On June 10, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit upheld a nationwide ban on RAW rolling papers, a decision that may force fans of the brand to reconsider their options. The ruling comes after ongoing legal battles stemming from allegations that RAW’s parent company, HBI International, misled consumers with false claims about its products.
The court’s decision comes in response to a lawsuit filed by Republic Brands, the owner of competing rolling paper brand OCB, which originally sought to limit the ban to Illinois. However, the court determined that RAW’s deceptive practices extended beyond state lines, warranting a nationwide response.
One of the most alarming claims against RAW is the existence of the so-called “RAW Foundation.” The company had advertised that a portion of its profits would be donated to this foundation, but it has since been revealed that the charity does not exist. This revelation has drawn significant criticism, with many questioning the ethics of a brand that pretended to contribute to charitable causes.
Additionally, RAW has faced scrutiny for its product labeling. The company is prohibited from claiming that its rolling papers are “unrefined” or made with “natural hemp gum,” as these assertions lack substantiation and clarity. This lack of transparency has led to concerns about the authenticity of the health claims made by the brand.
RAW’s founder, Joshua Kesselman, previously boasted about the company’s integrity and dedication to producing high-quality rolling products. However, with these recent legal developments, the authenticity of the brand’s identity has come into question, leaving loyal customers to ponder the truth behind their favorite rolling papers.
The ban on RAW products does not mean they will disappear entirely from the market, as officials are unlikely to prioritize the removal of all RAW products. However, the packaging for these papers may change, likely omitting certain terms and claims that were previously used to market them.
For those seeking alternatives to RAW, options like Zig Zag Organic Hemp Rolling Papers, High Society’s Primo Organic Hemp Rolling Papers, and Revelry’s Hemp Rolling Papers are available, providing consumers with choices that align with their preferences.
As RAW navigates this challenging period, the brand’s future remains uncertain, and it will be interesting to see how they adapt to the legal landscape and consumer expectations moving forward.
