The Ballad of High Times Magazine – A Comprehensive Summary
Episode Release Date: January 21, 2025
Podcast: Stuff You Should Know
Hosts: Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant
Introduction
In this engaging episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant delve deep into the history and impact of High Times Magazine, an iconic publication that has played a pivotal role in shaping marijuana culture and legalization efforts in the United States. From its rebellious inception to its eventual decline, the hosts navigate through the magazine's tumultuous journey, highlighting key moments, influential figures, and the broader cultural shifts surrounding cannabis.
Origins of High Times Magazine
Founder’s Background
High Times was founded by Thomas King Forsad, originally named Gary Goodson, a prominent pot dealer in the late 1960s. Forsad wasn't just an entrepreneur; he was deeply ingrained in the underground cannabis trade, smuggling large quantities of marijuana into the U.S. from countries like Mexico and Jamaica. Josh recalls a vivid quote from Forsad: “There are two types of pot dealers. Those who need a forklift and those who don't” (05:23).
Underground Press Beginnings
Forsad's passion for cannabis extended beyond trafficking. After a brief stint in the Air Guard, which he left by convincing authorities of his schizophrenia, he immersed himself in the underground zine scene. He founded his first underground magazine, Orpheus, which blended politics with psychedelic content, covering music and cannabis culture. This experience laid the foundation for High Times, positioning it as a serious publication rather than a mere hobbyist's magazine.
High Times' Growth and Influence
Early Issues and Promotion
High Times debuted in the summer of 1974 with a 10,000-copy print run. The first issue featured excerpts from Timothy Leary, articles on hemp and marijuana, and the Trans High Market Quotation, detailing the street prices of cannabis across various cities. Despite an initial slow start, a strategic launch party at New York's Gramercy Park Hotel, where media personalities were introduced to nitrous oxide and other substances, catapulted the magazine's popularity. This bold promotion led to the second issue selling out its 50,000-copy run within four weeks (21:40).
Cultural Impact and Notable Contributors
High Times quickly established itself as a cornerstone of cannabis journalism. The magazine featured groundbreaking articles and interviews with luminaries such as:
- Dalai Lama discussing drug policies
- Hunter S. Thompson contributing his unique perspective
- Truman Capote and Andy Warhol offering insights into their views on cannabis
- Bob Marley, whose interviews bridged the worlds of reggae and marijuana culture
These contributions not only elevated the magazine's credibility but also intertwined High Times with broader cultural and political movements of the time (26:21).
Challenges and Tragedy
Founder’s Demise
In November 1978, Thomas King Forsad tragically ended his life at the age of 33, following the death of a close friend. His passing marked a significant turning point for High Times. In a poignant tribute, staff members reportedly rolled Forsad's ashes into joints, symbolizing their deep connection to his vision and the cannabis community he fostered (28:59).
Shift in Editorial Focus
Post-Forsad, High Times began exploring topics beyond marijuana, including harder drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine. This shift was met with resistance from long-time readers who felt the magazine was straying from its original mission. Despite initial backlash, the publication attempted to regain its focus on cannabis, especially as the dangers and violence associated with harder drugs became more apparent.
Resurgence in the 1990s
Hip-Hop Influence and Mainstream Acceptance
The 1990s marked a renaissance for High Times, coinciding with the rise of hip-hop culture and artists like Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre releasing influential works such as The Chronic. This period saw marijuana gain mainstream acceptance, and High Times capitalized on this trend by featuring prominent hip-hop figures on its covers and within its pages. The magazine also played a crucial role in educating readers about home cultivation through detailed guides on hydroponic systems, contributing to the evolution of cannabis cultivation techniques (32:43).
Legalization Advocacy
Under the leadership of Editor-in-Chief Steven Hager, High Times intensified its advocacy for marijuana legalization. The magazine became a powerful voice in shifting public opinion, emphasizing the medicinal benefits of cannabis and critiquing the War on Drugs. Hager's tenure solidified High Times' position as not just a cultural staple but also a significant player in the legalization movement (36:18).
