In the early 20th century, individual states in the United States began prohibiting cannabis, with major federal limitations occurring in 1937. From 1973, certain states started to ease cannabis restrictions through decriminalization, starting with Oregon. California has played a pioneering role in the movement to liberalize cannabis laws, with the first attempt to legalize cannabis through a ballot initiative (Prop 19) taking place in 1972. While unsuccessful, California later became the first state to legalize medical cannabis with the Compassionate Use Act of 1996 (Prop 215). In late 2016, California made history again by legalizing the recreational use of cannabis through the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (Prop 64) following a successful ballot initiative.

In 1992, "Brownie Mary" Rathbun, Dennis Peron and Dale Gieringer founded the San Francisco Cannabis Buyers Club, which was the first dispensary of its kind. The state of Washington followed suit, becoming the second state in the U.S. to establish regulations for marijuana dispensary operators, expanding access to cannabis beyond the caregiver model. In the United States, the term "marijuana dispensary" typically refers to private organizations or companies that sell cannabis, especially in California, Colorado, Washington, and Oregon. As people become more conscientious about their language, "cannabis dispensary" is increasingly being used as a more politically correct term, as it avoids the use of the more commonly used Spanish slang word "marijuana."

John Entwistle and Dennis Peron founded the club, and the latter is often referred to as the "Father of Medical Marijuana." The club initially provided marijuana to patients with HIV/AIDS and was instrumental in the creation of California Proposition 215, which aimed to legalize medical marijuana in California in 1996.

The club's location spanned several floors and was furnished with couches, chairs, and coffee tables, resembling a coffee house. Its menu included edibles and loose marijuana. Membership exceeded 8,000, and to become a member, patients had to provide a doctor's note certifying that they had a qualifying condition for medical marijuana use.

The founders of the San Francisco Cannabis Buyers Club, especially Peron, faced significant dangers and consequences for their involvement. State narcotics officers arrested Peron and sought warrants for other individuals just weeks before the Proposition 215 vote. This was seen as an attempt to demonize the Buyers Club and its members, potentially killing the proposition. Brownie Mary was also arrested three times for her lobbying and efforts to provide medical cannabis.

Over two decades later, the passage of Proposition 215 has paved the way for the slow and steady progression of legalization across the country. The LGBT community and its supporters played a crucial role in advocating for compassion for all, enabling individuals to use cannabis for pain management and to treat various conditions. Next time you pass a smoke, Dr. Lawrence suggests that you thank Brownie Mary and the thousands of LGBT individuals who have passed.