Welcome to the world of Cannabidiol or CBD, derived from plants like Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica that we better know by names ranging from marijuana and hemp, or simply, by its variant, ganja.
But CBD refers to the medicinal products derived from the plant. Administered as oils, tinctures or even as a neat capsule, CBD is a bonafide medicine whose popularity has been on the upswing in India in recent times — so much so that that there are over 20 CBD-focused medicine manufacturers in the country, with top players like Bombay Hemp Company, Awshad and Indian Hemp Organics (IHO).
“With more people seeking natural remedies for conditions like pain, anxiety, and insomnia, demand for safe, effective CBD products is rising,” said Richa, co-founder of Awshad.
Richa ventured into cannabis-based medicines and pain relievers after witnessing the agony and struggle of her beloved pet dog Champ, as he went through a slow, agonising death due to cancer.
“Witnessing his pain inspired me to explore plant-based wellness, leading me to co-found Awshad with Shivam in 2021,” Richa said.
CBD is used for pain, anxiety, insomnia and inflammation, coming in various forms, ranging from full-spectrum of the tetrahydrocannabinol (the main psychotropic part of the cannabis plant), broad spectrum and isolate forms, the levels strictly regulated for medical formulations.
Of course, let’s put any mistaken notion of morality and civics to rest, right away. Cannabis and its various forms of psychoactive substances have been culturally and an intrinsic part of Indian history and social life for centuries, ranging from the mythologies down to lifestyles and festive observations. They were regulated only in the mid-1980s in the country with the draconian Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Prevention) Act 1985, commonly known as NDPS. The act came mainly after major pressure from the Reagan-era USA, which was then struggling under an influx of cocaine and other chemical drugs easily smuggled in from Latin America.
More worryingly, such trade was also increasingly seen to be financing terrorism and the mafia in many parts of the world. While nations of the world cracked down, a natural Indian healer ended up as the big casualty.
However, the CBD formulation we are talking about is completely legal, a Schedule E-1 drug that is regulated by the Ministry of AYUSH as well as state excise departments. The products are officially allowed on prescriptions and for therapeutic use only, with the cannabis sourced from government-approved farms in Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, which are strictly regulated and monitored.
“The scope of medical cannabis in India is growing immensely as awareness of its therapeutic benefits expands with our efforts and other companies on educating customers,” added Richa.
In recent years, recreational cannabis, too, is getting legalised by an increasing number of countries, including Canada, Thailand, many states in the US as well as many countries in Europe. A discussion paper asking comments whether to legalise cannabis and the like is pending with the union government. An expert committee in Himachal Pradesh last year recommended that cannabis be legalised in the state, to generate revenue and create employment.