What is Pinene Terpene? Properties, Sources, and Cannabis Strains
Key Takeaways
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Pinene has some kind of connection with pine trees by the evidence within its name. It’s a clear liquid extracted from the plants and gives a foresty fragrance.
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Pinene terpene can be classified into two types which are alpha- and beta-pinene.
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Over the centuries, pinene has been used in traditional herbal medicine, and researchers have studied properties such as its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activity.
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Here are some of the cannabis strains that hold high levels of pinene: OG Kush, Blue Dream, and Dutch Treat.
Introduction
Hello to the experienced users and the newbies! Here’s another episode of our cannabis terpenes. Please bear with me, I know it’s a lot of information. That’s why I’m here to help you.
This article will expose you to another type of terpene, commonly found within cannabis plants, pinene terpene.
Want to learn more about cannabis? Let’s explore it together!
Getting to Know Pinene Terpene
Pinene (pronounced pie-neen), you saw it right, there’s ‘pine’ in pinene meaning there’s an association with pine trees as its fragrance holds its similarity within pine trees and conifer trees. Pinene terpene is another common variation of terpenes found in almost every plant worldwide, in this case, it’s abundantly found in many cannabis strains. It’s a colorless and transparent liquid extracted from the plants offering a woodsy odor.
Types of Pinene
The researcher has differentiated pinene terpene into two types which are alpha-pinene (α-pinene) and beta-pinene (β-pinene). These two have a slight distinction as the alpha-pinene is water soluble and conversely, the beta-pinene is not. Let’s see more details about them!
- Alpha-Pinene
Normally, alpha-pinene is responsible for an iconic pine needle scent. It’s often recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, and researchers have also studied it in relation to memory. Plants with high alpha-pinene are rosemary, basil, eucalyptus, and even some citrus fruits.
- Beta-Pinene
Beta-pinene is known for its complex smell reminding you of fresh woody, piney, spicy aromatic, and even herbal scents like dill, basil, hop, and parsley. It is also often used for flavoring and enhancing aroma. Beta-pinene is also among the terpenes researchers have studied in relation to pain.
Pinene in Research and Traditional Use
Alpha-pinene is the type of pinene that researchers have studied the most. It has been used as traditional herbal medicine for hundreds of years, and historically, in some fields, such as in China, it was used to address symptoms associated with asthma. Well, there are more pinene benefits to learn about. Check this out!
- Anti-inflammatory
Plant-based essential oils with pinene have been studied for their anti-inflammatory activity. One academic study in 2015 found that pinene has shown its effectiveness as an anti-inflammatory in animal cells. Similar results were found in another study in 2018, suggesting pinene may protect and potentially help prevent damage to the skin caused by ultraviolet light (UV light).
- Antimicrobial
Pinene terpene has been brought up for further study by researchers, antimicrobial is included. According to a 2012 study, the researchers found that pinene has the potential to stop and fight the cells that can cause danger to our body.
- Mood
Researchers have studied how terpenes like pinene and limonene interact with other cannabis compounds, and some users describe noticing a difference in their mood. Effects vary from person to person, and pinene may not suit those who are sensitive to anxiety.
- Respiratory System
Pinene is one of the terpenes researchers have studied as a bronchodilator, a type of compound linked to airway function. As stated in a 2011 research, pinene was observed to have the ability to fight the infectious bronchitis virus within animals.
- Neuroprotective
Pinene terpene is sometimes discussed in relation to sleep quality and the protection of brain cells, since poor sleep quality can lead your brain cells to oxidative damage which could potentially contribute to worse conditions such as strokes and heart attacks, or memory loss conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Cannabis Strains With High Pinene
Pinene is a common terpene in cannabis. If you’re curious about cannabis strains with higher pinene levels, here are a few that are often mentioned:
It’s a Sativa-dominant hybrid with a crossing between Blueberry and Haze. This strain gained popularity by balancing its flavor and effects such as the cerebral effects and body relaxation.
The history behind this strain’s unique name is from the famous cannabis activist and author, Jack Herer. Experienced users have reported the feelings after consuming to be energizing effects and euphoria. Jack Herer is desired among users who want to uplift their productivity and creativity due to its relaxing and focused capability.
Dutch Treat is an Amsterdam-originated Indica-dominant hybrid. This strain is often described as having a calming, soothing character.
OG Kush is an extremely strong strain with a three-way cross between Hindu Kush, Lemon Thai, and Chemdawg. It can lead you to a couch-lock state if consumed in higher doses. OG Kush is described as having strong cerebral, euphoric effects.
Conclusion
Pinene is another type of terpene that is commonly found in cannabis plants. When extracted from the plants, it gives a clear liquid with the scent of fresh pine trees. With its two distinctive varieties, alpha- and beta-pinene, it holds plenty of useful properties. It can be something very well known like anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator. Some of the cannabis strains that are rich in pinene terpene include, without limitation, Blue Dream, Jack Herer, Dutch Treat, and OG Kush.
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