High Times, once the definitive voice of cannabis culture, has seen a dramatic rise and a steep fall over nearly five decades. From its inception in 1974 by Tom Forçade to its current state of disarray, High Times has been a revolutionary force in the world of cannabis advocacy and journalism.
Tom Forçade, a political activist and drug smuggler, founded High Times with a vision to create a magazine that would challenge the establishment and promote the benefits of cannabis. The magazine quickly gained a reputation for its bold stance on marijuana legalization and its willingness to explore taboo topics. High Times wasn’t just about cannabis; it was a voice for the counterculture movement, providing a platform for alternative political commentary and the promotion of psychedelics and other unconventional ideas.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, High Times grew in popularity, becoming a beacon for cannabis enthusiasts and activists. The magazine’s daring covers, featuring everything from psychedelic art to iconic stoner celebrities, captured the spirit of rebellion and freedom that defined the era. High Times also began organizing events like the Cannabis Cup, an annual celebration and competition of the best cannabis strains, which further cemented its place in cannabis culture.
In its heyday, High Times attracted contributions from some of the most influential writers and artists of the time. Legends like Hunter S. Thompson, William S. Burroughs, Charles Bukowski, Allen Ginsberg, and Truman Capote all contributed to the magazine, adding to its cultural cachet and intellectual heft. Their involvement underscored High Times’ reputation as more than just a cannabis magazine; it was a cornerstone of countercultural and literary excellence.
Steven Hager’s contributions were pivotal to the magazine’s success. Serving as Editor-in-Chief on three separate occasions, Hager first took the helm in 1988, shifting the magazine’s focus from promoting hard drugs to advocating for the personal cultivation of cannabis. Under his leadership, High Times reached 500,000 copies an issue, rivaling Rolling Stone and National Lampoon. Hager also introduced the Cannabis Cup, a cannabis awards ceremony held every Thanksgiving in Amsterdam, which later expanded to numerous U.S. cities. He formed the High Times Freedom Fighters, the first hemp legalization group, famous for their Colonial outfits and for organizing hemp rallies across the United States. These efforts culminated in the Boston Freedom Rally, one of the largest marijuana-related political events in the country, drawing over 30,000 attendees in 2013.
In the 1990s, High Times advocated for the widespread use of hemp, publishing a quarterly magazine called Hemp Times and operating a retail location in Manhattan named Planet Hemp. The magazine began featuring celebrities on its covers, including Cypress Hill, The Black Crowes, Ziggy Marley, and Snoop Dogg, further solidifying its influence in both the cannabis and mainstream cultures.
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Despite its success, High Times began to face significant challenges. The media landscape was changing rapidly with the rise of the internet, and traditional print publications struggled to keep up. Internal strife and financial mismanagement also started to take their toll. Leadership changes and legal troubles plagued the company, with several high-profile departures and lawsuits shaking its foundation.
One of the most significant blows came with the death of Michael Kennedy, the magazine’s long-time chairman and a key figure in its success. Kennedy’s passing left a leadership vacuum that was difficult to fill, and subsequent CEOs struggled to navigate the complex and evolving cannabis industry.
The final nail in the coffin came in the 2010s when High Times tried to expand too quickly. The company opened dispensaries and launched new events, but these ventures were plagued by poor management and mounting debts. By 2020, High Times was in financial freefall, with creditors taking control of the company, and this year, liquidating anything of value left at the once mighty High Times.
The magazine’s operations have all but ceased. Besides images of flowers and the occasional event plug, their social media no longer posts articles. The once mighty HighTimes.com, considered “The gorilla of the online marijuana world,” is now completely gone. Reduced to an error message that is reminiscent of finding your favorite uncle dead on the floor.
High Times’ story is one of revolution and tragedy. From its radical beginnings to its sad end, the magazine played an indelible role in shaping cannabis culture and pushing for legalization. As the torch passes to new voices in the industry to carry on its legacy and continue the fight, let’s pause and raise our pipes, bongs, joints, and other smoking devices to High Times Magazine and its bold legacy. May the wind always be at your back, your joint packed with the finest of greens, and may the torch of your legacy never be snuffed.
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