What’s up with Raw Papers?

What’s wrong with RAW? The Decline of an Iconic Brand?

Republic Brands Obtains Injunction Against HBI International

If you’re a stoner like me, you’re probably very familiar with RAW papers. It’s the quintessential stoner item and many would think the brand shares your values. Stoners tend to be peace-loving, nature-loving people who enjoy connection and truth—and weed.

Except that RAW isn’t what you think it is.

In this article, we will examine the recent injunction that its parent company received from another brand of rolling papers that practice “organic” practices.

HBI International (the parent company) must stop making claims about its RAW Organic Hemp rolling papers after Republic Brands won a permanent injunction against the company in a federal lawsuit.

The U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Illinois permanently barred HBI from making specific claims about its products on January 31, 2023, and ordered HBI to “immediately” cease manufacturing, ordering, and replenishing its inventory with products that do not comply with the order conform to the court. A jury found that HBI, the distributor of rolling paper brands RAW, Elements, Juicy Jays, Pay-Pay and Skunk, engaged in unfair competition and violated the Illinois Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act through its packaging and advertising practices. This led to the temporary injunction.

Because the court found in its December 6, 2022 ruling that no such foundation existed despite HBI’s prior advertising claims, the court prohibited HBI from further stating, implying or implying that it raises funds or proceeds from sales for a charitable entity or foundation or Contributed labeled “RAW Foundation” or referencing the “RAW Foundation” in text or image.

Additionally, for more than a decade, HBI has advertised that its papers are made by artisans in “Alcoy, Spain” and bills Alcoy as the “Birthplace of Papers”. HBI has reportedly received the “Spanish Alcoy Paper Blessing” for its RAW sheets and some of its merchandise bears the “Alcoy stamp”.

However, the court found by judgment of January 19, 2023 that “HBI does not manufacture any rolling paper in Alcoy, Spain”. The court, in its order for an injunction, prohibited HBI from saying or implying that its RAW Organic Hemp brochures or cones are manufactured in Alcoy. It further ruled that “HBI may not use a ‘stamp’ containing or referring to Alcoy on its packaging.”

The order permanently prohibits HBI and its employees from making any statements or communications, or engaging in any promotional or advertising activities, that state, imply or suggest:

  • That HBI and/or RAW operate or donate its funds or proceeds from sales to any charity or foundation of any kind that is referred to as, or references the “RAW Foundation” in text or image

  • That RAW Organic Hemp Papers are “unrefined”.

  • That RAW Organic Hemp Rolling Papers are made from natural hemp gum or that the glue used in RAW Organic Hemp Rolling Papers is or contains hemp

  • That RAW Organic Hemp Papers are or were the world’s first or only organic (or organic hemp) papers

  • These RAW Organic Hemp Papers are made in Alcoy, Spain

  • That RAW Organic Hemp pre-rolled roll paper bags are manufactured in Alcoy, Spain

  • That the loose paper (spools) used to make RAW Organic Hemp rolling paper products is made in Spain

  • That RAW Organic Hemp Papers are made in Alcoy, Spain, the birthplace of papers

  • HBI may not use any “stamp” on its packaging, including the use of the word Alcoy or any reference to Alcoy.

  • That RAW Organic Hemp Papers are made with wind power or powered by the wind

  • That HBI used or has used the center of the hemp stalk for its RAW Organic Hemp rolling papers

  • That HBI or Joshua Kesselman invented pre-rolled paper bags

  • That the OCB Organic Hemp papers are counterfeits, “RAWnabees” copies or counterfeit versions of RAW

    SOURCE: CSTOREDESICIONS

False claims and corrupt brands…

It’s time society woke up and held these companies accountable for their actions. They may try to hide behind pretty packaging and flashy advertising, but the truth always comes out in the end.

Take the recent case of HBI International, for example. They were caught in the act making false claims about their RAW Organic Hemp rolling papers. The court ruled that they engaged in unfair competition and their packaging and advertising practices violated the Illinois Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The result? An injunction that forced HBI to immediately cease manufacturing, ordering and replenishing its inventory of products that did not comply with the court’s order.

The problem with HBI’s false claims isn’t just that they mislead customers. It’s that they used their fake “RAW Foundation” to capitalize on people’s desire to do good in the world. And their fake “Spanish Alcoy Paper Blessing” was just another way to get people to pay more for a product that wasn’t worth it.

And it’s not just HBI that’s guilty of this kind of deception. All over the world, companies are throwing sand in our faces with false claims, misleading advertising, and hidden agendas. But we as consumers have the power to fight back. We have the power to say “enough is enough” and demand transparency and honesty from the brands we support.

So why should society tolerate these fraudulent practices? The answer is simple: we shouldn’t. Deception is a violation of our trust and a betrayal of the values ​​that make a just and fair society possible. We deserve to know what we buy, how it’s made and who is behind it.

The harsh reality is that we cannot rely on the FDA to protect us. Government regulators often find themselves in the crosshairs of powerful corporations, making it difficult for them to enforce the laws designed to protect us. So it’s up to us to take control of the situation and demand more from the brands we buy.

If we want to live in a world where corporations play by the rules and don’t screw us, we have to act. We must demand accountability and transparency. And above all, we have to support companies that do it right.

So the next time you’re in the store, ask yourself, “Do I really want to support a company that’s lying to me?” Remember, holding companies accountable is the only way we can make sure they don’t take advantage of us. It is time to stand up against deception and stand up for honesty and integrity.

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