3-Methyl-2-butene-1-thiol: Aroma, Smell and Safety | PatientsCann UK Skip to main content Back to Sulphur Compounds Guide SVSC3 3-Methyl-2-butene-1-thiol prenylthiol, prenyl thiol, VSC3 pronounced: three-METH-il two-BYOO-teen one-THY-ol The number one skunk molecule. The main reason strong cannabis smells the way it does. Skunk & dieselFormula: C5H10SExtremely potent Aroma familySkunk FormulaC5H10S Mass102.20 g/mol Main noteSkunky 3-Methyl-2-butene-1-thiol · 102.20 g/mol The molecule Chemical structure This is the accurate skeletal structure of 3-Methyl-2-butene-1-thiol, drawn from PubChem data. Each corner and line-end is a carbon atom. The yellow S marks sulphur, the atom that gives this whole family its powerful smell. SkunkyGassySulphurousPungent About What is 3-Methyl-2-butene-1-thiol? 3-Methyl-2-butene-1-thiol is the molecule most responsible for the strong, skunky smell people link with cannabis. It is often called prenylthiol. In 2021 a research team led by Iain Oswald pinpointed it as the number one skunk odorant in the plant. It carries a small chemical part called a prenyl group. This same building block turns up all over the cannabis plant, which may be why the smell feels so specific to cannabis. What the research says The Science Using a very sensitive method (two-dimensional gas chromatography with sulphur detection), the team measured this compound across many cultivars. The more of it a plant had, the more strongly people rated its skunky smell. It is powerful in tiny amounts. Even at a few parts per billion the nose picks it up easily, which is why a little goes a very long way. Aroma snapshot How 3-Methyl-2-butene-1-thiol Smells Skunk & diesel family SkunkyGassySulphurousPungent Smell strength: Extremely potent Detectable at just a few parts per billion. A tiny trace can fill a room. You might also smell it in: Skunk spray, and beer that has been left in the light (so-called “lightstruck” beer). Its role in the smell Part of the Whole On its own it smells purely skunky. Mixed with the fruity and piney terpenes, it helps give each cultivar its signature aroma. It sits alongside terpenes and cannabinoids as part of the plant’s full character. Good to know A Note on Safety 3-Methyl-2-butene-1-thiol is an aroma compound, present in cannabis in trace amounts. It is not a medicine and has no dose of its own. What matters for you is the whole product and how it is prescribed. Always choose and adjust your medicine with your prescriber and pharmacist, never by smell alone. Questions 3-Methyl-2-butene-1-thiol: Common Questions Is this what makes cannabis smell skunky? Yes. Research from 2021 found that 3-methyl-2-butene-1-thiol is the main molecule behind the classic skunky smell. The more a plant makes, the skunkier it tends to smell. Is it related to skunk spray or garlic? It belongs to the same broad family as the smelly molecules in skunk spray and garlic, called volatile sulphur compounds. That shared family is why all three can smell so strong. PreviousDimethyl trisulphide NextPrenyl thioacetate Back to full Sulphur Compounds Guide Important: This page is for education only. It is not medical advice. Research into cannabis sulphur compounds is very new, and most work so far is about smell, not treatment. The garlic comparison is about chemistry, not proven health effects. Always speak to your prescriber before changing your treatment. PatientsCann UK does not recommend any specific cannabis product. References Oswald, I.W.H., Ojeda, M.A., Pobanz, R.J., Koby, K.A., Buchanan, A.J., Del Rosso, J., Guzman, M.A. and Martin, T.J. (2021) ‘Identification of a new family of prenylated volatile sulfur compounds in cannabis revealed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography’, ACS Omega, 6(47), pp. 31667-31676. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.1c04196. Russo, E.B. (2011) ‘Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects’, British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), pp. 1344-1364. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2025) PubChem Compound Database. Bethesda: U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available at: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (Accessed: 3 August 2026).

