If you’re conducting some basic medical cannabis research, you’ve probably run into pinene terpenes. Alpha pinene and beta-pinene terpenes are two forms of pinene, a compound that is responsible for the well-known aroma associated with the pine tree. It is also a powerful terpene in the world of cannabis.

To help you better understand this compound and how it can improve your experience with cannabis, we’ve outlined just about everything you need to know in the following article.

Discover how it interacts with cannabinoids, what therapeutic effects it provides, what the difference is between alpha and beta-pinene, where you can find them and so much more in the following guide about the world’s piney terpene.

Pinene Terpenes—What Are They?

 Right off the bat, we can confidently say that pinene terpenes are not the world’s most complex compounds. On the contrary, pinene is one of the simplest terpenes known to man. It consists of just two isoprene units stuck together forming a ring-like structure.

Even still, pinene has been shown to have a powerful influence on the body, among other benefits. You’ll find it to be most common in cleaning products or used in various other ways to sterilize surfaces. You might find it even more interesting that pinene has also been used as biofuel in spark-ignition engines. This is thanks to the volumetric heating values of the terpene, which go as high as rocket fuel.

A Wonderfully Piney Scent

 If you had one guess as to what pinene smells like you would probably hit the nail on the head. That’s right, pinene smells like the needles of the pine tree.

Surprisingly, though, pinene terpenes are also found in countless other plant species as well as herbs and spices. With a single scent, you’ll feel refreshed and immersed in the pine-like scent of a woodland forest.

With this terpene, you’ll be transported into a beautiful, wooded area that leaves you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

Side Effects Associated with Pinene Terpenes

 Everything these days seemingly has side effects, right? With this terpene, that’s up for debate.

The Frontiers in Pharmacology review of studies looked at pinene isomers and revealed that both alpha and beta-pinene terpenes are non-toxic and non-mutagenic. There was only one tiny hiccup in the studies that showed upper airway irritation after inhaling the terpene.

Overall, however, pinene is considered safe in both food and cosmetics anywhere in the world. The data collected from the clinical study analyzed workplace exposures to high levels of pinene and within just six hours, the irritation reversed itself. No further issues were noted even after additional acute exposures.

Using this terpene in balanced amounts and not applying too much of it topically or in a diffuser, you can get away with skin or airway irritation, in most cases.

Ultimately, the researchers concluded that pinene terpene does not have harmful side effects on the human body. You can safely and confidently consume this compound without worrying about side effects.

Why is Alpha Pinene Important in Cannabis?

 Alpha pinene quickly interacts with other cannabinoids in the cannabis strains you find it in. It does it more quickly than other terpenes, which makes it one of the more unique compounds you’ll find.

One interaction that researchers, in particular, find interesting, is its connection with CBD. When pinene pairs with CBD, it blocks inflammation and promotes an antibiotic effect, for example.

Another way it works to help the body is by coordinating with THC to create bronchodilatory effects, including opening up the airway to treat respiratory conditions including asthma. When combined with CBD and THC, it also shows promise in being an effective memory supplement. You won’t find that with many other naturally occurring compounds.

To put it simply, alpha-pinene is an exercise in the importance of the entourage effect in cannabis.

What Should You Expect to Feel From Pinene?

 Pinene does not give you the high you have become accustomed to from cannabinoid compounds such as THC. However, all is not lost. This compound does have an affect on your body and mind.

Inhaling pinene has a significant impact on your respiratory system, as we previously mentioned. But it can also have an affect on your skin. This happens in multiple ways, first by reducing inflammation in your skin and limiting the damage caused by the sun.

Additionally, pinene can also support your brain in improving your memory and reducing brain-related illnesses that come with aging. You can also expect this terpene to improve your mood. When consumed in coordination with THC, pinene can make you feel more lucid, with an increased rate of this feeling as you up your dosage of cannabis.

When taken alone, pinene does not get you high. When taken in coordination with THC and CBD, it improves your high in unique ways.

The Difference Between Beta & Alpha Pinene

 Alpha pinene and beta-pinene are two types of the same pinene. The primary difference between these two compounds is the base molecule, which is in a type of class of chemicals called alkene.

Alpha pinene is the most common type of pinene terpene, which pops up in many cannabis strains and is the single most abundant terpene in nature.

