LGBTQA and Cannabis

Introduction

LGBTQA and cannabis usage have an important relationship in our century that should not be underemphasized.

Marie was denied a job by an employer last summer, not because she wasn't fit for the job but because the employer perhaps thought her sexual Orientation as asexual might be in line with her support for the legalization of Cannabis.

This concept was all over the media causing a major divide, between morality and personality.

For some, it was even mean a matter of religion and core social values.

While this article is not strictly to decide if LGBTQA has a direct connotation with Cannabis, one might want to compare to an extent the relationship between the two.

Would you say Fred Coleman who lives off the coast of New Jersey is emotional about his son's recent use of cannabis? especially his predisposed orientation of being gay?

Some could say Fred was being paranoid others might opine his son's most recent decision is not a fallout of the former.

LGBTQA and Cannabis Explained

LGBTA which stands for Lesbian, gay, bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Asexual, and other identities are not the most recent trend, following that it had been a concept of practice and discussion openly since the 80s.

These acclaimed identities have in a way exerted an influence on the spheres of Politics, Education, Religion, Economy, History, and every known area which affect common life.

In certain societies such as the African Society, it is mostly not accepted.

Also, in African dominated culture and religions, LGBTQA and Cannabis are perceived as abnormal by any individual both to himself and as a unit of the society.

Other cultures might pose a similar or different view to this.

While we try not to occupy ourselves with what it might mean for us.

There is little or nothing we can do to accept the fact it is fast becoming a part of our " IDEAL SOCIETY".

LGBTQA and Cannabis in Real Life Situations

This is about Melanie a divorcee who is lesbian.

Her perpetual resort to the usage of cannabis proved to be an effective means of keeping her mind off the problems she had suffered in marriage.

Initially she faced depression which got her in rehab almost twice.

She resorted to the use of Cannabis seeing how much it had been of help to her friend Emily who she had met at rehab.

This wasn't known to her doctor, but it was starting to be of great aid to her.

She was finally able to cope better.

We could see how helpless she would have been.

The beautiful effect of cannabis can also be found in Joe's case.

Joe had gotten to a point where he was in need of cannabis to forget his unemployment troubles and hardship.

The cloud pot hood offered him cannabis at first for free during their inauguration and later on discount.

This feels like family to him now, and he is okay with taking life one step at a time.

Would it be okay to say the consumption of Cannabis is a fallout of being LGBTQA or LGBTQA entails the consumption of Cannabis.

Is there a causal relationship existing between these two concepts?

LGBTQA and Cannabis in Times Past

The history that surrounds LGBTQA and Cannabis isn't so much of a pleasant one.

History dates the beginning of the trend to ancient Rome, others might claim varying origins.

It was yet until the 80s that a massive campaign began perhaps creating an acceptance for those not open about their 'sexual perceptions'.

infact this had progressed so much as an annual observance for LGBTQ in the US and Other nations.

Different readers might differ in their opinions about this.

I wish to inform you that The American Psychiatric Association in 1973 declassified contentedness of homo -sexuality as a mental illness.

Does this mean it was before then viewed as a mental illness?

Can we then at least suggest a relationship between Cannabis and LGBTQA tendencies according to Marie's employer or Fred Coleman?.

What has culture got to say about this?

Adjusting To LGBTQA

In Germany, the penal code which restricts gay sex has been lifted creating an acceptance into the society.

While this culture might be supported by the upper class in the urban areas where gays especially can express themselves without any victimization, it isn't so in the very rural areas.

One victim shared how his friend had moved from Berlin to a remote area and in few months committed suicide.

This was simply because the new way of life which first accepts gays has not permeated every fabric of the typical German.

This is different in the UK where the legal framework protects the LGBTQ community.

There are a few who have exceptions in certain discriminations in Personal life career etc.

"I could deal with you smoking Marijuana not you being gay" Adams in Liverpool insists.

This shows what it could be like not being cut by the law yet not totally accepted into society.

Is there a point where the LGBTQA community as well as the use of Cannabis would become a norm?

History is a trend and has its attendant innovations and expectations.

A common opinion held by drunks is that the soberness brought about by the intake of alcohol aids them forget challenges that awaits them.

This is non refutable at least in their State of drunkenness.

The aim of this however is to forget unfavorable events and situations.

We are however left in wonder if the same is with LGBTQA who mostly are in use of Cannabis.

Does the intake of cannabis help them forget an identity that could be unfavorable?

Is forgetting aimed at society, or personal perception?

Perceptions Surrounding LGBTQA and Cannabis

There is a rising need for cure as pertains to the excessive use of Cannabis, which is of a mental form.

It is true that the continuous use of substances like cannabis has a habitual tendency capable of affecting the whole person.

In families it could affect emotional ties as much as supposed roles to be played by family members.

For some a way out could even be counseling, prayers and behaviour modifications.

In all of this we can see a disconnection then between the use of cannabis and a mental health.

This disconnect is void of adjustments especially as it relates to the society we live in.

Do you think differently?

A handful of persons have debunked this, stating the use of Cannabis has no associational relationship with LGBTQA tendecies.

Especially with an increased use of Cannabis by Straights also.

In a recent 30 day study, it was observed that LGBTQA men/ women were more likely to use Cannabis than heterosexuals.

A striking distinction in this is "Asexuality".

