City Cast Denver logo
May 1, 2026

Who Wants THC Drinks? Plus, Bars Banking on Nostalgia and Our Asian Food Week Recs

City Cast Denver

Who Wants THC Drinks? Plus, Bars Banking on Nostalgia and Our Asian Food Week Recs

00:00:00
View all City Cast Denver episodes

It looks like THC-infused drinks won’t be having a moment in Colorado any time soon. A bill to increase levels of THC allowed in beverages sold at bars and liquor stores died this week when sponsors pulled it before a vote. So, why can a neighboring state like Kansas sell these higher level drinks when cannabis isn’t even legal there? Food and culture writer Sara Rosenthal joins host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love dig into hemp vs. cannabis and why bartenders may be wary of this new frontier. They also dissect the nostalgic drive behind bars with curated vinyl and vintage video games. Plus, if you’re a City Cast Denver Neighbor, you’ll get to hear our special members-only bonus segment highlighting our picks for Mile High Asian Food Week!


Bree mentioned Sara’s list of Denver’s “horniest bars,” the 2026 Film on the Rocks schedule, and a huge magazine theft. Sara discussed City Records and Alteño’s latest accolade. Olivia talked about migrant worker wages and City Cast Denver’s two SPJ awards, including one for the episode we did last year with conservative radio host Jeff Hunt. 


For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm.


Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm

What do you think about THC drinks? Do you like them? Should Denver bars be allowed to serve them? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418


Learn more about the sponsors of this May 1st episode:


Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Denver

Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
May 22

Unsheltered Homelessness Drops, Denver Wildfire Concerns, and Was Casa Bonita a $50M Mistake?

Are wildfires a threat Denverites should be worried about? After the urban devastation the Front Range experienced with the Marshall Fire...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
May 21

Who Wins Summer in the USA? Denver Makes Its Case

City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson hosts this showdown where 12 City Cast reps, including City Cast Denver host Bree Davies, compe...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
May 20

Backlash Mounts Against Gov. Polis Over Tina Peters. Plus, Denver Halts Data Centers

Governor Jared Polis’ controversial decision to commute former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters’ prison sentence last week is still reverber...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
May 19

What’s Tipping the Scale on Colorado’s Population?

After decades of super-charged economic and population growth, Colorado is at a turning point. So, is this state growing or shrinking? An...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
May 18

Is Mayor Mike Coming for Mutual Aid Mondays? Plus, the Unhoused Woman Dividing Wash Park

Mayor Johnston promised to solve unsheltered homelessness in his first term – nearly three years into it, there are still questions about...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
May 17

'Your City Could Be Better': Do DC’s Hated Traffic Cameras Really Make the City Safer? — Presented By City Cast Denver

Would Denver be safer if there were more automated traffic cameras? In 2025, Washington, DC, brought in nearly $270 million from more tha...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
May 15

Was DIA Negligent in Plane Collision? Plus, the Oatmeal Creme Pie Bandit and Are You a Real Denverite?

It’s been exactly one week since a man named Michael Mott jumped over the 8-foot security fence around Denver International Airport and d...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
May 14

Is Good Food Enough for a Denver Restaurant to Thrive?

Between Michelin stars and James Beard Awards, it’s safe to say that Denver has secured its place in the food world. But, a lot more goes...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
May 13

Is Denver Constantly Watching You? Plus, Unvaxxed Singles and Bike Riders: Make Your Voices Heard!

Flock cameras have been dominating Denver’s recent conversations about surveillance technology, but since 2008 the city has been watching...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
May 12

AI Talks End in ‘Near-Total Rewrite,’ Trump vs. Denver’s Assault Weapons Ban, and New Scooter Problems

The 2026 Colorado legislative session is in its final week, so we’re looking into the hot-button issue of AI, which continues to divide D...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art