High Times Returns: Josh Kesselman and Matt Stang Revive a Cannabis Icon with $3.5 Million Acquisition

A Legendary Brand Gets a New Lease on Life Through Strategic Ownership

The iconic cannabis counterculture magazine High Times is making a bold return to the spotlight following a $3.5 million all-cash acquisition by Josh Kesselman, founder of RAW Rolling Papers, and Matt Stang, a cannabis industry entrepreneur and former co-owner of High Times itself.

This acquisition, announced via a press release on Tuesday, not only revives the media powerhouse known for decades of cultural influence but also sets a renewed course focused on authenticity, community, and innovation in the cannabis space. The new owners have big plans to bring back the High Times brand as a beacon for both legacy cannabis enthusiasts and a rising generation of consumers and advocates.

What’s Included in the Deal: More Than Just a Magazine

This isn’t just about print media. The acquisition includes the entire High Times intellectual property portfolio, most notably the Cannabis Cups, which have long served as a globally recognized symbol of cannabis quality and innovation.

Once plagued by “pay-to-play” criticisms and shifting industry trends, the Cannabis Cup competitions are slated for a major overhaul. The new format promises third-party judging, increased transparency, and a total departure from previous commercialized influences. These changes are aimed at restoring trust and value in the brand’s legacy while ensuring that it remains relevant in today’s evolving cannabis landscape.

According to the announcement, the revamped Cannabis Cup is expected to relaunch in early 2026, marking a new chapter in one of cannabis culture’s most celebrated events.

The Visionaries Behind the Revival: Who Are Kesselman and Stang?

Josh Kesselman is no stranger to cannabis culture. As the founder of RAW Rolling Papers, he has played a significant role in shaping modern cannabis consumption habits through his Phoenix-based brand. Known for its commitment to unrefined, natural materials, RAW has become a global symbol of clean smoking and counterculture authenticity.

Matt Stang, on the other hand, brings deep institutional knowledge and passion to the table. As a former co-owner and operator of High Times, he has already spent years embedded in its editorial and event-based operations. His return is symbolic, marking a full-circle moment for both him and the brand he helped shape.

Together, their joint vision appears to blend experience, passion, and purpose—creating a platform that is at once nostalgic and forward-looking.

A Digital Renaissance: Podcasting, Experts, and Community Voices

One of the key pillars of the new High Times will be a rebuilt digital platform designed to serve as a hub for cannabis content in multiple formats. From educational podcasts and expert interviews to storytelling from everyday consumers and activists, the emphasis is on community-driven engagement.

Rather than chasing ad dollars or celebrity gimmicks, Kesselman and Stang aim to offer meaningful, relevant content that reflects the full spectrum of cannabis experiences—from medical to recreational, from novice to connoisseur.

This digital revamp not only ensures that High Times stays culturally significant in the digital age but also opens up opportunities for new voices to emerge in cannabis journalism, commentary, and advocacy.

Celebrating 50 Years: A Historic Legacy Meets Contemporary Culture

High Times was founded in 1974 and quickly became the definitive publication for cannabis enthusiasts, activists, growers, and curious minds alike. Its long-form journalism, edgy covers, and in-depth cultivation guides made it a household name during an era when cannabis was still deeply stigmatized and criminalized.

Now, as the brand approaches its 50-year anniversary, the revival feels particularly timely. The owners have hinted at limited-edition collectible print issues as part of the celebration—offering long-time readers a tangible connection to the past while also introducing the brand to a new audience.

In a media environment where print has been largely eclipsed by digital, this move is about curated nostalgia—celebrating the roots of cannabis counterculture while modernizing its delivery.

High Times as a Thought Leader in Cannabis and Psychedelics

In addition to reviving the High Times magazine and Cannabis Cup, the new leadership team is expanding the brand’s editorial focus to include psychedelics. This evolution mirrors wider societal and legal shifts, as compounds like psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD move from the fringes to mainstream medical and therapeutic conversations.

Kesselman and Stang view this expansion as both timely and essential. As cultural tides shift and scientific research progresses, High Times is well-positioned to act as a bridge between historical use and modern application—providing trusted information, analysis, and advocacy around these emerging subjects.

By positioning the brand at the intersection of cannabis and psychedelics, the team ensures it stays relevant in broader conversations around wellness, healing, and consciousness exploration.

A Return to Authenticity: Serving the Culture, Not Just the Market

What makes this acquisition especially noteworthy is the owners’ clear intent to restore authenticity and integrity to a brand that, in recent years, had faced financial and reputational challenges. After its parent company, Hightimes Holding Corp., entered receivership in April 2024, the future of High Times was uncertain. This acquisition offers not just financial stability, but visionary direction grounded in personal passion.

Both Kesselman and Stang speak of the purchase not as a business transaction, but as a cultural duty. For them, reviving High Times is about giving back to the community that helped them succeed—a gesture that resonates with cannabis users who value loyalty, authenticity, and legacy.

Bridging Generations of Cannabis Enthusiasts

The return of High Times isn’t just a feel-good story about nostalgia—it’s also a strategic relaunch in a fast-growing industry that continues to evolve in legality, public perception, and consumer behavior.

For legacy users, it offers a trusted voice from the past. For new consumers, it presents an entry point to cannabis and psychedelic culture that is informed, inclusive, and curated. And for the industry as a whole, it brings back a brand that once set the tone and now seeks to do so again—with more transparency, integrity, and purpose.

High Times is more than a publication—it’s a cultural landmark. With Kesselman and Stang at the helm, the future looks not just bright, but deeply rooted in values that matter most to the cannabis community: authenticity, connection, education, and celebration. The world will be watching as this beloved brand rises once again to shape the next era of cannabis culture.