Post Harvest Terpenes

Post-harvest terpenes refer to volatile compounds that develop, degrade, or transform after cannabis flowers are harvested and dried, rather than during active plant growth. Environmental factors—temperature, humidity, light exposure, and air circulation—significantly influence terpene stability and profile shifts during curing and storage. Some terpenes like myrcene are prone to oxidation and evaporation, while others become more pronounced as chlorophyll breaks down and plant metabolism ceases. Understanding post-harvest terpene dynamics is crucial for breeders and cultivators aiming to preserve desired aromatic profiles or intentionally develop specific characteristics through controlled drying and curing protocols.

Breeders assess terpene retention by evaluating stability across different drying and curing conditions, selecting genetics that maintain or enhance aromatic complexity post-harvest. Cultivation protocols and storage methods are studied alongside genetics to identify which strain families demonstrate superior terpene preservation or desirable transformation patterns.