Cannabis science is an ever-evolving field of research. Understanding different components of the cannabis plants help us discover new positive effects from each strain.

For example, one of the less common terpenes found within cannabis is the rare terpene, Terpinolene.

In this post, we’ll break down what it is, its complete profile, the benefits it provides, where you can find it, and which cannabis strains are high in this elusive terpene.

But first, let’s discuss what terpenes are and why they matter in cannabis.

What’s a Terpene?

You may already be familiar with them, but let’s go over the basics of what they are and why they’re important.

Terpenes are compound chemicals that give cannabis strains their powerful aroma, color, and flavor. Terpenes also add to the natural effects of cannabis and dictate whether the strain energizes or relaxes you. Not only that but there is some significant evidence to indicate there are health benefits from terpenes themselves.

Scientifically speaking, research indicates that terpenes protect plants from both dangerous weather and predators. Both researchers and cannabis consumers look to terpenes to classify the products they’re buying.

The terpene profile is theorized to work with the strain’s cannabinoid content, which includes both the THC and the CBD concentrations, to produce the effect the strain has.  This could be the reason that you can take 2 strains with the same amount of THC and get different effects. However, this is only a theory.

Regardless, terpenes certainly have a noticeable effect on the experience of different types of cannabis strains.

But what about the less common terpinolene terpene? What can you expect from it?

The Rare Terpene Terpinolene — A Complete Breakdown

The rare terpene terpinolene plays a pivotal role in defining a cannabis plant’s smell and taste. In a later section we’ll break down the most popular terpinolene-rich strains, but for now, let’s focus on the profile of the plant.

It is thought that a cannabis plant’s terpinolene levels have both therapeutic and experiential qualities.

Let’s dive a bit deeper to see what else we can learn about this special kind of compound.

What Is Terpinolene?

Terpinolene is essentially just one of the cannabis plant’s many terpenes. Interestingly, cannabis has much lower levels of this compound than other types of plants. Cannabis is higher in terpenes like beta-caryophyllene and myrcene than it is in terpinolene. Despite this, it is found at high enough levels that it’s worth explaining if you’re a cannabis consumer.

In scientific terms, terpinolene is a monoterpene, one of the simplest terpene molecules known. It is a liquid and comes in either clear, pale, or amber color.

Common Uses of Terpinolene

You might not be aware of just how widely used terpinolene is, even though it’s one of the rarest cannabis terpenes.

You’ll find it in…

·   Personal care products

·   Used as a flavoring for beverages and food products

·   Air fresheners

·   Plastic and Resin manufacturing

Smell & Test Profile

When it comes to the terpinolene terpene profile, the first thing most people think of is its scent and taste. In cannabis, the smell of the strain matters. It also represents the plant's entourage effect, which ultimately dictates the high or experience of the strain you’re using.

In terms of scent and taste, terpinolene has a sweet, citrus, pine-like aroma—given its name this makes sense. Other similar terpenes have only a singular scent profile like flowers, citrus, or pine alone. Considered a more multi-dimensional terpene, it has an herbal, floral scent with the tiniest of piney touches.

Many people compliment it for its fresh fragrance, which is why so many companies use it in their cosmetic, soap, and perfume products. It’s also widely used as a preservative and flavoring agent by the food industry. Some food products it's used in include tea, cheesecake, and even omelets.

If you prefer woodsy, piney, and floral scents, then you’ll like terpinolene.

Where Can You Find This Rare Terpene?

Wondering where you can find terpinolene? Well, surprisingly enough, you can find it in far more plants than you might suspect.

It is not unique to cannabis it is a more common compound in flowers, plants, and herbs like lilacs, tea tree, nutmeg, apples, and cumin. It also occurs naturally in sage, rosemary, conifer trees, and countless other vegetables and spices like allspice, mint, star anise, juniper, parsnips, carrots, and celery.

Some trees, too, have terpinolene including pine and fir. If you look far enough into the plant world, you’ll find a species that has this unique compound.

Check out the terpene profiles on our top of the line Gold Cuts!

Does Terpinolene Get You High?

