UCLA Scores Millions In Cannabis Research Cash

OG article by Gillian Jalimnson

January 12, 2026

UCLA researchers secured four grants totaling $7.3 million from California’s Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) for cannabis studies starting in 2026. A $2 million project evaluates rare cannabinoids for therapeutic benefits and side effects to inform safer medicines. Another $2 million grant analyzes California’s persistent illegal market post-legalization, exploring consumer preferences for unregulated sources and testing contaminants. A $2.1 million clinical study examines short- and long-term heart health impacts of smoked and oral cannabis. The $1.2 million project develops terpene reference standards—aromatic compounds potentially enhancing effects via the "entourage" mechanism—for evidence-based product policies. Ziva Cooper, UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids director, emphasized generating data to shape public-health-focused regulations. The DCC awarded nearly $30 million for 22 projects in late 2025 and $80 million total since 2020. The center advances interdisciplinary research on legalization’s impacts, addressing key scientific and policy questions.