Jaipur | Rajshree Upadhyaya | Shivraj Sharma founded the cannabis-based pain relief startup, Wholeleaf Organics, in India in 2020 and carved a niche for himself in the emerging wellness industry. The idea for the company came from a deeply personal experience when Shivraj witnessed the suffering of a close family member undergoing cancer treatment. Conventional pain management solutions were not providing enough relief, and this emotional journey motivated him to explore alternative approaches based on Ayurveda and emerging global research on plant-based healing.
During his research, Shivraj discovered the potential of Vijaya leaf extract, a regulated form of cannabis-derived compounds that is legally approved when processed under licensed Indian wellness and Ayurvedic frameworks. This discovery became the foundation of Wholeleaf, a company created with the mission of providing safe, standardized, and science-backed pain management solutions for chronic illnesses.
Unlike typical wellness startups, Wholeleaf was positioned from the beginning as a clinically oriented company rather than just a lifestyle brand. The company focused on developing a range of formulations including CBD-based pain relief oils, topical pain relief balms, and herbal wellness products for inflammation, anxiety, migraines, and sleep disorders. Its early offerings included products such as Orthodexil for inflammation support and Migroheal for migraine relief. These products were designed to address specific health concerns rather than general wellness, helping the brand stand out in India’s fast-growing yet highly sensitive cannabis wellness category.
Building a business in this space was not easy. At the time of launch, cannabis-based wellness products were still surrounded by regulatory uncertainty and limited consumer awareness. Shivraj Sharma placed strong emphasis on compliance, sourcing raw materials through authorized channels and operating strictly within AYUSH regulatory guidelines. The company also focused heavily on quality control and early-stage clinical evaluations to build trust among both consumers and medical professionals.
Customer Awareness Increased After Appearing on the Show
Over time, Wholeleaf began expanding its presence through digital channels and direct-to-consumer sales. The brand gradually built a niche audience among people suffering from chronic pain who were looking for alternatives beyond traditional medicine. The company also explored pharmacy partnerships to improve accessibility and reach more customers across India.
A major turning point for Wholeleaf came when Shivraj Sharma appeared on Shark Tank India Season 5. On the show, he sought an investment of Rs. 50 lakh for 2.1 percent equity, valuing the startup at approximately Rs. 23.8 crore. His pitch highlighted the mission-driven origin of the company, its regulated approach to cannabinoid-based wellness, and early evidence of product effectiveness based on user feedback and internal studies.
The sharks showed strong interest in both the opportunity and the challenges of the category. Since cannabis-based wellness remains an emerging field in India, discussions on the show revolved around regulatory clarity, scalability, and long-term medical acceptance. After negotiations, Aman Gupta, Namita Thapar, and Kanika Tekriwal jointly invested Rs. 1.5 crore for 7.5 percent equity in the company. The deal not only provided funding but also significantly increased the brand’s visibility across India. Following the show, Wholeleaf experienced greater customer awareness and strengthened its market presence.
Brand Continues to Grow in the Alternative Wellness and Pain Management Segment
The company has continued focusing on expanding its product line, improving distribution, and strengthening its presence across online and offline wellness channels. Its approach remains centered on clinically supported formulations and regulated manufacturing practices, with the aim of establishing itself as a trusted player in the emerging cannabinoid wellness industry.
As of 2026, Wholeleaf continues to actively grow in India’s alternative wellness and pain management segment. The company remains focused on regulated plant-based therapeutics, clinical collaborations, and improving access for patients dealing with chronic pain and related conditions.
Wholeleaf’s journey demonstrates how a deeply personal experience evolved into a structured healthcare-focused startup that combines Ayurveda, modern science, and regulated cannabis research, making it one of the most distinctive wellness brands to emerge from Shark Tank India.
