Coca-Cola reportedly in talks to make drinks infused with cannabis's CBD
33 replies, posted
https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/coca-cola-in-talks-with-aurora-to-develop-cannabis-drinks-sources-1.1138528
The Coca-Cola Co. is in “serious talks” with Aurora Cannabis Inc. to develop cannabis-infused beverages, a groundbreaking move that would signal a significant foray into the
marijuana sector by one of the world’s most iconic consumer brands, multiple sources familiar with the matter told BNN Bloomberg.
The sources said that Coca-Cola, the world’s largest beverage company, is interested in developing beverages that are infused with cannabidiol, commonly referred to as CBD, the non-
psychoactive chemical found in marijuana plants.
Unlike other deals between alcohol makers and cannabis producers aimed at making drinks that will give consumers a “buzz” similar to inhaling marijuana, Coca-Cola and Aurora
would likely develop beverages that will ease inflammation, pain and cramping.
Estimates vary, but the consumer CBD market is estimated to grow to US$2.1 billion by 2020, from $202 million in 2015, according to a recent report in the Hemp Business Journal.
“They’re pretty advanced down the path” of doing a deal, according to one source who has direct knowledge of the talks between the two companies. “It’s going to be more of the
‘recovery drink’ category,” the source added.
The sources declined to speak on-the-record with BNN Bloomberg as discussions between Aurora and Coca-Cola remain private. Kent Landers, a spokesman from Coca-Cola, declined
to comment about Aurora. However, he added in an emailed statement to BNN Bloomberg that “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.”
Heather MacGregor, a spokeswoman with Aurora, said in an emailed statement that the cannabis producer has expressed specific interest in the infused beverage space, and intends
to enter that market.
“As a rule, we do not discuss business development initiatives until they are finalized, however we have a responsibility to our shareholders to give proper consideration to all relevant
opportunities that are presented,” MacGregor said.
While the sources say the talks between Coca-Cola and Aurora are ongoing, there is no guarantee they will be successful or that a commercial agreement would be made public.
Coca-Cola's interest in the cannabis space was first reported by The Globe and Mail last month. However, its talks with a specific cannabis producer and the level of those discussions
have not previously been reported.
Aurora isn’t the only company that Coca-Cola has discussed developing a cannabis strategy with. Executives from Coca-Cola held high-level talks with Leamington, Ont.-based Aphria
Inc. two months ago, but didn’t progress further, one source directly familiar with the discussions told BNN Bloomberg.
“There’s a lot of interest from [consumer-packaged goods], and liquor and tobacco [companies] to look at cannabis as a new growth vector,” said Martin Landry, managing director of
equity research at GMP Securities LP, in an interview with BNN Bloomberg. “What’s happening is that the cannabis industry is still in its infancy and there’s not a lot of partners to dance
with.”
I think Coke should add the coke back in Coca-Cola
heh heh dude im down
Call it Cana-Cola
can o' cola
call it "weed-drink FiveThou"
Well that's one way to beat Pepsi.
Based Coke, always wanting to do weirder and weirder shit. Anyone else remember their coffee-infused coke?
Cannab-Cola
tbh in the current economy i'd buy it by the crate
Why can’t they just make Coca Cola smokable and call it a day?
I'd try it
And then put THC into Rum and you have the perfect combo
Smok-a-cola
Fuck it why not
throw some mescaline in there while we're at it
pressurize the cans with nitrous so you can get a big whippit hit when you open it
CBD is great stuff, I'm totally for this.
Fuck, just make nuka cola, with real radioactive isotopes!
Coca-Cola works with Stepan Company, the only company in the U.S. allowed to import coca leaves and process them. Keep in mind they still keep part of the recipe a trade secret. Yeah, most likely it never actually left.
The active "cocaine" element of the coca leaves certainly did
Test a can of coke for it and you won't find anything neuroactive from the coca family really
I can't wait to finally drink an entire weed
Is Lucky the new Smarked?
Yeah because it's a green plant with leaves and that's the closest we got.
Does it come in diet?
Once the munchies kick in you'll probably have more to worry about than just a coke
How would they distribute this exactly? I wouldn't think it would be as simple as walking into your grocery store, or especially any vending machine.
CBD products are typically legal in any state, over the counter for sale, to 18+ year olds. I just recently bought some CBD Gummies from the store. I've also bought a CBD infused drink from the same place. It has no psychoactive effect and doesn't get you "high" so it's pretty neat!
mexicoke has real sugar, canadacoke has real pot in it. meanwhile in the US...
So, as for someone who knows nothing weed related. What are the benefits of CBD beyond no psychoactive or additive qualities?
This is a brilliant marketing scheme
Drink Coke until you have a tooth ache/headache from all the sugar -> Drink CBD Coke for the pain but it makes you sleepy -> drink more regular Caffeine Coke to stay up -> repeat
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