A-B InBev pouring up to $50 million into cannabis research

Anheuser-Busch InBev plans to invest up to $50 million in research on cannabis-infused, non-alcoholic beverages in Canada.

A-B InBev is partnering with cannabis producer and distributor Tilray, which also plans to invest up to $50 million. The research will look into drinks with cannabidiol, CBD, which doesn’t cause intoxication, and tetrahydrocannabinol, THC, which produces a high.

The partnership is limited to Canada, which became the first major country to legalize recreational use of cannabis and is expected to approve cannabis-based products next year.

The pairing comes at a time when cannabis demand is rising and alcohol consumption and smoking are declining.

A-B InBev is headquartered in Belgium and has its North American headquarters in St. Louis. The Canadian division, Labatt Breweries of Canada, will work with Tilray.

Read more: St. Louis Post-Dispatch