This weekend we kicked it with artist and producer, Stella Santana to chat about how cannabis has influenced her as an artist, and her favorite consumption methods.
Hey Stella! Could you introduce yourself?
I’m Stella Santana and I make music, my own and I also produce and executive produce for other artists/creative projects.
What is your earliest memory of cannabis?
Growing up in California, my earliest memory of cannabis is hearing about it in 4th or 5th grade. The boys were talking about wanting to get high, knowing where their parents’ stashes were etc etc. But I didn’t end up smoking my first time until I was about 15 years old. I also grew up listening to a LOT of Bob Marley but it didn’t connect for me when I was young that cannabis was such a huge part of the songs I had memorized all the lyrics to, haha!
What does your perfect Sunday look like?
My perfect Sunday would definitely include me being productive for a little. I like to work on multiple projects at once so making sure I’m always moving them forward in some way, big or small, allows me to enjoy unplugging a lot more. I don’t like having things hanging over my head. Then after, I’d love to be in the sun or go on a nice drive maybe to the beach or up a mountain – I like to be in places that remind me how small I am and how vast the world and universe are And of course, I’d pack some joints to smoke with me as well!
What’s your preferred consumption method? What activities do you enjoy pairing with your high?
I’m a smoker all the way! I used to be into the vapes but now I’m super picky and only enjoy a very select few vape brands. I stick to pre rolls when they’re available (mostly when I’m in California, less when I’m in New York) or else I’ve been a good joint roller for years! And I definitely always pair music making with smoking. Basically anything creative! I also enjoy being on drives and smoking – I’m lucky that my husband likes to drive so I can just enjoy the view and be in the moment.
Do you ever use cannabis to help create music?
Yes, always!! Speaking of music, I just dropped a new song which you can listen to here!
If you could share a joint with any person alive or dead, who would it be and why?
Definitely Eartha Kitt! She was such a strong woman and she was fearless! That interview where dude asks her if she would compromise for a man and she throws her head back and laughs?!?!? I just– this is truly iconic (even though everyone says that nowadays *eye roll*). I remember the first time I saw that, I was in my 20s and I just felt it so much. I would love to talk to her about creativity, about being a creative woman, about being a creative woman in this industry, omg I would love to spend the whole day with her, puffin’ and expanding my mind and soul!
Which artist are you really excited about right now?
I think we’re in a very interesting time where the world isn’t as escapist as it used to be – we are craving more depth, more human-ness, more substance. It’s been really inspiring to watch all different kinds of creatives emerge for being themselves, for calling out racism, white supremacy, the patriarchy, etc. I’ve started following a lot of new graphic design artists, photographers, musicians, etc. because they’re not trying to be trendy or liked – they’re thinking and speaking outside the norms of society and that inspires the shit out of me. Some of them are Noname, Drielycarter, Supergirlreject, Charlotteparler, Amandaseales, Domrobxrts.
What do you think the future of cannabis looks like?
I’m hoping, first and foremost that the millions of people of color who’ve been locked up for possession and selling will be released and their records expunged.
If you could give one piece of advice to the whole world, what would it be?
“There is nothing more important to true growth than realizing you are not the voice of your mind – you are the one who hears it”
