StaffJuly 10, 2020
Four former senior staffers at High Times Magazine have partnered with Northwest Leaf Magazine to launch Northeast Leaf, a free monthly print magazine focused on the growing Cannabis communities and businesses in the eight states of the region. Making the move from High Times are Former Senior Cultivation Editor Dan Vinkovetsky (previously known as Danny Danko), Editor-In-Chief Michael Gianakos, Director of Technology Pete Thompson, and Advertising Executive Michael Czerhoniak.
Distribution is planned for September 2020, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine will be represented. Northwest Leaf is a ten-year media brand that is currently publishing in five markets covering California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Maryland.
Leaf Nation Founder & Publisher Wes Abney says, “With targeted media showing no signs of losing relevance, we’re elated for this opportunity to bring such an amazing stable of proven veterans into the Leaf family. The world needs honest Cannabis education and entertainment and it is our promise to stay true to the plant and the people as we grow the Leaf Nation into the global leader for Cannabis journalism.”
Dream Team
The team that Northeast leaf has assembled comes with a stellar pedigree. Gianakos was the former Editor-in-Chief of High Times from 2006-2020. He is the co-host and producer of Grow Bud Yourself! podcast. Danny “Danko” Vinkovetsky has written about cannabis for over 18 years at High Times and was most recently the Senior Cultivation Editor. He is the author of The Official High Times Field Guide to Marijuana Strains and Cannabis: A Beginners Guide to Growing Marijuana.
Vinkovetsky said, “With several popular magazines all having gone out of print, it makes perfect sense for us to continue our passion for the written word with such a respected, proven brand as The Leaf. And I love that it’s free to the public!”
Co-owner of The leaf and former syndicated radio personality, Mike Ricker, also shared in the merriment. “I’m elated to bring my 20 years of corporate broadcast experience to the next level as we expand our magazines, multimedia platforms, podcasts, and world-class events while building the most revered brand in the blooming Cannabis industry and beyond!” Ricker received the Billboard Award for Rock radio Personality of the Year in Seattle in 2008.
Rounding out the team, Thompson was the digital director at High Times from 2013-2014 and Black was a 21-year veteran of High Times. Black is the host of the podcast Blazin’ With Bobby Black and the Co-founder of High Way Travel. Czerhoniak was the advertising director at High Times for 15 years and is currently the Registration & Event Director for CHAMPS Trade shows.
