Reports have surfaced that international beverage leaders Coca-Cola have showed interest in using Cannabidiol, a derivative of cannabis, as an ingredient in a potential health drink. The company are reportedly in talks with a Canadian producer Aurora Cannabis to develop the beverages, according to Bloomberg.

Coke making a “health drink” is already questionable; add in an ingredient associated with recreational drug use by most — you’ve got more questions than answers.

Cannabidiol, or CBD as it is more commonly known, does not produce the same psychoactive reaction as marijuana. Instead of users experiencing a high, CBD is believed by many to have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.

“We are closely watching the growth of non-psychoactive CBD as an ingredient in functional wellness beverages around the world,” Coca-Cola spokesman Kent Landers said in an emailed statement to Bloomberg News. “The space is evolving quickly. No decisions have been made at this time.”

CBD can be extracted from hemp and marijuana plants, then turned into an oil to add into everything from hand lotions to dog foods to drinks — making it an ideal and versatile ingredient for new products to appeal to consumers.

The trend of marijuana and cannabis-derived products continues to grow, as the product becomes more widely accepted throughout the world. The availability of medical marijuana in states across America, and the impending legalisation of the drug in Canada this October, continue to contribute to the growing industry.

So, maybe we’ll be seeing cannabinoid infused drinks in the future. Can’t imagine how they’ll market those.

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