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TJ Martin is the VP of R&D at Abstrax, a company that specializes in the research, development, and production of botanically-derived and cannabis-inspired terpenes. TJ and his team recently published a paper that identified a new class of aromatic cannabis compounds called volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), which are responsible for the signature skunky, gassy smell that is so prominent in certain cannabis cultivars. This was a major breakthrough for their team because as TJ mentions in the conversation, a common criticism of botanical terpenes is that they can’t recreate the signature gas smell of an OG or Gelato. It was that critique that inspired TJ and his team to investigate what they were missing, and lo and behold they found VSCs!
During our conversation, we discuss:
- Abstrax’s process for recreating flavor profiles for classic cannabis strains
- How TJ and the team used multidimensional gas chromatography to separate compounds by molecular size and polarity revealing additional compounds
- How even though VSC concentrations are orders of magnitude lower than terpenes, their effect on our taste and smell is much higher
- The similarities in structure between cannabis VSCs and VSCs found in garlic (view the figure) and what medicinal implications that discovery may have
- Although VSCs are an needed to create the skunk, gassy aroma, it is actually a combination of VSCs and other terpenes that makes that signature smell
Thanks to This Episode’s Sponsor: Advanced Nutrients.
Founded in 1999, Advanced Nutrients was the first to develop a complete nutrient system that unlocks the true genetic potential of the cannabis plant. Since its inception, the brand has introduced more than 50 innovations to the cultivation community, and continues to revolutionize the space through proprietary scientific discoveries.
Learn more at advancednutrients.com
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