We could be drinking a Coca Cola infused cannabis drink sooner than we thought !
Coca-Cola is considering a move into the growing market for cannabis-infused drinks.
Coca-Cola is said to be close to a deal that could see it infuse cans of soft drink with cannabis.
The US giant is said to be in 'serious' discussions with a cannabis producer as it looks to grab a slice of the burgeoning marijuana market.
A deal with the firm, Aurora Cannabis, could lead to Coca-Cola selling drinks infused with marijuana, which is said to have health benefits such as easing inflammation, pain and cramping.
"Along with many others in the beverage industry, we are closely watching the growth of non-psychoactive CBD as an ingredient in functional wellness beverages around the world,"Coca Cola said in a statement, referring to cannabidiol, a constituent of cannabis.
"No decisions have been made at this time," the beverage group said, adding that it would not comment on further speculation.
Aurora, in a separate statement, said it would not discuss business development initiatives until they are finalized, but added: "Aurora has expressed specific interest in the infused beverage space, and we intend to enter that market."
A partnership between Coke and Aurora would mark the first entry of a major manufacturer of non-alcoholic beverages into the market for cannabis-related products.
The news comes as more U.S. states move to legalize marijuana for recreational use and as Canada, where Aurora is based, prepares to fully legalize the recreational use of cannabis next month.
There is no guarantee that talks between the companies will be successful or that a commercial agreement would be made public.
Earlier this year, alcohol producer Molson Coors Breding said it will make cannabis-infused drinks with Hydropothecary, while Corona beer maker Constellation Brands invested $4 billion more into marijuana producer Canopy Group.
Coca-Cola saw a ise in its comapny's shares in pre-market trade on Monday after news broke of its plans for a canabis infused drinks.