Pinene

Aroma: Pine

Vaporizes At: 311ºF (155ºC)

Potential Effects: Alertness, memory retention, counteracts some THC effects

Potential Medical Value: Treatment of asthma, pain, inflammation, ulcers, anxiety, cancer

Also Found in: conifer trees, orange peels, turpentine, pine needles, rosemary, dill, basil, sage and parsley

Pinene is the most common terpene in nature; it is found mostly in balsamic resin, pine wood and in many other conifers. Other plants rich in pinenes include rosemary, orange peel, basil, parsley and cannabis. Pinene is one of the principal monoterpenes that is important physiologically in both plants and animals. In medicine, Pinene is used as an expectorant, bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory and local antiseptic. It is largely due to the presence of pinenes that rosemary and sage have been considered medically beneficial in traditional medicine. Pinene, isolated from pine needle oil, has shown anti-cancer activities and is used as an anti-cancer agent in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Pinene is also beneficial for patients suffering from arthritis, Crohn’s Disease, and even cancer. Another benefit is that Pinene can help reduce memory loss related to excessive THC consumption. Pinene can help improve concentration, bring feelings of personal satisfaction, and be energizing.

Something to consider is that the effects of Pinene may be limited by the presence of the terpineol. You should note that these effects are also modulated by other compounds. For example, strains containing high levels of the sedating terpene myrcene may not provide the alert effects mentioned above. It’s important to consider the entire chemical composition of a strain when looking for a specific effect.