Coca-Cola looks at marijuana ingredient cannabidiol in ‘wellness beverages’
The soft drink producer is ‘closely watching the growth of non-psychoactive CBD [cannabidiol] as an ingredient in functional wellness beverages around the world’
Coca-Cola is studying the use of a key ingredient in marijuana in “wellness beverages”, as a growing number of mainstream companies develop cannabis-infused drinks, the company announced on Monday.
“We have no interest in marijuana or cannabis,” Coca-Cola said in a statement. But the iconic soft drink producer said it 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.