Enzymatic Degradation

Enzymatic degradation refers to the biochemical breakdown of plant compounds—including cannabinoids, terpenes, and other secondary metabolites—through enzyme activity during cultivation, drying, curing, and storage. This process occurs naturally as plant enzymes remain active post-harvest and can be accelerated by temperature, humidity, light exposure, and microbial activity. Breeders and cultivators track enzymatic degradation because it directly affects final cannabinoid ratios, terpene profiles, and shelf stability of finished material. Understanding these pathways helps explain why aged cannabis often develops different chemical profiles than freshly harvested material, and why storage conditions significantly influence potency and aroma preservation.

Breeders select for genetics with slower enzymatic degradation rates to improve storage stability and consistency across multiple harvests. Cultivators managing post-harvest conditions attempt to slow or control these enzymatic processes through temperature, moisture, and anaerobic conditions to preserve desired cannabinoid and terpene profiles.