Is Cannabis the Answer to Managing Stress and Sleep Issues? Exploring a Bengaluru-based Startup’s Approach

In the bustling urban hubs of India, the demand for convenient and reliable health solutions has surged, highlighting a pressing need for safe and legal cannabis usage.

Since 1985, cannabis, commonly known as ganja in recreational circles, has been outlawed in India, rendering its purchase, sale, and consumption illegal. Nonetheless, an underground market has flourished, with reports of cannabis transactions occurring via social media, fostering unsafe products and criminal enterprises.

Interestingly, cannabis has been an integral part of India’s traditional medicinal practices for centuries. Its efficacy in alleviating chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, and other ailments is well-documented. However, stringent regulations have hindered access to its benefits.

Despite its prohibition, numerous activists have advocated for its medicinal use, citing its therapeutic properties and its mention in ancient Ayurvedic texts.

In a significant development in 2022, the Indian government responded to these appeals by easing regulations, permitting the sale of cannabis for medicinal purposes under strict supervision.

This policy shift allowed authorized vendors to sell cannabis products legally, provided patients obtained a prescription from an Ayurvedic doctor.

The primary aim of this change was to combat illicit trade while ensuring patients could access safe, lab-tested, and efficacious medicinal cannabis products.

The Journey Begins

Following recent regulatory shifts, Karan Naidu and Praveen Singh Rajput launched Calmosis in Bengaluru in 2023, driven by a shared vision. This Ayurveda-inspired wellness startup focuses on delivering premium-grade, natural cannabis extracts and oils to address stress and sleep-related concerns.

Motivated by personal experiences and a commitment to providing a legal and safe alternative, the founders embarked on this endeavor. Despite cannabis facing stigma in India primarily due to recreational use, its medicinal potential remains significant, offering therapeutic benefits without known toxic side effects. Notably, cannabis contains CBD and THC, renowned for their healing properties. CBD aids in pain relief, inflammation reduction, and mitigating conditions like migraines, anxiety, and seizures, while THC induces a psychoactive “high.”

For Karan Naidu, an IT graduate, the journey was deeply personal. Witnessing his mother’s struggles with sleep issues and the side effects of allopathic pills ignited his determination to explore alternative solutions. Recognizing cannabis’s potential for natural relief, Karan founded Calmosis.

Praveen Singh Rajput, a seasoned entrepreneur with an MBA from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Bangalore, brings invaluable business acumen to Calmosis. His expertise complements Karan’s vision, ensuring the venture’s adherence to legal frameworks and safe product transportation nationwide.

Despite India’s stringent cannabis laws since 1985, certain states like Odisha and Uttarakhand have made strides in permitting its use and commercial cultivation, respectively. Calmosis, operating within legal boundaries, offers a trusted avenue for accessing medicinal cannabis, prioritizing safety and efficacy.

Products and Offerings

Currently, Calmosis presents two core offerings tailored to alleviate stress and sleep disturbances:

The startup introduces Peace Mantra, an AYUSH ministry-approved product clinically validated and priced at Rs 4500 for a 20 ml bottle. Boasting a blend of over 100 cannabinoids, including CBD and THC, Peace Mantra is crafted to assuage stress, anxiety, migraines, and pain swiftly within 30 minutes. Moreover, it fosters sexual wellness, rendering it a holistic remedy for diverse health issues.

Furthermore, Sleep Mantra, also priced at Rs 4500 for a 20 ml bottle, stands as another AYUSH ministry-approved and clinically tested product by Calmosis. Infused with CBD and non-psychoactive elements, Sleep Mantra is meticulously formulated to induce restful sleep by alleviating insomnia within half an hour.

Karan elucidated, “We’re a full-spectrum cannabis… it’s about relaxation, stress relief, calmness… and most used cases are better sleep, menstrual pain relief, migraine, anxiety, epilepsy, etc.”

Upcoming Initiatives

Karan, the visionary behind Calmosis, envisions a future brimming with an expanded range of wellness offerings. Anticipate the introduction of additional products catering to diverse needs, such as solutions targeting period pain and CBD oils formulated to soothe dogs amidst noisy environments like fireworks and construction.

Moreover, Calmosis sets its sights on extending its reach to serve clientele across key markets spanning the US, Europe, and Southeast Asia, amplifying its global footprint and impact.