United States California San Francisco

18th St & Castro St

A bustling intersection at the heart of a historically LGBTQ+-friendly neighborhood known for vibrant nightlife, shops, and the iconic rainbow flag.

HEART OF THE CASTRO

As you ramble toward the heart of the Castro, notice names of shops and stores that line Castro Street. The names of the businesses themselves are a patch work of queer culture, valuing freedom of expression and unapologetic authenticity. 

The heart of the Castro is 18th and Castro, where Brownie Mary once often stood offering her ‘magically delicious sparkling brownies’ to those in need. Here in the heart of the Castro we honor Mary Jane Rathbun, better known as Brownie Mary, whose cannabis brownies brought relief to AIDS patients during the public health crisis of the 1980s. She affectionately called the patients ‘her kids’, many of whom were estranged from their families for being gay and suffering from a devastating illness. Her tireless advocacy paved the way for the compassionate use of medical marijuana.

Wander up to the corner of 19th & Castro and find the Castro ‘Doll Window’ display of statues and figurines that celebrate Castro's vibrant diverse characters and social movements.

Badge:   Brownie Mary & Her Kids (The Patients)

Tips from the community

Smells like some yummy eats around here, time for lunch!

meganpru 4 months ago

18th St & Castro St Guides

  • The Pioneers of Pot Check-in Challenge - SF Hash Week

    thecannabistrail (The Cannabis Trail )
    <p>The SF Hash Week 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 in partnership with SF Hash Week!&nbsp;</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 win…</p><p>…a 2024 SF Hash Week Patch, limited edition, while supplies last!</p><p>If you complete the challenge, your commemorative SF Hash Week 2024 Patch must be picked up inside Flore Dispensary by 8pm on 7/30/24.</p>