Tom Forçade

The Maverick Founder of High Times and Counterculture Icon

Tom Forçade - Full name Thomas King Forçade (1945–1978), was also known as Gary Goodson, and remains one of the most enigmatic figures of the 1960s and ’70s counterculture. As the founder of High Times magazine and a key architect of the underground press, Tom Forçade not only helped redefine cannabis activism but also left an indelible mark on alternative journalism in America. This article explores his extraordinary life—from his humble beginnings in Phoenix to his rise as a provocateur in the world of underground media—and examines how his legacy continues to influence today's cannabis culture.

Early Life and Influences

Born on September 11, 1945, in Phoenix, Arizona, Tom Forçade’s early life was marked by personal tragedy and an unyielding spirit. Losing his father at a young age, Forçade’s formative years were coloured by hardship and the search for identity. He attended the University of Utah, graduating in 1967 with a degree in business administration, which later proved instrumental in managing the logistics of underground publishing and drug trafficking ventures. His brief stint with the United States Air Force further exposed him to diverse ideas and countercultural currents that would shape his future activism.

Pioneering Underground Journalism

Forçade’s entry into the world of alternative media began with his involvement in the Underground Press Syndicate—an innovative network of countercultural newspapers and magazines established during the turbulent 1960s. By taking control of this network (later renamed the Alternative Press Syndicate in 1973), Forçade provided a platform for voices that challenged mainstream narratives, advocating for freedom of expression and critiquing government policies. His work in underground journalism combined raw, often irreverent reporting with a commitment to uncovering the truth about societal and political injustices.

Founding High Times: A Cannabis Revolution

Perhaps Forçade’s most enduring legacy is his founding of High Times magazine in 1974—a publication that not only celebrated cannabis culture but also played a critical role in advocating for marijuana legalisation. At a time when cannabis was widely demonised, High Times emerged as a beacon for countercultural expression. The magazine’s provocative articles, eye-catching photography, and candid reviews transformed public perceptions of marijuana, portraying it as a "medical wonder drug" and an integral part of the alternative lifestyle. With a monthly circulation that rivalled mainstream titles like Rolling Stone and National Lampoon, High Times became the bible for a generation that dared to challenge the status quo.

Key Highlights of High Times:

Cultural Impact: The magazine introduced millions to the benefits of cannabis while ridiculing the strict enforcement policies of the US Drug Enforcement Administration.
Business Acumen: Bankrolled by profits from drug trafficking, Forçade managed to turn High Times into a multimillion-dollar enterprise by the late 1970s.
Media Innovation: High Times was not only a publication but also a cultural phenomenon that documented and shaped the evolving cannabis movement.

Iconic Moments and Controversies

Tom Forçade’s career was punctuated by a series of daring exploits that blurred the lines between activism, entrepreneurship, and outright rebellion:

- Pieing as Political Protest: In 1970, Forçade became the first documented activist to use pieing as a form of protest. During a Congressional hearing on obscenity and pornography, he famously hit Chairman Otto Larsen with a pie—a stunt that exemplified his willingness
  to confront authority with humour and audacity.
- Underground Drug Operations: Beyond journalism, Forçade was deeply involved in drug trafficking. He used the proceeds from smuggling operations between Mexico and Colombia to fund his countercultural projects, including the hippie commune and the underground magazine Orpheus. This dual role as both activist and drug dealer added layers of complexity to his public persona and continues to spark debate among historians and cultural critics.
- Turbulent Relationships with Activists: Forçade’s interactions with fellow radicals were as colourful as they were confrontational. His contentious encounters—most notably with figures like Abbie Hoffman—highlight his polarising approach to activism. These altercations underscored the intense, sometimes chaotic nature of the political protests and media battles of his era.

Legacy and Influence on Modern Cannabis Culture

Tom Forçade’s contributions extend far beyond the pages of High Times. His innovative approach to media and fearless advocacy for cannabis rights laid the groundwork for modern discussions around drug policy and countercultural freedom. Today, as cannabis legalisation gains momentum across the United States and around the world, Forçade is often remembered as a pioneer who helped shift public opinion and break down stigmas. His methods—merging humour, irreverence, and radical activism—remain influential among contemporary activists and entrepreneurs within the cannabis industry.

Moreover, the enduring popularity of High Times is a testament to his vision. The magazine continues to serve as a cultural touchstone, chronicling everything from the latest in cannabis research to grassroots activism and underground art. For many, Tom Forçade represents the spirit of an era when challenging authority was not only acceptable but celebrated.

The Tragic End of a Revolutionary

Despite his many successes, Tom Forçade’s life was marked by personal demons and turbulent relationships. In November 1978, following the death of his best friend and after a history of mental health struggles, Tom Forçade tragically ended his own life in his Greenwich Village apartment. His death, shrouded in controversy and myth, has only deepened the legend surrounding him. Many of those who admired his work continue to celebrate his audacious spirit while acknowledging the profound personal costs of living a life dedicated to radical change.

Inspiring Legacy

Tom Forçade was much more than the founder of High Times; he was a revolutionary force whose contributions to underground journalism and cannabis activism reshaped American culture during a pivotal era. From his innovative use of protest tactics to his groundbreaking role in legitimising cannabis as a subject worthy of public discourse, Forçade’s legacy is as complex as it is inspiring.

For anyone exploring the roots of countercultural activism or the history of cannabis legalisation, Tom Forçade’s life story offers a compelling narrative—a blend of audacity, creativity, and tragedy that continues to resonate today. His enduring impact on both media and marijuana culture ensures that, despite his untimely death, his spirit lives on in every rebellious act and every page of High Times.