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®, spoke with CelebStoner about his $3.45 million acquisition of High Times magazine. Kesselman emphasized that the acquisition is about community, not profits, aiming to revive High Times as a cultural and cannabis media institution. Partnering with former High Times executive Matt Stang, he plans to restore the magazine’s authenticity, amplify underrepresented voices, and maintain its legacy for future generations. Kesselman reflected on his long-standing connection to High Times, having built relationships with iconic figures like Bobby Black, Danny Danko, and Matt Stang while growing RAW®. His vision focuses on keeping High Times independent, thriving, and community-driven, rather than purely commercial.
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HBI Innovations, led by founder Josh Kesselman, secures legal victory against international copycats impersonating the company. Following a Forum arbitration panel decision, the domain hbiglobcompany.com was rightfully transferred to HBI Innovations after it was found to be operating in "opportunistic bad faith," misleading consumers by mimicking HBI’s branding and logo. The panel cited a high likelihood of confusion due to impersonation attempts. Kesselman emphasized that protecting brand authenticity and community trust is a top priority. Subsequent investigations revealed a broader network of infringing social media accounts and domains, which HBI has since taken action against, filing takedown requests across platforms like YouTube, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and Facebook. This victory reinforces HBI Innovations’ dedication to safeguarding its intellectual property, iconic products like RAW®, and the integrity of its global brand.
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Josh Kesselman, founder of RAW Rolling Papers and HBI International, has announced a $25,000 donation through RAW Giving to Freedom Grow, a nonprofit supporting individuals incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses. Freedom Grow, a volunteer-led 501(c)(3), provides commissary funds, books, newsletters, and family support to over 300 incarcerated individuals. This donation will also help amplify the organization’s “Free Edwin Rubis” campaign, which seeks justice for a man serving a 40-year federal sentence for a non-violent cannabis conviction. Josh Kesselman expressed gratitude to the RAW community for making this contribution possible, underscoring his ongoing commitment to cannabis reform and social justice. Randy Lanier, CEO of Freedom Grow, thanked RAW Giving for the support, highlighting the positive impact it will have on incarcerated individuals and their families.
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Josh Kesselman, founder of RAW Rolling Papers and HBI International, has announced a $38,523 RAW Giving donation to Start Living Inc., a Glendale, Arizona nonprofit supporting individuals in recovery from substance abuse and mental health challenges. The donation, made in appreciation of Thomas “Dope as YOLA” Araujo and the Dope as Usual podcast, enables Start Living Inc. to purchase two new vans, helping expand housing support to eight additional clients. Founded by Marvina Thomas, Start Living Inc. and its sister program Trinity Care Services provide a unique holistic recovery model, combining treatment with safe transitional housing. Kesselman emphasized RAW Giving’s commitment to uplifting underrepresented communities, while Thomas expressed gratitude for the donation, calling it a step forward in providing stability and hope for those rebuilding their lives.
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