The limited-edition cannabis-infused rainbow gummies (Photo: PLUS)
It’s Pride Month in the US and corporates are falling over themselves to rainbow brand their products. However, one of the most unusual Pride initiatives we’ve come across are these Rainbow Sorbet Cannabis-infused gummies.
The gummies are part of the range from PLUS, a California-based company that specializes in cannabis food items.
Each rainbow gummie contains 5mg of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). That’s the chemical compound from cannabis that makes you high. Its makers say each gummie delivers a precise dosage, which, although it takes a little longer to hit your bloodstream than smoking, delivers a longer effect.
Is this legal?
Medical cannabis has been legal in California since 1996. Cannabis became legal for adults for recreational use in California following a public vote in 2016. Since 1 January 2018, it has been legal to sell it for non-medical use.
PLUS products originate in Adelanto, CA. They are available for delivery to California residents living in cities in San Diego, Los Angeles, the Bay Area and Sacramento.
Weed is also legal for recreational use in eight other states, including Alaska, Colorado and Maine.
Advocates for cannabis point towards its use as an alternative to alcohol, cigarettes or sleeping pills. It also offers pain relief for certain long-term chronic health conditions.
Why the Trevor Project?
PLUS was set up by a former Facebook worker, Jeff Heimark. He told GSN why he wanted to do something for Pride.
‘We elected to support The Trevor Project because they focus on preventing suicide among LGBTQ teens by taking concrete action in providing guidance and safe counsel.
‘At PLUS™ we believe that companies have a responsibility to help make our world a safer place and The Trevor Project works hard to accomplish that goal every day.’
Founded in 1998, The Trevor Project is a crisis intervention and suicide prevention service for LGBTI young people aged 13–24.
GSN has approached the Trevor Project for comment about the Pride gummies but has yet to receive a response.
PLUS is possibly a product it might not wish to be associated with, given that LGBTI youth are 20-30% more likely to experience substance abuse problems.
Then again, alcohol companies now commonly court LGBTI custom with Pride-branded products. Earlier this year, Stoli Vodka unveiled a special bottle to benefit the Harvey Milk Foundation. The bottles featured an image of the iconic gay politician.
The marijuana industry is growing rapidly in the US. A 2017 report estimated legal sales hitting $10billion in the country by the end of 2017. This represents a 33% growth surge from 2016. Since cannabis sales went legal in California in January, it was perhaps only a matter of time before a cannabis-based business demonstrated its Pride-friendly credentials.
See also
The lesbian couple that want to help fund cannabis-related businesses
Need support? LGBTI helplines for those in crisis or seeking advice