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Prenyl thioacetate: Aroma, Smell and Safety | PatientsCann UK Skip to main content Back to Sulphur Compounds Guide SPTA Prenyl thioacetate prenyl thioacetate, S-prenyl thioacetate pronounced: PREN-il thy-oh-ASS-uh-tate A close relative of the main skunk molecule, with a gassy, fuel-like twist. Skunk & dieselFormula: C7H12OSVery potent Aroma familySkunk FormulaC7H12OS Mass144.24 g/mol Main noteGassy S-(3-Methylbut-2-en-1-yl) ethanethioate · 144.24 g/mol The molecule Chemical structure This is the accurate skeletal structure of Prenyl thioacetate, drawn from PubChem data. Each corner and line-end is a carbon atom. The yellow S marks sulphur, the atom that gives this whole family its powerful smell. GassySkunkySavourySulphurous About What is Prenyl thioacetate? Prenyl thioacetate is a close chemical cousin of the main skunk molecule. It carries the same prenyl building block, with a small acetate group added. It was described as part of the prenylated sulphur family found in cannabis. Its smell leans gassy and fuel-like. It is one of the compounds thought to sit behind the “diesel” or “gas” character that some cultivars are known for. What the research says The Science Like the other members of this family, it appears in very small amounts and needs sensitive sulphur-detecting equipment to measure. It tends to rise and fall alongside the main skunk molecule as the plant matures and is cured. Because it is so new to science, most of what is known is about its smell rather than any effect in the body. Aroma snapshot How Prenyl thioacetate Smells Skunk & diesel family GassySkunkySavourySulphurous Smell strength: Very potent Strong even in small amounts, with a gassy, fuel-like edge. You might also smell it in: The wider world of savoury, sulphur-rich smells shared with cooked garlic and onion. Its role in the smell Part of the Whole Adds a gassy, savoury layer on top of the pure skunk note. Blended with terpenes, it helps build the ‘gas’ profiles many people look for. Good to know A Note on Safety Prenyl thioacetate is an aroma compound, present in cannabis in trace amounts. It is not a medicine and has no dose of its own. What matters for you is the whole product and how it is prescribed. Always choose and adjust your medicine with your prescriber and pharmacist, never by smell alone. Questions Prenyl thioacetate: Common Questions What does ‘gassy’ or ‘diesel’ cannabis mean? Some cultivars smell a little like fuel or solvent. Sulphur compounds like prenyl thioacetate are part of where that gassy character comes from, working together with the plant’s terpenes. Is it the same as the main skunk molecule? No, but they are close relatives from the same family. This one has an extra acetate group, which nudges the smell towards gas and fuel. Previous3-Methyl-2-butene-1-thiol NextDiprenyl sulphide Back to full Sulphur Compounds Guide Important: This page is for education only. It is not medical advice. Research into cannabis sulphur compounds is very new, and most work so far is about smell, not treatment. The garlic comparison is about chemistry, not proven health effects. Always speak to your prescriber before changing your treatment. PatientsCann UK does not recommend any specific cannabis product. References Oswald, I.W.H., Ojeda, M.A., Pobanz, R.J., Koby, K.A., Buchanan, A.J., Del Rosso, J., Guzman, M.A. and Martin, T.J. (2021) ‘Identification of a new family of prenylated volatile sulfur compounds in cannabis revealed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography’, ACS Omega, 6(47), pp. 31667-31676. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.1c04196. Russo, E.B. (2011) ‘Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects’, British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), pp. 1344-1364. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2025) PubChem Compound Database. Bethesda: U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available at: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (Accessed: 3 August 2026).

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Prenyl methyl sulphide: Aroma, Smell and Safety | PatientsCann UK Skip to main content Back to Sulphur Compounds Guide SPMS Prenyl methyl sulphide prenyl methyl sulphide, methyl prenyl sulphide pronounced: PREN-il METH-il SUL-fide A gentler prenyl sulphur compound with a savoury, umami feel. Garlic & savouryFormula: C6H12SModerately potent Aroma familyGarlic FormulaC6H12S Mass116.22 g/mol Main noteSavoury Methyl prenyl sulphide · 116.22 g/mol The molecule Chemical structure This is the accurate skeletal structure of Prenyl methyl sulphide, drawn from PubChem data. Each corner and line-end is a carbon atom. The yellow S marks sulphur, the atom that gives this whole family its powerful smell. SavouryUmamiSulphurousMild garlic About What is Prenyl methyl sulphide? Prenyl methyl sulphide pairs the prenyl group with a small methyl group across a single sulphur atom. It is one of the softer members of the family. Rather than a sharp skunk or garlic hit, it adds a savoury, umami quality, a bit like the background depth in a slow-cooked stock. What the research says The Science Milder sulphur compounds like this one help round out a cultivar’s overall smell. They are easy to miss on their own but add richness to the whole. As with the rest of the family, the research so far is about aroma. Any effect in the body is unknown. Aroma snapshot How Prenyl methyl sulphide Smells Garlic & savoury family SavouryUmamiSulphurousMild garlic Smell strength: Moderately potent Softer than the others; savoury rather than sharp. You might also smell it in: Slow-cooked foods and broths, where gentle sulphur notes add background depth. Its role in the smell Part of the Whole Fills in the savoury middle of the aroma, giving body and depth beneath the brighter skunk and fruit notes. Good to know A Note on Safety Prenyl methyl sulphide is an aroma compound, present in cannabis in trace amounts. It is not a medicine and has no dose of its own. What matters for you is the whole product and how it