Researchers Discover 'Previously undiscovered cannabis compounds' that give marijuana strains their unique aroma

Many marijuana enthusiasts think that terpenes give strains their distinct smells. However, a recent study by the American Chemical Society identified “previously unknown cannabis compounds” which challenge this conventional wisdom.

Researchers from marijuana testing and extraction companies conducted the research and published it in the ACS Omega journal this month. They concluded that, “while aroma plays a major role in differentiating between cannabis varieties and user preference, the importance and significance of terpenes appear to be overstated.”

The authors concluded that although terpenes make up between 1 and 4 percent of the mass of cured cannabis flowers, they do contribute to the smell of marijuana, they only “provide minimal information about the unique aromatic characteristics of many cannabis strains.”

“Varieties in both the sweet and savory exotic class often have very similar profiles of terpenes, which indicates that they aren’t the driving force behind unique aromatic differences.”

This report attributes many of the differences in aroma within groups to flavorants. These are a class containing esters, alcohols, and other compounds. Flavorants, like terpenes are volatiles and spread easily in the air. Researchers found that flavorants can create aromas similar to those of marijuana varieties with different dominant terpenes.

They wrote that after analyzing the volatile chemical profiles in 31 ice hash extracts, “we found a variety of nonterpenoid substances which strongly influence the unique aroma properties of cannabis.”

They continued by saying that “in particular,” “we identified a class of tropical volatile sulfur compound (VSCs), which are major contributors to some varieties with a strong tropical fruit or citrus aroma. Meanwhile, skatole (3 methylindole), an extremely pungent compound was identified as the key aroma compound for savory/chemical variety.”

TJ Martin said that in a press release, the team at Abstrax’s extraction company, the vice president of Research and Development, “found clear correlations” between the key minor compounds that were never seen before in cannabis, which produce some of its most desirable scents.

He said that after analyzing our data and the results of our sensory panel it was clear that while terpenes are essential for producing many of cannabis’ typical aromas, they do not differentiate many different varieties.

Martin was part of a 14-author team that included representatives from 710 Labs and SepSolve Analytical, as well as Markes International.

Terpenes produce classic flavors such as earth, spice, and pine. Why do different cultivars of the same terps have such a distinct smell?

Read the Peer Review on ACS Omega at https://t.co/uMOl93UN5e pic.twitter.com/A0RKCrPdvf

Abstrax Tech October 14, 2020

The paper states that cataloging new categories provides a “new opportunity to classify varieties using key desired aroma attributes.”

Max Koby, co-founder of Abstrax and CEO, said that “the discovery of these compounds is crucial in validating the authenticity of cannabis and accurately classifying marijuana varieties in the future.” He added that the findings were important “for researchers, brands and cultivators as well as for regulators and consumers.”

The paper states that terpenes are now used to distinguish between cannabis strains, partly in response to inaccurately classifying cannabis as indica, Sativa or a hybrid.

Terpenes are a major focus of research to overcome the inaccuracies in the indica/sativa binary and to better classify cannabis varieties according to their psychoactive and aromatic characteristics. But, the new findings show that terpenes do not tell the whole story. The terpenes also limit the control that breeders, producers and processors have over their products.

The Abstrax press release states that citrus flavors, for example, are “an important trend in flavor science”, with many brands currently working to engineer alternatives. The discovery of the ‘tropicannasulfurs’, the compounds that are responsible for the Tangie aroma and flavor, allows other industries to leverage these unique compounds in order to create highly unique and desirable flavors.

It continues, “A wide variety of flavorants, including esters and alcohols in cannabis, as well as ketones and ketones and others, were identified that contribute to the fruity, berry, tropical and candy notes, along with strawberry, pineapple and other sweet ones.” These flavorants are a key component in many exotic varieties, such as Apple Fritter and Gelato. These compounds, found in small quantities, combine to produce many of the sweet or fruity notes present in modern cannabis.

The authors also hope that their findings will help to fuel innovation in the therapeutic marijuana industry.

Iain Oswald is a principal researcher at Abstrax and co-author of the study. He said, “Cannabis has been used to treat many ailments. But there are still many questions about how it works, and whether we can improve its properties by developing new varieties that have specific chemistries.” Our work is intended to open up new research avenues for others who wish to understand and utilize the full therapeutic potential of this unique plant.

The findings could be helpful to both patients and consumers. They may also help breeders or growers who are trying to produce products with a consistent profile. Packaging experts may find the results useful in increasing shelf life.

The paper concluded that “the discovery that terpenes are less important in the differentiation of aromas of cannabis than was previously thought could have important ramifications on product labeling, marketing, laboratory tests, and quality indicators both for producers and consumers alike.”

Brad Melshenker is a co-author of the study and the co-CEO at 710 Labs. He said that the research helps “us better understand the flavor in the marijuana experience, allowing to us better educate our clients and select phenos from our genetic library.”

Abstrax claims that the study would eventually result in four white papers which will distill the findings into more accessible conclusions. The papers will include a look at exotic flavor compounds and the tropical VSC in Tangie. They will also explore the chemical components of the varietal GMO.

The company stated that “This groundbreaking research does not only answer pressing questions, but it also ignites renewed passion and a curiosity for what comes next.” With each new discovery, we are one step closer in unlocking this plant’s vast potential.

Legalization in states and other countries, despite federal restrictions on marijuana, has sparked interest in the cannabis plant.

Recent research, for instance, has backed up the notion that the “entourage” effect, where multiple cannabinoids are consumed together, produces an even stronger and longer lasting high than THC alone .

Last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that genetically engineered hemp – altered to adjust the amount and type of cannabinoids– “may be grown and bred safely in the United States.”

Since the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp, the department has worked to improve its relationship with growers and breeders. The agency published updated guidelines on how to identify and describe different varieties of plant earlier this year.

Researchers have also published recent findings that trace the history of cannabis over millennia alongside humans, as well as exploring whether cannabis could help protect COVID to some extent.