Terpene Tuesday: Terpineol

Why do we love terpenes? They add to the synergistic effects of the cannabis plant we love so much, playing a large role in the ever-important entourage effect. Not only do they up the wellness benefits of cannabis, but they’re what makes your strains so lip-smacking and captivating. If you know, you know.  

This week we’re looking at terpineol, which is not to be confused with terpinolene. The two may have common names, but are distinctly different in taste and effects.  

Nomenclature 

Terpineol can refer to any combination of four monoterpene alcohol isomers, the most common of which is α-terpineol. 

Scent and taste 

Terpineol can be a difficult terpene to pick out. This is because it can degrade quite quickly, and as it degrades the scent and taste profile shifts. Additionally, terpineol is often found in the presence of pinene, so the strong pine smell can often mask the more delicate notes of terpineol. Cannabis sommeliers may be tested with terpineol to see if they can pick out the terpene correctly, due to the challenge it presents in picking out its exact scent.  Terpineol can taste floral, herbaceous, or piney – with notes of eucalyptus, lilac, floral or lime. Which makes sense, as it naturally occurs in lilacs, pine trees, lime blossoms, and eucalyptus sap.

Effects and applications 

This terpene, while difficult to detect, is a powerhouse due to the benefits of its consumption. These include:

• Anti-inflammatory 

• Anti-oxidant  

• Anti-microbial/Anti-bacterial 

• Anxiolytic 

• Antinociceptive 

• Gastroprotective 

Strains 

Test your knowledge! Can you pick out the terpineol in some of these tasty strains?

• Topleaf Florida Lemons Vape Cartridge 

• 48North Avitas Super Citrus Haze Vape Cartridge 

• Cove Rest (Pink Kush) Vape Cartridge 

• Aurora Blue Dream