Josh Kesselmann | CEO of RAW

Josh Kesselman, HBI Innovations Founder, Announces Elements x Zushi Collaboration

Josh Kesselman, founder of HBI Innovations, announced a limited-edition collaboration between Elements rolling papers and elite cultivators Zushi, blending Elements’ ultra-thin papers with Zushi’s custom artwork. The collaboration, launched on April 20, 2025, quickly became highly sought-after, with initial packs reselling for $200 due to high demand. Kesselman highlighted the personal and professional significance of the partnership, emphasizing the energy and connection that high-quality rolling papers bring to the smoking experience. The collaboration also showcased Zushi’s boutique artistry applied to the iconic Elements product line.

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.

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.

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.