Canadian-based Aurora Cannabis Inc. (TSX: ACB)(NYSE: ACB) announced in a press release today that they appointed Dr. Jonathan Page, PhD, as the company’s new Chief Science Officer.
This appointment, which would oversee the scientific developments regarding the company’s cannabis research and development operations, is a significant feather in Aurora’s cap.
Dr. Page, a globally renowned cannabis scientist with 37 peer-reviewed publications to his name, also holds the distinction of co-leading a Canadian team of scientists who first sequenced the cannabis genome.
These developments helped discover the biochemical pathways that have led to many of the major cannabinoids in the market today. Prior to taking this position, where he could be overseeing all-science related projects, Dr. Page also worked as CEO of Anandia Labs, a cannabis-focused science firm he co-founded.
“We are thrilled to have Jonathon join the Aurora team as Chief Science Officer. Jonathan’s knowledge of the cannabis plant and its applications make him a globally recognized leader in the cannabis sector,” said CEO Terry Booth. “With this appointment, we are well-positioned to continue to innovate through the research our teams are involved in and drive new commercial products.”
Aurora’s team of researchers includes over 40 PhD and MSc-level scientists, and the addition the internationally renowned doctor would help bolster the company’s reputation as a leader not only in the commercial aspects of cannabis but in the scientific space as well.
“Science is as critical to global competitiveness and Aurora is the cannabis industry leader on this front. Science is in Aurora’s DNA. I’m very excited to take on this new position and work with our science teams to take the development of the cannabis plant and its applications to the next level,” added Dr. Page.
Anandia Labs, Page’s prior venture, was a firm that specialized in manipulating cannabis genetics, characterizing diseases, metabolite profiling, plant breeding, as well as providing third-party testing services to marijuana producers.
Prior to that, Dr. Page was and still is an adjunct professor in the Botany Department at the University of British Columbia, receiving this PhD there before going for postdoctoral training in Germany. For the next ten years, he directed a lab at the National Research Council, and also holds the distinction of eight issued patents in his name.
At the same time, Aurora also announced another internal shift among their researchers. Dr. Shane Morris, PhD, was promoted to Senior Vice-President of product development and regulatory affairs, and his achievements within the company include the recent launch of Aurora Cloud, the markets only vape-ready CPD oil cartridge in Canada.
While it’s not surprising that Aurora management to snag Dr. Page, being one of the premier company’s in the industry, markets didn’t seem to react much to the news, instead share prices plunged 6.6 percent down to $8.16.
Aurora Cannabis Inc Company Profile
Headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada with funded capacity in excess of 500,000 kg per annum and sales and operations in 20 countries across five continents, Aurora is one of the world’s largest and leading cannabis companies.
Aurora is vertically integrated and horizontally diversified across every key segment of the value chain, from facility engineering and design to cannabis breeding and genetics research, cannabis and hemp production, derivatives, high value-add product development, home cultivation, wholesale and retail distribution. – Aurora
