Lipid Oxidation

Lipid oxidation refers to the degradation of fatty acids and lipids in cannabis plant material, typically occurring during drying, curing, and storage. This chemical process can alter the volatile terpene profile and contribute to changes in aroma complexity over time. Breeders and cultivators track lipid oxidation as a preservation concern, since oxidized lipids may influence the sensory characteristics of stored flower. The process is accelerated by heat, light, and oxygen exposure, making storage conditions a critical factor in terpene stability. Understanding lipid oxidation helps inform breeding selections for cultivars with more stable terpene expression during post-harvest handling.

Breeders working with preservation genetics often select for plant material with higher antioxidant compound production or denser trichome structures that may slow oxidative processes. Genetic stability during storage is increasingly relevant for cultivars intended for extended shelf life or long-term seed banking.