is prescribed. Always choose and adjust your medicine with your prescriber and pharmacist, never by smell alone. Questions Prenyl methyl sulphide: Common Questions What does umami mean here? Umami is the savoury, moreish taste in foods like broth, mushrooms and parmesan. Prenyl methyl sulphide adds a smell with that same savoury depth. Is it as strong as the skunk molecule? No. It is one of the gentler compounds in the group, so it tends to sit in the background rather than take over. PreviousDiprenyl disulphide Next3-Mercaptohexan-1-ol Back to full Sulphur Compounds Guide Important: This page is for education only. It is not medical advice. Research into cannabis sulphur compounds is very new, and most work so far is about smell, not treatment. The garlic comparison is about chemistry, not proven health effects. Always speak to your prescriber before changing your treatment. PatientsCann UK does not recommend any specific cannabis product. References Oswald, I.W.H., Ojeda, M.A., Pobanz, R.J., Koby, K.A., Buchanan, A.J., Del Rosso, J., Guzman, M.A. and Martin, T.J. (2021) ‘Identification of a new family of prenylated volatile sulfur compounds in cannabis revealed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography’, ACS Omega, 6(47), pp. 31667-31676. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.1c04196. Amagase, H. (2006) ‘Clarifying the real bioactive constituents of garlic’, Journal of Nutrition, 136(3), pp. 716S-725S. doi: 10.1093/jn/136.3.716S. Russo, E.B. (2011) ‘Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects’, British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), pp. 1344-1364. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2025) PubChem Compound Database. Bethesda: U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available at: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (Accessed: 3 August 2026).

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Diprenyl sulphide: Aroma, Smell and Safety | PatientsCann UK Skip to main content Back to Sulphur Compounds Guide SDPS Diprenyl sulphide di-prenyl sulphide, bis(3-methylbut-2-enyl) sulphide pronounced: dy-PREN-il SUL-fide Two prenyl groups joined by sulphur. Smells closer to garlic than to skunk. Garlic & savouryFormula: C10H18SVery potent Aroma familyGarlic FormulaC10H18S Mass170.31 g/mol Main noteGarlic Diprenyl sulphide · 170.31 g/mol The molecule Chemical structure This is the accurate skeletal structure of Diprenyl sulphide, drawn from PubChem data. Each corner and line-end is a carbon atom. The yellow S marks sulphur, the atom that gives this whole family its powerful smell. GarlicAlliaceousSavouryOniony About What is Diprenyl sulphide? Diprenyl sulphide is built from two prenyl groups joined by a single sulphur atom. That shape is very close to the smell molecules garlic makes, which use two allyl groups instead of prenyl. Its smell is more garlic and onion than skunk. It is one of the compounds that first made scientists notice how much cannabis and garlic have in common. What the research says The Science Garlic’s sulphur compounds have been studied for years for possible heart and blood-vessel benefits. Because cannabis makes such similar molecules, researchers have raised the hopeful question of whether cannabis sulphur compounds might one day show benefits of their own. This is an early idea, not a proven fact. So far the science here is about smell and structure, not about treating any condition. Aroma snapshot How Diprenyl sulphide Smells Garlic & savoury family GarlicAlliaceousSavouryOniony Smell strength: Very potent Rich and savoury; carries clearly even at low levels. You might also smell it in: Garlic, onions, leeks and chives, which build their smells in a very similar way. Its role in the smell Part of the Whole Brings a savoury, garlicky layer to a cultivar’s aroma. It is one of the compounds that ties the smell of cannabis to the smell of the kitchen. Good to know A Note on Safety Diprenyl sulphide is an aroma compound, present in cannabis in trace amounts. It is not a medicine and has no dose of its own. What matters for you is the whole product and how it is prescribed. Always choose and adjust your medicine with your prescriber and pharmacist, never by smell alone. Questions Diprenyl sulphide: Common Questions Why does some cannabis smell like garlic? Compounds like diprenyl sulphide are built much like the smell molecules in garlic and onions. When a plant makes more of them, it can take on a savoury, garlicky edge. Does that mean cannabis has garlic’s health benefits? Not proven. The molecules look alike, which is why researchers are hopeful, but no study has yet shown that cannabis sulphur compounds share garlic’s effects. PreviousPrenyl thioacetate NextDiprenyl disulphide Back to full Sulphur Compounds Guide Important: This page is for education only. It is not medical advice. Research into cannabis sulphur compounds is very new, and most work so far is about smell, not treatment. The garlic comparison is about chemistry, not proven health effects. Always speak to your prescriber before changing your treatment. PatientsCann UK does not recommend any specific cannabis product. References Oswald, I.W.H., Ojeda, M.A., Pobanz, R.J., Koby, K.A., Buchanan, A.J., Del Rosso, J., Guzman, M.A. and Martin, T.J. (2021) ‘Identification of a new family of prenylated volatile sulfur compounds in cannabis revealed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography’, ACS Omega, 6(47), pp. 31667-31676. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.1c04196. Amagase, H. (2006) ‘Clarifying the real bioactive constituents of garlic’, Journal of Nutrition, 136(3), pp. 716S-725S. doi: 10.1093/jn/136.3.716S. Russo, E.B. (2011) ‘Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects’, British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), pp. 1344-1364. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2025) PubChem Compound Database. Bethesda: U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available at: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (Accessed: 3 August 2026).

