Terpene Focus: Pinene
Today, our focus is on pinene, also known as alpha-pinene or α-pinene, the most abundant terpene in nature and commonly found in cannabis plants.Venturing into terpenes, our focus provides a thorough examination of the five most prevalent terpenes in cannabis: myrcene, limonene, linalool, and beta-caryophyllene.
In case you need a reminder, terpenes are aromatic oils found in various plants, not exclusive to cannabis, contributing to their unique taste and smell. Pinene’s ubiquity in nature is owed to its presence in coniferous trees like fir, pine, and spruce, covering 11% of the earth’s surface. In the natural world, pinene serves as an insect repellent. Commercially, it’s isolated and added to an array of products, from bug spray to confectionery and beverages.
Aromas Associated with Pinene
As the name suggests, pinene imparts a robust pine scent to cannabis. Some may detect hints of rosemary in pinene, which is also found in coniferous trees like pine, as well as rosemary and sage.
Remember, each cannabis strain boasts a combination of terpenes that collaboratively shape a multifaceted aroma profile.
Reported Effects of Pinene
While some believe that cannabis strains rich in pinene induce specific effects, this remains an area warranting further research. Limited studies on pinene have been conducted.
One study noted a 13.8% increase in mouse movement with pinene extract, while another indicated symptom improvement in mice with hay fever when given pinene. However, these findings lack sufficient evidence to conclusively translate to humans.
Ongoing research on cannabis and its effects will eventually provide more insights into terpenes like pinene. It’s crucial to balance perceived positive effects with reported negative effects of cannabis consumption.
In conclusion, current research doesn’t establish a clear link between pinene levels in a strain and its effects. Terpene profiles are useful for choosing strains based on preferred aroma or taste.
