RAW Rolling Papers Are Not ‘Drug Paraphernalia,’ Court Confirms
The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has upheld a previous ruling in favor of BBK Tobacco & Foods LLP, doing business as HBI International, in its ongoing litigation with Central Coast Agriculture, Inc. The Court denied Central Coast Agriculture’s petition for a rehearing by the full court, maintaining the original decision made by a three-judge panel. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the trademark dispute between the two companies, centering around the use of the “RAW” and “Raw Garden” trademarks.
The July 26, 2024, ruling solidifies the stance that BBK’s RAW rolling papers are not classified as “drug paraphernalia” under the Controlled Substances Act, a claim that Central Coast Agriculture had previously challenged. The denial of the rehearing request means that the lower court’s ruling, which was in favor of BBK, remains intact.
“This outcome reaffirms our commitment to protecting our business interests and upholding the integrity of our operations,” said a spokesperson for BBK. “We will continue to …