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Diprenyl disulphide: Aroma, Smell and Safety | PatientsCann UK Skip to main content Back to Sulphur Compounds Guide SDPDS Diprenyl disulphide di-prenyl disulphide pronounced: dy-PREN-il dy-SUL-fide Like diprenyl sulphide, but with two sulphur atoms. Deep, garlicky and long-lasting. Garlic & savouryFormula: C10H18S2Very potent Aroma familyGarlic FormulaC10H18S2 Mass202.38 g/mol Main noteGarlic Diprenyl disulphide · 202.38 g/mol The molecule Chemical structure This is the accurate skeletal structure of Diprenyl disulphide, drawn from PubChem data. Each corner and line-end is a carbon atom. The yellow S marks sulphur, the atom that gives this whole family its powerful smell. GarlicOnionySavouryAlliaceous About What is Diprenyl disulphide? Diprenyl disulphide is like diprenyl sulphide but with two sulphur atoms joined together in the middle. That extra sulphur makes the smell deeper and longer-lasting. It is a near mirror of diallyl disulphide, one of the most studied smell molecules in garlic. The main difference is the prenyl group in place of garlic’s allyl group. What the research says The Science Diallyl disulphide from garlic has been looked at for possible effects on blood pressure and blood vessels. The close match with diprenyl disulphide is what makes the cannabis-and-garlic comparison so striking. It is important to be clear: looking alike is not the same as acting alike. This stays a hopeful research direction, not a health claim. Aroma snapshot How Diprenyl disulphide Smells Garlic & savoury family GarlicOnionySavouryAlliaceous Smell strength: Very potent Deep and long-lasting; the double sulphur bond makes it cling. You might also smell it in: Cooked garlic and onion, which are rich in these two-sulphur “disulphide” smells. Its role in the smell Part of the Whole Adds a deep, clingy, savoury base note to the aroma. Two-sulphur compounds like this one tend to linger longer than lighter smells. Good to know A Note on Safety Diprenyl disulphide is an aroma compound, present in cannabis in trace amounts. It is not a medicine and has no dose of its own. What matters for you is the whole product and how it is prescribed. Always choose and adjust your medicine with your prescriber and pharmacist, never by smell alone. Questions Diprenyl disulphide: Common Questions What is the garlic molecule it copies? Diallyl disulphide. Garlic’s version uses an allyl group; the cannabis version uses a prenyl group. Otherwise they are built the same way, with two sulphur atoms in the middle. Is this why some cannabis smells strongly of garlic? Two-sulphur compounds like this one are deep and clingy. When a plant makes more of them, its savoury, garlicky side becomes easier to notice. PreviousDiprenyl sulphide NextPrenyl methyl sulphide Back to full Sulphur Compounds Guide Important: This page is for education only. It is not medical advice. Research into cannabis sulphur compounds is very new, and most work so far is about smell, not treatment. The garlic comparison is about chemistry, not proven health effects. Always speak to your prescriber before changing your treatment. PatientsCann UK does not recommend any specific cannabis product. References Oswald, I.W.H., Ojeda, M.A., Pobanz, R.J., Koby, K.A., Buchanan, A.J., Del Rosso, J., Guzman, M.A. and Martin, T.J. (2021) ‘Identification of a new family of prenylated volatile sulfur compounds in cannabis revealed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography’, ACS Omega, 6(47), pp. 31667-31676. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.1c04196. Amagase, H. (2006) ‘Clarifying the real bioactive constituents of garlic’, Journal of Nutrition, 136(3), pp. 716S-725S. doi: 10.1093/jn/136.3.716S. Russo, E.B. (2011) ‘Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects’, British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), pp. 1344-1364. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2025) PubChem Compound Database. Bethesda: U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available at: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (Accessed: 3 August 2026).

