About Boheco

A visionary group of six co-founders from Mumbai embarked on a mission that would challenge stereotypes and ignite a new era for the misunderstood cannabis plant. Avnish Pandya, Chirag Tekchandaney, Delzaad Deolaliwala, Jahan Peston Jamas, Sumit Shah, and Yash P Kotak came together in 2013 to create a startup that aimed to revolutionize India's hemp and cannabis market. This extraordinary journey marked the birth of the Bombay Hemp Company, affectionately known as BOHECO.

The roots of BOHECO's journey trace back to the founders' time at H R College of Commerce and Economics. Their initial project, named 'Project Chirag,' aimed to bring affordable solar electrification to rural villages across India. During their travels, a serendipitous discovery changed the course of their mission. They stumbled upon cannabis plants thriving naturally in various corners of the country. This revelation sparked their curiosity and led them to explore the untapped potential of hemp and cannabis across various industries.

In 2013, Jahan Peston Jamas ventured to Australia and found himself in the Australian outback, where hemp was being harnessed to create industrial and medical products. The experience was nothing short of eye-opening. Inspired by this, the co-founders decided to venture into the business of cannabis, with a focus on advocating for the myriad societal benefits of industrial hemp.

Right from the outset, BOHECO's mission was resolute: "Educate, Cultivate, Elevate." Their goal was to challenge preconceived notions about hemp while empowering local farmers to cultivate this versatile crop, thereby enhancing their socio-economic conditions. The startup's operations involved comprehensive surveys, in-depth research, and careful analysis of cannabis cultivation areas. They worked tirelessly to organize and support farmers in the collection and distribution of hemp seeds and fibers, which were then skillfully processed and transformed into a wide array of products.

BOHECO's medium-term objective was to provide standardized hemp seed varieties to larger farming communities, scaling up the supply of raw materials. At present, the company collaborates closely with nearly 100 farmers, laying the foundation for a more sustainable and economically viable future for these communities.

In India, the hemp and cannabis industry was still in its infancy, with several companies operating in different segments of the value chain. GreenJams Infrastructure was pioneering hemp-based building materials, while FitSkinology crafted skincare products using hemp seed oil. Hemp Horizons focused on hemp-based food products, and Hemis proudly introduced India's first offline hemp retail outlet. HempCann Solutions specialized in cannabis-based ayurvedic formulations.

BOHECO estimated that the general market size for hemp and cannabis products in India ranged from $500 million to $750 million annually. The Indian government, too, had started recognizing the potential of industrial hemp, granting licenses for large-scale commercial cultivation. The state of Uttarakhand led the way, aiming to cultivate hemp across thousands of hectares for textile fiber and other industrial uses.

BOHECO's maiden foray into the market was handloom fabric, meticulously handspun and handwoven by a women's self-help group in Uttarakhand. This product was not just a material but a bridge, connecting local artisans with urban communities and transforming the perception of cannabis from "dope" to "hope." The founders were deeply moved by the impact of their first sale, which amounted to just Rs 7,500.

As their journey unfolded, BOHECO expanded its product range to encompass medicinal products and wellness formulations, some of which contained cannabinoids like CBD and THC, showcasing therapeutic potential for various symptoms and ailments.

BOHECO's overarching philosophy of "Educate. Cultivate. Elevate." guided their sustainable business model, poised to create significant economic, environmental, and social impacts. Their diverse product portfolio included clothing, handloom fabrics, accessories, health supplements, medicinal and wellness products, and superfoods.

Through initiatives like B Label, Hemp Fabric Lab, and BOHECO Life, the company not only offered sustainable products but also extended a helping hand to local artisans, empowered female weavers, and spurred the overall growth of the hemp industry in India. Their commitment to sustainability transcended mere crop cultivation, encompassing product manufacturing, with government partnerships supporting research into the boundless possibilities of hemp utilization.

As BOHECO continued to educate, cultivate, and elevate, they aspired to awaken people to the historical, cultural, and economic benefits of hemp products as a sustainable raw material. They firmly believed that hemp was the crop of the future, capable of saving the planet, and their journey stood as a testament to their unwavering commitment to this cause.

In a world where sustainability was paramount, BOHECO stood at the forefront of the green revolution, proving that hemp and cannabis could be a force for positive change, benefiting farmers, scientists, and the entire nation. With a growing presence and around 25,000 devoted consumers, BOHECO wasn't merely a company; it was a movement toward a greener, more sustainable future, one that embraced the potential of hemp to transform lives and the world itself.