Volatile Aromatic Compounds

Volatile aromatic compounds (VACs) are organic molecules that readily evaporate at room temperature, carrying the distinctive scent profiles of cannabis flowers and trim. These compounds include terpenes, terpenoids, and other small molecular-weight substances that comprise the plant's essential oil fraction. VACs are produced in trichomes—specialized resin glands distributed across flowers and leaves—and serve ecological functions in wild cannabis populations. Breeders and cultivators monitor VAC stability and expression as markers of phenotypic consistency across generations. Understanding VAC chemistry helps growers preserve desired aroma characteristics during cultivation, harvest timing, and storage conditions.

Breeders selecting for specific aroma profiles track VAC volatility to predict how phenotypes will express across environments and aging periods. Stability of VAC expression is often used as a quality marker when establishing true-breeding lines, since volatile compounds can shift significantly based on temperature, light, and harvest practices.