Terpinolene: the flagship terpene of Haze strains

Terpinolene is a terpene found in some cannabis strains, usually in small concentrations. It is neither an abundant nor a common terpene in cannabis plants, nor is it one of the best known, but it is certainly one of the most captivating. In this article we explore what terpinolene is, its main characteristics and effects, and find out why it is such a sought-after terpene.

Terpinolene: what is it and what effects does this terpene have in cannabis?

Introduction to terpinolene

The heavens opened as we were crossing the Passeig del Born on our way home. The force of the storm sent us looking for cover, and the open doors of the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar invited us to shelter. Among a few parishioners and many tourists, we sat down on a pew to wait out the downpour, while gusts of rain lashed the church's stained-glass windows with such fury that we found ourselves witnessing a natural concert without meaning to.

My companion nudged me and raised a finger to their nose, inhaling, while fixing me with an inquisitive stare. Then they pointed at my pocket with an accusing look, as if that woody smell with hints of incense were coming from my Vibration (Lemon Haze) CBD flower. But none of the people gathered there turned towards me. Hadn't that Haze smell already been inside the church when we came in?

What is terpinolene?

Terpinolene is an aromatic compound found in cannabis and in many fruits and plants. In plants, it works as a natural defence tool. The smell of this organic compound protects them from bacteria, fungi and other deadly predators. And in that effort to survive, plants offer those of us who smell them some unique sensations.

Terpinolene has a woody and sweet aroma, with fresh and floral notes.

Because terpinolene's aroma holds unrivalled delights for lovers of CBD flower. And even though it is one of the cannabis terpenes least studied by science, and it is hard to find in large amounts in any strain, we can indeed attribute some incomparable benefits to it.

Aroma

The aroma of terpinolene is a woody smell, with hints of incense and a sweetish body. But that is not the whole story, because it is a monoterpene with complex nuances. It is also credited with fresh, floral and even citrus notes.

If pinene had the organoleptic character of freshly cut wood, terpinolene brings us the fragrance of wood that is already dry, closer to catching fire than not. Nothing like a freshly felled tree. Perhaps that is why it is somewhat reminiscent of incense.

Because when the air carries terpinolene to our nose, it reminds us of smouldering wooden slats, even though at the very end it leaves a fresh, sweetish sensation on the nose.

Classification of cannabis aromas

Chemistry

Chemically, terpinolene, also known as delta-terpinolene, is classed as a monoterpene: a light terpene whose molecular structure is made up of two isoprene units (each isoprene has five carbon atoms). It therefore contains ten carbons, and this structure makes it a lighter and more volatile terpene than any triterpene or sesquiterpene.

Because it is a very small molecule, it is also very light, which is why it can evaporate at relatively low temperatures. That is why it reaches our nose quickly and is easy to identify.

Where is terpinolene found?

Terpinolene is not exclusive to cannabis and is found in various plants, herbs and fruits across the plant kingdom. Among the plants that produce terpinolene are pines, as well as others as varied as carrots, nutmeg, ginger and eucalyptus. This monoterpene is abundant in turpentine (in smaller amounts than pinene), which is distilled from pine resin.

In cannabis, terpinolene develops in the resin glands of the buds known as trichomes. Terpenes and cannabinoids, and therefore terpinolene, start to form in cannabis flowers when the plants enter their flowering stage, and keep developing until harvest.

Terpinolene-rich CBD flower strains

At Cannactiva you can find terpinolene in the following cannabis strains:

Terpinolene-rich cannabis strains

There are not many cannabis strains with high levels of terpinolene, but those that do exist are the quintessential jewels of the cannabis kingdom. Terpinolene is the flagship of Haze genetics. It is that captivating smell of Original Haze, Amnesia or Jack Herer.

While today so-called “pure” strains are scarce in favour of hybrids, where the original strains are crossed with one another again and again to create new genetics that combine the best qualities of the now démodé parent strains, terpinolene is the most abundant terpene in the original Haze strains. If it is not the one present at the highest levels, it is usually at least among the four most prominent terpenes in Haze strains.

What effect does terpinolene have in cannabis?

As we already know, terpenes modulate the effects a particular cannabis strain has on us. Until not long ago, cannabinoids (especially CBD and THC) were thought to be the only active compounds in cannabis capable of altering our mood, but today we know that, thanks to the entourage effect of cannabis, terpenes change our experience when we consume a particular strain.

A great deal of research has been done on limonene, myrcene or linalool, for example, at the expense of terpinolene, for which there are still not many clear conclusions about the specific effects it may have on our body.

Effects of terpenes in cannabis

Terpinolene, or what lies behind the “friendly” effect of Haze strains

Is it only the iconic smell of Jack Herer or Amnesia that keeps their fans so loyal? That woody, smoky aroma with a sweetish, almost floral finish that wins over so many cannabis connoisseurs? Or is it also that creative, energising and, above all, happy and sociable effect that Haze lovers are looking for?

It is probably a mix of the aromatic sensation and the mood these strains awaken in them. Either way, Haze strains have a following worth mentioning. That is why they are not left out when new strains are created, such as Super Lemon Haze, which, younger than its parents, has won fans in record time.

Properties and benefits of terpinolene

Although terpinolene is not one of the most studied terpenes to date, there is scientific literature from which several benefits of this monoterpene can be drawn. Among them, it has been credited with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and sedative properties.

Terpinolene: sedative and relaxing effect

According to this 2013 study (1) in mice, there are signs that inhaled terpinolene has a sedative effect.

Terpinolene against chronic inflammation: anti-inflammatory effect

Terpinolene has also been shown to have benefits against chronic inflammation, that is, swelling that persists ten days after it first appeared (2).

To reduce anxiety and lift mood

It has, however, been shown, using terpinolene extracts from plants other than cannabis, that inhaling this terpene reduces anxiety and lifts mood (3 and 4).

While it is true that in the clinical trials this information comes from, the essential oils used also contained levels of other terpenes such as limonene, myrcene or linalool, it is striking that these effects match perfectly those that people who use Haze strains attribute to their favourite flowers.

A better mood, a greater willingness to socialise and a relaxed, anxiety-free state could be the effects of terpinolene.

Once again we see how terpenes actively shape our experience with cannabis. Because regardless of the cannabinoid levels of different strains, aromatic compounds such as terpinolene substantially shape the effects that CBD flower awakens in us. And thanks to the hundreds of active compounds that cannabis and hemp produce on their own, the benefits they can offer us cover a wide range of possibilities. We invite you to experience the aromas of terpenes with our CBD flower.