Scientists have doubled down on studying the effects of alpha-pinene and beta-pinene for neurodegeneration, which is an exciting new development that can change the way these terpenes are consumed and used in a therapeutic context.

All About Alpha

Alpha pinene, also known as a-pinene, has an extensive list of potential benefits. These include bronchodilator, pain relief, anxiety-relief, anti-inflammatory, and short-term memory impairment. In fact, the power of this terpene is so significant that it has been used in countless drugs to treat disorders associated with the kidneys and liver.

Here again, it’s never surprising, but the a-pinene is in good company with the cannabis plant in that it affects users in different ways. No matter if it's ingested, either in a tincture or edible, applied to the surface of the skin, or inhaled, it is an excellent tool for medical and therapeutic relief.

All About Beta Pinene

Beta-pinene has also been researched to revealed to offer significant scientific effects. Similar to a-pinene, beta-pinene is extremely effective as an anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator, anxiety-reliever, pain reliever, and supports short-term memory impairment. Here again, you can expect positive health effects from consuming this terpene.

What Other Plants Will You Find Pinene In?

Alpha-pinene and beta-pinene show up in countless cannabis strains, but they are more prevalent in nature’s other plants, as well.

You can find this terpene in the following plants…

·       Dill

·       Parsley

·       Rosemary

·       Pine

·       Spruce

·       Juniper

Want more pinene in your life?

Well, there’s an exercise you can do. This practice is called “forest breathing” and it’s one of the Japanese’s most popular ways to inhale terpenes. It’s called shinrin-yoku. German complementary medicine, too, uses this practice.

All you have to do is find a forest full of pine trees and go for a walk. The air in these forests is high in pinene terpenes and it’s a great way to get a dose of this incredible terpene. It’s great for your health, and it puts you in the heart of nature, the way you should be.

Pinene’s Benefits—Everything You Need to Know

Besides its musty, forest-like scent, pinene offers up countless therapeutic properties. These include the following:

Anti-Inflammatory

Similar to other cannabis compounds, pinene serves up a healthy dose of anti-inflammatory properties. The Journal of Natural Products conducted a study in 2014 confirming that pinene does indeed contain these properties. The study took a closer look at the anti-inflammatory effects of pinene on human chondrocytes. The research indicated that pinene was capable of inhibiting pro-inflammatory compounds including interleukin-1b. What’s even more interesting is that alpha-pinene was found to be the most effective in this process. There’s a good deal of research to indicate that pinene can treat conditions like osteoarthritis.

Antimicrobial & Antifungal Effects

Pinene provides unique antibacterial and antifungal support. Some research has been done into the effects of this terpene and how it interacts with microbial cultures. In one study, the researchers found that pinene was considered highly toxic to the fungus that causes yeast infections.

Other results revealed that pinene was powerful in treating methicillin-resistant MRSA. It can also work as support staff for the antibiotic ciprofloxacin, which is one of the most dangerous bacteria we know about.

Neurological Benefits

Pinene contains nootropic benefits as well, which increases blood flow to the brain and blocks an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase. Additionally, cannabis products like Delta 8 THC oils which contain high levels of pinene, also come with energizing, mood-enhancing, and neuroprotective benefits.

Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Benefits

Pinene could very well also support conditions including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. One study in 2016, showed that the pinene terpene offers a two-fold antioxidant effect. One way it does this is by enhancing multiple natural antioxidant chemicals including superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, heme oxygenase, and many others. Secondly, it inhibits the production of bad molecules known as reactive oxygen species.

When combined, pinene has the power to slow or even prevent neurological diseases. When brain health is at stake, it’s important to take note of compounds such as alpha-pinene. Despite the research being limited, much of what is known about this terpene’s effect on the body is promising. From combatting Alzheimer’s to improving cognitive functions, and potentially reversing amnesia, there is a lot to unpack about pinene’s impact on our minds.

The possibility of pinene’s influence on improving our health is shocking.

Respiratory Support

We’ve touched on this, but the potential for pinene to prevent respiratory illnesses is very real indeed. In one study, for example, pinene inhibited viral activity in the lungs themselves. This is important in fighting bronchitis. Individuals dealing with asthma, too, can benefit from pinene as the terpene works as a bronchodilator. When used in conjunction with THC and CBD to open airways, it can reduce sensitivity to asthma triggers altogether.

