Temperature Expression

Temperature expression refers to how a cannabis plant's terpene profile and phenotypic traits shift in response to growing conditions, particularly heat and cold exposure during different growth stages. Environmental factors like nighttime temperature drops, heat stress, and seasonal shifts can alter the volatile compound composition, affecting both aroma and flavor profiles at harvest. Breeders and cultivators have long observed that identical genetics grown in different temperature ranges often produce noticeably different terpene ratios and plant structures. This phenomenon is distinct from genetic expression, though both interact—some cultivars show stable terpene profiles across environments, while others are highly responsive. Understanding temperature expression is crucial for seed bank documentation and cultivation protocols, as it influences consistency across different growing

Breeders working in controlled environments use temperature profiling to identify which genetics express desired terpene blends reliably or variably. Seed producers document temperature-sensitive traits to provide cultivators with accurate phenotype expectations and inform regional strain recommendations.