## 4 Stability of _C. sativa_ L. Aroma and Flavor Compounds  
### Factors Affecting the Stability of Aroma and Flavor Compounds  
Protecting the stability of terpenes and volatile compounds is vital for maintaining the sensory and therapeutic qualities of _C. sativa_ L. as they are sensitive to environmental conditions, some of which can lead to degradation or changes in the aroma and flavor. Understanding and enhancing preservation techniques is crucial for ensuring product quality and longevity. By developing better preservation methods and understanding environmental impacts, researchers and producers can maintain the sensory and therapeutic attributes of cannabis from harvest to consumption.  
Other industrial plants can serve as a reference when considering appropriate environmental conditions for cannabis. For example, the storage conditions of hops (_Humulus_s _lupulus_ L.) play a crucial role in preserving their essential oil composition, which directly influences their aromatic profile. Studies have demonstrated that exposure to oxygen, heat, and light accelerates the degradation of volatile terpenes and essential oils, leading to a decline in the aroma intensity and quality over time. To mitigate this degradation, anaerobic (oxygen-free) storage at low temperatures is widely used to maintain the chemical integrity of hops [95]. This knowledge could be directly applied to the storage of cannabis (_C. sativa_ L.), given its similar reliance on terpenes and cannabinoids for aroma.  
Terpenes and other volatile organic compounds are prone to degradation because of their chemical nature and sensitivity to external conditions. Key factors affecting the stability of these molecules include light, heat, oxygen, and humidity. Regarding light exposure, UV and other light wavelengths can catalyze photochemical reactions, leading to the breakdown of terpenes and the formation of undesirable byproducts. For example, limonene can oxidize under UV exposure to produce terpionolene or other oxidized derivatives, altering its citrusy aroma. Heat is also a concern, as elevated temperatures accelerate the volatilization and degradation of terpenes [96]. During drying and curing, excessive heat can cause significant terpene loss, as these have low boiling points (e.g., myrcene volatilizes at 167 \({}^{\circ}\)C). Controlled temperature management during processing is crucial to minimize this effect. Oxygen exposure triggers oxidative degradation, particularly in monoterenes like pinene and limonene. Oxidation not only reduces terpene concentrations, but also generates additional compounds with different sensory properties, such as alcohols or ketones, which can alter the aromatic characteristics and perceived flavor of cannabis products. An analysis of European CBD oils revealed notable discrepancies in the cannabinoid content, terpene fingerprints as quality indicators, and lipid oxidation profiles as markers of oil stability, underscoring the need for standardized quality regulations [97]. Finally, improper humidity levels can promote microbial growth, indirectly affecting terpene stability [98]. High humidity also accelerates enzymatic activity that can degrade volatile compounds [99].  
Cannabinoids and terpenes can also undergo interconversion under specific environmental conditions, further complicating their stability [100; 101]. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced during drying, curing, and storage. It has been shown that the irradiation of cannabis flowers increases the levels of some terpenes [102]. These inter-conversions highlight the importance of precise control over post-harvest conditions to preserve the intended sensory attributes of cannabis products.