Multiple scientific studies and lab results have provided compelling evidence that terpenes and volatile metabolites in cannabis rapidly degrade when exposed to light, oxygen, heat, and time, and therefore, reduce the entourage effect that depends on a specific balance of cannabinoids and terpenes. Because of this, what the product label promises is not what the consumer is getting.

The clock starts ticking at harvest, where terpenes start degrading at a rapid rate if not handled and stored correctly. Evaporation, oxidation, or structural change can alter both the composition and balance of compounds.

Fragile Aromas, Fading Effects: The Science of Terpene Loss

Terpenes, the aromatic compounds responsible for cannabis’s distinctive scent and effects, are highly sensitive to environmental stress. Studies show that these same conditions also degrade cannabinoids like THC, which converts to the less potent CBN over time. A 2021 study in the Journal of Cannabis Research found that flower stored at higher temperatures lost both THC and terpene content, while a 2024 Scientific Reports study revealed that UV light can degrade THC and CBD within days.

Each terpene reacts differently to stress. The lighter ones, like pinene and myrcene, start to fade at even modestly warm temperatures. Mid-weight terpenes such as limonene (that bright citrus note) and linalool (the floral lavender scent) hold on a bit longer but still break down when air or light gets in. Even the heavier, more stable compounds—like caryophyllene and humulene—eventually oxidize when storage conditions are poor. As those delicate aromas disappear, so does much of what makes each strain unique, subtly changing the flavor, scent, and effects of the flower.

Beverages Under Attack

Cannabis-infused beverages are particularly susceptible to potency loss if not properly stored. One primary cause is oxidation, where THC degrades into cannabinol (CBN), a compound with significantly less psychoactive effect. This transformation can occur rapidly in beverages due to the increased surface area of emulsified droplets and the presence of oxygen in the liquid. For instance, a study by Vertosa demonstrated that exposure to light and oxygen can lead to a potency loss of up to 8 percent over 12 weeks in specific formulations.

Additionally, physical interactions between the beverage’s emulsion and packaging materials can exacerbate potency loss. Hydrophobic emulsion droplets may adhere to hydrophobic surfaces, such as the interior linings of aluminum cans, leading to a reduction in cannabinoid content over time. To mitigate these issues, it’s best to use antioxidant-rich formulations, select appropriate packaging materials, and maintain proper storage conditions to maintain the efficacy of cannabis-infused beverages.

This is why information on a certificate of analysis can differ dramatically from what a consumer ultimately experiences in the end product.

When product degradation occurs, your label no longer accurately represents the contents of the product, and now the consumer is not receiving what they were promised. The danger also here is in dosing; if THC turns into CBN and loses potency because of degradation, but the label says 10mg of THC, the customer will not have an accurate baseline for dosing.

Improper storage without temperature control can lead to microbes growing in your product, so moisture content and water activity will play a big role in sabotaging shelf stability.

Degradation in Concentrates and Formulated Products

Concentrates, vape oils, and infused products are also vulnerable, if not more so, to degradation. No matter the format, cannabinoids and terpenes are delicate molecules that break down under unfriendly environmental conditions. In fact, research shows that these environmental factors can change the very chemistry of the extract, reducing potency and altering the product’s intended effects.

According to SC Labs, which regularly tests and studies terpene stability, even “sealed” vape cartridges and concentrate jars can experience terpene evaporation and oxidation when exposed to warm or brightly lit environments. Over time, this not only dulls the aroma and flavor but can also create new by-products as terpenes and cannabinoids oxidize. Monoterpenes, the lighter, more volatile compounds that give cannabis its bright, complex aroma, are especially quick to disappear, while heavier sesquiterpenes linger longer but still degrade without proper storage.

A review by Broughton and colleagues (2023) on cannabinoid stability found that THC and CBD are highly unstable under poor conditions, and their breakdown accelerates in liquid or semi-liquid formats like vape oils and emulsions. Another study published in Chemical Research in Toxicology found that high temperatures used in dabbing or vaping can produce degradation by-products, including isoprene and benzene derivatives, especially when terpene concentrations are high. Even during extraction, terpene loss can occur; the transition from flower to concentrate often strips away the lighter aromatics, leaving a narrower and chemically altered profile.

All of this means that the degradation “clock” starts much earlier than most realize, beginning at harvest, accelerating through packaging and transport, and continuing on the dispensary shelf. Proper temperature control, opaque airtight containers, and low-oxygen environments are needed to maintain chemical integrity and preserve the original profile that the product label promises.

Packaging and Storage Impact: Terpene and THC Stability
Terpene and cannabinoid degradation in cannabis products is heavily influenced by packaging and storage conditions. The material and closure system of the packaging are critical for preservation. Semi-permeable plastics or non-airtight closures can allow water vapor and oxygen to penetrate, accelerating product degradation. Packaging specifications, such as water vapor and oxygen transmission rates, directly affect shelf life; cheaper options with higher transmission rates can drastically reduce product quality. Improper handling—leaving packages open, exposing them to heat, or subjecting them to light—can further degrade THC and terpenes, making all cannabis formats, from flower to edibles to concentrates, vulnerable to potency loss.

Retailers play an extremely important role in the preservation process. How cannabis is stored, moved, and displayed in the store can either protect or accelerate product degradation. One of the biggest offenders is the widely used deli-style showcase for selling cannabis flower, where buds are exposed to light and frequent handling, dramatically increasing the risk of terpene and THC loss. Even the most carefully cultivated and processed products can lose stability if retailers fail to maintain proper temperature, light protection, and airtight handling during storage, stocking, and transfer.

The bottom line: Protecting and preserving cannabis means keeping the supply chain cool, airtight, and out of the light, from processing all the way to the retail shelf, where it might impact the stability of your product and a consumer’s experience.

The post The Industry Is Failing At Last Mile Cannabis Preservation appeared first on Cannabis Industry Journal.