Josh Kesselman is the ‘RAWthentic’ founding force behind RAW® Rolling Papers and founder of HBI
Innovations. With wild creativity, a mission-driven mindset and a signature merry-prankster energy, Josh
has flipped the script on the smoking accessory and media industries, all while building a global empire
rooted in quality, culture and purpose.

In June 2025, he added a new title to his resume: Publisher of High Times. In a bold, all-cash comeback,
Josh teamed up with longtime friend and the magazine’s former co-owner, Matt Stang, to acquire the
iconic counterculture magazine and revive assets like the Cannabis Cup franchise. He’s now leading a
full-blown revival: bringing back the High Times website and socials, relaunching collectible print
editions, and channeling the rebel spirit that once published legends like Hunter S. Thompson and
Charles Bukowski.

From carefully curating batches of French-milled RAW papers at the family-owned factory in Spain, to
designing RAW-themed smoking helmets and 7-joint flutes, Josh is all about elevating the ‘high-minded’
consumer experience. He also views success as a chance to do more. Through the RAW Giving initiative
and prior charitable efforts, HBI has donated millions to global clean water efforts, disaster relief,
reforestation and more. Josh’s business philosophy? Empower retailers, build real relationships, stay
authentic and have a blast doing it.

Among his many titles, he’s also one of smokingculture’s biggest influencers, with over 5.6 million
followers across Instagram (@rawkandroll), TikTok (@rawandrolling) and Facebook (@RAWandroller),
serving up a steady stream of behind-the-scenes antics, giveaways and rolling paper nerdery.