Weed is a beautiful, bountiful plant with so much to offer us. And the more we learn about cannabis, the more we understand that THC is just one aspect that makes weed incredible. Other cannabinoids like CBD, CBN, CBG, and THCV have excellent benefits, yet there’s still so much more to love about this plant. In its whole form, cannabis contains plenty of vitamins, minerals, fats, fiber, and protein, though we don’t usually talk about those parts because we don’t eat the entire plant (but you can definitely eat those leaves).
But we do smoke the buds, and they are delicious. But what’s exactly in there? In addition to the cannabinoid content, the terpenes deserve plenty of high praise. Together, the cannabinoids and terpenes deliver the plant’s intended benefits and effects. While there are dozens of terpenes (just like there are well over 100 cannabinoids), only a few have dominant placement in cannabis. One of those terpenes is called terpinolene, and we want to share some knowledge on what it does and why we love it.
Terpenes: The Language of Plants
A plant’s terpene profile is akin to its language. The way the terpenes come together determines how a strain will make you feel. Sure, sativa and indica are indicators of how a plant grows, but the sweet symphony of terpenes and cannabinoids tells us what the plant is capable of when we consume it.
This isn’t a new concept, and if you’ve heard of aromatherapy, you may already be aware of terpene talk. Terpenes exist widely throughout the plant kingdom. They are the volatile compounds that give foods, plants, herbs, flowers, and spices their scents. Those scents influence the neurotransmitters in our brain, leading to many therapeutic effects. Terpenes can do this independently, but a truly transcendent phenomenon occurs when they work harmoniously with cannabinoids.
This is often dubbed the ‘entourage effect.’ However, we feel it’s more aptly named the ‘ensemble effect’ to signify the perfect symphonic union of all of the cannabis compounds coming together. Cannabis itself is an audiophile, and terpenes are a part of the magic of its unique vibrational frequency.
Terpinolene Terpene Overview
This one is a bit of a mouthful, but it’s pronounced [tur-pin-uh-leen]. Terpinolene is the least common terpene found in cannabis, so it’s often highly coveted for its supreme flavor and effects.
What Does Terpinolene Smell Like?
Terpinolene is one of the most complex terpenes. While most have a distinct smell, you must experience terpinolene at least once before recognizing it again. Instead of just citrusy or floral, terpinolene holds both of those scents along with herbal, woody, and piney aromas. It’s a stimulating scent and awakens your nose when you take a big whiff.
What Does Terpinolene Taste Like?
It’s hard to pin down the exact flavor of terpinolene from cannabis. However, instead of using food or taste-related terms, it’s easier to pinpoint terpinolene by feeling. It tastes refreshing, invigorating, and uplifting. Think of the first big inhale when you enter a deeply wooded forest. Or the smell of blooming lilacs in early spring. Terpinolene is truly a natural wonder on your taste buds.
Terpinolene Effects
Along with the lively taste, terpinolene has a bounty of health and wellness benefits. It’s a mild central nervous system depressant, so it has slightly sedating effects, especially when combined with the terpene Linalool. However, it’s not really considered a sleepy terpene, as it usually offers uplifting, feel-good effects. Still, it’s great for tackling anxiety, soothing stress, and relaxing the body and mind.
Medicinally, terpinolene is ‘anti’ all the bad stuff with antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, and anti-cancer properties. As an ingredient in common medication, it’s used to treat fungal infections of the toe and fingernails and works to beat skin conditions like dandruff.
Further studies have shown that terpinolene may be an effective tool for preventing heart disease by reducing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.
Cannabis Strains With Terpinolene
Terpinolene is most commonly found in sativas with high THC content.
- Jack Herer
- Durban Poison
- Trainwreck
- Super Lemon Haze
- Clementine
- Ghost Train Haze
- Lemon Meringue
- Black Jack
- Moby Dick
- Dutch Treat
- Golden Goat
- Black Cherry Pie
- Chernobyl
- Sensi Star
- Sour Tangie
- Snowcap
- Sour Tsunami
- Afghani
- Chocolope
- Mango Haze
- Golden Pineapple
If you’re shopping for these strains and can’t find one from the list, look for crossbred hybrids containing one of these as parents. While terpinolene might not be the highest terpene on the profile, it will likely still come through on the test results. And even a little goes a long way.
Have a Little Terpinolene Any Time You Like
Terpinolene has a lot to offer, and smoking weed is a great way to inhale that woody, floral aroma. Cannabis has such a unique scent overall, we’ve often joked around that we wish we could bottle it as a perfume or room spray.
So, we set out to do that. Except, instead of a perfume, we created our very own Terpene Air Fresheners, which harness those blissful scents and bring them to your favorite vehicle, home, or anywhere you want to relax and unwind. Available in three different flavors, they’re just $4.20 per freshener, or you can get a three-pack for $9. What better way to enjoy terpenes anytime you like?