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Dimethyl trisulphide: Aroma, Smell and Safety | PatientsCann UK Skip to main content Back to Sulphur Compounds Guide SDMTS Dimethyl trisulphide dimethyl trisulphide, DMTS pronounced: dy-METH-il try-SUL-fide Three sulphur atoms in a row. A savoury, oniony smell found in cooked foods. Everyday sulphurFormula: C2H6S3Very potent Aroma familyEveryday FormulaC2H6S3 Mass126.31 g/mol Main noteSavoury Dimethyl trisulphide · 126.31 g/mol The molecule Chemical structure This is the accurate skeletal structure of Dimethyl trisulphide, drawn from PubChem data. Each corner and line-end is a carbon atom. The yellow S marks sulphur, the atom that gives this whole family its powerful smell. SavouryOnionCookedMeaty About What is Dimethyl trisulphide? Dimethyl trisulphide, or DMTS, has three sulphur atoms joined in a row. That gives it a strong, savoury, oniony smell. It is common in cooked foods, from fried onions to aged cheese. In cannabis it adds a savoury, cooked depth to the overall aroma. What the research says The Science Like DMS, DMTS is found widely in food, so its smell is well known. It is far more powerful than DMS thanks to those extra sulphur atoms. In cannabis it is one of several savoury sulphur notes that sit beneath the brighter skunk and fruit smells. Aroma snapshot How Dimethyl trisulphide Smells Everyday sulphur family SavouryOnionCookedMeaty Smell strength: Very potent Powerful and savoury; a little reads as onion or cooked meat. You might also smell it in: Cooked onion, aged cheese, cooked cabbage and some cooked meats. Its role in the smell Part of the Whole Deepens the savoury base of the aroma, adding a cooked, oniony richness under the sharper top-notes. Good to know A Note on Safety Dimethyl trisulphide is an aroma compound, present in cannabis in trace amounts. It is not a medicine and has no dose of its own. What matters for you is the whole product and how it is prescribed. Always choose and adjust your medicine with your prescriber and pharmacist, never by smell alone. Questions Dimethyl trisulphide: Common Questions Why does some cannabis smell savoury or oniony? Compounds like dimethyl trisulphide, also found in cooked onions and cheese, add a savoury, cooked depth. They sit under the sharper skunk and fruity smells. Is DMTS stronger than DMS? Yes. The extra sulphur atoms make dimethyl trisulphide much more powerful, which is why even a little smells strongly savoury. PreviousDimethyl sulphide Next3-Methyl-2-butene-1-thiol Back to full Sulphur Compounds Guide Important: This page is for education only. It is not medical advice. Research into cannabis sulphur compounds is very new, and most work so far is about smell, not treatment. The garlic comparison is about chemistry, not proven health effects. Always speak to your prescriber before changing your treatment. PatientsCann UK does not recommend any specific cannabis product. References Oswald, I.W.H., Ojeda, M.A., Pobanz, R.J., Koby, K.A., Buchanan, A.J., Del Rosso, J., Guzman, M.A. and Martin, T.J. (2021) ‘Identification of a new family of prenylated volatile sulfur compounds in cannabis revealed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography’, ACS Omega, 6(47), pp. 31667-31676. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.1c04196. Russo, E.B. (2011) ‘Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects’, British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), pp. 1344-1364. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2025) PubChem Compound Database. Bethesda: U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available at: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (Accessed: 3 August 2026).

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Dimethyl sulphide: Aroma, Smell and Safety | PatientsCann UK Skip to main content Back to Sulphur Compounds Guide SDMS Dimethyl sulphide dimethyl sulphide, DMS pronounced: dy-METH-il SUL-fide A simple, everyday sulphur smell found across many foods. Everyday sulphurFormula: C2H6SModerately potent Aroma familyEveryday FormulaC2H6S Mass62.13 g/mol Main noteSweetish Dimethyl sulphide · 62.13 g/mol The molecule Chemical structure This is the accurate skeletal structure of Dimethyl sulphide, drawn from PubChem data. Each corner and line-end is a carbon atom. The yellow S marks sulphur, the atom that gives this whole family its powerful smell. SweetishCooked vegetableCabbageMarine About What is Dimethyl sulphide? Dimethyl sulphide, or DMS, is one of the simplest sulphur smells there is: two methyl groups either side of a single sulphur atom. It is everywhere in food and nature. You have smelled it in cooked sweetcorn and cabbage, in beer, and even in the sea air at the coast. In cannabis it adds a light, savoury background note. What the research says The Science Unlike the prenyl compounds, DMS is not special to cannabis. It turns up across the plant and food world, which is why it is so well understood. In cannabis it is a minor player, adding a soft savoury edge rather than a defining smell. Aroma snapshot How Dimethyl sulphide Smells Everyday sulphur family SweetishCooked vegetableCabbageMarine Smell strength: Moderately potent Familiar from cooking; sweetish at low levels, cabbagey when strong. You might also smell it in: Cooked sweetcorn, cabbage, the sea breeze, beer and truffles. Its role in the smell Part of the Whole Sits quietly in the background, adding a gentle savoury lift rather than a smell of its own. Good to know A Note on Safety Dimethyl sulphide is an aroma compound, present in cannabis in trace amounts. It is not a medicine and has no dose of its own. What matters for you is the whole product and how it is prescribed. Always choose and adjust your medicine with your prescriber and pharmacist, never by smell alone. Questions Dimethyl sulphide: Common Questions Is dimethyl sulphide unique to cannabis? No. It is one of the most common sulphur smells in nature, found in cooked vegetables, the sea and many drinks. In cannabis it plays only a small background role. Is it harmful? It is a normal, widespread food aroma present in trace amounts. It is the smell, not a medicine, and there is no known concern at these tiny levels. Previous3-Mercaptohexyl acetate NextDimethyl trisulphide Back to full Sulphur Compounds Guide Important: This page is for education only. It is not medical advice. Research into cannabis sulphur compounds is very new, and most work so far is about smell, not treatment. The garlic comparison is about chemistry, not proven health effects. Always speak to your prescriber before changing your treatment. PatientsCann UK does not recommend any specific cannabis product. References Oswald, I.W.H., Ojeda, M.A., Pobanz, R.J., Koby, K.A., Buchanan, A.J., Del Rosso, J., Guzman, M.A. and Martin, T.J. (2021) ‘Identification of a new family of prenylated volatile sulfur compounds in cannabis revealed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography’, ACS Omega, 6(47), pp. 31667-31676. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.1c04196. Russo, E.B. (2011) ‘Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects’, British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), pp. 1344-1364. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2025) PubChem Compound Database. Bethesda: U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available at: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (Accessed: 3 August 2026).

