High Times Ventures into Streaming with New Dedicated Channel
High Times, the long-standing authority on cannabis culture, has officially launched High Times TV (HTTV), a new streaming-video channel designed to cater specifically to enthusiasts of the plant. Positioned as the “Netflix of Cannabis,” HTTV is now accessible on popular platforms such as Roku and Apple TV, offering a curated selection of entertainment and information that aims to fill a void left by mainstream digital outlets.
Addressing Censorship and Serving a Dedicated Audience
The impetus behind HTTV’s creation stems from a strategic decision by Hightimes Holding Corp. to expand its digital footprint and diversify its revenue streams. According to High Times CEO Adam Levin, the launch addresses a significant demand for cannabis-related content that is often subject to censorship or de-prioritization on major social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.
“While High Times has built a powerful subscriber base across print, digital and social media, it’s not enough to just produce content for those platforms,” Levin stated. “The huge demand for mobile-friendly premium video includes a real hunger for the cannabis-related content that social-media sites are all too often blocking. High Times’ new channel intends to satisfy that hunger, ensuring that we can reach our loyal audience wherever they may be, on whatever platform they use. It’s another way to serve our fans”. This move reflects a broader industry trend and a new push to monetize the influential High Times brand in the digital space, especially as cannabis moves toward mainstream acceptance.
Diverse Content for the Cannabis Community
High Times TV promises a rich variety of cannabis-themed programming designed to educate, entertain, and inform. Viewers can expect content such as in-depth cultivation and extraction lessons, lighthearted comedy shorts, and exclusive behind-the-scenes looks at the renowned High Times Cannabis Cup events. The channel also features vlogs and content from prominent industry influencers and creators, providing a platform for voices that may be restricted elsewhere.
Talent already featured on HTTV includes popular creators like CustomGrow420, StrainCentral, Ruffhouse Studios, Stoner Mom, The Green Market Report, and That High Couple, as well as original series such as “Grow House”. This programming aims to cover everything from the cultivation and processing of cannabis plants to the lifestyle and culture surrounding the plant, including news and commentary on legalization efforts. The platform also includes access to a collection of cannabis-themed movies.
Revenue Model and Platform Accessibility
HTTV is adopting an advertising-supported model, foregoing subscription fees. The channel has partnered with Unreel, a video streaming service provider that facilitates monetization through digital ad networks, including those on Roku and Google Ad Manager. This approach not only generates revenue for High Times but also aims to create new monetization opportunities for content creators in the cannabis space.
The High Times TV channel is readily available through its website, tv.hightimes.com, and can be accessed on a variety of devices, including iOS, Apple TV, Android, and Roku players. This multi-platform strategy ensures broad accessibility for its target audience.
A New Chapter for a Legacy Brand
Founded in 1974, High Times has long been a seminal voice in advocating for cannabis legalization and chronicling its culture. The launch of HTTV signifies a forward-looking strategy for the brand, adapting to the evolving media consumption habits of its audience. As the cannabis industry continues to grow and integrate into the mainstream, High Times is leveraging its established brand recognition and audience reach to carve out a significant presence in the digital streaming landscape. This move also aligns with broader shifts in advertising, where influencer marketing and user-generated content are increasingly overtaking traditional media spend, making platforms that foster these connections highly valuable. High Times TV represents a commitment to providing a dedicated, uncensored space for cannabis news, entertainment, and community.