This is due to the fact that every other 'queer' behavior is frowned upon by the lot because they appear to be against the laws of nature.

Relatively abnormal, but asexuality is an identity that entails lack of sexual orientation to others.

Can we therefore say that this lack of sexual drive towards others, is due to the use of Cannabis?

Some might argue that sex is a biological need Like food and water.

But Is it factual to say that the lack for sexual affection towards others is a result of the consumption of cannabis?

LGBTQA and Cannabis Advocacy

The advocacy for LGBTQA has ever been simultaneous with Cannabis in the 20th century.

One of the reasons remains the unwillingness and non support of governments in the last decades to help Aids patients who at the moment were mostly LGBTQA population who had no cure for the disease.

The percentage was about 60 percent at the time.

These humans were left with no option but to resort to the use of Cannabis, which made life easy.

This led to Sustained advocacy for LGBTQA and Cannabis.

Surviving was as important as the legalization of Cannabis.

Denis Peron shared this view on an interview some time ago.

He said he started a club for Cannabis to help Aids patients.

While this might have ameliorated the pain, you can still wonder if it cured patients.

The unclear claim of the LGBTQA community to be the pioneer advocates of Cannabis especially in the western society is still a matter of discussion.

It could then assume the shape of acceptance of shared queer values.

On the other hand, performance has been closely knitted with certain substances.

This is not restricted to LGBTQA and Cannabis use alone.

Super stars in the movie industry, sport icons and even politicians amongst other spotlighted niches are constantly plagued with news of substance abuse including Cannabis.

Infact in one article dated 21st July 2021, an Olympic LGBTQA contender was suspended for the use of Cannabis.

It is normal to think this might be for enhancement of performance of the above mentioned niches.

Are we extreme to think there might be more to this?

Gradually states are moving to legalize Cannabis as a recreational substance.

This is something some LGBTQA see as economically motivated.

Religion's Perceptions of LGBTQA and Cannabis

As of May 2022, about 37 states allowed for the use of Cannabis related products while 18 are yet to follow suit.

LGBTQA and Cannabis is viewed similarly by Religion, facing criticism even stringent measures against LGBTQA.

Similarly it is not far from the experience for users of cannabis.

It is not a matter of debate that major religions while addressing moral standards has zero tolerance for both LGBTQA and Cannabis.

Christianity, Islam etc share similar views, an exception could be Buddhism which has varying opinions about such kinds of Sexual orientation.

A Buddhist monk residing in Thailand once backed LGBTQA saying they are also humans, and such discriminations are against the teachings of Buddhism.

What about Buddhist stand on Cannabis?

The struggle of Lu who had been a Buddhist for almost two decades is profound as she struggles with being in control of her will power due to intake of Cannabis.

This might be a challenge because wielding your will power especially in meditation is a vital aspect of Buddhism.

If there is a compromise on acceptance of LGBTQA by Buddhism, would the will and purpose which Buddhism play in the life of it's members be achieved?

It therefore strikes a need for balance, don't you think?

Christianity outrightly does not support both. Far from morality, it is a fibre of the basic tenets of Christianity as a religion.

While several arguments exist about the rightness of using Cannabis in Christianity, we could infer a commonality with every religious view about cannabis.

Every religion is of the view that it is wrong for an individual to be intoxicated by any substance such that normal reasoning abilities might be impossible.

To justify this claim, It is first good we have an understanding of the chemical component of Cannabis.

Chemical Justification For LGBTQA and Cannabis

Cannabis contains Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD).

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is responsible for mind altering and intoxication while Cannabidiol literally has no mental altering effects.

This is the basis then for most Christians who are of the opinion that Cannabidiol should instead be used medically.

They also opine that if the need arises for Tetrahydrocannabinol, it should be administered under supervision by a physician.

Recreational use of cannabis is ultimately frowned upon by the christian community.

Relating to Christianity's view of cannabis, it is clear that the two terms have no bearing of acceptance in Christianity.

Especially when they are associated with each other. It could be regarded as 'Sin'.

Islamic Religion, LGBTQA and Cannabis

There exist no clear sanctions for LGBTQA related identities or activities in the Quaran.

It is not also clear cut that It is outrightly accepted in Islam.

Although homosexual acts are forbidden in Islamic jurisprudence especially with some schools of thought.

This is due to several factors like Ethnic backgrounds, and other Societal stratas.

These have created a bias about its acceptance, playing a major role in what one calls it from the other.

Most likely it might take sometime for these gaps to be bridged.

There view however is much clearer on Cannabis, there are no mentions of Cannabis but this is what the Quaran says

" ^{O Believers! Intoxicants ,gambling, idols and drawing lots for decisions are all evil of satan's handiwork .So shun them so you may be successful."}

Conclusion

Cannabis as an intoxicant falls into this category, except Stating for what purpose.

This determines the measure and method of application, Medical or Recreational.

How then can we classify an LGBTQA in the use of Cannabis?

Our views may differ in this, but as earlier pointed out, that it is fast becoming a norm, perhaps one might have advocated the other.

And in as much as different aspects of daily living has varying views ,we might all exert a form of control on these, else abuse may be inevitable.

Hurcann is a hub for LGBTQA and Cannabis.

At Hurcann, we accept all of your sexual orientations and allow you access to quality cannabis