Terpene Tuesday: Pinene

Terpenes are an important component of cannabis that lends to the taste, scent and effects. Terpenes also play an important role in “the entourage effect”, which leverages all components of the cannabis compound to elicit a strains specific taste, experience, effects and applications, enhancing the synergistic effects of cannabis.

Fun fact: Not unlike other strong-smelling plants and flowers, the development of terpenes in cannabis began for adaptive purposes: to repel predators and lure pollinators. (Source: Leafly)

Pinene

Pinene is one of the most common terpenes, if not the most common terpene. You’ll find it in a variety of strains, tons of our top-sellers, and you guessed it - this terpene adds that distinct piney taste.

Nomenclature

You will largely just see pinene listed on the terpene profile, though it may also be listed in one of its two variations, alpha-pinene or beta-pinene. Alpha-pinene is most commonly found in cannabis.

Taste and scent

We’ll give you one guess. Yup, you got it. But it is important to note that you will get different variations on taste and scent dependent on if there is alpha or beta-pinene present. This aromatic terpene is also found in pine trees, rosemary, dill, basil and parsley. Alpha-pinene is also the most naturally occurring terpene around the world, so you’ll be able to taste its herbal woody notes in many of your favourite strains.

Applications and effects

Pinene is an expectorant, a bronchodilator and an anti-septic, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Feelings of alertness and focus are common in strains containing high levels of pinene.  Pinene is also known to counteract some of the adverse effects of THC, such as paranoia.

Pinene modulates the body’s GABA receptors, which can aid in sleep latency as well as act as an anxiolytic.

Additionally, pinene, similar to caryophyllene, will lower the perception of THC. This is why the terpene is sometimes associated with increased awareness or a feeling of calm.