Josh Kesselman, Founder of RAW Rolling Papers, Donates $38,523 to Start Living Inc. to Support Housing Recovery

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.

Josh Kesselman, Founder of RAW Rolling Papers, Announces $25,000 Donation to Freedom Grow

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.

Josh Kesselman's RAW Rolling Papers Listed as Leading Market Player in 2024 Smoking Accessories Report by Allied Market Research

RAW Rolling Papers Named Leading Market Player in 2024 Smoking Accessories Report Josh Kesselman, founder of RAW Rolling Papers and HBI International, announced that RAW has been recognized as a top market leader in the Allied Market Research 2024 Smoking Accessories Report. The report highlights the smoking accessories industry—valued at $3.1 billion in 2020 and projected to hit $6.3 billion by 2030—as highly competitive, driven by innovation, cannabis legalization, e-commerce growth, and demand for eco-friendly, premium products. RAW Rolling Papers stood out for its innovation, plant-based rolling papers, and wide range of smoking accessories, including rolling papers, filters, lighters, grinders, ashtrays, pipes, and more. Founder Josh Kesselman emphasized RAW’s commitment to listening to consumers and delivering sustainable, health-conscious, and cutting-edge smoking products. Since launching in 2005, RAW has become a trusted brand for smokers worldwide. 📍 Headquarters: Phoenix, Arizona 🌐 Learn more: rawthentic.com

Josh Kesselman, RAW Rolling Papers founder, pledges $25,000 to Arizona Non-Profit Tom’s Palms to Assist the Unsheltered Community