From High Times to Modern Insights: Shaping the Cannabis Industry through Trade Publications

The role of trade publications has had significant consequences on the cultural acceptance of cannabis, the changes in law and society, and the stable growth of the industry, which transitioned from being prohibited in 1937 to being deemed essential in 2021. In this article, I'll delve into how these publications, from High Times Magazine in the 1970s to modern outlets like MJ Biz Daily, Green Market Report, and Benzinga, have shaped advocacy, cultivation, global influence, and financial empowerment within the cannabis landscape.

High Times Magazine played a pivotal role in shaping the perception of cannabis and psychedelics during the transformative 1970s era. As counterculture and alternative lifestyles gained momentum, this publication emerged not only as a source of information but also as a powerful advocate for cannabis enthusiasts. High Times documented the evolving landscape of cannabis cultivation.

In 1971, President Nixon's War on Drugs classified cannabis as Schedule I, setting the stage for a tumultuous period in the cannabis world. High Times magazine played a crucial role during this time by raising awareness about paraquat-contaminated cannabis in 1979, prompting a shift from 90% imported cannabis to 35% homegrown cannabis in California by 1980. In 1970, less than 10% of cannabis was produced domestically, but by 1989, this figure had surged to 25%, reaching 50% by the mid-1990s. By 2010, an astonishing 79% of cannabis in the United States hailed from California.

High Times magazine also played a transformative role in fostering a culture of homegrown cannabis cultivation. This shift represented a profound connection between people and the plant, driven by a collective pursuit of cleaner, domestically cultivated cannabis. High Times served as a beacon for this movement, inspiring a deep-rooted connection between cannabis enthusiasts and the plant they cherished.

Transitioning to the modern era of cannabis journalism, publications like MJ Biz Daily, Green Market Report, and Benzinga have assumed pivotal roles in shaping the current cannabis industry landscape.

MJ Biz Daily is a standout publication, offering comprehensive coverage of the business side of the cannabis industry. From financial analysis to regulatory developments, MJ Biz provides invaluable insights to industry professionals and investors alike. Its reporting and analysis have become essential tools for decision-makers navigating the complex world of cannabis business.

Green Market Report, of which I am a co-founder but no longer affiliated with, specializes in financial news and analysis within the cannabis sector, providing in-depth market intelligence and cannabis stock information. Its role in offering critical financial data has contributed significantly to informed decision-making within the industry. Investors and stakeholders rely on Green Market Report's insights to make strategic moves in the dynamic cannabis market.

Benzinga, a prominent financial media outlet, has expanded its cannabis-focused coverage in recent years, becoming the most-read cannabis news source in the world. Through its dedicated Benzinga Cannabis section, it offers a broad spectrum of news, analysis, and market data, catering to both seasoned investors and newcomers to the cannabis space. Benzinga has become a go-to source for anyone looking to stay updated on the latest developments in the cannabis industry.

Shifting to a global perspective, publications like the Global Cannabis Times play a crucial role in influencing international trade and legislation. These platforms serve as conduits for information exchange and collaboration, connecting stakeholders across continents. The Global Cannabis Times offers a comprehensive outlook on global cannabis markets, fostering cross-border partnerships and helping shape international cannabis policies.

The financial backing provided by US companies to publications like El Planteo (of which I am a co-founder), the most-read cannabis news source in the Spanish-speaking world, is also reshaping the cannabis landscape in Latin America and beyond.

Latin America offers competitive costs for cannabis cultivation but grapples with the enduring stigma associated with the plant. The investment infusion from such companies has the potential to drive industry expansion and mitigate the stigma, paving the way for the flourishing of cannabis markets worldwide.

Trade publications have significantly impacted the cannabis industry's evolution from a cultural outlier to a key economic player and global commodity. High Times's 1970s advocacy fundamentally changed public perception and the dynamics of cannabis supply through domestic cultivation.

Today, publications like MJ Biz Daily, Benzinga, and Global Cannabis Times extend this influence, providing vital business and financial insights to advance the industry. In addition, the passage from stigma to science, facilitated by these media outlets, has spurred economic growth and opportunities, especially in communities once stigmatized by cannabis prohibition.

Yet, they also highlight the disparities between large and smaller cannabis businesses, with both struggling under federal restrictions. As cannabis enters mainstream discourse, questions arise about the industry's future and the challenges operators face in such an evolving landscape. Trade publications offer unique insights and exclusive insider perspectives for all who want to understand the plant, its culture and business.

Disclosure: Please note that while I do not have a vested interest in any of the above publications, I have worked with all of them at various times.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.