Coca-Cola is apparently in “serious talks” with Aurora Cannabis Inc. about developing cannabis-infused beverages, BNN Bloomberg reports.
Coca-Cola is reportedly in “serious talks” with cannabis producer, Aurora Cannabis Inc., about developing cannabis-infused beverages.
“We are closely watching the growth of non-psychoactive CBD as an ingredient in functional wellness beverages around the world,” Coca-Cola spokesman Kent Landers told BNN. “The space is evolving quickly.”
Before you get super excited about the potential of drinking coke that will get you high (pun intended), a little info on what CBD is…
Marijuana contains over a hundred chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. The two most well known of these are THC and CBD. While THC is the compound that gets you high, CBD is valued for medical benefits, mainly treating anxiety and pain. This is what would potentially be used in the beverages (so I guess we’re talking about a health drink?).
“Aurora has expressed specific interest in the infused beverage space, and we intend to enter that market. There is so much happening in this area right now and we think it has incredible potential,” Aurora said in a press release.
Coca-Cola’s interest in the cannabis space has been known publicly for some time now, but this is the first report that they’ve been in talks with a specific cannabis producer.
As BBN Bloomberg note, tying itself to cannabis would be a concerted move to appear edgier in the market. Apparently, it has already paid off – Coke has already seen a surge in stock prices.
[via Complex/BNN Bloomberg]
