $2 OFF TICKETS! Promo code available in THC App event post! Get plugged into the network to receive exclusive event notifications, discounts, and more for FREE! Businesses: Get access to networking events, social media strategies, sponsors, discussions, and community!
MEDIA SPONSOR
Vee the Traveling Canna-Writer-Check out all things Cannabis from the #1 traveling Canna-Writer.
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