Guide to pinene, the pine-scented terpene

Pinene is a terpene found in cannabis and other plant species. It’s known for having a pine-like scent. It may also offer several health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety effects.

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What is pinene?

Pinene is the most common terpene found in nature. Pine needles contain a high concentration of pinene. It’s also found in:

• Basil
• Parsley
• Rosemary
• Dill
• Juniper
• Orange peels
• Cannabis

In nature, pinene keeps away insects and affects how plants communicate with each other.

Pinene is also found in many commercial products, including:

• Household cleaners
• Cosmetics
• Insect repellents
• Foods and beverages

There are two types of pinene:

• Alpha-pinene (α-pinene)
• Beta-pinene (β-pinene)

Although similar, α-pinene and β-pinene have slight differences in their chemical makeup that change how they affect your body.

Pinene’s benefits

Pinene is known for its many potential health benefits. However, most studies on pinene have been done on cells and animals. More human studies are needed to confirm these benefits.

Lowers inflammation

A study in mice found that pinene may help lower inflammation and treat inflammatory diseases.

In another study, the anti-inflammatory properties of pinene showed promise as a potential treatment for osteoarthritis, a “wear and tear” form of arthritis that’s linked to aging.

Pinene may also help reduce skin inflammation. One study found that applying this terpene to the skin may help prevent sun-related inflammation and skin damage.

Fights infections

One study performed in cells suggests that pinene may help fight certain bacterial and fungal infections.

Improves respiratory health

A study in cells found that pinene might help fight bronchitis.

Relieves anxiety

In one study, mice that inhaled pinene showed lower levels of anxiety compared to the placebo group.

Improves brain health

According to a study, pinene may help improve brain functions like learning and memory. It may also help protect the brain against Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Pinene terpene in cannabis

Pinene and other terpenes impact the smell, taste, and effects of cannabis. Pinene is one of over 150 terpenes found in the cannabis plant.

Cannabis users report that pinene helps:

• Improve focus
• Ease inflammation
• Promote calmness
• Lift mood

Pinene is rarely a dominant terpene in cannabis. Most cannabis strains contain less than 1% pinene, although some strains contain almost 5%.

To explore strains that contain a stronger concentration of pinene, check the labels of cannabis products at a local dispensary. The concentrations of different terpenes should be on the label for each product.

Strains high in pinene

Some cannabis strains have higher levels of pinene than others. Strains with a stronger pinene concentration include:

• Blue Dream is known for its calming and creativity-enhancing effects.

• Grape Ape is a powerful strain that may help ease stress and sleeping troubles.

• Jack Herer is a mood-lifting, focus-enhancing strain.

• OG Kush is a popular choice to help with anxiety and muscle pain.

• Strawberry Cough is commonly used for its euphoric effects.

• Bubba Kush is a heavily sedating strain frequently used to help improve sleep.

• Chemdawg 91 can help improve your mood and make you feel more talkative.

• Island Sweet Skunk can help boost mood and energy levels.

To find a high-pinene strain that works with your needs, talk to a Leafwell provider.

What are the side effects of pinene? 

When consumed in high concentrations, pinene can cause side effects, such as:

• Kidney damage
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin irritation (when applied topically)

That said, most cannabis products don’t have a high concentration of pinene, making these side effects unlikely.

The bottom line: Pinene plays a role in the aroma, flavor, and health effects of cannabis 

Pinene has several potential health benefits, including lowering anxiety and inflammation. Cannabis strains particularly high in pinene may help promote relaxation, ease inflammation, and more.

A Leafwell provider can help you learn more about pinene in cannabis, including its effects and which strains to try.

Resources

• Alpha-pinene exhibits anti-inflammatory activity through the suppression of MAPKs and the NF-κB pathway in mouse peritoneal macrophages. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26119957/
• Alpha-pinene modulates UVA-induced oxidative stress, DNA damage and apoptosis in human skin epidermal keratinocytes. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30292828/
• Amelioration of scopolamine-induced learning and memory impairment by α-pinene in C57BL/6 mice. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5687139/
• Anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective activity of (+)-α-pinene: Structural and enantiomeric selectivity. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/np400828x
• Biological activities of α-pinene and β-pinene enantiomers. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22634841/
• Comparative anti-infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) activity of (-)-pinene: effect on nucleocapsid (N) protein. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21350392/
• Daily inhalation of α-pinene in mice: Effects of behavior and organ accumulation. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25340185/
• Recent studies on its biological and pharmacological activities. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8222632/
• Secondary terpenes in Cannabis sativa L.: Synthesis and synergy. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9775512/
• Terpenes in Cannabis sativa — from plant genome to humans. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168945219301190
• Therapeutic potential of α- and β-pinene: A miracle gift of nature. https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/9/11/738

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