07:41 AM EDT, 10/02/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Aurora Cannabis ( ACB ) said Wednesday that non-profit group Genome British Columbia provided a research grant to the University of British Columbia (UBC) to support an Aurora-backed project focused on aroma breeding in cannabis.

Aurora's share price was down 0.9% at last look to US$5.35 on NYSE pre-market trading.

The project is looking to validate genetic and chemical markers for fruity aroma in cannabis, the company said, adding that the project aligns with its breeding goals and will allow it to enhance its breeding program with greater accuracy and efficiency on consumer-focused traits, positively impacting future innovation.

"By collaborating with UBC on this Genome BC-funded project, we are able to fully execute this aroma research without the typical financial constraints, allowing us to continue simultaneous work on additional important breeding traits, such as yield, potency and disease resistance," said Jose Celedon, director for breeding and genetics at Aurora. "We are eager to see the outcomes of our work and the impact on the future of cannabis breeding."