RAW is perhaps the most popular rolling paper brand in the world. What started as an idea in 1993 has exploded into one of the most recognizable and beloved paper brands on the globe, one which emphasizes the founder’s ethos in addition to a commitment to making an incredible product. ONE37pm caught up with RAW CEO Josh Kesselman this week to speak about the brand as a whole, in addition to the recent announcements from the FDA regarding their intention to ban menthol cigarettes, flavored cigars and cigar wraps—which are commonly used to roll blunts.
Before diving into the current moment and the multi-faceted FDA ban, Josh and I spoke a bit about the genesis of RAW and how his commitments to altruism and community drive the brand to this day. At this point, RAW is more than just a paper-brand, it’s a lifestyle brand and movement helmed by the charismatic Kesselman. Since the company’s onset, the philanthropic RAW Foundation has donated and raised millions of dollars to organizations digging wells in Sub-Saharan Africa, building orphanages in South East Asia, and fostering tree and water preservation initiatives across North America, to name a few of the initiatives Josh has supported.