News
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, HBI Innovations Founder, Announces RAW's Win at the 2nd Annual International Cannabis Awards
Josh Kesselman, founder of HBI Innovations, announced RAW®’s dual victory at the 2nd Annual International Cannabis Awards, winning Best Rolling Papers in both the USA and Worldwide categories. The virtual event brought together cannabis industry leaders globally, celebrating excellence in cultivation, technology, and smoking products. RAW® secured over 44% of the votes, more than double the second-place finisher, highlighting its status as a top choice among consumers. Kesselman emphasized RAW®’s dedication to producing the highest-quality rolling papers, marking the brand’s 20th anniversary and its continued mission to innovate and enhance the smoking experience. The award underscores RAW®’s leadership in the rolling papers and smoking accessories industry.
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HBI Innovations Founder, Josh Kesselman, Featured in Benzinga Article
Josh Kesselman, founder of HBI Innovations and RAW®, was featured in Benzinga for his insights on A Guide to Medical Cannabis, a book by Javier Hasse and Nicolás José Rodríguez. Published by Sheldon Press (Hachette Publishing), the book provides a comprehensive roadmap to understanding medical cannabis, covering history, biochemistry, and therapeutic applications for chronic pain, mental health, and neurological conditions. Kesselman praised the book for its clarity and practical guidance, noting its value for the cannabis community in understanding the plant’s role in wellness and homeostasis. The feature highlights Kesselman’s support for educational resources in the cannabis space, positioning A Guide to Medical Cannabis alongside other trusted expert voices such as Tommy Chong, Dr. Peter Grinspoon, and Ed Rosenthal.
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HBI Innovations Announces Court of Appeals Victory, Ending 9-Year Legal Battle
HBI Innovations, led by founder Josh Kesselman, won a landmark Court of Appeals ruling, ending a nine-year legal battle with Republic Tobacco over the trade-dress and copyright of RAW® Organic Hemp rolling paper packaging. The United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit upheld the 2021 jury verdict that Republic willfully copied RAW®’s packaging design for its OCB® Organic Hemp products. The ruling reinforces RAW®’s intellectual property rights and marks the conclusion of a multi-year legal effort to protect brand authenticity and innovation. Kesselman emphasized that the net award proceeds, totaling in the high six figures, were donated through RAW Giving to social justice organizations and animal rescue charities. He reiterated RAW®’s commitment to innovation, quality, and standing firm against unfair competition. The case underscores RAW®’s position as a leader in the rolling papers industry, maintaining brand integrity against attempts to imitate or undermine it.
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Josh Kesselman, HBI Innovations Founder, Featured in GreenState Article on Kushstock Cannabis Festival
Josh Kesselman, founder of HBI Innovations and RAW®, was featured in GreenState discussing the Kushstock cannabis festival in Los Angeles, where RAW celebrated its 20th anniversary. Kesselman reflected on the sense of community at cannabis events, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with the social and cultural roots of cannabis use. He also highlighted RAW’s latest product drop, the Fireblazer Helmet, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Pasadena Animal Humane Society through the RAW Giving initiative. The article also touched on RAW’s recent legal victories and Kesselman’s reflections on two decades of innovation, community engagement, and growth in the cannabis industry.
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