Abstrax Tech Signature Series Ushers in a New Era of Cannabis Authenticity

Learn about the Abstrax Signature Series and how it’s propelling the cannabis industry into a new age of authenticity.

Unless it’s your first time drinking Coca-Cola, you know what to expect every time you buy a bottle. Whether from a convenience store or a random vending machine, it’s the same taste, smell, and experience. That’s how it should be in the world of cannabis, but it’s not! 

When consumers trust that a product will provide a consistent experience, they trust it. It promotes positive brand recognition, honors the hard work that went into formulation, and 3rd party companies feel confident selling these products. Unfortunately, the cannabis industry hasn’t yet reached this level of consistency. 

The lack of regulatory bodies or lab testing requirements means there’s nothing to ensure that the cultivar-specific product in your hand matches the cultivar it’s supposed to represent. This is why we developed the world’s only licensed and official terpene profiles of legendary cannabis — the Abstrax Signature Series.

The Signature Series gives consumers access to authentic aromas that honor the cultivators whose hard work created these cultivars. Additionally, it allows 3rd-party companies to easily sell 100% authentic products through a limited licensing agreement.

Learn about our innovative Signature Series process, the research that led to our Jack Herer and Bacio Gelato profiles, and how the Signature Series promotes a cannabis industry that values consistency and authenticity.

Industry-Wide Cannabis Consistency Issues

Imagine shopping at a dispensary and selecting a Jack Herer vape product. It’s your favorite cultivar, and you’re craving that iconic terpenic, citrusy goodness. You take that first hit — pause — and you exhale slowly. Then, you tilt your head to the side like a confused dog. Maybe you take another hit just to be sure. Ultimately, you’re disappointed because this smells and tastes nothing like the Jack Herer you’re used to.

Now, maybe it’s just a lousy product and this ONE item got overlooked when it came to quality control. It’s not ideal, but it happens. However, a scarier scenario could be taking place. 

Do you actually know what the authentic Jack Herer aroma smells like? 

Unless you know, without a shadow of a doubt, that you’ve experienced the real deal, your idea of what this aroma should smell like could be entirely wrong. Now, before you have an existential crisis about whether your understanding of a cannabis aroma is based entirely on an imitation a simulacrum, don’t blame yourself. This is an industry-wide issue. 

If you buy the same cultivar from multiple dispensaries, you’ll probably end up with very different products. Unfortunately, just because a product displays a cultivar name, that doesn’t mean it’s representative of that original cultivar. The cannabis industry is young, and there are currently no regulatory bodies or analytical testing requirements to ensure that products match the cultivar they’re supposed to represent.

This is a problem for all sides of the industry. Consumers deserve consistent, repeatable experiences regardless of where they shop. Cultivators don’t deserve to have their brand and reputation tarnished because of knockoff products. Until these issues can be remedied, cannabis will continue to have difficulties establishing itself as a legitimate industry.

So, we decided to do something about it.

The Search for the Authentic Jack Herer Aroma

In 2022, we acquired three samples of Jack Herer botanical terpene blends from three separate terpene companies. Most importantly, we had access to the original Jack Herer flower itself. The original plant was grown by Sensi Seeds and named after the infamous godfather of modern hemp, Jack Herer. The Jack Herer flower we analyzed for the Signature Series is based on the authentic original genetics first cultivated in the Netherlands. 

Using data from our GC x GC experiments on the original flower, we then developed our own Signature Series blend in-house. When we compared all of these items, the results were downright shocking.

Of the four essential terpenes primarily responsible for the distinctive flavor and aroma of Jack Herer, all three of the competitors were missing at least half of them. Instead, it seems they overcorrected this shortcoming by increasing the percentage of Terpinolene and d-Limonene. We also analyzed the top ten terpenes found in the authentic Jack Herer flower, and the closest competitor was still missing three out of those ten terpenes. Another competitor was missing half of them.

