Beverage giant Coca-Cola is in negotiation with top cannabis producer, Canada’s Aurora Cannabis, as the company looks towards creating new products for the growing market for cannabis-based beverages. The aim is to develop and release drinks containing cannabidiol (CBD) – a component of marijuana without psychoactive properties. Without an intoxicating effect, the beverage created would be intended for use to alleviate pain and inflammation, such as muscle cramps. Such a development in beverages would see Coca-Cola become the first major non-alcoholic drink creator to explore the use of cannabis in its beverages.
Both Coca-Cola and Aurora Cannabis are staying quiet about the talks, with both sides claiming no set deal or agreement has been made as of yet. In response to queries and uncertainty surrounding the components proposed for use in the beverage and the progress of negotiations, Coca-Cola has issued clarification.
“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 CBD as an ingredient in functional wellness beverages around the world. The space is evolving quickly. No decisions have been made at this time,” a spokesperson for the company said.
