What is Terpinolene Terpene? Aroma, Effects, and Cannabis Strains

Welcome to the sixth article of our cannabis terpenes series. In today’s post, I am going to introduce you to terpinolene terpene and break down what it is, its scent and flavor, and what researchers have studied about it, along with the cannabis strains high in terpinolene.

Keep reading if you’re ready to see what else we can learn about this rare and special terpene.

Key Takeaways

• Terpinolene or TPO only presents in small amounts in cannabis plants.
• It smells and tastes fresh and pine-like with a hint of sweetness.
• It has been studied in early lab and animal research for properties linked to inflammation, sedation, bacteria, and skin recovery.
• Although terpinolene is reported safe for humans, some people might encounter inflammation and wounds when exposed to high concentrations of terpinolene.
• High-terpinolene in cannabis strains, without limitation, are Grape Stank, Harlequin CBD, and Golden Pineapple.

What’s Terpinolene Terpene?

Terpinolene, sometimes called ‘TPO’, is usually found in small amounts within many cannabis strains and can also be found in plants and herbs such as cumin, rosemary, lilac, sage, and nutmeg. Cannabis strains rich in terpinolene usually provide an energetic effect to the consumer, however, when combined with other terpenes such as myrcene, linalool, or humulene tend to be more sedative.

Terpinolene is also known as delta-terpinene as well as alpha- and gamma-terpinene.

The Smell and Taste of Terpinolene

The aroma of terpinolene is more complex compared to other terpenes. As we discussed in our previous articles, Limonene smells citrusy like lemon. Pinene hosts a fragrance reminiscent of pine trees and conifer trees, and linalool smells like lavender! Terpinolene is known for its fresh, floral, and pine-like scent with a bit of sweet flavor which is why terpinolene tends to be used in products like insect repellant, perfume, soap, and flavoring agents in the food industry. It is also used for manufacturing plastics and resins.

Terpinolene in Scientific Research

• Inflammation Studies

Terpinolene contained within oils has been studied for anti-inflammatory properties. Gamma-terpinene has shown results that researchers have examined in relation to pain and inflammation signals, particularly in animal models such as mice. More work is still needed in humans to confirm these findings, and some researchers have looked at how terpinolene behaves alongside other terpenes and cannabinoids through entourage effects.

• Sedation Studies

Researchers have reported that terpinolene showed a sedative effect in mice models after the animals inhaled fragrance compounds and essential oils containing the terpene. Because of this, some researchers have pointed to terpinolene as worth further study in relation to anxiety and sleep.

• Antibacterial

One study provides evidence that terpinolene may have potent antibacterial properties, mentioning that oils with terpinolene could potentially inhibit the growth of bacteria in the human gastrointestinal system.

• Skin and Oxidative-Stress Studies 

Within an in vitro study, researchers described its anti-inflammatory activity and looked at how it affected oxidative stress and inflammation markers in skin cells.

Terpinolene Health Risks and Side Effects

While terpinolene is considered safe for humans, please keep in mind that there are still a few risks when it comes to the use of terpinolene. Individuals may experience blisters, inflammation, and kidney pain when exposed to extremely high concentrations or doses of this terpene. 

Terpinolene in Cannabis Strains

• Grape Stank, a blend of Garlic Grove and Grape Gasoline, carries citrus, gas, berry, and grape notes in its aroma. It also won two awards at the 2023 Oregon Leaf Bowl.

• Harlequin CBD comes from a combination of Colombian Gold, Nepali Indica, Thai, and Swiss genetics. It is a CBD-forward strain, and users often describe its character as relaxed and clear-headed.

• Golden Pineapple, a hybrid mix of Golden Goat and Pineapple Kush, has a fruity flavor. Users often describe its character as energetic and creative.

• Kush Mountains, also known as “Kush Mtn.,” is a genetic cross between White Walker Kush and Blue Flame.

• J1, which also goes by names such as ‘Jack One’ and ‘Jack 1’. Its parents are two well-known strains, Skunk #1 and Jack Herer. Users often describe J1 as clear-headed and creative in character.

Conclusion

Terpinolene can be discovered in a small amount in cannabis plants. This terpene provides an energizing effect and is generally found in lilac, sage, and nutmeg. Thanks to its sweet and fresh smell, it is widely used in personal products such as perfumes and soap, the food industry, and manufacturing plastics and resins.

This terpene has been studied in relation to several properties, including antibacterial activity, sedation, and inflammation, mostly in early lab and animal research. There are also a few cautions to keep in mind, as some people may be sensitive to terpinolene and could experience inflammation at high concentrations. Cannabis strains with high levels of terpinolene include Grape Stank and Harlequin CBD. Other terpinolene strains include J1, Kush Mountains, and Golden Pineapple.

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