At What Temperature Does THC Distillate Degrade?
The tetrahydrocannabinol distillate is one of the purest forms of THC available. Unfortunately, the potency and purity can degrade under certain conditions, especially exposure to high temperatures. So, at what temperature does THC distillate degrade?
If you want to have the ultimate experience, our expert guide is just for you. Thanks to our presence and expertise in the cannabis industry, we have some insider tips for preserving the potency of your THC distillate.
Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: 420MediaCo
Understanding THC Distillate Stability
There is no doubt that THC distillates are one of the products with the highest potency and purity. However, no matter the consumption method, many factors might influence its quality and effectiveness.
The degradation of the THC starts at the moment the flower is harvested. Hence, understanding the factors affecting THC stability is vital if you want to preserve its potency.
In fact, many studies have focused on the stability of THC. One of the most important findings is that the THC percentage in the cannabis plant proportionally degrades with time.
The degradation of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, typically happens naturally. By exposing it to air, humidity, light, and heat, the THC may experience a change in its quality.
But how does THC distillate lose potency? The table below shows how THC distillate loses potency when stored for four years.
| Storage Time | THC Decrease |
|---|---|
| One year | 16.6% ±7.4 |
| Two years | 26.8% ±7.3 |
| Three years | 34.5% ±7.6 |
| Four years | 41.4% ±6.5 |
According to other data, storing cannabis plants at room temperature might result in 3-5% THC loss per month. Consequently, the psychoactive effects of the flower might be lessened because of the reduced THC potency.
At What Temperature Does THC Distillate Degrade?
Besides the natural degradation process, the THC distillate might degrade in specific situations and environmental settings. THC distillates may start to degrade at temperatures as low as 248 °F.
However, significant changes are noticed at temperatures of 392 °F. As a matter of fact, between 392 °F and 482 °F, the THC compounds can decompose.
The effect of cold temperatures on THC distillates
You might think that THC degradation is affected only by high temperatures. Yet, exposure to cold temperatures may also decrease the THC percentage. Also, the plant’s concentrations of THC are more likely to decline faster than CBD concentration when left at 50 °F for 10 days.
Conversely, another study showed that freezing temperatures might help preserve the flower's quality and potency. If you want to avoid THC degradation and potency loss, you can store the product at temperatures of -4 °F.
Optimal storage temperature for preserving THC potency
In our experience and according to various studies, the optimal temperature for storing cannabis is between 60 °F and 70 °F. Storing the THC distillate and flower at optimal temperatures may help maintain its potency and prevent degradation.
In addition, we also recommend avoiding drastic temperature changes. Ideally, you should store your THC distillate at a stable and moderate temperature.
Other Factors Influencing THC Degradation
Besides the temperature, other crucial factors influence THC degradation. The three most important ones are humidity, light, and air.
Humidity
The THC degradation process may be sped up if you keep the product in a highly moisture environment. The humidity not only influences degradation, but in some cases, it might lead to microbial growth. Hence, we always recommend keeping the THC distillates in dry places to avoid such moisture-related issues.
Keep in mind that storing the flower in an environment with low humidity is also not recommended. If the cannabis is over-dried, it won’t offer the desired effects of its use.
Light
Light is also a crucial factor in THC degradation. Exposure to both artificial and natural UV light may affect the degradation of THC. Plus, light can assist in the breakdown of THC’s organic components.
Generally looking, only long-term exposure to UV light may contribute to the process of degradation. In fact, light is one of the greatest factors for the loss of cannabinoids and THC.
Oxygen
Oxygen and its ability to oxidize compounds contribute to THC degradation and transformation to CBN. If the THC distillate or flower is exposed to oxygen, it might speed up the process of degradation.
The oxygen may lead to a change in the chemical composition of the THC distillate. Consequently, the product might have reduced potency and terpene degradation.
Another influence the oxidation may have on the distillate is changing its color. If the THC distillate isn’t properly stored, it might darken.
What Happens When THC Degrades?
Conversely to other compounds, when the THC degrades, it doesn’t evaporate. Instead, the THC converts into a cannabinoid, or CBN for short. The higher the temperatures the THC is exposed to, the higher the percentage of THC will be degraded and turned into CBN.
| Temperature | % THC Degraded | % of CBN Formed from Degraded THC |
|---|---|---|
| 248 °F | 2.8 | 9.01 |
| 320 °F | 2.09 | 7.79 |
| 392 °F | 5.66 | 29.08 |
When the THC transforms into CBN, the potency of the THC distillate will be affected. Also, the psychoactive effects of the THC may be reduced while possibly increasing the sleep-inducing effects. Other potential effects of CBN may include:
Pain relief
Anti-epileptic features
Anti-inflammation
Appetite stimulation
Signs of THC Degradation
In addition to knowing at what temperature THC distillate degrades, we know it’s extremely important to know how to recognize if it has been degraded. Unfortunately, regarding THC distillate, you can figure out if it has been degraded according to the side effects you may feel.
Other common signs your THC has degraded or potentially turned bad are:
Color change
Thicker structure or signs of crystallization
Reduced potency
Questionable taste
When it comes to the flower itself, you can tell according to its visual appearance. Flowers that are rich in THC have milky white trichomes. On the other hand, if you notice the trichomes have turned golden, it might be a sign that the THC has transformed into CBN.
Tips for Avoiding THC Distillate Degradation
Considering the nature of THC distillate, we can safely say that there is no way to stop THC degradation altogether. However, what you can do is slow the process down. Here are some expert tips we have for you:
Avoid keeping THC distillate or other cannabis products in plastic-based containers or bags. The best way is to keep it in a sealed glass jar.
Ensure the container has optimal oxygen levels and don’t overfill it.
Watch out for the humidity in the room. Ideally, keep the product in spaces with humidity between 59% and 63%.
If you are storing the THC distillate for longer than six months, use a vacuum air sealer to remove the air. You can use silicone containers for this purpose.
Keep the flower and concentrate away from direct sunlight as well as in a cool and dry spot.
Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: fukume
Conclusion
At what temperature does THC distillate degrade? Being informed isn’t the only thing you should know if you want to consume a high-quality and potent product. It is your responsibility to store the distillate in a cool, dry place without constant exposure to artificial or natural UV light.
Remember that temperature regulation is fundamental from the very moment the flower is harvested. With our expert tips, it will be easy to keep the THC distillate stability so you may enjoy its effects.