Cannabis consumers are more concerned with one thing, however, does terpinolene get you high? The truth is terpenes themselves do not get you high in the more traditional sense. However, some of them are considered to be psychoactive because they affect the brain in certain ways.

The effects of THC may also be influenced by terpenes like terpinolene, but the research is still out on that. By themselves, no, terpenes like terpinolene do not get you high.

Yet, it’s common for budtenders to recommend you focus more on terpene profiles than the THC content when selecting a strain to smoke. The desired effect will correspond with the terpenes, but whether that is causation or correlation, we simply do not know as of yet.

Interestingly, some research suggests that terpenes could help alleviate some mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder which lends itself to the idea that terpenes do make a difference in the high you experience.

The potential of terpinolene is largely unknown but significantly under-researched so far.

Benefits of Terpinolene—What You Can Expect

Some cannabis terpenes have a certain effect on the brain and body. For example, phellandrene is known to have energizing effects. Terpinolene, on the other hand, can have a sedative effect. This, naturally, reduces anxiety and calms the body and mind. This is why you see so many body lotions and essential oils containing terpinolene. The goal is to reduce stress in the user.

What other effects can you look forward to when you choose a cannabis strain with terpinolene?

Improve Symptoms of Insomnia & Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

Studies show that nasal transmission of terpinolene can induce sleep in mice. It’s also possible that oral administration has a similar effect on the mind and body.

It is known that terpinolene has a mild depressant effect on the central nervous system, allowing for a reduction in symptoms such as insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and even hypertension with the right dose.

Improve Hypertension

Another area where this terpene has proven to be beneficial in reducing hypertension. Research shows that the segment of terpenes that terpinolene stems from, monoterpenes (mentioned earlier), are good at combating high blood pressure and hypertension.

Potential Anti-Cancer Benefits

Terpinolene has the potential to reduce cancer cell proliferation. While it isn’t clear if it alone can produce anti-cancer effects, instead of working with other compounds in cannabis, it is of significant interest to cancer researchers.

The terpinolene terpene has also been shown to work against cancer tumors thanks to a key protein involved in this process—RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase. This was proven to be reduced in leukemia cells when terpinolene was used as a treatment. Brain cancer cells, too, were affected by the terpene, with no damage caused to the normal cells within the body.

While there isn’t hard-enough evidence yet to show conclusively that it can fight off cancer cells, the research is promising.

Insect Repellant

Another area that is somewhat surprising that this terpene can be beneficial is as an insect repellant. Terpinolene is used by plants to ward off predators, so it makes sense that you can use it as a natural repellant for insects in your day-to-day life. Expect relief from mosquitoes and weevils if you do use it.

Antibacterial

When used as an essential oil, terpinolene has shown that it is highly effective as an antibacterial and antimicrobial. A study by the journal Natural Product Research found that the oil from the terpene inhibited the growth of bacillus subtills, which are often found in the human gastrointestinal tract and the soil. It’s also effective against staphylococcus, and Escherichia coil. This is a power that most of us would be thankful to have, considering it is non-toxic to humans.

Antioxidant

Terpinolene is also a powerful antioxidant. It has the power to prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, as well, which means there is plenty of potentials for this terpene to be a powerful component in the war against heart disease. It also has the power to increase the total antioxidant capacity levels in cells without hurting the overall oxidative stress levels of the body. Once again, this is great for preventing lower quality lipoprotein which helps fight off heart disease.

Antifungal

One of the most commonly used essential oils tea tree oil contains terpinolene. This essential oil has been studied extensively thanks to its antifungal effects. It can work to combat ringworm and toenail fungus. It could also potentially be effective against certain types of yeast fungi, and even dandruff and fungal infections of the skin. This has the power to change the way the medical community addresses these types of issues in their patients, although the research is still out.

Anti-Inflammatory

We’ve briefly discussed this, but the power of terpinolene to work as an anti-inflammatory is very real indeed. A study by the Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of terpinolene.

The research required a team to administer low doses of both terpinolene and a popular anti-inflammatory drug. The results show that the combination reduced discomfort and swelling in the rats. This shows that there could be a real practical use for this terpene in clinical practice. This is also a great way to reduce the effects of the anti-inflammatory drug when offset by the strength of terpinolene.

