By: Jessica Todmann
Have you heard of the terpene Pinene?
It’s your first hit of the day and ooh how it soothes the soul, as the air fills your lungs and the aroma seeps into your nostrils.
You’ve probably picked up on a wide range of scents throughout your smoke sessions, and in this article we’ll talk about pinene.
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Based on the positive effects it’s been reported to have on human beings and because of its consistent presence within a large segment of cannabis strains, Pinene is one of the most important cannabis terpenes out there.
What is pinene? Well, to get that figured out you’d have to know what a terpene is first. Basically, terpenes are a set of compounds within the cannabis plant that gives your bud its distinct aroma.
Terpenes also contribute to your cannabis’ taste profile. The name might have given you a clue as to what it smells like- hello Christmas morning! But believe it or not, Pinene is also present in a few other green things we like to consume, such as rosemary, dill, parsley and basil.
Pinene’s relevance for us may start to wane once we move past what it smells and tastes like, but it has a few very necessary purposes for the plants that contain it.
This cannabis terpene serves to protect the plant against infectious germs, predatory insects and animals. On the flipside, it also plays a significant role in encouraging pollination.
There’s been ongoing research around how pinene- and marijuana usage in general- can address certain ailments within human beings too. Below are some of the possible benefits associated with Pinene:
- It can act as a natural bronchodilator, with studies suggesting potential in its usage for asthma suffers
- It can be used to treat pain and inflammation
- It can ease both anxiety and depression
- It can treat bacterial infections
- It can mediate memory-based brain disorders, such as Alzheimer’s
If your interest in Pinene has piqued, why not try some strains with a marked composition of this cannabis terpene?
Being that Pinene is one of the most prevalent, you may have already gotten a taste of this particular varietal unknowingly.
Pinene cannabis strains
To help you zoom in on what your next buy should be, here are some options to check out:
Blue Dream: Worked too hard at the gym? 60% Sativa 40% Indica; once you roll through the initial rush this high affords, you’ll start to experience a cozy, relaxing effect throughout your body.
Cotton Candy Kush: If somebody just told you to take a chill pill then try this. 50% Sativa 50% Indica; This strain is very useful in combating any pent-up stress or anxiety.
ChemDawg: You’ll feel this one in your bones. 45% Sativa 55% Indica; known to give its user a great body high.
OG Kush: Join the wave and roll up with this popular strain! 25% Sativa and 75% Indica; it’ll give you a whiff of pine alongside a relaxed state of mind.
Haze Berry: In the mood for some flavor? 60% Sativa and 40% Indica, you’ll notice how sweet it tastes, and its uplifting effects.
Still thinking about it? Here are a few commonly asked questions:
Is Pinene good for anxiety?
Perhaps. Studies have shown that it can offset anxiety as this cannabis-derived terpene may have anxiolytic properties.
Keep this specific terpene on your radar if anxiety is something you struggle with and want to explore additional solutions. Make sure to discuss any health concerns with your doctor.
What strains are high in Pinene?
To really understand what pinene is and what it can do for your body, it makes sense to zoom in on strain profiles that are pinene dominant.
Aside from the ones outlined above, you can also give Jack Herer, Dutch Treat and Strawberry Cough a try!
What is the difference between alpha Pinene and beta Pinene?
Both alpha and beta Pinene are made up of the same atoms in their molecular formula C10H16, having the same number and types of bonds, but they are arranged differently in space.
According to Dr. Swathi Varanasi, Integrative Health Pharmacist and Medical Cannabis Consultant, “alpha- and beta-pinene are constitutional isomers, meaning that they have the same chemical structure and only differ by the position of a double bond”.
How does this relate to cannabis usage? Dr. Swathi Varanasi goes on to mention that “when looking at a number of terpenes, the combination of alpha-pinene and 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) could be linked to anti-Alzheimer activity; these findings call for more research and show promise for the future of using terpenes medicinally”.
Another difference between the two, although subtle, has to do with how they taste and smell. Whereas alpha Pinene gives us more notes of pine or rosemary , beta Pinene is more reminiscent of basil and parsley.
So there you have it! Pinene is just one of the many terpenes present within the cannabis plant, that lend an array of aromas, tastes, high effects and remedies for certain ailments.
It might be hard for the non-stoners to figure out the terpene profile of their bag of goodies through smell, so the next time you visit your local dispensary (or call up your weed guy) ask!
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Jessica Todmann is a writer who focuses on cannabis lifestyle and culture.