FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Colorado Springs, CO) — Jan 26, 2026
The federal government's recent directive to reschedule cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III continues to drive significant momentum within the U.S. cannabis sector. Independently, the California Department of Cannabis Control has advanced a crucial, two-year research initiative, providing essential funding to bolster the scientific underpinnings of cannabis regulation. The project will focus on studying non-cannabinoid compounds found in cannabis—such as terpenes and other aromatic constituents—to better understand their implications for consumer safety and to inform future, evidence-based regulatory frameworks. S3 Collective, a national nonprofit advancing cannabis and botanical science through collaboration, education, and standardization, is proud to partner in this landmark funded research initiative.
As part of the state’s broader academic research grants program—through which California has invested nearly $80 million to fill critical knowledge gaps and support evidence-based policymaking—S3 Collective will help establish a scientifically validated Flower Flavor-Compound Reference Dataset (FRD). This dataset will serve as a foundational tool for regulators, researchers, and industry stakeholders working to advance consumer safety and regulatory clarity for inhalable cannabis products.
The DCC awarded over $1.23 million to the study, which runs Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2027. Led by Dr. Ziva Cooper at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the collaboration includes UC Davis as an academic partner; Nexus
Agriscience (formerly Terpene Belt) as the industry laboratory facility; and S3 Collective as the standards development and technical validation partner. The project aligns with ASTM International Committee D37 on Cannabis’s strategic standards development roadmap and supports DCC’s mission to protect public health while ensuring product authenticity.
Volatile compounds, including terpenes and related aroma chemicals, are sometimes added to cannabis products to mimic flavors and enhance appeal. Research suggests that elevated concentrations of certain terpenes such as beta-caryophyllene and myrcene can modify the psychoactive effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Regulators currently debate compound-specific limits without a scientifically grounded reference for what naturally occurs in the plant. The FRD will establish natural baseline profiles of terpenes, terpenoids, flavonoids and other volatile constituents naturally found in California-regulated cannabis flower, providing an objective foundation for future policy.
“We’re honored to be part of this UCLA-led collaboration alongside UC Davis and S3 Collective,” said Pamela Epstein, Chief Legal & Regulatory Officer of Nexus Agriscience, formerly Terpene Belt Farms. “S3’s leadership in standards development is critical to ensuring this research translates into regulator-ready reference data that protects public safety while preserving authentic cannabis chemistry.”
The research team will analyze at least 150 flower samples sourced exclusively from DCC-licensed operators, stratified across cultivars, harvest times, and geographies. All cannabis handling, storage, and testing will take place at Nexus Agriscience’s facility in Sacramento using the latest Agilent analytical equipment. UCLA will oversee scientific design and data analysis with support from UC Davis.. The study involves no human or animal subjects.
“Consumers and patients deserve access to cannabinoid products containing aromatic constituents in quantities that are naturally produced by the cannabis plant and have the most therapeutic benefit,” said David Vaillencourt, board chair of S3 Collective. “By using the research findings to inform ASTM Committee D37 standards development work, regulators and industry will have an evidence-based standard that will preserve authentic plant expression, and reduce child-attractive flavor representation.” The funding will support creation of a public database of the aggregated data, development of ASTM standards, and published peer-reviewed manuscripts for use by industry and regulators.
About S3 Collective
S3 Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that advances cannabis, hemp, and botanical industries through collaboration, education, and standardization. Founded in 2023, it is the first and only cannabis-related nonprofit to be accepted into the FDA’s Network of Experts (NoE) Program. By supporting the development and implementation of robust standards and providing scientifically grounded resources, S3 Collective empowers stakeholders to promote public health, consumer safety, and a trustworthy global marketplace.
About UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids
The University of California, Los Angeles is a leading public research institution committed to advancing science and addressing societal challenges. UCLA’s Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids conducts multidisciplinary research to inform evidence-based cannabis policies.
About UC Davis
UC Davis is a top-tier public research university distinguished for excellence in agriculture, environmental science, and analytical chemistry — contributing critical expertise to this project.
About Nexus Agriscience
Nexus Agriscience is a California-based laboratory and systems engineering company providing compliant sample handling, storage, and advanced analytical testing for cannabis and botanical products, ensuring regulatory adherence and robust data integrity.
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S3 Collective