Calmosis Co-founders Karan Naidu and Praveen Singh Rajput
In India’s urban centers, the demand for effective health solutions is growing rapidly. A significant focus has been on the safe and legal use of cannabis for medicinal purposes. Since 1985, cannabis, often called ganja, has been banned in India, making its use, purchase, and sale illegal. Despite this, the black market has flourished, leading to unsafe products and criminal networks.
Ironically, cannabis has long been part of India’s medicinal practices. It’s known to alleviate chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions. However, stringent laws have made accessing it challenging. Activists have campaigned for its medicinal use, citing its benefits and its mention in ancient Ayurvedic texts.
In response to these calls, the Indian government relaxed the laws in 2022, allowing cannabis to be sold for medicinal purposes under strict regulations. Vendors can legally sell cannabis products if the buyer has a prescription from an Ayurvedic doctor. This change aims to curb illegal trade and ensure patients can access safe, tested, and effective medicinal cannabis.
The Initial Journey
Following these regulatory changes, Karan Naidu and Praveen Singh Rajput launched Calmosis in Bengaluru in 2023. This Ayurveda-based wellness startup aims to provide high-quality, natural, organic cannabis extracts and oils to help manage stress and sleep issues. Inspired by personal experiences, the founders sought to offer a legal and safe alternative for those in need.
Cannabis, or ganja, is often stigmatized in India due to its recreational use, but it also has significant medicinal potential with no known toxic side effects. Cannabis contains CBD and THC, compounds known for their therapeutic effects. CBD, with a low psychotropic impact, aids in pain relief, inflammation reduction, and alleviating symptoms like migraines, anxiety, and seizures. THC, the main psychoactive compound, induces the ‘high’ effect.
Karan Naidu, an IT graduate, witnessed the benefits of medicinal cannabis firsthand. Naidu’s mother struggled with sleep issues and relied on allopathic pills, which had numerous side effects. Discovering that medicinal cannabis could provide the same relief without adverse effects was a turning point for Karan, fueling his passion for creating Calmosis.
“My mom struggled with sleep problems and regularly took allopathic pills to help her sleep. What struck me was that these pills seemed to artificially induce sleep by boosting melatonin levels in her body,” Karan says. He emphasizes that Calmosis products are completely safe, naturally inducing sleep and alleviating migraines and headaches.
Praveen Singh Rajput, a serial entrepreneur and author, brings extensive business expertise to Calmosis. He runs a gifting marketplace startup, FRINZA, and holds an MBA from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Bangalore. Together, they have built a business that adheres to legal frameworks and ensures the safe transportation of its products across the country.
Since 1985, possessing cannabis has been a criminal offense in India, with serious legal repercussions. However, states like Odisha permit cannabis use, and Uttarakhand allows commercial hemp cultivation. Medicinal cannabis is legal in India, but obtaining it requires contacting reputable producers like Calmosis.
Products and Offerings
Currently, Calmosis offers two primary products designed to address stress and sleep issues:
- Peace Mantra: Priced at Rs 4500 for a 20 ml bottle, this clinically tested and AYUSH ministry-approved product contains over 100 cannabinoids, including CBD and THC. It is designed to soothe stress and anxiety, curb migraines, and relieve pain within 30 minutes. Additionally, Peace Mantra promotes sexual wellness, making it a comprehensive solution for various health concerns.
- Sleep Mantra: Also priced at Rs 4500 for a 20 ml bottle, this clinically tested and AYUSH ministry-approved product is enriched with CBD and non-psychoactive. Sleep Mantra is specifically formulated to promote restful sleep by eliminating insomnia within 30 minutes. “We’re a full-spectrum cannabis company… it’s about relaxation, stress relief, calmness… and most used cases are better sleep, menstrual pain relief, migraine, anxiety, epilepsy, etc,” Karan explained.
Future Plans
Calmosis plans to introduce more wellness products, including solutions for period pain and CBD oils for dogs to help them calm down during loud noises from fireworks and construction. The startup also aims to serve customers in markets like the US, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
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