High Times Magazine Acquired by RAW Founder
American mag High Times was on the verge of disappearing
The iconic American magazine High Times was on the verge of disappearing but is now making a comeback after being acquired by Josh Kesselman, the founder of RAW rolling papers. High Times is one of the longest-running cannabis magazines in America. Founded in 1974 by Thomas Forçade, the magazine established itself as a genuine voice of counterculture and advocacy for cannabis. It has featured interviews with celebrities and articles on marijuana cultivation, politics, and music.
In 1986, High Times created the first-ever Cannabis Cup, an event that gained fame for celebrating cannabis in Amsterdam, a location where the substance was tolerated. With the legalization of cannabis in various places, the cup's popularity expanded, leading High Times to organize events in several U.S. states.
The Fall of High Times
Issues began to surface in 2017 when a group of investors led by Adam Levin acquired High Times. Their aim was rapid growth through crowdfunding, an IPO, and acquiring retail cannabis stores across the United States. More than 20,000 people invested in the brand, but many did not receive their shares. High Times struggled to meet filing deadlines with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and in 2023, Adams Levin was charged with fraud. For years, the magazine was published irregularly, accumulating significant debts.
Josh Kesselman is a well-known figure in the cannabis community and a long-time reader of High Times. He founded the popular RAW rolling paper brand in 2005. The brand is recognized for its unbleached and vegan-certified papers, and its distinctive giant joints are often seen at cannabis events and expos. Kesselman’s personal touch has significantly contributed to the brand's growth.
As the new owner of High Times, Kesselman aims to relaunch an authentic magazine, distancing it from the excesses of prior years. After the company went into receivership, he seized the opportunity to buy back its assets, partnering with Matt Stang, one of the former directors of High Times. “It wasn’t about selling something; it was about saving something.
High Times has always represented more than just the plant. It stands for truth, freedom, and the right to be unapologetically ourselves. I get to bring back a piece of history that has played such an important role in culture and touched so many lives, including my own. It's a dream,” Kesselman stated in an interview with High Times.
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