The one attribute the other products got correct was Terpinolene. However, in some cases, over half of their aroma comes from this terpene isolate, which leads to the oversaturation of citrus and turpentine notes. Our sensory panel even ranked the two blends with the highest Terpinolene concentration as “pinesol-like.” 

The authentic Jack Herer flower we analyzed contained 34% Terpinolene. Similarly, it only contained 2% d-Limonene, but some of the other blends had as much as seven times that amount, meaning that other terpene companies are spiking random compounds in an attempt to try and match the flavor & aroma of Jack Herer without realizing that these compounds are not responsible for the distinct bouquet of Jack. Even more problematic is that none of the other blends contained ß-Phellandrene or trans-ß-Ocimene. 

ß-Phellandrene drastically changes the overall flavor by enhancing woody notes and rounding out the scent of Terpinolene. Trans-ß-Ocimene cuts through the citrus and woodiness of the other major compounds and gives Jack Herer those semi-sweet floral notes. 

Admittedly, without our advanced analytical testing capabilities, even we would have had difficulty detecting trans-ß-Ocimene. Ocimene has many different isomers that all have different aromas. Since we analyzed multiple isomers, we were able to confirm which one was present in the authentic Jack Herer flower. 

The blends with the incorrect isomer might have done so because they were unaware that they have different aromas when isolated. Conversely, it could have been because they didn’t know which one was correct, or they could have even used impure sources. 

This is why advanced analytical testing is so vital. For example, ß-Phellandrene is prevalent throughout nature, but it’s rarely discussed in cannabis because it elutes closely to terpenes like d-Limonene and p-Cymene. Essentially, these compounds hide behind others in traditional testing lab data, and identifying them is next to impossible without multi-dimensional analysis. This is likely why other terpene companies spike d-Limonene and/or Terpinolene levels. They don’t know what they don’t know.

The only way to truly understand cannabis at the molecular level is through the type of advanced analytical testing that goes into our Signature Series profiles.

Abstrax Signature Series | Officially Licensed Terpene Profiles

One of the reasons we performed the above research was to allow us to create a solution to these industry problems. That solution? The world’s only licensed and official terpene profiles of legendary cannabis — the Abstrax Signature Series.

To create the advanced terpene profiles in this series, we work directly with the best cultivators to create the signature version of their flower’s terpene profile based on our industry-leading analytics. They’re formulated, tested, and blended over and over again to make something that’s not just good, not just great, but perfect.  

We’re committed to using the best genetics at their peak freshness. This ensures that our Signature Series process is unrivaled, which is why they’re the most accurate terpene formulations the industry has ever seen. What exactly does that mean? 

It means that if a flower contains Prenylated Cannasulfur Compounds (PCSCs), our Signature Series product will also contain PCSCs to impart that gassy, skunky flavor. If a flower has elusive aromas that are ammoniacal, chemical, or even sometimes floral, we’ll identify the origin of that scent and make sure it’s included in our blend (Psst! It’s probably the cannabis flavorant Skatole).

Want more details about the research that went into our Jack Herer Signature Series blend? Read all about it in our White Paper!

Not only does this allow consumers to experience authentic legendary cannabis strains, but it also allows cultivators to capture lost revenue and grow their brand by licensing their signature profiles to other companies. Through this process, 3rd-party companies can now sell 100% authentic products through a limited licensing agreement with none of the expensive, complicated, and drawn-out legal battles.

We’re so passionate about moving the industry forward with this type of authenticity that we make it simple to create your own Signature Series profile. This is an opportunity to define precisely what your strain is through world-leading analytics and then capitalize upon it for life. The best part? It doesn’t cost you a dime.

What do we get out of it? Every time we develop a new Signature Series profile, we learn more about the complexities of cannabis. With Jack Herer, we identified industry shortcomings, and we discovered how to quickly identify aromatic compounds that had previously been impossible to pin down. With Bacio Gelato… 

Sherbinskis Bacio Gelato | The Father of Modern Exotic Cannabis

In 2014, Mario Guzman (aka Mr. Sherbinski) crossed Sunset Sherbert with Thin Mint Cookies. This resulted in the four Gelato phenotypes that eventually laid the foundation for modern exotic cannabis. 

