Global soft drinks giant Coca-Cola is said to be toying with the idea of a cannabis-infused beverage.
Canada’s BNN Bloomberg reported that Coke is currently in “serious talks” with Aurora Cannabis about possibly producing a marijuana-infused beverage with the purpose of helping to relieve pain.
Although no deal has been finalised yet, one of the media company’s sources said: “They’re pretty advanced down the path” of doing a deal.
“It’s going to be more of the ‘recovery drink’ category,” the source added.
Coke 'closely watching' the cannabis market https://t.co/9cnNcz64cg via @ReutersTV pic.twitter.com/oF2NboSZ84
— Reuters (@Reuters) September 17, 2018
A statement on Coke’s website said: “We have no interest in marijuana or cannabis. Along with many others in the beverage industry, we are closely watching the growth of non-psychoactive [Cannabidiol] as an ingredient in functional wellness beverages around the world. The space is evolving quickly. No decisions have been made at this time.”
There has been no further comment from the soft drinks giant. If it pushes through, the partnership between Coca-Cola and Aurora would mark the first entry of a major drinks manufacturer of non-alcoholic beverages into the cannabis market.
Aurora commented in a statement that it would not discuss any business development initiatives until they were finalised.
“Aurora has expressed specific interest in the infused beverage space, and we intend to enter that market,” Aurora told BNN Bloomberg.
More importantly, Coke is looking to develop CBD-infused drinks. That's the cannabis-related chemical that aids with inflammation, pain and cramping. Those looking for a Coke-made beverage to get "high" will be sorely disappointed.
— David George-Cosh (@itsdgc) September 17, 2018
Cannabidiol helps ease inflammation, pain and cramping. It doesn’t have any psychoactive effect, unlike other drugs. Canada is currently preparing the legalisation of cannabis for recreational use. This comes after several years of allowing cannabis for medicinal purposes.
This has led to Canada’s growing marijuana industry and partnerships with well-known companies worldwide according to the BBC. Molson Coors Brewing company has ventured into the realms of cannabis-infused drinks with Hydropothecary, while Corona-beer maker Constellation Brands has invested $4 billion into the pot firm Canopy Growth
