An average marijuana plant can cause a lot of confusion among Indians, but not for the reasons you might expect. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS), dictates that the use of “products” made from the plant’s flower or resin can land you behind bars. However, products made from leaves, stems, and seeds of the same plant can make you a part of a $6.4 billion industry.
In the last few years, the Cannabis plant has perhaps seen one of the most drastic PR upheavals of all time, transitioning from its associations with hippies to capitalists. Sparking this change was the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which, back in 2018, gave its approval to Epidiolex, a CBD component – the world’s first, used in treating epilepsy.
This opened the floodgates domestically and internationally and put the (in)famous plant in a more flattering spotlight. Today, new and upcoming startups are actively promoting cannabis-infused products for health, wellness, and even skincare benefits.
But how does it all actually work? To find out, we sat down with Harshal Goel, Founder & CEO of The Trost, who came across the idea while studying in London, “I learned about Switzerland’s legalization of low-THC cannabis, which piqued my curiosity. Later I visited Switzerland to explore the potential and legal framework of the plant. What I saw was the innovation surrounding cannabis products like chocolates and creams. I launched medicinal herbal hemp cigarettes in Switzerland. Its success led me to do the same in India”
But India loves to be in a constant state of contradiction, villainizing celebrities for marijuana use on one hand, while cheering their bhang-filled glasses on the other. To navigate this volatile landscape, how do the legalities around this industry even work here? As Goel, whose startup offers products ranging from Hemp Rollen Cigarettes to Cannabis Oil, explains, “THC levels must not exceed 0.3 per cent. Products can be crafted from cannabis leaves and seeds as long as they comply with this limit.”
But does that mean you can buy it off the shelf like you’d do in places such as Amsterdam and Portland? Unfortunately, India doesn’t allow the sale of Cannabis-infused products for recreational use. But, in case you do suffer from anxiety, insomnia, or any sort of inflammation or pain, a prescription by a doctor licensed by the Ayush Ministry of India could give you that access.
This again, raises the question, how does the science behind these products work? And is the permissible 0.3 per cent of THC enough to get you intoxicated? As per Goel, and to the disappointment of a select few, that is sadly not the case, as he states: “Our products are not intended for intoxication. They harness the therapeutic potential of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis, renowned for its calming and healing properties. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in our bodies, regulating various physiological processes and helping to alleviate pain and stress without causing a high.”
We spoke to a long-term consumer of the product who uses prescribed cannabis-infused medicines to treat their insomnia. They stated, ‘It has worked wonders for the last two years that I’ve been using it.’
However, when asked about possible side effects, the anonymous user replied with an analogy: ‘Think of it like drinking a beer. Sure, one won’t get you drunk, but who’s stopping you from going for another?'”
But apart from treatment of ailments, Hemp-based products, such as the Trost Rollens, claim to help in quitting the cancer stick, by using “hemp-derived components, such as cannabis leaf extract which help restore neurotransmitter production, reduce nicotine cravings, and alleviate withdrawal symptoms associated with substance abuse.”
When asked about any potential side effects, Goel confirmed: “Our products have no known side effects when used as directed,” although he did add, “Overdosing should be avoided.” And how do startups like Trost obtain the necessary “raw material” for their products? The answer might come as a surprise to many. Reports indicate that wild cannabis grows in nearly 60 per cent of India’s districts, but most of it is either burnt or consumed for recreational purposes.
On the other hand, Hemp, also known as “Vijaya,” is sourced from various state governments in India through their excise departments. Yes, hemp is legally cultivated in various parts of India, with several states legalizing its cultivation on an industrial level. For example, in 2018, Uttarakhand became the first state to allow it, followed by Uttar Pradesh. In April 2023, Himachal Pradesh also joined the effort to boost the local economy.
But what about quality control checks? Goel explains, “Each batch undergoes Certificate of Analysis (COA), moisture control, quality control, batch testing, toxicity testing, potency testing, and stability testing.” In case a patient needs more guidance, Trost and other Cannabis-product startups tend to offer online consults with their range of doctors, “we have a dedicated team of experienced doctors, including experts. Additionally, we collaborate with organizations like the Pan India Medical Cannabis and Hemp Association (PIMCHA) to promote the benefits of medicinal cannabis.”
While the industrialization of a once taboo product is impressive, a bigger question needs to be asked. Will the public perception of Cannabis-infused products ever change? Goel remains optimistic, stating “People’s opinions will become more positive eventually. This change is happening not just in India but also worldwide. For example, countries like Israel have already made medical marijuana legal, and this is leading to more acceptance and exploration of cannabis as a treatment.”
Considering Goel’s comments, we might not be far from seeing an illuminated green leaf adorning the exterior of a medical store soon.
Feature Image – Unsplash