Now, let us be very clear. This type of success is incredibly rare. Breeders can grow thousands of plants to emphasize one specific trait, and their efforts may or may not pay off. However, in a single phenohunt, Guzman accomplished four times over what many breeders are lucky to achieve once in their lifetime. 

Of the four Gelato phenotypes, Bacio's gassiness was unlike anything he had ever experienced. It was an exotic combination of gas and a sweet, floral foundation that was game-changing. Guzman wanted a deeper molecular understanding of what made it unique, but the technology to perform the testing he would need simply didn’t exist. Well, it didn’t exist until WE developed it.

Bacio Gelato Signature Series | The Gas Giant of Exotic Cannabis

In 2019, we began a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at answering three questions. What was the chemical origin of Bacio’s intense fuel flavor and aroma? How did Bacio compare quantitatively to other varieties? And what other unique compounds exist in Bacio that produce its sweeter exotic undertones?

We won’t lie. The process was exhaustive. It took five years, Guzman phenohunted through thousands of seeds, and we tested over 500 compounds using our one-of-a-kind 2-dimensional gas chromatography instrument (which we LITERALLY developed specifically for these tests). Plus, there was the rigorous volleying of fine-tuned blends between Guzman, the Abstrax formulation team, and the sensory panel. 

We quickly identified a family of PCSCs that correlated strongly with the intense fuel notes of different cannabis varieties. After collecting the concentrations of PCSCs from several thousand varieties into a single dataset, we were able to rank them based on these values. 

Want to learn more about the origin of gassy, dank cannabis aroma? Learn more in The Science of Dank: The Discovery of New Cannasulfur Compounds

We left plenty of room in our formula to account for the possibility of finding something with a higher value than our current peak. Previously, the top spot was taken by one of Bacio’s children, Area 41, with an impressive value of 98%. When we tested the Bacio sample, its Gas Factor was off-the-charts. Literally. 

This forced us to recalibrate our machinery to account for previously unimaginable levels of PCSCs. After some tinkering and formula adjustments, Bacio’s final Gas Factor value of 103% was nearly double the level of volatile sulfur compounds previously identified in our highest readings.

So, Bacio isn’t simply gassy. It’s the gassiest cultivar we’ve EVER measured… and that’s saying something. 

Admittedly, even after discovering and incorporating gas compounds, we weren’t happy with it, and Mario didn’t approve it. It wasn’t until we uncovered cannabis flavorants in late 2023 that we had access to all the necessary components to do this cultivar justice. This led to more research, and then we finally arrived at a formulation that genuinely matches the flavor and aroma of Bacio Gelato. 

Want to learn more about the research that went into creating our Bacio Gelato Signature Series with Mario Guzman? Read Sherbinskis Bacio Gelato: The Gas Giant of Exotic Cannabis.

Bacio Gelato Research Propels the Cannabis Industry Forward

The research we performed to develop the Bacio Gelato Signature Series blend has taught us so much. 

First, it helped fuel the development of our two-dimensional gas chromatography instrumentation. Considering the additional research we’ve been able to perform as a result of this development, it’s not something we can overlook. We’ve been able to analyze cannabis in a way no one else in the world can, and our understanding of this plant is growing exponentially. 

We’re also starting to learn about the unique relationship between aromatic compounds. Those sweet, floral aromas that Bacio has? Turns out, it’s a complex combination of flavorants — esters and indole.

Esters are organic compounds often possessing fruity or sweet aromas. This is a niche group of flavorants that has only recently been described in cannabis, and this particular class of esters is called senecioates (suh-neck-yo-its). So, in addition to the unique PCSCs and Tropicannasulfur Compounds (TCSCs), there’s also a class of esters that lend themselves to the definitive sweetness of the Gelato family and likely other ambrosial exotic varieties.

In high concentrations, indole can emit a mothball-like aroma. When found in lower concentrations, like in Bacio, it has a subtly floral aroma. We suspect this unique combination of esters, indole, and the limonene-rich nature of Gelato phenotypes are responsible for Bacio’s light floral, fruity sweetness.

