While in college, Josh Kesselman researched opening a “very small” smoke shop as part of a project.

[3] In 1993, after graduating and selling all of his possessions, except for a $500 van and a self-built Harley Davidson, Kesselman was able to start a smoke shop named Knuckleheads in Gainesville, Florida.

[3][4] He imported specialty rolling papers from Europe and sold smoking paraphernalia, such as pipes and bongs.

[3] Later that year, Kesselman moved to Arizona to start a smoke shop supply and distribution company called HBI.

[4] After opening his store in 1993, Kesselman realized that the market was lacking natural unbleached papers.

[12] These papers are made from unbleached and less processed plant fibers, which gives them a unique texture and a natural brown color.

[13] The base sheet production in the mill involves blending the fibers, creating a pulp, drying the paper, and inspecting it for quality.

[15] The vegan papers do not contain animal products including dye, some of which can be made with lactose, and the gum line is a plant-based, not animal-based, adhesive.

[4] Some of the products include: RAW founder, Josh Kesselman, designed and sells an umbrella with a slot for holding a cone and a mouthpiece so people can smoke and walk in the rain.

[17] Kesselman said that thinking of fun and eccentric products that resonate with the business is part of the joy of being in the rolling papers community.

"[19] The company’s product has also been supported by Curren$y, 2 Chainz, Mick Jenkins, Chris Webby, Z-Ro, and Futuristic.

[21] Mary Schumacher of The Fresh Toast recommended RAW rolling papers to people who smoke cannabis.