Sesquiterpene Pathway

Sesquiterpenes are a class of 15-carbon terpenes produced via the mevalonate and methylerythritol phosphate pathways in cannabis, resulting in compounds like β-caryophyllene, α-humulene, and β-myrcene. These larger molecules form a significant portion of cannabis volatile profiles and are frequently associated with spicy, woody, and herbal aromatic characteristics. Sesquiterpene expression is influenced by genetics, environmental stress, harvest timing, and post-harvest handling. Breeders selecting for specific sesquiterpene-dominant chemotypes often observe correlated expression with certain cannabinoid profiles and minor terpene ratios. Understanding sesquiterpene biosynthesis helps explain phenotypic variation within strain families and informs preservation strategies for volatile compounds during storage and processing.

Breeders working in sesquiterpene-dominant categories use marker-assisted selection and progeny testing to stabilize desired sesquiterpene ratios across generations. Sesquiterpene profiles are commonly leveraged to differentiate strain families and predict stability of aromatic expression in F1 and stabilized lines.