Heat Degradation
Heat degradation refers to the breakdown of cannabis terpenes and cannabinoids when exposed to temperatures exceeding their individual vaporization or decomposition thresholds. Most monoterpenes begin degrading around 150–160°C, while some sesquiterpenes remain stable slightly higher. This process is central to post-harvest handling, storage, and extraction workflows, as improper temperature management can significantly alter the volatile compound profile before consumption. Understanding heat degradation patterns helps breeders and producers preserve chemotype expression and lineage integrity across the supply chain.
Heat Degradation strains
No strains tagged into Heat Degradation yet — they'll appear here as breeders submit lineage records under this terpene.
Heat degradation refers to the breakdown of cannabis terpenes and cannabinoids when exposed to temperatures exceeding their individual vaporization or decomposition thresholds. Most monoterpenes begin degrading around 150–160°C, while some sesquiterpenes remain stable slightly higher. This process is central to post-harvest handling, storage, and extraction workflows, as improper temperature management can significantly alter the volatile compound profile before consumption. Understanding heat degradation patterns helps breeders and producers preserve chemotype expression and lineage integrity across the supply chain.
Breeders working in drying, curing, and storage protocols use heat degradation data to inform optimal preservation practices. Some cultivars with heat-sensitive terpene profiles require lower-temperature drying to maintain desired aromatic complexity, which influences breeding decisions around environmental resilience and shelf stability.
Educational reference · Cultivar metadata only · No medical claims