With a wide-ranging portfolio of 94 distinct SKUs spanning five categories, Cure By Design, headquartered in Bengaluru, specializes in the sale of hemp products via online platforms and its network of medical practitioners.
Amid a cultural shift and the sway of social media, there’s a growing awareness and acceptance of hemp products among Indians. The pivotal moment arrived in November 2021 when the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) designated hemp seed, oil, and flour as consumable items.
Daanish Matheen encountered hemp during his studies in hotel management at Manipal University. At a potluck gathering, a chef introduced him to hemp seed raita, a yogurt-based dish.
Learning about the long-standing use of hemp seeds in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, including as vegetable preservatives, piqued his interest.
However, stepping into the hemp industry posed challenges as many, including his parents, were unaware of hemp’s versatility and legality, shares Matheen, who previously worked with health-focused snacking company Lo! Foods.
Recognizing the growing market demand for hemp, he took a bold step and invested Rs 10 lakh from his personal savings to launch his venture in hemp. In 2020, he founded the Bengaluru-based hemp company, Cure By Design.
One-stop destination for hemp
Initially, the company launched a range of 18 SKUs, including hemp masks, hemp sanitizers, whole hemp seeds, and hemp seed oil for pets. The initial reception was positive, with hemp masks selling out quickly.
Currently, Cure By Design offers products in five categories—hemp seeds and nutrition, personal care, pet care, aromatherapy, and medicinal hemp leaf products. Starting with 18 SKUs in 2020, the portfolio has now expanded to 94 SKUs. All products carry the Ayush Standard Mark and are certified by FSSAI.
The products target various health issues such as anxiety, nerve pain, muscle pain, cancer-related pain, appetite problems, stomach issues, sleep disorders, and overall mental and physical health conditions. Medical range products require medical supervision and a valid prescription.
Research and development
Cure By Design obtained a drug manufacturing license from the Ministry of AYUSH in 2020.
Matheen, the Founder of Cure By Design, emphasizes the company’s close collaboration with medical professionals to comprehend market needs and tailor product development accordingly. Beyond modern formulations, they also explore ancient remedies like Trailokya Vijaya Vati, an Ayurvedic blend addressing menstrual disorders and neuropathic pain.
For personal care items, a third-party manufacturer in Delhi manages production. Cure By Design supplies ingredients, leaving the research and development process to the manufacturer. In the realm of aroma oils, partnerships with Bengaluru-based naturopathic doctors facilitate product development.
Regarding medical cannabis, the company relies on input from doctors to ascertain the appropriate THC levels for different medical conditions and then formulate its medical cannabis products accordingly.
These medical cannabis products are produced by a third-party manufacturer located in Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh, while their hemp seed products are manufactured in close proximity to Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
Alleviating pain and stress
A study carried out by Cornell University indicates that cannabidiol (CBD) can be beneficial for managing pain in dogs. The study found that CBD helped more than 80% of dogs with osteoarthritis experience a notable reduction in discomfort. Matheen emphasizes extensive consultations with veterinarians to ensure the efficacy of pet care products.
Matheen also highlights that traditional tick sprays often contain oils, causing pets to get dirty outdoors. In response, Cure By Design developed a water-based tick spray that absorbs into the skin without needing a massage. Additionally, they created a chemical-free balm for pets safe to lick.
To validate effectiveness, the company donated samples to a pet care center in Whitefield, Bengaluru. Positive outcomes observed in abandoned and stressed dogs served as compelling evidence of product efficacy.
Nandini Banerjee, a Delhi resident with over 15 years in animal rescue, notes the benefits of Cure By Design’s CBD oil for her dog’s pancreatic disorder, calming her pet and improving its appetite. She mentions numerous studies showing CBD’s effectiveness in alleviating pain and stress in humans, including those with PTSD, cancer pain, epilepsy, and autism.
Another customer, Vishwas, reports relief for his mother’s lung cancer symptoms during chemotherapy, recommended by Dr. Sayed Tahir Hassan, a medical cannabis expert.
Cure By Design has partnered with 44 veterinary hospitals and clinics, along with 18 general hospitals in various cities. While offline stores are absent, products are sold directly to customers through these medical professionals, comprising 50-55% of sales.
The remaining sales come from the website, social media platforms, and e-commerce channels. Although revenue figures are undisclosed, the company experienced a 38% growth between FY23 and FY22. Currently, it employs eight individuals handling sales, networking, e-commerce management, and content.
Going ahead
According to a study by Markets and Markets, the global industrial hemp market is expected to reach a revenue of $18.1 billion by 2027, with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 21.6% from 2022 to 2027.
The industry’s value was estimated at $6.8 billion in 2022. Recently, the company introduced an aromatherapy line comprising 13 products, initially starting with eight blends designed by naturopathy doctors to address migraine and sleep disorders.
One of the primary challenges faced by the company is the need to educate the public about hemp and dispel associated stigma. Matheen mentions, “To tackle this, we’ve organized numerous pop-up events in Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad to allow people to experience our products.”
The company also intends to arrange conferences in various cities to raise awareness about hemp. So far, it has fulfilled around 10,000 direct online orders and aims to establish partnerships with more Ayurvedic doctors and stores to expand its network.
“We’re planning to open a combined store and clinic in Bengaluru soon,” Matheen reveals. There are also intentions to introduce more products in the medical cannabis category based on feedback from doctors. Matheen adds, “We’re also considering delving deeper into classical Ayurvedic medicines.”
Disclaimer:
The content presented above is sourced from the article available at the provided link: https://yourstory.com/smbstory/cure-by-design-tapping-hemp-heals-anxiety-pain-pets-people
This content sourced from YourStory’s article discusses Cure By Design’s journey in hemp-based products for pain relief in pets and people. Please note that this content is not original and was authored by YourStory. The views and opinions expressed in this paraphrased content do not reflect our own views or opinions. It is included on Times of Hemp for informational and inspirational purposes only. Visit the original source for details.