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Coca-Cola looking at cannabis-infused drinks

Published

6 years ago

September 17, 2018

Coca – Cola said Monday it is studying the use of a key ingredient in marijuana in “ wellness beverages , ” as a growing number of mainstream companies develop cannabis – infused drinks .
“ We have no interest in marijuana or cannabis , ” Coca – Cola said in a statement . But iconic soft drink producer is “ closely watching the growth of non – psychoactive CBD ( cannabidiol ) as an ingredient in functional wellness beverages around the world . ”

Cannabidiol is a chemical in marijuana that does not have the intoxicating effects of THC , the major active ingredient that causes the “ high . ” It has been used to treat epilepsy and other maladies .

“ The space is evolving quickly , ” Coca -Cola said . “ No decisions have been made at this time . ”

Coca – Cola ’ s statement comes amid reports the company has held talks with Canada ’ s Aurora Cannabis to develop beverages . Some of Coca – Cola ’ s trademark cola products have struggled to grow sales in recent years due to health concerns .

Canada is set to legalize cannabis on October 17 after both houses of Parliament voted to make the drug available for recreational use .

That move has been seen as a potential prelude to further legalization in the United States , even though recreational use of marijuana is still only permitted in a handful of states .

Beer giant Molson Coors announced August 1 it was teaming up with Canadian medical marijuana grower The Hydropothecary Corporation to develop cannabis – infused non – alcoholic beverages .

Two weeks later , spirits company Constellation Brands announced a new $ 4 billion in investment in Canada ’ s Canopy Growth in exchange for a 38 percent stake in Canopy .

AFP .