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3-Mercaptohexyl acetate: Aroma, Smell and Safety | PatientsCann UK Skip to main content Back to Sulphur Compounds Guide S3-MHA 3-Mercaptohexyl acetate 3-mercaptohexyl acetate, 3-sulfanylhexyl acetate, 3-MHA pronounced: three mer-KAP-toh-HEX-il ASS-uh-tate The passion-fruit molecule. The acetate cousin of 3-MH, even more tropical. Tropical & fruityFormula: C8H16O2SExtremely potent Aroma familyTropical FormulaC8H16O2S Mass176.28 g/mol Main notePassion fruit 3-Sulfanylhexyl acetate · 176.28 g/mol The molecule Chemical structure This is the accurate skeletal structure of 3-Mercaptohexyl acetate, drawn from PubChem data. Each corner and line-end is a carbon atom. The yellow S marks sulphur, the atom that gives this whole family its powerful smell. Passion fruitTropicalFruityCitrus About What is 3-Mercaptohexyl acetate? 3-Mercaptohexyl acetate, or 3-MHA, is the acetate cousin of 3-MH. Adding the acetate group pushes the smell even further towards passion fruit and tropical punch. Like 3-MH, it is a star of flavour chemistry in wine and beer, and it was reported among the compounds behind fruity, exotic cannabis. What the research says The Science The 2023 study grouped 3-MHA with 3-MH as key drivers of tropical, fruity aromas in certain cultivars. The two often appear together. It is another extremely powerful smell, active at tiny concentrations. Aroma snapshot How 3-Mercaptohexyl acetate Smells Tropical & fruity family Passion fruitTropicalFruityCitrus Smell strength: Extremely potent An even punchier passion-fruit smell, powerful at trace levels. You might also smell it in: Passion fruit, tropical beers and white wines. Its role in the smell Part of the Whole Layers a ripe passion-fruit punch over the top of fruity cultivars, deepening their tropical character. Good to know A Note on Safety 3-Mercaptohexyl acetate is an aroma compound, present in cannabis in trace amounts. It is not a medicine and has no dose of its own. What matters for you is the whole product and how it is prescribed. Always choose and adjust your medicine with your prescriber and pharmacist, never by smell alone. Questions 3-Mercaptohexyl acetate: Common Questions What is the difference between 3-MH and 3-MHA? They are close cousins. 3-MHA has an extra acetate group, which shifts its smell from grapefruit towards passion fruit. They often occur together. Do these tropical smells mean the cannabis is stronger? No. Smell and strength are separate. A tropical aroma tells you about the plant’s sulphur compounds and terpenes, not about its cannabinoid content. Previous3-Mercaptohexan-1-ol NextDimethyl sulphide Back to full Sulphur Compounds Guide Important: This page is for education only. It is not medical advice. Research into cannabis sulphur compounds is very new, and most work so far is about smell, not treatment. The garlic comparison is about chemistry, not proven health effects. Always speak to your prescriber before changing your treatment. PatientsCann UK does not recommend any specific cannabis product. References Oswald, I.W.H., Ojeda, M.A., Pobanz, R.J., Koby, K.A., Buchanan, A.J., Del Rosso, J., Guzman, M.A. and Martin, T.J. (2021) ‘Identification of a new family of prenylated volatile sulfur compounds in cannabis revealed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography’, ACS Omega, 6(47), pp. 31667-31676. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.1c04196. Oswald, I.W.H. et al. (2023) ‘Minor, nonterpenoid volatile compounds drive the aroma differences of exotic cannabis’, ACS Omega, 8(36), pp. 39203-39216. Russo, E.B. (2011) ‘Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects’, British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), pp. 1344-1364. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2025) PubChem Compound Database. Bethesda: U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available at: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (Accessed: 3 August 2026).

