{"id":37795,"date":"2025-01-31T08:00:20","date_gmt":"2025-01-31T13:00:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/?p=37795"},"modified":"2026-04-06T07:25:46","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T11:25:46","slug":"at-what-temperature-does-thc-degrade","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/at-what-temperature-does-thc-degrade\/","title":{"rendered":"At What Temperature Does THC Degrade?"},"content":{"rendered":"

No one wants their cannabis quality to degrade, but<\/span> if the THC in your cannabis flower is exposed to certain temperatures or other elements, this can happen very quickly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Degradation can happen to cannabinoids for a number of reasons, and it’s not just flower that’s affected, either. If you\u2019re interested in making edibles, it’s important to understand how decarboxylating cannabis<\/a> differs from THC degradation.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this article, you\u2019ll better understand what THC degradation is, the factors that cause THC degradation, degradation versus decarboxylation, and tips on how to avoid it completely.<\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

What is THC Degradation?<\/b><\/h2>\n

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the part of the cannabis plant that makes people feel \u201chigh,\u201d 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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 <\/span>cannabinol (CBN)<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

CBN is different than<\/span> CBD<\/span><\/a> (cannabidiol) or THC, but it has its own set of benefits. While research regarding CBN and its benefits is still in its early stages,<\/span> some studies suggest<\/span><\/a> it can help with sleep enhancement, pain relief, anti-inflammatory properties, neuroprotective effects, anxiety and stress relief, and appetite stimulation.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, because it\u2019s a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, CBN will not get you \u201chigh\u201d as THC does.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019t see THC levels degrading significantly within that time frame. In fact, cannabis that is properly cured and stored won\u2019t lose its key cannabinoids for up to a year. These key cannabinoids include THC, CBD, and any dominant terpenes.<\/span><\/p>\n

At What Temperature Does THC Degradation Occur?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Ideally, cannabis should be kept and stored at a temperature range between 59\u00b0 – 77\u00b0 (15\u00b0 – 25\u00b0 C).<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00b0 F (0\u00b0 C) or temperatures above 86\u00b0 F (30\u00b0 C).<\/span><\/p>\n

If the cannabis flower is exposed to temperatures of about 110\u00b0 F (43\u00b0 C) for 30 minutes or more, significant THC degradation will take place.<\/span><\/p>\n

For those who use pipes, the resin accumulating on the screen may also be rich in CBN because of this heat degradation.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

THC Degradation Vs. Decarboxylation<\/b><\/h2>\n

Since heat is also required when<\/span> making homemade cannabis edibles<\/span><\/a>, decarboxylating your cannabis flower is necessary for this process. Without decarboxylating, it won\u2019t have its sought-after medicinal or recreational benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

THCA is found in raw cannabis, and when exposed to the proper amount of heat, it activates to become <\/span>THC<\/span><\/a> and<\/span> CBD<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cannabis decarboxylation naturally occurs when the plant is smoked or vaporized, but smoked cannabis isn\u2019t fully activated when burned. This is why decarbing is necessary to create the proper potency when making edibles.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unlike degradation, decarboxylation occurs at the higher temperature of 240\u00b0 (115\u00b0 C) when exposed for about 30-40 minutes. If the temperature is higher, such as at 320\u00b0 (160\u00b0 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\u00b0 F (200\u00b0 C). <\/span>However, if the temperature is higher than 392\u00b0 F (200\u00b0 C) and the cannabis is exposed for longer than a few seconds, rapid degradation will start instead.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Factors Cause THC Degradation?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Exposure to UV light, humidity, oxygen, and certain heat and cold levels naturally trigger THC degradation.<\/span><\/p>\n