RAW: The Natural Choice for Rolling Papers

In the world of smoking, RAW has established itself as a premier brand in rolling papers and smoking accessories, celebrated for its unwavering commitment to natural, unbleached materials. RAW goes beyond merely offering products; it embodies a lifestyle that resonates with those who prioritize authenticity and environmental consciousness. This article delves into RAW's journey from its humble beginnings to its current status as a cultural icon, highlighting the brand's profound impact on the smoking industry and its dedication to sustainability.

Origins and Early Development

RAW was founded in the early 2000s by Josh Kesselman, a visionary who aimed to revolutionize the smoking experience with a new kind of rolling paper—one that was unrefined, free from chemicals, and made entirely from natural materials. At that time, the market was dominated by chemically treated, bleached papers, making RAW's entry a significant and bold departure from the norm. Despite the challenges of breaking into a market dominated by established players, RAW's commitment to purity and sustainability distinguished it from the competition.

In its early years, RAW’s growth was fueled by a grassroots approach, with Kesselman actively promoting the brand at various events and engaging directly with consumers. This hands-on strategy helped build a loyal customer base and laid the groundwork for RAW’s future success. The brand's minimalist, earthy packaging also attracted consumers who sought products that aligned with their natural and environmentally conscious values.

Product Range and Brand Image

Since its inception, RAW’s product line has expanded significantly, yet the brand's focus on natural, unbleached materials has remained unwavering. The cornerstone of RAW’s offerings is its rolling papers, available in a variety of sizes and thicknesses to cater to different preferences. Whether it’s the RAW Classic, made from pure, unrefined plant fibers, or the RAW Organic Hemp, crafted from organically grown hemp, each product reflects the brand’s commitment to quality and sustainability.

Beyond rolling papers, RAW has extended its reach into a wide range of smoking accessories designed to enhance the overall smoking experience. Products such as rolling trays, glass tips, and wooden rolling trays are all created with the same dedication to natural materials. This comprehensive approach has helped RAW become more than just a brand; it has evolved into a lifestyle that appeals to a broad audience.

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These products are not only functional but also serve as a testament to RAW’s creativity and commitment to providing creative & eco friendly smoking solutions.

A Cultural Icon

RAW’s ascent to cultural prominence is a testament to its ability to connect with a generation that values authenticity, sustainability, and social responsibility. The brand’s deep ties to music, art, and counterculture have helped create a loyal following, especially among those who view RAW as more than just a product but as a symbol of a lifestyle choice.

Social media has played a pivotal role in RAW’s cultural success. By leveraging platforms like Instagram and YouTube, RAW has cultivated a robust online community where fans share their experiences, showcase their creativity, and connect with others who share similar values. This direct engagement with consumers has not only strengthened RAW’s brand message but has also ensured its relevance in a rapidly evolving market.

RAW’s influence extends beyond the smoking industry, with its products embraced by artists, musicians, and celebrities. One of the most notable collaborations is with hip-hop artist Wiz Khalifa, who even wrote a song about RAW, underscoring the brand’s significant cultural impact.

Over the years, RAW has engaged in several high-profile collaborations, aligning with various artists, brands, and cultural icons. These partnerships have further solidified RAW’s status as a cultural icon in the smoking accessory industry. Some of the most notable collaborations include:

  • RAW x Wiz Khalifa: RAW's collaboration with hip-hop artist Wiz Khalifa is among its most famous. Known for his love of cannabis, Wiz has partnered with RAW on several occasions, including the release of the "RAW x Wiz Khalifa" branded rolling papers and smoking accessories.
  • RAW x BIC: RAW teamed up with BIC, a leading brand in lighters, to create co-branded products. This collaboration combined RAW's natural rolling papers with BIC's reliable lighters, offering a comprehensive smoking solution.
  • RAW x Rolling Stone: In partnership with the iconic music magazine Rolling Stone, RAW created limited edition rolling trays and other smoking accessories. This collaboration celebrated both brands' influence on counterculture and music.
  • RAW x Lifted Research Group (LRG): RAW collaborated with the streetwear brand LRG to produce a line of clothing and smoking accessories, combining fashion and lifestyle with RAW's natural, unrefined ethos.
  • RAW x Lyrical Lemonade: RAW has teamed up with the popular music platform Lyrical Lemonade to create a series of rolling papers and terp wraps featuring their signature aesthetic.
  • RAW x ILMYO: The brand has collaborated with ILMYO, a well-known rolling tray manufacturer, to produce custom rolling trays with RAW branding.
  • RAW x Stand Paper Cradle: RAW has partnered with Stand Paper Cradle to create a rolling tool specifically designed for their papers.

These collaborations have helped RAW reach new audiences and cement its status as a leading brand in the cannabis and smoking accessory industry.

Growth and Commitment to Sustainability

A cornerstone of RAW’s success is its unwavering commitment to sustainability. From the very beginning, RAW has prioritized environmentally friendly practices, ensuring that its products are made from natural, unbleached, and chemical-free materials. This dedication to sustainability extends across RAW’s entire product line, which is entirely vegan-friendly and free from chlorine bleach and other harmful chemicals.

RAW’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond its products. The company is deeply engaged in social responsibility, exemplified through its "RAW Giving" initiative. This program has seen RAW support various charitable causes worldwide, such as building water wells in Ethiopia, funding orphanages in Indonesia, and contributing to hurricane relief efforts. These initiatives reflect RAW’s belief that "All Human Life is Equal" and its dedication to making a positive impact globally.

In terms of growth, RAW has evolved from a small startup into a global leader in the industry, with a presence in numerous countries. While specific sales figures remain confidential, RAW’s widespread popularity and global reach are clear indicators of its commercial success. Beyond financial achievements, RAW’s environmental impact remains a core part of its identity, with the company continuously working to reduce its ecological footprint through sustainable sourcing, production, and distribution practices.

The Acquisition of RAW by HBI: A Strategic Partnership

The acquisition of RAW by HBI (HBI International) marked a significant milestone in the growth and expansion of the RAW brand. HBI, known for distributing various popular smoking accessory brands worldwide, saw the purchase of RAW as a strategic move that aligned with the shared values and vision of both entities.

HBI International, led by Josh Kesselman, had already established itself as a key player in the industry, distributing a range of smoking accessories, including rolling papers and related products. The acquisition of RAW, co-founded by Kesselman, was a natural extension of HBI's portfolio, allowing the company to further cement its dominance in the market.

For RAW, becoming a part of HBI meant gaining access to a broader distribution network, increased resources, and enhanced operational capabilities. This partnership enabled RAW to scale its operations, expand its product offerings, and reach new markets globally. The synergy between HBI's extensive experience in the industry and RAW's commitment to natural, unbleached rolling papers created a powerful combination that strengthened both brands.

Under HBI's ownership, RAW has continued to flourish, maintaining its reputation as a leader in the rolling paper industry while staying true to its core values of sustainability and authenticity.


The Legacy of RAW

RAW’s enduring legacy is built on its unwavering commitment to natural materials, authenticity, and sustainability. The brand’s ability to grow while staying true to its core values has secured its place as a pioneer in the smoking industry. As consumer awareness of environmental issues continues to rise, RAW is well-positioned to lead the movement toward a more sustainable future.

In a market where consumers increasingly seek products that reflect their values, RAW stands out as a brand that not only offers high-quality products but also embodies a commitment to improving the world. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the brand, RAW provides a smoking experience that is both authentic and responsible.