When was the last time you took a trip through a pine forest? If you’re like us, maybe you take regular trips to forest bathe in nature–especially with your favorite shareable flower. Or perhaps you only head out into the woods every holiday season to find the perfect tree for your home. However you enjoy your time amidst the cosmic conifers, chances are pretty good that the experience left you feeling refreshed, invigorated, and boasting a big smile. While the fresh air and exercise certainly contribute to that feel-good energy, there’s a terpene in the air that’s helping you get there, and it’s called Pinene.
As its name suggests, Pinene is the dominant terpene in pine trees. It’s found in plenty of places in nature and just so happens to be the second most prevalent terpene in cannabis. So it makes sense that certain strains high in pinene offer the same effects as a stroll through the forest.
Terpenes: The Language of Plants
Have you ever heard that you should play music for your plants? It’s true. Music, especially at certain far-out frequencies, accelerates growth. And yet, plants have musical preferences as we do. Synthy rock vibrations and soothing classical music are two genres that stimulate chlorophyll production needed for optimum health in the natural growth cycle.
In fact, because cannabis prefers certain sounds, we can relate even more deeply to these beautiful plants. For example, you know how you might swell up with tears when you hear a particularly emotional song? Plants have similar scientific reactions, as they’ve been shown to increase their lung capacity while listening to music. This deeper breathing allows them to grow faster–which means those bountiful buds will be ready sooner for your toking pleasure.
So what does all this have to do with terpenes?
Well, when plants reach their full potential, their terpene content is at peak abundance. We like to say that terpenes are the language of plants, so think of them as the perfect vocal harmony in concert with cannabinoids like THC, THCv, CBD, and others. Together, they create divine sounds and experiences meant to be shared with the world.
Let’s Talk About Pinene
Pinene, pronounced [pahy-neen] or [pie-neen], is the most common terpene in the world. While not the most abundant cannabis terpene, Pinene is found in many strains you know and love. There are two types of pinene: alpha and beta. Alpha-pinene is much more common in cannabis. What makes Pinene particularly special is that it blends well with other terpenes, adding its own piney taste and aroma.
What Does Pinene Smell Like?
Simply put, pinene smells like a forest full of trees. It’s a strong, herbal smell that is easily identifiable. You may have seen or used the household cleaner, Pine Sol, at some point in your life, which is heavily scented with pinene. Although pinene is associated with trees, it’s also found in plenty of household products, and you might even have a pinene-rich herb or two in your kitchen right now. Dill, mint, rosemary, and oregano all contain pinene. So if you want to bring some pinene to your next meal, don’t be shy with those fresh herbs. Or if you’re feeling extra inspired, just throw a pinene pot-themed potluck.
What Does Pinene Taste Like?
Pinene tastes just about like you’d expect it to. It’s earthy and dense but with a zesty kick– like a fresh handful of pine needles. But if you don’t want to munch on needles (which we don’t recommend), you can nibble on a bite of fresh rosemary or oregano to get a taste. Or, if you want to try it in liquid form, another good comparison is gin, which is flavored with juniper pine berries. But if you really want the best pinene experience, just smoke some pinene-rich weed.
Pinene Effects
To put it bluntly, pinene is one tasty terpene! Although the flavor and aroma are enough reasons to love puffing on some, there are a host of other benefits. Pinene is a team player and works well alongside other cannabinoids. For instance, it synergizes with CBD to reduce inflammation and enact antibiotic properties. In fact, it’s so successful in taming inflammation that pinene may hold promise for alleviating symptoms associated with arthritis or Crohn’s disease.
In conjunction with THC, pinene opens up bronchial pathways, which can be helpful for those with allergies or asthma. Bronchodilator effects increase oxygen consumption, which also provides a boost of energy and mental alertness.
In combination with both CBD and THC, pinene helps memory retention, making it a possible tool for tackling age-related memory problems. On top of that, one study concluded that this supercharged terpene reduced the size of a cancer tumor, opening up a world of possibilities for cancer prevention.
Cannabis Strains With Pinene
Plenty of environmental factors determine the terpene profile of any given strain. However, there are not many strains with pinene dominance. It often appears in a lab test but is rarely the most abundant. Instead, pinene tends to take second or third fiddle and is found in sativas, indicas, and hybrids.
- Big Smooth
- Jack Herer
- Lion’s Milk
- African Haze
- Dutch Treat
- Blue Dream
- Sweet Island Skunk
- Moon Drops
- Twisted Velvet
- Strawberry Cough
- OG Kush
- Cannatonic
- Remedy
- Grape Ape
- Cereal Milk
- God’s Gift
- Harlequin
- Kosher Tangie
- AK-47
- Bubba Kush
- Haze Berry
Big Smooth is one strain that features pinene as the most dominant terpene, so if you are looking for high amounts, that’s the one for you!
Have a Little Pinene Any Time You Like
Pinene is refreshing and delicious when enjoyed in cannabis, but why not have that zesty scent available all the time? We know we enjoy it, and we know you will, too. So, we created Terpene Air Fresheners, and you can grab the pinene-scented version for $4.20 at Old Pal Provisions. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can throw in myrcene and limonene air fresheners for a terpene trio that’s just $9. What better way to enjoy terpenes anytime you’d like?
