What's in Philly's Smoke Shop Drugs?
Chocolate bars like Polka Dot Mushroom Magic Blend and tablets like Ms. Molli Cule’s have a few things in common: You can get these over the counter in local smoke shops, and both are psychedelics – unregulated drugs sold over-the-counter in our neighborhoods. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with two investigative reporters for the Philadelphia Inquirer, Max Marin and Ryan Briggs, about why psychedelics can stay on shop shelves and what's actually in them.
Read Max and Ryan’s full report for the Inquirer here.
Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning.
Call or text us: 215-259-8170
Instagram: @citycastphilly
Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor: membership.citycast.fm
Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise
Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:
- Free Library of Philadelphia
- Philly Foodworks - use the code CITYCAST to receive 20% off your first three orders, plus enjoy a free pound of strawberries
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Philly and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Golf is Changing: Here's How to Experience the Sport in Philly
After over 60 years, the PGA Championship ー basically the Super Bowl of golf ー is back in the Philly area. The professional men's champio...

'Your City Could Be Better': Philly's Bold Nightlife Experiment
It's a big year for Philly! This summer, the city is anticipating a record-breaking number of tourists coming to town for World Cup games...

Mayor Parker Signs Anti-ICE Bills, Congressional Candidate Under Fire & Knicks Fans Attempt Takeover
It's the Friday news roundup. Catch up on the controversial 'no' vote that State Representative Chris Rabb, a 3rd Congressional District...

Why These Philly Parks Got 1-Star Reviews
Philly is giving its neighborhood parks some TLC this weekend with the start of Love Your Park Week. Running from May 9 through 17, this...

'Why Are We Closing Schools That Work?' Councilmember Critiques District Schools Plan
A heated Philadelphia School Board meeting ended in a 6-3 vote, which approved a $3 billion facilities plan that would close 17 schools a...

Why Philly's Sidewalks Suck
It seems like a crack in the sidewalk or broken curb should be an easy fix. However, in Philly these issues get complicated because it is...

School Board Prez Defends School Closures, Despite ‘Problematic’ Rollout
Despite an extraordinary and emotional confrontation with City Council last week, the Philadelphia School Board voted 6-3 to approve a $3...

Congressional Candidate No-Show, Car-Free Idea for Passyunk Avenue & Eating off the Please Touch Museum’s Floor
It’s the Friday news roundup. We’re talking about this week’s congressional debate – and which candidate was a no-show. Plus, the strange...

Your Guide to May 2026 in Philly
May kicks off festival season in the city. From music to food, we couldn’t be more excited to check out the festivals Philly is offering...

School District Needs Money, Cyclists Want Protection & Philly Says No to ICE
The school district is broke, and the mayor has a controversial plan to solve the problem. Meanwhile the Center City bike lane saga conti...

