LGBTQ People at Forefront of Drug Reform

A Positive piece of news on the effects of long term campaigns that are consistent and progressive comes from the top US based news hub LGBTQ Nation. They look at the change wrought in the last twenty years on laws governing cannabis use for medicinal and recreational use. Even conservative states like Mississippi and Montana are changing their stance on marijunana use. LGBTQ Nation this week looks at the strong contribution of LGBTQ people to the cannabis reform movement. Reporter John Gallagher notes “ As with a lot of progressive policies, San Francisco was at the forefront of marijuana acceptance. The city’s large gay population wasn’t incidental to that cause. In many ways, it was the reason for it”, and writes that Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man elected in the States, pushed for a ballot measure on decrimimalising marijuana in the late seventies. During the AIDS crisis many HIV activist groups puchsed for legalisation of the drug. Marijuana emerged as a legitimate treatment for pain and loss of appetite that were common with AIDS. The success of the long term campains in the States for marijuana reform shows that there is much truth in keeping up pressure for societal change over the long term. It take a lot of effort, be change does come!