As global cannabis healthcare markets keep on expanding, India faces questions around education, regulation and acceptance.
Cannabis, for years, has largely remained a taboo subject in India, often associated more with recreational use than with healthcare. Yet globally, the conversation has shifted considerably. In countries such as the United States, cannabis-based therapies have gradually entered mainstream medical discussions, with regulators approving specific formulations for conditions ranging from epilepsy to chronic pain. Though, India continues to face a significant awareness gap, it is what Cannazo India is working to close.
Though medical cannabis products are legally permitted under specific regulatory frameworks, many patients remain unaware that cannabis-derived formulations are being researched and prescribed for therapeutic purposes. Industry experts argue that this lack of awareness stems not only from social stigma but also from limited public understanding of the science, regulations and clinical evidence surrounding medical cannabis.
The growing global cannabis healthcare industry.
Coming back to Cannazo India, experts believe that getting a cannabis product approved in India begins with one legal clarification that the formulation uses the leaf, not the bud. From there, AYUSH requires 100+ trials and 85% efficacy before a single product reaches market.Cannazo’s edge is in delivery. Using solid lipid nanoparticle technology, absorption jumps from 50% to 80-90%. Effects arrive in 15 to 20 minutes. “For pain,” says co-founder SukritGoel, “cannabis is direct competition to opium medicine.” Co-founder and R&D head ArzooPuriGoel built the science behind every formulation. She is aware of the pre-existing notions that women don’t belong in spaces like this. Her response is grounded rather than reactive. She said, “Work has never been divided by gender for me. I’ve been born and brought up that way. Strong ideas and meaningful leadership come from consistency, and those qualities aren’t defined by gender.”
The medical cannabis sector has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar industry across several international markets. In the United States, cannabis-based pharmaceutical products have received regulatory approvals for specific medical conditions, paving the way for greater investment in research and healthcare innovation. This growth has encouraged startups, pharmaceutical companies and research institutions to explore new delivery methods, formulations and treatment applications. As a result, medical cannabis is increasingly being viewed through a healthcare and biotechnology lens rather than solely as a controversial plant. Industry analysts believe this evolution demonstrates how entire industries can emerge from sectors that were once considered socially or commercially unacceptable.
India’s regulatory approach to medical cannabis.
India’s cannabis regulations differ significantly from those in Western markets. Medical cannabis products typically operate within the framework established by the Ministry of AYUSH, with strict requirements governing product development, testing and market approval.
Manufacturers must demonstrate safety, efficacy and compliance before products can reach consumers. This has led to a growing emphasis on research-backed formulations and evidence-based applications. Advancements in delivery technologies are also drawing attention. New methods designed to improve bioavailability and absorption may help address one of the longstanding challenges associated with plant-based therapeutics, ensuring predictable and consistent outcomes for patients. As research progresses, healthcare professionals and industry stakeholders are increasingly examining how such innovations could influence the future of pain management and other therapeutic applications. One of the biggest challenges facing the medical cannabis sector is not necessarily regulation but perception. For decades, discussions around cannabis have been shaped by cultural assumptions and legal restrictions. However, researchers and healthcare innovators argue that meaningful conversations should be guided by clinical evidence rather than stigma. The industry is also witnessing greater diversity in leadership and scientific research. As more professionals from healthcare, biotechnology and pharmaceutical backgrounds enter the sector, the focus is gradually shifting toward product quality, patient outcomes and long-term research.
The broader story of medical cannabis in India is ultimately about an emerging industry navigating social perceptions while seeking scientific credibility. As global investment in cannabis-based healthcare continues to grow, India faces an important question: can innovation thrive in sectors traditionally viewed as taboo? The answer may depend on how effectively industry stakeholders, healthcare professionals and regulators work together to improve public awareness and encourage evidence-based discussions. If global trends are any indication, medical cannabis is likely to remain an area of growing interest not only as a healthcare category but also as a case study in how new industries can emerge from spaces once overlooked or misunderstood.