Denver Westword | The Leading Independent News Source in Denver, Colorado

Want to Get High and Help Science? These Colorado Trials Pay You to Try Cannabis or Psychedelics.

By Brendan Joel Kelley

Jul 29, 2025

"People choose to participate in clinical trials because they see this as giving back something great."

Naropa University president Charles Lief (right) speaks at a Naropa retreat in 2022.

Naropa University Spins Off Psychedelic Clinic Into Memoru Center

By Brendan Joel Kelley

Jul 24, 2025

Memoru Center for Visionary Healing Arts will conduct psychedelic facilitation training, clinical care and research in a new Boulder campus.

Colorado Laws Protect Access to Birth Control...But More Work Is Needed

By Hannah Metzger

Jul 17, 2025

A new report says Colorado is one of sixteen "protective" states for contraception access, but improvements are needed in several important areas.

Psilocybin mushrooms and spores on display

Magic, Indeed? Psilocybin Mushrooms Might Extend Your Lifespan, Study Shows.

By Brendan Joel Kelley

Jul 16, 2025

As psychedelic mushrooms hit their stride in mental health, a recent study showed they can extend the lives of human cells and mice, too.

Analysis: How Weather Changes Cause Migraines

By Danielle Wilhour

Jul 13, 2025

Feeling under the weather? A Colorado neurologist explains the triggers and what you can do to ease the pain.

Analysis: Colorado Tops Country in Nurse Burnout Thanks to High Patient Count, Little Support

By Catie Cheshire

Jul 9, 2025

“Colorado nurses face some of the harshest working conditions in the country."

Denver Police to Launch Program to Improve Encounters with People with Invisible Disabilities

By Hannah Metzger

Jul 9, 2025

The Denver Police Department will be the nineteenth Colorado agency to adopt a Blue Envelope program.

Navigating Sobriety in an Alcohol-Obsessed World

By Aspen Moore

Jul 6, 2025

Were you really a University of Colorado Boulder sorority freshman if you didn’t drink Thursday through Saturday?

How the Have Fun, Be Nice Tour Transforms Early Mornings Into Dance Parties

By Toni Tresca

Jun 26, 2025

Daybreaker's sober sunrise dance tour returns to Denver four more times this summer as part of its more than 100 events.

Pamphlets on preparation and integration — the before and after of psychedelic therapy — on display at Etc Hospitality

Golden Psilocybin Healing Center Excited to Start Therapy Sessions

By Brendan Joel Kelley

Jun 25, 2025

"We have a chance, in broad daylight, to show the safety and efficacy of psilocybin mushrooms."

Smokiez THC Gummies Recall Hits 85 Colorado Dispensaries

By Thomas Mitchell

Jun 18, 2025

The gummies were sold between April 26 and June 11 of this year.

Jay Shetty backdropped by a mountain scene on three digital panels while on stage at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House

Review: Five Key Takeaways from Jay Shetty’s Debut Show in Denver

By Abigail Bliss

Jun 10, 2025

Celebrity guest Lilly Singh joined the former monk and life coach on stage during the On Purpose podcast tour finale.

What an Ozone Action Alert Day Is, and What to Do on High-Ozone Days

By Catie Cheshire

Jun 6, 2025

Denver ranks sixth on a list of most polluted cities for ozone in 2024.

Before Cancer Kills James Welch, a CU Psilocybin Trial Showed Him How to Live

By Brendan Joel Kelley

Jun 3, 2025

After learning he had three years to live, Welch took a dose of psilocybin, put on blinders and listened to a playlist curated by researchers. "It changed my mental paradigm of life," he says.

Harm Reduction Org DanceSafe Ejects Denver-based Director

By Brendan Joel Kelley

Jun 2, 2025

The group, known for giving out drug testing kits, earplugs, and condoms at festivals, will maintain strong Denver connections

Colorado Neurologist Explains Just What Billy Joel's Diagnosis Means

By Danielle Wilhour

May 28, 2025

Billy Joel recently canceled all his tour dates after his diagnosis.

Bigger and Better: What's New at This Year's Outside Festival

By Kristen Fiore

May 27, 2025

At Civic Center Park May 31 and June 1, this fest will have 40 percent more space.

Runners take off under a banner reading "Colfax Marathon"

Colfax Marathon: Starting Times, Routes and Road Closures

By Brendan Joel Kelley

May 16, 2025

Colfax Marathon weekend — and the road closures and chaos that come with it — is upon us.

A tantalizing hamburger dripping with cheese

Where Does Colorado Rank Among Most Obese States in U.S.?

By Brendan Joel Kelley

May 16, 2025

Colorado has always been high on exercise, but we do love our cheeseburgers.

Reader: Psychedelic Death Doulas? Sounds Like Wook Science, but Okay

By Westword Readers

May 3, 2025

Is psilocybin therapy for patients with terminal illnesses a good way to go?

Health & Wellness

Five Wildest Yoga Classes in Denver

Gluten Free? There's a Farmers' Market for You

Health & Wellness

Five Wildest Yoga Classes in Denver

Gluten Free? There's a Farmers' Market for You

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