26 JUNE 12-18, 2025 westword.com WESTWORD | REAL ESTATE | RENTALS | HEALTH WELLNESS | SERVICES | EMPLOYMENT | ADULT | MUSIC | CLASSIFIED | CANNABIS CALENDAR After a record-setting expo in 2023, the MAPS Psychedelic Science 2025 conference is back in downtown Denver, and a long list of side parties, networking events and concerts are coming with it. We’ll have a full list of the Psychedelic Science gatherings on westword.com, but see some of our favorite psychedelic and cannabis events in Denver in the meantime, including a Father’s Day smoke session and pot-friendly drag show. Father’s Day Session Sunday, June 15 Cirrus Social Club 3200 East Colfax Avenue Want to share a high-time experience with Dad on Father’s Day? Cirrus Social Club, Denver’s new upscale cannabis lounge, is of- fering dads a one-cent session (free weed still isn’t legal at licensed businesses in Colorado) all day on Father’s Day. To qualify, you just have to show up with your children (21+) or show photo proof. Learn more about Cirrus, its cannabis offerings and the Father’s Day promotion at cirrussocialclub.com. Psychedelic Science 2025 Monday, June 16, to Friday, June 20 Colorado Convention Center 700 14th Street The country’s largest psychedelic industry and science conference is coming back to downtown Denver this June. After break- ing records for attendance and coverage in 2023, Psychedelic Science will return to the Colorado Convention Center in 2025 with over 400 presenters, nearly 190 workshops and presentations, and more than forty asso- ciated side parties, concerts and networking gatherings. Learn more about the confer- ence’s agenda, exhibition hall, speakers and tickets at psychedelicscience.org. Sapphic Smoke & Soft Power Thursday, June 19, 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. Tetra Lounge 3039 Walnut Street A new weekly gathering for queer women, femmes and nonbinary babes, Sapphic Smoke sessions is free to attend for all women and femmes. The Blunt Girl, known for her voracious yet pristine twisting abili- ties, will be on-hand to roll up joints and blunts if you desire, with Puffcos, Volcanos and other consumption rigs available to use. Entry (21+) is $20 on tetralounge.com. This is a BYOC (bring your own cannabis) event. An Evening with Laganja Estranja Thursday, June 19, 6:30 p.m. Cirrus Social Club 3200 East Colfax Avenue New cannabis-friendly venue Cirrus Social Club is hosting a special drag performance by Laganja Estranja and friends. Although general admission is sold out, you can still buy $55.92 VIP passes and tables of six for $326.25. The VIP pass includes a pre-show session with Estranja, but any cannabis consumables and refreshments must be purchased during the show. Buy tickets (21+) and learn more at cirrussocialclub. com/events. ■ A S K A S T O N E R BY THOMAS MITC HELL Dear Stoner: Does smoking weed help or hurt ADHD? I have ADHD and have been smoking for a while; usually it’s helpful, but sometimes I stall out and can’t accomplish anything. Sushi Dan Dear Sushi Dan: The jury’s still out from a sci- entifi c perspective, and anecdotal information and user stories are all over the map. Current studies and scientifi c reviews still say that more research is needed, but one 2020 project found that adults with ADHD took fewer prescrip- tion medications when taking CBD. A 2022 survey suggested that people with ADHD who used cannabis self-reported benefi ts, but that’s not exactly a peer-reviewed study. Personal stories range from pot use causing more anxiety and stronger ADHD symptoms to creating a relaxed and happier mind. As with most medical problems, it seems to largely come down to you and the strain you’re smok- ing. You also have to consider other medica- tions you’re taking, and how cannabis could alter that. Personal journals can help establish a baseline, and it’s not a bad idea to see how your ADHD responds to a weed break. Whatever you do, keep your doctor in the loop. Dear Stoner: I’ve had a rough few months and fi nd myself smoking more weed. Noth- ing crazy, but more than the usual one bowl at night before bed. At what point does it become dependence? Chris Dear Chris: Cannabis isn’t scientifi cally ad- dictve like meth or heroin, so it’s harder to gauge when regular use becomes a serious problem, especially since cannabis also has medical benefi ts people rely on. But any- thing can be psychologically addictive, and smoking weed defi nitely carries that risk. When you do it on a daily basis because of relationship problems or life’s roadblocks, it’s probably time for self-assessment. While it’s generally better to smoke weed at home instead of turning to alcohol or hard drugs, we need to be aware of when we’re doing too much. Whether you’re smoking small amounts or still feel productive is ir- relevant; if your mind is constantly wonder- ing if cannabis consumption has become a problem, chances are it is. Don’t be hard on yourself, but it’s time to listen to that voice in your head, fi nd other things to do, and take a break from the plant. This is when having some sober friends comes in handy. Herbert Fuego is the alias of a longtime West- word staffer. Send him questions through [email protected]
