I'm often asked why I became interested in the cannabis plant and why my family and I decided to build Kushiva. The answer isn't a marketing story — it's a personal one.
Why did I become interested in the cannabis plant?
I was diagnosed with asthma in 2012. I had never smoked tobacco, but several years later I became curious about cannabis. As an adult, I occasionally explored the subject more deeply. My intention wasn't to escape life or solve all my problems. I was simply curious to understand my own experience.
What did those years teach me about myself?
One thing that stood out to me was my relationship with music. I found myself listening more deeply, humming for long periods, and sitting more still than I used to. Those quiet moments often encouraged me to pause, reflect, and appreciate life in a different way.
During that period, I also felt myself becoming more patient, more compassionate, and more aware of the people around me. Whether those changes came entirely from cannabis or from the self-reflection that accompanied that phase of my life, I cannot say with certainty. What I can honestly say is that the experience encouraged me to know myself better.
What did I learn about health and responsible choices?
At the same time, I also learned important lessons. Because I have asthma, I realized that some forms of consumption were never going to be the right choice for me. Protecting my long-term health became more important than continuing down that road. More recently, I chose to stop using cannabis altogether. To my surprise, stopping was not difficult for me. The appreciation for music, reflection, and compassion that I discovered during those years has remained with me.
Why did my family and I build Kushiva?
Those experiences also shaped the way I think about Kushiva.
My hope has never been to create a brand built on exaggerated promises or unrealistic expectations. Instead, I want Kushiva to stand for quality, transparency, responsibility, and respect for informed adult choice. Every person's body, health, and life circumstances are different, and no single experience should be assumed to apply to everyone.
What matters most to me today?
Today, my greatest source of happiness is my family — my wife, my son, my daughter, and my parents. They remind me every day that meaningful relationships, honesty, and good health are far more important than any product.
Why am I sharing this story?
I am sharing this story simply because I believe trust begins with honesty. This is my personal journey, not medical advice or a promise of outcomes. My hope is that anyone exploring this subject does so thoughtfully, responsibly, and with respect for the law and for their own health.
Anurag Aggarwal is the founder of Kushiva, an Indian cannabis-wellness brand built with his family.