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

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 30, 2025--

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.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250930619799/en/

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 Time s 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.

AboutHigh 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.

The appointment of Javier Hasse as High Times Editor-in-Chief reflects the publication's 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.

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.

TOKYO (AP) — Asian markets that were open for trading mostly rose Monday, as investors continued to closely watch the war in Iran, soaring oil prices and what President Donald Trump might say next.

Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 rose nearly 1.1% to 53,692.42 in morning trading. South Korea's Kospi gained 1.5% to 5,460.24. Trading was closed in Australia for Easter, and in Hong Kong and Shanghai for a traditional Chinese holiday.

The Tuesday deadline Trump has given for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz is looming. Some analyst fear the war may escalate after that. Over the weekend Trump made more threats against Iran, even as the bombing continued in the region. The United States rescued two aviators whose fighter jet was shot down by Iran.

The key market focus continues to be on oil prices.

Benchmark U.S. crude gained 38 cents to $111.92 a barrel. Brent crude, the international standard, added $1.71 to $110.74 a barrel. Energy markets were closed Friday, but the prices have been surging lately on fears that the Iran war will drag on longer than expected.

The U.S. relies on the Persian Gulf for only a fraction of the oil it imports, but oil is a commodity and prices are set in a global market. Some nations, like resource-poor Japan, import a large portion of their energy needs and rely heavily on access to the Strait of Hormuz.

“As we kick off the first full trading week of April, the word uncertainty is paramount. Last year it was centered on the impact of ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs, this year it's uncertainty surrounding the ongoing Iranian War,” said Jay Woods, analyst at Freedom Capital Markets in New York.

U.S. markets were closed for Good Friday and will reopen Monday. Some markets in Europe also did not trade on Friday.

In currency trading, the U.S. dollar inched up to 159.65 Japanese yen Monday from 159.63. The euro cost $1.1509, down from $1.1517.

AP Business Writer Matt Ott in Washington contributed.

Yuri Kageyama is on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@yurikageyama

U.S. President Donald Trump is seen on a screen as traders work at the foreign exchange dealing room of the Hana Bank headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, April 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Currency traders watch monitors at the foreign exchange dealing room of the Hana Bank headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, April 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)