Terpine Series – Pinene

Pinene is an aromatic terpene commonly found in cannabis that resembles the scent of a forest of pine trees. 

Pinene can be found in conifer trees, orange peels, turpentine, and spices such as rosemary, dill, basil, and parsley. The most widely encountered terpene in nature, alpha-pinene is also one of the most common found in cannabis and it is also one of the most powerful. Other than very rare strains such as Big Smooth, it is typically not found to be the highest in concentration as the other terpenes. Pinene is so powerful in low concentrations that it really doesn’t need to outdo the other compounds found in cannabis to be effective.  

Pinene’s potential effects and benefits:

Anti-inflammatory which is helpful for diseases like arthritis, Crohn’s, and multiple sclerosis.

Bronchodilator Working in synergy with THC, alpha-pinene acts as a bronchodilator, opening up airways at low exposure levels to help conditions such as asthma.

Anti-anxiety

Pain relief

May help combat short-term memory impairment associated with THC. It works by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity in the brain, which helps you retain memories more efficiently.

Other benefits include euphoria, increased alertness, reduced oil production in oily skin, and anti-cancer properties. Studies suggest alpha-pinene can stop tumor growth and supplement chemotherapy treatments.

High-Pinene cannabis strains

Below, explore strains that tend to produce the highest relative abundance of pinene. Keep in mind that pinene-dominant strains are uncommon (meaning it’s rarely the most abundant terpene in a strain), but it’s commonly seen as the second most abundant terpene in a strain’s terpene composition.

Big Smooth: The strain Big Smooth is a rare example of a pinene-dominant terpene profile. While most cannabis strains express high levels of myrcene, caryophyllene, limonene, or terpinolene.

Jack Herer: One of the most prolific sources of alpha-pinene and known for boosting focus, mood, and appetite.

Blue Dream: For mellow euphoria and a boost in creative energy. It may smell like blue-berries but, the pinene is there.

OG Kush: A hybrid with a distinctive lemon-pine aroma. This strain also includes terpenes like myrcene (relaxing) and limonene (mood-enhancing).

Note that pinene’s effects are influenced by other terpenes and the cannabinoid profile. OG Kush is a good example. Combined with a sedating terpene like myrcene, pinene may not promote alertness as strongly. It’s always important to consider the entire chemical composition of a strain when looking for specific effects. This is called the entourage effect and is something to consider when looking for very specific effects from your cannabis products. 

Other strains high in pinene:

Cannatonic

Cotton Candy Kush

God’s Gift

Grape Ape

Harlequin

Kosher Tangie

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