Cannabis Compounds: Flavorants
While numerous weed lovers accept terpenes as the basis for giving a pot strain its unmistakable scent, another review distributed by the American Substance Society has recognized additional cannabis compounds that challenge the standard way of thinking about what truly gives every strain its individual olfactory profile.
The exploration, directed by a group of researchers from various cannabis extraction and testing groups, concluded that while smell is a vital property in separating different marijuana assortments, the significance of terpenes seems to be somewhat exaggerated.
Terpenes, which make up around 1-4 percent of the mass of cured weed, unquestionably add to the strain’s smell. However, the overall data in regard to the extraordinary scents of the numerous weed options indicate another source of their smell. Indeed, even among strains with comparable terpene profiles, their smell can fluctuate between one and another.
The report credits a lot of those contrasts in odor to what are called flavorants, a class of substances that encompass esters, alcohols, and a variety of unique compounds. Like terpenes, flavorants are labeled as volatiles and are commonly released into the air. Analysts found that flavorants can likewise create comparable odors between weed strains that have different prevailing terpenes.
Breaking down the substance profiles of 31 ice hash rosin concentrates, examiners were able to distinguish a group of nonterpenoid inclusions that unequivocally impact the one of a kind fragrant properties of the flower.
Specifically, they distinguished another class of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) that are significant within specific assortments of cannabis with predominant citrus or tropical scents, while skatole (3-methylindole), a profoundly pungent compound, was recognized as a key fragrance compound in our more “savory” smelling assortments.
TJ Martin, VP at the extraction lab Abstrax, confirmed that they found clear connections between some integral minor compounds that have been previously undiscovered. These are now known to produce the mightiest aromas within the cannabis buds.
As well as giving us a greater comprehension of what goes into a strain’s individual fragrance, the report demonstrates how recording new classifications of these compounds gives us the potential to characterize cultivars using more robust aroma descriptors.
Max Koby, co-founder and CEO of Abstrax, stated, “The discovery of these compounds will play a crucial role in validating the authenticity of cannabis and accurately classifying cannabis varieties in the future.” He added that the findings are significant for not only cultivators, labs, brands, and regulators, but for consumers as well.
As the findings note, terpenes have turned into an undeniably convenient method for distinguishing various weed strains. This has also been furthered by the generally utilized, yet often inaccurate, characterization of pot as either indica, sativa, or a hybrid of both.
To combat the generality of simply being indica, sativa, or hybrid, and better classify marijuana in respect to their psychoactive and fragrance qualities, terpenes have been the unmistakable focal point of cannabis study. However, as indicated by these new discoveries, terpenes alone fall short in telling the complete story. They likewise limit how much control breeders and cultivators can maintain over the cured flower.
For instance, citrus flavors are at present a popular profile in the marketplace, with many brands attempting to design citrus-forward options. With the discovery of what compounds make up the unmistakable Tangie aroma and taste, known scientifically as ‘tropicannasulfurs,’ industries outside of cannabis can benefit by incorporating these incredibly special fragrance profiles into their products as well.
Flavorants of all varieties found in weed, including esters, alcohols, ketones, and more, have shown to add berry, tropical, and fruity notes to different strains. You’ll find these in strains like Apple Fritter, Zkittlez, Gelato, and Runtz.
Researchers are likewise optimistic that their discoveries will assist in fueling the advancement of using cannabis therapeutically.
Cannabis as a therapeutic agent has been used for centuries. Yet there remain countless inquiries regarding how it functions and whether we can isolate the desirable properties by growing new varieties with a specific chemical make-up. There is now hope these studies will open new roads of exploration for others to more completely comprehend this gift from nature and harness cannabis’ potential among other plant medicine options.
