High Times Puts Intellectual Property Up for Sale Amid Financial Struggles

The legendary High Times brand is once again looking for a buyer for its intellectual property (IP), including its magazine, Cannabis Cup events, trademarks, and valuable domains such as 420.com. Green Life Business Group, a brokerage firm based in San Diego, is handling the sale, which is open until March 4.

A Cannabis Industry Staple Seeks New Ownership

Since its founding in 1974, High Times has been a pillar of cannabis culture, offering news, advocacy, and in-depth coverage of the industry. Its Cannabis Cup competitions have long been a prestigious event for cannabis enthusiasts and businesses. However, financial troubles in recent years have forced the company to put its assets on the market.

The IP package for sale includes:

  • Trademarks: High Times, Cannabis Cup, Dope Magazine, 420.com, Miss High Times, and others.
  • Domain Names: hightimes.com, cannabiscup.com, culturemagazine.com, dopemagazine.com, and more.
  • Social Media: Large followings on Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and LinkedIn.
  • Other Assets: Photos, joke books, calendars, and other publications.

Previous Failed Sales and Uncertain Future

This is not the first time High Times’ IP has been on the market. Since September 2023, there have been at least two previous attempts to sell the brand. A Canadian company, Lucy Scientific Discovery, had initially agreed to acquire High Times’ IP along with 18 licensing agreements, but the deal never closed, leading to another round of bidding.

Meanwhile, signs of operational trouble continue to surface. The High Times website has been down for over a week, social media activity has slowed significantly, and the last Instagram post, promoting a Cannabis Cup event, was made in mid-January. The last known issue of the magazine was reportedly published in September 2024.

What This Means for Buyers

Unlike previous sale attempts, this one is focused strictly on intellectual property, with no cannabis business licenses included. This could impact interest from buyers who were hoping for a more complete business package. Experts suggest that without these licenses, competition for the brand might be lower than in the past.

However, High Times remains one of the most well-known names in the cannabis space, making the sale a potentially valuable opportunity for the right buyer. The brand’s deep roots in cannabis culture could be leveraged by new ownership to revitalize its presence in the industry.

What’s Next for High Times?

The potential sale has drawn mixed reactions. Some believe it could be a fresh start for the iconic brand, while others are skeptical given its ongoing financial issues. Whoever takes over will face the challenge of restoring High Times to its former glory while adapting to the fast-changing cannabis market.

As the March 4 deadline nears, all eyes are on the future of High Times. Whether the sale results in a major comeback or another setback, this moment could define the next chapter for one of the cannabis industry’s most recognized names.