Coca-Cola Co. is in "serious conversation" with Aurora Cannabis about producing marijuana-infused drinks. The drinks would aim to relieve pain with CBD rather than give the "high" associated with inhaling marijuana. Coca-Cola opted out of commenting on the report, but stated that they were watching the cannabis market closely, stating "along with many others in the beverage industry, we are closely watching the growth of non-psychoactive cannabidiol as an ingredient in functional wellness beverages around the world."
According to a report by the Hemp Business Journal, the CBD market is estimated to grow to $2.1 billion by 2020, from $202 million in 2015. Coca-Cola's news arrives alongside other similar companies sharing the same interests. Molson Coors Brewing stated they were planning on making cannabis-infused drinks with Hydropothecary, while Corona-beer maker Constellation Brands invested $4 billion more into pot firm Canopy Growth. It should be noted that Coca-Cola shares have risen since the news was announced.
