BOHECO and the Resurgence of Hemp in India

As we venture into 2024, the landscape of India’s hemp industry is witnessing an unprecedented renaissance, heralded by the pioneering efforts of the Bombay Hemp Company (BOHECO). Over the last decade, BOHECO has not merely planted the seeds for a burgeoning industry but has nurtured a robust ecosystem that’s blossoming with new enterprises and innovations.

In ancient India, hemp, known as ‘Vijaya’ in the sacred texts of Ayurveda, was revered for its medicinal properties. Today, BOHECO is rekindling this ancient wisdom by integrating it with modern scientific practices. The company has positioned itself at the nexus of agricultural tradition and cutting-edge health innovation, serving both the Ayurvedic Traditional Medicines sector and modern phyto-pharmaceutical advancements.

BOHECO’s dedication has been pivotal in the destigmatization of hemp in India, aligning with global trends. The company has actively engaged with state governments and industry associations to assist in the development of policies that support the cultivation of Cannabis for medical, scientific, and industrial purposes. These efforts are bearing fruit, with states like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh beginning to open their doors to this green gold rush.

Recognized in Ayurveda as one of the “Five Sacred Plants”, hemp’s benefits are extensive. It’s a natural analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and sedative, known to alleviate chronic pain, reduce stress and anxiety, stimulate appetite, and promote better sleep. Under BOHECO’s guidance, over 25,000 patients have experienced these benefits, with the company’s products also aiding numerous Ayurvedic and modern medicine practitioners in providing effective treatments.

The Indian medical cannabis and hemp industry, now estimated to be worth over INR 100 Cr annually, is projected to grow exponentially, thanks in part to BOHECO’s tireless advocacy for governmental policy change. This growth is further fuelled by an increasing awareness of hemp’s health benefits and a rising demand for sustainable and natural products.

BOHECO’s journey, from a visionary idea to a leading force in the hemp industry, has been remarkable. By establishing partnerships with research institutions like the CSIR-NBRI, the company has spearheaded the development of high-quality Cannabis strains, providing a sustainable and lucrative crop option for Indian farmers.

“We believe in the power of hemp to revolutionize health, industry, and the environment,” states Delzaad Deolaliwala, Co-Founder and Chief Legal Officer at Bombay Hemp Company. “Our decade-long journey has been about creating a culture of wellness that is rooted in nature and nurtured by science.”

As we look ahead, BOHECO’s commitment to creating a catalytic value chain of clinical data continues to affirm the safety and efficacy of Cannabis medicines. The company’s engagement with medical institutes for human-grade safety and efficacy studies is setting a precedent in the industry.

The future of hemp in India is not just bright; it’s thriving with possibility. With industry pioneers like BOHECO leading the charge, the nation is set to reclaim its historical connection to hemp and emerge as a key player in the global Cannabis and Hemp economy. As we move towards 2024, the promise of hemp’s massive therapeutic benefits and its potential to drive sustainable economic growth is more tangible than ever, echoing BOHECO’s ethos of harnessing nature for a healthier world.