High Times Editor Javier Hasse Wins Top International Journalism Award

Javier Hasse, Editor-in-Chief of High Times, took home the International Journalist of the Year award at the Business of Cannabis Awards in London last week, beating out competitors from major European publications and international outlets.

The recognition marks the third year of the awards ceremony, which has become a fixture for cannabis industry professionals operating in Europe's evolving legal markets. Hasse's win comes as High Times has pushed deeper into international coverage, expanding beyond its traditional U.S.-focused reporting.

The magazine has ramped up its international desk over the past year, adding correspondents in Latin America and Europe while increasing coverage of emerging markets in Africa and Asia-Pacific. That expansion reflects broader industry trends as cannabis companies look beyond saturated North American markets toward countries with nascent medical programs or pending legalization.

The European Context

Europe's cannabis media landscape has grown increasingly competitive as more countries move toward medical legalization and Germany launches its recreational market. Publications based in the U.K., Netherlands, and Germany have built substantial followings, making the international journalism category particularly crowded.

The Business of Cannabis Awards, held annually in London, recognizes achievements across cultivation, retail, investment, and media. Past winners have included executives from major European cannabis firms and journalists covering the region's policy developments.

Hasse joined High Times in 2018 and became Editor-in-Chief in 2020, overseeing the publication's digital transformation and business coverage expansion. Under his leadership, the magazine has added dedicated sections for international markets, policy analysis, and investment news alongside its traditional culture and product coverage.

Industry Recognition

The award comes as cannabis journalism faces pressure to professionalize alongside the industry it covers. Early cannabis media often blurred advocacy and reporting, but publications like Marijuana Moment, MJBizDaily, and High Times have increasingly adopted traditional journalistic standards as the sector matures.

Trade publications now compete for access to executives, regulatory officials, and financial data much like mainstream business press. That shift has raised the profile of cannabis journalists who can navigate complex policy debates and financial reporting.

High Times itself has undergone significant changes in recent years, including a failed public offering attempt and ownership transitions. The publication has worked to maintain editorial independence while expanding its events business and licensing deals.

What's Next

The magazine plans to continue its international expansion in 2025, with particular focus on Latin American markets where medical programs are developing rapidly. Countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico have emerged as key production and consumption markets, attracting investment from North American and European firms.

Hasse's recognition could bolster High Times' credibility as it competes for international advertising dollars and event partnerships. The publication faces competition from regional outlets with deeper local connections but brings name recognition and decades of cannabis culture history.

The Business of Cannabis Awards will return to London next year, with organizers promising expanded categories as Europe's cannabis sector grows.

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This article is based on original reporting by hightimes.com.