• by Ray Schultz , Yesterday

High Times, the counterculture title, is being revived, thanks to Josh Kesselman, the founder of RAW Rolling Papers.

Kesselman has purchased the magazine, along with its Cannabis Cups events and their assets in an all-cash transaction totaling $3.5 million. Also involved as a partner in the transaction is former owner Matt Stang.

The magazine had entered receivership. 

“This is a ‘pinch yourself’ kind of moment for me, just unbelievable,” said Kesselman. “Eighteen-year-old stoner Josh would be in complete disbelief that I get to bring back a piece of history that has played such an important part in culture and impacted so many lives, including my own. 

The plan going forward is to relaunch the print magazine in limited-run collectible editions. 

Also, High Times will reintroduce the Cannabis Cup event series. 

In addition, the digital platform will be rebuilt to host a network of cannabis podcasts, experts and community voices.

High Times was founded in 1974 by Thomas “King” Forcade, and quickly blossomed into an iconic countercultural title featuring Charles Bukowski, Willie Nelson, Debbie Harry, Hunter S. Thompson and Bob Marley and underground press legends like Dean Latimer.  

It was known not only for its journalism but for its pro-cannabis advocacy and satire.

Forcade died by his own hand in 1978, but the magazine continued. 

“As an original owner-operator, I’m energized about my partnership with Josh—we’re not just reviving High Times as a news source, we’re positioning it as a guiding light for culture and a definitive authority on all things cannabis and psychedelics,” Stang says.