Remembering Dennis Peron: A Conversation with John Entwistle Jr.
“Dennis believed no one should be arrested for a plant that helped them heal.”
— John Entwistle Jr.
At Collective High, we stand on the shoulders of visionaries. One of those giants is Dennis Peron, the father of medical marijuana, whose tireless activism during the AIDS epidemic helped lay the groundwork for cannabis legalization in California and beyond.
In 2020, Collective High Founder, June Johnson, sat down with John Entwistle Jr., Peron’s partner, close friend, collaborator, and fellow activist, for a conversation about Dennis’ legacy, the heart of the cannabis movement, and the love that powered it all.
💬 Interview Highlights
In an intimate and powerful live Q&A, cannabis activist John Entwistle Jr. shared personal memories and political insights from his decades-long partnership with Dennis Peron, the late activist known as the father of medical cannabis and a vital bridge between the LGBTQ+ rights and cannabis legalization movements.
💥 Dennis Peron’s Origin Story
Entwistle recounted how Dennis was radicalized by the Vietnam War and returned to the U.S. with a commitment to make his life count for something meaningful. That mission began with the 1972 Prop 19 campaign to legalize marijuana, which, while unsuccessful statewide, won over 50% of San Francisco’s vote and laid the groundwork for decriminalization efforts like the Moscone Act.
🌈 The Fusion of Queer and Cannabis Culture
From Harvey Milk’s campaigns to the Castro’s underground cannabis networks, Entwistle emphasized how deeply intertwined the queer and cannabis communities were, both outlaws from the mainstream, often exiled from their families, yet finding power and purpose in collective rebellion. “We were all podheads and gay guys who elected Harvey Milk,” he said. “It was local, it was personal, and it was historic.”
🏥 AIDS, Medical Cannabis & A Landmark Court Case
The AIDS epidemic transformed cannabis from a counterculture symbol into a lifesaving medicine. Entwistle shared the story of Dennis being arrested for cannabis distribution, only to be defended in court by Jonathan West, a lover and AIDS patient, who testified that cannabis was his medicine. The judge dropped the charges, marking one of the earliest legal recognitions of cannabis as a palliative treatment. “The truth prevailed in court for once,” Entwistle reflected.
🧵 Art, Activism & The Rainbow Flag
From Brownie Mary baking edibles to Gilbert Baker sewing the first Pride flag, the conversation explored how art, care, and grassroots resistance came together in San Francisco kitchens and community spaces. Entwistle described Baker as “a seamstress who loved fabric and color,” embodying the creative force behind the symbol that now defines Pride globally.
🕯️ Legacy & Call to Action
Entwistle painted a vivid picture of queer elders, many now gone, who gathered around kitchen tables trying to save lives during the height of the epidemic. “It wasn’t enough,” he said, “but we did everything we could.” The medical cannabis movement, born in grief and defiance, lives on today because of their courage.
📎 Related Read
If you’re moved by John’s words, we invite you to read our deeper dive into the connection between the AIDS epidemic and cannabis legalization:
👉🏽 How the AIDS Epidemic Helped Legalize Cannabis
🎥 Watch the Documentary: Dennis: The Man Who Legalized Cannabis (by PAX)
🕯️ In Gratitude
To remember Dennis Peron is to remember a time when cannabis was more than trendy – it was revolutionary. It was an act of love, defiance, and survival. As John reminds us, “This plant gave people life when no one else would.”
We honor Dennis. We honor John. We honor everyone who fought for the right to heal.
Stay rooted,
Collective High 🌿