Coca-Cola In 'Groundbreaking' Talks To Develop Cannabis Drink

ATLANTA, GA -- One of the world's most iconic global consumer brands is considering entering the cannabis market. Atlanta-based Coca-Cola is reportedly in negotiations with Aurora Cannabis to develop and launch a beverage that contains cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive derivative commonly used to provide medical benefits such as relieving muscle cramping. CBD is a chemical found in marijuana plants.

Though the discussions between the two companies remain private, a Coca-Cola spokesman source told Bloomberg the world's largest beverage company is "closely watching the growth of non-psychoactive CBD as an ingredient in functional wellness beverages around the world ... No decisions have been made at this time.”

A spokesperson from Aurora Cannabis also told Bloomberg, which called the discussions "groundbreaking," the company is planning to move into the beverage industry.

The talks come on the heels of a major Coca-Cola acquisition to move into the coffee industry. On Aug. 31, 2018, the company announced it has acquired Costa Limited in a $5.1 billion deal that gives Coca-Cola a strong coffee platform across parts of Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. Costa operations include a leading brand, nearly 4,000 retail outlets with highly trained baristas, a coffee vending operation, for-home coffee formats and a state-of-the-art roastery.

The acquisition will expand the existing Coca-Cola coffee lineup by adding another leading brand and platform. The portfolio already includes the market-leading Georgia brand in Japan, plus coffee products in many other countries.

Read Bloomberg's report here.

Coca-cola soda sign on side of a delivery truck. New York City, 2018. Credit David Allen/Patch