Laganja Estranja Launches Cannabis Line with Chicago’s First Queer, Black-Owned Dispensary

Laganja Estranja, a renowned drag performer and cannabis advocate, has officially launched her first cannabis line after a decade of attempts, partnering with SWAY Dispensary in Chicago. The collaboration is significant not only for its timing ahead of Pride Month, but also for the choice of partners: SWAY is Illinois’ first queer and Black-owned recreational dispensary, while cultivation comes from two-time Cannabis Cup winner nuEra Cannabis. The product, Laganja: Her Bold Sativa Blend, debuts at SWAY on May 16 and will be available statewide at all nuEra locations and select Illinois retailers beginning June 1

The partnership marks a departure from the typical short-lived Pride Month collaborations that often vanish by July. Instead, Laganja’s launch is rooted in community, equity, and longevity. "After a decade of trying and more failed attempts than I’d like to admit, I’m finally launching my own seed-to-flower cannabis brand. As a trans woman, it’s empowering to do this with SWAY, a queer and Black-owned dispensary in a city that has fought so hard for our community," Laganja said

SWAY Dispensary, which opened its doors in April 2024 in Chicago’s Northalsted neighborhood, was founded by Edie Moore, Art Johnston, and Pepe Peña through Illinois' social equity licensing program. The team’s deliberate approach ensured that Laganja’s vision would translate into a unique product. "She knew the experience she wanted to create: bright, citrus-forward, uplifting, something that sparks creativity and feels good in your body. Our role was to translate that into a terpene profile and a product that actually delivers," explained Edie Moore, SWAY’s co-founder

The Laganja cannabis line is described as a “strain salad,” blending multiple sativa cultivars chosen by Laganja herself to create a bright, citrusy, and uplifting effect profile. The launch is accompanied by a range of branded merchandise, including rolling trays, tote bags, and enamel pins, with additional accessories planned for later in the summer. Launch festivities include a soft launch event at Sidetrack on May 15 and an official celebration at SWAY on May 16, featuring a green carpet and meet and greet with Laganja and her dog, Lil Dabbers

Unlike many previous Pride-themed cannabis launches, this collaboration is designed to last beyond June, with products and merchandise remaining available throughout the summer and beyond. From the OG Lab newsroom perspective, this launch represents a meaningful shift toward authentic, community-led cannabis branding and could serve as a model for future social equity partnerships in the industry. As state markets mature, sustained collaborations like this one may become increasingly important for building lasting representation and value within the cannabis sector