Light Degradation
Light degradation refers to the chemical breakdown of cannabinoids and terpenes when cannabis plant material is exposed to prolonged or intense light, particularly UV and visible spectra. This process affects both dried flower and concentrated extracts, degrading THCa and CBDa into their decarboxylated forms and altering volatile terpene profiles. Breeders and cultivators study light degradation patterns to inform storage protocols and preservation techniques. Understanding degradation kinetics helps inform breeding decisions around cultivar stability and post-harvest handling recommendations. This trait family encompasses environmental factors rather than genetic traits, but remains central to seed and biomass preservation standards.
Light Degradation strains
No strains tagged into Light Degradation yet — they'll appear here as breeders submit lineage records under this family.
Light degradation refers to the chemical breakdown of cannabinoids and terpenes when cannabis plant material is exposed to prolonged or intense light, particularly UV and visible spectra. This process affects both dried flower and concentrated extracts, degrading THCa and CBDa into their decarboxylated forms and altering volatile terpene profiles. Breeders and cultivators study light degradation patterns to inform storage protocols and preservation techniques. Understanding degradation kinetics helps inform breeding decisions around cultivar stability and post-harvest handling recommendations. This trait family encompasses environmental factors rather than genetic traits, but remains central to seed and biomass preservation standards.
While light degradation is not heritable, breeders document which cultivars show greater cannabinoid and terpene stability under standard storage conditions. This data informs recommendations for seed banks and commercial growers seeking cultivars with stable chemical profiles across storage durations.
Educational reference · Cultivar metadata only · No medical claims