The Growth Of Online Cannabis Purchases In India

Researchers and industry experts are shedding some of the fears and misconceptions about this ancient herb — the cannabis plant’s medical benefits are now coming out of the closet. There’s an unprecedented boom in the usage of cannabidiol or CBD in India — one that comes with the AYUSH ministry’s blessings. Many cannabis-centric startups have entered the Indian market. Across social media platforms, online businesses are selling products containing cannabis derivatives and claiming that they can alleviate pain, stress, and anxiety. Contrary to popular belief, these companies aren’t doing anything illegal — they are licensed under the AYUSH ministry. Companies like Hempstrol have capitalized on this unmet demand and are doing pretty well if one wants to buy cannabis products online.

Growth in this sector

The global interest in the usage of the cannabis plant has been on the rise ever since Canada and some US states legalised the recreational and medicinal use of marijuana. In 2018, Uttarakhand became the first Indian state to legalise industrial hemp farming. Uttar Pradesh followed suit. Three years later, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) clarified that the sale of hemp seeds and related products is standardised under the Food Safety and Standards Regulations 2011. Cannabis cultivation is legal in some districts of Rajasthan, too, and Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh said in April 2023 that the state government has plans to legalise cannabis production to boost the economy and trade.

Let’s understand the Parts of the plant for better understanding

Cannabis is regulated under the NDPS Act, which mandates that the production and sale of the flower and resin of the plant are illegal but not that of the leaves, seeds, and stems. 

The flower and resin — locally known as ganja and charas — are prohibited because they contain high amounts of THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants. THC is responsible for the mind-altering effects associated with cannabis use. CBD, though, another substance found in cannabis leaves, isn’t addictive, causes no mind-altering effects, and is touted to have many medicinal benefits. Hemp seeds are also low on THC and are a good source of protein.

In 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave its approval for Epidiolex, a CBD-only component, which can treat rare and severe forms of epilepsy — the world’s first cannabis-derived medicine.

Indian Cannabis Expertise

In India, Cannabis is categorized in different ways:

Hemp- less than 0.3% THC

Bhang- this is already being used in medicine and as a recreational drink, purchased through government authorized shops.

Till the 1980s, cannabis was freely available and sold in government shops. Bhang, an edible mixture made from the buds, leaves, and flowers of the female cannabis, is still sold in some shops!

Few points are noted down below that will establish the Indian expertise & dominance in this age-old industry:

• India has suitable conditions, climate & soil, for cannabis growth

• “Indian Cannabis Culture” is already world-renowned. Ganja & bhang have a huge brand recall. That is why it is a popular hippie destination

• The quality of cannabis produced in some states (Kerala, Himachal Pradesh) is second to none!

• Indian cannabis can easily be branded like tea- Darjeeling Tea!

• Lastly, India’s biggest strength, the population. With 2nd largest population in the world and the culture, India is a ready-made market

Cannabis Applications across Industries

It won’t be wrong to call cannabis and cbd products India an all-rounder. Not many products are so diverse that they are used in so many industries. Imagine the potential that India can unlock! Let’s look at the industries which are currently capitalizing on cannabis before you buy cannabis products online.

Agriculture: Hemp, an amazing crop, requires half as much land as cotton to produce the same amount of finished textile. So things like water conservation and vast applications of hemp (clothing, ropes, cables, etc.) are nudging farmers to grow hemp

Medical & Pharmaceutical: Countless studies have proven the medical efficacy of cannabis on epilepsy, neuropsychiatric disorders, cancer, anxiety, and other conditions.

Beauty Industry- By 2024, The CBD Skincare Market Will Be Worth Over $950 Billion (source).

Food & Beverage Industry: Cannabis edibles have taken the global market by storm. Cannabis-infused food & drinks amount to approx. 10% of the sales. Many restaurants selling exclusively cannabis-based dishes are also popping up. Cannabis-infused beverages include juices, waters, coffees, teas, and kombucha infused with CBD or THC.

Pet: The pet industry is one of the largest benefactors of cannabis. There are tons of CBD infused treats available for dogs and cats.