Business & Finance: High Times Magazine Reacquired—A New Era in Cannabis Culture

Cannabis News

Jul 2

Written By FP Team

The beloved weed magazine is making a comeback.

Cannabis News

Words by FP Team | 2 Minute Read

RAW ROLLING PAPERS

Josh Kesselman, the founder of Raw Rolling Papers, and Matt Stang, a former co-owner of High Times, have acquired the iconic marijuana-centric magazine and brand for $3.5 million in an all-cash deal. This announcement marks a pivotal moment for High Times, which has long been a staple in counterculture journalism, representing a voice for cannabis since its inception nearly five decades ago.

Included in the acquisition is the Cannabis Cup, a competition and festival celebrating the best cannabis brands and products. Kesselman and Stang have pledged to revamp the competition with third-party judging, eliminating any pay-to-play practices that had previously stained its reputation. The relaunched Cannabis Cup is slated to make its return in early 2026.

Kesselman expressed his appreciation for being able to contribute to a platform that has significantly influenced cannabis culture. “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,” he remarked. He emphasized the significance of having Stang, a pioneering figure in the magazine's legacy, involved in the acquisition, making the endeavor feel particularly fulfilling.

High Times’ intellectual property had been placed on the market earlier this year when its parent company, Hightimes Holding Corp., entered receivership in April. Kesselman and Stang are now poised to not only preserve the brand's rich history but also modernize it for today's digital landscape. They plan to improve the magazine’s online presence by introducing cannabis podcasts and providing a platform for community voices, honoring High Times’ ongoing heritage.

Moreover, the duo plans to bring back the print magazine in limited-run, collectible editions. Stang, who shares Kesselman's enthusiasm for this new venture, stated, “At its heart, this is about reigniting the passion of longtime fans while inspiring a new generation to carry the torch forward. It’s about sharing, connection, and honoring the culture we love so dearly.”

As High Times gear up for a comeback, both Kesselman and Stang are committed to establishing the magazine as a respected authority on cannabis and psychedelics. Their vision is clear: to bridge the gap between the legacy of the past and the dynamic future of cannabis culture, capturing the spirit that has endeared High Times to its readers for generations.