The Sweet Activism of Brownie Mary: Cannabis and Compassion
Happy Pride Month from all of us at Dabstract! As we celebrate this vibrant and meaningful time, we honor the incredible individuals who have championed both LGBTQ+ rights and the cannabis legalization movement. One such remarkable figure is Mary Jane Rathbun, affectionately known as Brownie Mary. Brownie Mary was a fierce ally to the LGBTQIA+ community and played a significant role in the medical cannabis movement.
“We desperately need medical marijuana in this country.”
The Life and Legacy of Brownie Mary
Mary Jane Rathbun (December 22, 1922 – April 10, 1999) became a beloved figure in San Francisco during the 1980s and 90s. A waitress by day and a cannabis baker by night, she gained her nickname, Brownie Mary, by baking and distributing cannabis-infused brownies to AIDS patients. Her brownies were not just a treat; they were a source of comfort and relief during a time of immense suffering.
An Ally in Action
The AIDS crisis hit San Francisco hard, devastating the LGBTQIA+ community. Traditional medications often failed to alleviate the pain and nausea associated with AIDS and its treatments, but cannabis provided significant relief. Brownie Mary, witnessing the suffering around her, sprang into action. She used her baking skills to make cannabis brownies, which she distributed for free to AIDS patients, earning her the admiration and gratitude of the community.
Arrests and Advocacy
Brownie Mary's activism did not go unnoticed by law enforcement. She was arrested multiple times for her cannabis distribution activities, yet she never wavered in her mission. Her legal troubles only amplified her voice, drawing public attention to the medical benefits of cannabis and the plight of AIDS patients. Each arrest garnered media coverage and public sympathy, helping to shift public opinion on cannabis use.
Brownie Mary's Impact on Prop 215
Brownie Mary’s tireless efforts were instrumental in the passage of Proposition 215 in California, also known as the Compassionate Use Act of 1996. Alongside activists like Dennis Peron, she advocated for the legalization of medical cannabis, using her own experiences and the testimonies of those she helped to campaign for change. Proposition 215 made California the first state in the U.S. to legalize medical marijuana, a groundbreaking victory that set the stage for further reforms nationwide. In 1997, she was celebrated as the Grand Marshal of the San Francisco Gay Pride Parade, sharing this honor with Dennis Peron.
Personal Contributions and Community Building
Brownie Mary’s contributions went beyond her baking. She volunteered at the Shanti Project, an organization providing care and support to people with AIDS, and was a familiar and comforting presence at San Francisco General Hospital’s AIDS ward. Her dedication to helping others and her unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community made her a cherished figure and a powerful advocate for compassionate care.
Other LGBTQ+ Activists to Know
While Brownie Mary was a significant Ally to the LGBTQIA+ community, many other activists have also played crucial roles in both the cannabis and LGBTQ+ rights movements. Here are a few to learn more about:
Dennis Peron Known as the father of medical cannabis, Dennis Peron co-founded the San Francisco Cannabis Buyers Club and was instrumental in the passage of Proposition 215.
Harvey Milk - One of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S., Harvey Milk was a strong supporter of cannabis legalization and LGBTQ+ rights.
Cleve Jones - An activist and founder of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, Jones worked alongside Peron and others in advocating for both LGBTQ+ rights and medical cannabis.
As we celebrate Pride Month, let's remember the profound impact of activists like Brownie Mary and the countless others who have fought for our rights. Their courage and vision have made it possible for us to enjoy the freedoms and benefits of cannabis today. Happy Pride Month from all of us at Dabstract! 🌈