The Power Of Paper: A Leading Cannabis Rolling Paper Company's Approach To Social Justice

In a philanthropic stride that underscores the evolving intersection between commerce and social justice, HBI International - the force behind the globally recognized RAW brand of rolling papers - has cemented its role in addressing one of the most contentious issues of our times: the repercussions of the War on Drugs. With a significant donation to the Last Prisoner Project, a nonprofit dedicated to the release and rehabilitation of individuals incarcerated for cannabis offenses, RAW founder is not just rolling blunts but rolling out new hope for many.

At the heart of this initiative is a $100,000 contribution made by RAW in December 2023, aimed at bolstering the efforts of the Last Prisoner Project (LPP). The funds are split evenly to support two critical areas: re-entry programs for those recently released from incarceration on cannabis-related charges and broader initiatives designed to assist individuals convicted of non-violent, cannabis-related offenses. This strategic donation is part of RAW's broader commitment to social justice, through which it has now surpassed $3 million in total donations to various causes.

The impact of RAW's contribution has already begun to manifest, with real-life stories emerging from beneficiaries like Kyle Page, who spent six years behind bars for a non-violent cannabis offense, and Stephanie Shepard, who faced a decade in federal prison for her first non-violent cannabis offense. Today, Shepard is making strides as the Last Prisoner Project’s director of advocacy and board chairwoman, embodying the profound change RAW's donation is fostering.

Mary Bailey, managing director at Last Prisoner Project, highlighted the transformative effect of RAW's support. "We are grateful for the generous donation from Josh Kesselman and the team at RAW, which has helped us facilitate the liberation of non-violent cannabis offenders, as well as fund our push for systemic change. In just a few short months, RAW’s donation has provided significant impacts to our organization," she told Benzinga Cannabis.

Josh Kesselman, RAW's founder and CEO, reflected on the donation's significance with a perspective that connects the brand's consumer base to the broader societal issue at hand. "While our customers are rolling up with our papers, thousands of people remain wrongfully jailed for nonviolent cannabis offenses," Kesselman told Benzinga. "We are proud to be part of the solution through our donations to Last Prisoner Project, an organization that is truly putting in the work to reform our criminal justice system."

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RAW's philanthropic reach extends beyond the LPP. In response to rising homelessness rates in Arizona, where RAW is headquartered, the company also donated $100,000 to CASS, an organization dedicated to aiding the homeless community. This move comes at a time when Arizona, along with the rest of the nation, is seeing record levels of homelessness, underscoring RAW's commitment to addressing pressing local and national issues.

The journey of RAW from a brand synonymous with high-quality, plant-based rolling papers to a beacon of corporate responsibility reflects a broader shift in how businesses are engaging with their communities and the issues that affect them. Through strategic philanthropy, RAW is not just providing financial support but is actively participating in the dialogue and action necessary for societal change, highlighting the power of corporate influence in shaping a more equitable and just world.

Lead image by Javier Hasse

This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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