Post Harvest Biochemistry

Post-harvest biochemistry describes the chemical transformations that occur in cannabis plant material after harvest, including decarboxylation, terpene volatilization, and cannabinoid conversion. These processes are influenced by drying conditions, temperature, humidity, light exposure, and storage environment. Understanding post-harvest biochemistry is essential for seed breeders and cultivators evaluating true cannabinoid and terpene profiles, since raw plant material (CBDA, THCA) differs chemically from aged or heated material (CBD, THC). Lineage records and breeding trials often account for these shifts when documenting strain potency and flavor characteristics. Proper documentation of harvest-to-storage protocols helps breeders standardize their phenotype assessments and genetic selections.

Breeders use post-harvest biochemistry knowledge to accurately test cannabinoid ratios and terpene stability across generations. Controlled curing and storage conditions ensure reproducible genetic expression data, allowing selection for traits like oxidation resistance or terpene retention.