ZEENAT MOORAD: Coke in a can(nabis)
There is a growing trend of established companies, from booze players to Big Pharma, moving into the marijuana industry as legalisation spreads
One might be surprised to learn that Coca-Cola sells milk, lattes and coconut water. The Atlanta-based group and rival Pepsico have, over the past few years, been trying to expand their businesses as people consume less fizzy drinks because of health concerns. Just a fortnight ago Coca-Cola — which has been touting itself as a total beverage company — announced a big fat deal, saying it would buy Costa Coffee for $5bn. Perhaps sooner than you think, Coca-Cola will sell a marijuana-infused drink. No, I’m not smoking something. The company is reportedly mulling a wellness or recovery-type drink infused with cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychedelic ingredient in marijuana that treats pain but doesn’t get you high or intoxicated. There is growing acceptance for the use of CBD for easing inflammation, pain and nausea. Preclinical studies suggest it also has anti-seizure effects. There is a growing trend of established companies, from booze players to Big Pharma, moving into the marijuana ind...
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