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3-Mercaptohexan-1-ol: Aroma, Smell and Safety | PatientsCann UK Skip to main content Back to Sulphur Compounds Guide S3-MH 3-Mercaptohexan-1-ol 3-mercaptohexanol, 3-sulfanylhexan-1-ol, 3-MH pronounced: three mer-KAP-toh-HEX-an-ol The grapefruit molecule. A tropical, citrus thiol also famous in wine and beer. Tropical & fruityFormula: C6H14OSExtremely potent Aroma familyTropical FormulaC6H14OS Mass134.24 g/mol Main noteGrapefruit 3-Sulfanylhexan-1-ol · 134.24 g/mol The molecule Chemical structure This is the accurate skeletal structure of 3-Mercaptohexan-1-ol, drawn from PubChem data. Each corner and line-end is a carbon atom. The yellow S marks sulphur, the atom that gives this whole family its powerful smell. GrapefruitCitrusTropicalPassion fruit About What is 3-Mercaptohexan-1-ol? 3-Mercaptohexan-1-ol, or 3-MH, is a very different kind of sulphur compound. Instead of skunk or garlic, it smells of grapefruit, citrus and tropical fruit. It is well known outside cannabis. It is one of the molecules that give Sauvignon Blanc wine and certain hoppy beers their zesty, tropical lift. What the research says The Science A 2023 follow-up study reported that thiols like 3-MH help explain the fruity, tropical smell of some prized ‘exotic’ cannabis, a smell that terpenes alone could not account for. It is astonishingly powerful. The nose can detect it at parts per trillion, far below the level needed for most terpenes. Aroma snapshot How 3-Mercaptohexan-1-ol Smells Tropical & fruity family GrapefruitCitrusTropicalPassion fruit Smell strength: Extremely potent One of the most powerful smells known, detectable at parts per trillion. You might also smell it in: Sauvignon Blanc wine, tropical craft beers, grapefruit and passion fruit. Its role in the smell Part of the Whole Brings the bright, juicy, tropical top-notes to fruity cultivars, working hand in hand with citrus terpenes like limonene. Good to know A Note on Safety 3-Mercaptohexan-1-ol is an aroma compound, present in cannabis in trace amounts. It is not a medicine and has no dose of its own. What matters for you is the whole product and how it is prescribed. Always choose and adjust your medicine with your prescriber and pharmacist, never by smell alone. Questions 3-Mercaptohexan-1-ol: Common Questions Why does some cannabis smell of tropical fruit? Thiols such as 3-mercaptohexan-1-ol smell strongly of grapefruit and tropical fruit. A little goes a very long way, so even trace amounts can make a plant smell juicy and exotic. Is this the same molecule found in wine? Yes. 3-MH is one of the compounds that give Sauvignon Blanc wine and some tropical beers their grapefruit and passion fruit character. PreviousPrenyl methyl sulphide Next3-Mercaptohexyl acetate Back to full Sulphur Compounds Guide Important: This page is for education only. It is not medical advice. Research into cannabis sulphur compounds is very new, and most work so far is about smell, not treatment. The garlic comparison is about chemistry, not proven health effects. Always speak to your prescriber before changing your treatment. PatientsCann UK does not recommend any specific cannabis product. References Oswald, I.W.H., Ojeda, M.A., Pobanz, R.J., Koby, K.A., Buchanan, A.J., Del Rosso, J., Guzman, M.A. and Martin, T.J. (2021) ‘Identification of a new family of prenylated volatile sulfur compounds in cannabis revealed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography’, ACS Omega, 6(47), pp. 31667-31676. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.1c04196. Oswald, I.W.H. et al. (2023) ‘Minor, nonterpenoid volatile compounds drive the aroma differences of exotic cannabis’, ACS Omega, 8(36), pp. 39203-39216. Russo, E.B. (2011) ‘Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects’, British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), pp. 1344-1364. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2025) PubChem Compound Database. Bethesda: U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available at: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (Accessed: 3 August 2026).

