India has witnessed a surge in startups offering cannabis-based products aimed at providing relief from a range of health issues, including nicotine addiction, Parkinson's disease, chronic pain, and anxiety. Trost, a two-year-old startup, has emerged as a significant player in this burgeoning industry by offering therapeutic products derived from hemp extracts. This article explores the growing acceptance and potential benefits of CBD products in India's health and wellness market.
The Rise of Cannabis-Based Startups:
More than 50 startups have sprung up in India over the past two years, capitalizing on the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India's (FSSAI) notification that permitted the sale of hemp seed, hemp seed oil, and hemp seed flour as food or food ingredients, provided they met stipulated standards. This regulatory change paved the way for the sale of a variety of hemp-based products, from herbal cigarettes to protein powders.
Trost's Mission of Solace:
Trost, founded by Harshal Goel, has positioned itself as a provider of solace through its CBD-infused products. CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in hemp products, known for its medicinal properties. Trost's offerings include CBD-laced chocolates, protein powders, and hemp rollens (cannabis cigarettes), all designed to offer relief from various ailments.
The Medicinal Potential of CBD:
CBD has gained recognition for its potential therapeutic benefits, ranging from alleviating epilepsy and Parkinson's symptoms to managing chronic pain and anxiety. It's no surprise that Harshal Goel chose to name his startup "Trost," which means solace in German, reflecting the company's mission to provide comfort and relief through CBD-infused products.
The Ayurvedic Connection:
Trost's hemp cigarettes draw inspiration from "Dhuma Yoga," an Ayurvedic practice that blends five potent herbs, including cannabis, to create a unique form of smoke therapy called Dhumapana. Some Ayurveda enthusiasts believe that this practice can enhance respiratory health. CBD's acceptance is not limited to India; it has also been discussed on global platforms like the World Economic Forum.
Distinguishing Hemp from Marijuana:
It's essential to distinguish between hemp and marijuana. Hemp contains negligible amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive substance responsible for the "high" associated with marijuana. Consumption of hemp flowers, CBD oil, or hemp seed oil is legal in India, provided they contain less than 0.3% THC.
The Legal Framework:
Several Indian states have legalized the cultivation of industrial hemp, further fostering the growth of CBD-based startups. The Ministry of AYUSH is issuing licenses to startups offering CBD products as remedies for various ailments, albeit with a prescription from an Ayurvedic doctor.
Trost's Inspiring Journey:
Harshal Goel's journey from learning about Switzerland's legalization of low-THC cannabis during his studies in London to launching medicinal herbal hemp cigarettes in Switzerland and eventually founding Trost in India showcases the entrepreneurial spirit behind these startups.
Trost's success and the burgeoning CBD market in India highlight the growing acceptance of cannabis-based therapies. As more startups explore the potential of CBD to provide relief and promote well-being, this evolving industry has the potential to positively impact the lives of individuals seeking natural and plant-based alternatives to address various health concerns.