Anxiety Reduction

Cannabis is well known to reduce anxiety in users. However, alpha-pinene strains, in particular, have a powerful effect on reducing anxiety. One study in 2014 revealed that mice who inhaled the terpene enjoyed significantly reduced anxiety levels when compared to placebos. There haven’t been controlled human studies, but it appears there is promise in anxiety reduction when individuals consume pinene.

Pinene & The Entourage Effect

Finally, where pinene and any other terpene are at their best is when they are consumed in conjunction with the other important chemical cannabis compounds including THC and CBD. This unique combination creates the entourage effect, providing greater benefits to consumers.

Even still, when consumed by itself, pinene holds out significant promise to consumers. But if you’re a cannabis lover, you will enjoy the great tasting, fresh, herbal flavor that it produces. Interested in what cannabis strains are high in pinene? In the next section, we’ll outline what those strains are and why you should check them out.

Cannabis Strains High in Pinene

Now for the good stuff. We’ve outlined the countless benefits of pinene, but now we want to discuss a few terpene profiles that contain lots of it. The following cannabis strains high in pinene have both alpha and beta-pinene, along with countless other cannabinoids and terpenes. This combination enables users to enjoy the entourage effect, ensuring you maximize every dose of your medicine.

With all that in mind, let’s explore the top cannabis strains that contain pinene.

Dutch Treat

Dutch Treat is known as a hybrid strain that is produced by crossing Haze with Northern lights. This unique strain gives off cerebral effects that leave you feeling euphoric and uplifted. This produces a much more relaxing and stress-free high. This particular strain smells like pine, eucalyptus, and deliciously sweet fruits. Medical cannabis patients opt for this strain to reduce pain, PMS, and fatigue. Like its namesake, Dutch Treat hails from Amsterdam.

Blue Dream

If you’re looking for a Sativa-dominant hybrid strain, this is it. Blue Dream is made by crossing Haze with Blueberry. It creates a somewhat balanced high and offers full-body relaxation and cerebral stimulation. It has an 18% THC concentration with a lower percentage of CBD, which makes for a particularly powerful strain. However, if you’re looking for a great option to treat your depression, nausea, and chronic pain, then Blue Dream is an excellent option. It is one of the most sought-after cannabis strains high in pinene.

Haze Berry

This cross between Super Silver Haze and DJ Short’s Blueberry, it’s an 80% Sativa hybrid strain that is well-liked for its indica-like flavors and Sativa high.

OG Kush

Want another famous strain high in pinene? This is it! OG Kush users can expect a heavy, versatile euphoric high with a skunky-citrus aroma and taste. As you might guess, this is the perfect pinene-based strain.

Bubby Kush

An excellent indica strain that has built popularity throughout the US thanks to its stress-reducing effects. It features sweet flavors and subtle notes of coffee and chocolate, which makes it a powerfully relaxing pinene strain.

Strawberry Cough

Smelling like fresh strawberries, this strain is a powerful Sativa strain that’s a cross between Haze and Strawberry Fields. It has berry flavors, and skunky aromas, and offers uplifting effects that ensure you get a euphoric effect. If you suffer from stress, this is an excellent option.

Island Sweet Skunk

A powerful Sativa strain that’s produced by mixing Sweet Pink Grapefruit with Skunk #1. It creates uplifting and energetic effects in consumers. Its sweet and skunky flavor has undertones of citrus which comes from those beautiful pinene terpenes. If you suffer from inflammation, muscle spasms, or anxiety, this is a great strain to explore.

Final Thoughts on Pinene Terpenes & Strains You Should Try

Pinene terpenes offer up countless medicinal benefits ranging from Alzheimer’s disease to anti-inflammatory responses and anxiety reduction. They are found in countless strains and produce a lovely pine scent that enhances the cannabis experience from start to finish.

We’ve also looked at the most popular cannabis strains high in pinene. If you’re ready to move forward in purchasing products with high pinene terpene concentrations, try our Pinene Dominant Products:

-Larry Mo Indica Strain

-Professor Chaos Sativa Strain

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