Thermal Degradation

Thermal degradation refers to the chemical breakdown of cannabis compounds when exposed to heat above their stability thresholds. This process affects cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant metabolites, particularly during extraction, processing, or storage in warm conditions. Understanding thermal degradation is critical for breeders and processors seeking to preserve desired chemical profiles. Different cannabinoids and terpenes degrade at different temperatures; for example, some terpenes volatilize below 100°C while certain cannabinoids remain more stable at higher ranges. Lineage records frequently report that cultivars with robust terpene expression may show greater sensitivity to heat-induced losses during handling. Breeders working in preservation genetics often select for plant chemistry that maintains stability across typical post-harvest workflows.

Breeders focused on extraction and processing genetics prioritize cultivars with stable cannabinoid and terpene profiles that resist thermal breakdown during standard handling temperatures. Selection for heat-stable chemotypes supports consistent product quality and reduces losses during decarboxylation, distillation, or other heat-dependent production methods.