Terpenes 101- Pinene

by Rachel Hantula, director of customer experience

It’s that time again! We’re talking terpenes. This week we’re featuring Pinene, which as Pacific Northwest residents, we will all be familiar with. Any time you smell fresh pine, that is the pinene terpene in its gaseous form having evaporated and spread through the air to your nostrils.

This is because pinene is found in pine needles. Its earthy scent can also be found in specific cannabis cultivar profiles. Pinene is also found in various fresh herbs such as rosemary, basil, dill, cedar, eucalyptus, parsley, and some citrus varieties, like lime and lemon peel. 

Pinene is one of the most well-researched terpenes and one of the primary active compounds in cannabis. There are two types of pinene structures, alpha and beta, so you may see pinene notated as either Alpha-pinene or Beta-pinene. Alpha-pinene is one of the most abundant terpenes found in nature and cannabis, whereas Beta-pinene is a rarer compound to find than its Alpha brother.

Pinene is well known to contain anti-inflammatory properties for the whole body as well as specifically for bronchial inflammation. In synergy with THC, pinene promotes bronchodilatory effects, opening up airways at low exposure levels to help conditions like asthma, and it also may increase alertness. 

Pinene is quite stimulating and helps one focus and maintain attention. Some folks in school even like to utilize pinene’s power for memory retention as a study aid. Alpha-pinene can also help to counteract and relieve THC-induced anxiety. Pinene may also contribute to light euphoric sensations. 

Many cannabis strains are rich in pinene and commonly occur with other specific terpenes regularly, such as myrcene and caryophyllene. Varying concentrations of pinene, myrcene and caryophyllene are commonly found together in certain types of strains.

You’ll often see these three terps in significant amounts in sweet & dream strains such as: Blue Dream, Cherry AK, Purps, etc. These strains are usually fruity, sweet, hoppy and/or herbaceous in taste and smell and provide very relaxing & relieving type effects. 

If you’re searching for the more stimulating effects associated with pinene, search for different accompanying terpenes. You may also find pinene, specifically, concentrations in Jacks and Haze strains and sometimes OG and Kushes! Any Jack, Haze, OG or Kush strain will have pinene and other additional terpenes to make up each individual cultivar’s terpene profile.

Jacks and Hazes are fantastic for use during the day time due to their terp profiles. OGs or Kushes tend to fall somewhere in the middle, sometimes tending toward heavier effects. OGs often are relaxing while keeping the mind stimulated and alert. 

Source: Leafly

Hashtag’s recommendations for strains high in Pinene:

Alaskan Thunderfuck by Sweetwater Farms

Terpene profile: Pinene, Caryophyllene, Limonene

Alaskan Thunder Fuck (also referred to as ATF, Matanuska Thunder Fuck or Matanuska Tundra) is a legendary sativa marijuana strain originating in the Matanuska Valley area of Alaska. According to the legend, it was originally a Northern California sativa crossed with a Russian ruderalis, but sometime in the late 70s it was crossed with Afghani genetics to make it heartier. Alaskan Thunder Fuck usually presents large, beautifully frosted buds with incredibly strong odors of pine, lemon, menthol, and skunk. Known for possessing a relaxing yet intensely euphoric high, it is also described as having a “creeper” effect as well as pronounced appetite enhancement.

Island Boy by Heylo

Terp Profile: Caryophyllene, Ocimene, Pinene

Island Boy transports you to your favorite beach party with notes of guava and pineapple. Get ready to hang with friends around a campfire or get lost in a sunset jam session on your favorite beach. Positive vibes all around! 

Durban Poison by Sweetwater Farms &  Raven Grass

Terp profile: Terpinolene, Myrcene, Pinene

Durban Poison has a clear, focused high that hits users right away. The amplification of sights and sounds may be initially disorienting but in the right setting can slide into an active, buzzy head high. Almost entirely cerebral with no hints of debilitating heaviness or couchlock, this strain can be especially helpful for creative endeavors -- it’s a great way to contemplate the nuances of an intense movie or a piece of music. Durban Poison can also be a strong social lubricant, helping smokers to feel chatty and more at ease.