The unmistakable aroma of cannabis has long been a subject of both appreciation and controversy. It’s a scent that announces its presence, often provoking a reaction even before it’s seen.
But what is the source of this powerful fragrance? Recent scientific discoveries have shed light on the intricate chemistry behind cannabis’s distinctive aromas, revealing that there’s much more to the story than previously thought.
Beyond Terpenes: The Role of Volatile Sulfur Compounds
For years, the aromatic profile of cannabis was attributed to terpenes, a diverse class of organic compounds that provide the scents of many plants.
However, groundbreaking research has identified volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), particularly thiols, as key players in producing the ‘skunky’ smell characteristic of cannabis.
Two independent research groups initially pinpointed these VSCs, with a focus on the molecule 3-methyl-2-butene-1-thiol (321MBT). This compound is not only pivotal in the world of cannabis but also in other areas, such as the pungent smell of beer that has been exposed to sunlight and the notorious odor of skunk spray.
A Deeper Dive into Cannabis’s Aromatic Secrets
Abstrax Tech, a terpene distributor, led a comprehensive study on 31 cannabis extracts to delve deeper into the olfactory mystery.
Employing advanced techniques like gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and flame ionization detection, the researchers were able to classify various VSCs and their connections to the myriad scents of cannabis, ranging from citrus and tropical to sweet and grape-like.
The study’s findings suggest that while terpenes contribute to the plant’s smell, it is the combination of VSCs and 321MBT molecules that are most significant in determining the unique odor profile of cannabis, including the familiar skunky scent.
The Impact of Trace Compounds on Aroma
Interestingly, the thiol compounds constitute a minuscule portion of the analyzed samples (less than 0.05 percent), yet they have a profound influence on the odor of cannabis. This potency at low concentrations is precisely why VSCs have been overlooked in past research.
One compound of note is skatole, which, despite its presence in human feces (!) contributes to a savory garlic aroma that complements the quintessential cannabis smell.
The Future of Cannabis Cultivation and Aromatics
The insights gained from this research open up exciting possibilities for the cannabis industry. With a deeper understanding of the chemical composition of cannabis beyond terpenes, cultivators may soon be able to breed strains with specific aromatic profiles.
This could mean tailoring the scent to be less skunky or enhancing certain desirable fragrances.
The Abstrax Tech team envisions a future where cannabis varieties are classified not just by their physical or psychoactive properties but also by their aromatic attributes.
This may revolutionize how consumers select their strains, basing their choices on the nuanced bouquet of scents that each variety offers.
The full research details are available in the published paper in ACS Omega, providing a comprehensive catalog of compounds that contribute to the scent of cannabis and a new framework for classifying varieties by their olfactory qualities.
