Empire Glassworks is celebrating Pride Month! While cannabis culture and queer culture are distinct in many ways, they also share meaningful similarities that connect the two communities. As a glass manufacturing company, we want to celebrate the beauty, complexity, and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community and explore how it intertwines with cannabis culture. As both movements continue to gain visibility and representation in the media, Empire Smokes is taking this opportunity to highlight the intersection of these two vibrant worlds and the magic that emerges when they come together.
In this blog, you'll learn more about the relationship between the LGBTQ+ community and cannabis, take a look at Empire Smokes' past collaborations, and discover influential creators, consumers, and companies that are making an impact in both spaces.
🌈 Pride + Cannabis Relationship 🏳️🌈
At Empire Smokes, we recognize and honor the queer icons who paved the way for LGBTQ+ and cannabis consumers alike. When it comes to the two cultures, it’s safe to say that we have come a long, long way. Since the legalization of gay marriage in 2016 and weed now being legal in 24 out of the 50 states, hiding your sexuality and weed in the closet is no longer as necessary.
In the big year 2026, you can turn on the TV and see drag queens dancing with Sabrina Carpenter at the VMAs. You can head to the movie theatre and smoke an enormous amount of weed with the Scary Movie 6 characters. Better yet, you can turn on Rupaul’s Drag Race and watch notable names such as Jorgeous strut down the runway in a weed inspired outfit. Times are changing and it’s beautiful to see. Yes, there is a lot of work to be done for the queer community, but the progress that has been seen the past couple years is both exciting and refreshing.
Studies have shown that cannabis is very prominent in queer people's lives as it helps with the overall stress, anxiety, and depression that are commonly dealt with in the LGBTQ+ community. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, queer people are almost twice as likely to have used marijuana in the past month than straight individuals. This connection may not come as much of a surprise considering the two have been accepted legally and socially for years.
💅🏻 Laganja Estranja x Empire Smokes 💨
If you are familiar with the world of drag, chances are you’re familiar with the sickening Laganja Estranja. After competing on Rupaul’s Drag Race season 6, creating some of the shows most iconic moments, and being the reason for one of Rupaul’s Drag Race: All Stars highest rated episodes, it's no reason she is deeply loved in the drag fandom. Outside of the reality TV world, Jay Jackson has earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance from the California Institute of the Arts. She has performed with Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Lopez, and the iconic Madonna. Her impact in the drag world also intertwines with cannabis with her features in High Times Magazine, Dope Magazine, and of course, Empire Glassworks.
In 2023, Empire Glassworks and Laganja Estranga collaborated to create a one of a kind water pipe. With Greek key details and the official Laganja Estranja logo, this piece will have you feeling your oats!
This piece was only available for a limited time in March of 2023. Are you one of the lucky few you snatched one of these pieces up?
🌈 Support Queer Art 🖼️
In the words of Rupaul’s Drag Race season 16 star, Megami, “Support local drag and protect queer art.” And that’s exactly what we want to do here!
A Mexican drag performer who competed on the first season of La Más Draga and on the second season of Drag Race México. Her artistry, originality, and love for anything green is nothing but impactful to the LGBTQ+ community.
An entrepreneur and LGBTQIA+ advocate best known as the founder of Queer in Cannabis. His company focuses on uplifting queer voices, advocating for marginalized groups, and honoring those who came before him.
An influencer who showcases her love for weed, Puffco products, and LGBTQ+ rights in a series of hilarious reels and reviews through her Instagram. Show her some love!
