Terpene Talk: Pinene
The most commonly occurring terpene in nature
Imagine you’re walking through a mountain forest on a brisk fall morning . . . a gentle breeze stirs, and as you inhale the crisp, cool air, you get a big whiff of those tall, beautiful pine trees. We humans get to enjoy that delicious scent thanks to the fragrant terpene known as pinene.
Pinene is commonly found in conifers, pine needles, and herbs like rosemary and basil, as well as – you guessed it – in some of your favorite strains of cannabis. In fact, pinene is the most commonly occurring terpene in nature, and studies have shown it to be helpful in relieving pain, inflammation, and anxiety.
If you’re a regular here at Cannabinthusiast, you know we love to talk about terpenes. As we move closer to more fully legalizing and embracing cannabis as a society, it’s important that we deepen our understanding of the cannabis plant and how it interacts with our bodies and minds. We also believe that it’s important to emphasize that the “devil’s lettuce” is merely a plant (albeit a miraculous one), and as such, it is made up of naturally occurring components that we’re already familiar with – such as Pinene!
Indeed, Pinene plays a large part in our lives, from the scents of the trees around us to the flavors we add to our favorite dishes in the form of herbs. So, what benefits does it bestow when consumed alongside cannabis, and which strains can you find pinene in?
Pinene’s list of health benefits are nothing short of incredible. This 2013 study found that pinene can be an effective treatment for reducing tumor sizes and fighting cancer. Another study found pinene to be useful for modulating antibiotic resistance, gut health, and stress relief.
One of my favorite effects of pinene is that it can counteract THC-induced anxiety and memory loss. If you find yourself lost in the fog, so to speak, after getting stoned, you might want to consider switching strains to one that includes this earthy terpene.
If you’re looking to use medical marijuana for pain relief, reducing inflammation, or curbing anxiety, pinene is a terpene that you should definitely seek out. Pinene is very rarely the dominant terpene in any given strain, but it is often the second most common terpene in strains such as Blue Dream, OG Kush, and Jack Herer. If you’re looking for a pinene dominant strain, keep an eye out for Big Smooth. Banana Mac and Mandarin Zkittles are strains we’ve reviewed here at Cannabinthusiast that include pinene.
Each different strain of cannabis has a unique terpene profile, which often play a role in how those strains make us feel. In the last entry of our Terpene Talk series, we discussed Limonene, a commonly occurring, citrusy terpene that brings about a more energized high.
Terpenes affect more than our moods, however; by combining terpenes and THC, an “entourage effect” occurs, and this synergy has been shown to bring about additional health benefits. Just another reason to support MMJ and the legalization of cannabis.
I don’t know about you, but I’m about ready to light up some Blue Dream and enjoy the earthy aromas (and flavors!) of pinene, and thanks to this terpene’s memory-aiding effects, I might actually remember where I left my lighter. Enjoy responsibly, friends! And to my fellow MMJ patients, I hope this info can help you find the right strains to bring about the relief you need.
