Author Biography

Editor-in-Chief of High Times Magazine, founded The Tin Whistle, his first underground newspaper, in 1967, while a high school student in Illinois. He went on to receive a Masters of Science degree in Journalism from the University of Illinois.

In 1980, he became the first reporter to travel to the South Bronx to document the history of hip hop, a project that resulted in the book "Hip Hop" (St. Martins' Press) and the film "Beat Street" (Orion Pictures).

Hager became editor-in-chief of High Times in 1988. That same year, he founded the Cannabis Cup, the "Academy Awards of Marijuana," and became a leading figure in the hemp legalization movement by creating the first national Hemp Tour.

In 1997, Hager left his post as editor of High Times to concentrate on creating new events for High Times (including the Whee! festival, the Stonys and the Doobies), while also studying low-budget video production, so these events could be properly documented).

He returned to High Times as editor-in-chief in 1998, and was replaced six years later as the magazine made an ill-fated attempt to change its direction. He returned as editor in 2006.

Hager has remained one of the most visible and active proponents of marijuana legalization, and has campaigned extensively on the social, political, economic and judicial reasons he feels Marijuana should be legalized.

Hager is the author of several books, including "The Octopus Conspiracy" (Trine Day), and producer/director of several feature-length documentaries, including "The Cannabis Cup" (Koch Entertainment).

Author's Events: 

Heads vs. Feds

Date and time: 

Thursday, April 12, 2012 - 12:00pm - 1:30pm

Genre: 

debate

Venue: 

UW Fox Valley

Debate Over the Legalization of Marijuana

This is the event that’s been called “the best program we’ve ever had” by schools all over the country. It’s so simple: Steve Hager, longtime editor of High Times Magazine takes on hard-hitting DEA veteran Robert Stutman on the multitude of issues surrounding marijuana legalization. What makes it so successful? For one, students are drawn to the topic (and our full-color posters). Secondly, the entire event is interactive – it’s completely driven by student questions. Finally, it provides a well-balanced forum for students and community on both sides of this embattled topic.

This event will be held in the Student Union at UW-Fox Valley. See the campus map for location.

  |  Tags: debate