Coca-Cola, one of the world's most ubiquitous brand, is currently entertaining the possibility of producing drinks laced with cannabis. Reports reveal that the plan is still in its early conception and that it will only hit the Canadian market where cannabis is legal.
According to the Canadian-based BNN Bloomberg, Coca-Cola is currently in talks with a local marijuana company Aurora Cannabis about the possibility of developing beverages infused with cannabis or marijuana. According to reports, Coca-Cola's plan is not to intoxicate consumers but to help relieve pain.
Cannabis is legal in Canada. However, there are strict regulations regarding the use of this highly controlled substance. Cannabis can only be used for medical purposes and under the conditions all of which were outlined in the "Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations" which was issued by Health Canada.
Various health researchers have found that Cannabidiol, a constituent of cannabis can be used to help ease the pain, cramping, and inflammation. The only difference is that unlink cannabis, cannabidiol has no psychoactive.
Coca-Cola has yet to release a public statement regarding its plan to release cannabis-infused beverages. Nevertheless, the beverage company said that it is closely watching the cannabis drinks market.
Cannabis acceptance has grown in recent years. Earlier this year, Molson Coors Brewing said that the company will produce a cannabis-infused drink which contains Hydropothecary. On the other hand, Constellation Brands, with its world-famous Corona beer brand, has invested more than $4 billion towards Canopy Growth which is a premiere marijuana producer.
Should the partnership between Coke and Aurora be successful, it will mark as the first time a major manufacturer of non-alcoholic drink entered the cannabis market.
It would appear that the stock market sees Coca-Cola's decision on a positive note. Despite backlash from smaller pockets of the public, there are hints that cannabis acceptance will continue to push through. These recent developments have not rocked Coca-Cola's share prices. In fact, it might have boosted it a little bit. Coca-Cola's rose in early trade on Monday.
Many observers have noted that Coca-Cola's stance towards cannabis will play a major boost towards the global acceptance of marijuana seeing that the beverage company is a well-known brand. It is also a sign of growing corporate acceptance of cannabis. Many have also noted that Canada, with its liberal take on cannabis, will play a pivotal role in terms of acceptance and future developments of the cannabis industry.
