Cola giant Coca-Cola has confirmed its interest in producing a cannabis drink using the compound cannabidiol or CBD. According to the company spokesperson Kent Landers, the company has confirmed its interest in the drink but has made no decision to enter the specific market. He added that the company and many others in the beverage industry are now closely watching the sector to explore the potential of CBD as a wellness drink.

There were reports by Canada’s BNN Bloomberg that the cola giant had been discussing the prospects of a weed-infused drink with the Canadian marijuana company Aurora Cannabis to produce a “health” drink. The idea would be to create a cannabis-based drink, not for intoxication, but for pain relief. Smoking Marijuana Ages the Brain by 2.8 Years! Cannabis Almost As Bad As Schizophrenia in Brain Damage.

CBD, unlike tetrahydrocannabinol or TCH, is not a psychoactive compound and will not cause a high. Its mechanism of action is not entirely understood, but it is known that CBD acts on the cannabinoid receptors of the body, which includes the central and peripheral nervous system. They form a part of the endocannabinoid system, responsible for regulating pain, memory, appetite and mood. Will Cannabis be legal in India after Patanjali CEO's Push? These Countries Have Already Legalised The 'pot'.

CBD has proven benefits such as pain and cramp relief and anti-inflammation. The beneficial, therapeutic effects of CBD has spurred the commercial production of cannabis. Is Pot Addictive? You Wouldn't Believe These Horrible Health Hazards of Smoking Weed.

Coca-Cola is not the only company eyeing the cannabis-infused drink sector. Earlier this year, Molson Coors Brewing, a beer company, had also planned on joining hands with medical marijuana company Hydropothecary to produce one. Constellation Brands, the company which owns Corona beer, also invested $4 billion into Canopy Growth, their pot company.

Although many states in the US have legalised marijuana, both cannabis and CBD are illegal under the federal law. If the Coke-Aurora partnership takes off, they’d be the first major non-alcoholic drink manufacturer to venture into the cannabis drink sector.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 18, 2018 04:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).