Heat Sensitive Preservation

Heat-sensitive preservation refers to cannabis cultivars and genetic lines that require careful temperature management to maintain terpene profiles and aromatic integrity during storage and handling. Many volatile aromatic compounds—particularly monoterpenes like limonene, pinene, and myrcene—degrade when exposed to elevated temperatures, light, or fluctuating humidity. Breeders working with heat-sensitive genetics must document optimal storage conditions (typically 32-68°F, low light, controlled humidity) to preserve the intended chemotype. This classification is especially relevant for seed banks and preservation programs focused on maintaining genetic fidelity across generations. Understanding heat sensitivity helps cultivators and researchers standardize post-harvest handling protocols for research and archival purposes.

Breeders select for and against heat sensitivity depending on cultivation goals—some prioritize stable, hardy genetics for variable environments, while preservation-focused programs intentionally maintain delicate, aromatic-rich lines that demand controlled conditions. Detailed phenotypic records of temperature-dependent terpene expression guide seed storage and propagation strategies.