Light Dependent Degradation

Light-dependent degradation refers to the photochemical breakdown of cannabinoids and terpenes when cannabis material is exposed to prolonged UV light or intense visible light during storage or cultivation. This process degrades THCa, CBDa, and aromatic compounds into secondary metabolites, altering the chemical profile over time. Breeders and cultivators track this phenomenon when designing storage protocols and evaluating cultivar stability. Understanding light sensitivity helps inform seed banking practices, cure conditions, and post-harvest handling recommendations. Some genetics show greater resistance to photodegradation than others, a trait of interest in preservation breeding programs.

Breeders working in preservation genetics and seed banking seek cultivars with enhanced photostability to maintain cannabinoid and terpene profiles across storage periods. Light-dependent degradation testing informs decisions about phenotype selection for long-term seed viability and material archiving.