S3 Collective Partners in Groundbreaking $1.23M Cannabis Terpene Study
S3 Collective is proud to be a research partner in a landmark study funded by the California Department of Cannabis Control. The $1.23 million grant, awarded to UCLA, will research naturally occurring flavor compounds in cannabis flower — work that could establish the first science-based standards for cannabis vaporizer products.
Why This Research Matters
Currently, there is no standardized guide for what flavor compounds should be included in cannabis vape products. This study will analyze at least 150 flower samples from licensed operators, identifying the top terpenes in each strain and defining natural concentration ranges. The results will give regulators an objective toolkit to distinguish authentic plant flavors from prohibited additives.
S3 Collective Vice Chair Alexa Wilson views the research as an opportunity to build a global framework based on science.
“I want doctors to be able to guide patients on what’s best for them versus what’s allowed. There has to be a way to understand what these compounds are doing.”
— Alexa Wilson, Vice Chair, S3 Collective
Building Uniform Standards
While the study focuses on California-grown flower, the hope is that the findings will inform other states and help establish uniform national standards. This means consistent terminology on packaging labels, clearer guidance for healthcare providers, and safer inhalable products across all state-regulated cannabis markets.
Research Partners
The study is led by Dr. Ziva Cooper, director of the UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids, with participation from S3 Collective, Pax Labs, Terpene Belt Farms (Nexus Agriscience), Vapin Ape, and True Terpenes.
Results are expected within two years.