Underground Cannabis Archives
High Times
First Issues
High Times Magazine first Issue is considered to be the "Holy Grail" by many collectors. The founder Thomas King Forcade initially published only 1000 copies
of the original issue. It was an instant hit, and naturally, those first copies vanished
quickly. Knowing they were on to something the staff immediately reprinted the
first issue, then reprinted, then reprinted again! Everyone wanted a copy of
this publishing phenomenon. Unfortunately, each subsequent printing differed
slightly from the previous one.
The Original Premier Issue has a heavy stock card aluminum foil like cover. It is
easily scratched and dented. "One Dollar" cover price. The cover lines on the right
should be aligned with the first letter of each line.
The second printing has Premier Issue and Summer 74 in the top left corner. One
Dollar cover price. Staggered cover lines. There is a disclaimer on the inside cover
that is not in the 3rd and 4th reprint. Second page has Deal High Times offer. Back
page has offers for Ad space. The back cover has no "Outline" on The Curse of
the Oval Room.
The third printing has Premier Issue in the top left corner. (No Summer 74). One
Dollar Cover price. Staggered cover lines. The inside cover has subscription for
magazines, no disclaimer. The second page has Getta Job cigarette paper ad. The
back page has Get off on the Double E-Z Wider papers ad. The back cover has an
outline around The Curse of the Oval Room.
The fourth Printing has Premier Issue Collector's Edition in the top left corner.
"$1.50 " Cover price. Staggered cover lines. The back cover has no "Outline" on
The Curse of the Oval Room.
I have been collecting High Times Magazines for more than 35 years. I've only
seen around 40 copies of The Original Premier Issue. They are Extremely Rare.