Marlboro maker Altria Group Inc. MO, +1.05% is in talks with Canada-based cannabis producer Aphria Inc. aphqf to potentially acquire an equity stake in the company, The Globe and Mail reported Wednesday. Aphria stock rose 14.1%. The Globe, a subscription news site, citing multiple anonymous sources, said Altria was interested in a minority stake in Aphria with the intention of acquiring a majority stake in the longer run, but the deal terms are not final. Altria and Aphria's leadership teams have met on several occasions, with the most recent talks on Monday, the Globe said, again citing anonymous sources. After the market closed, Aphria issued a statement about the report. "While Aphria engages in discussions with potential strategic partners and/or investors from time to time, the company notes that there is no agreement, understanding or arrangement in place with a potential investor at this time," the statement reads. "Aphria will advise the investment community of any material changes, if and when they occur, in accordance with applicable disclosure requirements." Aphria stock is up 1.4% this year, including Wednesday's midday gains. The S&P 500 index SPX, +0.29% has gained 5.4% this year.