Sabbyiana is Crowned Cannabis Queen of Emerald Village

After weeks of online voting, the community has spoken. Sabbyiana was crowned as the new cannabis Queen of Emerald Village West Hollywood and will assume the role of cannabis drag ambassador. It all came to a head at The Artist Tree on Sunday afternoon during drag brunch as the queens battled it out for the cannabis crown.

Sabbyiana, along with drag performers Roger Roger, Vivienne Vida and Jordan Jayro, took the stage at The Artist Tree for a meet and greet and performances with DJ Paulo Ramirez. Former Queen of Emerald Village, Kalista Stage announced and crowned Sabbiyana who will hold the honor for the next year, hosting events, smoke sessions and other appearances for Emerald Village West Hollywood.

We met Sabbyina at Dragcon this past Saturday. She graciously granted WEHO TIMES a Q&A after her big win the following day.

Congratulations on winning the crown! Where are you from originally?
I am originally from montebello, CA.

What’s your connection/history to the city of West Hollywood?
Before I turned 21, I would come to West Hollywood on Mondays by myself and stand outside of Micky’s, hoping to be let in by security–not even to meet the queens but to watch them perform… they did not let me in till i turned 21–hahaha–after turning 21, I went every Monday for about 4 years, so West Hollywood is home for me.

-Can you describe Sabbyiana and how she was created?

Sabbyiana is sultry, stunning, and show-stopping. she has a mix vibe of cholita, Bratz Doll, and creepiness in her. She was created the exact day I made Alaska Thunderf*ck’s first ever Drag Queen of the Year Pageant and my stage debut was the day of the pageant.

Is there a story or meaning to the name?
Yes! My name was given to me by John Moreno, an internet friend who would call me Sabbyiana and I would just let it happen, not thinking anything of it because it was cute. I finally asked him one day, ‘Why do you call me sabbyiana?’ And he said it was because he associates me with Ariana Grande and I remind him of her–what an honor. She is my everything, no pun intended.

What prompted you to compete to be Queen of Emerald Village?
My friend Dolores asked if I would be interested in an opportunity for queens that consume cannabis and i immediately said YES! When i received the email stating that it was to compete to be Queen of Emerald Village, I was gagged, but I put my game face on and here we are today. i’m so glad i did this!

What was it like to win the crown?
Well, I cried because the love I received from my wife, family, friends, and people who support my drag was insane. Winning the crown really showed me how big of a support system i have behind me. when you’re in your head a lot it can drown out all the positive sometimes, but all that was thrown out the window & i was overwhelmed with joy!

What are you looking forward to during your reign as the Queen of Cannabis?
i’m looking forward to using my growing platform for good – i want to share my love of cannabis & how it really benefits me during my menstrual cycle. i can’t wait to be able to help other people who deal with this too. we shouldn’t be ashamed to talk about this & as QOEV i am going to do everything in my power to normalize these discussions.

Tell us about everything that you love about Cannabis, what are your favorite WeHo dispensaries?
i absolutely love how cannabis can soothe my monthly pains. i have PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) & it really takes over my body. there are times when i have to get ready for a show but i am in excruciating pain & cannabis improved my symptoms to get me through the night. my favorite weho dispensary is the artist tree! now that’s how you do it. that place is an experience, not your average shop.

Are there any products that you recommend?
Okay! if you haven’t already tried Snazzle O’s by Snoop Dogg and TSUMo snacks, you have to!!! if you enjoy Funyuns this is def Snoop’s version. They got me good when i first tried them because i kept munching and munching till i remembered… these are cannabis chips. Oops!

What was your first time like… getting high?
if i remember correctly, my first time getting high was in high school and it was not great. i probably smoked some old weed out of a mini bong behind a school buil ding. i wasn’t high very long either…

What’s next on your agenda as the reigning queen?

as reigning queen, my upcoming agenda is filled with creativity, advocacy, & building a strong & vibrant drag community. together, we’ll create magical moments & leave an indelible mark on the world of drag in emerald village…all while consuming cannabis hehe.

What do you say about West Hollywood being a cannabis destination?

it’s fabulous! it’s promoting economic growth & job opportunities within our community. it definitely reinforces the progressive and forward-thinking nature of weho.

What are your thoughts on Emerald Village?

emerald village is truly representing the pinnacle of cannabis culture. it’s the “amsterdam of the far west” if you will. we’re in an era where the boundaries of cannabis culture are being pushed & emerald village is standing at the forefront, inviting all to discover the extraordinary lil gems it has to offer.