Unveiling the Secret Aromas of Cannabis: Beyond Terpenes

As the world of cannabis science continues to unfold, a groundbreaking study published in the American Chemical Society journal challenges conventional wisdom about the source of distinctive marijuana strains' aromas.

While terpenes have long been credited as the key players in creating these aromatic profiles, a team of researchers from various marijuana extraction and testing companies has unearthed "previously undiscovered cannabis compounds" that redefine our understanding of what truly defines the scent of different cannabis varieties.

Terpenes, which constitute approximately one to four percent of the total mass of cured cannabis flower, undoubtedly contribute to the aroma of marijuana.

However, the study argues that their role has been overstated. Even within groups of strains boasting similar terpene profiles, the aroma can vary significantly from one strain to another. The report suggests terpenes are not the driving force behind the unique aromatic differences that set strains apart.

The study asserts that the real culprits are flavorants, a category of chemicals that encompasses esters, alcohols, and various other compounds. These volatiles, like terpenes, disperse easily through the air and can create similar aromas between cannabis strains with different dominant terpenes.

The research, conducted on thirty-one ice hash rosin extracts, identified a host of non-terpenoid compounds that significantly influence the distinct aromas of cannabis.

It pinpointed a novel class of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) that contribute to strains with citrus or tropical fruit aromas and identified skatole (3-methylindole) as a critical aroma compound in savory/chemical varieties.

TJ Martin, vice president of research and development at the extraction company Abstrax and a member of the research team stated, "After analysis by our sensory panel, in tandem with our analytical data, it became evident that terpenes, while essential in producing many of the typical aromas in cannabis, do not necessarily differentiate many varieties with distinct scents."

This groundbreaking discovery not only expands our understanding of cannabis aromas but also provides a new opportunity to classify strains based on their unique aromatic attributes.

According to Max Koby, co-founder and CEO of Abstrax, these findings are vital for "consumers, researchers, brands, cultivators, labs, regulators, and everyone in between."

Terpenes have increasingly been used to differentiate between cannabis varieties and move away from the inaccurate indica/sativa binary classification.

However, the study reveals that terpenes are only part of the story and may limit the control that breeders, growers, and processors have over their final products.

One potential application of this research is the development of alternative citrus flavors, as citrus scents are currently a significant trend in the industry. The compounds responsible for the iconic Tangie flavor and aroma, known as 'tropicannasulfurs,' could be leveraged to create unique and desirable flavor aromas.

The study also identifies a wide variety of flavorants in cannabis, including esters, alcohols, ketones, and more, contributing to berry, tropical, candy, fruity, strawberry, pineapple, and other sweet notes in modern cannabis strains.

These compounds, though present in small amounts, combine to create the diverse sweet or fruity notes that enthusiasts have come to love.

Beyond the recreational aspect, the researchers hope their findings will fuel innovation in therapeutic marijuana. Understanding how specific chemistries create different therapeutic effects could lead to the development of new cannabis varieties with enhanced medical properties.

These findings have implications not only for consumers but also for breeders, growers, and packaging experts. They could impact product labeling, marketing, laboratory testing, and quality indicators, potentially reshaping the legal cannabis industry.

The study co-author, Brad Melshenker, co-CEO of 710 Labs, notes that this research helps them "better understand flavor in the cannabis experience," allowing for improved customer education and phenotype selection.

While federal restrictions on marijuana research persist, state-level and international legalization efforts have spurred further inquiry into the cannabis plant's mysteries and its potential.

The journey to unlocking the full potential of this remarkable plant continues, with each revelation bringing us one step closer to understanding its vast potential and enigmas.