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Sulphur Compounds in Cannabis: The Skunk Molecule Explained | PatientsCann UK Skip to the compound library PatientsCann UK  ·  Education Understanding Sulphur Compounds Cannabinoids and terpenes get all the attention. But a third group of molecules, the volatile sulphur compounds, is the real reason cannabis can smell so skunky, so gassy, or so surprisingly tropical. Here is what they are, and why they matter to patients. 9 compounds The skunk molecule explained Live chemical structures The garlic connection On this page What they are Aroma families The garlic link Freshness & curing Why tests miss them The full family Questions References What are sulphur compounds? Sulphur compounds, or volatile sulphur compounds, are a group of smelly molecules the cannabis plant makes in tiny amounts. Volatile just means they float easily into the air, which is why you smell them the moment you open a jar. They were only pinned down recently. In 2021 a team of scientists found a whole new family of them in cannabis, and showed that one, called 3-methyl-2-butene-1-thiol, is the main reason strong cannabis smells skunky. What makes them special is their power. Where terpenes are measured in whole percentages, these sulphur compounds work at a few parts per billion. A trace is all it takes to change how a whole plant smells. The third pillar of aroma Think of cannabis smell as a three-legged stool. Cannabinoids like THC and CBD do the medical work. Terpenes bring the citrus, pine and floral notes. Sulphur compounds add the skunk, the gas and the tropical punch. Together they give every cultivar its signature. Explore the other two in our cannabinoids and terpenes guides. Interactive The Three Aroma Families Cannabis sulphur compounds fall into a few groups by how they smell: pungent skunk and diesel, savoury garlic, bright tropical fruit, and the milder everyday smells found in food. Pick any compound below to see its family, its smell, and how powerful it is. The hopeful part The Garlic Connection Here is the exciting bit. Many of the sulphur compounds in cannabis are built almost exactly like the ones in garlic. The only real difference is a small chemical part: cannabis uses a “prenyl” group where garlic uses an “allyl” group. Cannabis Prenyl thiol the skunk molecule nearly the same shape Garlic Allyl thiol a garlic molecule Why it matters: Garlic’s sulphur compounds have been studied for years for possible benefits to the heart and blood vessels. Because cannabis makes such close copies, scientists have raised a hopeful question: might the cannabis versions one day show benefits of their own? Hopeful research, not proven Interactive Freshness: Why Timing Changes the Smell Sulphur compounds are delicate. They build up late in the plant’s life, peak at just the right moment, then fade away. This is why the same flower can smell powerful one week and flat the next. Tap each stage to follow the journey. What this means for you: if aroma matters to you, fresher is usually better. Keep cannabis in an airtight container, somewhere cool and dark, and it will hold its smell for longer. Illustration based on greenhouse monitoring by Oswald and colleagues (2021). The exact rise and fall differ from plant to plant. Good to know Why Your Lab Report Misses Them If sulphur compounds matter so much to smell, why are they almost never listed on a product’s lab report? The answer is that they are genuinely hard to catch. 1 They hide in tiny amounts Sulphur compounds appear at parts per billion, or even parts per trillion. That is thousands of times less than a typical terpene, so they are very easy to walk straight past. 2 Normal tests are not tuned for them The usual lab equipment is set up to measure cannabinoids and terpenes. It is not designed to spot faint sulphur smells, so it often does not report them at all. 3 It takes special kit The 2021 discovery needed a powerful method called two-dimensional gas chromatography with sulphur detection. Very few routine labs run it. The takeaway: a lab report (sometimes called a COA) tells you about cannabinoids and often terpenes, but rarely these sulphur compounds. If they are missing from the paperwork, it does not mean they are missing from the jar. Often, your own nose is the better guide. Full library The Sulphur Compound Family Select any card to open the full profile, with its accurate chemical structure, how it smells, what the research says, and where else you meet it in daily life. Use the filters to narrow the list by aroma family. Filter: All Skunk & diesel Garlic Tropical Everyday Questions Sulphur Compounds: Your Questions Answered What makes cannabis smell skunky? The main reason is a volatile sulphur compound called 3-methyl-2-butene-1-thiol, sometimes called prenylthiol. In 2021 scientists showed that the more of it a plant makes, the skunkier it smells. It is powerful even at a few parts per billion, so a trace goes a long way. Are sulphur compounds the same as terpenes? No. Terpenes give the citrus, pine and floral notes and are measured in whole percentages. Sulphur compounds contain a sulphur atom, work at far lower amounts, and add the skunk, gas and tropical smells that terpenes alone cannot explain. You can read about the aroma side in our terpenes guide. Why do cannabis sulphur compounds get compared to garlic? Cannabis makes sulphur compounds built much like the ones in garlic and onion. Garlic’s versions have been studied for possible heart and blood-vessel benefits, which is why researchers are hopeful about the cannabis ones. It is important to be clear that this is an early idea, not a proven health benefit. Does fresh cannabis smell stronger? Usually yes. Sulphur compounds rise in the last weeks of flowering and peak during curing, then fade once a jar is opened and over months of storage. Storing your cannabis airtight, cool and dark helps keep the aroma for longer. Why are sulphur compounds not on my

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