Coca-Cola in 'serious talks' to produce cannabis-infused beverages

The Coca-Cola Co. is getting back to its drug-infused roots.

The world's largest soda company is working with a cannabis producer to explore developing beverages infused with cannabidiol, or CBD, BNN Bloomberg reported Monday. CBD is the non-psychoactive chemical in marijuana, and the soda company is reportedly in "serious talks" with Aurora Cannabis to explore CBD-infused drinks intended to ease inflammation, pain, and cramping.

A Coca-Cola spokesperson said that "no decisions have been made at this time," but added that the company is "closely watching the growth" of the CBD industry. Bloomberg notes that a CBD Coca-Cola drink would be a "groundbreaking move" that would boost the already-booming CBD market, which is currently on track to grow to $2.1 billion over the next two years.

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While the company isn't ready to comment, a source with knowledge of the discussions says "they're pretty advanced down the path" toward a deal, and noted that the beverages would be "more of the 'recovery drink' category" rather than similar products that give consumers a bit of a "buzz." Read more at BNN Bloomberg.