Thermal Degradation

Thermal degradation refers to the chemical breakdown of cannabis compounds—particularly cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids—when exposed to heat above their individual vaporization or combustion thresholds. This process occurs during drying, curing, storage in warm conditions, or consumption methods like smoking or high-temperature vaping. Different compounds degrade at different temperatures; for example, some terpenes volatilize around 150–200°C, while cannabinoids remain relatively stable until much higher heat is applied. Understanding thermal degradation is essential for breeders and cultivators managing post-harvest quality and for researchers studying how processing methods alter the chemical profile of finished cannabis material.

Breeders working in preservation and stability genetics often select for cultivars with robust terpene and cannabinoid profiles that resist oxidation and thermal loss during standard storage and curing. Knowledge of which strains maintain their aromatic and potency characteristics through common post-harvest protocols informs decisions about breeding for resilience.