// Definition
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) responsible for the distinctive aromas of cannabis beyond terpenes. Includes sulfur-containing compounds like thiols and thioates derived from amino acid precursors (methionine and cysteine), which produce the 'dank', 'gassy', garlic, and cheese aromas in modern cannabis varieties.
// From the Episode
Episode 228 is titled 'The Aromatic Volatile Episode' and features deep scientific discussion about how cannabis aromas arise not just from terpenes but from a complex mix of sulfur compounds, prenylated aromatics, and volatile organics. Dr Mark discusses how sulfur-containing amino acids (methionine, cysteine) produce different aromatic outcomes — cysteine preferentially yields thioates while methionine yields thiols. These compounds interact with terpenes through prenylation reactions to create complex aromas like 'terpinolene thiol'. The discussion also covers how aromatic perception varies culturally — terms like 'cereal milk' or 'wedding cake' are meaningless to people from rural China or Nepal.
// Source
Ep. 228 Zkaq937qofM →