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Joshua Kesselman, through the power of RAW, has contributed more than $2.5 million in direct cash contributions, plus in-kind contributions of about $200,000 to a wide variety of charities over the years.
Josh Kesselman, Founder of HBI Innovations and Raw Rolling Papers Featured in MSN Writeup on Victory at the End of 9-Year Legal Battle
Josh Kesselman, founder of HBI Innovations and RAW®, was featured in MSN following HBI’s victory in its nine-year legal battle against Republic Tobacco. The United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit upheld the 2021 jury verdict, confirming that Republic Tobacco and its OCB® brand had willfully infringed RAW®’s trade dress and advertising design for its Organic Hemp rolling papers. The ruling reinforced RAW®’s brand integrity and copyright protection. Kesselman emphasized that all net award proceeds, totaling in the high six figures, were donated through RAW Giving to charitable causes, including social justice initiatives and animal rescues. He highlighted RAW®’s commitment to independence, innovation, and community, underscoring the brand’s resilience against corporate pressure.
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Josh Kesselman, HBI Innovations Founder, Featured in Wall Street Journal Piece on High Times Purchase
Josh Kesselman, founder of HBI Innovations and RAW®, spoke with the Wall Street Journal about his $3.5 million purchase of the iconic counterculture publication High Times. Kesselman is partnering with former co-owner Matt Stang to revive the magazine’s print edition, relaunch the Cannabis Cup competition, and develop licensing deals, including RAW® rolling papers. He has also invested an additional $1.85 million to cover trademark fees and digitize archival content. Kesselman emphasized that the primary goal is to preserve High Times’ legacy and voice within cannabis culture, even if the venture initially operates at a loss. The initiative aligns with a broader trend of media publications reviving print editions, while reconnecting with a passionate community of cannabis enthusiasts.
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Josh Kesselman, HBI Innovations Founder, Announces Purchase of High Times
Josh Kesselman, founder of HBI Innovations, announced the exclusive $3.5 million purchase of High Times magazine, Cannabis Cup, and associated assets, partnering with former co-owner Matt Stang. The acquisition aims to revive High Times’ legacy as a counterculture and cannabis authority, blending its historical influence with modern relevance. Plans include relaunching collectible print editions, reintroducing the Cannabis Cup event with transparent judging, rebuilding the digital platform, launching licensing deals including RAW® rolling papers, and connecting readers with cannabis social media influencers. Kesselman emphasized the personal and cultural significance of this acquisition, calling it a “dream” and a way to give back to the cannabis community while preserving the brand’s authenticity and 50-year legacy. An additional $1.85 million has been invested in trademark fees, digitizing archives, and operational relaunch costs.
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Josh Kesselman, HBI Innovations Founder, Speaks with the New York Times about the Acquisition of High Times
Josh Kesselman, founder of HBI Innovations and RAW®, spoke with the New York Times about his $3.5 million acquisition of High Times magazine. Kesselman, partnering with former co-owner Matt Stang, aims to revive High Times as a counterculture and cannabis authority, restoring trust with the cannabis community and modernizing the publication. Plans include relaunching the iconic Cannabis Cup, producing podcasts, short-form video, and documentary content, and reconnecting readers with authentic cannabis culture. Kesselman emphasized that the goal is not profit, but legacy, aiming to elevate human consciousness and preserve High Times’ historical impact on the cannabis and counterculture communities.
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