High Times makes a blazing comeback with new owners

The founder of RAW rolling papers aims to restore the marijuana media company to its former glory

Rowan Dunne

Published

6 hours ago

Renowned cannabis media company High Times went quiet for more than a year due to a series of financial troubles and leadership issues.

Now, following a US$3.5-million-dollar acquisition, the influential long-standing publication appears to be making a fiery comeback.

On Monday, a news release revealed that the Cannabis Cup contest creator has been purchased by RAW rolling papers founder Josh Kesselman and former co-owner Matt Stang. RAW papers are currently the number one seller in the United States.

“I’m doing this for our community that made me!” the joint paper entrepreneur said on social media Tuesday with regard to his purchase. “The plant is the truth, and the plant will win.❤️”

He described becoming the owner as a “pinch yourself” sort of moment in the press release and said it was a dream come true.

“We’re not just reviving High Times as a news source,” Stang added. “We’re positioning it as a guiding light for culture and a definitive authority on all things cannabis and psychedelics.”

Cannabis Cups, the most renowned competitions for reefer connoisseurs of all time, will be resuming in 2026. In an interview with Benzinga, Kesselman said that some of his life’s greatest memories could be recollected by reminiscing about the events. He aims to make the chronic contests as glorious as they once were.

I can’t believe that I just bought High Times Magazine!!!!!

— RAW Josh (@rawkandrolling) June 17, 2025

High Times has long list of famous contributors

Over the years, the magazine has featured interviews with several famous musicians, actors, comedians, writers and intellectuals.

Reggae music legend Bob Marley, renowned hip hop artist and weed smoker Snoop Dogg, perpetually-stoned country music icon Willie Nelson and “Mary Jane” singer Rick James are some of the most notable artists to have their names in the publication.

In the realm of acting and television, High Times has interviewed Joe Rogan, Canadian doobie-smoking comedian Tommy Chong, talk show host Bill Maher, Woody Harrelson and Jim Belushi.

Furthermore, Miley Cyrus, Whoopi Goldberg and Hunter S. Thompson have graced the pages in past years alongside countless photographs of cannabis plants, derivatives, cartoons and peculiar artistic content.

High Times was founded in 1974 and hosted the first Cannabis Cup 14 years later in Amsterdam.

A Happy 50th Birthday to @joerogan from the HIGH TIMES family! 🎂💨
Thanks for all you do for cannabis! #joerogan #hightimesmagazine pic.twitter.com/jLPzBmCzNc

— High Times (@HIGH_TIMES_Mag) August 12, 2017