Buds Digest 008 / edible moments with…
ANDRÉS RIGAL
Photographed by DAVIDE LAFFE
Stylish and thoughtful cannabis entrepreneur, ANDRÉS RIGAL, takes us to town on this sunny and flowering edition of Edible Moments. The nightlife player turned smooth operator of LA’s Green Qween shows us what it takes to make it, giving life to some of Buds’ most curious queries.
“One of the great things about THC is that it can open up your mind, so why not use it to open other parts of your body.”
Breaking into the legal cannabis market can be very daunting - what inspired you originally?
I want to contribute to a new chapter in queer cannabis history. The California medical cannabis market was born out of queer activism to ensure cannabis was accessible by people living with HIV/AIDS. Today our community is focused on accelerating the creation of generational wealth for QTBIPOC entrepreneurs while also supporting organizations that provide direct care to the queer community. At Green Qween we prioritize QTBIPOC brands in our store and direct proceeds to the DTLA Proud Community Center and its services.
Flower or Edibles?
I’m all about drinking cannabis since I don’t like to smoke and edibles sometimes get me too high. Several of the infused beverages that are now available taste as elegant as a quality cocktail and are low-dose enough so I can have several in a night. Pour me a sparkling drink in a pretty glass because I can’t imagine cheers-ing with a gummy.
THC lube, thoughts?
We sell THC lube at Green Qween, so I’m all for it! There’s no such thing as too much lube, so I suggest applying liberally. You won’t get high, but you’ll feel localized effects. One of the great things about THC is that it can open up your mind, so why not use it to open other parts of your body.
Favorite drag queen?
Working in nightlife for the past two decades has given me the chance to build family friendships with so many incredible queens. It’s difficult for me to single anyone out since they’re all so unique and talented, but if someone held a stiletto to my head, I’d probably say my closest friends Brooke Lynn Hytes, Shangela, Gottmik, Bianca Del Rio and Trixie Mattel. We often collaborate and will continue to do so in 2023—keep an eye out.
What is the future of The Green Qween? The future of legal cannabis?
My goal is to open a Green Qween location in every metropolitan area of the country with a queer community giveback component that is meaningful to each store’s location. I also want to open QTBIPOC cannabis consumption lounges since my career is rooted in both nightlife and the creation of safe queer spaces. The future of legal cannabis will be led by QTBIPOC and women entrepreneurs.
Is cannabis good for partying/nightlife?
