$4 Million Grant Awarded for Terpene Research

Over the next five years, scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) will delve into how cannabis terpenes could become pain-relieving medications for patients with chronic pain.

Southern California has long been recognized as one of the main hubs of the cannabis industry. Now, thanks to legalization and subsequent research initiatives at local universities, the state has quickly become a center for cannabis science. While most marijuana research has focused on THC and CBD, a new multi-million dollar project at UCLA will allow for a deeper exploration of terpenes—compounds that give cannabis its unique aroma and flavor.

According to a recent UCLA press release, the university was recently awarded a $3.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to study the effects of cannabis terpenes on chronic pain. The funding will also support research into whether natural flavonoids can help opioid users reduce their required dosages.

“There are few effective treatments for chronic pain that lack side effects capable of limiting opioid use. This is a major public health concern,” said Ziva Cooper, Director of Cannabis Research at UCLA.

Over the next five years, Cooper and the UCLA cannabis research team will study two types of terpenes commonly found in cannabis—myrcene and beta-caryophyllene. In one study, participants will consume only terpenes; in another, they will consume a combination of terpenes and THC to analyze the pain-relieving and intoxicating effects of each compound. In addition to the THC portion of the study, researchers will test terpene consumption among opioid users to determine if terpenes can help reduce dosages for patients with opioid dependence and chronic pain.