Coke rumoured to plot entering into the cannabis beverage market

It was only a matter of time before Coke would show an interest in the cannabis market. Brewers like Molson Coors and Constellation Brands have already declared their interest in the billion dollar industry. According to a report by Bloomberg in September 2018, Coke is weighing its cannabis options as a possible alternative to its sugary drinks, which are becoming more and more discredited by consumers.

In the US, cannabis is legal for recreational consumption in several states, while remaining illegal on the federal level. As of 17 October 2018, it will be legal for recreational purposes in Canada too, making Canada a global test market for all kinds of new products.

According to media, Coke is already in discussions with the Canadian cannabis producer Aurora Cannabis. Together they plan to develop functional drinks containing cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive chemical ingredient in marijuana, which is said to have anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic and anti-nausea effects.

The Coca-Cola Company would only comment on the speculations as follows:

“We have no interest in marijuana or cannabis. 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.”

Allegedly, Aurora and Coke want to focus on cannabis’ health aspects, whereas other beverage companies seek to mix non-alcoholic beverages with THC, the narcotic in cannabis.

Earlier this year, Heineken’s Lagunitas launched Hi-Fi Hops, a THC and CBD infused hopped water.