Is Coca-Cola really putting pot in its beverages?

A flurry of recent news reports would make you think so — here are a few examples: Coke plans to brew weed drink Coca-Cola In Talks To Make Marijuana-Infused Drink Coca-Cola eyes cannabis market The truth turns out to be a bit less dramatic. Here’s how the company’s statement put it: “We have no interest in marijuana or cannabis. 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…. No decisions have been made at this time.” A few clarifications are in order here: “CBD” is short for cannabidiol; it’s found in marijuana but also in hemp, and there are claims that it can provide a number of health benefits (see below). “Non-psychoactive” means that it does not cause a person to feel intoxicated or “high.” As such, CBD is not considered to be addictive or prone to abuse; that’s why it is legal in all 50 states (though with some restrictions). “Functional wellness beverages” are those that provide some health benefit above and beyond nutrition or hydration. Gatorade is one example, as it is ‘fortified’ with electrolytes lost during intense exercise. There are many others, such as Pom Wonderful, which describes its products as “the Antioxidant Superpower” and “the perfect fuel to get you to CrazyHealthy;” or Red Bull, which “Vitalizes Body and Mind.” It’s worth emphasizing that in the US, functional beverages d...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Drugs and Supplements Marijuana Source Type: blogs