Celebrity and California cannabis patient, Jay Jackson, has been a physical performer since childhood. At 28 he’s also acquired a lifetime of physical pain from his demanding dance moves as infamous Drag Queen/dancer, Laganja Estranja. Jackson, as Laganja, has been featured on RuPaul’s Drag Race (season six), and more recently, he was chosen as the […]
Celebrity and California cannabis patient, Jay Jackson, has been a physical performer since childhood. At 28 he’s also acquired a lifetime of physical pain from his demanding dance moves as infamous Drag Queen/dancer, Laganja Estranja.
Jackson, as Laganja, has been featured on RuPaul’s Drag Race (season six), and more recently, he was chosen as the first professional drag queen on mainstream television show, So You Think You Can Dance.
Growing up in the conservative state of Texas, he had his fair share of bullying. His saving grace was a family who loved and supported him, no matter what his sexual identity was.
“As a young gay man in Texas, I was picked on a lot,” Jackson explained. “Because of my outlandish style, I called a lot of attention to myself and was often put down. My older sister had come out of the closet before me, making my family more open and aware of my needs. I was fortunate in that way.”
By the time he was attending college at Cal Arts in Los Angeles, a back injury prompted a chiropractor to suggest he try cannabis for the pain.
“Moving to Los Angeles really allowed me to explore my sexuality and individuality,” he continued. “The move also helped me physically and emotionally, because I found my medicine here.”
Jackson said, rather than “popping a million pills,” he’s able to medicate with cannabis in a variety of ways, for a variety of ailments, including chronic pain.
While home in Los Angeles, Jackson’s day might begin with a good soak in the tub, using one of his favorite products, Papa & Barkley’s medicated bath salts, for an overall reduction in inflammation after a rigorous tour performing, or a late night on stage.
As a Drag Queen with a demanding performance of pretzel-twisting and back-breaking moves, soft tissue pain and aching joints aren’t the only issues he contends with. The very taping of his genitals in costume causes extreme discomfort that few are aware of.
Using topical lotions in combination with smoking, vaporizing, and ingesting gives him an overall “entourage effect,” with much needed relief in all areas.
“I’ve noticed that, for me, the intake of CBD is crucial to my daily regimen, and I routinely use a vape pen to deliver the compound into my system throughout the day,” he shared. “In the past I’ve used standard medication for emotional issues, with little positive results. For me, CBD works well as a daily preventive and control for depression, anxiety, and mood stabilization.”
In the evening, Jackson said, he’ll ingest a medible for a deep sleep, and to regulate his sleeping patterns – often askew after a tour.
“As someone who travels more than I’m home, it’s difficult to follow a regular dosing regimen – especially since I perform around the world and throughout the country, where cannabis isn’t always legal for medicine or recreation,” he explained. “When I’m home in Los Angeles, I can medicate as needed throughout the day.”
His drag persona, Laganja Estranja, is a tribute to the plant that helps him on a regular basis; it’s also a banner he wears with pride.
“As a drag queen, a cannabis activist, and someone who has a social media presence, I believe it’s my obligation to promote the responsible use of cannabis and to educate others on the plant’s healing properties,” he surmised. “Lord only knows, I’d be in a world of hurt without it.”
For more information on Jay Jackson, and performances by Laganja Estranja visit, www.laganjaestranja.com
4 Comments
Facebook Comments