Josh Kesselman, HBI Innovations Founder, Interviewed For Columbia Journalism Review

(MENAFN- Newsfile Corp) New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - September 11, 2025) - Josh Kesselman, founder of HBI Innovations, was recently interviewed for a Columbia Journalism Review article on his recent purchase of High Times . Kesselman acquired High Times magazine with plans to relaunch the publication both in print and online. Kesselman's HBI Innovations is the independent distributor of the popular RAW brand of rolling papers and smoking accessories.

Josh Kesselman was interviewed for the Columbia Journal Review (Josh Kesselman founded HBI Innovations, the distributors of RAW rolling papers.)

Founded in 1974 Thomas King Forçade, High Times became one of the most recognizable publications associated with cannabis culture. Over the years it published work by writers such as Hunter S. Thompson, William S. Burroughs, Truman Capote, and Charles Bukowski, while also advocating for legalization and launching the Cannabis Cup, an international competition for cannabis growers.

The magazine's fortunes declined after a 2017 private equity takeover, leaving what Kesselman described as a "dilapidated website" and little of the brand's former influence. In June, Josh Kesselman purchased the publication's assets, bringing in former co-owner Matt Stang to assist in its revival and appointing journalist Javier Hasse as editor.

Josh Kesselman recently became the new publisher for High Times Magazine (Josh Kesselman founded HBI Innovations, the distributors of RAW rolling papers.)

Kesselman told CJR that his focus is on restoring High Times' reputation for journalism rather than generating profit. He said the magazine's short-term goal is simply to break even, with licensing revenue from merchandise and events expected to help fund reporting.

"The foundation of High Times is this elevation of human consciousness," Kesselman said, describing plans to emphasize long-form journalism and cultural coverage in addition to cannabis reporting. He added that he hopes to feature both established writers and new voices.

While Kesselman acknowledged that cannabis legalization has become more mainstream, Kesselman said High Times can continue to play a role in covering policy developments and cultural debates. "High Times is a very popular name," he said. "It has a lot of standing. I just want to keep it alive."

The full interview can be read here .

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