Cannabis terpenes are compounds that give cannabis its distinctive aroma and flavor. They are also believed to influence the psychoactive and medicinal properties of cannabis. However, a new study suggests that the importance of terpenes in determining the aroma of cannabis may be overstated.Researchers from Abstrax Tech, a U.S. company focused on aromatic compounds from cannabis and other plants, analyzed 31 cannabis ice hash rosin extracts, a potent cannabis product made by combining ice water and rosin pressing. They used advanced techniques to identify various compounds that create the distinct aromas of cannabis.Their findings revealed that numerous minor non-terpenoid compounds are closely associated with atypical sweet or savory scents produced by cannabis. In particular, the authors identified a novel class of volatile sulfur compounds responsible for the unique aromas of cannabis, which complement and enhance the terpenes’ aromatic effects.For example, researchers found that the skunky and woody aroma of the cannabis strain Dogwalker OG is not solely due to its dominant terpenes, limonene and caryophyllene. Rather, it is also due to the presence of novel sulfur compounds.Similarly, the citrus and tropical scent of the strain Tropicana Cookies is not solely due to its dominant terpenes, limonene and myrcene. It is also due to the presence of novel sulfur compounds.Even the sweet grape-like aroma of the strain Purple Punch is not solely due to its dominant terpene, myrcene. It is also due to the presence of novel sulfur compounds.These findings suggest that the conventional belief that dominant terpenes solely determine the aromatic characteristics of cannabis strains is not accurate.The study’s authors also found that strains with significantly different aroma profiles are often grouped together when classified by their dominant terpenes. For example, Dogwalker OG, Tropicana Cookies, and Purple Punch were all grouped in the same limonene/caryophyllene cluster, despite their distinct aromas.This suggests that while terpene profiles may be helpful for chemotaxonomic purposes (i.e., classifying cannabis strains based on their chemical composition), they may not be as accurate for differentiating strains based on their aroma profiles.The study’s authors conclude that “the importance of terpenes appears to be overstated.” They suggest that more research is needed to better understand the role of sulfur compounds and other non-terpenoid compounds in the aroma of cannabis.

Implications of the study:

The findings of this study have several implications for the cannabis industry and for consumers.

For the cannabis industry, the study suggests that terpenes may not be a reliable way to differentiate cannabis strains based on their aroma profiles. This could lead to more accurate and informative labeling of cannabis products.

For consumers, the study suggests that they should not rely solely on terpene profiles when choosing cannabis products. Instead, they should consider other factors, such as the strain’s name, reputation, and the desired aroma profile.

Overall, this study provides new insights into the chemistry of cannabis aroma and challenges the conventional belief that terpenes are the sole determinants of a strain’s aroma profile. More research is needed to better understand the role of sulfur compounds and other non-terpenoid compounds in the aroma of cannabis.

Abstrax Tech, a U.S. company focused on aromatic compounds from cannabis and other plants, analyzed 31 cannabis ice hash rosin extracts to identify various compounds that create the distinct aromas of cannabis ¹. Their findings revealed that numerous minor non-terpenoid compounds are closely associated with atypical sweet or savory scents produced by cannabis. In particular, the authors identified a novel class of volatile sulfur compounds responsible for the unique aromas of cannabis, which complement and enhance the terpenes’ aromatic effects ¹.

The study suggests that the conventional belief that dominant terpenes solely determine the aromatic characteristics of cannabis strains is not accurate ¹. For example, researchers found that the skunky and woody aroma of the cannabis strain Dogwalker OG is not solely due to its dominant terpenes, limonene and caryophyllene. Rather, it is also due to the presence of novel sulfur compounds ¹. Similarly, the citrus and tropical scent of the strain Tropicana Cookies is not solely due to its dominant terpenes, limonene and myrcene. It is also due to the presence of novel sulfur compounds ¹. Even the sweet grape-like aroma of the strain Purple Punch is not solely due to its dominant terpene, myrcene. It is also due to the presence of novel sulfur compounds ¹.

The study’s authors also found that strains with significantly different aroma profiles are often grouped together when classified by their dominant terpenes ¹. For example, Dogwalker OG, Tropicana Cookies, and Purple Punch were all grouped together despite having significantly different aroma profiles ¹.

Learn more:

1. forbes.com2. healthline.com3. weedmaps.com4. leafly.com5. cnbsjournal.com6. bing.com7. abstraxtech.com8. abstraxtech.com9. leafly.com