High Times Magazine Celebrates 50 Years With New Editor-In-Chief, Return of the Cannabis Cup & Print Issue

Iconic Counterculture Magazine Ushers in Next Chapter With Collectible Edition, Return of the Cannabis Cup and Appointment of Javier Hasse as EIC

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--High Times, the iconic voice in cannabis culture, psychedelics, advocacy and industry insight, proudly announces the release of its limited-edition, collectible 50th Anniversary Issue, the appointment of award-winning journalist Javier Hasse as its new Editor-in-Chief and the long-awaited return of the Cannabis Cup. Together, these milestones mark five decades of cannabis journalism, culture and community, while heralding a new era.

Founded in 1974, High Times became the voice of a movement, spotlighting underground growers, counterculture icons and the fight for legalization. After ceasing production in recent years, the magazine returns, shepherded by new leadership that aims to honor the magazine’s original spirit.

“Back in the ’80s, I bought my first copy of High Times and hid it under my jacket just to get it in the house. The moment I opened those pages, I stepped into another world: free, creative, rebellious, alive. It changed me,” said Josh Kesselman, publisher of High Times and founding force behind RAW® Rolling Papers. “To help bring this magazine back to life 50 years later feels surreal. This isn’t about profits; it’s about giving back to the community that raised me and cutting through the controversy to share the truth about this plant. Together we will expand human consciousness, and Javier Hasse is the perfect person to carry this legacy forward.”

The appointment of Hasse as Editor-in-Chief reflects High Times’ commitment to fearless journalism and cultural leadership. A seasoned Latino reporter and book author with more than a decade of experience covering cannabis and psychedelics, Hasse has contributed to numerous national publications and, in 2024, was named Emjays International Cannabis Awards Journalist of the Year.

“Fifty years is a long time to keep the fire lit, and stepping into this role is one of the greatest honors of my career,” said Hasse. “I’m excited to lead the revival of High Times as a platform for creative, fearless journalism while opening the door to new generations and amplifying diverse voices from around the world.”

The 50th Anniversary Issue of High Times features archival work from Charles Bukowski, Truman Capote, Andy Warhol, “Blondie” and William Burroughs, and interviews with Hunter S. Thompson, Bob Marley and the Dalai Lama, among others, alongside fresh reporting from journalists from around the world, whose work will be given a home for evolving discourse.

In tandem with the 50th anniversary issue, High Times announced the return of the Cannabis Cup, the world’s most renowned cannabis competition. The High Times Cannabis Cup launches in New York this fall with renewed transparency through third-party judging and a “People’s Choice” format. Submissions open on Oct. 10, with New Yorkers across the state voting for top products in a wide range of categories.

“High Times has always been more than a magazine, and the national release of the 50th Anniversary Issue coinciding with the return of the Cannabis Cup feels like a full-circle homecoming,” said Matt Stang, Partner and Co-Owner of High Times. “With Josh’s passion, Javier’s editorial vision and the 2025 New York Cannabis Cup, we’re not just celebrating the past, we’re building the foundation for the next 50 years of authentic storytelling, community and culture.”

The limited-run 50th Anniversary Issue is available only while supplies last at select retailers, dispensaries and via subscription at hightimes.com. For information on the High Times Cannabis Cup 2025, visit cannabiscup.com/new-york-2025.

About High Times

Founded in 1974, High Times is the world’s leading voice in cannabis culture, psychedelics, advocacy and industry insight. Having featured icons like Hunter S. Thompson, Bob Marley, Willie Nelson, Debbie Harry and Charles Bukowski, High Times has been at the forefront of cannabis legalization, innovation and education—shaping conversations and breaking boundaries in media and live events. In 2025, the media company and its associated event assets were acquired by Josh Kesselman, the visionary behind RAW® Rolling Papers, who has assumed the role of Publisher. As a true legacy publication and counterculture icon, High Times is rooted in providing platforms for information, inspiration and community in the evolving cannabis and psychedelics landscape.