Auto-Flowering Breakthroughs Poised to
Transform Cannabis Cultivation in High-Latitude Regions, Opening
New Doors for Advanced Breeding Strategies
EDMONTON,
AB, Sept. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Aurora
Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB) –the Canadian based
leading global medical cannabis company, is pioneering
ground-breaking research in auto-flowering technology.
Auto-flowering is a genetic characteristic that automatically
transitions the plant from the vegetative stage to the flowering
stage rather than relying on changes in light cycles. This
innovative work provides foundational insight on flowering
mechanism in cannabis, which will support future breeding
strategies, and can be leveraged to revolutionize outdoor cannabis
cultivation in high-latitude regions, such as Canada.
"As a company backed by science, we have long
invested in research both independently and with leading academic
institutions, and have achieved significant learning from our
work," says Jose Celedon, PhD,
Director, Breeding and Genetics at Aurora. "Our recent work on
auto-flowering will be a gamechanger for cannabis and hemp
production. This research speaks to our expertise and investment in
science that will move this industry forward."
Most of the commercially grown cannabis is
photoperiod sensitive, meaning that plants require shifts in day
length to trigger flowering. While this can be controlled readily
in indoor production, it is a limitation for outdoor cultivation,
especially in high-latitude regions. Aurora has received a US
Patent 12,002,546, "Methods of Determining Sensitivity to
Photoperiod in Cannabis", which enables Aurora's breeding program
to identify and select for the auto flowering trait. This latest
research solidifies Aurora's position as an innovative industry
leader, poised to shape the future of cannabis agriculture.
Aurora's commitment to research and innovation
has generated tangible results for the Company, significantly
improving potency and yield, thereby driving down cost per gram and
increasing overall efficiency. Aurora has significantly invested in
cannabis breeding since 2018, and the novel cultivars identified
from this world class breeding program consistently yield 40-100%
more flower than legacy varieties.
The company's focus on unravelling the molecular
mechanisms controlling flowering and maturity time in cannabis
holds promise for enhancing crop yield and adaptability. By
exploiting the natural variation in the circadian rhythm of
cannabis, Aurora aims to elevate the economic value of both medical
and recreational cannabis. Through leveraging genetic research and
development, the company aims to overcome traditional limitations,
paving the way for improved cultivation techniques and market
opportunities.
About Aurora Cannabis
Aurora is opening
the world to cannabis, serving both the medical and consumer
markets across Canada,
Europe, Australia and South
America. Headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Aurora is a pioneer in
global cannabis, dedicated to helping people improve their lives.
The Company's adult- use brand portfolio includes Aurora Drift, San
Rafael '71, Daily Special, Tasty's, Being and Greybeard. Medical
cannabis brands include MedReleaf, CanniMed, Aurora and Whistler
Medical Marijuana Co, as well as international brands, Pedanios,
Bidiol, IndiMed and CraftPlant. Aurora also has a controlling
interest in Bevo Farms Ltd., North
America's leading supplier of propagated agricultural
plants. Driven by science and innovation, and with a focus on
high-quality cannabis products, Aurora's brands continue to break
through as industry leaders in the medical, wellness and adult
recreational markets wherever they are launched. Learn more at
www.auroramj.com and follow us on X and LinkedIn.
Aurora's Common Shares trade on the NASDAQ and
TSX under the symbol "ACB".
Forward Looking Information
This news release includes statements containing
certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of
applicable securities law ("forward-looking statements").
Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words
such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend",
"believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential",
"proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain
events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking
statements made in this news release include, but are not limited
to, statements regarding the Company's research in auto-flowering
technology and associated benefits, including supporting future
cannabis breeding strategies, improvements in potency, yield, cost
per gram and efficiency and the impact on outdoor cannabis
cultivation in high-altitude regions and on the future of cannabis
agriculture, as well as statements regarding the Company's plans
for continued genetic research and development to elevate the
economic value of medical and recreational cannabis.
These forward-looking statements are only
predictions. Forward looking information or statements contained in
this news release have been developed based on assumptions
management considers to be reasonable. Material factors or
assumptions involved in developing forward-looking statements
include, without limitation, publicly available information from
governmental sources as well as from market research and industry
analysis and on assumptions based on data and knowledge of this
industry which the Company believes to be reasonable.
Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks,
uncertainties and other factors that management believes to be
relevant and reasonable in the circumstances could cause actual
events, results, level of activity, performance, prospects,
opportunities or achievements to differ materially from those
projected in the forward-looking statements. These risks include,
but are not limited to, the ability to retain key personnel, the
ability to continue investing in infrastructure to support growth,
the ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms, the continued
quality of our products, customer experience and retention, the
development of third party government and non-government consumer
sales channels, management's estimates of consumer demand in
Canada and in jurisdictions where
the Company exports, expectations of future results and expenses,
the risk of successful integration of acquired business and
operations (with respect to the Transaction and more generally with
respect to future acquisitions), management's estimation that
SG&A will grow only in proportion of revenue growth, the
ability to expand and maintain distribution capabilities, the
impact of competition, the general impact of financial market
conditions, the yield from cannabis growing operations, product
demand, changes in prices of required commodities, competition, and
the possibility for changes in laws, rules, and regulations in the
industry, epidemics, pandemics or other public health crises and
other risks, uncertainties and factors set out under the heading
"Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information from dated
June 20, 2024 (the "AIF") and filed
with Canadian securities regulators available on the Company's
issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com and filed with and
available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. The Company cautions
that the list of risks, uncertainties and other factors described
in the AIF is not exhaustive and other factors could also adversely
affect its results. Readers are urged to consider the risks,
uncertainties and assumptions carefully in evaluating the
forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue
reliance on such information. The Company is under no obligation,
and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or
revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly
required by applicable securities law.
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SOURCE Aurora Cannabis Inc.