Rooted in Nature, Guided by the goodness of Mother Earth, Crafted for Wellness

Meet our co-founder

Having a master’s degree in Journalism and mass communication but her quest to do something for the women of our society made her create menstrual cramp relief oil. Seeing the potential of hemp, there was no looking back and Deepika took the entrepreneurial route by starting Hempstrol to ensure more people can take advantage of this plant. A little peep into the life of our co-founder; Deepika Sharma.

Take us through your journey. What motivated you to start Hempstrol?

It started with one such trip to narrow lanes of rural parts of Rajasthan, India. I came across a woman who was struggling with immense menstrual cramps. What was further disheartening was that she didn’t even have access to basic feminine hygiene. Forget this, she couldn’t even afford a sanitary pad. I wish I could say that this is the story of an individual woman but alas, that’s the story of several women living in rural parts of India. Seeing this condition of women in our country, I knew I had to do something about this unspoken problem in our society.

With Hempstrol, one can say I have been fortunate enough to turn my passion and interest in hemp into something meaningful I can look forward to. Ever since my childhood, I have been exposed to hemp thanks to my family but I never thought I could make something out of it.

Later on, I got my Masters in Mass communication and that’s how my research and analytic skills started to groom. After coming across that woman, I pour myself into researching through different ideas and that’s when the idea of creating Menstrual cramp oil happened to me. Like every girl, I have been a victim of Menstrual Cramps and the horror of throbbing pain, restlessness, bloating, skin problems and mood swings that come with it. I remember massaging homemade Hemp Seed Oil on my lower abdomen, stomach and back and experiencing instant relief from the cramping muscles. It then struck me that my startup could be something that changes the way we treat our bodies.

Before marketing it to women out there, I decided to test it on myself just to be sure it is worth it and safe for use. After seeing the outstanding results on my body, I completely immersed myself in it and after a year of researching, product development, and testing, we decided it has to be developed on a larger scale so that more and more women could take advantage of it. That’s how we created our first product of Hempstrol-menstrual cramp relief oil — a blend of Himalayan hemp seed oil and Himalayan lavender oil that can help in easing down pain associated with cramps.

When was the first time you got introduced to Hemp?

From my childhood, I would say. Though I have been born and brought up in New Delhi, India, my family hails from Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, where hemp grows freely. In our ancestral home, hemp seed oil was used extensively both for cooking and medicinal purposes. I remember how I used to devour Bhang Chutney (Hemp Seeds Dip). Up north, winters are so extreme that after a while your body starts to ache and you can see dry patches all over your body. This is when our parents advised us to massage our body with hemp seed oil; not only, it moisturize your body but eventually eases down the pain also.

Where Hempstrol is based on?

We are based in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The thing about this city is, it always keeps you in a happy mood. It’s colourful, vibrant and the people here are passionate about entrepreneurship. Moreover, Rajasthan is a Bhaang Legal state for recreational use. People here understand that Cannabis can also be used for therapeutic benefits and are much more open to it. When I tell them how Industrial Hemp and Wild growing Cannabis Plants has health benefits they all get excited and want to hear more.

From the past decade, we have seen different startups mushrooming all across India. As an entrepreneur, how do you think Hempstrol stands out?

As an entrepreneur, I believe Hempstrol stands out in several key ways:

1. Focus on Sustainability: Hempstrol is deeply committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. By focusing on hemp, a plant that requires minimal water and no pesticides, we are promoting eco-friendly agriculture and contributing to a greener planet.

2. Quality and Transparency: At Hempstrol, we prioritize the highest quality standards. Our products are sourced from the finest hemp farms, and we ensure complete transparency in our manufacturing processes. Customers can trace our products back to their origin, giving them confidence in the purity and efficacy of what they are consuming.

3. Innovation in Product Offerings: Unlike many startups that stick to conventional products, Hempstrol continuously innovates. We offer a diverse range of hemp-based products, from health supplements to skincare, catering to a broad spectrum of consumer needs and preferences.

4. Education and Advocacy: We are not just a company; we are advocates for the benefits of hemp and cannabis. Through our educational initiatives and community outreach, we aim to dispel myths and promote understanding about the potential health benefits and uses of hemp.

5. Cultural Integration: Hempstrol embraces the cultural heritage of cannabis in India, particularly its significance in Ayurveda and traditional practices. By blending ancient wisdom with modern science, we create products that resonate with both traditional and contemporary consumers.

6. Social Responsibility: We are dedicated to giving back to the community. Whether it's through supporting local farmers, engaging in environmental initiatives, or contributing to social causes, Hempstrol is committed to making a positive impact beyond business.

I am sure you must have heard this numerous times but how do you solve the speculation and taboo surrounding the cannabis plant?

While the hemp market in India is still in its infancy due to many people comparing it with Marijuana, with Hempstrol we are trying our best to demystify the myths surrounding this conversation. We have to understand CBD Industry in India is still fresh, and not many people have come across its infinite benefits on health yet. It is unfortunate that CBD oil came to light this way. If you look at history, the use of Cannabis to relieve menstrual pain is an ancient practice that has helped historic figures such as Queen Victoria of the UK. It is also one of the five most sacred plants, according to Vedic texts. Legally speaking, we ensure our products are abided by the law and have a top-notch quality. We are the first in India to manufacture and market our Signature Full Spectrum Hemp Extract also popularly known as CBD oil with less than 0.3% THC in our Colorado, USA facility. We make products that are chemical and toxin-free. CBD oil is manufactured according to the legislature set by the US and India. The company uses industrial hemp to manufacture it in the US. We have a panel of doctors who can be consulted for the correct prescription and for suggestions regarding the product.

What is your plan going forward?

As a pioneer in the CBD Industry in India, I feel the responsibility of imparting correct knowledge and quality products to the people. Hempstrol aims to represent India on a global market. We have a strategic partnership with the U.S.A., Hemp Growers to develop organic and modern Hemp-based products on a global scale and make them readily available in India. The world is looking into India for its history and cultural acceptance of Hemp in Ayurveda for centuries.

How has been the response so far?

COVID-19 period has proven to be a positive phase for us as all over the world, health and having a strong immune system has become a priority. We have a full-fledged working website via which we sell our products as well as educate people about the usage of CBD.

It certainly feels great when different publications recognize your work and come to us to know more about it. This year, I have been awarded for "Inspiring Women of Rajasthan 2021” by the Government of Rajasthan on International Women’s Day 2021. All of this recognition collectively encourage us to put forward quality products in a market that is still fresh.

There are varied reports that CBD can also work on pets. Do you have a dedicated product line for our pets?

As a pet lover myself, I had to delve into the subject to see whether the CBD can be used by pets or not. A different line of Hemp Extract for Pets products is created keeping the functioning of pets in mind. Just like humans, animals also have an Endocannabinoid system that has CB1 and CB2 receptors. Hemp Extract or CBD Oil has been observed to work on Pets with Separation Anxiety, Low Appetite, and many medical ailments. Also, Hempstrol products are safe to use for pets as it doesn’t contain any additives or preservatives and are 100% Non – Psychoactive.