High Times Publisher Criticizes Big Alcohol's Anti-Cannabis Tactics

High Times publisher Josh Kesselman has accused the alcohol industry of spreading exaggerated health claims about cannabis to protect market share, calling out what he described as "financially motivated" narratives.

In a TMZ appearance, Kesselman specifically criticized stories about "scromiting"—severe vomiting from cannabis use—as scare tactics pushed by alcohol companies facing competition from legalization.

"Instead of resorting to scare tactics, the alcohol industry should compete fairly with cannabis," Kesselman said.

Industry Rivalry

The cannabis and alcohol industries have increasingly come into conflict as legalization expands. Research suggests cannabis may substitute for alcohol consumption among some users, threatening alcohol sales in legal cannabis states.

Some alcohol companies have responded by investing in cannabis (Constellation Brands' stake in Canopy Growth being the most prominent example). Others have lobbied against cannabis legalization, often citing public health concerns.

Kesselman argues that alcohol industry opposition to cannabis is hypocritical given alcohol's well-documented harms—approximately 95,000 annual deaths in the U.S. compared to zero documented cannabis safety fatalities.

The "Scromiting" Debate

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is a real medical condition affecting some regular cannabis users, characterized by severe nausea and vomiting. The colloquial term "scromiting" describes the screaming that sometimes accompanies intense episodes.

However, the condition remains rare—affecting perhaps 2-3% of regular users according to medical estimates. Kesselman's point is that media coverage of CHS has been disproportionate to its actual incidence, potentially due to alcohol industry influence.

The cannabis industry doesn't dispute CHS exists but argues media and policy discussions should maintain perspective about its relative rarity compared to alcohol-related health issues.

Competition or Coexistence?

Kesselman called for the two industries to "focus on the unique benefits of their products rather than undermining each other," suggesting both could thrive without one trying to suppress the other.

Some see potential for collaboration—[cannabis-infused beverages](/article/tilray-brands-sees-5percent-boost-in-q2-cannabis-revenue-mk5gvwkz) as alternatives to alcoholic drinks, for example, or consumption venues that offer both options.

Others expect continued rivalry as cannabis captures market share in states with legal access, particularly among younger consumers who may prefer cannabis to alcohol.

This article is based on original reporting by High Times.