The cannabis community has a new queen—or, at the very least, West Hollywood does.
Drag queen Sabbyiana was crowned as the new cannabis Queen of Emerald Village West Hollywood and will assume the role of cannabis drag ambassador, after weeks of online voting put the performer in the top spot, according to a WeHo Times report.
Sabbyiana was officially crowned at The Artist Tree on Sunday afternoon, where the performer battled it out with her fellow competitors during drag brunch. She was joined alongside drag performers Roger Roger, Vivienne Vida and Jordan Jayro, who took the stage for a meet and greet and performances with DJ Paulo Ramirez.
The previous Queen of Emerald Village, Kalista Stage, announced and crowned Sabbyiana, who will hold the honor for the next year. In fulfilling the duties of the role, she will also be in charge of hosting events, smoke sessions and taking center stage with other events for Emerald Village West Hollywood.
Emerald Village West Hollywood describes itself as “the capital of cannabis culture” on its website, as it has more dispensaries per square mile than any other city and the only cannabis consumption lounges in Los Angeles County. Emerald Village generally falls along Santa Monica Boulevard, starting at La Brea Avenue on the east, spanning to Doheny Drive on the west, expanding north to Sunset Boulevard and south to Melrose Avenue on the western side.
Sabbyiana said that it’s “fabulous” that West Hollywood has become such a bustling cannabis destination and reinforces the progressive, forward-thinking nature of the city. She also told the publication that Emerald Village represents the pinnacle of cannabis culture, calling it the “Amsterdam of the far West.”
Originally from Montebello, California, Sabbyiana recalled going to West Hollywood on Mondays by herself before she turned 21, hoping security might let her into some of the city’s queer spaces. Finding no success, she shared that she routinely returned to the municipality after turning 21.
“I went every Monday for about four years, so West Hollywood is home for me,” she told WeHo Times.
She told the publication she first heard of the soon-to-be-vacant crown for the Queen of Emerald Village from a friend. Upon mentioning the opportunity for drag queens who consume cannabis, Sabbyiana was immediately intrigued and got involved.
Sabbyiana said that winning the crown showed her how big the support system in her life is, admitting that it can sometimes be easy to forget the positive people and forces around her.
“I’m looking forward to using my growing platform for good,” she said. “I want to share my love of cannabis and 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, and as QOEV, I am going to do everything in my power to normalize these discussions.”
The queen also took some time to dish on her favorite WeHo dispensaries, specifically highlighting the Artist Tree, which she called “an experience, not your average shop.”
Regarding what she loves about the plant, the performer nodded to its medicinal effects. Sabbyiana has premenstrual dysphoric disorder, which she said can take over her body entirely. The pain can be excruciating, making it challenging to get ready for shows and perform, but she asserted that cannabis improves her symptoms and helps her to make it through the night.
So, what’s next for the new Queen of Emerald Village?
“As reigning queen, my upcoming agenda is filled with creativity, advocacy and building a strong and vibrant drag community,” she said. “Together, we’ll create magical moments and leave an indelible mark on the world of drag in emerald village… all while consuming cannabis, hehe.”
