Aurora Cannabis Advances Auto-Flowering Research, Unveiling Key Insights for Cultivation

EDMONTON, Alberta, Sept. 17, 2024 – PRESS RELEASE – Aurora Cannabis Inc., a 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 into flowering mechanisms 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," said Jose Celedon, Ph.D., director of Breeding and Genetics at Aurora. "Our recent work on auto-flowering will be a game-changer 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 U.S. 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 unraveling 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.