Latest news with #RAW®RollingPapers
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Republic Brands Case Spurs Nationwide Ban on RAW® Maker, Federal Court Orders HBI International to Change Packaging and Promotions
Decision Affirms Initial Ruling that Josh Kesselman Violated the Illinois Uniform Deceptive Trade Practice Act GLENVIEW, Ill., June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a sweeping rebuke of deceptive marketing, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit has upheld a nationwide permanent injunction against RAW® Rolling Papers maker HBI International. The ruling affirms the jury's finding that HBI and its founder Josh Kesselman misled consumers with false claims about its products. Rejecting HBI's attempt to limit the injunction to Illinois, the Court made clear: HBI's dishonesty is a national problem requiring a nationwide remedy. This punitive injunction resulted from a case brought by global rolling paper category leader Republic Brands, in which a jury found that HBI did violate the Illinois Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act and engaged in unfair competition in marketing RAW® rolling papers. In upholding the injunction, court documents point out that HBI and RAW have shown "a proclivity to attempt to evade court order." The documents further explain that "by mandating that HBI verify the accuracy of its factual statements—or otherwise use opinions—the district court crafted a remedy that it reasonably believed would deter future violations that it could "fairly" anticipate from HBI's conduct." The HBI marketing strategies that prompted the nationwide permanent injunction included a series of claims that Republic Brands successfully argued were not accurate: A portion of profits from RAW products goes to the non-existent "RAW Foundation," which uses those funds to save lives worldwide RAW organic hemp papers are made in Alcoy, Spain RAW organic papers are made with natural hemp gum RAW organic hemp papers are the "world's first" or "world's only" organic hemp rolling papers RAW organic hemp papers are made using wind power RAW organic hemp papers are "unrefined" HBI's owner, Josh Kesselman, invented rolling paper "cones" "This is more than a win for Republic Brands. It's a win for all rolling paper consumers who expect and deserve truth in advertising from the brands they purchase," said Republic Brands CEO Don Levin. "As the world's largest manufacturer of rolling papers and smoking accessories, we take our role as leaders seriously. We'll continue to fight for a level playing field where all parties act in good faith and engage in honest marketing and advertising practices." About Republic Brands®The world's leading rolling company, Republic Brands® holds the most extensive portfolio in the category including (OCB®, JOB®, e-z wider®, DRUM®, Premier®, Gambler®, and TOP® brands. Republic Brands is part of a family-owned company that is known for innovations such as sustainable bamboo, hemp and flax fiber papers and cones, its natural acacia gum, and internationally recognized ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 and GMP standards. Media Contact:Trailblaze for Republic Brandsrepublicbrands@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Republic Brands Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Josh Kesselman, Founder of HBI Innovations, Reveals RAW Rolling Papers has Surpassed Over 300 Million Organic Views on Meta Platforms in April 2025
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - May 15, 2025) - Josh Kesselman, founder of HBI Innovations, has revealed that RAW® Rolling Papers has reached over 300 million organic views across Meta platforms during the month of April 2025. The brand's content was shared, reposted, and celebrated by fans across the globe through its official Meta handles: @rawlife247, @raw, and Josh's @rawkandroll without the use of paid advertisements. Josh Kesselman pictured at KushStock 2025, an event that brings together the cannabis community. "Our audience is the algorithm," said Josh Kesselman, founder of RAW®. "We don't chase trends - we set them. This kind of reach isn't luck, it's love. RAW is powered by real people sharing RAWthentic moments, real culture, and a passion for smoking. When you build something authentic, people don't just follow - they amplify." The numbers are a testament to Josh Kesselman's and RAW®'s connection to its community and its ability to organically drive mass engagement in an era dominated by paid media. With over 300 million organic views tracked in April 2025 alone, RAW®'s reach on Meta exemplifies how purpose-driven brands can lead global conversations without relying on traditional media buys. From viral rolling tutorials to behind-the-scenes exclusives, philanthropic shoutouts, and the unmistakable RAW® energy, the brand's content continues to resonate with a new generation of cannabis consumers and culture lovers. RAW's social success also underscores its position as not just a leader in rolling papers, but as a movement rooted in creativity, justice, and community. Josh Kesselman is known for engaging with RAW®'s community on its official Meta platforms. "This isn't just a flex - it's proof of purpose," Kesselman added. "We built RAW® for the people, and now they're carrying the flame." HBI Innovations, is an independent, world-famous provider of high-quality rolling papers, cones, and other smoking innovations, including the legendary RAW® brand, the unbleached rolling papers that are used by millions worldwide. Under the leadership of its founder Josh Kesselman, HBI is dedicated to operating under a philosophy that prioritizes both product excellence and ethical business practices. The company's humanitarian effort, RAW Giving, has donated more than $2.5 million in direct cash contributions, plus in-kind contributions of about $200,000, to a wide variety of charities and causes, including clean water, animal rescue, reforestation, and more. Contact: Cynthia SalarizadehEmail: cynthia@ Website: SOURCE: Asha Media Group To view the source version of this press release, please visit
