Microbial Terpene Conversion

Microbial terpene conversion refers to the biotransformation of cannabis-derived terpenes through bacterial or fungal metabolism during post-harvest processing, storage, or fermentation. When cannabis plant material is exposed to microorganisms—intentionally or through environmental conditions—terpene molecules can be enzymatically modified into secondary or novel volatile compounds. This process is distinct from the plant's own terpene biosynthesis and has been documented in both traditional fermentation practices and modern extraction workflows. Breeders and processors increasingly recognize microbial conversion as a factor influencing final aromatic profiles, particularly in aged flower or kombucha-style cannabis infusions. Understanding these transformations is relevant for quality control and reproducibility in cultivation and post-harvest handling.

While breeders primarily focus on selecting parent plants for terpene production, knowledge of microbial conversion helps processors and quality teams predict how specific strain genetics will evolve post-harvest. Strains with higher volatile terpene content may undergo more pronounced microbial transformation during storage or fermentation, affecting final aroma stability and consistency across b