Enzymatic Processes

Enzymatic processes in cannabis refer to the biochemical transformations that occur during cultivation, drying, curing, and storage, where plant enzymes break down chlorophyll, proteins, and other compounds into secondary metabolites. These reactions are central to how terpene profiles develop and shift over time, and why dried cannabis often exhibits different aromatic character than fresh flower. Temperature, humidity, and oxygen availability directly influence enzyme activity; cooler cures typically slow these processes, while warmer conditions accelerate them. Breeders and cultivators study enzymatic degradation to understand how genetic potential for aroma is expressed post-harvest. This area bridges plant physiology, post-harvest chemistry, and breeding objectives focused on stable, consistent terpene expression across generations.

Breeders select for genetic stability in enzyme production to create predictable post-harvest aromatic development. Understanding which cultivars maintain or transform their terpene profiles through enzymatic activity helps breeders identify parents that reliably produce target aromatic outcomes after standard drying and curing protocols.