Quick Answer:
THC degradation refers to a chemical reaction that causes tetrahydrocannabinol to break down into different compounds. This can be accelerated by high temperatures however, it’s impossible to say exactly what temperature will instantly reduce THC levels.
Understanding the effects of temperature and how to preserve the quality and cannabinoids of your cannabis is key. Whether you’re using dried flower, concentrates, oils or infusions, exposing your cannabis to too high of a temperature can cause a reduction in the overall amount of THC present in your product. Knowing how temperature affects cannabinoids can help you understand how to avoid reducing potency.
It is often confusing when looking into the effects of heat on your cannabis and THC. While heating your cannabis can cause THCA to turn into THC (decarboxylation), if exposed at high temperatures or for long periods of time can cause cannabinoids to degrade.
What Is THC Degradation?
THC degradation is the chemical changes that occur when Tetrahydrocannabinol begins to degrade. THC is the main psychoactive Cannabinoid found in cannabis and can begin to change chemically when exposed to heat, light and oxygen. One chemical often associated with this process is Cannabinol (CBN).
This can cause the Cannabinoid profile of your cannabis product to change, meaning that the THC levels may not be the same as when your product was initially made. It is not guaranteed that all of the THC will turn into CBN, there are many other chemical reactions that can occur.
At What Temperature Will THC Degradation?
Whilst there isn’t a specific temperature that initiates immediate degradation of the THC, some sources suggest a high temperature of around 392F/200 Degrees Celcius. However research suggests that cannabinoids degrade based on the temperature and the length of time they are exposed to. The longer they are stored for, the more likely it is they will degrade at lower temperatures.
A study from 2022 discovered that thermal degradation can cause noticeable changes to cannabinoids (Frontiers in Chemistry). A 4 year study also discovered that THC degradation and CBN creation was influenced by temperature and light exposure. This shows that it is more accurate to discuss thermal exposure and the length of time something is exposed.
Heat Exposure
How much thermal exposure there is and how hot it gets will determine how much impact it has. Sometimes short thermal exposure won’t have the same effect as longer exposure. Continual exposure to high temperatures can start to cause undesired chemical changes.
Key things to remember:
- Cold storage: If stored properly and in consistent conditions then THC can be fairly stable.
- Long exposure to medium heat: This can start to have an impact on cannabinoids.
- High heat exposure: Intense or continued exposure can speed up chemical degradation.
- Too much heat during processing: Too much heat can cause undesired changes to cannabinoids.
THC Activation vs THC Degradation
THC activation and degradation are two separate processes. Activation is generally referring to converting the acidic form of THC (THCA) into the active THC. Degradation is referring to various chemical reactions occurring that cause a decrease in THC and can also change the cannabinoid profile.
Activation can be achieved by heating THCA but will not necessarily have a negative effect on your THC levels. If you follow a controlled process to activate your THCA then you should avoid any issues. However heating too much and for too long can cause a loss.
Decarboxylation
Decarboxylation is the removal of the carboxyl group from THCA to create THC. This will naturally occur when heating cannabis such as smoking, vaping and some cooking methods. The rate of this reaction will depend on the temperature, time and nature of the cannabis being used.
As explained on Health Canada’s health professional site, the decarboxylation of THCA can occur at various temperatures however higher temps will generally increase the rate of the reaction. However higher temperatures do not always mean you will get a better result. Too high of temps can encourage unwanted chemical reactions and decrease the stability of cannabinoids.
What Causes to THC Degradate?
Although heat plays a big role in the degradation of cannabinoids, factors such as light, oxygen, humidity and time can play a role in how much your cannabis degrades. Storing them in a warm, well lit place with lots of air exposure could make your product degrade at a much faster rate.
Main Factors:
- Temperature: Increased temperatures can increase chemical reactions which affect the stability of THC.
- Light: Direct sunlight and UV light can cause degradation.
- Oxygen: Oxygen can cause oxidation.
- Humidity: Too much humidity can cause mould to grow in your product. If it’s too dry you can cause changes in texture and smell.
- Time: Cannabinoids can slowly begin to change.
In a four year study published in Forensic Science International, they found that there were large differences in THC and CBN levels when stored under different conditions. They noticed that temperature caused differences in the rate of THC conversion whilst light caused differences in rate and type of chemical reactions. This shows that storing your cannabis properly requires more than just keeping them away from high temperatures.
