The Science Behind the Skunk: Discovery of VSCs in Cannabis
Apr 17th 2024
Most of us are well-aware of cannabis's "giveaway odor" - the loud, skunky smell that lingers long after the joint has gone out or the bowl has been cashed.
Cannabis contains over 200 different cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds that contribute to the plant's iconic aroma, but until recently, scientists haven't been able to exactly pin-point what it is in our bud that creates cannabis's skunk-like scent.
Previously, scientists believed that the skunky smell was attributed to Myrcene, a terpene present in hops and mangoes, and Caryophyllene, found in black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon.
However, new research shows that the smell may not be due to terpenes at all, and is likely caused by an entirely different set of compounds altogether!
A California-based research team led by Dr. Iain Oswald, PhD, Principal Scientist at Abstrax Tech, conducted a study to determine if cannabis plants contain Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSCs) - the compounds released a skunk's spray. VSCs are also responsible for the strong aromas found in garlic, hops, and durian (the edible fruit of several tree species belonging to the genus Durio) - which smells so strongly that it has actually been banned on public transportation in some Southeast Asian countries.
"VSCs can possess extremely pungent aromas even in very small concentrations—orders of magnitude more pungent than many terpenes,” states Oswald. "A small amount goes a long way when it comes to VSC odors."
Oswald and his team analyzed cannabis flower and concentrates using "state-of-the-art gas chromatography technologies" to determine if the plant contains VSCs.
What they found was that not only does cannabis contain VSCs, but it contains some VSC compounds that have never been seen before in nature, and as it turns out, these compounds are "largely responsible for weed’s signature stench."
One VSC in particular, 3-methyl-2-butene-1-thiol or VSC3, seemed to be the primary component causing the smell of cannabis, while other VSC compounds seem to amplify the aroma. VSC3 produces an "intense, sulfuric, skunky aroma even in extremely dilute concentrations."
Although VSCs have now been established as the main cause for cannabis's smell, terpenes and flavonoids still contribute to the "distinctive, subtle aromas of different cannabis cultivars."
When ingested, the combination of all of these different aromatic compounds can induce "unique therapeutic responses," and while current data on these compounds is limited, the research suggests that VSCs may have the potential to ease anxiety, pain, and fight off viruses!
"We are still not entirely sure of the function of these compounds," explains Oswald. "The discovery of this class of compounds opens some doors for future research directions—such as whether they play a part in modulating the psychoactive effects of cannabis."
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