DENVER — A research center at Colorado State University dedicated to studying the chemical compounds in hemp is expected to open this spring, school officials said Thursday.

The announcement comes after the university received a $1.5 million donation from a Golden-based company that makes products out of CBD, a popular cannabis compound with unproven health claims. The money would be used to fund research, cover operating costs and purchase equipment, university officials said.

The facility would allow faculty and undergraduate and graduate students to study the formulation of cannabinoids, separation efficiencies, efficacy testing and more. Cannabinoids can include CBD, also known as cannabidiol.

“Cannabinoids have already been proven effective in a number of clinical applications, and there are more than 100 other compounds that have been identified in hemp that could have an impact in other areas,” said Melissa Reynolds, College of Natural Sciences associate dean for research.

Researchers at the facility would work in partnership with Panacea Life Sciences, a company founded by university alumna Leslie Buttorff that manufactures CBD products for people and pets.

“CSU offers expertise in the complete cannabinoid value chain, including botany, chemistry, biology, psychology, agricultural sciences, statistics and veterinary research,” Buttorff said. “Panacea’s focus in developing scientifically driven and medically focused products will be further advanced with our partnership with CSU.”

The research center will be in the College of Natural Sciences on the Fort Collins campus. The university is renovating part of the chemistry building to house the research center, officials said.