The Comeback: High Times Magazine
For decades, High Times Magazine was the undisputed voice of the cannabis culture underground manifesto, part glossy celebration of the plant and the people who love it. But as the cannabis industry rapidly evolved, the publication lost its footing, tangled in corporate challenges, waning cultural relevance, and a digital landscape it struggled to dominate.
Now, after years of uncertainty, High Times is poised for a full-blown comeback; one powered by industry visionaries who know the plant, the people, and the pulse of this movement.
Josh Kesselman, the founder of RAW Rolling Papers, has officially stepped in as owner and Publisher of High Times. Known globally as the “King of Rolling Papers,” Kesselman built RAW into a brand synonymous with authenticity and craft. His fiercely independent ethos, deep respect for legacy culture, and global fanbase make him uniquely positioned to steer High Times back to its roots,while giving it the kind of entrepreneurial edge it’s long required.
Joining him is Matt Stang, former High Times executive and co-founder of Delic Corp, a leading psychedelics wellness platform. Stang was once at the heart of High Times’ cultural strategy and growth during some of its golden years. Now, he returns as a co-owner ready to bring a wealth of media experience, cannabis and psychedelic advocacy, as well as visionary leadership to the revival. The duo of Kesselman and Stang fuses legacy wisdom with modern execution.
To lead this editorial rebirth, they’ve tapped Javier Hasse, longtime Forbes senior contributor, Co-Founder of Spanish-language media outlet El Planteo, former managing director of Benzinga Cannabis, and one of the most trusted journalists in the industry worldwide. Hasse brings journalistic integrity, a global perspective, and a deep understanding of the cannabis culture and economy. As Editor-in-Chief, he’ll be tasked with balancing nostalgia and progress covering everything from politics to plant science to pop culture, while re-establishing High Times as a global media force with bite.
This isn’t just a magazine relaunch—it’s a cultural correction.
Kesselman, Stang, and Hasse represent three vital pillars of the modern cannabis movement: legacy, innovation, and media. Together, they’re reimagining High Times not just as a publication, but as a platform to amplify voices, inspire thought, and reclaim the narrative around cannabis and psychedelics alike.
In a time when the cannabis industry is facing headwinds, capital shortages, policy stagnation, and increasing corporate homogenization, this trio reminds us what made the culture magnetic in the first place: authenticity, rebellion, and purpose.
At the heart of this comeback is a deeper mission: one rooted in the belief that expanding human consciousness can transform lives. As outlined in the new High Times Manifesto, this revival isn’t just about media; it’s about reminding people of the magic of being human. Through cannabis, psychedelics, meditation, and other tools of awareness, High Times aims to spark curiosity, connection, and cultural growth, one story at a time.
High Times is back. It is in good hands. And this time, it’s built to last.
