Archive · 11 Jan 2026
India's Herbal Cigarettes Market: Growth and Challenges
Herbal cigarettes, made without tobacco but with herbs, have been in India for about 10 years.
They started as a way to help people quit smoking but have become popular as part of an Ayurvedic wellness lifestyle.
Some even contain parts of the cannabis plant.
The market is growing but faces challenges like strict regulations and competition.
Companies like Organic Smokes and The Trost are trying different ways to sell these products, but doctors warn that smoking anything can still be harmful.
The government is also making tobacco products more expensive, which might affect the market.
Herbal cigarettes, introduced as a smoking cessation aid, have evolved into a ₹100-200 crore market in India.
Brands like Organic Smokes and Nirdosh sell herbal cigarettes as alternatives to tobacco, with some containing cannabis.
The market faces regulatory challenges, including stricter rules on cannabis-based products and the need for clinical trials.
Companies are exploring new formats like medical atomizers and direct-to-consumer sales to reach a wider audience.
Doctors caution that herbal cigarettes can still be harmful due to the production of toxic waste when burned.
- Who
- Smokers, Ayurvedic practitioners, herbal cigarette manufacturers
- What
- Herbal cigarettes market growth and challenges in India
- When
- Market has been around for nearly a decade, with recent regulatory changes in 2025
- Where
- India, with a focus on direct-to-consumer and e-commerce platforms
- Why
- Herbal cigarettes were initially introduced as a method to quit smoking and have evolved into an alternative wellness product
- Market Size
- ₹100-200 crore
- Organic Smokes Revenue (FY24)
- ₹3 crore
- Organic Smokes Profit (FY24)
- ₹7 lakh
- The Trost Revenue (FY24)
- ₹66 lakh
- The Trost Losses (FY24)
- ₹24 lakh
- Cannabis Cigarettes Market Share
- 20-30%
- GST on Tobacco Products (from Feb 1)
- 40%