Terpene Spotlight: Pinene

Ever wondered what gives pine trees or any other piney plants their distinct smell? The answer is Pinene. In this article, we cover the terpene that may remind you of the forest, known as Pinene. Does Pinene have any benefits, and if so, what are they? How does pinene smell and taste when it’s present in cannabis? We answer these questions in this article, and more.

If you’re new to the wonderful world of terpenes, you’ll want to check out some of our other articles that cover these fascinating compounds.

What is Pinene?

Pronounced “pie-neen,” the terpene Pinene is abundant in forest trees like conifers, and especially in the needles of pines, as its name suggests. Trees tend to be the plants that contain the most terpenes in the natural world, and pinene is the earth’s most abundant terpene. Pinene is a highly effective natural insect repellent. This terpene is also the main ingredient in wood turpentine.

Pinene, like many terpenes, was originally formulated as a plant’s natural defense mechanism against predators. In cannabis, terpenes are secreted through trichomes, adding rich flavors, aromas, and potential benefits to your favorite cultivars.

Terpene Flavor and Aroma Profile: Pinene

Pinene has perhaps the most prominent woody aroma and flavor of any terpene we currently know about. There is also a hint of sweetness that can be found in parsley and rosemary. Pinene is a main component of the essential oil lime fruit peel. Pinene can also be found in orange peels, basil, parsley, and dill.

Cultivars with the Terpene Pinene

A pinene-dominant cultivar rarely becomes popular, but one such example of this is Big Smooth. This unique cultivar proves that rarer terpenes can be the star of the show when the primary terpenes in most cultivars are myrcene, caryophyllene, and limonene.

Pinene gives cultivars a uniquely woody flavor with hints of sweetness and earthiness. Some of the most popular cultivars that contain relatively high levels of Pinene include Jack Herer, Remedy, God’s Gift, Cannatonic, Harlequin, Kosher Tangie, and Blue Dream.

Does Pinene Get You High?

No, since terpenes are non-psychoactive, Pinene does not get you high. However, Pinene may play a role in the entourage effect.

This means that Pinene may have a subtle impact on the consumer when combined with other compounds in whole-plant cannabis like cannabinoids and other terpenes. As is the case with so many other aspects of cannabis, more research is needed to determine this, and each consumer responds differently.

Potential Benefits of Pinene

As is the case with many terpenes, there are a few potential benefits of Pinene. As previously mentioned, pinene is the main ingredient in turpentine. Pinene is a natural bronchodilator as well as an effective antiseptic.

Studies also suggest that pinene can be used to treat inflammation, and this versatile terpene may be useful and effective as a pain reliever. Preliminary research also suggests that pinene may have therapeutic benefits for those who suffer from symptoms of anxiety.

The Future is Bright for Terpenes in Cannabis

As we continue to see cannabis research progress forward, we could see the known benefits of terpenes like Pinene increase. The future is bright for the wonderful world of terpenes, and only time will tell how much more we can learn about these valuable natural compounds.

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