Different Leaf Magazine: Culture Meets Cannabis – The Mr. Magazine™ Interview
It takes conviction to launch a magazine. It takes even more conviction to relaunch one after deciding to walk away.
Michael Kusek has done exactly that. After publishing Take magazine and later Different Leaf as a regional cannabis publication, he stepped back when the economics of the industry became increasingly difficult. Now he's returning with a completely reimagined vision: a global publication that explores the intersection of cannabis, art, music, fashion and culture through the eyes of guest editors and curators.
In an era when AI is transforming publishing and digital content often feels fleeting, Kusek is making a different bet. His goal isn't simply to publish another magazine. It's to create something readers will collect, display and revisit. Available in softcover, hardcover and limited collector editions, Different Leaf is designed as much as an art object as it is a publication.
I recently spoke with Michael about why he decided to reinvent the magazine, why culture became a more compelling editorial focus than cannabis alone, and why he believes print has become even more valuable in an age of AI.
But first, the soundbites...
On whether the third time is the charm: "Sure. One hopes, one hopes that the old adage lives up to its reputation."
On the changing audience: "There wasn't anything out there for the older beginner cannabis user... That rapidly changed."
On the magazine's new editorial direction: "The writers were very interested in the cultural intersection of cannabis and the broader culture."
On the mission: "...bringing in creatives from the world of fine art, music and fashion to guest edit issues about the intersection of cannabis and culture."
On designing the magazine: "It's not structured like a magazine... it is an art piece."
On the power of print: "When we don't know what's real, at least having something you can hold in your hand feels real."
On going global: "For the first time, it'll be available around the world."
The Lightly Edited Interview
Reinvention Begins with Knowing When to Change
Samir Husni: Michael, is the third time the charm?
Michael Kusek: I certainly hope so.
When we first launched Different Leaf, the cannabis industry looked very different. Over time, the business changed rapidly, mainstream media began covering the industry extensively, and what had once made us unique became less distinctive. We realized we needed to evolve rather than continue doing the same thing.
Looking Beyond Cannabis
SH: What ultimately led you in a new editorial direction?
MK: Our writers kept telling us the same thing. They weren't running out of interest in cannabis. They were becoming fascinated by the broader cultural conversations surrounding it.
We became much more interested in exploring how cannabis influences art, music, fashion, food and creativity, and how those worlds influence cannabis in return. That intersection became much more compelling than simply covering products or industry news.
Creating a Magazine Worth Collecting
SH: This feels very different from a traditional magazine.
MK: That was intentional.
We wanted every issue to feel unique, so we're inviting artists, musicians and designers to guest edit each edition. The first issue was shaped by Nick Cave and Bob Faust, with curator Denise Markonish helping guide the project.
We also wanted readers to think differently about what a magazine could be. That's why we created multiple editions, including collector versions designed to be displayed on bookshelves or coffee tables rather than recycled after reading.
Why Print Matters More Than Ever
SH: You've always believed in print. Why do you think it's even more important today?
MK: I'm actually more convinced of the importance of print now than I've ever been.
Twenty years from now, someone can still pick up this magazine and read it. I can't say the same about everything that's published online today.
Now add AI to the equation. Increasingly, people are asking what's real, who created something and whether it was generated or written by a person. When you hold something in your hands, it feels permanent. It feels authentic. Print provides a level of trust that's becoming increasingly valuable.
Thinking Globally
SH: What makes this relaunch different from the previous versions?
MK: The biggest difference is that Different Leaf is now a global publication.
We'll be available around the world, including through Barnes & Noble and international distribution. That changes both our audience and our ambition. Instead of thinking regionally, we're thinking globally from day one.
The Final Questions
SH: If I stopped by your home unexpectedly, what would I find you doing?
MK: Reading magazines, watching television and assembling the collector boxes for the first issue. I'm also spending a lot of time seeing what other publishers are doing. I think it's important to support your peers.
SH: And what keeps you up at night?
MK: The next issue. I'm hoping our next guest editor says yes. I'd love to announce that soon.
Editor's Note: This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity. We encourage readers to visit the Mr. Magazine™ website to read Samir Husni's complete conversation with Michael Kusek.
