Terpenes are a crucial part of the cannabis experience, bringing cannabis to life with bold aromas and delectable flavors. For this terpene spotlight, we’d like to focus on one of the most important terpenes in the world–pinene, Because if you love the smell of a fresh Christmas tree or a walk through the forest, chances are you’ll love pinene. Here’s what you need to know about this refreshing terpene.

What Is Pinene?

Pinene is a terpene named for its signature scent of, you guessed it–pine! There are actually two different kinds of pinene: alpha-pinene and beta-pinene, each with its own smell.

Alpha-pinene has a fresh and earthy scent reminiscent of pine needles and rosemary, while beta-pinene is said to smell more like basil, dill, and parsley. Alpha-pinene is the more common terpene in nature and in cannabis. So when you see that a cannabis strain or product is high in pinene, you should probably expect that trademark pine needle smell.

Pinene is not only one of the most common terpenes in cannabis but is actually the most abundant terpene in all of nature. That’s right, out of over 20,000 terpenes that have been discovered in nature, pinene is the most common out in the wild. Pinene is also a constituent of many practical household products like cleaners, insect repellants, and turpentine.

Pinene’s Potential Benefits: What Does The Research Say?

Studies indicate that pinene may have several potential therapeutic benefits and effects. Here are just a few examples.

• Anti-inflammatory:  A 2015 study found that alpha-pinene exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in mouse peritoneal macrophages. Researchers concluded that a-pinene may have an anti-inflammatory effect that might make it a possible candidate for treating various inflammatory diseases.

• Bronchodilation: A 1990 study found that inhaled alpha-pinene tended towards “increased airway diameters”, leading some to speculate that it could possibly help to open the airways for better breathing.

• Neuroprotective: Results of a 2017 study indicated that alpha-pinene may exhibit “memory-enhancing activity” and may be useful for managing certain neurological disorders that affect learning, memory, and cognition.

• Anti-Anxiety: A 2014 study that exposed mice to inhaled alpha-pinene found “significant anxiolytic-like activity”.

High-Pinene Cannabis Strains

Looking to try out a pinene-rich cannabis strain for yourself? Here are a couple of high-pinene strains worth checking out from our curated cannabis lineup.

Pinene-Rich Curated Cannabis Strains

Blueberry Shortcake: This indica-dominant strain produces a relaxing and sedating buzz that is perfect for the nighttime. Features a sweet and fruity berry flavor.

Dark Knight: This CBD-rich strain combines a strong body buzz with an uplifting sense of happiness to produce a relaxing and euphoric high. Features earthy notes of grape and berry.

Don’t forget to check out our strains list to browse Anthologie’s entire collection of unique curated cannabis strains and to find out where you can get some in your state today.

Other Pinene-Rich Strains

Some other strains that also tend to have high levels of pinene include:

• Blue Dream
• Harlequin
• Grape Ape
• Cannatonic
• Romulan
• Strawberry Cough
• Cotton Candy Kush
• Big Smooth