Nexus Agriscience's Terpene Belt Farms Joins Major Cannabis Research Initiative with UCLA

Nexus Agriscience's Terpene Belt Farms Joins Major Cannabis Research Initiative

In a significant leap towards enhancing our understanding of cannabis compounds, Nexus Agriscience, a leading molecular farming entity, announced its subsidiary, Terpene Belt Farms, as a participant in a high-profile research initiative funded by the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC). This endeavor is set to support a collaborative project led by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), aimed at scientifically investigating the naturally occurring flavor compounds found in cannabis flowers. The initiative has garnered a substantial financial backing of $1.23 million.

Addressing Regulatory Needs

The project, aptly named "Characterization of Naturally Occurring Organoleptic Compounds for Inhalable Cannabis Regulation," is primarily designed to create California's inaugural Flower Flavor-Compound Reference Dataset (FRD). This dataset will serve as a crucial benchmarking tool for regulators, allowing them to distinguish between authentic, plant-derived cannabis flavors and artificial additives— a key consideration as regulations surrounding inhalable cannabis products continue to evolve.

Pamela Epstein, the Chief Legal and Regulatory Officer of Nexus Agriscience, highlighted the importance of this research collaboration. She noted, "Regulators are increasingly asked to distinguish what is 'naturally occurring cannabis flavor' from artificial additives, without access to comprehensive, plant-derived reference data. We view this collaboration as an opportunity to help close that gap with rigorous, regulator-ready science grounded in authentic cannabis chemistry."

Currently, California law forbids non-cannabis flavor additives in inhalable products with the intent of reducing their appeal to younger demographics. However, existing regulations are hampered by a lack of validated reference data that would help differentiate naturally occurring flavors from synthetic ones. The research being conducted, therefore, aims at providing sound, evidence-based benchmarks that can inform future regulatory standards and enforcement practices.

A Collaborative Effort

The research consortium comprises not only Nexus and UCLA but also includes collaboration with the University of California, Davis, and S3 Collective. Nexus's role as the industry research partner allows it to leverage its expertise in plant-derived flavor chemistry along with practical data regarding real-world product formulations. Cannabis flower samples will originate strictly from DCC-licensed California dispensaries, and the analyses will be executed utilizing validated laboratory protocols at Nexus's facility.

David Vaillencourt, Chair of the Board at S3 Collective, emphasized the alignment of the project's goals with their organizational mission. He stated, "This project reflects exactly why S3 Collective exists—to translate rigorous academic research into market-relevant standards and policy. With Nexus Agriscience contributing real-world, plant-derived chemistry expertise, we are creating California's first scientifically validated reference dataset for cannabis flavor compounds, giving regulators the foundation they need for consistent, enforceable regulation."

Implications for the Cannabis Industry

The outcomes of this pioneering research are anticipated to reshape how inhalable cannabis products are formulated, tested, and regulated throughout California. This project may also serve as an influential reference framework for other states that aim to implement similar regulatory measures in their cannabis markets. Nexus Agriscience's involvement signifies its broader commitment to innovation that is safe and compliant with regulatory standards—distinctly delineating Terpene Belt's specific cannabis research initiatives from the company's overall portfolio of natural ingredients.

About Nexus Agriscience

Nexus Agriscience is dedicated to unlocking the potential of hemp as a sustainable resource for natural ingredients used across wellness, flavor, fragrance, and pharmaceutical sectors. With a strong emphasis on vertical integration, from genetics to processing, Nexus provides chemically consistent, plant-derived components to business partners globally. Founded initially in 2019 as Terpene Belt Farms, the company underwent a rebranding in 2025, evolving into Nexus Agriscience following the acquisition of the Biotech Institute's hemp division. With a unique blend of agriculture, chemistry, and regulatory acumen, Nexus is poised to introduce plant-based ingredients on a commercial scale to diverse global markets.

For further details about Nexus Agriscience and their initiatives, visit Nexus Agriscience.