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Marlboro cigarette maker Altria is
in early stage talks to acquire Canadian cannabis producer Cronos,
as it seeks to diversify its business beyond traditional smokers, people
familiar with the matter told CNBC.
Cronos
has not agreed to any deal and there is no certainty it will do so, the people
said.
The news comes as Altria is also eyeing a significant minority stake in e-cigarette company Juul, people familiar with the situation have told CNBC.