No one wants their cannabis quality to degrade, but if the THC in your cannabis flower is exposed to certain temperatures or other elements, this can happen very quickly.
Degradation can happen to cannabinoids for a number of reasons, and it’s not just flower that’s affected, either. If you’re interested in making edibles, it’s important to understand how decarboxylating cannabis differs from THC degradation.
In this article, you’ll better understand what THC degradation is, the factors that cause THC degradation, degradation versus decarboxylation, and tips on how to avoid it completely.
What is THC Degradation?
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the part of the cannabis plant that makes people feel “high,” can and does break down over time. This reduction in the quality or quantity of THC in a cannabis plant post-harvest is called THC degradation.
THC degradation is a natural process that occurs after buds are harvested and dried. Typically, over a longer period of time, THC degrades and oxidizes into cannabinol (CBN).
CBN is different than CBD (cannabidiol) or THC, but it has its own set of benefits. While research regarding CBN and its benefits is still in its early stages, some studies suggest it can help with sleep enhancement, pain relief, anti-inflammatory properties, neuroprotective effects, anxiety and stress relief, and appetite stimulation.
However, because it’s a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, CBN will not get you “high” as THC does.
Since CBN is produced as the plant ages, fresh cannabis only contains minimal quantities of CBN, but it increases in concentration as the plant continues to age.
If cannabis is kept at the right temperature and in ideal storage conditions, the natural degradation of cannabis is typically very slow. For example, if the cannabis plant is dried and then cured for a few months, normally you won’t see THC levels degrading significantly within that time frame. In fact, cannabis that is properly cured and stored won’t lose its key cannabinoids for up to a year. These key cannabinoids include THC, CBD, and any dominant terpenes.
At What Temperature Does THC Degradation Occur?
Ideally, cannabis should be kept and stored at a temperature range between 59° – 77° (15° – 25° C).
If the cannabis plant has already been dried and cured, it can typically tolerate being slightly warmer or cooler than the ideal temperature ranges listed above, should it be exposed to them. However, a more rapid form of THC degradation can occur once you approach temperatures below 32° F (0° C) or temperatures above 86° F (30° C).
If the cannabis flower is exposed to temperatures of about 110° F (43° C) for 30 minutes or more, significant THC degradation will take place.
For those who use pipes, the resin accumulating on the screen may also be rich in CBN because of this heat degradation.
THC Degradation Vs. Decarboxylation
Since heat is also required when making homemade cannabis edibles, decarboxylating your cannabis flower is necessary for this process. Without decarboxylating, it won’t have its sought-after medicinal or recreational benefits.
Decarboxylation, also known as decarbing, is a chemical reaction occurring when raw cannabis is heated to certain temperatures to activate its therapeutic cannabinoids. Technically, every time you light up a joint or bowl, you are decarboxylating the weed. The process of making things like tinctures, topicals, or edibles is a bit more involved.
THCA is found in raw cannabis, and when exposed to the proper amount of heat, it activates to become THC and CBD.
Cannabis decarboxylation naturally occurs when the plant is smoked or vaporized, but smoked cannabis isn’t fully activated when burned. This is why decarbing is necessary to create the proper potency when making edibles.
Unlike degradation, decarboxylation occurs at the higher temperature of 240° (115° C) when exposed for about 30-40 minutes. If the temperature is higher, such as at 320° (160° C), it takes only 10 minutes for cannabis to decarboxylate. It can take mere seconds for cannabis to decarboxylate if the temperature is at 392° F (200° C). However, if the temperature is higher than 392° F (200° C) and the cannabis is exposed for longer than a few seconds, rapid degradation will start instead.
What Factors Cause THC Degradation?
Exposure to UV light, humidity, oxygen, and certain heat and cold levels naturally trigger THC degradation.
- UV Light: When cannabis is exposed to ultraviolet light (UV light), also known as sunlight, this can degrade its cannabinoids. However, other forms of UV light besides sunlight can also degrade THC, such as incandescent lights, halogen lights, fluorescent lights, or mercury vapor lighting.
- Humidity: Ideally, the humidity levels for storing cannabis after it’s dried and cured are between 55% to 65%, with around 62% being the most ideal, so storing cannabis flower in environments that aren’t too humid is ideal. Too much humidity can cause a more rapid THC degradation along with encouraging mildew or mold growth. Small temperature and humidity sensors, called hygrometers, will fit perfectly in most cannabis storage containers and are beneficial for monitoring these levels.
- Oxygen: The more the cannabis plant is exposed to oxygen, the more it will degrade.
Tips On Avoiding THC Degradation
Fresh cannabis that has little degradation is potent and has the maximum therapeutic effects and benefits. Unfortunately, there is no way to completely stop THC from degradation — but you can slow this process down in a few ways.
To slow down the THC degradation process, proper short and long-term cannabis storage is vitally important. When cannabis is properly stored, it minimizes exposure to these degradation triggers.
Some tips for slowing down the THC degradation process are:
- Use An Air-Tight Sealed Container: Keeping cannabis in a properly sealed air-tight container is the best way to keep cannabis fresh and degrading at a slow rate. Mason jars, for example, are a great storage option for keeping some of these elements away from your cannabis. It’s also a great way to monitor and adjust the humidity levels within the jar. Be sure to keep your jars about three-quarters of the way full so there isn’t too much or too little oxygen available within the jar.
- Where Your Jars Are Stored Matters: While air-tight jars are a fantastic way to keep air out while regulating humidity and oxygen, where you keep your jars stored is equally important. If jars are left out in the open where they are exposed to natural and artificial light, this will degrade the THC even within the jar. Keep your jars in an area with no direct sunlight, and ideally, somewhere that’s almost always dark. You can use UV light-blocking mason jars, but storing the jars in a dark area regardless is still the best method. Some of the best places to store cannabis are in a closet or a drawer in a bedroom. Low-level cabinets in your kitchen are a great option too as long as it’s far from kitchen appliances, which give off excessive heat. A dry area in your basement away from things like water tanks or clothes washers and dryers, which could cause moisture-related issues, is also ideal.
You can learn more about how to properly store your home-grown harvest or bought-in-bulk cannabis flower here.
Final Takeaways
Understanding how THC degradation occurs and why it’s essential for preserving the qualities of fresh cannabis will help you keep your flower as potent and medically beneficial as possible.
THC will slowly and naturally degrade over time, turning into CBN, a compound with its own unique benefits. However, CBN will not get you high like THC does.
The THC degradation process can be accelerated if cannabis is exposed to light, humidity, oxygen, and especially certain heat levels. Proper storage practices, such as using air-tight containers, maintaining optimal humidity levels, and storing cannabis in a cool, dark place, are the key to slowing down THC degradation.
Additionally, differentiating between degradation and decarboxylation is crucial, especially for those making edibles or other cannabis products. While decarboxylation activates THC at higher temperatures, excessive heat can cause rapid degradation, reducing potency among other side effects.
By understanding how THC can degrade and avoiding common degradation pitfalls, cannabis consumers can enjoy the maximum therapeutic benefits of their cannabis and ensure its potency — even when stored for long periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long until THC degrades?
How long it takes until your THC degrades depends on how it’s stored. By storing it properly in a cool, dry place, it can last up to a year without significant drops in potency.
Does THC degrade at high temperatures?
Yes. If the temperature reaches above 86° F (30° C), the cannabis will begin to degrade quickly. As the temperature gets higher, the degradation happens faster.
Does THC degrade faster than CBD?
Yes, THC will breakdown faster than non-psychoactive cannabinoids like CBD.
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