Coca-Cola looking at developing cannabis-infused drinks

Coca-Cola is closely watching the fast-growing marijuana drinks market as a possible entry that would expand the world's largest soft drink maker's ambitions further away from sugary sodas.

Coca-Cola announced its interest in a statement on Monday, responding to a report from Bloomberg that said it was in talks with Canada's Aurora Cannabis Inc to develop drinks infused with cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychoactive chemical found in marijuana. Coke would join a rush by major alcohol makers and a cigarette company to test the cannabis market and find partners ahead of the October 17 launch of legal recreational marijuana in Canada.
Coke and Aurora, in separate statements, each said they were interested in CBD-infused beverages but would not comment on any specifics or talks. Aurora's stock soared 17 percent, while Coke's edged up slightly. The CBD drinks would likely aim to ease inflammation, pain and cramping, the Bloomberg report said.