What is Pinene?

Pinene is a terpene that is very present in the plant kingdom. Terpenes are chemical substances found in plants that give them their flavors and scents. In other words, they give plants their organoleptic properties. You should know this by now if you have been reading our latest posts about terpenes.

This terpene has plenty of qualities and some of them are centered around perfumes and cosmetics, although the pharmaceutical industry uses it the most. Lately they are studying its possible use as a bio combustible for electric engines.

Structure of Pinene

Pinene is a monoterpene, therefore it has 10 carbon atoms. If you want to find out more about the different terpenes that are in plants, keep up to date with our posts.

Pinene has a liquid form that barely dissolves in water, it boils at 155º and its structurally formed by two different isomers: alpha-pinene (a-pinene) and beta-pinene (b-pinene). The difference between these two resides in the organoleptic properties that they give the plant. We will approach that later on.

This liquid is in the resin of plenty of trees and plants. Its main function is to act as a repellent against insects and therefore, other external agents that could potentially attack the plant.

Flavor and Scent of Pinene

As we have mentioned before, pinene has two isomers with different flavors and scents. A-pinene has a smell that resembles rosemary or pine resin while b-pinene smells more like dill, parsley or basil.

We can clearly assert that pinene has a fresh and herbal smell that is present in conifer trees like pine and in other ones:

• Pine
• Fir tree
• Artemisinin
• Sage
• Rosemary
• Tea tree
• Eucalyptus
• Cannabis Sativa L.

In the concrete case of cannabis plants, this terpene is mostly present in isomer structure of a-pinene.

Effects and Benefits of Pinene

Pinene on its own gives a sense of alert effect, hence it is a basic ingredient in aromatherapy.

This terpene is also often used to make cosmetics or perfumes because of its fragrance as it serves to give a nice scent to perfumes, creams or deodorants.

Pinene is known to improve short term memory and it has been discovered that its action is essential in the entourage effect. As you already know, the entourage effect is when terpenes come together and synergize with cannabis components to give it its characteristic attributes. Strains with high THC levels decrease short term memory but strains with pinene content will counteract that effect. The same applies to other undesirable THC effects like paranoia or anxiety.

Medicinal Properties of Pinene

We have slightly mentioned the medicinal properties of this terpene along the post. As well as its aromatherapy uses, it also has medicinal and therapeutic uses.

Pinene’s medicinal properties were already widely use in Chinese traditional medicine as an antitumor substance. A study that took place in 2015 links the use of pinene to a 40% reduction of melanomas in the rodents subjected to the trial. For this reason, it is believed that pinene has antitumor properties.

On the other hand, some evidence shows that pinene could potentially treat upper respiratory infections and act as a bronchodilator. It is perfect to treat asthma and other respiratory illnesses. It also protects your lungs from certain viral infections.

This terpene could be effective as an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antimicrobial, stomach protector and antioxidant.

Strains of Cannabis that are Rich in Pinene

One same family strain can have a wide range of components, from terpenes to cannabinoids or other substances. Even though there are other terpenes involved, we want to mention some strains that are rich in pinene. The following cannabis strains have organoleptic properties that they have obtained from pinene.

Haze Berry

This strain is sativa dominant and offers a euphoric and stimulant effect in the mind but also a soft body effect that will leave you very relaxed. These effects come from its high THC levels. Its flavor is very influence by its predecessor, Blueberry, and it tastes pretty much like cranberries and wild berries. This strain can be helpful in treating depression, anxiety or fatigue.

Critical

This hybrid strain has the best of both worlds and it gives an excellent combination of a euphoric effect and a powerfully relaxing and sedative one. It has a citrus flavor with some fruity and exotic touches. Its scent is sweet with intense fruit hints.

Lavender

Lavender has won plenty of prizes, specially in indica categories. In 2005 it won the HTTC Indica Cup. As a proper indica, it has very a relaxing effect without wearing you down. It tastes sweet and a bit like Afghan hash mixed with spicy and herby flavors.

High Level

This pure sativa strain has a very strong stimulant effect that will not leave you indifferent and thus, will help you activate your body. As we have seen, this quality comes from pinene. It has earthy and lemony tinges that are perceived as an aftertaste and a peculiar sweet and fruity flavor. Its scents are fruity and intense. This strain can surely be helpful in a therapeutic level as a mood stabilizer.

Black Dream

A hybrid strain with a subtle and pleasant effect that is quite typical in sativa plants. Its flavor is fruity with incense and earthy hints and a bit spicy. Its aroma is also a bit spicy and sweet with some wood fragrance touches. On a medicinal level, it improves your mood and increases the appetite.

If you still want to know more about terpenes, do not hesitate to read our other related posts where we explain flavors, properties, effects and scents of other types. Which one is your favorite?