Terpinolene

What is terpinolene, and what function does it play in cannabis? Continue reading to learn more about this fascinating chemical.

The impact of cannabis is influenced by more than just THC and CBD. Terpenes are chemical components that play a significant part in the experience.

Cannabinoids, the aromatic chemicals present in cannabis, are becoming more recognized as a key component of cannabis therapy. They play a role in what’s known as the entourage effect, as well as having their own special qualities.

In this post, we look at one of the lesser-known cannabis terpenes, terpinolene. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

What Is Terpinolene?

Terpenes are the chemicals that give cannabis its unique flavor and aroma. They also impact the plant’s actions and may influence the difference between a strain being energizing or soothing. Furthermore, terpenes appear to have health-related advantages.

Terpinolene is one of the many terpenes found in cannabis. In reality, the plant contains far lower quantities of terpinolene than other terpenes, such as myrcene and beta-caryophyllene. Even so, it possesses certain potentially beneficial qualities that merit further study.

Terpinolene is a monoterpene, which has the chemical structure C₁₀H₁₆ and is one of the simplest types of terpene molecules. It’s a clear to pale amber liquid with a pine-like scent and a sweetness reminiscent of orange juice.

Some common uses of terpinolene include:

• Flavoring food and beverages
• Personal care products
• Air fresheners
• Manufacturing plastics and resins

Several medical research studies have also looked at the medicinal properties of this terpene in recent years. What are the advantages of terpinolene?

Benefits of Terpinolene

Terpinolene has not been studied as extensively as some other cannabis terpenes. Although there have been a few previous studies, much remains to be discovered.

It’s also critical to realize that most of the current study is conducted on animals or cell lines in a laboratory, so very little is known about how the drug affects human health.

The chemical name for p-menthane is menthol. On the other hand, a number of scientists have discovered additional benefits to terpinolene:

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Terpinolene, like many other terpenes, has anti-inflammatory properties. A study published by the Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research in 2016 looked at this. It investigated the effects of terpinolene paired with diclofenac, a popular anti-inflammatory medication.

The drug team gave low doses of both drugs to rats with hind paw inflammation and pain in order to investigate the effects. They discovered that the combination effectively reduced both edema and discomfort in the animals. This finding has potential implications for clinical practice.

Terpinolene might be able to help lessen some of the drug’s undesirable effects by boosting the diclofenac’s efficacy at lower dosages. It may, for example, help decrease the incidence of stomach issues that long-term anti-inflammatory medication users are prone to experience.

The researchers of the study argue: “These findings suggest that using clinical drugs in conjunction with natural remedies may be a pharmacological option in practice, avoiding anticipated negative effects.”

Antioxidant Effects

Another common characteristic of cannabis terpenes is their powerful antioxidant properties, and terpinolene is no exception.

In 2015, researchers in Cytotechnology studied the effects of terpinolene on blood from five healthy humans. At low doses, they discovered that it had antioxidant activity without causing harm to lymphocytes (white blood cells).

Terpinolene has been found to block the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in a 2005 study in Phytomedicine. This is a mechanism that can lead to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease development. As a result, terpinolene may have heart health benefits.

Sedative Effects

According to a 2013 research published in the Journal of Natural Remedies, inhaled terpinolene had sedative effects on mice. It’s uncertain whether it has the same effect on people as it does on animals or if it contributes to the sedative qualities of certain cannabis strains.

Terpinolene Side Effects

Terpinolene is a highly toxic compound that has been shown to have negative effects on several insect species, including the common pest, the maize weevil. It can also irritate the skin of laboratory animals in high doses.

Terpinolene is, however, considered to be safe for human consumption. Terpinolene did not cause any skin irritation or allergic reactions when volunteers were exposed directly to it. Furthermore, the tiny amounts of terpinolene present in cannabis are unlikely to result in any issues.

High Terpinolene Cannabis Strains

Terpinolene is a less common cannabinoid terpene than many others. However, there are certain strains that have high quantities of the chemical. The following are some of the greatest terpinolene cannabis strains:

Ace of Spades

Ace of Spades is a seed strain from TGA Subcool Seeds that takes advantage of the popular sweet and sour flavor combination. This hybrid has an earthy berry-like smell and distinct lemon tastes, which carries over into the flavor with a lemony aftertaste. Because they get both bushy and tall, Ace of Spades plants take off fast and require a lot of room. They flower at 8 weeks, although they are frequently large and hefty. With hues that can include purples, blues, and pinks all covered in orange hairs, these buds are attractive to look at.

Golden Pineapple

The name “Golden Pineapple” was inspired by the fruit’s beautiful yellow color and sweet flavor. This strain is a 50/50 sativa to indica hybrid with a 50/50 split of sativa and indica effects. Its most prominent feature is its pleasant pineapple fragrance and taste. Golden Pineapple, on the other hand, has a THC content of 22 percent, making it potentially too powerful for first-time users.

Consumers state that this strain may help to relieve stress, as well as fatigue and loss of appetite. Its terpinolene content is 0.95 percent.

Dutch Treat

The Dutch Treat is an indica-dominant (80%) hybrid with a THC concentration of 24%. It has a lovely aroma that’s citrusy and fruity, with just a touch of pine.

The benefits of Vapemind CBD oil include reducing anxiety and depression, aiding sleep, and treating chronic pain. It includes around 0.71 percent terpinolene.

XJ-13

Another well-balanced hybrid, this one has a THC concentration of approximately 22 percent. It also has an earthy scent with undertones of pine and citrus.

The YJ-13 has a quick-hitting high that users claim can assist with stress, sadness, and tiredness. Terpinolene concentration in the YJ-13 is around 0.66%.

Jack Herer

Jack Herer is a well-known sativa-dominant strain with around 21% THC and 55% sativa content. This traditional variety has flavor notes of citrus and pine with skunky undertones. Jack Herer is used to treat a variety of ailments, including anxiety, sadness, and chronic pain. Its terpinolene content is about 0.42 percent

Ghost Train Haze

Ghost Train Haze is a very potent sativa-dominant strain (80% indica and 20% sativa) that has up to 28 percent THC! It’s certainly a strain to use with caution, but it has a pleasant sweet and citrusy scent that users enjoy. Those who can handle the strain’s strong high notice that Ghost Train Haze aids in the treatment of issues such as muscular spasms and cramps. It contains approximately 0.28 percent terpinolene.

Other Sources of Terpinolene (Not Cannabis)

Apart from cannabis, terpinolene may also be found in a variety of other plants, spices, and vegetables. Terpinolene is present in the following foods:

• Sage
• Rosemary
• Mint
• Allspice
• Nutmeg
• Star anise
• Juniper
• Citrus fruit
• Parsnips
• Carrots
• Celery

Terpinolene is also found in numerous trees species. It can be found in pine, fir, and tea tree oils.

Final Thoughts on Terpinolene

Terpinolene is a lesser-known cannabis terpene, but it does have some advantages. It might be anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and sleep-inducing in addition to adding to the flavor and scent of certain delicious strains.

Terpenes are unquestionably an important component of cannabis therapy, and we continue to discover new things about them. Although cannabinoids like THC and CBD have been the focus of research for years, scientists are becoming more aware of terpenes’ benefits. As a result, we expect that additional research on terpinolene and its advantages will be conducted soon.