Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or just getting started, finding quality smoking accessories at a fair price can be a challenge. That’s exactly the problem Hemper set out to solve — and over the past decade, it has grown from a small subscription box idea into one of the most recognized names in the smoking accessories industry.
What Is Hemper?
Hemper is an online smoke shop and monthly subscription box service based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Founded in June 2015 by three college friends — Bryan Gerber, Henry Kochhar, and Ravjot Bhasin — the brand started with a simple mission: deliver premium, curated smoking accessories directly to your door every month.
What began as a shipment of 30 boxes to early subscribers has since grown into a full-scale retail and wholesale operation. Today, Hemper boasts over 30,000 monthly subscribers, a 40,000-square-foot warehouse, and nearly 60 employees. The company also owns a manufacturing arm called Hara Supply, which produces pre-rolled cones and accessories for other brands. Combined, Hemper and Hara Supply generate annual revenues in the nine-figure range — proof that the brand’s “Birchbox for smokers” concept truly took off.
The Hemper Box: What You Get
The flagship product is the Hemper Box — a monthly subscription that delivers 10 or more premium smoking accessories valued at over $100, all for just $29.99–$39.99 per box. Each box is carefully curated and often follows a unique theme, such as “Camp Out,” “Ramen Family,” “UFO,” or “Dia De Los Muertos.”
A typical Hemper Box includes:
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A unique, handpicked glass piece (bong, hand pipe, or dab rig)
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Rolling papers and pre-rolled cones
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Hemp wraps and filter tips
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Lighters and ashtrays
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Storage bags and other lifestyle accessories
One of Hemper’s biggest selling points is its themed collections. Every month, subscribers receive something new and visually distinctive — not just generic products. The brand collaborates with celebrities and leading industry names to constantly refresh its lineup.
Subscription plans are flexible. You can choose a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual plan, with longer commitments offering better pricing.
Hemper’s Online Smoke Shop
Beyond the subscription box, Hemper runs a fully stocked e-commerce store at hemper.co, which now accounts for around 60% of its total revenue. The online shop carries a wide range of products, including:
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Bongs and water pipes — from affordable beginner pieces to eye-catching themed glass
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Hand pipes — compact and portable options for everyday use
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Dab rigs and dab tools — for concentrate enthusiasts
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Vaporizers — dry herb and concentrate vaporizers from top brands
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Grinders — herb grinders for smooth, consistent sessions
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Rolling papers, wraps, and cones — from brands like RAW, OCB, and Blazy Susan
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CBD products — oils, gummies, and related wellness items
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Accessories — ashtrays, storage, cleaning kits, and more
Hemper also carries products from top industry brands such as PuffCo, Storz & Bickel, Stundenglass, MJ Arsenal, GRAV, and RAW, giving shoppers access to a curated marketplace of the best names in the game.
Privacy and Shipping
One thoughtful feature that many customers appreciate is Hemper’s discreet shipping policy. All orders are packaged in plain mailer bags with no branding on the outside, so your purchases remain private from the moment they leave the warehouse to the moment they arrive at your door.
Hemper’s Unique Glass Collections
Hemper has carved out a niche with its themed glass families — visually distinctive collections that make even everyday smoking accessories feel like collector’s items. Some popular collections include:
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The Lucky Cat Family — charm-inspired designs with golden accents
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The UFO Family — sci-fi themed pieces for the curious mind
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The Zen Family — minimalist, calming aesthetics
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The Gaming Flower Family — pop-culture inspired pieces for gamers
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The Camp Out Collection — rugged outdoor vibes
These limited-edition collections rotate regularly, giving collectors and subscribers something to look forward to every month.
Hemper’s Growth: From Startup to Industry Giant
What makes Hemper’s story compelling isn’t just the product — it’s the business model. Founder Bryan Gerber has described the subscription box as a “paid test market,” where subscribers essentially fund the testing of new products. Items that perform well in the subscription boxes get moved into the retail store and sold à la carte.
This feedback loop has allowed Hemper to build a product line that customers actually want, rather than guessing at trends. The brand has also expanded into wholesale, with its products now available in more than 10,000 brick-and-mortar stores across the country.
Pros and Cons of Hemper
Pros:
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Excellent value — $100+ worth of products for around $30
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Unique, themed glass pieces not available elsewhere
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Flexible subscription plans
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Wide variety of products in the online shop
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Discreet packaging and shipping
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Strong brand collaborations and celebrity partnerships
Cons:
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Customer service response times can be inconsistent
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Occasional reports of items arriving damaged (though replacements are usually sent)
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Subscription shipping dates can shift from month to month
Is Hemper Worth It?
For anyone who regularly uses smoking accessories, Hemper offers strong value. The subscription box alone delivers more than its price in product, and the online store gives you a one-stop shop for everything from glass pieces to rolling papers. The themed designs and celebrity collaborations keep things fresh, and the discreet shipping policy is a genuine plus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Hemper and how does it work?
Hemper is an online smoke shop and subscription box service. Customers can either sign up for a monthly subscription box — which delivers 10+ curated smoking accessories to their door — or shop individual products directly from the Hemper website. Subscriptions are available on monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual plans.
2. How much does the Hemper Box cost?
The Hemper Box starts at around $29.99 to $39.99 per month, depending on your subscription plan. Each box contains products with a combined retail value of over $100, making it a strong value proposition for regular smokers.
3. What products does Hemper sell in its online store?
Hemper’s online store carries bongs, glass pipes, dab rigs, dab tools, vaporizers, grinders, rolling papers, hemp wraps, CBD products, and a wide range of smoking accessories. The store also stocks products from well-known brands like PuffCo, RAW, GRAV, Blazy Susan, and Storz & Bickel.
4. Does Hemper ship discreetly?
Yes. Hemper ships all orders in plain mailer bags with no branding on the outside, ensuring complete privacy from the warehouse to your doorstep.
5. Can I cancel my Hemper subscription at any time?
Hemper allows subscribers to manage and cancel their subscriptions, though it’s recommended to review the cancellation policy on their official website (hemper.co) before subscribing, as terms and billing cycles can vary. Contacting customer support directly is the most reliable way to handle subscription changes.