United States California San Francisco

3745 17th St

The Castro Castle
  • 3745 17th Street

THE CASTRO CASTLE

THE STORY OF JONATHAN WEST

The Castro Castle is a symbol of community and compassion. It was here and at Cafe Flore that the community gathered and a cannabis legalization strategy was created to drive positive change and safe access for patients. 

At the Castro Castle we honor the work and legacy of Dennis Peron and his partner Jonathan West, and the loyal community of human rights activists they built around them in the Castro. Sadly Jonathan West died from AIDS, but the relief that cannabis brought him was central to Dennis Peron’s continued advocacy work in medical cannabis, and his work on Proposition 215 to West’s memory. 

Shortly before Jonathan’s death, he testified in court in a case brought on after a raid on the Castro Castle. The judge threw out the case after seeing the state he was in, and this marked a pivotal moment in the fight for medical access to cannabis. 

We also honor the work of John Entwistle Jr., Dennis Peron’s husband and lead strategist for Proposition 215: The Compassionate Use Act. Their tireless efforts paved the way for the legalization of medical marijuana in California and beyond, ensuring access to medicine for those patients in need.

The Castro Castle is a historic location in the cannabis movement. It is the home of the cannabis community and other supportive leaders and allies. Compassion, community, and activism are in the DNA of this hallowed ground.  In the backyard visitors will find Dennis Peron’s psychedelic garden and beautiful cannabis murals known as the Castro Castle Murals adorn the walls, an illustrated historical timeline of the cannabis legalization movement.

Badge:  Jonathan West

3745 17th St Experiences

  • The Pioneers of Pot Check-in Challenge

    thecannabistrail (The Cannabis Trail )
    <p>The Pioneers of Pot check-in challenge is a gamified self-guided cultural travel adventure that celebrates the cannabis legalization movement and the pioneers that paved the way.</p><p>Advocating for safe cannabis medicine access for patients in San Francisco back in the 1980s and 1990s is what led to the recreational 21+ cannabis access that we enjoy today.</p><p>Enjoy the Pioneers of Pot walking tour adventure, brought to you by The Cannabis Trail!</p><p>Get elevated and take an immersive cultural cannabis walkabout. Learn about Dennis Peron and Brownie Mary and the community of inspiring activists and outlaws who re-legalized medical cannabis for suffering patients in need.</p><p></p><p>The SF Hash Week Pioneers of Pot Check-in Challenge:</p><p>1. Prior to embarking on your adventure, watch The Secret Story, a 15-min short doc: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YRxfa_b2Sk</p><p>2. Visit cannabis landmarks and points of interest</p><p>3. Check-in at three places and collect a Pioneer badge at each place on the map.</p><p>4. Collect three Pioneer badges and you'll be Entered to WIN a 4-day / 3 night getaway for two at Coral Cove Wellness cannabis resort in Jamaica: https://www.coralcovewellness.com/.</p><p>A winner will be chosen at random from those who joined the challenge at the beginning of each year and notified by email. The prize is a 3-night stay at Coral Cove to be used within 2 years of award date. Does not include airfare or any other expenses.</p><p>Joining the Challenge and giving us your email means you are consenting to receive occasional email communication from The Cannabis Trail team. We will not share your information and you will be able to opt out of our email newsletters at any time.</p><p>Terms &amp; Conditions: https://thecannabistrail.com/about-us/termsandprivacy/</p>