Volatile Secondary Metabolites

Volatile secondary metabolites (VSMs) are organic compounds produced by cannabis plants beyond primary metabolic functions, released into the air as aromatic molecules. These include terpenes, phenolic compounds, and sulfur-containing compounds that evaporate readily at room temperature. VSMs serve ecological roles in the plant—pest deterrence, pollinator attraction, and UV protection—and constitute the aromatic profile breeders and growers commonly assess. Understanding VSM composition requires analytical methods like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify specific volatile profiles across cultivars. Lineage records frequently report VSM inheritance patterns, though environmental factors significantly influence volatile expression and concentration during cultivation.

Cannabis breeders select parent plants based on volatile secondary metabolite profiles to establish stable aromatic signatures in offspring. Tracking VSM inheritance across generations helps breeders maintain or develop distinctive aroma characteristics within strain families.