Exploring the untapped potential of India's cannabis market

In recent years, India has witnessed a tremendous shift in its approach to medical cannabis, signalling a developing acceptance and recognition of its therapeutic capability.

This transformation is reshaping legal frameworks and, simultaneously, laying the foundations for innovation, investment, and the breakthrough of financial markets.

Legalisation and regulatory evolution

A notable watershed moment is when the Ministry of AYUSH—the authority body in charge of traditional Indian systems like Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy—entered the fray.

With the ministry's recognition of the medicinal properties of cannabis, there was a gradual relaxation of rules, mainly for studies and medicinal use.

Beyond that, several states like Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh have also taken up the idea of cannabis cultivation—an unequivocal reflection of the shift in the perception of the states towards that substance.

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Market potential and economic impact

India's massive population presents a huge market opportunity for cannabis-derived products. According to a report by Market Research Future (MRFR), the global medical marijuana market size was valued at $26.9 billion in 2021, projected to grow from $35.49 billion in 2022 to $248.42 billion by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31.97%.

As interest in alternative medicine and wellness keeps growing, there is a burgeoning demand for herbal remedies, including those derived from cannabis.

Additionally, legalising medical cannabis could lead to huge financial benefits, including job creation, improved tax revenue, and attracting overseas investment.

Also, India's native cannabis traces, which include Malana Cream and Kerala Gold, maintain promise for not only domestic consumption but also export to worldwide markets.

Medical applications and public perception

The medical offerings of cannabis are not as limited as one may think and extend to conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, neurological disorders, and even certain cancers. As research advances, more therapeutic and medical uses will be uncovered·

Therefore, parallel to the ongoing progress, robust education campaigns should be implemented to inform the public about cannabis benefits and risks, which must be weighed, while debunking the myths promoting responsible consumption.

Regulatory challenges and global trends

While the positive revolution is underway, some regulatory hurdles are still there for dealing, which need to be addressed to ensure sustainable growth of the cannabis industry.

Clearer guidelines from the central government would provide much-needed clarity and support for businesses operating in this space. Besides, one ought to align the Indian cannabis sector with the global protocols because of reasons like the promotion of collaborations, innovation, and competitiveness·

On the other hand, the old Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda, provides a real advantage in developing cannabis-based products tailored for the domestic and international markets. 

Conclusion

India’s journey from resistance to acceptance of medicinal cannabis is proof of the ongoing changes in its therapeutic applications and the progressive attitude shift about alternative medicine.

In the future, India’s medical cannabis industry shall play an instrumental role in improving healthcare outcomes, which will contribute to economic growth and innovation. India will lead the way with synchronised efforts from policymakers and key industry players.

Shivam Singhee is the Co-founder and CEO of Awshad.