Temperature And Terpenes

Terpene expression in cannabis is highly temperature-dependent, both during plant development and post-harvest processing. Volatile compounds like limonene, pinene, and myrcene have distinct boiling points—typically ranging from 155°C to 198°C—meaning cultivation conditions, drying methods, and storage temperature all influence which aromas remain detectable in the final product. Cooler growing environments and low-temperature drying commonly preserve more delicate, top-note terpenes, while heat exposure can degrade lighter compounds and shift aromatic profiles toward heavier, earthier notes. Understanding this relationship helps breeders select for stable terpene profiles and guides cultivators in protecting chemotype integrity from seed to harvest.

Breeders working with terpene-focused selections track temperature stability across generations to identify lines with robust or temperature-sensitive aromatic expressions. This trait is particularly relevant for developing cultivars suited to specific climates or processing methods.