Pinene

TERPENE

Pinene smells exactly like it sounds: fresh pine forest. Alpha- and beta-pinene are among the most widespread terpenes in nature and give cannabis its sharp, resinous pine note. Pinene is also studied for alertness and its possible interaction with THC.

Aroma and character

Pinene is crisp, fresh and resinous, the smell of pine needles and rosemary. Alpha-pinene (pine) and beta-pinene (more herbal, dill-like) often occur together.

What research suggests

Pinene has been studied as a bronchodilator (it may ease airflow), for alertness and memory, and for anti-inflammatory effects. Ethan Russo notably suggested pinene might counteract some of the short-term memory impairment associated with THC, a plausible but unproven part of the entourage idea.

Where else it is found

Pinene is abundant in conifer trees, rosemary, basil, sage and dill. It is one of the most common terpenes in the plant world.

At a glance

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