Potential Side Effects from Terpinolene Terpenes

It’s important to recognize that terpinolene isn’t free of any negative side effects, although the ones found are quite mild.

The toxic effects of this terpene are typically found to affect the insect world, which is why it makes such a good insect repellant. In addition to mosquitoes and weevils, it is also seen to be toxic to rabbits in high doses, and could also cause skin irritation if not used properly.

For humans, however, terpinolene is considered safe. When given to volunteers, there were no reports of skin irritation or allergic reactions when given direct exposure to terpinolene. Also, when taken in small doses it is through cannabis, it is highly unlikely to pose any serious risk or threat to your health.

What Strains & Products Can You Find Terpinolene In?

You’re likely familiar with the different types so cannabis strains including Sativa and Indica. If you’re looking for a strain high in terpinolene, you’ll want to turn your attention mainly to Sativa strains. It is highly concentrated in terpinolene. There are a variety of cultivars with higher than normal concentrations of terpinolene including the following:

Jack Herer

Perhaps the most well-known strain for terpinolene, it is somewhat Sativa dominant (55%) and contains around 21% THC. It is a common strain and has a delicious flavor profile that combines citrus, pine, and skunky undertones. You can use it to reduce depression, pain, and anxiety. It has a content of terpinolene of around 0.42%.

Golden Pineapple

This strain is a hybrid with 50/50 Sativa and Indica. It has a yummy pineapple flavor and aroma. It also packs a high THC concentration of 22%, which could make it a bit much if you’re new to cannabis consumption. Many experience a reduction in stress levels along with more energy and a better appetite. Its terpinolene content is around 0.95%.

XJ-13

Another quite balanced strain is XJ-13. It has a THC content of around 22%, and comes with a potent citrusy aroma, with hints of pine and earth. It is great for combating depression, fatigue, and stress and has approximately 0.66% terpinolene content.

Dutch Treat

Dutch Treat is about 80% Indica and has a powerful 24% THC content. Its scent is fruity, fragrant, and a bit piney. It is good at alleviating anxiety, depression, insomnia, and pain. Its terpinolene profile is about 0.71%.

Ghost Train Haze

Another option if you’re looking for a strain with a decent terpinolene content profile is Ghost Train Haze. It is Sativa dominant at 80% and has 28% THC. Proceed with caution and expect a sweet, citrus aroma. It is great for cramps and muscle spasms and has a 0.28% terpinolene content.

Other common strains that have terpinolene include the following.

·   Sunshine Haze

·   Durban Poison 

·   Slimer OG 

·   Clementine 

·   Orange Cookies 

·   Super Lemon Haze 

Try Our Terpinolene Dominant Products

Looking for an easy way to grab cannabis products with terpinolene? Check out a couple of our most popular options including:

Durban Poison

This strain helps you stay active during the day and comes with a 30% THC content. It’s a great strain to get outside and enjoy nature with.

Lemon Margy

With a concentration of 25% THC, Lemon Margy gives you a killer high you can’t resist. It also comes with an insanely awesome nose that it’s difficult to not soak up. It is also high in terpinolene, making it a great option for anyone who wants the benefits of that terpene.

A Summary of The Elusive Terpinolene Terpene

Terpinolene is one of cannabis’ most interesting and rarest terpenes. It has a pleasant, fresh fragrance that has hints of pine and citrus. Its well-researched anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties also make it a favorite of the scientific community.

Research also shows that it may carry anticancer and cardiovascular benefits. Some even use it as a natural defense against insects, thanks to its non-toxic properties.

For mental health, terpinolene has also proven to be beneficial. The research so far may not be conclusive, but the results are indeed promising.

You can find terpinolene in indicas, sativas, and hybrids, but you’re more likely to find them in THC-dominant strains. As CBD becomes increasingly popular, it is less likely we’ll see as much from terpinolene, but for those still hooked on THC-dominant strains, terpinolene will remain a staple.

This article is for informational and educational purposes only, and should not be substituted for professional medical advice.