The PIMCHA Podcast

Currently, for the medical cannabis and hemp industry in India, the problem appears to be that cannabis is governed by multiple government authorities and regulations to ensure safety and prevent misuse. There is also fear and stigma associated with it. This, many feel, have made farmers, producers and large pharmaceutical companies resistant towards it in India. Because, why would anyone like to be on the wrong side of the tax department or the police authorities. This is a complex problem. The FSSAI issued a notification in November 2021 allowing hemp seed, hemp seed oil and hemp seed flour to be sold as food or used as an ingredient in a food for sale subject to conforming standards. With the entry of Hemp seeds in FSSAI, there were expectations that more and more companies will enter the hemp space. What has been the recent evidence on this? Cannabis cultivation comes under the NDPS Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act. It is time to remove hemp from NDPS? What is the incentive for the industry to be in this space where risks seem to far outweigh the rewards at this point? Varun Rungta, Co-Founder Oreka and General Secretary PIMCHA and Nikhil Kant,  Co-Founder Terraphilic share their insights and perspectives in a deep dive conversation. Tune in.

The use of herbal cannabis in medicine remains highly contentious. It often makes news for the wrong reasons. Since 1985, due to changes in regulations governing it, a negative perception has been created around it with masses which are by and large unaware of large medical benefits associated with it. More than 40 countries have now legalised medicinal cannabis and hemp given its medical benefits. PIMCHA’s stated objective is “to educate people, physicians and policy makers about the medicinal benefits of the products of our industry and restore it to its original glory”. Its image has collapsed from being ‘food of gods’ to ‘satan’s plant’. Why isn't hemp or medical cannabis able to shrug off its image problem? Rohit Kamath, Co-Founder, India Hemp Organics and Richa Jaggi, Co-Founder, Awshad, break it down into details with deep insights and perspective. Listen in.