Aurora Cannabis Inc. ("Aurora"), together with 22nd Century Group, Inc. announced a three-way non-exclusive agreement to license biosynthesis intellectual property to Cronos Group Inc., intended to assist in the advancement of research and development on the biosynthesis of cannabinoids. Biosynthesis, a process common in the pharmaceutical industry, involves using living micro- organisms to convert simple substances into complex compounds. Through biosynthesis, cannabinoids, particularly those that are rare such as cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC) and cannabinol (CBN), are expected to be produced efficiently and reliably at high levels of purity.

Aurora's connection to the biosynthetic production of cannabinoids originated with early work carried out by the Company's former Chief Science Officer on the discovery of key genes within the cannabinoid biosynthesis pathway. Through licensing agreements, Aurora and 22nd Century Group together share the global IP rights to commercialize key aspects of cannabinoid biosynthesis in plants and micro-organisms. The two companies are working closely to enforce their IP against infringing parties, as well as to actively explore commercial development opportunities.