Additionally, in collaborating with Guzman and in performing other studies, we’ve realized that the industry is ready to evolve beyond the subjective limitations of phenohunting. 

Yes, there are entire aromatic nuances in cannabis that wouldn’t exist without the meticulous work of master cultivators like Guzman and Jack Herer. They can analyze and assess plant traits with unparalleled senses that simply can’t be replicated… and that’s the problem. There’s only one Mario Guzman, and even he understands the importance of detailed analytical testing when it comes to understanding the chemical complexities in a plant’s aroma and genetics. 

The only way to truly assess a plant’s secondary metabolite profile is through analytical testing for quantification. That’s why we truly believe the industry needs to include analytical testing in its phenohunting efforts. 

Want to learn more about the next era in modern cannabis cultivation? Read The Case for Chemohunting: When Art Meets Science in Cannabis Cultivation

The Abstrax Tech Signature Series Advantage

Abstrax Tech’s Signature Series hit the ground running with Jack Herer, and with Bacio Gelato, we’ve redefined what is possible in chemical analysis and flavor experience. No other cultivar expresses this level of gas, and no other blend can adequately match the complexity captured within.

We’re the only terpene company on the planet capable of deciphering the complexity of cannabis at this level. Using 2-dimensional gas chromatography combined with our proprietary technology, we can test for well over 500 compounds found in cannabis. Other labs test for 40-50 compounds at most. 

Our Signature Series guarantees that you’re buying the authentic profile of these iconic cultivars and that they’ve been signed off by the original cultivators, breeders, and/or families that know it best. Not only are you giving consumers access to the genuine aroma of these cultivars, but you’re also supporting a cannabis industry that values quality, authenticity, and that pays respect to the hard work that went into these cultivars.

Interested in using one of our Signature Series profiles in your products? Ready to create your own Signature Series profile? Contact us today, and let’s get started.

Oswald, I. W. H.; Ojeda, M. A.; Pobanz, R. J.; Koby, K. A.; Buchanan, A. J.; Del Rosso, J.; Guzman, M. A.; Martin, T. J. Identification of a New Family of Prenylated Volatile Sulfur Compounds in Cannabis Revealed by Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography. ACS Omega 2021, 6 (47), 31667–31676.https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.1c04196.

Oswald, I. W. H., Paryani, T. R., Sosa, M. E., Ojeda, M. A., Altenbernd, M. R., Grandy, J. J., Shafer, N. S., Ngo, K., Peat, J. R., 3rd, Melshenker, B. G., Skelly, I., Koby, K. A., Page, M. F. Z., & Martin, T. J. (2023). Minor, Nonterpenoid Volatile Compounds Drive the Aroma Differences of Exotic Cannabis. ACS omega, 8(42), 39203–39216. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.3c04496 

Twinkle R. Paryani, Manuel E. Sosa, Michael F. Z. Page, Thomas J. Martin, Melissa V. Hearvy, Marcos A. Ojeda, Kevin A. Koby, Jonathan J. Grandy, Bradley G. Melshenker, Ian Skelly, and Iain W. H. Oswald. (2024). Nonterpenoid Chemical Diversity of Cannabis Phenotypes Predicts Differentiated Aroma Characteristics. ACS omega, 9(26), 27755-29071 https://pubs.acs.org/doi/epdf/10.1021/acsomega.4c03225 

Abstrax Tech Signature Series Botanical Terpene Profiles

SHOP Jack Herer

Born from thousands of hours of research and development, the Signature Series represents a brand new age of authenticity in cannabis. Made in full collaboration with the cultivator themselves - this is the definitive Jack Herer.

SHOP Bacio Gelato

Out of the tens of thousands of cultivars we’ve analyzed, Bacio Gelato reigns supreme as the gassiest strain ever measured. Created in partnership with Mario Guzman of Sherbinskis, this is the world’s only authentic and official Gelato terpene profile.