Long before cannabis was a semi-legal commodity, High Times magazine served as the de facto voice of the band of non-conformists and anti-establishment social warriors who populated an underground industry. Reporting about the people, plants, and policies important to growers, sellers, and users, the magazine gained legendary status. In 1988, High Times hosted the first Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam, which became an annual gathering with awards for the best outlaw weed.
The industry has changed a bunch since then, and so has High Times. Cannabis Cup events and other gatherings occur around the world. The magazine interviews celebrities right out in the open and enjoys expanded distribution.
And now, in stark contrast to “the old days” when pot pioneers worried about being outed in public, High Times tracks the careers of high-profile cannabis entrepreneurs, activists, and others who impact the industry. On March 27, the magazine celebrated the second annual High Times 100 awards, honoring the most influential people in the cannabis space. The 2019 list includes celebrities-turned-activists like Jim Belushi, Montel Williams, and Berner; politicians and regulators like Vicente Fox, Jared Polis, and Lori Ajax; and entrepreneurs like Michael “BigMike” Straumietis, Nancy Whiteman, and Amanda Reiman.
The industry has come out of the shadows in a big way, with a little assist from High Times. And it’s about time everyone got the recognition they deserve.
See the complete 2019 list of High Times 100 honorees here.
