Soft drink giant Coca-Cola is reportedly set to release a CBD infused beverage.
It's said to be in "serious discussions" with cannabis producer Aurora Cannabis as it gets ready to grab a slice of the growing marijuana market, the Daily Mail reports.
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Coke said in a statement on Monday that it is "closely watching" the growth of CBD, a non-psychoactive component in marijuana, as an ingredient in "functional wellness beverages".
"The space is evolving quickly," spokesman Kent Landers told Bloomberg. "No decisions have been made at this time."
CBD is the ingredient used in medical marijuana to ease inflammation, pain and cramping. It doesn't produce the psychedelic high that comes from THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol. The extract is already found in alternative medicines and supplements, with many saying it relieves their anxiety, headaches and arthritis.
In the US, the Food and Drug Administration approved its use to treat epilepsy earlier this year.
Canada, Mexico and numerous US states either have or are about to decriminalise or legalise marijuana.
Others where it is legal or decriminalised include Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and several South American countries.
Cannabis is still illegal in New Zealand, except if approved for medicinal purposes by the Ministry of Health.
Newshub.