How to Store Your Cannabis to Help Keep THC
Storing cannabis products correctly can help reduce unwanted changes to cannabinoids and maintain the overall quality of your product. It’s important to store them somewhere that is not too hot, not in direct sunlight, has limited air exposure and is not too moist. However, the ideal conditions may depend on what type of product you have (flower, oil, concentrate, edible), so always follow the manufacturers guidelines.
In terms of general storage, it’s best to store in original packaging if it offers suitable protection. Ensure that containers are sealed and try to avoid storing in areas where the temperature fluctuates. Not all products will need to be refrigerated or frozen, but some may be affected by condensation and temperature change.
Ideally:
- Store out of direct sunlight.
- Ensure they are in suitable airtight packaging.
- Store in a cool place with relatively stable temperature.
- Avoid storing in cars, near heaters or in sunshine on windowsills.
- Always follow the manufacturers guidelines for storing oils, concentrates and edibles.
For further information on how different storage conditions can affect your cannabis, see our related article on how long cannabis products last.
Does THC Turn Into CBN When It Breaks Down?
CBN is one of the compounds that are involved in the degradation process of THC. It is often noticed that CBN levels rise while THC levels fall. This is why it is often referenced when discussing how cannabis degrades.
However, it is incorrect to assume that all of the THC will turn into CBN but instead it is based on a few factors. These include what the original cannabinoid profile was, how it was stored and for how long. CBN itself is a different cannabinoid.
Does THC Degradation Vary Between Flower, Oils and Edibles?
Depending on the composition, formulation, processing and packaging of a product, different cannabis products will display different stability profiles. For example, dried flower products may degrade due to increased temperatures, exposure to light and oxygen. Concentrates and oils may also display different degradation profiles.
Edible products will also require further consideration as the ingredients within the food product may degrade independently. Even if there are still some cannabinoids present, it is possible that the product may not be suitable anymore if it was not stored properly or has gone past the recommended expiry. Please refer to the storage requirements for each product.
Why is knowing how THC Degradation important for Medical Cannabis Patients?
Understanding Cannabinoid Stability will help medical cannabis patients make informed choices. The product you receive may not reflect the original amount of THC it contained due to exposure to incorrect storage conditions. Remember there are many factors involved in medical cannabis product quality including formulation, ingredients, labelling and personal health.
Patients who are looking into obtaining a Medical Marijuana Card may have questions about the amounts of THC, what products are available and the difference between different formulations. Qualified Medical Marijuana Doctors can help with general health factors and whether a Medical Cannabis Recommendation should be made. Patients researching Medical Cannabis Cards or Medical Marijuana Certificates should seek professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does THC degradation?
THC can degrade over time with storage. Higher temperatures will increase the likelihood of THC degradation occurring. This will not happen at a set temperature due to multiple factors including how long it is stored, light exposure, oxygen exposure and what is in the product.
Will THC degradation in a room temperature environment?
THC can degrade over time in a room temperature environment, however with good packaging and a stable storage area you can slow down this issue. Cannabis will still have some light and oxygen exposure over long periods of time.
Does Heat Convert THC To CBN?
THC can degrade and this can contribute to the creation of CBN, however this is not a one to one conversion. Research has found that there are changes to THC and CBN levels depending on storage and heating. Other chemical by products could also form.
Does Decarboxylation Destroy THC?
Decarboxylation converts THCA to THC. This means it is an activation process. Too much heat or too long can cause extra chemical reactions to occur which can cause instability with cannabinoids.
Can Old Cannabis Still Contain THC?
Yes, old cannabis can still contain THC. The levels may not be as high as they once were. This depends on what was in the product to start with and how much heat, light and oxygen it has been exposed to.
Does THC Degradation Faster In The Sun?
Exposure to light can cause cannabinoids to degrade. Leaving cannabis out in the sun for long periods of time can cause this. Research has found that light is a key factor in THC stability. Using light proof packaging and storage will help.
Conclusion
This is a gradual process where heat, light, oxygen, moisture and time play a role in the THC degradation of THC. Whilst high heat can cause more rapid change to the cannabinoids, each cannabis product will be affected differently depending on the storage conditions. Knowing the difference between activating THCA and degrading THC will help you understand why controlled heat sources and overheating can have different effects.
To ensure your product maintains its quality, it is best to keep your cannabis out of direct sunlight, reduce unnecessary exposure to heat and keep your product sealed. As with any product, no matter how you store your cannabis it will not retain its original chemical profile for an indefinite amount of time.
Explore Medical Cannabis With Professional Guidance
Understanding THC and cannabis products can help you make informed decisions. Consult a qualified healthcare professional to explore suitable options, benefits, and potential risks.
>>Get Your Medical Marijuana Card<<