Terpene Series – Terpinolene

Our third entry in our Terpenes Series goes to Terpinolene. While you’ll receive enough information about Terpinolene in this blog, we highly recommend looking at our previous blogs on terpenes here: Our blog on Myrcene – Our blog on Pinene

To recap – the cannabis plant produces hundreds of various terpenes. These are the component that help balance the hundreds of cannabinoids the plant also produces. While some terpenes are commonplace names, many terpenes can fly under the radar. Terpinolene falls into the latter category.

Terpinolene is a very common terpene, lurking in many cannabis strains. However, it’s usually only present in small amounts. In comparison to other common terpenes, finding a strain where terpinolene was the dominant strain is difficult. But they do exist!

 

But What is Terpinolene?

Terpinolene, pronounced “ter-PIN-uh-leen”, is one of the many terpenes that cannabis produces. It is considered a “monoterpene”, one of the simplest forms of terpene. Terpinolene is found often in common plants and spices in nature. As well as cannabis, you can find this terpene in lilacs, nutmeg, cumin and more.

Its liquid ranges from clear to a pale amber with a sweet, piney aroma. This makes it easy to understand why plants containing this terpene are often used in cooking. It’s fantastic for flavouring food.

However, it is also used in personal care and hygiene products, air fresheners and even in the manufacture of plastics and resins. So, it’s a pretty prolific terpene.

 

How common is terpinolene in cannabis?

As mentioned, terpinolene is a common though lesser-known terpene in the cannabis world. It can be found in small traces in most strains.

However, terpinolene is only dominant in approximately one in every ten strains. But if you find a terpinolene-dominant strain, you’re in for a treat.

 

How does terpinolene impact the taste of cannabis?

As you may expect based on some of the information we’ve shared, terpinolene has somewhat of a pine-like taste. However, there’s more to terpinolene than you may expect. In fact, it’s quite multidimensional in both taste and smell.

If we break down terpinolene, we can give you a much better idea of its flavour profile. So, let’s do it! Linalool has a floral aroma – almost herby. Limonene errs on the citrusy side. And Pinene is where you get the aforementioned pine taste. So, combine all of these and you’ve got the whole taste spectrum of terpinolene.

Overall, users of terpinolene would describe it as fresh – with the pine and citrus, this isn’t very surprising. And this works in its favour because it makes it so versatile. Of course, just because it’s a common component of soaps and perfumes, doesn’t mean your taste sensation will reflect soap. It’s a lot nicer and more complex than that – trust us.

 

What effect does high levels of terpinolene have?

Terpinolene isn’t often the topic of research among terpene scholars. However, there are still a few studies lurking around that we can draw some conclusions from.

In cannabis, terpinolene contributes to cerebral stimulation, which is to say it helps you stay energized, focused, and productive. However, it is most widely known to have sedative properties that help calm anxiety and insomnia. So, it’s worth trying any terpinolene dominant strains to understand how it most affects you. Everyone is different, after all.

Studies have also shown that terpinolene has some antifungal and antioxidant benefits – definitely worth a look if you’re interested in knowing more about this terpene.

 

Terpinolene-dominant Cannabis Strains

As we mentioned, terpinolene-dominant strains are a rare find. At only one in every ten strains, it’s not something you’ll come across too often. However, there are some definite favourites among the strains that are terpinolene dominant.

Here’s a small list:

• Dutch Treat
• Ghost Train Haze
• Golden Pineapple
• Jack Herer
• Orange Cookies
• XJ-13

And there’s a lot more out there to try!

If you’re interested in any of the above strains the please check our online shop or ask in store if we have any terpinolene dominant strains available. We’re always happy to help introduce you to new – and old – favourites.

Terpinolene can be dominant in both indica, sativa, or hybrid strains of cannabis. However, any terpinolene-dominant strain will have high levels of THC and is likely to be low on CBD. So, if you’re looking for the latter, you may be better off avoiding terpinolene strains.

But you’re in luck if you’re after THC!

 

Why you should consider Terpinolene…

This is a terpene that you’ve likely encountered in many areas of your day-to-day life. From cooking to personal care – it’s everywhere! And since you’re already fond of it in its other forms, there’s no reason not to consider it for your next strain.

Besides that, there’s a lot of benefits to terpinolene that may help sway you to its corner. And if you’re prone to worry, anxiety or insomnia, then it may be a good pick for you.

If we’ve convinced you to give terpinolene a go, let us know! We’d love to hear your experience with this under-appreciated terpene.