ABSTRAX Identifies New Chemical Compounds Behind Skunk Cannabis Aroma

In a groundbreaking discovery, California-based company ABSTRAX has identified a new family of chemical compounds responsible for the distinctive skunk aroma in cannabis. This revelation challenges the long-held belief that terpenes were solely responsible for the plant's unique scent. The researchers discovered volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) that correlate directly with the pungent aroma, reshaping our understanding of cannabis chemistry

The study by ABSTRAX highlights the presence of thiols, sulfides, and disulfides, which individually contribute to the skunk aroma. However, when combined with other aromatic compounds like terpenes, they produce the unmistakable and potent scent of cannabis. This discovery marks a significant shift in the understanding of cannabis aroma, as previous assumptions about terpene combinations have been challenged

Dr. Iain Oswald, the lead author of the study, emphasized the significance of these findings, noting the unique chemical theme within cannabis. "Just as cannaflavins are prenylated flavonoids specific to cannabis, some of these newly discovered 'cannasulfur' compounds appear to be highly specific VSCs to cannabis," he stated. This discovery opens new avenues for further research into the properties and potential applications of these compounds

The study also explored the evolution of these compounds throughout the cannabis plant's lifecycle. Experiments conducted indoors revealed that the concentration of these compounds increases significantly during the final weeks of flowering, peaking during the drying process before declining after a week of storage. This pattern suggests that timing and conditions of harvest and storage play crucial roles in preserving the skunk aroma

Mario Guzman, known as Sherbinski, whose cultivar Bacio Gelato showed the highest concentration of VSCs, expressed his excitement about the study's findings. "This study confirmed everything I believed about some of the cultivars I have bred, that they are among the strongest and most medicinal on the market," he said. Guzman sees these compounds as key to the popularity and efficacy of strains like Gelato and its derivatives

ABSTRAX suggests that these findings could lead to new research into the genetic or environmental factors that enable certain cultivars to produce these compounds. The study also points to a chemical similarity between the newly identified VSCs and those found in garlic, hinting at possible health benefits. "These VSCs in garlic offer some of its greatest health benefits, suggesting that cannabis VSCs might also possess similar activity," said Rosso, a researcher involved in the study

The potential for these aromatic compounds to be transferred from flowers to concentrates through proper extraction was also confirmed by ABSTRAX's Chief Scientific Officer, Kevin Koby. He hopes the findings will set a new standard for growers and distributors to preserve these key compounds, enhancing product quality. "More importantly, this will help brands maximize their products and literally push the quality of cannabis to a higher level," Koby concluded