Rohit Kamath and Loveena Sirohi: Pioneering Ayurvedic Hemp Solutions with India Hemp Organics

In the dynamic landscape of hemp start-ups in India, Rohit Kamath and Loveena Sirohi stand out as the visionary founders of India Hemp Organics. Launched in February 2020, just before the onset of the pandemic, their start-up has been on a trajectory of growth, offering ayurvedic proprietary medicines that harness the holistic benefits of hemp seeds and leaves. As pioneers in the intersection of ayurveda and hemp, Kamath and Sirohi are navigating challenges, seizing opportunities, and fostering a cultural shift toward holistic wellness.

Launching a start-up just before a global pandemic might seem like a daunting task, but for Rohit Kamath and Loveena Sirohi, it proved to be an opportune moment. As health emerged as a top priority, the shift in consumer behavior worked in favour of India Hemp Organics. Positioned at the intersection of traditional ayurveda and contemporary health consciousness, their products found resonance in a market increasingly inclined toward holistic well-being.

Kamath shares, “Due to a shift in consumer behaviour, and as health started to become a prime priority, our products fit the bracket perfectly, and we had a great start in the financial year 2020-2021.” Looking ahead, the founders are optimistic about substantial revenue growth, projecting a 3-4x increase in the coming year. India Hemp Organics distinguishes itself through a diverse product range that spans medicine, nutrition, and personal care. The startup’s focus on ayurvedic proprietary medicines sets it apart, leveraging the therapeutic properties of hemp seeds and leaves. This holistic approach aligns with the ancient wisdom of ayurveda, tapping into the natural benefits of cannabis while adhering to regulatory guidelines.

The products are primarily retailed through the startup’s website, complemented by a presence in modern trade physical outlets and niche online marketplaces across India. Adding an experiential touch, India Hemp Organics has established its own experience store in Bengaluru, inviting customers to explore the benefits of their products and make informed purchases.

While cannabis has been an integral part of ayurvedic formulations for centuries, navigating the regulatory landscape requires careful consideration. The Ministry of AYUSH in India supports indigenous alternative medicinal systems, allowing ayurvedic products to incorporate cannabis. Ayurvedic doctors are permitted to prescribe such medicines, emphasizing the cultural and historical significance of cannabis in traditional healing. To ensure compliance, manufacturers often rely on hemp leaves, steering clear of components that fall under the purview of narcotics. This approach enables them to harness the therapeutic potential of cannabis while operating within the bounds of regulatory frameworks.

Like many hemp startups in India, India Hemp Organics faces challenges rooted in the lack of awareness and misconceptions surrounding cannabis. Shailesh Ganeriwala, co-founder of OG Hemp, highlights the pervasive association of cannabis with narcotic properties and emphasizes the need for India to align with global hemp markets in terms of knowledge and mindset. Ganeriwala’s own venture, OG Hemp, focuses on sustainable practices, manufacturing paper from hemp plants rather than wood pulp. However, supply challenges persist as Indian production struggles to meet the demands for consistent paper quality. OG Hemp imports different grades of raw hemp bast fibers from North America and Spain, showcasing the intricate balance between sustainable practices and operational scalability.

As Rohit Kamath and Loveena Sirohi steer India Hemp Organics toward a future of growth, they are not just building a business; they are contributing to a cultural shift. Their commitment to holistic wellness, ayurvedic principles, and the therapeutic potential of hemp positions them at the forefront of a movement that transcends products to become a way of life.

In the evolving landscape of hemp start-ups, Rohit Kamath and Loveena Sirohi are not merely entrepreneurs; they are advocates for mindful living, weaving together the threads of tradition, sustainability, and holistic well-being.