Reflecting the time period, High Times began to feature positive coverage of cocaine as a recreational drug. Following Forçade’s death, the magazine was controlled by “mostly by Forçade’s relatives” and lawyer Michael John Kennedy. (Forçade had been a supporter of NORML since the organization’s founding in 1970.)citation needed ] Marijuana hydroponics growers were a large part of the magazine’s advertiser base. The magazine was initially distributed by Homestead Book Company and Big Rapids Distribution. Advertising for the first issue had been pre-sold at that year’s National Fashion and Boutique Show.

Publication history

• The premiere issue of High Times (released in the summer of 1974), showcased model Elizabeth Donoghue on its cover.
• Launched in 1974 by Tom Forçade — the magazine championed cannabis legalization and counterculture philosophies, later diversifying to include High Times Books and High Times Records.
• At one point, the European editor role for the magazine was filled by William Levy.

A brainstorming session for the inaugural issue’s content took place with participants such as Forcade, Rex Weiner, Ed Dwyer, Robert Singer, A. J. Weberman, Dana Beal, Ed Rosenthal, cartoonist Yossarian , a.k.a. Alan Shenker,, and Cindy Ornsteen (also known as Anastasia Sirocco). Although several prominent writers (artists), and photographers supported him, Forçade’s earlier effort through the Underground Press Syndicate/Alternative Press Syndicate to connect with a broad counterculture audience failed. To boost sales at newsstands, the magazine frequently featured women on its cover, sometimes titled “Ms. High Times. Among the writers published by the magazine were Hunter S. Thompson (William S. Burroughs), Charles Bukowski, Allen Ginsberg, and Truman Capote. The narrative surrounding marijuana has been transformed by High Times’ dedication to education and awareness — laying the groundwork for today’s legalization initiatives. Through experiments with anthocyanins in cannabis, he stumbled upon naturally occurring purple hash.

Following the legalization of marijuana in various West Coast states, including California, the magazine declared in January 2017 its permanent relocation from New York to Los Angeles. In 1974 (Tom Forçade established the magazine), which advocated for cannabis legalization and counterculture concepts, eventually branching out to include High Times Books and High Times Records. Between 2010 and 2013, a standalone publication advocating for medical marijuana was produced by the magazine. Hager was brought back as the creative director (then returned in 2006 to the editor-in-chief position), but by 2009, he had reverted to the creative director role. After firing Steven Hager in 2003 (the board of directors of High Times shifted focus away from marijuana to more literary content), appointing John Buffalo Mailer as executive editor. Additionally, he created the High Times Freedom Fighters, the inaugural hemp legalization group, renowned for donning Colonial attire and organizing hemp rallies throughout the United States.

The era of Hager and its mainstream achievements.

For a time, William Levy served as the magazine’s European editor. Josh Kesselman was featured on Forbes’ fifth-annual Cannabis 42.0 list on April 17th 2026 hub420.shop (‘celebrating the entrepreneurs), innovators and disruptors who are finding success in the state-regulated cannabis market’ for his work as High Times’ publisher. Josh Kesselman (founder of RAW), bought the publication for $3.5 million in June 2025, relaunching the podcast as High Times with Josh Kesselman in September.

The first issue, featuring 50 pages and the tagline “The Magazine of High Society,” was published in the summer of 1974. Forçade famously remarked — “Those cavemen must’ve been stoned, no pun intended.” Through High Times — he effectively reached a broad audience without relying on mainstream media. Each issue of High Times features a centerfold photo similar to Playboy; however (instead of a nude woman), the magazine typically showcases a cannabis plant. From 1974 until 2016, Trans-High Corporation (THC) was the publisher of High Times magazine.

The Boston Freedom Rally became the largest political event related to marijuana in the country, attracting an attendance of over 30,000 at the Boston Common in 2013. Under Hager’s direction in 1988, the magazine initiated the Cannabis Cup, an awards ceremony for cannabis that takes place every Thanksgiving in Amsterdam and later spread to several U.S. cities. Hager was the inaugural editor to showcase and advocate for the work of hemp activist Jack Herer. In 1987, the magazine underwent an audit by the Audit Bureau of Circulation, with findings indicating a circulation of 500,000 copies per issue, rivaling both Rolling Stone and National Lampoon.

The magazine welcomed Scott McGovern, founder of Green Rush Daily, as its senior executive vice president. Celebrating its 40th anniversary in October 2014, the magazine hosted a party attended by celebrities such as Susan Sarandon. According to the video series, Michael Kennedy allegedly took control of the company from its rightful employees and undermined the original mission for personal profit. Subsequently (Hager released a 20-part series on YouTube entitled The Strategic Meeting), which revealed the internal workings of the company. Since 2002, the Stonys have awarded the Thomas King Forçade Award for notable achievements in film related to cannabis. The magazine hosted a 25th Anniversary celebration at Irving Plaza in November 1999, featuring performances by Cypress Hill.

Beyond its influence within the cannabis community, High Times has also played a pivotal role in advocating for marijuana legalization on a broader scale. With a bold and unapologetic approach (High Times quickly became the voice of the counterculture movement), advocating for the legalization and decriminalization of marijuana. From 2014 to 2016, Tsarfin was High Times’ director of digital media. Financial difficulties forced the magazine to cease publication in 2024.

Pulsar Beaker Water Pipe featured in High Times – Magazine Covers / 10.5 inches / 14mm Female fitting.

• Following Forçade’s death — the magazine was controlled by “mostly by Forçade’s relatives” and lawyer Michael John Kennedy.
• In 2000, the Stony Awards were introduced by the magazine to honor significant stoner films and television episodes focused on cannabis.
• A diverse array of subjects is covered by High Times, including politics, activism, drugs, education, sex, music, film, and photography.
• He also formed the High Times Freedom Fighters, the first hemp legalization group.citation needed The High Times Freedom Fighters were famous for dressing up in Colonial outfits and organizing hemp rallies across the United States.

In 1998 (Edison was appointed as the magazine’s publisher), later taking over the editorial responsibilities as well. In 1997, the magazine and Hager established the Counterculture Hall of Fame, with annual inductions celebrated on Thanksgiving during the Amsterdam Cannabis Cup event. Starting in 1991, celebrity features began appearing on the magazine’s cover. In the 1990s — the magazine promoted the extensive use of hemp by publishing a quarterly magazine named Hemp Times and operating a retail store in Manhattan called Planet Hemp. During Larry Sloman’s tenure as editor from 1979 to 1984 — the magazine persistently resisted marijuana prohibition laws while striving to survive and publish in an environment hostile to cannabis. Ed Dwyer, the magazine’s inaugural editor, had previously authored the text for the Woodstock music festival program booklet and the Woodstock film program booklet.

Columns

Initially funded by illegal marijuana sales (High Times found its audience and evolved into a monthly publication with an expanding circulation), leading to a rapid increase in its staff to 40 individuals.