Leadership Issues and Private Equity Involvement
Editorial Missteps
In 2004, following Steven Hager's retirement, Richard Stratton took over as Editor-in-Chief. Stratton, a former pot dealer who had served eight years in federal prison for marijuana distribution, made controversial decisions that strained High Times' credibility. He notably hired John Buffalo Mailer—son of Norman Mailer—with no prior publishing experience, leading to editorial inconsistencies and a decline in quality (41:27).
Private Equity Downfall
The entry of private equity magnate Adam Levin exacerbated High Times' troubles. Levin's aggressive expansion strategies, including the acquisition of dispensaries and attempts to launch an IPO, resulted in substantial debt without substantial returns. Mismanaged partnerships and failed business ventures left High Times financially crippled, culminating in over $100 million in debt and the closure of numerous dispensaries (44:47; 46:50).
Legacy and Closure
Final Years and Legacy
Despite High Times' struggles, the magazine maintained its print presence until September 2024, defying the broader decline of print media. Its extensive archives and dedicated online platform underscored its lasting impact on cannabis culture. However, by 2025, the website ceased updates, and the magazine ceased publication, signaling the end of an era (50:47).
Cultural Impact
High Times' legacy is profound. Recognized by The Nation in 2013 as "the most influential publication of our era," the magazine not only chronicled but also actively shaped the discourse around marijuana legalization. Its blend of serious journalism, activism, and cultural commentary paved the way for today's more accepting attitudes towards cannabis (37:36).
Notable Quotes
-
Thomas King Forsad on Pot Dealing:
“There are two types of pot dealers. Those who need a forklift and those who don't.”
— Forsad, 05:23 -
Josh Clark on High Times' Iconic Status:
“Pretty much everybody's heard of High Times. If you've never even picked one up, there's a good chance you've heard of High Times or somebody referencing High Times. It's like it insinuated itself into American pop culture.”
— Josh Clark, 03:27 -
Michael Kennedy on High Times' Mission:
“High Times was meant to be a way to use free speech to teach people how to grow pot. They basically had found a loophole thanks to the First Amendment, that they could disseminate all of this information as far and as wide as they possibly could.”
— Michael Kennedy, 16:45 -
Chuck Bryant on High Times' Final Days:
“The once mighty hightimes.com is gone, reduced to an error message that is reminiscent of finding your favorite uncle dead on the floor.”
— Chuck Bryant, 50:49
Conclusion
Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant's exploration of High Times Magazine offers listeners a detailed narrative of a publication that was more than just a periodical—it was a movement. From its rebellious roots and influential rise to its struggles with leadership and financial mismanagement, High Times mirrored the evolving landscape of cannabis culture in America. As the magazine's pages close, its legacy endures, reminding us of the profound impact dedicated voices can have on societal change.
Timestamps
For reference, here are the key points associated with their respective timestamps:
- 05:23 – Forsad’s perspective on the scale of pot dealing.
- 03:27 – High Times' influence on American pop culture.
- 16:45 – Michael Kennedy on High Times' mission for legalization through journalism.
- 21:40 – High Times' strategic promotion leading to its second issue's success.
- 26:21 – High Times' notable contributors and influence.
- 28:59 – Tribute to Forsad after his passing.
- 32:43 – The resurgence of High Times in the 1990s influenced by hip-hop.
- 36:18 – High Times' role in shifting the legalization agenda.
- 41:27 – Leadership changes and the hiring of John Buffalo Mailer.
- 44:47 – Private equity’s detrimental impact on High Times.
- 50:49 – The final closure and legacy of High Times Magazine.
This summary encapsulates the rich and multifaceted history of High Times Magazine as discussed by Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant. It is designed to inform listeners who may not have tuned into the episode, providing a thorough understanding of the magazine’s significance and legacy.