phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES OCT 6TH–OCT 12TH, 2022 State Licensed Dispensaries & Doctor Certifications | CANNABIS | Vibes from p 45 designated areas, and families could rendezvous later by the food truck to get a bite. A vendor village showcased local arti- sans and metaphysical and spirituality booths, including Believe Ranch and Rescue. The organization offered divina- tion sessions with Cece the horse that helped attendees to “connect with their higher soul.” Freestyling with Weed Aalia Kazan sold Ascend Hemp Oil in one of the many booths. Kazan had just smoked a joint before talking with New Times. “Just being here, in Sedona, is trippy without cannabis as well,” she said. “It’s super magical here; little animals show up, and it’s like a fairytale.” Kazan’s hemp oils are activated with sound and crystal energy. The oils are high in the peripheral cannabinoids and “super high, 52 percent CBD from co2 extracted organically grown hemp,” which she claims “gives excellent results for all kinds of pain and discomfort.” “I always used cannabis to help my stress, anxiety, and OCD,” she said. “It makes me feel more in touch with my heart.” While marijuana use in Arizona is not permitted in public spaces, Kazan said that Sedona has offered a pretty relaxed approach since recreational use became legal two years ago. Soon, it was time for Arrested Development to perform. Many of the vendors closed their booths to watch the group’s energetic show. One Love and JJ Boogie offered some final comments before taking the stage. “As I got older, I started educating One Love from Arrested Development. Mike Madriaga myself more about [cannabis],” One Love said. “I learned more of the medicinal side of it as I deal with a lot of acid reflux and digestive issues; that’s why I smoke it for now.” JJ Boogie added, “It’s great for anxiety, depression, nausea issues. And I found it helps with fevers.” One Love admitted that smoking weed is also fun, especially when “I was in high school and an emcee. You know, freestyling on weed seemed like it helped me get the craziest freestyles.” Freestyling is a method of rapping in which the rapper spontaneously recites lyrics on the spot. The wittier and more fluid the rhymed verses are — the fresher the rap. Then, if the rap verses are cohesive and tell a story, hat’s a wrap. One Love hit on all aforementioned points, as witnessed when the Atlanta- based group performed “Ease My Mind.” He hopped on the mic and rapped some quick, fluid verses. The crowd, almost filling up the grassy field area in front of the stage, cheered him on as his lyrical delivery accelerated. Arrested Development performed some of their newer songs, including “Swing Um” and “Bloody,” but most of their set was from 3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life of… , their 1992 debut album, which garnered the group a Grammy for Best New Artist in 1993. The group performed “Mr. Wendell,” “People Everyday,” and “Tennessee,” which also won a Grammy, this time for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. The Sedona crowd sang the “Tennessee” lyrics in unison with the group as they closed out VortiFest: “Take me to another place, take me to another land.” 47
