How Terpenes Break Down and How to Preserve Them
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Reading time 4 min
CONTENTS
When you buy CBD online or in a store, you often pay attention to the CBD content. However, terpenes also play a role in the product’s quality, but they’re fragile and can break down quickly if not stored properly. Let’s take a closer look.
Things to remember
Terpenes are sensitive to heat, light, and air.
Improper storage can alter the aromas and reduce the richness of the terpene profile.
Proper storage helps preserve the natural qualities of products for longer.
Terpenes are fragile molecules
What exactly are terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds naturally produced by many plants. They help protect plants from certain predators, attract pollinators, and contribute to their adaptation to the environment.
In hemp, they are primarily produced in the trichomes— those small resinous glands that cover the CBD flowers. These are what give the different varieties their characteristic scents.
Some flowers develop citrusy notes thanks to limonene. Others have earthier aromas dominated by myrcene. Pinene, on the other hand, imparts resinous notes reminiscent of conifers, while linalool is more reminiscent of lavender.
Why are they important?
Terpenes directly influence the aromatic profile of CBD flowers, resins, and extracts.
Beyond their scent, they are also the subject of extensive scientific research. Several studies have examined their individual biological properties as well as their potential interactions with cannabinoids.
Although some mechanisms still need to be explored, researchers now consider the terpene profile to be an important factor in the overall quality of a hemp-based product.
Heat, one of the main enemies of terpenes
Terpenes are volatile
Terpenes belong to a family of highly volatile molecules. In practical terms, this meansthey evaporate easily when exposed to high temperatures. This characteristic explains why a freshly harvested flower often gives off an intense aroma that gradually fades over time.
Each terpene has its own boiling point. Some begin to evaporate at relatively low temperatures.
The Effects of High Temperatures
When flowers or extracts are exposed to excessive heat, some of the terpenes may gradually break down.
This deterioration directly alters the product's original flavor profile. A flower that once had complex and balanced notes can become much more bland after several weeks in a warm environment.
The terpenes most sensitive to heat
Not all terpenes react in the same way. Myrcene, limonene, and pinene are among the most volatile compounds in hemp. They are often the first to decrease when a product is stored under poor conditions.
Light and oxygen are two factors that are often underestimated in degradation
The Impact of UV Rays on Aromatic Compounds
Light—and ultraviolet rays in particular —can accelerate the degradation of many plant compounds, and terpenes are no exception.
Prolonged exposure to sunlight promotes photochemical reactions that can alter their molecular structure. This degradation is generally accompanied by a gradual loss of the most delicate aromas.
This is one of the main reasons why manufacturers often opt for opaque or tinted packaging.
Oxidation caused by air
When exposed to air, certain terpenes gradually oxidize. This phenomenon is similar to what happens when a cut apple turns brown after a few hours of exposure.
In the case of hemp, this oxidation gradually alters the chemical composition of the terpenes and can cause the original scent to change.
The more often a container is opened, the more it is exposed to oxygen, and thus the risk of spoilage increases.
What Happens During Long-Term Storage
Over time, heat, light, and oxygen often have a cumulative effect.
Even a very high-quality product can gradually lose some of its aromatic richness when stored for several months under improper conditions.
This is why analyses of flowers that have been stored for long periods often reveal a decrease in certain particularly fragile terpenes.
How can you effectively preserve terpenes in your daily life?
Proper Storage Conditions
To preserve terpenes for as long as possible, the goal is simple: limit exposure to heat, light, and oxygen.
I recommend storing your products in a cool, dry, and dark place. The ideal temperature for CBD flowers is often between 15 and 20 °C.
Recommended Containers
You can store your flowers in airtight glass jars; this is a very effective way to keep them fresh. Glass doesn't alter the aromas and protects the flowers better than many types of plastic.
Tinted containers also provide additional protection against UV rays.
The Most Common Mistakes
Certain habits can unintentionally speed up the breakdown of terpenes, so take note.
Leaving a jar open for long periods of time, storing flowers near a heat source, or exposing the products to direct sunlight are among the most common mistakes I see.
By understanding how heat, light, and air affect these delicate molecules, you can preserve the natural flavor of your products for longer.
Article written by Benjamin Poirel-Nadal
Passionate about natural well-being and plants with multiple virtues, I've been exploring the benefits of CBD and its various forms for several years.
My aim? To share with you clear information, honest opinions and practical advice to help you integrate CBD into your daily life with confidence and serenity.
