The Inspiring Story of Brownie Mary: Pioneering Medical Cannabis Activist
Mary Jane Rathbun, known fondly as Brownie Mary, played a crucial role in the medical cannabis movement in the United States. Her journey from a waitress to a celebrated cannabis activist is both inspiring and educational. Let’s delve into the story of this remarkable woman who fought tirelessly for the rights of patients.

Early Life and Activism
Mary Jane Rathbun was born on December 22, 1922, in Chicago, and grew up in Minneapolis. Raised in a conservative Catholic family, she attended Catholic school where her rebellious spirit soon became evident. After a physical altercation with a nun, she left school and her home, setting out on her own.

Rathbun became an activist early on, advocating for labor and abortion rights across the Midwest. During World War II, she moved to San Francisco, got married, and had a daughter named Peggy. Tragically, Peggy died in a car accident in the 1970s, a loss that deeply affected Rathbun but also fueled her commitment to helping others.

Entering the Cannabis World
In the 1970s, Rathbun began baking and selling cannabis-infused brownies to make ends meet. She quickly became a well-known figure in San Francisco’s Castro district, openly advertising her “magically delicious” brownies. Her business attracted the attention of law enforcement, and in 1981, she was arrested after police found 18 pounds of marijuana and 54 dozen brownies in her home.

A Turning Point: The AIDS Crisis
During her community service following her first arrest, Rathbun volunteered with the Shanti Project, a support group for AIDS patients. She saw firsthand how cannabis alleviated pain and improved appetite in patients suffering from wasting syndrome. Her dedication led her to volunteer at San Francisco General Hospital’s Ward 86, the first dedicated AIDS ward in the country.

Legal Battles and Advocacy
Rathbun faced multiple arrests but remained steadfast in her mission. Her third arrest in 1992 gained international attention, and she was acquitted on the grounds of medical necessity. This legal victory highlighted the moral imperative of her actions over the existing cannabis prohibitions.

Alongside activist Dennis Peron, Rathbun helped establish the San Francisco Cannabis Buyers Club, the first public cannabis dispensary in the U.S. Their advocacy was instrumental in the passage of Proposition P in 1991 and Proposition 215 in 1996, which legalized medical marijuana in California (Wikipedia) (City Pulse).

Legacy and Recognition
In 1992, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors declared August 25 as “Brownie Mary Day” in honor of Rathbun’s work. Her contributions paved the way for the legalization of medical marijuana across the country, influencing numerous states to follow suit. Mary Jane Rathbun passed away in 1999, but her legacy as a compassionate and courageous activist lives on (Leafwell) (Green Rush Daily).

Conclusion
Brownie Mary’s story is a powerful example of how one person’s dedication and compassion can lead to significant social change. Her legacy is a testament to the impact of grassroots activism and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of legal and societal challenges.

By sharing and understanding Mary Jane Rathbun’s story, we honor her memory and continue the fight for compassionate and just medical cannabis policies.