In a landscape defined by hype cycles, shifting regulations, and endless noise, Kyle Rosner stands out for something increasingly rare in cannabis: clarity. A filmmaker by training, a storyteller by instinct, and now Director of Partnerships for the newly relaunched High Times, Rosner has become a quiet but magnetic force within the culture. Even more telling is his role as the East Coast representative of “Inner Circle”, a private mastermind community focused on integrity, sustainability, and elevating genuine operators in the alternative space.
In conversation, Rosner radiates the calm energy of someone who knows exactly why he’s here—and what he’s trying to build.
Rosner’s path into cannabis is anchored in story. “My background is actually in filmmaking. Early in my career I produced a documentary about substance abuse, and that project really opened my eyes to the importance of honest storytelling around mental health, addiction, and plant medicine,” he says. Even while he worked on independent film projects and produced content for small businesses, cannabis was always in his periphery. “I always had a personal passion for cannabis. It made sense to find a way to bring the two worlds together.”
That chance arrived in 2018 or 2019, when he was recruited to join High Times to lead video production—a moment he describes as a career pivot and initiation. “It gave me a front row seat to the culture, the business, and the people behind it.” More importantly, it put him in the same room as the two collaborators who would later become his business partners.
When their contract ended, the trio launched 420interactive, a digital marketing incubator and accelerator for cannabis and psychedelic brands. With it, Rosner found himself shaping everything from content strategy to brand messaging for some of the biggest names in the space. “It has been a journey I never expected, but I am grateful every day that I took the leap.”
But if cannabis has evolved at warp speed, so has the world around it. Rosner remembers the early days with a kind of wistful realism. “When I entered the space, everything still felt new, exciting, and full of possibility. CBD was everywhere. MedMen was dominating headlines. There was a lot of optimism among legacy operators who wanted to go legal and build something legitimate.”
Today, that optimism is still there—but tempered. “The biggest difference today is the fragmentation. Every state is its own world… The optimism is still here, but it is more grounded now.”
His critiques of the industry are pointed, but never cynical. “We still are not protecting home grow the way we should” And on the cultural side: “There is far too little support for legacy California farmers… Collaboration has to become a higher priority.”
It’s that word—collaboration—that comes up again and again. To Rosner, the brands that endure aren’t the flashiest or most capitalized; they’re the ones with a heartbeat. “Successful companies know who they are. They have an identity, a mission, and a steady plan. They build real community instead of chasing temporary hype.”
The ones that crash? “They want to be everything to everyone. They get lost chasing trends… Clarity and consistency win every time.”
In an increasingly corporate market, authenticity becomes the battleground. Rosner doesn’t hesitate: “Authenticity in cannabis means being connected to the culture and the community. It means telling the truth about your story and not pretending to be something you are not.”
For him, communities like Inner Circle are essential. “These are people who actually care about integrity, sustainability, and long term cultural impact… We help each other, we hold each other accountable… That kind of community keeps me grounded and focused on what matters.”
His newest mission—reshaping the media that shapes the culture—is just beginning. “Media has an enormous responsibility in this moment… Good journalism helps consumers understand the plant, the science, the history, and the community.”
The High Times relaunch has given him a creative runway he takes seriously. “Brands deserve content that actually tells their story and connects with their audience… My focus is on quality and authenticity. Cannabis media should raise the bar, and I want to help lead that shift.”
Despite the industry’s chaos, Rosner’s compass rarely wavers. “I stay grounded by staying close to real people… When things get too loud, I take a step back, breathe, and reset.”
For newcomers, his advice is as stripped-down as it gets: “Do not chase the gold rush. Build something real, something sustainable, and something that reflects your values.”
Looking ahead, he’s both excited and watchful. “I am optimistic about the rise of solventless products… and the resurgence of craft cultivation.” But he doesn’t ignore risks: “I am cautious about corporate consolidation, regulatory overreach… and taxation structures that push small businesses to the brink.”
Even then, he remains loyal to the long game. “The plant has survived everything thrown at it. The future will depend on the people who stay authentic, stay collaborative, and stay committed to the culture that built this industry.”
It’s not just a statement—it’s the philosophy guiding every move he make.
See Kyle in our current print edition!
