Researchers from the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Aurora Cannabis Inc (TSE: ACB) have secured a C$500,000 dollar grant for research on cultivating fruity smelling pot plants.
The funding is being provided by Genome British Columbia: a government-backed non-profit focused on promoting growth in the province’s life sciences industries. Aurora aims to use the knowledge gained to expand its repertoire of aromatic buds.
“By collaborating with UBC on this Genome BC-funded project, we are able to fully execute this aroma research without the typical financial constraints,” Aurora’s breeding and genetics expert, Jose Celedon, said in a statement.
“This allows us to continue simultaneous work on additional important breeding traits, such as yield, potency and disease resistance,” Celedon added.
In recent years, Genome Canada has invested millions in cannabis research. Projects it has funded have focused on everything from terpene variations in medical marijuana to safe cultivation practices.
The non-profit has compared the distinctiveness of weed scents to the uniqueness of wine and spirits.
“Like whisky [smoky, fruity] or wine [bright, earthy], cannabis has a wide range of aromas,” Genome Canada described.
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Fruity strains aren’t novel
Although catching a waft of some fruity smelling chronic in your nostrils may sound appealing, it’s not anything new.
One of the most well known is of course, Pineapple Express. Inspired by the comedic antics of Seth Rogen and James Franco in 2008, multiple companies took it upon themselves to cultivate plants that would do the movie justice.
Fast Buds, Cresco Labs Inc (CNSX: CL) and the Tilray Brands Inc (TSE: TLRY) label Good Supply to name a few.
Trulieve Cannabis Corp (CNSX: TRUL) even made a pineapple-flavoured vape cartridge to commemorate the cultural significance of the film.
Other popular fruity cultivars include Strawberry Cough, Banana Kush, Juicy Fruit, Grape Ape and Mango Kush.
rowan@mugglehead.com
