The ratios of cannabinoids during the flowering phase change over time. During early trichome development the most prevalent cannabinoid is CBG and trans-CBG. This is a parent compound, that depending on strain, conditions etc, will be converted into either CBC, CBD or THC. Light and O2 convert CBC and THC into their stable forms, CBL and CBN, respectively and CBD is oxidised to CBA. delta-9 THC can also be converted into delta-8 THC by free radicals or OH-intermediates. The plant makes these compounds to mitigate the effect of ROS (reactive oxygen species), which is a defence mechanism. H2O2 is made during the conversion of CBG into THC and these cytotoxic chemicals are subsequently stored outside the plant, away from its tissues and in the face of munching herbivores, in special structures; stalked glandular trichomes. For the biological reasons of it’s synthesis, it’s easy to see why THC is only a short lived molecule, i.e. retarding the conversion of THC into CBN confers no biological advantage to the plant. THC is simply a by-product of a cannabis plant’s chemical weapons factory.
Allowing flowers to air ‘cure’ is an old-school myth and contradicts what is understood about the relevant biochemistry. As popularly is purported “..during curing chlorophyll will breakdown”. Yes, but chlorophyll breakdown (in case anyone is interested, an enzyme called pheophorbide a oxygenase usually robs the chlorine ring of the Mg ion, hence the color change) is a good indicator that a myriad other breakdown cascades have taken place including inside the trichomes also, i.e. these processes are not only confined to the chloroplasts, or any other region of the plant. So allowing the plant to slowly cure, esp near light or O2, is counter productive. And keeping buds in glass jars affords limited efficacy. Nitrogen storage, if done properly makes a lot of sense, if done immediately post harvest, however there are better alternatives. For the purposes of insanely high THC yield, high grade medical cannabis should be harvested 1-3 weeks early and immediately freeze dried.