DECEMBER 2016 - We recently became aware that fake versions of several brands of 'premium' rolling papers are being distributed in New Zealand.
The fake papers are:
Raw King Size Connoisseur Rolling Papers
OCB Organic Hemp Kingsize Slim
OCB Kingsize Slim + Filters
Smoking Deluxe Kingsize + Filters
Smoking Brown Unbleached Kingsize + Filters
Although labeled "Made in Spain" or "Made in France", the counterfeits are made in China. They are labelled organic, natural and unrefined hemp, and carry a fake Forestry Stewardship Council stamp. They are none of these. They are most likely made of shoe tissue paper, with a glue made from rendered down animals. Since the paper is not made for human consumption, it could contain anything. Using these fake rolling papers could be very bad for your health. Saving a couple of dollars isn't worth it!
It is fairly easy to spot the fake papers when compared to the genuine article. The paper feels crinkly, the printing looks off and the colours are not quite right. There are also several spelling mistakes or missing spaces between words that you can look for.
Selling counterfeit products is not only ethically wrong, it violate NZ law and puts the seller at risk for serious criminal and civil penalties. At The Hempstore everything we sell is authentic and direct from the original manufacturers - from our rolling papers to our vaporisers - but some shops just sell the cheapest crap they can find. If you come across the fake rolling papers, please contact us or the manufacturer HBI at +001-800-420-4372. HBI even offers a reward for information.
How to spot fake Raw papers
Fake Raw papers sometimes do not have a starter sheet
Fake Raw papers feel crinkly with a mediocre watermark and bad burn rate
Fake Raw papers on the side are missing the space between Leaves and Per ("LEAVESPER")
Fake Raw papers inside the cover are missing the space between a and blend ("ablend")
Fake Raw papers inside the cover are missing the space between moisten and gently ("moistengently")
Fake Smoking Deluxe inside the cover says "Slow bunning"
Fake Smoking Deluxe along the pack spine says "The only with special die cut"
Fake Smoking Brown inside the cover has a space missing between the word paper and the bracket, ie "Ultrathin paper(13gr/m2)"
